of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
that the man of God may be perfect [a perfect Christian], thoroughly
furnished unto all good works." 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.

Tradition is unnecessary for the production of a true Christian character.
The Scriptures contain all the doctrine, reproof, correction and
instruction needful. The Scriptures have but one true interpreter, and but
one interpretation. All who rightly understand the Bible understand it
alike. We are aware this is contrary to much of the present day teaching.
Many are now saying that "we can not understand the Word of God the same,
therefore just as we understand it so it is unto us." This is very loose
and robs the "two-edged sword" of all its sharpness and power. It leaves
man to interpret it in a manner that will not condemn his sinful life. A
class of grammar students, if allowed to analyze sentences and parse words
each according to his understanding, would never become perfect
grammarians. One may parse a word as a "verb," another the same word as an
"adverb," another as a "participle," and if each were right according to
his understanding, how could we have any fixed rules of grammar? All would
be confusion and no one would know what is proper speech. Students to
become efficient scholars must understand mathematics, astronomy, botany,
etc., alike. Every volume written by man if understood rightly must be
understood alike by all.

To allow every man his own private interpretation of Scripture, or every
religious society its interpretation is to admit of no certain, no fixed
rules governing a Christian life. We can illustrate it better in this way.
A certain rich man has a number of circulars printed. These circulars he
distributes among the poor of a certain neighborhood. On these circulars
he tells them that at the end of twelve months he will give one thousand
dollars to each one complying with the conditions given below. The
conditions are these: You must not steal. "Lie not one to another." Do not
render evil for evil. Love your enemies, and pray for those who
despitefully use you. "If thine enemy hunger, feed him; and if he thirst,
give him drink." "Speak evil of no man." "Return good for evil." "As ye
would that others should do to you, do ye even so to them." If a man smite
you upon the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Prefer others before
yourself. "Do all things without murmuring