The Precious Things of God

by Octavius Winslow

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1867. ... CHAPTER X. THE PRECIOUSNESS OF PRAYER. " Golden vials, full of odours, which are the prayers of saints."--Rev. V. 8. If there be an argument which establishes beyond all dispute the doctrine of the fall, and the necessity of a restored and regenerated nature, it is the fact, that from it nothing that is holy, spiritual, or good emanates. The moral soil is so utterly degenerate, that even the flowers which adorn it --the natural virtues still clinging to our humanity--are, in the sight of a holy God, but as noxious weeds, destined finally and utterly to perish. Such was the complete wreck, such the entire paralysis of our nature. " In my flesh," says the apostle, " dwelleth no good thing." If, then, in the midst of this utter and universal corruption, there should be found springing any bud, or blossom, or fruit of real holiness--anything a dreargraci0USj spiritual, heavenly--it must bo the product of a divine principle, of a new nature implanted within us by God the Holy Ghost. A striking proof and illustration of this is presei.ted in the subject of this chapter. There exists not a more undoubted evidence of a renewed nature than --Prayer. The absence of it is the unmistakeable evidence of--death ; its existence a palpable and positive evidence of--life. Prayer is the most vital, spiritual, and pure emanation of the indwelling of the Spirit in the soul. If, in a case of suspended animation, we marked the slightest symptom of life--the gentlest heaving of the heart--the faintest moisture breathed upon the surface of a mirror--we should certainly hail it as proof of the existence of the vital principle. We should not ask for strong spasmodic action, and postpone all efforts to rouse the dormant pulse, before we pronounced the individual alive. We should be satisfied that the spark st...

Genres: Theology, Christian, Devotional

430 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1860

About the author

Octavius Winslow (1 August 1808 – 5 March 1878), also known as "The Pilgrim's Companion", was a prominent 19th-century evangelical preacher in England and America. A Baptist minister for most of his life and contemporary of Charles Spurgeon and J. C. Ryle, he seceded to the Anglican church in his last decade.

Reviews

[Debi Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I have loved this book. It has been like a slow walk with a wise counselor telling me the Truths of who God is. I have been encouraged, strengthened, commissioned, and infused with more of Him. In the months it took me to read. every chapter spoke to my need for the moment. I believe this book will give faith to the doubting, strength to the weary, hope to the discouraged and help to the downcast. Mr. Winslow touches every aspect of the human condition and lifts our eyes up to see the hope we have in God, who alone is precious. Read this book. and you will love it and love God even more for how precious He is to us who love Him and are called according to His purposes.

[Becky Pliego · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book by Octavius Winslow.

[Ayden Tilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely magnificent book. Winslow takes us through a number of things that the Bible calls precious, and does a deep dive on why they are precious to God, and shows us other references that show the same. His language is very flowery and poetic, and he includes many poems as well that are so incredible and beautiful. It doesn’t feel like a theology book, but rather a passionate essay on God’s creation and character. It is a surprisingly easy work of the puritans to read, and I am going to add this to the list of theological books I want to read once a year!

[Barry Winslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winslow has a masterful way of describing the attributes of God and those things most precious to Him. He ensues in a manner worthy of any minister who cares well for his sheep. This book will be one I come back to time after time.

[Bambi Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure gold. One of the best books I’ve ever read. Will return to it often!

[Ted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful prose illuminates deeply theological ideas. There is something about the writings of Octavius Winslow that stir my soul to deep conviction. His reflections are to our greatest benefit.

[Valerie Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh this book will forever have a special place in my heart. every chapter got better and better.... a must read for believers... and re-read!