The Bible not a Book of Riddles

The Bible is not a book of riddles to be guessed out by untaught men, women, and children; though some seem to treat it thus. It was given to be understood correctly; and he who does not thus understand it, should not presume to teach it to others. We do not say that the whole must be perfectly understood, before any part of it can be taught; but we do aver that we should not presume to teach what we do not understand.

Many professed teachers suggest that this or that may be the meaning of this or that prophecy, figure, or doctrine, and make these suggestions a foundation for a discourse, essay, or a protracted controversy with another suggestion! The fact is that such persons had better occupy the place of pupils in the school of Christ a little longer, before they attempt to become teachers of the sacred word of God.

We say with much assurance, that every word of the Bible may be correctly understood by studying it under the guidance of the true principles of Biblical interpretation. Let us speak and write in the name of the Lord, what we can prove by the plain and positive testimony he has given, and leave the guessing, suggesting, inferring, and speculating for those to attend to who have turned their ears away from the truth, and are turned unto fables, and will not endure sound doctrine. Expositor.