INTRODUCTION TO FIRST EDITION.
God's word is full of instruction, correction and admonition and it throws sufficient light On every cross-road of life through which we happen to pass whether the road be paved with roses or thorns. These Poems on different subjects, composed by our dear Brother. Charles Wigg, are very interesting to read. They were written during his travels in different parts of India, depicting his point of view on the life of a believer in relation to our blessed Lord and Redeemer. I am confident that these poems will really help the Christian in his wilderness journey.
The stanzas concerning the experiences of the children of Israel when passing through the wilderness will also be educative to us, as our experiences are similar in many ways.
"So, murmured they against the One,
Who'd led to liberty,
Complaints, ingratitude was shown,
To Him who set them free.'
How like ourselves, when things don't suit
Our taste. or our desire,
We murmur and complain about
The One who brought us here".
Hear what Paul says "Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye. as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer". These warnings are brought to light by the beautiful lines. The truth of Gal. 2: 20 is portrayed well and practically exhibited as follows:
"It is no longer I, but Christ,
That liveth now in me,
Oh vict'ry won at such a price,
Oh blessed liberty!
I with Christ am crucified,.
That hateful, wretched, me,
That has Thy total rule defied,
Made life a misery.
(Lines 185 and 187)
Hannah's giving to God is sweetly thought-provoking and demands that our life, heart and service be dedicated as well.
There, Hannah prayed with tears and sobs,
And vowed a costly vow,
Yielded her inner shrine to God,
That she His life may know,
"The boy that God would give to her,
She'd give again to Him,
To serve Him only, by God's power,
His people turn again". lines 42,44
Very often we forget God when He has answered our prayers and in turn we make partial dedication which is of no value to God in relation to the gifts given to us.
How sad!
May it please the Lord to bless all the thoughts mentioned in these poems to the children of God in any part of the world.
Yours in Christ.
C.V.Samuel.
Nellikunnu, Trichur, Kerala, INDIA. 15. 5. 1989
Foreword to second edition.
I have known Bro. Charles Wigg since first arriving in Tasmania, from the U.K. in 1960. Our friendship grew from a mutual love for the Lord & His word, and has deepened through the years.
I am happy to provide this foreword to these verses, (second edition of Apples of Gold, in Pictures of Silver); they reveal Charles’ extensive knowledge of the Scriptures, and his sensitive application of its truths. They also show our brother’s easy relationship, not only with those of us who are older, but also with the young..
May the Lord be pleased to use this compilation to instruct, encourage, and comfort His people!
Bernard Nute,
Rutherglen Retirement Village,
Hadspen, Tasmania, Australia.
INTRODUCTION TO THE SECOND EDITION.
The first edition of this book was published in India many years ago. Since that time more poetry has been written, some poems have been expanded, and as the first printing of several thousand has now been exhausted, it has been prayerfully decide to print this second edition.
Since the first printing brother C.V. Samuel, who wrote the foreword to the first edition has gone home to be with the Lord Jesus. He died earlier this year, 2001. He was a very dear and gracious brother, and a faithful servant of the Lord. He laboured for many years at a place called Dindugal in Tamil Nadu. His foreword remains as a testimony.
Brother Bernard Nute who wrote the foreword to this second edition, has been a very close friend for forty years or more. I appreciate his kindness, and his willingness to write the foreword above. Our brother was severely handicapped by a stroke many years ago, but continues to serve the Lord as he is able.
He is an example to us all, in the way that he has "More than conquered" his disabilities. We commend this second edition to God for His blessing.
Chas. E. Wigg. 1/3/2001.