Scripture's Warnings Guide Us Like the Metal Man of Tramore

By them is Thy servant warned.—David understood that Yahweh administers instruction through two great books: the volume of nature and the volume of inspiration. Scripture's value lies not merely in possession but in keeping its statutes.

At Tramore, near Waterford, where Atlantic breakers dash against rocks with sublime fury, three towers stand upon the headlands. On the middle one stands "The Metal Man"—a figure cast in metal, painted to resemble a sailor. With his finger he points to dangerous rocks that must be shunned. These rocks in life's troublesome sea threaten shipwreck to the bodies and souls of the young.

David possessed in the Scriptures an abstract of glorious truths—sufficient clearness to guide him to God, to peace, to holiness, to heaven. Yet possession alone is insufficient; these statutes must be kept. The book supplies ideas and raises the character of the humble student. Scripture is a book of privileges; every Christian is entitled to all the clustering promises which grow on this tree of life.

Practice completes our duty to Scripture. All religion hinges upon this point. The Psalmist declares: "In keeping of them there is great reward." This reward is present in the conscience and prospective in heaven—great in comparison with our deserts. In obedience itself there dwells great reward, for Adonai's unchangeable sovereignty cannot be confused with the imperfections of religious professors.