Table of Contents

Part 5. Helpful Books for Bible Study: 1. Books that have to do with the Text

Part 5. Helpful Books for Bible Study: 2. Concordances

Part 5. Helpful Books for Bible Study: 3. Bible Dictionaries

Part 5. Helpful Books for Bible Study: 4. Bible Outlines

Part 5. Helpful Books for Bible Study: 5. Outlines of Special Topics

Part 5. Helpful Books for Bible Study: 6. Commentaries

Part 5. Helpful Books for Bible Study: 7. Hints as to Reading

Samuel Ridout - How to Study the Bible - Part 5 - Helpful Books for Bible Study

Practical [7]

Samuel Ridout

This document may be found online at www.stempublishing.com

You are welcome to freely access and use this material for personal study or sending to other Bible students, compiling extracts for notes etc, but please do not republish without permission.

With the prayerful desire that the Lord Jesus Christ will use this God-given ministry in this form for His glory and the blessing of many in these last days before His coming. © Les Hodgett (contact@stempublishing.com) (2011)

Part 5. Helpful Books for Bible Study: 1. Books that have to do with the Text

How to Study the Bible

S. Ridout.

Part 5.

Helpful Books for Bible Study

So far, we have rigidly adhered to our theme: "How to Study the Bible," and have endeavored to put ourselves in the place of the young believer who is just starting out upon this great life occupation. We must again remind our readers that this is no course of study out of which they are going to graduate. It is, however, a school in which the routine, so far from being irksome, becomes an increasing delight; and we rejoice at the fact that here at least it is no disgrace to be always scholars; indeed, in one sense, we should be always ready to take our place with the beginners, and to enjoy the lessons just as much as they do.

We have, therefore, almost avoided the mention of any books except the Bible itself, in the hope that our readers will be encouraged to take up that precious Book with the confidence that from its pages directly they may learn more than they could from any number of commentaries, educational encyclopedias, and all the paraphernalia of theological study.

Now when this is settled in the mind, and the reader or student has become an original investigator, to a certain extent dependent upon no other help than the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the prayerful, intelligent reading and study of the Bible, he is in a position to appreciate all the more keenly and to profit more fully from the many excellent helps to be found in books. For such, therefore, we have no misgivings in turning now to books other than the Bible, always remembering that at the last we must receive the truth for ourselves from God, no matter what instrumentalities He may use in making that truth plain to us.

Creeds, for instance, are excellent and often admirable statements of Christian doctrine. The mistake in using them, however, is in making them authoritative statements of truth instead of historically giving us the faith of those who compiled them. Looked at in this way, they are helpful and valuable; but a creed, as has been pointed out by a profound Bible student, must be made up firsthand; each of us in that way must make a creed for himself. So it is also with all human literature. It is a servant, a handmaid, not a master. It can point out things to us and give us clues, but of no book, however wise and rich it may be in instruction, can it be said: "Thus saith the Lord."

We must be pardoned for dwelling a little upon this at the threshold of our subject, but there is a need. Many true Christians read their Bibles largely in a perfunctory way, and turn with a measure of relief to some expository book and gather practically their instruction from it. Now let us face the matter. The word of God is more important than the best word of man about that Word, and the Bible itself states things infinitely more wisely and clearly than the wisest books of men; only, the Bible being a revelation of the whole mind of God which He has seen fit to make known to us, has a vastness, fulness, comprehensiveness which the combined intellects of all time can never exhaust; so that we may gladly profit by the suggestions and helps of others. We may say, in general, that those books are most helpful which are most stimulating. That book which satisfies us with itself, and does not stir a longing to turn to the word of God has something wrong about it. The best books ever written are in that way but signboards to point to where all knowledge dwells.

1. Books that Have to Do with the Text

1. The Bible Itself. As we are taking up the subject of books, we will refer our readers to what we said about the copy of the Bible it is best to have. We are living in a day of Bible production; publishing houses vie with each other in producing the most excellent and attractive editions of the Scriptures. They can be had in all sizes and for all purposes. As already recommended, we would suggest that one have a larger Bible for the table at home, with good, clear type, and a margin sufficiently wide to make such notes as it will be desirable to preserve. If one is making his notes freely, as was suggested, marking everything that strikes him, such a copy had best be moderately cheap, so that when it is marked up, it could be laid away. Where this is done and the student can afford it, it might be well to buy a wide-margined Bible of good paper, in which the more permanent markings could be entered, with such notes as he desires to preserve for constant reference. A Bible of this kind need not have any "Helps" in the back, which increases the bulk. Perhaps the note-book will take the place of the casual daily markings, and we need have but one table Bible for careful and permanent entries. Thus, subjects could be traced throughout and divisions noted, and whatever else is of permanent value would be preserved. In addition to this table copy, it is well to have a book as small as can be conveniently read, to carry about with us in the satchel or pocket.

There ought to be numberless opportunities for the use of our pocket Bible, and probably a great deal of our consecutive reading and memorizing will be done with it. Bibles for permanent use for the table, and the pocket Bible, had best be of good quality, and here at least the best is the cheapest. If one is going to spend as much as three dollars for a book, he had better strain a point, if need be, and spend five to nine but if he cannot afford to do this, he will probably get almost as much satisfaction out of one for two. The middle-priced books are often rather disappointing, but any book, no matter how expensive and how well-bound, must be properly treated or we can easily "break its back" by opening it in the centre and straining it back at once. We should follow the directions which often go with such books, and open carefully, passing our finger along the joint where the leaves are stitched together, beginning with the first few leaves and alternating with the last, until we have thus pressed out the leaves at intervals of six or so, throughout the entire book. In this way, the book will gradually open and the glue at the back not be broken.

The writer may be pardoned for not advising the purchase of two books of the "facsimile series" as they are called, where the larger editions correspond exactly to the smaller in their paging, so that local memory is assisted. We are not going to be limited to two Bibles all our lives, and it seems a pity to be brought into what is almost a bondage in the use of one style of book. As we grow familiar with our Bibles, we will find little difficulty in turning to passages.

We unhesitatingly advise the use of the authorized version alone as our textbook and companion. It is a great pity to take up any revision or version, no matter how excellent, and make it the basis of our work. If for no other reason, the fact that King James' version, while sufficiently accurate, is universally used would decide us in this.

