Search the Scriptures by E. Putnam

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 4, 1873

Search the Scriptures.

By E. Putnam

“Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39.

Nearly two thousand years have passed away since this admonition was uttered by our Saviour. A few have gladly searched the word of life, that guide which was given, to be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path; but how few, comparatively, have realized the importance of searching it earnestly, prayerfully, and with a mind enlightened by the Spirit of God.

How are we to know the will of God, and understand his dealings with the children of men; but by studying his word. “These things are written for our admonition, and for our learning, that we, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, might have hope.” How shall we know our dangers? how distinguish right from wrong, error from truth, but by his word? Paul, speaking of the people in Berea, says, “These were more noble than those of Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily whether these things were so.”

We have here an example of testing new and strange doctrines by the word of God, the detector given us by our kind, compassionate Heavenly Father. “To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”

If it was important in Paul's day to search the Scriptures, is it not doubly so now, when darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the people? when men's hearts are failing them for fear, and for looking after those things, which are coming on the earth?

Yes! it is important; and, thank God, the Bible student is not left to float down the stream of time, without chart or compass. We may trace the lines of prophecy and know just where we are in the world's history, and how to escape the impending wrath of an offended God. We may find, in this priceless record, something to meet our every condition. There is no circumstance in life in which we may be placed, but we may find some word of promise applicable to us. The sinner may have pardon, the backslider may hope. “Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings.” We need not despair though our sins be as scarlet.

We may be poor; we can find words of encouragement here. The same God, who caused that the widow's handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse should not waste, will care for those who put their trust in him. That God lives and reigns to day. But we cannot expect him to work a miracle to save us, if we neglect the means of salvation he has provided. Let us search his word, that we may be able always to give an answer to every man that asketh us a reason of the hope that is in us with meekness and fear.

I will here copy a few sentences from Testimony No. 2. “I saw that young and old neglect their Bibles. They do not make that book their study and rule of life as they should, especially the young. * a day is coming, of clouds and thick darkness, when all will wish to be thoroughly furnished by the plain, simple truths of the word of God, that they may meekly, yet decidedly, give a reason of their hope. This reason of their hope, I saw they must have to strengthen their own souls for the fierce conflict. Without this they are wanting, and cannot have firmness and decision.” E. PUTNAM. Battle Creek, Mich.