Bird-Catching by Night

“This is the DeviPs device, first to maze people as birds are -with a light and a bell in the night, ajtd then to drive them itito the net. If you would keep to wholesofne doctrifte, keep to a form of wholesome words, and do not place religion in conceited speaking’”* Would to God that this advice would be heeded! We have those about us who are for ever inventing some new thing, and using the old orthodox terms in an altogether novel sense. Their hearers are first dazzled with the clever candle light, and cannot make out what the novel brilliance means; and when they are thoroughly bewildered, a great noise and tinkling is made of pretended wisdom and deep thought, so that the poor souls are ready to fly anywhere and anyhow. Thus the fowler’s business is effectually done, and by this means, if it were possible, they would ensnare the very elect. The safest way for simple souls is to keep to a definite and decided gospel ministry. If you do not know the voice of the shepherd, do not follow him. Of course you will avoid a wolf, for his howl is your warning; but be doubly careful to keep clear of the false shepherd, and, to make quite sure of your man, count him to be false who is not evidently true.

Lord, preserve my poor silly mind from being dazed and dazzled, and let me follow thy truth step by step even to the end.