EVA M. SHIVELY, M. D by Eva M. Shively

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 19, 1907

EVA M. SHIVELY, M. D

By Eva M. Shively

A Plea for Bible Study—No. 1

EVA M. SHIVELY, M. D

The Christian's hope is that he may be again allowed the companionship of God and angels, and dwell in the earth made new, spending the time throughout eternal ages in the study of God's Word and works, and in pure and unselfish worship of the great Creator of the universe.

That this hope may be realized, what course must we as seekers for eternal life pursue? May we not with profit begin here, by way of preparation, the course of study we expect to continue when eternal life is granted us? We have here God's Word and works, and the promise of his Spirit to guide us in our preparation for citizenship in the better world.

In regard to the study of his Word our Saviour says: “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Deut. 8:3; Matt. 4:4); or, “by every word of God.” Luke 4:4.

From my office window, at the foot of the mountains of Colorado, I can look out and see piles of stone which have been taken from the earth; and during the summer, I often hear the boom of dynamite explosions, and see men digging down into the bowels of the earth in untiring search for her treasures. If they strike a rich vein, what constant and careful attention is given to procure and guard these treasures, which, should their greatest hopes be realized, can obtain for them only worldly comfort and pleasure.

And which of us, should we be so fortunate as to possess one of these rich, precious, ore-yielding mines, and could know that each effort made would be rewarded with valuable gems or ore, would not put forth unceasing effort to gather to ourselves these treasures? And should we know that this mine was inexhaustible, growing richer the deeper we go, how earnestly would we labor to obtain those precious stones requiring only our effort to uncover. Would a single day or hour pass in which we left these treasures uncared for or unguarded?

But I hear you say, “The earth has never given to us such a mine of wealth.” Nay! but have we not such a one? The judgments of God, “more to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold.” Ps. 19:10. Is not here the valuable and unfailing mine of wealth that we seek in vain for elsewhere? And never are we disappointed in delving for its treasures.

In order to be good citizens of any country, an understanding of, and obedience to, its laws are necessary. In order to be good citizens in harmony with the government of God, a perfect understanding of, and obedience to, his laws are necessary. This good citizenship the Creator intended in the beginning should be accomplished by a personal companionship in which we might be taught by God and angels the requirements of the heavenly land. And while living under this government, Eccl. 3:11, 12, tells us what our condition and purpose of life should be: “He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, . . . for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.”

In this life of joy and gladness under a government perfect in its preparations for its subjects, there was no need for defensive measures until man wilfully threw aside this blessed companionship, and placed himself at variance with the government by breaking its law. “The harmony of creation depends upon the perfect conformity of all beings, of everything animate and inanimate, to the law of the Creator.” “Everything is under fixed laws, which can not be disregarded.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 52.

Now that the transgressor had cut himself off from companionship with God, no more could he daily be taught by this sweet communion, but instead of casting us off as we deserved, in greatest kindness our precious Saviour gave his own life, calling us to accept redemption through his blood. Instead of personal companionship with God and angels, he sent to us his written Word to tell us of this immutable law and the plan by which we may again be reinstated in his presence. This mine of untold wealth, the Word of God, which promises us home, communion with God, everything that pertains to life and godliness; which pleads with us (Deut. 5:29) to have a heart inclined to God, to keep his commandments (ever promising the strength) that it may be well with us—shall we neglect to seek for its gems of great price?

All soldiers must know how to use their sword, and our great Commander calls his would-be soldiers to careful and systematic drill. This drill will consist in obtaining and using a knowledge of this Word.

Ps. 1:2 tells us to meditate day and night. Deut. 6:6, 7, says: “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” “Praying . . . and watching . . . with all perseverance.” Eph. 6:18. Then, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim. 2:15.

Boulder, Colo.