![[Gospel Web Globe]](../graphics/GW90logo.gif) |
Octavius Winslow's "Evening Thoughts" Or "Daily Walking With God" Devotions readings present brief spiritual expositions of each Bible motto, and encouragement to joyous Christian Living, and then resting in Him at evening time." |
WEB EDITOR'S INTRODUCTORY NOTES for Octavius Winslow's "Evening Thoughts." These Evening Devotions by Octavius Winslow are posted here just as they were published previously in book form, except that some may have additional paragraph divisions added by the webmaster to make the devotions easier to read from the computer screen, but with the text remaining Winslow's.
NOTE that I have not checked every one of the Bible Quotes used by Winslow. We use and recommend only the KJV at Gospel Web. Notice also that some of the Bible references used in these devotions may be paraphrases, not exact quotes, and some are portions of verses.
Some of Winslow's writings have recently been available in book form from Soli Deo Gloria publishers. They have reprinted some of his work in recent years. I have several of his writings in my own library. You should order from Soli Deo or through your local book store if you want printed and bound copies of any of his works. (I believe he wrote about 40 published works originally). The brief biographical notes are adapted and condensed from publishers notes, and other sources). I DO NOT agree with him on every jot and tittle, but any or all of his works are well worth the attention of Christians today, and deserve space in any good religious library. Brother Winslow is particularly known for his writings encouraging spiritual Christian living.
Octavius Winslow was born in 1808, and went to his reward in 1878. He was descended from one of the leading New England Puritans, Edward Winslow. Octavius was one of ten children, and his father died when he was 7 years old. Though born in New York, his ministry for which he is justly famous was mostly in England. He was one of the leading non-conformist ministers of the nineteenth century due to the devotional earnestness of his preaching and the practical excellence of his writings as well. He was a noted speaker, and gave the opening address for Spurgeon's Metropolitan Tabernacle in 1861. Winslow clung to the theology of the old Puritans. He devoted his life to the promotion of the precious truths of God. He died March 5, 1878, after a short illness, and was buried in Abbey Cemetery, Bath.
By Octavius Winslow, Leamington, December, 1856.
AUTHOR'S PREFACE.
In compliance with a request frequently, and from various quarters, preferred, that the author would allow selections from some of his published works to appear in the form of Daily Readings, he ventures to offer to the Christian Church the following pages. They have been gleaned- with much care, and with a strict regard to variety, yet consecutiveness, of topic; presenting a spiritual, and occasionally a critical, exposition of each Scripture motto. In the large family of similar productions which have issued from the press, he trusts that his little volume- not quite a stranger to some who will peruse it- may find a humble place. Should it, with the Holy Spirit's blessing, drop occasionally a Christ-endearing, heart-soothing, soul-guiding, word in seasons of daily toil, conflict, or trial, his utmost wish in its publication will be realized.
Robert Hall was wont to define domestic prayer as "that border which keeps the web of my life from unraveling." With equal appropriateness this beautiful remark will apply to evening religion. It is important to close the day with God, just as it is important to begin the day with God. The great secret is beginning the day with God, walking through the day with Him, and ending the day with God! What a privilege this is to begin, walk through, and end the day with our Lord. We should wake to duty and toil- perchance to temptation and trial - to raise the soul to God, and seek to fill it at this Infinite Fountain of life, love, and bliss, with such thoughts, and feelings, and purposes as will exert a hallowing, soothing, and controlling influence upon the day! Before the secular commences, to begin with the spiritual. Before care insinuates, to preoccupy the mind with peace. Before temptation assails, to fortify the heart with prayer. Before sorrow beclouds, to irradiate the soul with Divine sunshine. What a precious privilege this! A morning without God is the precursor of a uneasy, cloudy, and dark day. And then to know the peace and contentment after the labors and trials of the day, to end the day as we began it, with God!
What profound spiritual wisdom is there in this conception! What a God-descending, heaven-returning spirit does it betray! How the well of water in the soul springs up! "In the morning will I direct my prayer unto You, and will look up." "Look up!" Ah! here is the true and befitting attitude of the spiritual soul. Looking up for the day's supply of grace to restrain, of power to keep, of wisdom to guide, of patience to suffer, of meekness to endure, of strength to bear, of faith to overcome, of love to obey, and of hope to cheer. Jesus stands at the Treasury of Infinite grace, ready to meet every application, and to supply every need. His fullness is for a poor, needy, asking people. He loves for us to bring the empty vessel. Oh, to have our "morning thoughts" occupied with God, and Christ, and the Holy Spirit, and heaven! Truly this is the border which keeps the web of daily life from unraveling! Dear reader, let your first thought be of God, and your first thoughts be to Jesus, and your first prayer be to the Holy Spirit, and thus anointed with fresh oil, you will glide serenely and safely through the day, beginning, continuing, and ending it with God.
"Direct, control, suggest, this day,
All I design, or do, or say,
That all my powers, with all their might,
In Your sole glory may unite."
"Psa 141:2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice."