Search the Scriptures by Albert Weeks

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 9, 1872

“Search the Scriptures.”

By Albert Weeks

In what way shall we search them? If we are skeptical we must lay aside previously entertained views and prejudices, and weigh the ideas found there in the balances of reason; for prejudice will blind our eyes so that we cannot see where a reason exists. We must be sure we are willing to know the truth, then let nothing interfere with a candid investigation.

If we believe that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, we should collect all passages on the subject under investigation, and take a position that will produce harmony. If any passage of Scripture conflicts with the position we have taken, we may know that our position is not correct.

This idea of a harmony of the Scriptures is not much thought of at the present time. A single text is selected while there are many more on the same subject which are passed by in silence. It was this way of dealing with the Bible that originated the saying that “the Bible is like a fiddle, you can play any tune on it you please.”

It is even said by professors of Christianity that you can prove anything by the Bible. This they say to quiet themselves in thinking they “are as near right as any body,” and therefore safe. In this they virtually say that our Saviour did not understand what he was doing when he prayed that his disciples might be one even as he and his Father were one.

The truth is, if all possessed the same honesty of purpose, and would get the aid of the Spirit that dictated the sacred record, they would be of one mind. Discord is because of a lack in these things.

The Bible is not responsible for the discord that exists in the religious world. It is that waywardness which has always attended the human family that occasions the departing from simple truth.

ALBERT WEEKS.