A Guide to Bible Study
Harvey Newcomb (1803-1863) was a Congregational minister in England.
He edited several journals, including the "Christian Herald," and authored
178 volumes, including fourteen on church history and many books for
children and young people. Among his most popular works are The Young Lady’s
Guide, How to Be a Man, and How to Be a Lady. Though excerpted from The
Young Lady’s Guide, this booklet is valuable for men, women, and saints of
all ages.
"Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who
does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2
Timothy 2:15
To a true child of God, nothing is so precious as the
volume of inspiration. It is like a mine of all sorts of metals and precious
stones, overlaid with gold and silver. That which is most necessary for the
common purposes of life lies on the surface. These are the simple truths of
the Gospel, which are essential to salvation. But below these are the iron,
the tin, the copper—the strong truths, the doctrines, the practical
principles, which tax the powers of the mind to develop, but which give
strength and consistency to the Christian character. Yet beyond these is an
inexhaustible treasure of precious stones, every examination of which
discovers new gems of surpassing luster and surprising beauty.
The Bible is the charter of the Christian’s hopes, the
deed of his inheritance. Is he a wayfaring man in a strange land? This book
contains a description of the country to which he is bound, with a map of
the way, on which all the crossways and by-paths are designated. Is he a
mariner on the stormy ocean of life? This is both his chart and compass.
Here he finds all the shoals and reefs distinctly marked, and monuments
placed upon many dangerous places, where others have made shipwreck.
Seeing, then, we have such a treasure put into our hands,
it cannot be a matter of surprise that we should be directed to search after
the precious things it contains, nor that Christians should love to ponder
its sacred pages. "Your word," says the Psalmist, "is a lamp unto my feet,
and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105). It is like a lantern, which sheds
light on our path, amid the darkness of the night, to direct the steps of
our feet. The sincere Christian will therefore search the Word of God, for a
knowledge of His will, with more eagerness than he would search for hidden
treasures of gold and silver. In obedience to the command of God, he will
set his heart to the work. After the giving of the law, Moses says, "Set
your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day" (Deu
32:46). To set our hearts upon any object implies such a love for it and
desire after it, as leads to a strong determination to make every possible
effort to obtain it; and this ought to be the settled and permanent feeling
of our hearts in regard to a knowledge of the will of God, as revealed in
His Word. And, as we obtain this knowledge, we should imitate the Psalmist,
who said, "Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against
you" (Psalm 119:11). His object in hiding the Word in his heart was to know
how to regulate his conduct so as not to sin against God. So must we hide
the Word of God in our hearts, and for the same reason. We must study it as
the directory of life. Whenever we open this blessed book, this should be
the sincere inquiry of our heart: "Lord, what will you have me to do?" Let
us come to it with this childlike spirit of obedience, and we shall not fail
to learn the will of God.
But when we have learned our duty in God’s Word, the next
thing is, to do it without delay. First, there must he an earnest desire to
know present duty, and then a steadfast and settled determination to do it
as soon as it is known. The pressure of obligation rests upon the present
moment; and, when present duty is ascertained, the delay of a single moment
is sin.
With these remarks, I submit a few practical directions
for the profitable reading and study of the Holy Scriptures.
I. Read in a quiet place
Read the Bible in your closet or under circumstances
which will secure you from interruption, either by the conversation of
others, or the attraction of other objects. Do not attempt to fill up little
broken intervals of time with the reading of God’s Word. Leave these seasons
for lighter reading. Reading the Scriptures is conversing with God, who
speaks to us when we read His holy Word. His all-seeing eye rests upon our
hearts; and He knows whether we are engaged in solemn trifling. If we
read His Word so carelessly as not to understand its meaning and drink in
its spirit, we treat Him as we would disdain to be treated by an earthly
friend. Let us, then, never approach the Word of God but with feelings of
reverence and godly fear.
II. Prepare your heart and mind
Go to the Word of God with a preparation of heart. If we
were going to visit some person of great importance, whose favor and esteem
we wished to secure, we would take care to have everything about our persons
adjusted in the most fitting manner. So let it be with our minds when we
come to converse with God. Let us shut out all worldly thoughts and strive
to secure a tranquil, holy, and tender frame, so that the truths we
contemplate may make their proper impression upon our hearts.
III. Seek the aid of the Holy Spirit
Christ promised His disciples that, when the Holy Spirit
would come, He would "guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). Without His
enlightening influences, we cannot understand the Word of God. And without
His gracious influences, we shall not be disposed to obey it. But we have
the most abundant encouragement to seek the aid of this divine Instructor.
Christ assures us that God is more willing to give His Holy Spirit to those
who ask Him, than earthly parents are to give good gifts to their children
(Mat 7:11). Before opening God’s Word, therefore, we should pray that He
would show us the truth, the rule of our duty, and incline our hearts to
obey it; and, as we proceed, keep our hearts silently lifted up to God for
the same object.
