The grand repository of truth!

(Letters of John Newton)

"Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good." 1 Thessalonians 5:21

The Bible is the grand repository of truth. It is the complete system of divine truth, to which nothing can be added, and from which nothing can be taken, with impunity. Every attempt to disguise or soften any branch of this truth, in order to accommodate it to the prevailing taste around us-either to avoid the displeasure, or to court the favor, of our fellow mortals-must be an affront to the majesty of God, and an act of treachery to men!

Many respectable writers and preachers consider certain things to be essential. But we have the Scripture in our hands, and are not bound to abide by the decisions of any man-any farther than as they agree with this standard.

An awakened mind that thirsts after the Savior, and seeks wisdom by reading and praying over the Scripture-has little necessity for a library of human writings. The Bible is the fountain from whence every stream that deserves our notice is drawn! We have personally an equal right with others to apply immediately to the fountain-head, and draw the water of life for ourselves.

The purest streams of human wisdom are not wholly freed from a taint of the soil through which they run. A mixture of human infirmity is inseparable from the best human composition; but in the fountain, the truth is unmixed!

"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Acts 17:11

"The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.
 The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
 The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.
 The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold.
 They are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward." Psalm 19:7-11