Chapter 16—The Bible the Most Important Book for
Education in Our Schools
The Bible is the revelation of God to our world, telling us of the
character we must have in order to reach the paradise of God. We are
to esteem it as God’s disclosure to us of eternal things,—the things of
most consequence for us to know. By the world it is thrown aside, as if
the perusal of it were finished, but a thousand years of research would
not exhaust the hidden treasure it contains. Eternity alone will disclose
the wisdom of this book. The jewels buried in it are inexhaustible; for
it is the wisdom of an infinite mind.
At no period of time has man learned all that can be learned of
the word of God. There are yet new views of truth to be seen, and
much to be understood of the character and attributes of God,—his
benevolence, his mercy, his long forbearance, his example of perfect
obedience. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and
we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full
of grace and truth.” This is a most valuable study, taxing the intellect,
and giving strength to the mental ability. After diligently searching the
word, hidden treasures are discovered, and the lover of truth breaks
out in triumph. “Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels,
preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into
glory.” “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who,
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being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a
servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”
The Bible, fully received and studied as the voice of God, tells
the human family how to reach the abodes of eternal happiness, and
secure the treasures of heaven. “All scripture is given by inspiration
of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect,
throughly furnished unto all good works.” Are we then so dull that
we cannot comprehend it? Shall we cultivate a deep hunger for the
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