2. Other Versions. As soon as one is fairly familiar with the text of our authorized version, it is very desirable to get one or more versions. The original Greek or Hebrew can be rendered of course in different ways, and yet the translation be faithful. It is this diversity of translation which proves so helpful as one advances in Bible knowledge. The way a sentence is translated, the different words used, or their arrangement, often prove a very suggestive help. Back of this is the question of the text, particularly of the New Testament which, as is well known, has been more or less improved by the discovery of ancient manuscripts since the time our admirable "Authorized" version was made. As we have already said, none need be disturbed at the thought that the text has been altered in certain places. If we remember that our Bibles were, for many centuries before the discovery of printing, copied by the slow and laborious means of handwriting, we may be sure that many little slips occurred, no matter how careful the copyist might be. It is worthy of note, however, that amongst the hundreds of manuscripts which are in existence, in the most faulty of these, not a single doctrine of divine truth has been affected, if we take the Bible as a whole. The vast majority of these errors are so manifest and of such unimportant character that their correction raises no question.

A number of passages in Scripture, however, have been rendered obscure by this faulty copying. Occasionally, too, the copyist has dropped out a word, phrase, or even a sentence which is found in other manuscripts; and occasionally what was evidently a marginal note or explanation has been incorporated into the text by a succession of copyists who have apparently thought it helpful to the understanding of the passage. Thus, the familiar passage which found its way into our version (1 John 5: 7, 8) is an interpolation which was probably introduced by some monk copyist more than a thousand years after Christ, and does not exist in any manuscript that can be considered for a moment as authoritative on such matters. There are very few passages so glaring as this, but quite a few where the text has been more or less affected, and where a judicious and reverent scholarship has, by faithful research, found out the more ancient reading and the exact original wording.

Now, wherever this has been ascertained, of course we should make use of it; and here was one of the great needs for a revision of the text. The Revised Version of 1881, together with the recommendations of the American editors of the same, furnish very many helpful suggestions along these lines. Care, however, should be taken by the student, not to slavishly follow the suggestions of the revisers, for in some cases they are themselves open to further revision, and (with the exception of manuscript corrections mentioned above) are no improvement upon the Authorized Version — rather the reverse.

We mention, therefore, another revision of the New Testament, of somewhat earlier date,which is more conservative and careful in its emendations of the various readings.* This book has a valuable introduction which will put the average reader in possession of the facts needed to appreciate the importance of textual revision; and a list of the principal manuscripts, with their description, is also given. The special feature of this work is that in foot-notes the editor puts the reader in possession of the manuscript authorities which have been the basis of his own alterations in the text, thus enabling one to form his own judgment. This feature of the work renders it particularly valuable, and we unhesitatingly recommend it to the student as a companion in his Bible study, together with the Revised Version.

{*New Translation of the New Testament by J. N. Darby.}

Along with these two, we would recommend the text of the Numerical Bible,* which also gives many suggestions as to passages in question, as well as an excellent translation.

{*It is hoped that an edition of this valuable revision, separate from the Notes, may in time be published.}

Thus far we have dwelt simply upon the text itself. For those who desire to go more fully into this subject, we would refer them to the many excellent books on New Testament textual criticism. Among these might be mentioned. "The Words of the New Testament," by Milligan and Roberts; and, for those who desire a larger work, "New Testament Textual Criticism," by Scrivener.

In what we have said about the text, it must be understood that we refer chiefly to the New Testament. That of the Old Testament remains what it was, the Massoretic text, manuscripts of which are not so ancient even as those of the New Testament, and which have so little variety in them as practically to be a unit. The Septuagint and other versions are too uncertain for us to allow them at present to affect the integrity of the text as we have it.

The Revised Version of the Old Testament is also helpful, and Mr. Darby's particularly so. That part of the Numerical Bible which has been issued is also very helpful in this direction.

Thus far we have dwelt exclusively upon the matter of text and manuscripts. When we come to translation, as has already been intimated, we find especial value in the use of different versions. Every good version in our own or other tongues is just a translation of the original from a slightly different point of view. We would not advise the beginner to get more than the few versions already indicated; but for the advanced student we would say that every genuine new translation which he can get will prove in some way suggestive. Thus, Rotherham's "Critical Translation of the New Testament"; Alford's more popular but scholarly version of the same; and any other genuine and reliable attempt to give the meaning of the original, will prove suggestive. We do not, of course, speak of those wretched and irreverent travesties of translation which result only in bringing dishonor upon the word of God. These, no matter how well intended, may be safely let alone. To express the word of God in the language of the daily newspaper is certainly no gain, but a great loss. If one is familiar with any foreign language, by all means let him have a copy of the Scriptures in that tongue. These will all prove helpful and suggestive in one way or another.

The advanced student might also have one or more versions of the Old Testament by Jews. These will prove suggestive in certain directions, and the manifest effort to avoid the testimony of their Scriptures to the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ is both sad and instructive. Truly, "They know not the voice of the Prophets, which are read every Sabbath day." Leeser's "Sacred Scriptures" is perhaps as good as any of these Jewish versions of the Old Testament.

The "Douay" or Roman Catholic version is by no means a poor one, and can be added to the stock of translations, both for whatever of suggestiveness it may offer, as well as to enable us to meet the Romanist with his own version of the Scriptures in our hand. Not to confuse the average student, we recur again to our recommendation, if but one additional version is used, let it be Mr. Darby's, or that of the Numerical Bible; and our last word, best of all for the average reader is the Authorized Version.

3. The Original Text. This place will perhaps do as well as any to say something about the originals. Comparatively few Bible students have a knowledge of the original Hebrew and Greek, and we need not dwell very long upon this part of our subject, as we have more particularly in mind English readers. It may not be amiss, however, to say to college graduates, or those who have a fair knowledge of Greek, that it is a pity to let it slip as most do. Without pretending to independent scholarship, an ordinary knowledge of the Greek Testament is exceedingly profitable. Multitudes of details which would only cumber a translation can easily be gathered by the average student. Take, for instance, the simple matter of synonyms. We have a very profitable field of study open to an ordinary student. The same is true as to the use of prepositions, to say nothing of the shades of meaning involved in mood and tense.

The last verse of Rom. 12 recurs as an illustration of the delicate shade of meaning in the use of prepositions. "Be not overcome of (hupo, literally, by) evil, but overcome evil with (en, literally, in) good." Here "evil" is looked at as a power from outside which threatens and could easily overcome us. On the other hand, "good" is the atmosphere in which we are to live, occupied with it, and in the power of this can meet and overcome evil.

Most are familiar with the delicate distinction made by the evangelist John in the restoration of Peter (John 21), where our Lord uses the stronger, we might say divine, word for "love," agapao, and Peter in response uses the more human phileo. The very use of the words might suggest that self-distrust which had so happily taken the place of Peter's vain confidence; a dis trust, however, which must not be allowed to go too far, or it becomes false humility.

Therefore let the one who has the Greek make use of it, and be very thankful for it. It is a most absorbing and delightful line of work, which yields rich results. On the other hand, we would not recommend the average Bible student whose time is limited to a few minutes each day to attempt to master so intricate a language as the Greek of the New Testament; but for the encouragement of those who have leisure and purpose of heart we say, The fact that you have never acquired the language at school need not deter you from the attempt to get a moderate, working knowledge of the New Testament Greek by devoting a certain specified portion of your time to faithful study. Perhaps as useful works in this direction as any other are, Dr. Green's "Grammar of New Testament," and Harper and Weidner's "Manual of New Testament Greek."

