Three Leaves

"I have read of a godly man who was once very dissolute. When converted, his former companions sought to bring him back to his former wicked courses. But he told them, 'I am deeply engaged in meditating on a little book, which contains only three leaves; so that at present I have no leisure for other business.' Sometime after, being asked again if he had done with his book, he said, 'No; for though it contained but three leaves, yet there is so much comprised in them that I have devoted myself therein all the days of my life.

The first leaf is red. Here I meditate on the passion of my Lord and Saviour, His shedding His precious blood as an atonement for my sins, and a ransom for my soul, without which I must have been a damned sinner in hell to all eternity.

The second leaf is white. This cheers my spirit with the comfortable consideration of the unspeakable joys of heaven obtained for me by Christ, and of being forever with Him.

The third leaf is black. Here I think of the horrible state of the damned, and the perpetual torments they are suffering in hell. Oh, this excites thankfulness to my Saviour for His wonderful love and rich grace, in snatching me from eternal destruction.' "

-from William Mason's The Believer's Pocket Companion

I don't know of anything better to think about than what is written here: the salvation of Christ and the love and gratitude which should enflame everyone who has tasted of His kindness. William Mason's book is very helpful and concise for those who want to live more in the light of what Jesus has done for His Father's younger children, and I heartily recommend it as a worthwhile purchase.