Value of Bible Study
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and preserving the level of man for thirty years, and then making His
soul an offering for sin, that man might not be left to perish, is a subject
for the deepest thought and the most concentrated study....
Let the mind grasp the stupendous truths of revelation, and it will
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never be content to employ its powers upon frivolous themes; it will
turn with disgust from the trashy literature and idle amusements that
are demoralizing the youth of today. Those who have communed with
the poets and sages of the Bible, and whose souls have been stirred by
the glorious deeds of the heroes of faith, will come from the rich fields
of thought far more pure in heart and elevated in mind than if they had
been occupied in studying the most celebrated secular authors, or in
contemplating and glorifying the exploits of the Pharaohs and Herods
and Caesars of the world.
The powers of the youth are mostly dormant, because they do not
make the fear of God the beginning of wisdom. The Lord gave Daniel
wisdom and knowledge, because he would not be influenced by any
power that would interfere with his religious principles. The reason
why we have so few men of mind, of stability and solid worth, is that
they think to find greatness while disconnecting from Heaven.
God is not feared, and loved, and honored, by the children of men.
Religion is not lived out, as well as professed. The Lord can do but little
for man, because he is so easily exalted, is so ready to think himself of
consequence. God would have us enlarge our capabilities, and avail
ourselves of every privilege to unfold, to cultivate, to strengthen the
understanding. Man was born for a higher, nobler life than that which
he develops. The period of our mortal existence is preparatory to the
life which measures with the life of God.
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The Bible the Greatest Teacher
What subjects are presented in the Sacred Scriptures for the mind
to dwell upon! Where can be found higher themes for contemplation?
Where are themes so intensely interesting? In what sense are all the
researches of human science comparable in sublimity and mystery
with the science of the Bible? Where is anything that will so call out
the strength of the intellect in deep and earnest thought?
If we will let it speak to us, the Bible will teach us what nothing
else can teach. But alas! everything else is dwelt upon except the word