Few things are more vital to Christian faith than the Scriptures whereby God's nature, purposes and plan for mankind are made known. As Ambrose of Milan (d. 397 A.D.) observed, "God walks in the Holy Scriptures, seeking man."
Formation of the present biblical canon presents an interesting story. In the Church's earlier days, wherein Christ's return was generally viewed to be imminent, the apostles represented defining authority in relation to doctrine, meaning, values and objective. In time, however, the need for authorative written guidance became increasingly evident. Christ had not yet returned and the apostles were passing on.
Over time, many works and writings were considered. There was a seemingly endless supply of such - ranging from the inspired and helpful to the uninspired and heretically deviant. It would not be until the latter half of the fourth century that a generally accepted determination of Holy Writ would be achieved.
One of the writings deemed useful by many was the pre-Christian era Book of Sirach, otherwise known as Ecclesiasticus (not to be confused with the better known Ecclesiastes of biblical inclusion). As a wise man imbued with a profound love for God and the things of God, its author sought to inspire the same in others. While not generally found in Protestant Bibles, it is interesting that the King James Version originally included the work (the Puritans removing it some century and a half later) and continues in some of our modern KJV "pulpit Bibles" under the name Ecclesiasticus. In any case, there is much of an inspiring nature within its contents. In addressing the subject of counsel and advice, for example, Sirach advises:
"Be on the alert when one proffers advice, find out first of all what he wants. For he may be thinking of himself alone; why should the profit fall to him? He may tell you how good your way will be, and then stand by to watch your misfortune... Instead, associate with a devout man who you are sure keeps the commandments; who is like-minded with yourself and will feel for you if you fall. Then, too, heed your own heart's counsel; for what have you that you can depend on more? A man's conscience can tell him his situation better than seven watchmen in a lofty tower. Most important of all, pray to God to set your feet in the path of truth" (Sir. 37:8-15 NAB).
One is not hard pressed to find exhortation of considerably less benefit in many of today's literary offerings
Burl Ratzsch.
