ARTICLES

1. The Wonderful Bible!

2. What About the Bible?

3. Where did the Bible Come From?

4. Bible Facts

5. Frequently Asked Questions about the Bible

Christian Knowledge by Jonathan Edwards click here

The Bible by Charles H. Spurgeon click here

The Bible Book By Book by Josiah Blake Tidwell click here

The Bible Period by Period by Josiah Blake Tidwell click here

The Preacher's Power and the Conditions of Obtaining It by Charles H. Spurgeon click here

Directions for the acquisition of Christian knowledge by Jonathan Edwards

1. BE assiduous in reading the Holy Scriptures. This is the fountain whence all
knowledge in divinity must be derived.
Therefore let not this treasure lie by you neglected. Every man of common
understanding who can read, may, if he please, become well acquainted with the
Scriptures. And what an excellent attainment would this be!

2. Content not yourselves with only a cursory reading, without regarding the
sense. This is an ill way of reading, to which, however, many accustom
themselves all their days. When you read, observe what you read. Observe how
things come in. Take notice of the drift of the discourse, and compare one
scripture with another. For the Scripture, by the harmony of its different; parts,
casts great light upon itself.—We are expressly directed by Christ, to search the
Scriptures, which evidently intends something more than a mere cursory reading.
And use means to find out the meaning of the Scripture. When you have it
explained in the preaching of the word, take notice of it; and if at any time a
scripture that you did not understand be cleared up to your satisfaction, mark it,
lay it up, and if possible remember it.

3. Procure, and diligently use, other books which may help you to grow in this
knowledge. There are many excellent books extant, which might greatly forward
you in this knowledge, and afford you a very profitable and pleasant
entertainment in your leisure hours. There is doubtless a great defect in many,
that through a lothness to be at a little expense, they furnish themselves with no
more helps of this nature. They have a few books indeed, which now and then
on sabbath-days they read; but they have had them so long, and read them so
often, that they are weary of them, and it is now become a dull story, a mere
task to read them.

4. Improve conversation with others to this end. How much might persons
promote each other's knowledge in divine things, if they would improve
conversation as they might; if men that are ignorant were not ashamed to show
their ignorance, and were willing to learn of others; if those that have knowledge
would communicate it, without pride and ostentation; and if all were more
disposed to enter on such conversation as would be for their mutual edification
and instruction.

5. Seek not to grow in knowledge chiefly for the sake of applause, and to enable
you to dispute with others; but seek it for the benefit of your souls, and in order
to practice.—If applause be your end, you will not be so likely to be led to the
knowledge of the truth, but may justly, as often is the case of those who are
proud of their knowledge, be led into error to your own perdition. This being
your end, if you should obtain much rational knowledge, it would not be likely to
be of any benefit to you, but would puff you up with pride: 1 Cor.8:1. "
Knowledge puffeth up."

6. Seek to God, that he would direct you, and bless you, in this pursuit after
knowledge. This is the apostle's direction, James1:5. " If any man lack wisdom,
let him ask it of God, who giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not." God is the
fountain of all divine knowledge: Proverbs 2:6. "The Lord giveth wisdom: out of his
mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." Labor to be sensible of your
own blindness and ignorance, and your need of the help of God, lest you be led
into error, instead of true knowledge: 1 Corinthians3:18. " If any man would be wise,
let him become a fool, that he may be wise."

7. Practice according to what knowledge you have. This will be the way to know
more. The psalmist warmly recommends this way of seeking knowledge in divine
truth, from his own experience: Psalms 119:100. " I understand more than the
ancients, because I keep thy precepts." Christ also recommends the same: John
7:17. "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be
of God, or whether I speak of myself."

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