We add a further word of caution for all except those who are actually qualified. Do not attempt to be dogmatic, and do not quote Greek to those who know nothing about it, nor make your little gleanings the staple of instruction to your Sunday-school class or at meetings. It will usually be found that those who have a fair knowledge of the original will be slower to exhibit it than those who have merely a smattering. We need to remember the apostle's injunction, and "put on humility of mind."

What we have said about the New Testament will apply equally to the Old. Hebrew is far simpler, and therefore not so difficult a language as the Greek. Yet it is the divinely-chosen medium of inspiration for the Old Testament. The very language is itself pictorial, or typical, and is therefore appropriate to the times of type and shadow. It is a most beautiful language, which, with a marked simplicity, is also sufficiently flexible to express profound emotions. It would, however, scarcely lend itself to the delicacies and shades of meaning, for instance, of the Gospel of John or the epistles of Paul. The Greek is perhaps the most perfect vehicle in existence for the expression of abstract truth; but in Old Testament days, while the time for this abstract statement had not come, the Hebrew, by its very simplicity and pictorial character, is peculiarly adapted to its own special use.

Hebrew etymologies are particularly interesting, and, as we know, the significance of names has in late years attracted much attention and been useful in opening up hitherto neglected portions of Scripture.

We add a word as to certain characteristics of the language which are suggestive. As is well known, there are but two tenses in the Hebrew, the past and the future. The present is the changing point between these two, itself suggesting a profound truth. There is also what is called the conversion of tenses which affords suggestive lessons. For instance, in Gen. 1: 1; we have the simple statement: "In the beginning, God created (bara) the heavens and the earth." This is a simple preterit. It carries us back to the beginning. The next event, however, is not described by a preterit, but a future, rightly translated however by a preterit. The original, by a vav conversive, changes the future into a past. Literally, it would be: "And God will say, Let there be light." The thought seems to be that we take our stand in the beginning with God, and look out upon the work which He is about to do: as though in answer to our question, What will He do next? the answer is given,

And God will say, Let there be light; and God will see the light that it is good." In other words, the language is intensely dramatic. It enacts the whole scene before us, instead of simply narrating it.

Many highly interesting and profitable suggestions will be gathered by one ordinarily familiar with the Hebrew, and we would again earnestly advise those who have time to keep it fresh by a little daily reading. Five minutes each, spent on the Hebrew and Greek daily, would at least prevent our losing what we have gained.

Those who desire to take the time to acquire a fair knowledge of Hebrew, by no means an insurmountable task, can find helpful books. The "Elementary Hebrew Grammar" by Dr. W. H. Green, and the "Hebrew Chrestomathy" by the same author will suffice.

Part 5. Helpful Books for Bible Study: 2. Concordances

How to Study the Bible

S. Ridout.

Part 5.

Helpful Books for Bible Study

2. Concordances

We will speak of concordances first as being practically indispensable to those who are going to make progress in study. There are numbers of these, and it will not be understood that we are recommending one to the exclusion of others if we do not mention all.

In selecting a concordance one should know exactly what he desires, as it is well nigh impossible to get every feature in one book. Of first importance for ordinary Bible students is one which gives every word in the Bible in alphabetic order with a reference to every passage in which it occurs, and a sufficient number of words to enable one to identify the reference. Of books which practically do this, perhaps the earliest was "Cruden's Concordance," which in its various editions still remains the one most commonly in use, with many excellent features to recommend it. It is not, however, strictly alphabetic, but the same word is sometimes divided into groups with characterizing words, so that two, three or more lists or groups of the same word are given, which are somewhat confusing to one merely looking for a passage.

"Walker's Concordance" is quite good, although possibly not so complete as Cruden's, but without the undesirable feature we have just mentioned.

"The Oxford Pocket Concordance" is a much smaller book, suitable for carrying about, but would scarcely be recommended for permanent use, being so much abridged.

The best of all verbal concordances with which we are acquainted is Strong's "Comprehensive Bible Concordance," which has the advantage of placing every English word used in the Scriptures, including all proper names, in exact alphabetic order. This excludes the articles "a" and "the" and a few pronouns and other particles constantly in use. The author, however, has even included these in an appendix, indicating an immense amount of labor for which, with all respect to his diligence, we do not see the need.

With this concordance, the English reader can select any word, except those just mentioned, and find its reference in the concordance. He will not be confused by a variety of lists, groupings, divisions or anything else. In addition to this, each word has a number, while different kinds of type indicate whether the word is Hebrew or Greek. These numbers are arranged in their order in two other appendices, in which the original Greek or Hebrew word is given, spelled also in English letters, with its meaning, and with the various English words which are used to translate it in our Bibles. We are thus quite completely in touch with the original tongues. Perhaps it is the best of all concordances for those who can have but one. Its great bulk, however, makes it unwieldy — a hindrance for some.

"Young's Analytical Concordance" differs in some respects from Strong's. It gives us the English words in their alphabetic order, and under each English word we have the various original words which are used to translate it. Here we have lost the thought of a reference concordance, but have gained greater accuracy in having the different original words which are translated by the one English word classified in separate lists under an English heading. "Young's Concordance" gives us, no doubt with a good degree of accuracy, all the original words translated by one English word. He fails, however — which seems a distinct blemish — to give us all the original words, whether translated by different English ones or not. In other words, he has made the English version the basis, instead of the original.

We come next to "The Englishman's Hebrew and Chaldee Concordance" and "The Englishman's Greek Concordance" by G. V. Wigram, which we consider the most helpful and scholarly work of its kind. Here, the original is made the basis and the words are arranged in the order of the original alphabet and not of the English. Under each original word is given in English every occurrence of that word in Scripture, after the manner of "Strong's" or "Cruden's." The English word which is the translation of the original is printed in italics, so that there can be no doubt. Thus, the ordinary English reader is put in possession of a concordance to the original tongues, but on an English basis. The Hebrew and Greek are given in their own characters, and spelled out in English also. All in all, for purposes of study, we consider "Wigram's Concordances," especially the Greek one, to be the most useful of all.

However, as we have already said, Strong's is the best where only a single concordance can be had. Our recommendation would be Strong's and Wigram's.

We merely speak of other works, no doubt excellent in their way: "Hitchcock's Bible Analysis," Bullinger's and Hudson's Concordances, and a very portable one for a Greek scholar, Schmidt's. All are useful in their place.

