SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES by L. E. Milline

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 21, 1868

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES.

By L. E. Milline

“Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the Scriptures?” How much error and false doctrine we find abroad in the land in these last days; and why is it? Because they know not the Scriptures. Error springs from a neglect of the holy Scriptures. There is so much reading, such a multiplicity of books, that we, who profess to believe in the soon coming of Jesus, are in great danger of neglecting the important command, “Search the Scriptures.” We should not merely read them, but should search them as a miner searches for gold and precious stones. Here we may find true holiness as the path that leads to glory and immortality. “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.” ’Tis a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path. Through its “precepts I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way.” “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold. Sweeter, also, than honey and the honeycomb.” Let us search the word diligently, for, thus saith the Lord: “The Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool, but to this man will I look, to him that is of a poor and contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” We all desire happiness, and had we all the treasures of this world, they could not impart such true happiness as that derived from the word of God. Then let the blessed book be searched by us daily, that we may learn God’s will concerning us. It is able to make us wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away.” Oh! what would this poor world be without the blessed Bible. It points out the only way to Heaven. Oh! that we, in this, our day, knew the things that belong to our peace; we should be more diligent in the study of the holy Scriptures. And to read with profit, always read them with prayer for divine instruction. “If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.” Oh! what a blessed promise, and oh! how much wisdom is needed in these perilous times, to keep us from the snare of the enemy, who has come down in great wrath, knowing that his time is short, and would deceive, if possible, the very elect.

“Blessed Bible! how I love it, How it doth my bosom cheer, What hath earth like thee to covet? Oh! what stores of wealth are here.”

L. E. MILLINE.

July 13, 1868.