The Bible as an Instructor.
By G. C. Tenney
It is a well-proven proverb that “of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” Books of instruction in the various acquirements are greatly multiplied, and they are written in the most pleasing and approved manner. Books on manners and morals, walking and talking, eating and drinking, are very numerous. Different branches of science have been deeply investigated by active minds, and the results of their investigations have been given to the world in well-written books. In seeking for the knowledge of this world our attention is called to these; and long, valuable years are spent in acquiring a knowledge of their contents. The true student realizes more and more how little one can know in this short life, and what an infinity of knowledge surrounds the small circle of human understanding. The pursuit of the different branches of knowledge is doubtless commendable; but great attention should be paid to the motive which actuates the student, as upon this depends the use which will be made of the knowledge gained. In education, as in everything else, final success depends upon the principle from which we work. And as the Judgment alone will determine the final result of every undertaking, the same principle should prompt us in all we attempt. If any man build upon other foundation, or work from other motives, hay, wood, and stubble will indicate the nature of his work. The fear of God, and a sincere desire to do good, should actuate us in all we do. This principle is appropriately called the beginning of wisdom, as it presents the only purpose worthy of our lives. An education without this principle wrought into its foundation and interwoven with its fabric is as worthless as the house upon the sand. This is the substance of all morality and righteousness, the fulfilling of God's commands. It is the first and second great commandments upon which hang all the law and the prophets. All the teachings of the Bible are but precepts, comments, examples, and illustrations of the same principle. The substance of all true knowledge is here. Though none of the Bible writers were D. D's. or LL. D's., they were men who, inspired by the Spirit of God, understood the wants of humanity, and in their writings they gave us the rules which should govern us in every ennobling pursuit. The moral teachings of the Bible do not consist in mere abstract precepts, but they are clothed with life and acted out in our sight. Righteousness and sin are illustrated side by side. They are traced in their courses from beginning to end, and their results plainly contrasted. The dangers which beset the slippery paths of youth are clearly shown by lively precepts and living examples. And although the personages brought out in the Scripture narratives do not possess the angelic perfections of modern fictitious heroes, they are true to human nature as we experience it, and they illustrate the great good which may come from wise and careful instruction. The surest guarantee of success in this life, and of entrance to eternal life, is to instill into the minds of the young an early love for the study, and respect for the teachings, of the Bible. Let the great principles of love to God and love to man be held up as the only worthy object of life, and let the calling of life be chosen with regard to those principles, and the foundation of a stable character, a noble education, and a useful life, will have been laid. Paul's commendation of Timothy was that from a child he had known the Holy Scriptures, to which fact may be ascribed his useful life. In the day of Judgment how foolish will appear the wisdom of this world to those whom it has led to ruin. How earnestly we should seek to gain and impart that wisdom from above which is revealed in the word of God. G. C. Tenney.