The Daily Study of Scripture
Reading the Scriptures, next to prayer, is essential to the maintenance of the life and power of true godliness in the soul. Searching the Scriptures is a duty which no Christian can neglect without great spiritual loss. There is a power in the divine word that enlightens, quickens, restrains, comforts, and influences the mind as nothing else can do. The desultory reading of the Scriptures is better than their entire neglect, but the greatest benefit is derived from reading the Bible consecutively and statedly, noting the connection between its different parts. In this way the mind is brought permanently under the influence of the truth, and it becomes as a light to our path and as a lamp to our feet. The soul needs daily nourishment as well as the body, and for this purpose we should come daily to God not only in prayer but in the perusal of his word, that we may receive that divine aid that will strengthen us for every duty and trial. A neglected Bible is a sure indication of a neglected soul. The psalmist could say, "Thy word have I hid in my heart." Happy is that man whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates therein day and night.—Sel.