The Golden Treasury is a daily devotional guide in the style and form we have come to recognize as standard for the type. It was in fact this book which, in large part, established the primacy of the daily devotion format in this country at the turn of the century. Its concise and evocative presentation of biblical themes won wide acceptance. And its three part structure for each daily entry provides an easy scale of steps that lead one from God’s Word, to reflection upon that Word, to prayer.

We might call such a design centrifugal. Each daily entry begins with a verse or verses on a common theme from Scripture which provides a focus for the reader’s reflection. Next there is a short prose passage which explains, elaborates and expands upon this theme to concentrate and direct our own reflection. Finally, there is a short poetic prayer which leads our thoughts outward from the text to our own lives, to the lives of our loved ones, to the lives of our loved ones and to the concerns of the world we live in.

This altogether satisfactory format cannot have been accidental. It forms, as it were, a Circle of Devotion – God’s Word, Man, Prayer returning to God – which becomes a model for authentic Christian life. Thus we sense that devotional reading is a unique sort of enterprise, one that is emblematic of the Christian’s response to life.

Unlike reading for information, the habit of mind in devotional reading is open and receptive, rather than analytical and argumentative. Unlike reading for simple pleasure, the mind is not engaged in an arousal of expectations and desires, rather it is resolved in quietness, calmness. Devotional reading may be regarded as an exercise in “negative capability” in which the mind lets go of self-centeredness in preparation for prayer and praise. In devotional reading one finds what one does not seek. One knows what cannot be confirmed by evidence. One is called out to Christian action by a force that is as compelling as it is gentle.

How then should this book be used? Basically it is a tool, a device, for regulating one’s own devotional life – in the same fashion that training equipment for physical exercise is used. Many people spend time with this book at a certain hour each day – just before bed, or upon first rising in the morning. But any hour of the day is appropriate, any convenient time when one wants to compose one’s thoughts and draw closer to God. The key, just as in physical exercise, is daily use. A business man might find that his hurried lunch hour can be transformed into a leisurely feast for the spirit by spending a few quiet moments with this book. Its effect can be physical as well as spiritual, calming one’s heart, easing tension and anxiety. A housewife might find a moment to rest in her hectic schedule just after the children are off to school or put down for a nap. The vital rewards of devotion derive from its discipline, regularity and its increasing depth.

In our frantic and clouded world, a time of daily devotion can be a constant shining beacon, a tolling, reassuring bell. May THE GOLDEN TREASURY OF TEXTS FOR EVERY DAY IN THE YEAR be a blessing to your life.

January 1

HOSANNA! – Mark 11:9, Psalm 68:25-29.

A new scene of time now begins: put up thy hosannas, O my soul, that the Lord may save, bless, and prosper thee. May he grant thee a “Happy New Year” indeed! For this purpose begin it with a dedication of thyself to God. Thy time, circumstances, and life are in His hand; with faith and love implore His blessing and protection over thee this ensuing year.

Begin this, and every following day with prayer. Let God have thy first thoughts in the morning; the impression they make will not be easily erased by worldly matters. Grace is promised in the use of means; be thou diligent, then, and punctual in the performance of them; let thy daily request be for an increasing knowledge of thyself; and of Jesus Christ in His offices; for a sense of pardoning mercy; for a lively, vigorous faith; for communion with the Father and the Son through the Spirit; for true holiness in heart and life; for strength and protection against thy spiritual foes, and for preserving grace to the end.

Pray for the prosperity of Zion: they prosper that love her. Oh, pray for thy friends and relations, begging the Almighty to take them into covenant relation to Himself; for a blessing on thy worldly affairs; for a sanctified use of health or sickness, prosperity or adversity, as God shall please to send.

Perhaps, O my soul, this may be the last year of the Lord’s patience and thy pilgrimage. Is thy state safe? Art thou a real believer in Jesus? Is the oil of grace in thy vessel? If so thou art prepared for every emergency.

And now, O soul, another year
Of this world’s life is past;
I cannot long continue here,
And this may be the last.
Now a new scene of time begins,
Set out afresh for heaven;
Seek pardon for thy daily sins,
In Christ so freely given.

This indispensable work fills a notable gap in Christian literature.
There are excellent Christian books on just about every subject concerning the believer and the church: books on prayer, missions, church work, evangelism, prophecy, and many more. But if anyone needed a book on how to recognize, identify and effectively oppose the work of demons, he would discover a lack of titles on the subject.

The earnest Christian of today, aware of a constant increase of demon activity in every aspect of life, wonders about this serious omission. In the time in which we live, no Christian can afford to close his eyes and pretend there is no reason for concern or that the church and he as a believer need not be involved in the conflict.

War on the Saints is a classic treatise on the work of demons. It explains carefully how the enemy works and how to defeat him. It is relatively easy for Christians to deal with sin, but when they face satan and his countless wiles, they will be at a loss to know what to do, at least in many cases. St. Paul serenely affirmed in his day, “We are not ignorant of the devil’s devices,” and the life and ministry of the early church proved it. This lucid book scatters ignorance of satan’s devices!

The Church of Jesus Christ today is in dire need of men and women who will use the gifts of the Spirit and exercise spiritual authority over demons. Two experienced Christians, both with keen discernment of spirits, wrote the most helpful book on the subject, War on the Saints. Jessie Penn-Lewis had a wide public ministry with an emphasis on overcoming. Evan Roberts, the chief evangelist of the Welsh revival, joined Mrs. Penn-Lewis in writing this penetrating study.

The main appeal of this important work will be to two classes of readers. The first includes those who have become involved in some false system of religious teaching, drawing its inspiration from satanic lies instead of from the sane balanced truth of the Word of God, and who have thus opened themselves to abnormal spiritual experiences which often result in demon possession. The suffering endured by these dupes of the powers of evil is intense; and since the first edition of this book was printed in 1912 there have been many testimonies to deliverance and help received through its pages from such readers. Eternity alone will reveal the ministry it has already exercised and will yet, by the mercy of God, fulfil in restoring such to hope, peace, and sanity.

The second type of reader to whom this book is of immense value is the Christian worker who finds himself or herself faced with cases of spiritual abnormality, of which there seem to be an increasing number in these days of intense satanic activity. Such readers will find in these pages not only the principles, but also the particulars of the way demons work to control their victims. The applicable truths, so lucidly set forth, will enable them at last to recognize, identify and powerfully oppose hidden works of darkness. For those who desire to understand it fully, “War on the Saints” is an enduring classic of the Christian’s conflict.