Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-11-17

author, Rev. S. T.. Furst, of Bellefonte, at
the meeting of the Northern Conference Of
the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Central
Pennsylyania, which convened at Centre
Hall, this county, on November 2, 1881.
In commencing his reading Of the paper
Mr.. Furst said
The topic assigned for discussion in this
paper is stated in the programme thus
"How TO Study the Word of God" II
will not be- expected that even an outline
for complete discussion Of 10 important
II subject can be furnished within the lin
its. 1t has become the fashion of late years
10 suggest and advocate many new meth
ods for the study OF the Word of God,
most Of which are more novel than COM
mendabic. We hear much Of Bible read-
ings-typical historical, biographical,
chronological, &c--but we question
whether any who have pursued course Of
this kind have gained much accurate Bib.
lical knowledge in such shape a. to be Of
practical and permanent value. These
plans IRE too fr"gmentary and disconnected
10 yield substantial results of such breadth
and height and depth rs may be realized
by more systematic and rational manner
of application. In all the numerous latter
day addresses, lectures and sermons deliv-
cred or in the multitude of articles written
on this subject have not once heard or
read a reference 10 wbst seems TO me 10 be
the plan Of plans, the very foundation, the
only proper starting point for an intelli.
gent, connected and successful study Of the
Word Of God. That Is 10 commence with
the central figure Of all earthly history
the character which is the beginning, the
middle, the end, the all Of Scripture
CHRIST.
Taking our stand by Him we are within
and look outward, backward, forward, all
around. Our feeble sight Is aided by the
halo Of glory shining from his perfect
character, which illuminAtcs and causes 10
stand out In 4 clearer light the figures and
shadows OF the ceremonial Law, and which
brightens and WHITES the dark prophecies
As well as makes real, edifying and prae,i-
cal all biblical history. The student who
pursuss any other method only creeps
around on the outside, cropping In the dark
and resting on merely human props lie
may a, times obtain slight glimpse in
ward, or may occasionally enjoy = moment
AIRY lash Of light that reaches out 10 him
in bis insecure position, In constant danger
Of falling But the devout Christian with
in has the advantage of being fixed on the
Rock that cannot bo shaken-ihe sure
foundaiion-w the fulness Of the light
Of Heaven streaming through every pass
age, bringing forth in letters Of living
liRh, all parts Of the revealed Word, open.
ing with indcscribablc brilhAney the tenn
pie Of divine truth, in the very midst Of
which he gloriously revels clote by bic SA.
vior's side.
But, 10 be lees hgurAiiye and more spe-
ciGc, let each student remember and de-
vouily practice the following three distinct
ways Of reading and studying the Word of
GOd Fin,--Slowly read short portions in
connection with private devotions and
family worship at least two or three times
a day. Second-Resd rapidly 81 least half
q dozen pages every day in order to ob,sin
and extend fresher or general acquain,.
ance with Bible history, preccpts, Ian
guAge, sc. Third-SPend some time daily
upon the tpecial study Of some particular
book or other portion Of Scripture, using
commentaries and other good helps, and
going a. thoroughly a. possible into the
connection and exact meaning Of all the
sentences examined. Never forget that the
best commentary on the Old Testament
ever written IL the New Testament
And while thus engaged observe the
following directions in reading, hearing
and studying Gods Word and in doing
Christian work. II include the dottg be-
cause none can 90 clearly comprehend
God's revealed truth ss the devout Chris-
tisn whe daily, hourly, babituAliy, con-
scientiously, submissively, lovingly, Prae.
tees the holy precepis.) First-Stady dill
gently, |. G., bring all the natural faculties,
concentrated and ronsecrated attention. in
tslligcnce, memory, in short all the God
given mental powers. 10 bear upon the
work; press them into the service Of a
close, busy, searching investigation of
Gods truth for the purpose Of understand
ing Alright and Of being impressed Alright
with that truth. Sccond--SfEdg earnestly,
With the burning desire Of conscience
stricken sinner longing TO be right with
God; the simple and serious desire TO be-
come Wise unto salvation; . deepfelt de.