from my sin; for I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.'

No other book has such searching power. It was with this singular characteristic in mind that Coleridge said, "The Bible finds me." And he might have added, "Having found, it convicts

me.'

III. The Scriptures are profitable "for Correction."

If they are like "a sharp, two-edged sword" to pierce asunder, they are also like ointment to mollify the wound. They not only expose a man's crookedness but straighten him out.

And this they do by the proffer of salvation in Christ, saying to the patient, "Go thy way, thy faith hath saved thee."

This also is singular. No other of the so-called "Sacred Books" suggest a means of deliverance from the penalty of sin. Pardon is a Gospel word and the Bible has a monopoly of it. It bids us "Get right with God" and tells us how to do it.

An old man and his wife who had long neglected their souls happened into a church, where they heard a sermon which moved them to get a copy of the Bible and examine it. As they read they were so overwhelmed with conviction that the old man said, "Wife, if these things are true, we're lost!" But as they continued to read, the invitations and promises grew so convincing that he added joyously, "Wife, if these things are true, we're saved!"

In like manner there are multitudes who can point to the Scriptures and say, "Behold, I was born there." For as a rule the Holy Spirit works through the Word in bringing men to God.

IV. The Scriptures are profitable "for Instruction in Righteousness."

As a "Rule of Practice" they form the basis of Character.

One of the great words of the Bible is Righteousness. It is set forth in two perfect symbols, namely, the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount; and in one perfect Exemplar. The critic has yet to be found who can pick a flaw in the Decalogue; and by common consent Christ is the one immaculate Man who has lived among us.

But if we as Christians believe in the Bible, which presents such an admirable code of morals, how is it that there are so many inconsistent professors among us? The point is well taken; we freely acknowledge the justice of it. But in that criticism what a tribute is paid to the morality of the Bible, and to the Christ who perfectly exemplifies it! Behold the Book, how faultless its standards of righteousness! And behold the Man! The world finds "no fault in him at all."

But there is this to be said: the best people are Bible Christians. There is not one among them who claims perfection; but taking them by and large, good, bad and indifferent, we do not shrink from a comparison. Let a thousand of them stand up in line, and a thousand others who reject

or ignore the Scriptures in an opposing line; and we are ready to have the exhibit stand upon its merits.

But suppose all Christians did live up to the standard of the Bible, what people would they be! One man did so, once. He "brought the bottom of his life up to the top of his light." The Bible was his rule of faith and practice; and in his walk and conversation he was true to it. And when he hung upon the cross, the soldier in charge of his execution was moved to cry, "Certainly this was a righteous man!"

It remains to state the summary and application of Paul's message, which is indeed its most important point, namely, that the Scriptures are profitable "that the man of God may be thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

It is in the Scriptures that the Christian gets his commission for service. "As my Father hath sent me," said Jesus, "even so send I you." As Christians we are to serve not ourselves but others, and to do everything to the glory of God.

It is in the Scriptures that the Christian gets also his equipment for service. He is furnished with all the necessary pieces of defensive armor and with one weapon, namely, "the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God." This is enough for every need. As preacher or layman, scholar or teacher, merchant or clerk, he is equipped. At home, in society, in politics, everywhere he is equipped. For life and death he is thoroughly furnished.

By the Scriptures thus the Christian wins his crown. In the strength of their promises he remains true to truth and duty, true to himself, to his country and to all the children of men.

Wherefore it behooves us as Christians to continue steadfast in the things of Scripture. one who has lost or neglected his Bible!

Alas for

It is related in Pilgrim's Progress that Christian was met at the foot of the Cross by three Angels who presented him with a Name, a white garment and a Roll with a seal upon it. He found much comfort in reading from this Roll until, coming to a pleasant arbor, he fell into a slumber and lost it. As he continued his journey, meeting with many dangers, he felt in his bosom for his Roll "that he might read therein and be comforted; and he found it not. Then was he in great distress; for he wanted that which used to relieve him and which should have been his pass into the Celestial City. At last he bethought himself of the arbor wherein he had slept; and asking God's forgiveness for that foolish act, he went back to look for his Roll, all along the way crying, ‘O that I had not slept!' But coming to the arbor he espied his Roll, the which with trembling he catched up and put into his bosom. And who can tell how joyful this man was when he had gotten his Roll again? For this was the assurance of his life!"

Get back your Bible, O Christian. Take it from the shelf where, perhaps, it lies covered with

dust.

If while sleeping you have neglected it, seek until you find it.

For this is not only "the assurance of our life;" it is our joy along the way. A legend of St. Dunstan says that, on a certain day as he sat reading from the Scriptures in his cell, the harp which hung against his wall sounded without hands; "for an angel played the Gaudeate Animi upon it to the great delight and solace of that holy man." And many another in the reading of the Scripture has dreamed dreams, seen visions and heard music fairer than ever mortals make in this world.

8. PRAYER

O Lord, thou art so wise that thy foolishness is wiser than the wisdom of men. If I ever put my opinions before thy precepts, forgive me. Help me to bow reverently at thine Oracles and make thy Word the pathway of my life. Make me true to Christ, thine incarnate Word, and to the Bible, thy written Word; and when all the doubts and misgivings of this world have passed away, like shadows fleeing at the break of day, thy name shall have the praise forever and ever. Amen. 9. HYMN: "He leadeth me."

10. BENEDICTION

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.