The Bible

The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.

Its doctrine is holy, its precepts binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.

It contains light to direct you, food to sustain you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the travelers’ map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.

Here, Paradise is restored, heaven is opened, and the gates of hell are disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.

Read it slowly, frequently, and carefully.

It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.

It is given to you in this life, will be opened at the judgment, and will be forever remembered.

It involves the highest responsibility, gives the greatest reward to its laborers, and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents.

• “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command thee, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you”—Deuteronomy 4:2.
• “Every word of God is pure; he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words lest he reprove thee and thou shalt be found a liar”—Proverbs 30:5, 6.
• “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”—Revelation 22:18-19.