In addition to a concordance, we would recommend "The New Topical Text Book" with an introduction by Dr. Torrey, in which various Scripture passages are grouped together to illustrate certain topics, This little book will be found quite helpful in the topical study of the Bible as described in Part 1, Section 5.

Simply for those who may desire to know, we mention for the Old Testament, Tregelles' Edition of "Gesenius' Hebrew Lexicon" and for the Greek, perhaps none is better than Dr. Robinson's Dictionary of New Testament Greek. Cremer's might also be named.

Part 5. Helpful Books for Bible Study: 3. Bible Dictionaries

How to Study the Bible

S. Ridout.

Part 5.

Helpful Books for Bible Study

3. Bible Dictionaries

In the wider use of the word, an excellent single volume is Fausset's Bible Cyclopaedia which has the merit of scholarship, orthodoxy, and to a certain extent a spiritual apprehension of the truth.

Another Bible Dictionary, published by G. Morrish, has the added advantage of a deeper spiritual apprehension, though we are not prepared to speak with the same certainty of its breadth and scholarly character.

"Smith's Bible Dictionary," Hackett's edition, in four volumes, is perhaps the best of the comparatively recent and thoroughly scholarly works. It also has the merit of orthodoxy which, alas, is, lacking in many other modern works.

Hastings' Bible Dictionary, and Driver's, and all of that kind are to be eschewed by any one who loves the word of God. They are thoroughly leavened and tainted by higher criticism, and all the vain show of scholarship but raises dust to obscure the vision of the simple.

Other helpful and useful books of this character would be "Ditto's Bible Dictionary"; McClintock and Strong's "Doctrinal, Ecclesiastical and Theological Cyclopedia," ten or twelve volumes — of larger works the "Schaff-Herzog Cyclopaedia," an adaptation in English of Herzog's larger German work, and for ordinary readers the smaller Bible Dictionary by Dr. Schaff, are all that need be mentioned. Two books with many helpful articles are the "Handbooks to the Old and the New Testaments" by Walter Scott.

Some of these can be picked up occasionally in secondhand bookstores for a small sum. For any who are buying one book, we would recommend. Fausset as likely to give the greatest satisfaction.

Part 5. Helpful Books for Bible Study: 4. Bible Outlines

How to Study the Bible

S. Ridout.

Part 5.

Helpful Books for Bible Study

4. Bible Outlines

We devote a special section to a class of very helpful books which lie between the dictionary and the commentary. For want of a better word, we will speak of these under the general head of Books of Bible Outline. They give us in a general way the contents of the whole Bible sometimes in a brief, rapid summary, and again in a more detailed unfolding of the contents and purport of each book or perhaps, better than all, the contents and scope of each book and its grouping

as bringing out the marvelous, perfect structure of the Scriptures.

1. "The Books of the Bible" by J. N. Darby, is a little book that can be put in the pocket and read through perhaps in an hour or so. It is very brief, but gives an excellent summary of all the books of both Old and New Testaments.

2. "Bible Outlines" by Walter Scott, is fuller and is valuable as giving a summary of the books of both Old and New Testaments in sufficient detail to enable one to form a fairly clear and comprehensive view of the Bible as a whole.

3. "The Numerical Structure of Scripture" by F. W. Grant, supplies a most suggestive and beneficial outline of the books, describing them not only by their contents, but by their numerical position in the various groups into which Old and New Testaments are divided. This is a most helpful book, and its publication marked what we may almost call an epoch in systematic Bible study.

4. "From Genesis to Revelation" by S. Ridout. This book is based upon the preceding, and is an attempt to combine the structural analysis of Mr. Grant with a descriptive summary of the contents of each book, somewhat after the manner of the "Synopsis" next to be described. It lies, in this way, midway between the two, and has been helpful in giving in simple, colloquial language, easily understood, the results of the profounder work that went before.

5. "Synopsis of the Books of the Bible" by J. N. Darby. Perhaps no uninspired book that has ever been written, all things considered, has been more used in opening up the word of God than these five unpretentious volumes. Two are devoted to the Old Testament and three to the New. Originally written in French, but added to and enlarged by their author, they were written, as nearly all the works of this devoted and learned servant of Christ, with the special object of the edification of the people of God. A prolific author of some forty volumes or more, it might be said that scarcely one of them was prepared without some definite purpose in view. Often it was to meet error. Even when writing on such topics as particles and prepositions, there was the evident purpose of the edification of the saints. Learned beyond ordinary, but with no pretense of pedantry, with a mind the equal or superior of any in his time, coupled with the simplicity of a child and the devotedness and zeal of first love, we cannot too warmly commend everything written by this faithful servant of God.

His "Synopsis" remains the one book par excellence for the Bible reader and student who desires to get a full, clear summary of the contents and scope of the word of God. Mr. Darby had the unusual gift, beyond most, of grasping the great, salient features of an inspired book and of falling into the current and purpose of the Spirit of God in its elucidation. He could thus state in a few paragraphs the main theme and object of each book. This was followed by a few words marking the divisions of the book and under each division is given further the contents and main theme of each chapter or group of chapters. The work is therefore of great value as a companion to simple Bible reading. If we would spend a few minutes in reading the outline of the special chapter with which we are occupied in our Bible reading, it would be very illuminating. While all this applies to the Synopsis of the entire Bible, it is particularly true of the three volumes of the New Testament, and in a special degree of the Epistles, where the characteristic truths of Christianity, so long tangled up in a vague mass with all the rest of Scripture, are brought out in their true light and distinctness. For those who are familiar with the "Synopsis" no words of ours are needed to commend it, but we cannot too earnestly advise those who hope to gain a clear apprehension of all the word of God to secure this work, and make it the companion of their studies.

This must suffice for books of general outline.

6. In addition to these, for the New Testament and for that part of the Old which it covers, we must mention the "Numerical Bible" by F. W. Grant. A work in its way as unique as the "Synopsis," the fruit of years of patient study for his own profit, the embodiment of his convictions as to the inspiration and perfection of the word of God in its structure as well as its contents, the "Numerical Bible" in its introductory outlines gives invaluable help along the lines we are now pursuing. A little later we will refer to its other valuable features, but just here speak only of its importance for outline, synoptic work.

Part 5. Helpful Books for Bible Study: 5. Outlines of Special Topics

How to Study the Bible

S. Ridout.

Part 5.

Helpful Books for Bible Study

5. Outlines of Special Topics

It will be remembered that in the chapter on dispensational truth, we suggested it would be better for the student to have some useful book of outlines of prophetic truth as a guide. We will now mention a few of these, beginning with the simpler. Many of these are in pamphlet form and quite small, but it would be well if those who have not had and read them should secure them as of special value in their study.

1. "The Lord's Coming," by C. Stanley.