IV. Read with self-application
Whenever you have discovered any truth, ask what bearing
it has upon present duty. If it relates to spiritual affections, compare
with it the state of your own heart. If it relates to the spirit and temper
of Christians, in their fellowship with one another, or with the world,
compare it with your own conduct. If it relates to some positive duty,
inquire whether you have done it. And, wherever you find yourself deficient,
endeavor to exercise repentance, and seek for pardon through the blood of
Christ with grace to enable you to correct what is wrong.
V. Read the Scriptures regularly
A daily supply of refreshment is no less necessary for
the soul than for the body. The Word of God is the bread of eternal life,
"the food of the soul." Take, then, your regular supplies that your soul may
not famish. Choose for this purpose those seasons when you are least liable
to interruption—when you can retire and shut out the world, when you can
best command the energies of your mind. There is no time more fit and
suitable for this than the morning. Then the mind is clear, vigorous,
unencumbered, and prepared to receive impressions. There is also a propriety
in consulting God’s Word at the close of the day. But this depends much on
the state of the body. If you become exhausted and dull after the labors of
the day, I would rather recommend taking the whole time in the morning. But
by no means confine yourself to these stated seasons. Whenever the nature of
your pursuits will admit of your seclusion for a sufficient length of time
to fix your mind upon the truth, you may freely drink from this
never-failing fountain the water of life.
VI. Study the Scriptures systematically
If you read at random, here a little and there a little,
your views of divine truth will be partial and limited. This method may
indeed be pursued in regard to reading strictly devotionally, but only when
other time is taken for obtaining a connected view and a critical
understanding of the whole Bible. The Holy Scriptures are like a dish of
savory meats. There is almost every variety of style and matter. There is
history, biography, argumentative and didactic essays, and poetry. Although
these various kinds of writing are contained in a great number of books,
written by various authors, at different times, without collusion; yet a
remarkable unity of design pervades the whole, and perfect harmony of
sentiment prevails throughout. Everything, from the very beginning, points
to the glorious plan of redemption revealed in the Gospel. Although we may,
at first view, feel the lack of a regular system of divinity, yet a careful
attention to the subject will discover Divine Wisdom in the present
arrangement. We have here the principles of his government exhibited in
living examples, which give us a clearer view and more vivid impression of
them than we could obtain from the study of an abstract system. In the
systematic and thorough study of the Bible, the following hints may be of
use:
1. Grand design
Keep before your mind the grand design of the Scriptures,
which is to convince mankind of their lost and ruined condition, make known
the way of salvation, and persuade them to embrace it.
2. Aim to understand the meaning of the writer
Make it your constant aim to ascertain what is the plain
and obvious meaning of the writer, for this is the mind of the Spirit. To
aid you in this, observe the following particulars:
(1.) Endeavor to become acquainted with the peculiarity
of each writer’s style. Although the Scriptures were dictated by the Holy
Spirit, yet it was so done that each writer employed a style and manner
peculiar to himself. This does not invalidate the evidence of their divine
origin, but rather shows the wisdom of the Spirit. If the whole Bible had
been written in a uniform style, it would have given opponents a strong
argument against its authenticity. The lack of that uniformity furnishes
conclusive evidence that it could not have been the work of a single
impostor. Again, a continued sameness of style would make the reading of so
large a book as the Bible tedious and unpleasant, but the rich variety
presented by the various authors of this blessed book helps our infirmities
and makes the reading of it pleasing and delightful.
(2.) Inquire into the character, situation, and office of
the writer; the time, place, and occasion of his writing; and the people for
whose immediate use he intended his work. This will enable you to understand
his allusions to particular circumstances and customs, and to see the
practical application of the principles he advances.
(3.) Consider the principal scope or aim of the book, or
what was the author’s object, design, or intention in writing it. Notice
also the general plan or method, which he has pursued. This will enable you
to discover his leading ideas, if it be an argumentative work, or the
particular instructions of God’s providence, if it be historical.
(4.) Where the language is difficult to be understood,
pay strict attention to the context, and you will generally find the
author’s meaning explained. But, if not, consider whether the difficult
phrase is a peculiarity of the writer’s style. If so, look out the place
where he has used it in a different connection, and see what meaning is
attached to it there. But if this does not satisfy you, examine the passages
in other parts of the Scriptures which relate to the same subject, and
compare them with the one under consideration. This will generally clear up
the darkest passages. But if you still feel in doubt, you may find
assistance from consulting commentators who have made themselves acquainted
with the particulars I have mentioned; which, with a knowledge of the
language in which the book was originally written, may have enabled them to
remove the difficulty. But in reading commentaries, always bear in mind that
they are the productions of fallible men, whose opinions are not to be taken
for Scripture. You may, however, avail yourself of their knowledge, without
submitting your mind implicitly to their judgment. This you will be
compelled to do because on many points, they differ in opinion.
