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The art of writing is an old as well as an invaluable art, though printing is a comparatively modern invention. Paul was a reader (Acts 17:28; Titus 1:12), and he exhorts Timothy, his son, to read. Right attendance to reading means —

I. Read the BEST books. The world abounds with books, most of which are rubbish, many of which are pestilent, few only are good. A good book should be —

1. Enlightening. It should brighten the firmament and widen the horizon of the soul.

2. Truthful. Whether in the form of fiction, history, or discussion, it should be true to the great realities of existence.

3. Suggestive. Every page of a good book should involve much more than it expresses, and charm the reader into fresh fields of inquiry.

4. Disciplinary. A good book is a book that aims at disciplining both the intellect and the heart. To aid the intellect to think with freedom, force, and precision, and the heart to flow with pure loves and high aspirations.

II. Read the best books in a RIGHT WAY.

1. Thoughtfully.

2. Earnestly.

3. Practically.If men would "give attendance to such reading" a glorious change would come over the world, a new order of things would spring up in every department of social life.

(D. Thomas.)

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KJV: Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

WEB: Until I come, pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching.