Conclusion.
In conclusion, I would suggest an answer to a question sometimes asked—"What is the use of these scrolls?" The first most obvious reply might be—to place on our walls. The questioner persists—"But why?" Let your answer be in the sense of these words: I hope thus to impress more strongly on my mind a particular promise or commandment contained in the Holy Scriptures. I also hope that the same effect may sometimes be produced on the hearts of others, who may often, certainly, have read those words before, yet possibly without much thought; having them thus brought suddenly and in a marked manner before their eyes, deeper reflection may be the profitable result. A commandment, an injunction from God's Word, thus placed before me, may often, I trust, serve as a check in moments of temptation. A promise I know to be of inestimable comfort, as the sick and the dying have testified. No doubt the law of God must be pre-eminently written in the heart,[24] must abide there as its choicest treasure,—"a well of water springing up into eternal life," nourishing the soul at all times; and we have the precious gift of Him Who "bringeth all things to our remembrance."[25] Yet so long as I have eyes through which I may receive holy impressions, I cannot—dare not—despise the humblest means towards so good an end. To look upon a text of Scripture, engraved with fair colours and emblematic adornments, gives me the same feeling of elevating happiness, through the organ of sight, that a melodiously chaunted hymn or anthem conveys through the organ of hearing. "The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them."[26]
And to the young I would earnestly say,—cherish always a feeling of reverence on this subject of illuminating sacred texts. Let it be considered not as a trivial, passing amusement, but, while in practice, as a grave and steady occupation—one to which you are in duty bound, if you undertake it at all, to give your very best attention. No work of yours—nor of any human hand—can be worthy of the subject; in all humility and sincerity keep this truth before you. Strive to enter as fully as possible into the meaning of the inspired words you are delineating; endeavour earnestly and with child-like simplicity to learn the lesson they would teach.
Lastly, let your work be as perfect as you can possibly make it, and if the result be pleasing, render thanks to Him who hath bestowed on you the precious talent, and from Whom all good gifts do come. And so, "Whatsoever ye do,
Do all to the glory of GOD."