3. Do not hurry
Do not task yourself with a certain quantity of reading
at the regular seasons devoted to the study of the Bible. This may lead you
to hurry over it, without ascertaining its meaning or drinking into its
spirit. You had better study one verse thoroughly, than to read half a dozen
chapters carelessly. The nourishment received from food depends less on the
quantity, than on its being perfectly digested. So with the mind: one
clear idea is better than a dozen confused ones. And the mind, as well
as the stomach, may be overloaded with undigested food. Ponder upon every
portion you read, until you get a full and clear view of the truth that it
teaches. Fix your mind and heart upon it, as the bee lights upon the flower,
and do not leave it until you have extracted the honey it contains.
4. Read in course
By studying the whole Bible in connection, you will
obtain a more enlarged view of its contents and perceive more distinctly its
unity of purpose. But I would not have you confine yourself entirely to the
regular reading of the whole Bible in course. Some portions of the
historical parts do not require so much study as that which is more
argumentative and doctrinal; and some parts of the Word of God are more
devotional than others are, and therefore better fitted for daily practical
use.
A very good plan is to read the Old and New Testaments in
course, a portion in each every day. If you begin at Genesis, Job, and
Matthew, and read a chapter every day, at each place, omitting the first and
reading three Psalms on the Sabbath, you will read the whole Bible in a
year, while on every day you will have a suitable variety. Besides this,
the more devotional and practical books should be read frequently. The
Psalms furnish a great variety of Christian experience, and may be resorted
to with profit and comfort in all circumstances. This is the only book in
the Bible, which does not require to be read in course. The Psalms are
detached from each other, having no necessary connection.
The other books were, for the most part, originally
written like a sermon or a letter. They have, for convenience, since been
divided into chapters and verses. If you read a single chapter by itself,
you lose the connection; as, if you should take up a sermon and read a page
or two, you would not get a full view of the author’s subject. I would
therefore recommend that, in addition to your daily reading in the Old and
New Testaments, you always have in a course of thorough and critical study
some one of the most difficult and fruitful of these books. But, if you
attend the Sabbath school, either as teacher or pupil, the lessons there
studied will be sufficient for this purpose.
Before beginning the study of a book, you ought to take
an opportunity to read the whole of it rapidly at one sitting, in order to
learn the author’s scope and design. You will find this a profitable
practice whenever you have time for it. You will be especially interested to
review, in this way, the books you have studied. The more thoroughly they
have been studied, the more deeply will you be interested in the review. You
will find great advantage from the use of a reference Bible and concordance.
By looking out the parallel passages, as you proceed, you will see how one
part of the Scriptures explains another and how beautifully they all
harmonize.
5. Inquire on certain subjects
In reading the Scriptures, there are some subjects of
inquiry, which you should carry along with you constantly.
(1.) What do I find here which points to Christ? Unless
you keep this before your mind, you will lose half the interest of many
parts of the Old Testament, and much of it will appear to be almost without
meaning. It is full of types and prophecies relating to Christ, which by
themselves appear dry, but when understood are most beautiful and full of
instruction.
(2.) The Bible contains a history of the church. Endeavor
then to learn the state of the church at the time of which you are reading.
From the commencement, you will see a gradual development
of God’s designs of mercy, and a continually increasing light. Take notice
of what period of the church you are reading, and from this you may judge of
the degree of obligation of its members—for this has been increasing with
the increase of light, from the fall to the present day, and it will
continue to increase to the end of time. Note also the various declensions
and revivals of religion, which have occurred in every period of the church,
and endeavor to learn their causes and consequences. By this, you will
become familiar with God’s method of dealing with his people; from which you
may draw practical lessons of caution and encouragement for yourself
(3.) Inquire what doctrinal truth is taught, illustrated,
or enforced in the passage you are reading and what principle is recognized.
Great and important principles of the divine government and of practical
duty are often implied in a passage of history, which relates to a
comparatively unimportant event. Let it be your business to draw out
these principles and apply them to practice. Thus, you will be daily
increasing your knowledge of the great system of divine truth.
(4.) Note every promise and every prediction. Observe
God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises and fulfilling His prophecies.
This will tend to strengthen your faith. You will find it profitable, as you
proceed, to take notes of these several matters particularly. At the close
of every book, review your notes and sum them up under different heads.
