Having the Scriptures at all times within our reach, we are in danger of losing sight of their value. We read that in the days of Samuel the Word of the Lord was precious (1 Samuel 3:11And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision. (1 Samuel 3:1)).
How precious it must also have been in the thirteenth century, when a written Bible, in nine volumes, was sold to W. de Howton, for a sum equal in value to about $2500.00 of our money, and when it would have taken a laboring man fourteen or fifteen years to earn sufficient to purchase such a copy of the Scriptures!
Now many a man can earn, in one day, enough to buy two or three Bibles; but, if he does not take the advice given in the first of Joshua; and take heed to the call in the first of Proverbs, he might as well be without the Scriptures. To have them, and neglect to read them daily, is to possess that which condemns; for no one can prosper in his soul who does not make the Word of God the man of his counsel (Psalm 119:2424Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors. (Psalm 119:24)).
David says, “Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee,” and, again, “I will delight myself in Thy commandments, which I have loved. I rejoice at Thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. Great peace have they which love Thy law; and nothing shall offend them. My soul hath kept Thy testimonies, and I love them exceedingly.” Ps. 119:11, 47, 162, 165,167.
ML 11/15/1936