The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1891-08-26
Learn It By Heart.

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Learn It By Heart.
We have been asked by a CORE
spondent to publish an article on
the best method of Bible study,
especially with reference to obtain
ing from the Scriptures the most
help for daily needs. We hesitate
in attempting to comply with this
request, merely Because we fear that
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 practi-
cal method of making the Divine
Word serviceable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruc-
ton in righteousness, for comfort,
for encouragement, for enjoyment,
for protection, for every possible
useful purpose in all times and cir
cumstances, we are compelled to say
that there is no study of the Bible
which compares in usefulness with
committing II to memory. That por-
ton of Scripture which we know so
we'll that we can reproduce it at any
moment in mind and word is popu.
larly 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
position very near the heart.
In reading and studying any lite
rary material of the highest quality
it will be found by many minds that
it is not thoroughly understood in
the fulness of its meaning 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 Shake
speare and Milton and other writer's
of the first class. In the Word of
God there are unfathomable foun-
tains of wisdom, of love, of power,
which we may in some degree make
wells within our own hearts by max
ing them inseparable parts of our
own mental furniture. living water
of which we may drink at any leisure
moment. In times of temptation
this two-edged sword is thus always
In our grasp, and we may use it as
our Saviour did when he encoun-
tered the adversary in the wilder
ness. He knew the Word of God
by heart, and three times he used it
to discomit the hater of God and the
enemy of soulp. in times of sorrow,
during those wear hours when read
ing or conversation is impossible,
1t is a strong consolation to have q
rich supply of this delicious balm
close to the bleeding spirit.
In times of illness, when sight and
hearing may both be so impaired
that we cannot obtain any fresh
supply of outward impressions, there
may be the best medicine for both
soul and body in these words that
are for the healing of nations. But
apart from all these and other great
necessities, this memorizing of the
Divine Word may be made contin-
uously useful in the daily, hourly
hurry and worry, toll and trouble,
of modern life, which places such
strain on all our powers. These Cos
pei stories, these apostolic state
ments of doctrine, these glorious
prophecies, these heavenly songs,
have power to hold, to calm, to
expel and to uplift which is un-
known to any other words that were
ever uttered If you know them, so
that you can dwell on them i'm all
their matchless beauty and sweet
ness and strength, they will often
rest your weary brain in the midst
of all the roar and confusion of the
busiest and noisiest corner i'm the
world. There are many cures now
being offered for various infrmi-
ties. Many of them have been help
full to many. But we do not know of
any greater help for struggling, trem-
bling, suffering, toiling men and