COUNSELS

On 03/07/04 I posted a portion of a book called "The Heidelberg Catechism, with Proof-Texts and Explanations as used in the Palatinate, translated from the German by Rev. H. Harbaugh, D.D., with Forms of Devotion." I noted that after the Catechism section of the book, there follows a section called "Questions and Counsels as Helps to Self-Examination." I then posted the questions. I now post the first three counsels, and I intend to eventually post all of them, may the Good LORD be willing:

---

1. Remember that you are an immortal being, an that many enemies beset you here, and that especially “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” Ask yourself the preceding questions carefully and prayerfully, that you man not be self-deceived. When you find yourself doubtful or deficient in any point, let it not discourage you; but labor and pray until you shall have made that attainment which will enable you to answer it in the affirmative. Remember the promises of God, and claim them for yourself.

2. Do not feel satisfied unless you are constantly growing in grace. The great means of growing in grace are, secret prayer, reading the word of God, watchfulness, and self-examination. Let these be your constant resort on every occasion of doubt, or of temptation, and let these be your daily spiritual food. Have also, if possible, some good religious reading on hand always, especially books of a practical and devotional kind. The works of Arndt, Krummacher, Doddridge, Baxter, Bunyan and Owen[*], have been blest to the souls of thousands. But the best of all books is undoubtedly the Bible itself. Let this precious book be emphatically “a lamp unto your feet, and a light unto your path.” It unfolds the consoling doctrine and the directing precept, the warning and the promise. Flee the modern novels and light literature. They are not only a waste of time, but a poison to the soul.

3. Strive to attain eminent holiness. Let it be your aim to live religion, not merely to profess it. Let it go with you and be with you at all times, on the Sabbath day and the day of labor, at home and abroad. Avoid a gloomy, morose spirit, but give not way to levity. “Be sober.” Flee all temptations. “Flee youthful lusts.” Flee improper employments. Flee dangerous situations. Flee evil companions.

---
[*] While these authors no doubt have written some very edifying works, I must encourage the reader to follow these and all other authors as they followed Christ, but discourage you from following them as they departed from Christ, such as in the cases of Baxter's neonomianism, Bunyan's anabaptism, and Owen's independency. If I were to compose my own list of recommended authors, I would include Calvin, Rutherford (also spelled Rutherfurd), and the excellent Reformed Catechisms called the Heidelberg and the Westminster Shorter, for starters anyway.... there are alot of good old books available by which the careful reader may be edified.