Bible in the Home
389
Word of God. The reason why we have so few men of good mind, of
stability and solid worth, is that God is not feared, God is not loved,
the principles of religion are not carried out in the life as they should
be.
God would have us avail ourselves of every means of cultivating
and strengthening our intellectual powers.... If the Bible were read
more, if its truths were better understood, we should be a far more
enlightened and intelligent people. Energy is imparted to the soul by
searching its pages
It Is the Foundation for Home, Social, and National Prosper-
ity—The teaching of the Bible has a vital bearing upon man’s pros-
perity in all the relations of this life. It unfolds the principles that
are the cornerstone of a nation’s prosperity—principles with which
is bound up the well-being of society, and which are the safeguard of
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the family—principles without which no man can attain usefulness,
happiness, and honor in this life, or can hope to secure the future, im-
mortal life. There is no position in life, no phase of human experience,
for which the teaching of the Bible is not an essential preparation
Knowledge of the Scriptures Is a Safeguard—From a child,
Timothy knew the Scriptures; and this knowledge was a safeguard to
him against the evil influences surrounding him and the temptation to
choose pleasure and selfish gratification before duty. Such a safeguard
all our children need, and it should be a part of the work of parents and
of Christ’s ambassadors to see that the children are properly instructed
in the Word of God
Love for the Bible Is Not Natural—Youth are ignorant and in-
experienced, and the love of the Bible and its sacred truths will not
come naturally. Unless great pains are taken to build up around them
barriers to shield them from Satan’s devices, they are subject to his
temptations and are led captive by him at his will. In their early years
children are to be taught the claims of God’s law and faith in Jesus our
Redeemer to cleanse from the stains of sin. This faith must be taught
day by day, by precept and example
8
Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 126
.
9
Patriarchs and Prophets, 599
.
10
Testimonies For The Church 4:398
.
11
Testimonies For The Church 5:329
.