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to main pageA GUIDE TO THE GOSPELS
TO THE READER
1. As you begin this study of the Gospels resolve that you will be diligent in it, and will persevere until you get a real mental and spiritual grasp of their contents. The design of this book is to supply the student with material, by means of which he may attain to a mastery of these priceless Memoirs which are called the Gospels.
2. Every time you turn to their pages, offer the prayer: "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things" (Psa. 119: 18), and expect the Holy Spirit to do so.
3. Get a copy of each Gospel in good print; of a size that can easily be carried about. Open it up, and interleave it, and on the interleaves write the main divisions of the analysis of each, so that, whenever you read it you may see just where you are in the unfolding story.
4. Secure a note-book of reasonable size, about 6 in. by 4½ in.; have it by you whenever you study, and make new notes of things that impress you; of difficulties that arise in the course of your reading; of subjects you may wish to develop for class or pulpit use, and anything else of relevant interest. It would be well to number the pages, and make an index, so that you can readily turn to any subject on which you have a note. If you are likely to write much, let your note-books be all the same size, and number them.
5. Plan to spend so much time each week on this study. Arrange for it as you do for your meals, and keep to the arrangement. If possible, choose a time when you are not likely to be interrupted.
6. Make a point of speaking to somebody about your study, in order that you may create interest in another, and at the same time may impress your studies on your own mind. One of the best ways to learn is to teach; and, of course, in order to teach you must learn.
7. It will be well to assume ignorance of the Gospels rather than knowledge, because the more you study the more will you be convinced of the petty known and the vast unknown.
8. Realize that it is not irreverent to approach the Gospels, or any of the Scriptures, critically; that it is right and necessary to know what can be known about such matters as authorship, sources, style, etc., so that by such knowledge a foundation may be laid for a true appreciation of the finished product.
9. On the other hand, it should be recognized that critical study is not an end in itself, but only a means to an end. The sources of Matthew and Luke will continue to be matters of controversy, and various views will continue to be held, but the thing that finally matters is that we have the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, and that each is the Word of God to us, however it came into existence. All examination should have experience for its end. You should give to your work attention with intention, remembering that the benefit which can be derived from these studies will be in exact proportion to the attentiveness and industry of the student.
10. It is of supreme importance that the Gospels be read, and read, and read again. Nothing can be a substitute for the reading of the text itself. This should be done until mentally you can follow the outline of each Gospel and are able to refer easily to any passage you may want. Turn up every reference given, and ponder it. A Parallel New Testament (Authorized and Revised Versions) will be most valuable for the purpose of comparison. Do not use a Scofield, or any annotated Bible, with these studies, if you wish to keep your mind open and flexible.
11. But while the Gospels themselves are your study you should, as means and time allow, secure one or more of the best books on these records. The titles of some useful books are given for your guidance, but they are not essential for the general mastery referred to, but an oft repeated reading of the text of the Gospels is absolutely necessary.
12. It would be well for you to carry a list of the questions, so that at odd moments, you can test your knowledge and make a mental note of what you need to look up in the studies.
13. Do not imagine that such work as this is too much for you. Do not underrate your ability, but with courage and confidence undertake something really big and worth while, and yours will be the joy of achievement.
14. Achievement means nothing less than that the spirit and truths of the Gospels are reincarnated in you in terms of character and service.
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