our opinions for ourselves, as
we are to answer for ourselves before God.

The truths most plainly revealed in the Bible have been involved in doubt
and darkness by learned men, who, with a pretense of great wisdom, teach
that the Scriptures have a mystical, a secret, spiritual meaning not
apparent in the language employed. These men are false teachers. It was to
such a class that Jesus declared, "Ye know not the Scriptures, neither the
power of God."(1032) The language of the Bible should be explained
according to its obvious meaning, unless a symbol or figure is employed.
Christ has given the promise, "If any man will do His will, he shall know
of the doctrine."(1033) If men would but take the Bible as it reads, if
there were no false teachers to mislead and confuse their minds, a work
would be accomplished that would make angels glad, and that would bring
into the fold of Christ thousands upon thousands who are now wandering in
error.

We should exert all the powers of the mind in the study of the Scriptures,
and should task the understanding to comprehend, as far as mortals can,
the deep things of God; yet we must not forget that the docility and
submission of a child is the true spirit of the learner. Scriptural
difficulties can never be mastered by the same methods that are employed
in grappling with philosophical problems. We should not engage in the
study of the Bible with that self-reliance with which so many enter the
domains of science, but with a prayerful dependence upon God, and a
sincere desire to learn His will. We must come with a humble and teachable
spirit to obtain knowledge from the great I AM. Otherwise, evil angels
will so blind our minds and harden our hearts that we shall not be
impressed by the truth.

Many a portion of Scripture which learned men pronounce a mystery, or pass
over as unimportant, is full of comfort and instruction to him who has
been taught in the school of Christ. One reason why many theologians have
no clearer understanding of God's word is, they close their eyes to truths
which they do not wish to practise. An understanding of Bible truth
depends not so much on the power of intellect brought to the search as on
the singleness of purpose, the earnest longing after righteousness.

The Bible should never be studied without prayer. The Holy Spirit alone
can cause us to feel the importance of those things easy to be understood,
or prevent us from wresting truths difficult of