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the mind expands, and becomes more evenly balanced than if occupied
in obtaining general information from the books that are used which
have no connection with the Bible. No knowledge is so firm, so
consistent and far-reaching, as that obtained from a study of the word
of God. It is the foundation of all true knowledge. The Bible is like a
fountain. The more you look into it, the deeper it appears. The grand
truths of sacred history possess amazing strength and beauty, and are
as far-reaching as eternity. No science is equal to the science that
reveals the character of God. Moses was educated in all the wisdom
of the Egyptians, yet he said, “Behold, I have taught you statutes and
judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should
do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do
them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of
the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this
great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is
there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God
is in all things that we call upon Him for? And what nation is there
so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous, as all this law,
which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep
thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have
seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but
teach them thy sons and thy sons’ sons.”
Where shall we find laws more noble, pure, and just, than are
exhibited on the statute books wherein is recorded the instruction
given to Moses for the children of Israel? Through all time these laws
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are to be perpetuated, that the character of God’s people may be formed
after the divine similitude. The law is a wall of protection to those who
are obedient to God’s precepts. From what other source can we gather
such strength, or learn such noble science? What other book will teach
men to love, fear, and obey God as does the Bible? What other book
presents to students more ennobling science, more wonderful history?
It clearly portrays righteousness, and foretells the consequence of
disloyalty to the law of Jehovah. No one is left in darkness as to that
which God approves or disapproves. In studying the Scriptures we
become acquainted with God, and are led to understand our relation to
Christ, who is the sin-bearer, the surety, the substitute, for our fallen
race. These truths concern our present and eternal interests. The Bible
stands the highest among books, and its study is valuable above the