The Signs of the Times
April 11, 1906
Our Great Treasure-House
God's Word a Perfect Whole—Part 4
No other study will so ennoble every thought, feeling, and aspiration, as the study of the Scriptures. No other book can satisfy the questionings of the mind, and the craving of the heart. By obtaining a knowledge of God's Word, and giving heed thereto, men may rise from the lowest depths of ignorance and degradation to become the sons of God, the associates of sinless angels. ST April 11, 1906, par. 1
A clear conception of what God is, and of what He requires us to be, will give us humble views of self. He who studies aright the sacred Word will learn that human intellect is not omnipotent; that, without the help which none but God can give, human strength and wisdom are but weakness and ignorance. ST April 11, 1906, par. 2
As an educating power, the Bible is without a rival. Nothing will so impart vigor to all the faculties as an effort to grasp the stupendous truths of revelation. The mind gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is allowed to dwell. If occupied with common-place matters only, it will become dwarfed and enfeebled. If never required to grapple with difficult problems, it will, after a time, almost lose the power of growth. ST April 11, 1906, par. 3
Something for All
In its wide range of style and subjects, the Bible has something to interest every mind and appeal to every heart. In its pages are found history the most ancient, biography the truest to life, principles of government for the control of the state, for the regulation of the household—principles that human wisdom has never equalled. It contains philosophy the most profound, poetry the sweetest and most sublime, the most impassioned and most pathetic. Immeasurably superior in value to the productions of any human author are the Bible writings, even when thus considered; but of infinitely wider scope, of infinitely greater value, are they when viewed in their relation to the grand, central thought. Viewed in the light of this thought, every topic has a new significance. In it the most simply-stated truths are involved—principles that are as high as heaven, and that compass eternity. ST April 11, 1906, par. 4
The Bible is the most comprehensive and the most instructive history that men possess. It came fresh from the Fountain of eternal truth, and a divine Hand has preserved its purity through the ages. Its bright rays shine into the far distant past, where human research seeks vainly to penetrate. In God's Word alone we find an authentic account of Creation. Here we behold the power that laid the foundation of the earth, and that stretched out the heavens. Here only can we find a history of our own race, unsullied by human prejudice or human pride. ST April 11, 1906, par. 5
Life in the Word
“The excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.” “The words that I speak unto you,” said Jesus, “they are spirit, and they are life.” “This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.” ST April 11, 1906, par. 6
The creative energy that called the world into existence is in the Word of God. This Word imparts power; it begets life. Every command is a promise; accepted by the will, received into the soul, it brings with it the life of the Infinite One. It transforms the nature and recreates the soul in the image of God. ST April 11, 1906, par. 7
The life thus imparted is in like manner sustained. “By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God,” shall man live. ST April 11, 1906, par. 8
The mind, the soul, is built up by that upon which it feeds, and it rests with us to determine upon what it shall be fed. It is within the power of every one to choose the topics that shall occupy the thoughts, and shape the character. Of every human being privileged with access to the Scriptures, God says; “I have written unto him the great things of My law.” “Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” ST April 11, 1906, par. 9
The Bible Brings Companionship
With the Word of God in his hands, every human being, wherever his lot in life may be cast, may have such companionship as he shall choose. In its pages he may hold converse with the noblest and best of the human race, and may listen to the voice of the Eternal as He talks with men. As he studies and meditates upon the themes into which “the angels desire to look,” he may have their companionship. He may follow the steps of the heavenly Teacher, and listen to His words as when He taught upon mountain, and plain, and sea. He may dwell in this world in the atmosphere of heaven; imparting to earth's sorrowing ones thoughts of hope and longings for holiness: himself coming closer and still closer into fellowship with the Unseen; like him who of old walked with God, drawing nearer and nearer the threshold of the eternal world, until the portals shall open, and he shall enter there. He will find himself no stranger. The voices that will greet him are the voices of the holy ones who, unseen, were on earth his companions—voices that here he learned to distinguish and to love. He, who through the Word of God has lived in fellowship with heaven, will find himself at home in heaven's companionship. ST April 11, 1906, par. 10