SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

Publishing Committee · Saratoga Springs, N. Y. · Mar 2, 1852

"SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES."

This very important duty enjoined upon the church by our Divine Lord is greatly neglected. It is not enough to merely read the Bible as we would read other books; for its precious truths are given in such a manner, "precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little and there a little," that it is necessary to search the Sacred Volume.

There never was more need of searching the scriptures than at the present time. The varied forms of deceptive error that are now in existence, and so industriously propagated, make it necessary that we should search the scriptures, and search them diligently and with great care. Said Paul to Timothy, "Preach the Word," and assigns this reason, that the time would come when men would not endure sound doctrine, but turn their ears from the truth unto fables. That time has certainly come. Those who preach, should preach the Word; not the commandments and traditions of men; not the "Fathers," but the word of God. That will abide for ever.

Our position is one that requires study. Those who observe the Sabbath of the Bible, have taken a bold position, and in order for them to maintain it, and enlighten others around them, they must be prepared to give from the Bible the reasons of their faith. Those who observe the first day of the week, as a Sabbath seldom feel the importance of searching the scriptures for light on the Sabbath question. That theory will stand best where the Bible is not searched. But those that turn aside from the multitude, to observe the weekly memorial of Jehovah's Rest, and stand out boldly in its defense, can but feel the importance of a thorough knowledge of the subject.

The course that has been pursued by our opponents for a few years past, in taking the many positions they have taken against the Sabbath, (positions perfectly destructive of each other,) is sufficient to show that they will try every possible means to keep the children of the Lord from embracing it. These false theories are calculated to confuse the minds of those who do not search the scriptures for themselves. In order to stand firm in the truth and in this warfare "bear hardness as good soldiers," we must be armed with scriptural reasons of our faith. The brethren who have the privilege of hearing and reading the reasons of our position should be prepared to teach them to others; but instead of this, in some cases they have need that one teach them the first principles of the truth.

Some cannot grasp an argument as readily as others, nor retain it as long; but in many cases it is for want of interest, in the truth, and a knowledge of the Word. Such should search the scriptures with redoubled energy, patiently and prayerfully. The Spirit of God will then help their infirmities, and lead their minds fruitfully into the unfolding truths of the Bible. Those who really love the precious word of God, do not have to go abroad for joys, having a feast at home.

It is evident that the proclamation of the message of the third angel is attended with the special blessing of the Lord. This is no small evidence in favor of the correctness of our position; yet it would be extremely unsafe to settle down on this evidence alone, without being able to give from the Bible the reasons of our faith.

Many believed the Advent, while powerful revivals, and the conversion of thousands resulted from the labors of those that proclaimed it. But as they did not search the scriptures, and learn their true position from the Bible, when the trial of their faith came, they could not endure. The only safe position then was to study the evidences of the Advent faith. Those who neglected to do so, and trusted to be led by the Spirit alone, or were willing to rest down on the evidence that God was in the Advent movement, without studying the Word, have in the scattering time been dreadfully shaken. But very few if any have any faith at the present time.

This is sufficient to show that our only safe position is to have our faith based on the word of the Lord, and that it is the duty of every brother and sister to search the scriptures, and know the reasons of their faith. No means will be left untried to turn you from the truth. Every objection that can be raised against it, you will doubtless hear sooner or later. And then there is a scene of anguish before us that will try men's souls, and will shake everything that can be shaken. Brethren, have your feet upon the rock. Know why you believe. Stand fast, be strong. Be ready to give the reasons of your faith with meekness.