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Christian Education
fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” [
Psalm 111:10
.] This
kind of knowledge is below par in the estimation of the world, and
yet it is essential for every youth to become wise in the Scriptures, if
he would have eternal life. The apostle says, “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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” [
2 Timothy
3:16, 17
.] This is broad enough. Let all seek to comprehend, to the
full extent of their powers, the meaning of the word of God. A mere
superficial reading of the inspired word will be of little advantage;
for every statement made in the sacred pages requires thoughtful con-
templation. It is true that some passages do not require as earnest
concentration as do others; for their meaning is more evident. But the
student of the word of God should seek to understand the bearing of
one passage upon another until the chain of truth is revealed to his
vision. As veins of precious ore are hidden beneath the surface of the
earth, so spiritual riches are concealed in the passages of Holy Writ,
and it requires mental effort and prayerful attention to discover the
hidden meaning of the word of God. Let every student who values the
heavenly treasure put to the stretch his mental and spiritual powers,
and sink the shaft deep into the mine of truth, that he may obtain the
celestial gold,—that wisdom which will make him wise unto salvation.
If half the zeal manifested in seeking to comprehend the bright
ideas of infidels, was manifested in studying the plan of salvation,
thousands who are now in darkness, would be charmed with the wis-
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dom, the purity, the elevation of the provisions of God in our behalf;
they would be lifted out of and away from themselves in wonder and
amazement at the love and condescension of God in giving his only
begotten Son for a fallen race. How is it that many are satisfied to
drink at the turbid streams that flow in the murky valley, when they
might refresh their souls at the living streams of the mountains? The
prophet asks, “Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh
from the rock of the field? Or shall the cold flowing waters that come
from another place be forsaken?” [
Jeremiah 18:14
.] The Lord answers,
“My people hath forsaken me, they have burned incense to vanity, and
they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths,
in a way not cast up.” [
Jeremiah 18:15
.]