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Compare Scripture with Scripture, April 10
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line
upon line; here a little, and there a little.
Isaiah 28:10
.
We are so thankful that we have a sure word of prophecy, so that none of us
need be deceived. We know that there are heresies and fables in our world at the
present time, and we want to know what is truth. It becomes us to search carefully
for ourselves that we may gain this knowledge. We cannot do this with a mere
reading of the Scriptures, but we must compare scripture with scripture. We must
search the Scriptures for ourselves, so that we shall not be led astray; and while
many may be led astray because there are all kinds of doctrines in our world, there is
one truth. Many may come to you and tell you that they have the truth, but it is your
privilege to search the Scriptures for yourself. “To the law and to the testimony: if
they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” We
must be acquainted with the Scriptures ourselves, that we may understand the true
reason of the hope that is within us.
The apostle tells us that we are to give to every man that asks us a reason of the
hope that is within us, with meekness and fear. “The entrance of thy words giveth
light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” It is not enough to merely read, but
the Word of God must enter into our hearts and our understanding, in order that we
may be established in the blessed truth. If we should neglect to search the Scriptures
for ourselves, that we may know what is truth, then if we are led astray, we are
accountable for it. We must search the Scriptures carefully, so that we will know
every condition that the Lord has given us; and if we have minds of limited capacity,
by diligently searching the word of God we may become mighty in the Scriptures,
and may explain them to others....
If you are established in the Scriptures, you will feel the responsibility and will
search the Scriptures for yourselves, so that you may be a help to others. Now, the
small churches, although they are but few, may be a power for the truth. Every one
should feel that a solemn responsibility rests upon him to build up his little church
in the most holy faith. The very fact that there are only a few, should cause every
individual member to seek most earnestly for a living connection with God; because
the giving of the truth to those around you depends upon the influences that you
exert.
Christ has said, “Ye are the light of the world”; therefore you must put forth every
effort to let that light shine. The only way for you to know that you have the true
light from heaven, is to compare the light you have received with the Scriptures....
The word was given to Joshua, “Be strong and of a good courage”; for there is a
great work before you (
The Review and Herald, April 3, 1888
).
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