This is among the first published on prophetic subjects, which have since multiplied so largely. It contains the simplest of diagrams, which yet in an unmistakable way conveys Scripture truth. It is said that Mr. Stanley first drew this diagram on a barn door with a piece of chalk, to illustrate the great dispensational truths to his simple country hearers. We can only say it would be well if all preachers and teachers grasped this simple outline and grouped their knowledge of Scripture truth according to its teaching.

"What God hath said on the Second Corning of Christ," and on the "Millennium," by the same author, are full of references to Scripture.

"Caught up with the Bridegroom and Corning with the King; "" Changed in a Moment" and "He Cometh with Clouds;" "Papers on the Lord's Coming," by C. H. M.; "The Mystery and the Kingdom of Heaven," with accompanying chart, are all of them pamphlets, small and large, which can be procured for a few pennies, and will illumine the whole subject of dispensational truth.

Of larger works, we mention:

"Eight Lectures on Prophecy," by Trotter; "Plain Papers on Prophetic and Other. Subjects," by the same. The first is a simple and valuable statement for beginners; the second goes into the subject at length and is a most valuable compendium of dispensational truth — perhaps the best work on prophecy. Here, the great epochs of Scripture and the great prophetic questions are treated in a clear, reverent and practical way. We can cordially commend this valuable work.

"The Lord's Coming, Israel and the Church" by T. B. Baines, is another valuable dispensational work with the special merit of great simplicity and clearness of style. It is perhaps more readable than the previous book, though not so full in its treatment of prophetic subjects.

Other excellent books on dispensational truth will be mentioned in a supplementary list but need not be specially characterized here.

We add, however, "The Lessons of the Ages," by F. W. Grant, a very clear and helpful characterization of each dispensation of Scripture, with the lessons to be learned from all. No one should fail to study this valuable book of only 125 pages.

Before closing this part of our subject, we notice a very helpful "Chart on the Course of Time," by A. E. Booth, with notes to the same, called "A Key." This chart, based upon the typical interpretation of the seven days of creation in their application to the dispensations, is an interesting and helpful work. It puts clearly before the eye, in a semi-pictorial way, the great epochs and dispensations of Scripture, showing how each day of creation was typical of a day in the great progressive march of events.

Thus, the first day with the light is typical of the first age when the light of God's promise shone upon the troubled seas of humanity from Adam to Noah.

The second day, in like manner, with the firmament above the earth, suggests the period of human government when the authority of the heavens was first felt in the government of the world.

The third day, the emergence of the dry land, is the age of Israel's history as a nation from the call of Abraham to Christ, where in the sea of the world's nations, Israel arises as the great central continent where God manifested His ways.

The fourth epoch is that of the Church, the dispensation in which we are living, when the Son, the light above the sun, for us shines in the heavens.

The fifth day is the period of the fruitfulness of the waters, suggesting that Great Tribulation out of which emerges blessing for the earth. This blessing is described in the

Sixth day, the millennial period where the man with the woman, typical of Christ and the Church, is given authority over all the earth.

The seventh day is the Sabbath, the eternal rest of God where sin can never enter to blight His new creation.

This, with very many interesting details, is given in the chart and accompanying key.

Part 5. Helpful Books for Bible Study: 6. Commentaries

How to Study the Bible

S. Ridout.

Part 5.

Helpful Books for Bible Study

6. Commentaries

We can imagine some of our readers lifting their eyebrows at this word, especially in the light of what we have already said about original work. We can only say, there are two kinds of commentaries and we must not be afraid of a word because it has been abused. What is our own little book, but an endeavor to throw light upon the truths of the precious word of God? What are these outlines which we have been commending, but elucidations of the great dispensations, etc. , of Scripture; and what the helpful "Notes," etc., which have been of such benefit to multitudes? These are but commentaries under another name, and we must not despise helps of this kind. Indeed, the student who gathers most by original work will be the last to despise helps of every kind.

We desire under this head to give no exhaustive list — an impossible thing; nor even to point out every helpful commentary, which would also be an impossibility; nor yet merely to repeat what we have said elsewhere, but simply to answer an inquiry that might be made by any one engaged in Bible study.

As to commentaries on the entire Bible, we mention first, although it covers only part of the Old Testament with all the New,

1. "The Numerical Bible," by F. W. Grant. We have already spoken of it as supplying a new and carefully prepared version of the Bible, and have as well pointed out the value of its outlines, together with the numerical structure to which we have had occasion to draw the reader's attention. We therefore confine what we have to say here simply to its value as a comment upon the Scriptures, and we can truly say that, in our judgment, no more valuable commentary exists.

It is not in the strictest sense a commentary. That is, it does not take up each verse and give grammatical and other elucidations, with practical remarks at the close. It is rather an enlargement of the thought of an outline, giving the scope and contents of each book with its divisions and sub-divisions, and going into the evident purpose of the Spirit of God in each portion, both as to its form and contents. There is always special reference to the spiritual significance, and where this is clearly grasped, it often offers a key to the literal interpretation of a passage. Mr. Grant is particularly rich and helpful in the typical portions of the Old Testament; the comments on the tabernacle in Exodus, on the sacrifices in Leviticus, the other ceremonial ordinances in Numbers and Deuteronomy, are most valuable and suggestive. Indeed, it is the peculiar charm of this book that it gives us clues for further study, rather than sating the mind with every possible thought upon a passage. The work is thus stimulating and enables one to pursue his own studies with greater liberty and confidence. Nor is the practical feature found wanting. Indeed who that is most engaged with the truly spiritual can handle it in a coldly intellectual manner? It is ever God's way to appeal to the heart and conscience as well as the intellect, and a mere mental enjoyment of Scripture is a dangerous thing.

The two volumes from Genesis to 2 Samuel are a treasure-house of "things new and old" in this direction. The separate volume on the book of Psalms is remarkable in every way. We know of nothing to be compared with it in value as a commentary upon the Psalms, and especially with reference to their structure, dispensational setting, and Christological value.

We are thankful to say that the entire New Testament is completed, and here, in Gospels, Acts and Epistles, together with Revelation, we have a complete commentary upon the Christian Scriptures, most useful and sufficiently minute in the more abstract portions to amount to a helpful treatment of the subject.

It has also a system of references by which an effort is made to elucidate the text by suited and classified references. These have proven helpful to many students, not only in furnishing actual texts, but indicating the nature of proper references and how far we may make use of Scripture as a divinely inspired comment upon itself. This line of study, as already suggested, is most valuable, and indeed fascinating.

2. With certain qualifications and reservations, we mention "Jamieson, Fausset and Brown's Commentary" of the entire Scriptures — a work of considerable value in furnishing a comment upon every portion of Scripture, in the main orthodox, but lacking that dispensational grasp of truth which is of such great importance. It is perhaps the most valuable commentary of this character that we can speak of. For those who know dispensational truth, it would be valuable in a general way, as furnishing useful and helpful explanations of much of an antiquarian and historical, as well as doctrinal and practical character.

