The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-11-03

Ok QUIZ VIVUotAOA notuhoAAy 0AAACA - ~ss~
theirs. Their systems OF interpreta-
tion do not meet our requirements or
cover the whole ground for ~. care
fully and reverently ~ We may study
. or esteem them. Therefore. we are
thrown upon God for the supply OF our
wants. ana so we como to the Bible
with our. cwn perplexities and prob.
lens. with the conviction that there
we will find the light and comfort we
/ seek and need.
A widely diffused interest in the
Bible is a Characteristic feature Of our
own time. No writings. whether sacred
or secular, were ever translated into
SO many languages and dialects. Many
great dlvines and scholars are devoting
their time and intellect to its history
and its Interpretation. There has never
been time OF greater need for the
champions Of the Bible to devote their
most faithful efforts to defend and sus-
tain It's teachings. because II has never
investigation as now.
|. 1t is truly painful to the devout
Christian to note the tone and temper
with which many Of the critics deal
with the Bible But he may possess
his soul in patience and still hold the
view that has hitherto satisfied his
own deepest needs. He welcomes
whatever light men Of learning may
throw upon II. whether from monu-
ments or from manuscripts. To all
who have special capacities for such
research he gives respectful hearing.
His motto will be: Prove or try all
things: hold fast TO that which is true.
OF this we may be sure. that however
opinions may vary a. to the structure
and the sources Of the sacred books. !
they will continue to the very end to
do for those who come after, what they
have done from the outset, namely. Ito
faith which is in Christ Jesus"
The words Of our text aptly describe
the true function Of the Holy Scrip !
lures for the Christian soul 1t il
through a devotional study Of them
we may obtain light, and no matter
who We are. be. made wise unto SAL |
vation" Again, these words of our
text remind US that the word of God
was designed to be to us, in our journey |
through life, what a lantern is to a
wayfarer who would pass in safety |
over a dangerous pathway during a
dark night
The illustration is simple enough. |
but not SO the carrying out Of the
principle with which it deals. Each
case must vary with the disposition OF
those who use the Bible. They who
seek to know the truth. that they may
walk in it. who would know the will
Of God that they may do it. shall never
lack Of light: they will both perceive ,
and know what things they ought TO
do. On the other hand, those of us
who do not strive by Gods help To
live up to the light which we have.
those Of us who know what We ought
to do and do not do It. will not find
the light Of Gods word Let us but
will to do Gods will. and we shall
never wanc for guidance in the way of !
duty.
How blessed the comfort, the exulta-
ton. the radiance Of hope which these
blessed writings Of the Bible minister
to those who are ready to receive them
as the message of their Heavenly
Father, and who seek evermore the
teaching of His Holy Spirit as they
read. And this light, too. shines
brightest when the shadows fall thick
about us. when bereavement. bodily
suffering. loneliness Of spiritual dark
ness come. as come they must Then
as we recall the blessed words, Thy
word is a lamp unto my feet, and a
light unto my path let US also say
with the Psalmist the next verse: Il
have sworn. and am steadfastIy pur-
posed to keep Thy righteous judg-
uerts"