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Fundamentals of Christian Education
of purpose, that is rarely seen in these times. Thousands of men who
minister in the pulpit are lacking in essential qualities of mind and
character, because they do not apply themselves to the study of the
Scriptures. They are content with a superficial knowledge of the truths
that are full of rich depths of meaning; and they prefer to go on, losing
much in every way, rather than to search diligently for the hidden
treasure.
The search for truth will reward the seeker at every turn, and each
discovery will open up richer fields for his investigation. Men are
changed in accordance with what they contemplate. If commonplace
thoughts and affairs take up the attention, the man will be common-
place. If he is too negligent to obtain anything but a superficial under-
standing of God’s truth, he will not receive the rich blessings that God
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would be pleased to bestow upon him. It is a law of the mind, that it
will narrow or expand to the dimensions of the things with which it
becomes familiar. The mental powers will surely become contracted,
and will lose their ability to grasp the deep meanings of the word of
God, unless they are put vigorously and persistently to the task of
searching for truth. The mind will enlarge, if it is employed in tracing
out the relation of the subjects of the Bible, comparing scripture with
scripture, and spiritual things with spiritual. Go below the surface;
the richest treasures of thought are waiting for the skilful and diligent
student.
Those who are teaching the most solemn message ever given to the
world, should discipline the mind to comprehend its significance. The
theme of redemption will bear the most concentrated study, and its
depth will never be fully explored. You need not fear that you will ex-
haust this wonderful theme. Drink deep of the well of salvation. Go to
the fountain for yourself, that you may be filled with refreshment, that
Jesus may be in you a well of water, springing up unto everlasting life.
Only Bible truth and Bible religion will stand the test of the judgment.
We are not to pervert the word of God to suit our convenience, and
worldly interests, but to honestly inquire, “What wilt Thou have me to
do?” “Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price.” And what a
price! Not “with corruptible things, as silver and gold, ... but with the
precious blood of Christ.” When man was lost, the Son of God said, I
will redeem him, I will become his surety and substitute. He laid aside
His royal robes, clothed His divinity with humanity, stepped down