The following is from the first edition in April 1959 and had the original title of 'Some Good Rules' by Brownlow North. Used mightily by God, Brownlow North (1810 - 1875) lived a reckless life but was wonderfully converted during a card game after a violent seizure. God used him during the 1859 Ulster Revival. There is a longer account of Brownlow North's life and ministry in the Evangelical Times here.
- Never neglect daily private prayer; and when you pray, remember that God is present, and that He hears your prayers (Hebrews 11 v 6).
- Never neglect daily private Bible reading: and, when you read, remember that God is speaking to you, and that you are to believe and act upon what He says. I believe all back-sliding begins with the neglect of these two rules (John 5 v 39).
- Never let a day pass without trying to do something for Jesus. Every night reflect on what Jesus has done for you, and then ask yourself, What am I doing for him (Matthew 5 vv 13-16).
- If ever you are in doubt as to a thing being right or wrong, go to your room, and kneel down and ask God's blessing upon it (Colossions 3 v 17). If you cannot do this, it is wrong (Romans 14 v 23).
- Never take your Christianity from Christians, or argue that because such and such people do so and so, therefore you may (2 Corinthians 10 v 12). You are to ask yourself, 'How would Christ act in my place?' and strive to follow Him (John 10 v 27).
- Never believe what you feel if it contradicts God's Word. Ask yourself, 'Can what I feel be true, if God's word is true?' and if both cannot be true, believe God's Word, and make your own heart a liar (Romans 3 v 4; John 5 vv 10-11).
