As a book of study, the Bible is superior to all other books as a means of strengthening the intellect. What fields of thought the youth may here find to explore. The mind may go deeper and still deeper in its research, gathering strength with every effort to comprehend truth; and yet there is an infinity beyond.SW December 18, 1906, par. 1

What subjects are presented in the Sacred Scriptures for the mind to dwell upon. Where can be found higher themes, or themes so intensely interesting? Where in all the round of human science can be found anything that will compare with the Bible in interest and sublimity, anything that will so call out the mind in deep and earnest thought?SW December 18, 1906, par. 2

Open the Bible to our youth, draw their attention to its hidden treasures, teach them to search for its jewels of truth, and they will gain from their research such strength of intellect as the study of science and of philosophy could not impart. The grand subjects upon which the Bible treats, the dignified simplicity of its inspired utterances, the elevated themes which it presents to the mind, the light, sharp and clear, from the throne of God, enlightening the understanding, will develop the powers of the mind to a degree that is truly marvelous.SW December 18, 1906, par. 3

Through the divine Word, the inspired history of the race is placed in the hands of every individual. All may become acquainted with our first parents, as in holy innocence they stood in Eden, enjoying communion with God and sinless angels. They may note the introduction of sin, and trace its results upon mankind, following step by step down the track of sacred history as it records the story of man's disobedience and impenitence and God's just retribution for sin.SW December 18, 1906, par. 4

The reader may move through the most inspiring scenes. He may hold converse with patriarchs and prophets; he may behold Christ, who was equal with God and the Commander in heaven, coming down to humanity, and working out the plan of redemption, breaking off from man the chains wherewith Satan had bound him, thus making it possible for him to regain his godlike manhood. This is a subject that may well call out our deepest thought and most earnest affections.SW December 18, 1906, par. 5

If they fulfil the purpose of God, even the most experienced Christians will be continual learners in the school of Christ, that they may become efficient teachers. And it is impossible to teach without learning. We cannot explain and enforce the great truths of the Bible without seeing clearer light ourselves. Our own views will be enlarged, and the effort to make the words of God plain to others will fasten them in our own minds.SW December 18, 1906, par. 6

Men may have enjoyed a training in the schools, and may have become acquainted with the writings of great theologians; yet truth will open to the mind and impress it with new and striking power, as the Bible is searched and pondered, with an earnest, prayerful desire to understand its sacred truths.SW December 18, 1906, par. 7

Let the mind grasp the stupendous truths of revelation, and it will never be content to employ its powers upon frivolous themes it will turn with disgust from the trashy literature and idle amusements that are demoralizing the youth of today. Those who have communed with the poets and sages of the Bible, and whose souls have been stirred by the glorious deeds of the heroes of faith, will come from these rich fields of thought far more pure in heart and elevated in mind than if they had been engaged in studying the most celebrated secular authors, or in contemplating and glorifying the exploits of the world's Pharaohs and Herods and Caesars.SW December 18, 1906, par. 8

The powers of the youth are mostly dormant, because they do not make the fear of God the beginning of wisdom. The Lord gave Daniel wisdom and knowledge because he would not be influenced by any power that would interfere with his religious principles. The reason why we have so few men of mind, of stable and solid worth, is that they think to find greatness while disconnecting from God.SW December 18, 1906, par. 9

The period of our mortal existence is preparatory to the life which measures with the life of God. And because man was born for a higher, nobler life than that which so many develop, God would have him enlarge his capabilities, availing himself of every privilege that would enable him to cultivate and strengthen the understanding.SW December 18, 1906, par. 10

The Sacred Word is the voice of God to man. If we will but let it speak to us, it will teach us what nothing else can teach. If made the rule of life, it will elevate, refine, and sanctify.SW December 18, 1906, par. 11

The Command of Christ comes to us with the same force as when addressed to the first disciples eighteen hundred years ago. “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me.”SW December 18, 1906, par. 12

December 4, 1906

December 25, 1906