p. 115 | Untitled article

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, August 6, 1867

THE BIBLE.

The Bible is of divine origin. Men are the channels through which this water of life has flowed to us, but God is the source of it. Mariners observe that the seas on the globe are of different colors. One is of a green color, another is of a blue cast, and a third is of a dark hue; but all are composed of water. So Moses, Isaiah, John, and all the sacred writers, though differing in other respects, wrote as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Hence it is called the Word of God, and the Book of the Lord. It is not Satan’s invention; for the father of lies would not propagate such glorious truths. It is not of man’s devising; for it contains loftier strains than Homer’s or Milton’s, and purer moral maxims than Seneca’s or any of the sages of antiquity. Are you perplexed by the mysteries of the Bible? You must remember that it is the production of an infinite mind, and that it will probably be our lesson-book throughout eternity. There are problems in it for philosophers, and there are also knots which children may untie. It is the most suggestive book in the world. Myriads of sermons have been preached to explain and enforce it; thousands of books have been written to unfold and illustrate its lessons; and the press is teeming with more at the present time than ever before. It contains lumps of solid gold which may be beaten out endlessly. Every time we search it we find something new. Every time we dive into this sea we bring up fresh pearls. Every time we go down into this mine we discover rich veins. It is literally inexhaustible; and the longer we study it the more we shall understand it. Let us pray as the psalmist did, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” Prayer is the key that unlocks the doors of the mysterious chambers of the Scriptures.

The Bible is a letter. It is indited and sent by the Father in Heaven to his children on earth. As a wise father gives counsel to his children when they are away from home, so God has ordained a way to instruct us. He has sent a love epistle to all mankind. The gospel is glad tidings of great joy for all people. It is the good news that a Saviour has been provided for the race; that pardon is offered to the chief of sinners; that happiness may be obtained by all; and that heaven is prepared for all believers in Jesus. Oh what marvels of grace and love! They are worthy to be written in characters of living light. Does it make your heart glad when you receive a letter from home? Do you devour its contents with avidity? In like manner eat and digest the words of God, for they are sweeter than honey or the honey-comb. They are like wholesome loaves of bread, and will feed your soul.

The Bible is a lamp. It throws its bright beams across the dark and intricate path of life. It shows us the pits and precipices of sin. It is not a flickering and uncertain ignis fatuus leading us into the bogs of pollution; but a steady and constant light, guiding us to the Celestial City. It is the fountain of civilization, the charter of freedom, the friend of science, and it aids us in all our efforts for the benefit of men. It is the only original depository of the world-renowned maxim of the Master, “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Are you lost in your journey? Look at this finger-post, and it will direct you aright. The Bible is a cabinet. It contains gems, and jewels, and all manner of precious stones. Here is Christ to be found, who is the pearl of great price. He is most beautiful; he glows with a mild and regal splendor, and is more precious than ten thousand worlds. Here is the shining silver of a meek and quiet spirit displayed, and the gold of patience tried in the fire. Here is the jewel of sweet contentment, the gem of a tranquil conscience, and a crown of righteousness that fadeth not. Here is the sparkling stone with a name graven on it, which no one knows but he that receives it. Are you running a race after riches? Seek these, and you shall find them. They are enduring treasures. They will never take wings and fly away, as the eagle toward heaven. The Bible is an arsenal, and a tower built for an armory. It possesses unlimited stores of spiritual ammunition. On its walls are hung thousands of helmets, shields, and bucklers. In it are piled up all sorts of armor, breastplates and arrows, swords and spears. It has never been exploded or captured by the enemy. From it all the mighty reformers and invincible Christian warriors, of all times and nations, have obtained their effective weapons. Here are guns of large calibre and long range. No ordnance, either ancient or modern, can bear any comparison with them. Peter’s gun is thundering yet; and the echoes of Paul’s have not yet died away. Men’s inventions are often cast aside as useless; but the Word of the Lord endureth forever. Do you want to become soldiers of the cross? Then equip yourselves. The gospel trumpet is sounding, and the hosts are gathering. To arms! to arms! Fight for the cause of God and man. Stand up for the good, the true, and the right. “Quit yourselves like men; be strong.” “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal; but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.”—Independent.