The Wall

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“What a dear old wall that is that runs along by the river there! I never pass it without feeling better for the sight of it. Such a mellow, bright, sweet old wall; what a charming picture it would make, with the lichen creeping here, and the moss growing there, a shy young vine peeping over the top at this spot, to see what is going on upon the busy river, and the sober old ivy clustering a little farther down! There are fifty shades and tints and hues in every ten yards of that old wall. . . . It looks so peaceful and so quiet, and it is such a dear old place to ramble round in the early morning before many people are about.” Jerome K. Jerome, “Three Men In A Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog)” Ch. 6 (1889)

First place in your thoughts

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Well, we're heading Southwest for a vacation, so pray for safe travel, good family time and effective communication of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the meantime, here's a contribution from Brooks, "The Golden Key to Open Hidden Treasures"

Friends, these things must have first place in your thoughts:

1. Your sins--to humble you and abase you before God.

2. God's free and rich and sovereign grace--to soften and melt you down into submission to His holy will.

3. The Lord Jesus Christ--to assist, help, strengthen, and influence you in all your duties and services.

4. The blessed Scriptures--to guide you and lead you, "and to be a lamp unto your feet, and a light unto your paths."

5. The afflictions of the godly--to draw out your charity, mercy, pity, sympathy and compassion to men in misery.

6. The glory and happiness of the eternal world--to arm you and steel you against all your sins, snares and temptations.

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