“If thou thirst [criest] after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seek her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasure, then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.”PUR December 22, 1904, par. 1

The Word of God has been preserved through the centuries to be our lesson book in these last days. This Word points us to a sure path, in which our feet can travel with safety, as we seek for the better country, even a heavenly.PUR December 22, 1904, par. 2

The appreciation of this Word grows with its study. The testimony of every true searcher of the Bible is, “I had no idea of the treasures of knowledge that it contains.”PUR December 22, 1904, par. 3

It is not enough for us to read the Word of God, supposing that a casual knowledge of its principles will bring about transformation of character. Firmly may certain doctrines of truth be held. Again and again they may be reiterated, till the holders come to think that they are indeed in possession of the great blessings which these doctrines represent. But the greatest, most powerful truths may be accepted, and yet kept in the outer court, exerting little influence to make the daily life Christlike. The soul is not sanctified by truth that is not practiced.PUR December 22, 1904, par. 4

“He also that received seed among thorns is he that heareth the word; and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.”PUR December 22, 1904, par. 5

Many professing Christians are so engrossed with earthly cares that they have no time for the cultivation of piety. They do not regard the service of God as of the first importance. A man may seem to receive the truth, but if he does not overcome his unchristlike traits of character, the thorns grow and strengthen, killing the precious graces of the spirit. The thorns in the heart, the unchristlike traits of character, must be uprooted and cast out; for good and evil can not grow in the heart at the same time. Unsanctified inclinations and desires must be cut away as a hindrance to growth in grace.PUR December 22, 1904, par. 6

Man is to hear the Word of God filled with a hungering desire to hear in faith and profit by the hearing. “Take heed, therefore, how ye hear; for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away, even that which he seemeth to have.” We are to give sincere, earnest attention to the teaching of Christ, realizing the importance of hearing aright, that God may use us in teaching others. “With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” The measure of the earnestness with which you hear My word, that you may help others, will be the measure by which a knowledge of this word is given to you. To him who listens intently shall be given; for God sees that he will use his knowledge aright. From him who has not improved his opportunities, who has not practiced the truth, that others may share in the blessing of his knowledge, shall be taken away, even that which he has. His opportunity to be all that God designed him to be, receiving and imparting the light of heaven, shall be taken away from him.PUR December 22, 1904, par. 7

Our only safety is in living in hourly communion with the high and holy principles of the Word. As we read and study the Scriptures, Christ will commune with us. Precious beams of light will shine upon the Word and by unseen intelligences the mind will be refreshed.PUR December 22, 1904, par. 8

The Word of the eternal God is our guide. Through this Word we are made wise unto salvation. Its principles are to be ever in our hearts and on our lips. “It is written” is to be our anchor. Those who make the Word of God the man of their counsel realize the weakness of the human heart and the power of divine grace to subdue every unsanctified, unholy impulse. They are almost constantly in prayer, and they have the guardianship of the holy angels. When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of God lifts up a standard for them. There is harmony in the heart; for the principles of heaven bear sway.PUR December 22, 1904, par. 9

Yes, the Word of God is the bread of life. Eat of it daily. It will infuse immortal vigor into your soul, perfecting your experience, and bringing you those joys that abide forever.PUR December 22, 1904, par. 10

Ellen G. White

December 15, 1904

December 29, 1904