STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES.
By Jos. Clarke.
“If Spalatin consoled his friend, and supported him by his influence, Luther on his part endeavored to answer the questions put to him by the unassuming chaplain. Among others, the latter asked one that has been often proposed in our days: ‘What is the best method of studying Scripture?’ “As yet, most excellent Spalatin, Luther replied, you have only asked me things that were in my power. But to direct you in the study of the Scriptures is beyond my ability. If, however, you absolutely wish to know my method, I will not conceal it from you. “It is very certain that we cannot attain to the understanding of Scripture either by study or by the intellect. Your first duty is to begin by prayer. Entreat the Lord to grant you of his great mercy the true understanding of his word. There is no other interpreter of the word of God than the Author of this word, as he himself has said: They shall be all taught of God. Hope for nothing from your own labors, from your own understanding; trust solely in God, and in the influence of his Spirit. Believe this on the word of a man who has had experience.”—D’Aubigné’s History of the Reformation, p. 307. May it not be that the views of many now are too superficial in respect to the influence the study of the Bible should have upon the life? Do not too many barely read the word of God, as they would a common book, feeling all the while a perfect capability of mind to understand it of themselves? How many at the present day study the Bible as Luther did, feeling from the inmost soul his utter inability to comprehend its meaning without the special aid of the Spirit? Shall we not learn a lesson of the mighty reformer in this matter, and strive more than ever for the help of the Spirit, that we may understand? As Luther in retirement sought unto God for light, as in his cell, away from the true people of God, among the minions of the pope, he groaned and agonized before God in prayer for light, so let us among those who at heart hate the light, amid the gross moral darkness around, awake as Luther did, to our duty, and gird on our armor for the fierce conflict before us.