3. Somewhat similar, but probably more scholarly and more lengthy, is "The Speaker's Commentary," prepared by prominent clergymen of the Church of England, with much to commend in its devout and reverent tone and genuine scholarship, while quite within the comprehension of the average student.

4. "Ellicott's Commentary" on the entire Scriptures seems also a valuable work of the same character, while the older commentaries of Scott and Matthew Henry are far too voluminous and diffuse for the average reader to make much use of.

5. Of more distinctly technical works, we might mention the commentaries of Kiel and Delitzsch upon the Old Testament, rich and scholarly, but without the knowledge of dispensational truth. We might mention as a New Testament companion to these, a work different indeed in many respects, but valuable:

6. "Alford's Greek Testament," in five volumes. The author was a scholarly, gifted man, no mean textual critic, and with quite an insight into prophetic truth. His notes are interesting and suggestive, and his text, especially with its rich thesaurus of various readings, is invaluable. He must however be read with discrimination.

7. The Lange series of doctrinal, critical, exegetical and homiletical commentaries on the entire Bible is of varying value according to the authors. While not distinctly unsound nor tainted with higher critical infidelity, it is scarcely a work one would recommend for the general reader. Some, however, will profit from it, and whoever is capable of understanding it should at least be also capable of detecting partial or erroneous views.

With these, we close our general list and add only a few works upon special books.

1. C. H. Mackintosh's "Notes on the Pentateuch" we have already described and would again warmly commend. They should have their place on the shelves of every Bible student. With many, they have been the key to opening the entire Bible. The beloved author was a man of singular piety and ability, with a remarkable gift of expression. Scarcely anywhere in the English language will we find more beautiful and forcible language. It is a work to be put in the hands of a beginner, and many there are who have wished that he could have continued his comments upon the entire Scriptures in the same manner. This, however, was not permitted. We therefore add, as far as we can, a list of works of a similar class, upon the remainder of the Scriptures.

2."The Book of Joshua," by H. F. Witherby, is quite in line with Mr. Mackintosh's work and a good introduction to this important and little understood book. It is particularly rich in its unfolding of what we might call "Ephesian truth."

3. "Lectures on the Book of Judges," by S. Ridout. In a series of familiar addresses, the contents of this book are opened up, the lessons of Israel's failure to possess themselves of the land and to hold it in the fear of God, with special application to individual and corporate life at the present time.

4. "Gleanings from the Book of Ruth," by the same author, is along similar lines, and, together with other smaller works, is an exposition of that lovely pastoral supplement to Judges.*

{*See also "The Time of Harvest," by C. Knapp "Ruth, or Blessing and Rest," by C. Stanley.}

5. "King Saul: the Man after the Flesh," by S. Ridout, is a series of Notes upon 1 Samuel, after the manner of the book on Judges; and while King Saul is the prominent character, as indeed he is in 1 Samuel, there is an exposition of the book from beginning to end.

"Life and Times of David," by C. H. Mackintosh, covers the same period, as "Staff and Sceptre," by C. Knapp, also does.

6. The Kings of Judah and Israel," by C. Knapp. This book covers 2d Samuel, Kings and Chronicles,with many helpful and valuable notes on the various kings, good and bad, of Judah, and those who led or maintained the divided kingdom of Israel in their apostasy.

To these also may be added the helpful monographs, by C. H. Mackintosh, on Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Elijah and Josiah. "Mephibosheth," "Great Stones and Costly," "Doors Shut and Lamps Put Out," interesting and valuable pamphlets by Charles Stanley. "Meditations on Elisha," by J. G. Bellett, in that gifted author's usual happy style.

7. The captivity books, Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther, have been commented upon by E. Dennett, C. Stanley and others. "The Captives of Judah," by J. G. Bellett, is valuable.

"The Gates of Jerusalem," by H. A. Ironside, and the same author's suggestive "Notes on Esther," bring us to the end of the historical books.

8. "Notes on Job," by W. Kelly, with a new and able translation of that book, with Notes following each chapter, is an excellent little volume. Mr. Mackintosh has written "Job and His Friends" which deals with one feature of the book, and Mr. Stanley on "Job's Conversion." There is still room for a handling of the whole book after the manner of Mr. Mackintosh.

9. Mr. Darby's "Practical Reflections on the Psalms; ""The Book of Praises," by C. E. Stuart; "Meditations on the Psalms, chiefly in their prophetic character," by J. G. Bellett; and "Notes on the Psalms," by Arthur Pridham, the latter with some provisos, will suffice.

10. "Proverbs," by H. A. Ironside, a valuable and practical comment upon each verse of that wonderful book.

11. On Ecclesiastes, we have "Old Groans and New Songs," by F. C. Jennings, in which the great problem, "Is life worth living?" is discussed in the light of New Testament joys, which alone can justify an affirmative answer.

12. "Meditations on the Song of Solomon," by A. Miller, is a sweet and edifying enlargement of this lovely book. The smaller work by H. Friend is also helpful.

13. On Isaiah we have no work of a character similar to the list we are now giving. "The Prophet Isaiah," by W. Kelly, is a larger and more scholarly work, abounding in much that is profitable however, and with the special advantage of being clear in its dispensational presentation of the truth.

14. "The Weeping Prophet," by H. A. Ironside, is a helpful unfolding of the book of Jeremiah, with practical applications to our times.

15. "Notes on Ezekiel," by W. Kelly, covers that prophet in a profitable way.

16. "Notes on Daniel," by the same author, is a remarkably helpful and simple work. Mr. Iron-side's "Lectures" on the same book, recently published, are perhaps a more popular treatment of the same subject.

17. "The Twelve Minor Prophets," by H. A. Ironside, gives quite a full unfolding of this "Deuteronomy of the Prophets" after the author's usual clear and practical manner.

Continuing our list of books that would form suited companions to C. H. M.'s "Notes," we come to the New Testament.

18. We place first here Mr. Bellett's admirable book on "The Evangelists" which, in deep, spiritual and rich views of the person of our Lord, make up for any lack of detailed exposition.

19. These details are considered in "Lectures on the Gospel of Matthew," an excellent and scholarly work by Mr. Kelly, a little above the level of the other books, but furnishing a pattern for the study of the other Synoptic Gospels.

20. "Notes on Mark," by C. E. Stuart, and "The Great Servant Prophet," a series of addresses on this Gospel, by W. T. Turpin, are useful. W. Kelly has a learned work on this same Gospel.

21. The Notes on the Gospel of Luke," From Advent to Advent," by C. E. Stuart, bear marks of that author's usual painstaking labor and helpful suggestions in many directions.

