This book
has been written for two reasons: first, because it seemed to be needed;
second, to save the writer time and labor. Letters are constantly coming in
from all quarters asking how to study the Bible. It is impossible to refuse to
answer a question so important as that, but it takes much time to answer it at
all as it should be answered. This book is written as an answer to those who
have asked the question, and to those who may wish to ask it. Nothing is more
important for our own mental, moral and spiritual development, or for our
increase in usefulness, than Bible study. But not all Bible study is equally
profitable. Some Bible study is absolutely profitless. “How to study the Bible
so as to get the largest profit from it,” is a question of immeasurable
importance. The answer to the question, found in this book, has been for the
most part given in addresses by the author, at the Chicago Bible Institute,
before the summer gatherings of college students, at ministerial conferences
and Y. M. C. A. conventions. Many, especially ministers, who have heard these
addresses have asked that they might be put in a permanent shape. I have
promised for two years to comply with this request, but have never found time
to do so until now.