Memorizing Scripture by Evangelical Messenger

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 20, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 44.

Memorizing Scripture.

By Evangelical Messenger

It is to be deplored that in the modern methods of work in the church, and particularly in the Sunday-school department, so little stress is laid upon the old-time custom of memorizing the Scripture verses. After all the explanation and teaching of the Scripture in our times, afforded by the numerous "lesson helps," there is still a sad lack of familiarity with some of the plainest, most common, and yet most important Scripture passages. In our hasty adoption of new methods in preference to the old, with a view to more rapid improvement, and more practical efficiency in the Lord's service, we sometimes improve backward. I have great praise for our modern "lesson system," if only it included some plan or inducement by which more of the precious word itself would be actually memorized. The modern idea is: Get the thought-meaning of the Bible; not so much the "letter" as the "spirit." But we must not forget that a non-acquaintance with the "letter" often leads to a misinterpretation of the "spirit." And further, we must not forget that nothing is so potent to meet the scoffs of infidelity, blunt the sword of unbelief, or "ward off the fiery darts of the wicked one," as the simple word itself. We may even be unable to sound the full meaning of a passage, and if we are able to repeat it in the right place and time, yet be able to do great execution with it. We cannot become too familiar with Scripture phrase. If we are to be "mighty in the Scriptures," the thousand warnings and the "exceeding great and precious promises" should be at the very tongue's end, ready at any moment to become a sword in the hand of the Christian, by which to slay sin. Scripture verses should become the language of the heart, so that "out of its fullness the mouth" might declare the word of the Lord.—Evangelical Messenger.