22. "Notes on the Gospel of John," by R. Evans, enter into the spirit of this wondrous Gospel, whose heights and depths still invite further prayerful meditation. A work on this Gospel in the style of Mr. Mackintosh is greatly to be desired.

23. Perhaps the best Notes on the book of Acts are those by Mr. Darby, originally written in Italian; they are a beautiful and simple unfolding of that book. Mr. Kelly has also written on it.

24. "Notes on Romans," by J. N. Darby, and another by W. Kelly on the same epistle, would serve perhaps as well as any for a detailed examination of that epistle. The smaller works by C. Crain and J. Fort have features of excellence which we miss in the others.

25. As for Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, Mr. Kelly has written a series of volumes on all these epistles, than which we know of none superior. The same remark applies to his books on the pastoral epistles to Timothy and Titus.

26. "Lectures on the Epistle to the Hebrews," by S. Ridout, is in line with the book on Judges, with perhaps more reference to detailed exposition, so that the entire epistle is covered. There is also an excellent summary of the Epistle by F. W. Grant.

27. "Reflections on James," by J. N. Darby is a simple treatise on that epistle.

28. 1 and 2 Peter by W. K., and Jude by H. A. Ironside.

29. The 1st Epistle of John, by J. N. Darby, and a larger work by W. K. on the three epistles.

30. On Revelation, we have a goodly number of illuminating expositions. "The Revelation of Jesus Christ," by T. B. Baines, is simpler than another of a similar title by F. W. Grant, which is more profound and, on the whole, the best that has been written on this portion of Scripture. Mr. Baines is more after the manner of Mr. Mackintosh.

We have thus endeavored to suggest a library of Expositions of the entire Scriptures for the average reader, which might be called an elementary commentary on the Bible, while by no means unsuitable for more advanced students.

All these books have the advantage of having been written from the standpoint of "rightly dividing the Word of truth," particularly as to dispensational details. There are many excellent works which have not been mentioned, but which lack this clear setting as to the general scope of Scripture teaching. No doubt, many think of favorite authors whom they would prefer to some mentioned here. We simply give a list which we can commend as being both profitable and safe.

We add a few books not exactly expository,but which are as necessary for the Christian's library.

1. "Facts and Theories as to a Future State," by F. W. Grant, the classic on this solemn subject a treasure-house of truth to meet the current assaults upon the fact of man's responsibility, the eternity of punishment and related subjects. In view of the activity of Adventism, Millennial - dawnism, Christadelphianism, and other similar forms of error, this book is a necessity for the Bible student and Christian worker.

2. "The Atonement" and "The Crowned Christ," two works by the same author upon the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ, are most valuable treatises on these subjects.

3. "The Son of God," by J. G. Bellett; "The Moral Glory of the Lord Jesus," by the same, are two delightful, elevating books, leading to a deeper and adoring sense of the excellence and matchless worth of our Lord. The first dwells upon His deity; the second upon His humanity.

4. "The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit," by S. Ridout, is an attempt to present in orderly detail this most important subject; special attention has been drawn to the unscriptural idea of seeking a baptism of the Spirit, a "second blessing," etc., while fully recognizing the need of being "filled with the Spirit" who dwells already in every believer. The work of the Spirit in connection with Church ministry, worship, etc., as well as in His dispensational work in the past and in the future, is set forth.

5. "Divine Unfoldings," by Walter Scott, is a very helpful and interesting little book in which the accuracy of Scripture in using the various titles of God and our Lord Jesus Christ is set forth. This book should have a place in every library.

6. "The Prophetic History of the Church," by F. W. Grant; "Simple Papers on the Church of God," by C. E. Stuart, and W.Kelly's "Lectures on the Church of God" are excellent. These or similar books should find a place upon the shelves of every one who desires to know what the Bible teaches on this great subject.

7. No library would be complete without a little poetry. At least, the "Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso and Others," by Mrs. Bevan, and her own book "Coming," should find a place in the smallest library.

We add a short list of books upon the subject that has been before us, many of which will be found suggestive and covering part at least of the ground we have gone over. This must necessarily be the case, for Bible study cannot be entirely along new lines.

1. "How to Study the Bible," by D. L. Moody.

This is a stimulating and suggestive little book, giving simply an address upon this topic. It does not pretend to enter into such details as the Bible student would require.

2. "How to Study the Bible for greatest Profit," by R. Torrey.

Dr. Torrey has also written a very suggestive introduction to the "New Topical Text Book," elsewhere noted. His suggestions are valuable. In the book we notice here, he has gone quite fully and thoroughly into the general subject. Many of his suggestions, as just mentioned, will be found to have been given in one form or another in our own book but his method of treating the subject is original, and those who can do so will find much of profit in going over it. His suggestions as to analysis are good,and the chapter devoted to an outline of I Peter will be found stimulating. We can commend the book cordially.

3. "How to Study the Bible," by I. M. Haldeman.

This is the first of a series of articles on Bible studies embraced in the book to which this article gives its name. While excellent and helpful, the purchaser must not expect to find a book of the size indicated by the price, as only the first article, of some fifty pages, is given to this subject. Dr. Haldeman also alludes to various methods, some of which we have taken up.

Without claiming exhaustiveness for our little book, we can say that we do not know of any special method recommended in any of the other books which is not dealt with in our own.

Part 5. Helpful Books for Bible Study: 7. Hints as to Reading

How to Study the Bible

S. Ridout.

Part 5.

Helpful Books for Bible Study

7. Hints as to Reading

At the close of our little book, we may be allowed to make a few suggestions as to reading in general, with special reference to literature helpful for Bible study and other matters connected with this.

1. In one sense it can be said that we are living in a book reading age, and yet perhaps never have books and their readers been so superficial as at present. A vast mass of periodic literature of the emptiest kind is absorbed by the reading public. In our large cities nearly every one, even children, reads the daily newspaper, gorged with its disgusting recitals of crime and scandal. Weekly periodicals of trashy fiction, with numberless magazines of the same character, tinctured with an occasional article on some sensible topic, form the staple of mental food for the vast majority. In addition to these, novels by the hundred are turned out and greedily devoured. Of all this we have little to say, except to remind our readers that it indicates the course of this world according to which we no longer walk.

We would seriously lay it upon our own heart and that of God's people, that such reading is not only in many cases positively injurious, implanting infidel notions and a worldly habit of thought, but creates a distaste for solid, mental food, and particularly for that which has to do with our eternal interests. If there were no other reason why the young Christian should abstain from literature of this character, this would be sufficient. Anything that makes the Bible distasteful, or makes it a task to read helpful books that explain it, can surely not be a friend to our souls' growth. It cannot be from God, and therefore must be from an opposite direction. We cannot as to these apply the Scripture: "Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." We do not wish to be narrow or legal, but that is not the special danger of the times in which we are living. If refusing to be turned away from Christ to enjoy this sinful world going on to destruction be narrowness, then with all our soul, let us be narrow!