6. Study Jesus
Read the Gospels with great care for the purpose of
studying the character of the blessed Jesus. Dwell upon every action of His
life and inquire after His motives. By this course, you will be surprised to
find the Godhead shining through the manhood in little incidents, which you
have often read without interest. Look upon Him at all times in His true
character, as Mediator between God and man. Observe His several offices of
Prophet, Priest, and King. See in which of these characters He is acting at
different times, and inquire what bearing the particular action you are
considering has upon His mediatorial character. Observe also the particular
traits of character which appear conspicuous in particular actions—such as
power, energy, manly hardihood, dignity, condescension, humility, love,
meekness, pity, compassion, tenderness, forgiveness, etc. Take notes, and
when you have finished the course, draw from them, in writing a minute and
particular description of His character. This will be of great service to
you as a pattern. You will also, by this means see a peculiar beauty and
fitness in Christ for the office He has undertaken, which you would not
otherwise have discovered. But do not stop with going through this course
once. Repeat it as often as you can consistently with your plan of a
systematic study of the Holy Scriptures. You will always find something new,
and upon every fresh discovery you can revise your old notes.
7. History and biography
In reading the historical and biographical parts of
Scripture, observe the following.
(1.) The histories contained in the Bible are the
histories of God’s providence. Notice His hand in every event, and inquire
what principle or law of His moral government is exemplified, carefully
observing its application to nations, communities, and individuals.
(2.) When you read of particular mercies or judgments,
look back for the cause. In this way, you may discover the principles on
which God administers His most holy, wise, and just government.
(3.) In the biographies of the Bible, study the motives
and conduct of the characters described. If they are unconverted men, you
will learn the workings of human depravity, and discover what influence a
correct religious public sentiment has in restraining that depravity. If
they are good men, you will see in their good actions living illustrations
of the great doctrines of the Bible. Endeavor to learn by what means they
made such attainments in holiness, and strive to imitate them. If any of
their actions are bad, look back and inquire into the cause of their
backslidings. If you discover it, you will find a way-mark to caution you
against falling into the same pit.
8. Poetry and instruction
The poetical and didactic parts of the Scriptures are
scattered throughout the whole Bible. These abound with highly wrought
figures. This is probably owing partly to the insufficiency of ordinary
language to express the lofty and sublime ideas presented to the minds of
the writers by the Spirit of truth, and partly to the method of
communicating ideas which always prevails in the infancy of language.
Endeavor to understand the figures used. They are often taken from
prevailing habits and customs, and from circumstances peculiar to the
countries where the Scriptures were written. These habits and circumstances
you must understand, or you will not see the force of the allusions.
Others are taken from circumstances peculiar to
particular occupations in life. These must also be thoroughly studied, in
order to be understood. But where the figures are drawn from things
perfectly familiar, you will not perceive their surprising beauty and exact
fitness to express the idea of the sacred penman, until you have carefully
studied them and noted the minutest circumstances. Beware, however, that you
do not carry out these figures so far as to lead you into fanciful and
visionary interpretations.
9. The prophets
The books of the prophets consist of reproofs,
exhortations, warnings, threatenings, predictions, and promises. By
carefully studying the circumstances and characters of those for whom they
were written, you will find the principles and laws of God’s government set
forth, in their application to nations, communities, and individuals. From
these you may draw practical rules of duty, and also learn how to view the
hand of God in His providence in different ages of the world. The
predictions contained in these books are the most difficult to be understood
of any part of the Bible. In reading them you will notice,
(1.) Those predictions whose fulfillment is recorded in
the Bible, and diligently examine the record of their fulfillment. You will
see how careful God is to fulfill every jot and tittle of His Word.
(2.) There are other prophecies, the fulfillment of which
is recorded in profane history; and others still which are yet unfulfilled.
To understand these, it will be necessary to read ancient and modern
history, in connection with the explanation of the prophecies, by those
writers who have made them their study. Attention to this, so far as your
circumstances will admit, will be useful in enlarging your views of the
kingdom of Christ. But beware of becoming so deeply absorbed in these
matters as to neglect those of a more practical nature; and especially be
cautious of advancing far into the regions of speculation as to what is yet
future.
10. A whole book
You will find it an interesting and profitable
employment, occasionally to read a given book through, for the purpose of
seeing what light it throws upon some particular point of Christian
doctrine, duty, practice, or character. For example, go through with Acts
with your eye upon the doctrine of Christ’s divinity. Then go through with
it a second time, to see what light it throws on the subject of Revivals of
Religion. Pursue the same course with other books and in respect to other
subjects. In this way, you will sometimes be surprised to find how much you
have overlooked in your previous reading.
The foregoing suggestions may appear formidable because
of the time and study requisite to carry them into execution. But it is to
be remembered that the young Christian has his lifetime before him, and that
his great business is to obtain a knowledge of divine things. The plan is
not sketched with the expectation that everything here recommended will be
accomplished in a single year, but with the view of laying out business for
life.