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How to Study the Bible, July 18
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and
they are they which testify of me.
John 5:39
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The Book of books has the highest claim to our reverent attention. We
must not be satisfied with superficial knowledge, but must seek to learn
the full meaning of the words of truth, and to drink deep of the spirit of the
Holy Oracles. To read a certain number of chapters daily, or commit to
memory a stipulated amount without careful thought as to the meaning of
the sacred text, is a work of little profit.... Some portions of Scripture are,
indeed, too plain to be misunderstood; but there are others whose meaning
does not lie upon the surface, to be seen at a glance. Scripture must
be compared with scripture; there must be careful research and patient
reflection. And such study will be richly repaid. As the miner discovers
veins of precious metal concealed beneath the surface of the earth, so will
he who perseveringly searches the Word of God as for hid treasure, find
truths of greatest value, which are concealed from the view of the careless
seeker.
No effort should be spared to establish a right habit of study. If the
mind wanders, bring it back. If the intellectual and moral taste has been
perverted by the overwrought and exciting tales of fiction, ... then you
have a battle to fight with yourself to overcome this depraved habit.... We
are surrounded by unbelief. The very atmosphere seems charged with it.
Only by constant effort can we resist its power.... I appeal to young and
old: Make the Word of God your textbook. Here you will find the true
standard of character....
All over the field of revelation are scattered the glad springs of heav-
enly truth, and peace, and joy. They are within the reach of every seeker.
The words of inspiration, pondered in the heart, will be as streams flowing
from the river of the water of life. Our Saviour prayed that the minds of
the disciples might be opened to understand the Scriptures. And whenever
we study the Bible with a prayerful heart, the Holy Spirit is near to open
to us the meaning of the words we read.
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