Books in Our Schools
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fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” 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 instruc-
tion in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly
furnished unto all good works.” 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 contemplation. 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 passage of Holy Writ, and it requires mental effort and prayerful
attention to discover the hidden meaning of the word of God. Let every
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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-
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?” The Lord answers, “My people hath
forgotten 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.”