The Kosciusko star. (Kosciusko, Miss.) 18??-1898, 1895-11-15


in it which many others do not
seem to be able to find. They
have facility in showing US the
deeper meanings of Scripture
words. They elucidate the teach
ings of inspiration in such a way
as to make our hearts burn within
u9 as we read what they have
written. Books of such writers
are peculiarly helpful in the closet.
If we read a chapter from one Of
them, or few pages, or possibly
only a paragraph or two, we shall
have some scriptural truth shining
with new beauty in our heart when
we leave our closet, or we shall
have a fresh impulse toward some
important duty, or we shall have a
vision of spiritual loveliness glow
ing before us which shall draw us
toward more heavenly living, or,
if We are in sorrow, we shall carry
awoy some precious comfort which
shall give us sweet peace.
Such devotional Interpretation
of the Scriptures is always helpful
in the closet. 1t is strange how
precious Bible truths will elude
the eye of reader, sometimes for
years, though he read the chapters
over and over again. Then some
day a few sentences in sermon
Or in a book will lift them out of
their hiding place, and they will
flash in brilliant beauty. What
we want in the way of interpreta-
ton for such reading of the Bible
as will bless our lives is the appli-
cation of its great teachings to
common, daily, practical life. A
paragraph that takes text, and
SO opens it for US in the morning
that all day long ithelps US to live,
becoming true lamp to our feet,
and staff to lean upon when the
way is rough, is the very best de.
votional help we can possibly have.
Most people need to have the Bible
explained to them-at least, they
find great benefit in such real OPP
ening Of its words.
Take an example. You read q
few sentences which explain to
you the meaning Of the words.
Cast thy burden upon the Lord,
and he shall sustain thee" You
are reminded that, in the margin
of your reference Bible, gift" is
suggested as another reading for
burden" Then you are remind
ed further that in the Revised Yer
sion the marginal reading suggests
further application of the word
so that the phrase reads: Coast
that he hath given thee upon the
Lord" So your burden, whatev-
er it is, is something which God
has you,--a gift of God to you.
Hence it is sacred, and carries
folded up in it a blessing. This
opening OF the Scripture changes
the whole aspect of your burden.
You are reminded further that
there is no promise here that this
burden will be taken away, the as
surance is tiat you will be sustain
ed in bearing it. This gift of God
is blessing, and you caonot afford
to have it taken away from you.
You must keep it, but you will be
enabled to bear it. One who finds
such an opening of the text as this
in his morning reading, has acquir-
ed food for a whole day, which
will prove also an Interpretation
for life. Every chapter in the
Bible is meant to help US to live.
and there can be no better reading
for private devotion than that
which really opens the Scripture:
for MS.
Another class Of devotional read.
ing OF great practical value is poe.
try. Some people always sing
hymns as part Of their private
worship. Itthis is not practicable
The reading of good, uplifting
hymns has great value as a means
of spiritual culture. 1t warns the
heart and kindles praise and ador-
alton.
The chief thought to be empha-
sized here is that we need to read
as well as to pray; otherwise we
shall not grow The Bible is al
ways the first book to be used.
But most people need help in the
Interpretation of the Bible, so as
to get from it the precious things