p. 261 | THE HOLY SCRIPTURES by A. S. Hutchins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, April 28, 1885

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 62, No. 17

THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.

By A. S. Hutchins

SHALL THEY BE OUR GUIDE?

BY ELD. A. S. HUTCHINS.

Paul says: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” This declaration is full of meaning. The first thing for which the Scriptures are stated to be profitable is for doctrine. The Scriptures are profitable “for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Now, unless perfection can be imparted, the Scriptures should be our guide.

Paul recognizes the fact that “a good minister of Christ” is one “nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine.” The minister must be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers. Says Jesus, “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.” The people listened to the clear, forcible, and eloquent words of life which fell from his lips, and were astonished at his doctrine; for his word was with power. Men in official standing said of him, “Never man spake like this man.” No man was so careful to present the doctrine of the Father, and that only, nor did mortal man dare to deviate therefrom either in word

Free-will Baptists in North America organized the first church in New Durham, N. H., in 1780, under the pastoral charge of Eld. Benjamin Randall. Eld. Samuel Beede, one of the editors of the Morning Star, in an article for an encyclopedia published in 1834, says of their polity: “They have held the holy Scriptures to be their rule of religious faith and practice, to the exclusion of all written creeds, covenants, rules of discipline, or articles of organization.” But their [Articles of Faith] does not allow their people to keep the Sabbath of the Bible. Then came a struggle with the writer on the point touching the commandments of God. Shall I unite with this people, whom I love, and trample the Sabbath under foot? or shall I leave them, and keep God’s rest day? were the questions revolving in my mind. Thank God for grace to set me in favor of the truth. May we study the Bible. May we have a Bible faith, a Bible religion, finally a Bible salvation.

“Great God, with wonder and with praise, On all thy works I look; But still thy wisdom, power, and grace Shine brightest in thy book.

“Lord, make me understand thy law, Show what my faults have been; And from thy gospel let me draw Forgiveness for my sin.”