With the desire to avoid misunderstanding, we add a word: what we have said is not meant to put God's people under bondage; for instance, as to reading the news. The Christian can acquaint himself with what is taking place in the world, especially as showing its tendencies and the progress of events. However, a glance at the paper will suffice for this, and we must be on our guard, for many strong men have been ensnared in this direction.

There are a few books in which great epochs in the Church's history have been described in the form of a narrative, in which there are fictitious individuals. Some of these books may be profitable for the young in giving them a clear view of historical events. Some of them we would hesitate to condemn absolutely. We cannot say without qualification that fiction of every kind is evil, without including such books as these; but we do say most distinctly that fiction as a whole is evil and demoralizing, for the reasons just given above.

But enough of this distasteful subject. We must leave it with every one's conscience,asking them only, if given to reading of this character, to glance back over a year and recall all such books and literature they have read, to estimate how many pages it would make, how many hours it has taken, and then do the same with their Bible and helpful Christian literature, and compare the two. For those who might object that we had given too long a list of notes and comments on the Bible, it might be a surprise to learn that many a young man and woman reads thirty-five novels and more in the course of a year.

2. There are two ways of reading helpful books, neither of which can be commended, leaving a third, which we think is the normal and proper way. Some devour books; will take, for instance, a volume of C. H. M. and read it through in two days. To do this, they may sit up half the night or neglect some manifest domestic or business duties, or so encroach upon the time for independent Bible study that it is entirely neglected. When we come to the table, we do not eat everything that is put upon it at once and we have a mental as well as a physical capacity for receiving and assimilating nutrition. Beyond that, what we take will only gorge and hinder true mental and spiritual digestion.

Others fall into the opposite danger. A book is so long in hand that before the end is reached the beginning is forgotten: a page or two are read at intervals perhaps of two or three days; and while we do not say that much that is profitable is not gathered, yet there is no sense of progress and no positive accumulation of truth. The happy medium between these two extremes is doubtless the best. For instance, if we are reading the Notes on the Pentateuch, it might be done at the rate of a chapter a day, or at the same rate as we are reading in our Bibles. This has the double advantage of giving us leisure for the enjoyment of the portion in hand and of confirming and enlarging our understanding of the chapters we are reading. How delightful and profitable would such a systematic course through the Pentateuch be!

The other books suggested in the list could be taken up in a similar way, so that gradually one would have read over helpful expositions of the entire Scripture; we do not say as rapidly as they would have gone over the Bible, but perhaps in double that length of time.

This brings us to guard our reader from encroaching upon his time for study. Let that be kept inviolate, and if possible, be given in the early morning when one is freshest and least likely to be disturbed. Night study and late hours are to be avoided.

Some books, of course, are merely for reference, such as the dictionaries, concordances and even the outlines of which we have spoken above, with the one exception of the "Synopsis" which we would indeed advise to be read consecutively, at least once, along with the Scriptures.

Numbers of commentaries, if one has them within reach, can be consulted on special passages, but there is no profit in attempting to read through many helpful works of this character — indeed an impossible task. They are intended for reference.

Do not be afraid of marking books which are your own, and as such marks are rarely erased, they might as well be made with ink to avoid the blurring and soiling of the page. An intelligently marked book is of interest to others. It shows them that some one has been along this way before and does not really lessen the value of the book. These marks may vary, from simply calling attention to an interesting passage, or a question as to the correctness of a certain statement, to making extended remarks on the margin. A book of this kind may be for the time a sort of note-book in which all sorts of things that the author suggests to us are jotted down. Let not a borrowed book, however, be marked, even with a pencil. We would advise one, if possible, to purchase his own books, rather than to borrow those of others. Books are lifelong friends, and if one is worth reading it is worth possessing. Of course, we may not be able to buy them at once. Indeed, books which have cost some self-denial to secure have a special value, and if thus gradually obtained will be more likely to be read than if they are bought by the yard. Borrowed books should be returned as soon as practicable. It is neither good for oneself morally, nor just to others, to fail to return books that have been kindly loaned to us.

We have reached the end of what we set out to say upon this most important subject of Bible Study. We are quite aware that nothing very original or striking has been said, but if our little book shall result in encouraging beginners to take up their Bibles or stimulate those who are already happily thus engaged, it will not have been in vain. Its aim is to glorify our blessed Lord in the hearts of His people, and to seek Him, the living Word who was and is with God, and was and is God, in the pages of that written Word where everything speaks of Him. There is indeed a marked similarity between the person of our Lord Jesus Christ and the written word of God. The One is Divine and yet has become flesh, humiliating Himself so that He could be heard and seen and handled, a Man with a perfect human mind, heart, will, affections, all that goes to make up the ideal Man, yet in and above all this, with glory veiled only to unbelief, we see the living God. So with the Scriptures: in form they are human writings, the production of various authors, and with all the characteristics of times in which they were produced and the authors who produced them. Nothing is forced or cramped. A great genius evidently wrote the Pentateuch; true poets, of the highest order, evidently wrote the Psalms, the book of Job and the Prophets. Painstaking and discriminating historians evidently wrote the historical narratives; faithful and attentive biographers evidently wrote the Gospels; and a master genius, Paul, wrote his epistles. But underneath and above the human instrument, whether king or peasant, fisherman or poet, shines the Divine Mind, the inspiring Spirit, revealing in all its grandeur and perfection, the will, the ways, the holiness, the glory, the love of God, in the person of His Son.

We know God through His word, not merely intellectually, but as born, cleansed and nourished by that Word. We know Christ thus, also; and thus, in a special and real way, the written Word is the mind of the living, the Divine Word. May something of that longing which filled the heart of the apostle possess us also. As we press forward to see our Lord on high, may we also seek Him in His word, forgetting our past attainments which are behind, reaching forth to those that are before, and pressing forward ever for the prize which, while it is on high, awaits our reverent, diligent, persistent search in the precious word of God. Not that we shall ever be satisfied this side of heaven. Indeed, God's word is so perfect that we can never grasp all its fulness here, but we shall go on to know Him and the power of His resurrection, yea, and the fellowship of His sufferings too, in that measure in which His word fills mind and heart and possesses and controls our lives.

Courage, then, dear fellow-Christian, in this noble work! The few minutes you are putting on some little study morning by morning may seem a trifle; but, oh, the knowledge of Christ is not a trifle; the knowledge of the word of God is not a trifle. Let us then be diligent, simple, obedient and hopeful, and continue in this precious work!

"O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through Thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Thy precepts. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep Thy word. I have not departed from Thy judgments, for Thou hast taught me. How sweet are Thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth. Through Thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way" (Ps. 119: 97-104),