Through the years I have gleaned several quotes showing there are rules to be observed in the way we study our Bibles.
“I have been shown that there is a way to study the Scriptures.” 1888 Materials p. 528.4 (1888 528.4)
We should know for ourselves what constitutes Christianity, what is truth, what is the faith we have received, what are the Bible rules—the rules given us from the highest authority.” 2MCP 535.3 (Letter 4, 1889.36-38)
“We are living in perilous times. In the fear of God, I tell you that the true exposition of the Scriptures is necessary for the correct moral development of our characters.” (RH, February 14, 1899 par. 15)
“They (Millerites) believed that they had adopted sound principles of interpretation in their study of the Scriptures, and that it was their duty to hold fast the truths already gained, and to still pursue the same course of Biblical research. With earnest prayer they reviewed their position, and studied the Scriptures to discover their mistake. As they could see no error in their explanation of the prophetic periods, they were led to examine more closely the subject of the sanctuary.” (4SP 259.2)
“Those who are engaged in proclaiming the third angel’s message are searching the Scriptures upon the same plan that Father Miller adopted. In the little book entitled “Views of the Prophecies and Prophetic Chronology,” Father Miller gives the following simple but intelligent and important rules for Bible study and interpretation: “1. Every word must have its proper bearing on the subject presented in the Bible; 2. All Scripture is necessary, and may be understood by diligent application and study; 3. Nothing revealed in Scripture can or will be hid from those who ask in faith, not wavering; 4. To understand doctrine, bring all the scriptures together on the subject you wish to know, then let every word have its proper influence; and if you can form your theory without a contradiction, you cannot be in error; 5. Scripture must be its own expositor, since it is a rule of itself. If I depend on a teacher to expound to me, and he should guess at its meaning, or desire to have it so on account of his sectarian creed, or to be thought wise, then his guessing, desire, creed, or wisdom is my rule, and not the Bible.” The above is a portion of these rules; and in our study of the Bible we shall all do well to heed the principles set forth.” (RH, November 25, 1884 par.23-25)
Drawing from his own experience with the use of these rules, William Miller could say,
“The Bible was now to me a new book. It was indeed a feast of reason; all that was dark, mystical or obscure, to me, in its teachings, had been dissipated from my mind before the clear light that now dawned from its sacred pages; and O, how bright and glorious the truth appeared! All the contradictions and inconsistencies I had before found in the Word were gone; and, although there were many portions of which I was not satisfied I had a full understanding, yet so much light had emanated from it to the illumination of my before darkened mind, that I felt a delight in studying the Scriptures which I had not before supposed could be derived from its teachings” {1853 SB, MWM 76.2}