In 1908, H. A. Ironside wrote in foreword of Proverbs.
..diligent Bible study is on the wane.
It is well to remember that reading books
about the Bible is a very different thing
to searching the Word for oneself.
Read the full quote -
It is to be feared that even among those who hold and value much precious truth,
diligent Bible study is on the wane. It is well to remember that reading books
about the Bible is a very different thing to searching the Word for oneself.
Notes and expositions may be helpful. If the writer did not so believe,
he would not now be putting pen to paper. But if these works of uninspired men
be permitted to take the place of the sure Word of the living God,
the result can only be baneful in the extreme. The result of such one-sided study
will be that men will draw their thoughts from one another,
in place of from the great reservoir of truth itself.
This will result in a dry intellectuality which is the very opposite of a fresh,
vigorous spirituality.