HOME AND FIRESIDE by Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Dec 17, 1912

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 39, No. 49.

HOME AND FIRESIDE

By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

Home Studies

WE will place the Bible first, because it is incomparably superior in every way to any other and every other book. First of all, we should study it because it contains the only reliable story of the earth life of Jesus of Nazareth. All other written mention of His life must be judged only as it agrees with this.

The story of Jesus forms the backbone—the framework, as it were—of the entire Book; for all the complex system of rites and ceremonies of the Old Testament pointed forward to the Coming One, and in Him met their wonderful and complete fulfillment.

The prophets prophesied of Him; the inspired poets sang of Him; the ministration of the priests typified His earth life and His death. In Him were met perfection of life and perfect purity of character, as well as infinite wisdom and infinite majesty and goodness. He is our only pattern. He is our only hope. His merits and His blood are the only ransom that will be accepted at last. For this reason, if for no other, it is desirable and necessary that we study His perfect life.

And so also, all books that treat of this Perfect One, reverently, Scripturally, and humbly, are books that it is always safe and profitable to bring into our home studies.

The study of the Bible Christianizes, elevates, refines, and ennobles. It stands without a peer as a brain developer and a character builder.

"But," some one protests, "it is entirely unreasonable to confine our young people to that alone."

Yes; so let us provide other books as well, but let this Book be the guide in our selection for books of study as well as for general reading.

Nothing outside sacred literature is more interesting and profitable for home study than books of natural history. But even here, of course, we must still allow the Book of books to stand sentinel. Children always have been and always will be interested in the study of animal nature.

Well, they should be encouraged in this. Let the little ones learn to be observing. Ask Mary to tell you all she has ever learned about the squirrel. If the children have ever been able to watch the antics of these little animals, you will be surprised to find how much valuable information the observing little ones have acquired about them.

Let Johnny and Sammy study to their hearts' content about bears and lions and tigers and elephants. They will learn much that is profitable.

Did you ever notice that in the last few chapters of the book of Job, the Almighty Himself gives most wonderful instruction in natural history? What an astonishing description He gives—and in language so simple that a child can understand it—of the lions and the ravens and the wild goats and the unicorns! And then, as if the Most High would have us know that He delights in beauty, He mentions the beautiful plumage of the peacock and the ostrich.

The description of the horse is sublime in its simplicity. But even the humble grasshopper comes in for its share of notice, as well as the hawk, and the sharp-eyed eagle and her lofty nest. Behemoth and leviathan receive far more mention and notice in these wonderful chapters than even the whirling planets swinging by His almighty power through the boundless depths of space.

As if He would impress His servant Job with the fact that His eyes are open to the needs of His humblest creatures, He stops short, in His majestic mention of the Pleiades and Orion and Mazzaroth and the fiery Arcturus with his sons, to speak in tender thoughtfulness of His providing food for the tiny and helpless fledglings of the raven.

It is well, also, to study the history of men and nations. This will be more interesting, perhaps, for the youth and the older members of the family, than for the little children. And still, if the history of great and good men be followed from their childhood, it will be found very profitable and interesting even for the children.

And here, again, the Book of books must take the lead. It is always well to have certain hours set apart for home studies—studies in which all the family can take part. If such a plan is followed, and followed persistently and studiously, it will be a matter of astonishment and delight to note the steady growth of real, helpful knowledge.

I have already had much to say about Bible study. But I must emphasize the absolute necessity of a thoro understanding of the precious doctrines of the Word, by the youth and children, if we would have their young feet planted upon the solid rock of God’s eternal truth. They must be able to resist the temptations and false doctrines of these tempestuous and perilous days. The snares and pitfalls set for young feet by the cruel and cunning enemy are many.

Spiritualism, with its seductive delusions and its satanic suggestions, must be met and conquered in the name of the Lord. How are the young people of our homes going to be able to meet it?—"His truth shall be thy shield and buckler." Precious promise! But of what use would it be to possess the "buckler and shield," if we neither used them nor understood how to use them?

Vice and Wickedness are rampant. Higher Criticism lifts her unbelieving voice; and even "Science, falsely so called," beckons our young with alluring finger. Unbelief and Skepticism, with blatant voice and brazen forehead, intrude their hateful presence in every community. No home is too sacred, no heart too innocent, for their insinuating suggestions to take root.

Where, then, is our safety? I repeat: There is safety only in a careful study of the Guide-book. And even then, we must assimilate as well as study. Its sacred truths must be inwrought into the very warp and woof of our being. Then shall we be able to meet the cunning fables of the enemy, with a "Thus saith the Lord."

Then whatever lines of home study are taken up, let them be in harmony with the grand truths of the Bible, which alone are able to make us wise unto salvation; and may we not forget that—

Good books are friends to guide our wandering feet In paths of righteousness and pastures sweet. Other than these, true wisdom never knows. Other than these are never friends, but foes.