The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1891-09-02
LEARN 1T BY HEART.


LEARN 1T BY HEART.
We Should Study the Scriptures by Com.
hitting Them to Memory.
We have been asked by IA correspond
ent to publish an Article on the best
method of Bible study, especially with
reference to obtaining from the Scrip
lures the most help for daily needs. We
hesitate in attempting to comply with
this request, merely because we fear
our answer may seem insufficient on
account of its simplicity and we may
offend as the prophet did in prescribing
for Naaman. But if we take this risk
and say sincerely just what we think
as to the best practical method Of max
ing the Divine Word serviceable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in Righteousness, for COM
fort, for encouragement, for enjoy
ment, for protection, for every pos
sible useful purpose in all times
and circumstances, we are COM
peeled to say that there is no study
of the Bible which compares in use.
fulness with committing 1t to memory.
That portion of Scripture which we
know so we'll that we can reproduce it
at any moment in mind and in word,
is popularity said to be known "by
heart" 1t is true that it may be known
only "by head" and yet so great is the
power of Divine truth, when known
'by head" that it occupies a position
very near the heart. In reading and
studying any literary material of the
highest quality, it will be found by
many minds that it is not thoroughly
understood in the fitness of its mean
ing, until it is actually appropriated by
the memory. 1t is in the memorizing
process, and in the contemplation which
memory continues, that we obtain our
grandest impressions of much that was
given us by Shakespeare and Milton,
and other writers of the first-class.
In the Word of God there are
unfathomable fountains of wisdom,
of love, of power, which may in
some degree make wells within
our own hearts, by making them
inseparable parts of our own mental
furniture, living water Of which we
may drink at any leisure moment. Ii
times Of temptation this two-edget
sword is thus always in our grasp, ant
we may use it as our Saviour did wher
He encountered the adversary in thu
wilderness He knew the Word of Coz
| hoe ~ nd fiy,aS Ia ,,co1 ~ ff
discomft the hater of God and tn,
enemy of souls. In times Of sorrow
during those weary hours when readin.
or conversation is impossible, it is
strong consolation to have rich sup
ply of this delicious balm close to tn,
bleeding spirit. In times OF illness,
when sight and hearing may both b,
so much impaired that we can no
obtain any fresh supply of out
ward impressions, there may b.
the best medicine for both sou
and body, in these words tina
are for the healing of the nations
But apart from all these and othe
great necessities, this memorizing o
the Divine word may be made continu
ously useful in the daily, hourly hurr,
and worry, toll and trouble, of moderl
life, which places such q strain on al
our powers. These Gospel stories, thes
apostolic statements of doctrine, thes
glorious prophecies, these heavsnl,
songs, have power to hold, to calm
to expel and to uplift which is unknown
to any other words that We're ever Ut
tered. If you know them, so that 20
can dwell on them in all their match
less beauty and sweetness and strength
they will often rest you weary brai
in the midst of all the roa
and confusion of the busies
and noisest corner in the worlt
There are many cures now being OF
fered for various infirmities Many o
, them have been helpful to many. Blu
we do not know of any greater hel
for struggling, trembling, suffering
toiling men and women, than this pre-
, cious word of God, which He has give
us as the living bread which comet
down from Heaven. We know that
, is the spirit Of God which enables us
, feed upon it, to our spiritual nourisf
, ment. But we also know that thos
portions of it which we have made OF
own at all times and seasons are thos
upon which we are able to feed mo-
: frequently and enjoyably.
Samuel Rutherford, in writing
|. Lady Kenmure, says: "But we foo
believe those promises as the man tn;
: read Plato's writings concerning tn
. immortality of the soul; so long as tn
book was i'm his hand, he believed a
was true. and that the soul could M
; die, but so soon as he laid by the boo
!. presently he began to imagine that Il
soul is but an airy smoke of vapor, thj
perisheth with the expiring of Il
breath; so we at starts do assent to u
sweet and precious promises: but la
' ing aside Gods book, we begin to ca
the question" New our counsel is
9 appropriate all we can of Gods book
completely, that we can not lay it asid
, that we carry 1t about with us as L
: turtle his shell, that we may never be
: moment at any distance from o
Q strong tower.-N. Y. Observer.
|. 1t is folly to expect the world
e advance on better lines, if we as in
IS viduals do not try to advance.-We