Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1850-12-03
Religious Meditation.

Two distinct clements are involved in
religious meditation. The first is, an In
tellectual apprehension of religious truth
Without this there can be no profitable
meditation. If our conceptions are err
roneous, the more we mediate, the farther
we shall be led asiray, A revelation has
been given US 10 supply the great truths
which we need. The existence and at
tributes of God, the incarnation OF Christ
the Gift of the Spirit, human responsibility
and destiny, and kindred matters stand
out in bold relief in the divine word, be-
cause they are so intimately connected
with the plan of salvation. Other topics
NAV be glanced at, but not unfolded. Inc
finite here and there is seen touching the
infinite, but beyond the point OF contact
all is mystery, because the unfolding OF II
is not essential to man.
To mediate pro6tably, Gods word
must be read and studied. A superficial
reading is of but small service. The
word should be studied. 1t contains the
great truths which angels desire to look
into, and which have in all ages occupied
the thoughts of the redeemed. 10 bring
these truths INFO contact with the human
soul, Christ spent years of suffering and
of Toll pissl.s=y51men,s And surely 70 the
Christian no labor Z 10 great, in inves-
,igating the meaning of the sacred record.
The Bible itself should be read systemat-
ically and prayerfully. Passage should
be compared with passage. Line should
be placed under line, and precept COM
pared with precept. Each part Of the
great system should be examined, SO that
gathering s.here little" and "there lit
tle," the fulness and preciousness of the
whole truth may be perceived. Com
mentaries should also be consulted upon
difficult passages, that we may bring to
our aid the assistance of many OF the
strongest and best minds which God gave
TO our race.
But religious meditation contains some
thing more than the mere examination
and apprehension of the truth. Its second
element is the practical application OF that
truth 10 our personal condition. Here is,
indeed, its great value. But unfortunately
many, who love 10 speculate upon the
truth, are averse to giving 1t any practical
power. The truth is clearly perceived,
and, in many instances, we fear that the
individual compliments himself upon his
superior accuracy in defining and pro-
pounding the matters at issue, and fails
TO attain, in his own experience, the prop
or fruits which Heaven had in view in
giving The revelation. Many Christians
err here, and well it is for them, if min
listers do not, in some instances, commit
at This point fatal error. Occupied in
studying the relation Of things, and in SO
propounding the truth as to bring it TO
bear upon the consciences Of others, they
become habituated TO neglect the practical
influence upon their own hearts. Such
is also the case with Christians OF age
and standing, who are, TO some extent,
engaged in teaching others. Let all strive
not only to ''know the truth" but to re-
alize constantly, in their own experience,
that lhe"truth makes them Free" Then,
and then onIS>>wi!l the ;rue end of re-
ligious meditation gained.-Wssfern
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