Knowledge of God
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more constant confidence in Jesus, and a daily, living experience in
his power to save to the utmost all that come unto God by him.
As we meditate upon the perfections of the Saviour, we shall
desire to be wholly transformed, and renewed in the image of his
purity. There will be a hungering and thirsting of soul to become like
him whom we adore. The more our thoughts are upon Christ, the more
we shall speak of him to others, and represent him to the world.
The Bible was not written for the scholar alone; on the contrary,
it was designed for the common people. The great truths necessary
for salvation are made as clear as noonday; and none will mistake and
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lose their way except those who follow their own judgment instead of
the plainly revealed will of God.
We should not take the testimony of any man as to what the Scrip-
tures teach, but should study the word of God ourselves. If we allow
others to do our thinking, we shall have crippled energies and con-
tracted abilities. The noble powers of the mind may be so dwarfed
by lack of exercise on themes worthy of their concentration as to
lose their ability to grasp the deep meaning of the word of God. The
mind will enlarge if it is employed in tracing out the subjects of the
Bible, comparing scripture with scripture, and spiritual things with
spiritual. There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect
than the study of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate
the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling
truths of the Bible. If God’s word were studied as it should be, men
would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability
of purpose that is rarely seen in these times.
But there is but little benefit derived from a hasty reading of the
Scriptures. One may read the whole Bible through, and yet fail to see
its beauty or comprehend its deep and hidden meaning. One passage
studied until its significance is clear to the mind, and its relation to the
plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than the perusal of many
chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive instruction
gained. Keep your Bible with you. As you have opportunity, read it;
fix the texts in your memory. Even while you are walking the streets,
you may read a passage, and meditate upon it, thus fixing it in the
mind.
We cannot obtain wisdom without earnest attention and prayerful
study. Some portions of Scripture are indeed too plain to be misunder-
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