Aim at Efficiency

Our duty is to go on and not to rest content with the amount of knowledge possessed at baptism. All scripture has been given for our learning, not merely the few texts which opened our eyes to the first principles. Quite as essential is it to pursue our Scripture studies as before. In no other way can we possibly obtain the necessary strength to overcome the many and varied faith-testing experiences of our probation. Whether we recognize it or not, brethren, it is only a growing familiarity with the prophecy, history, and general teaching contained in the books of God’s library that will enable us to stave off our native unbelief, and acquire courage and wisdom enough to keep at a distance “Mr. Bad Laugh,” “Mr. Lover-of-the-present-world,” and “Mr. Sinwithin,” with their unsound reasonings, attractive invitations, and criminal suggestions.

Is proof wanted in regard to this? Then a look at yonder brethren will supply it, brethren who, as we know, grew negligent of the divinely-appointed means of securing knowledge, became careless in their daily readings, indifferent to the up-building meetings, hypercritical and scornful over the works of others. Are we “going on”? Yes, if we have willed it so, but not if we are treading the path of the lax ones, or hoping that by the mere association with the brethren and sisters, apart from earnest, personal study, things will be all right. No; apart from an incessant reading, marking, and inwardly digesting, no headway can be made.

A.T.J