Show about the bible the bible embraces the work of forty authors of different classed of society from the lonley condition of the fisherman and to the exalted position of the lawgiver and kings it was written daring the long period of sixteen hundred years in different places as egypt the desert of arabia canaan aada minor greece and home and it contains a great variety of matter and form of composition aa history poetry prophecy proverbial philosophy doctrine precept from the aim pleat style to the flights of diction yet with all this difference it breathes from beginning to end the same spirit and teaches the same system of faith and practice and the same plan and way of salvation it exhibits the arnth a dead tradition or uniform repetition from age to age but as a vital principle and living power ever growing and expanding and yet ever retaining its identity and essential unity lot no one take offense offence at the modesty and humility of its form and language for thus it reaches even the lowliest capacity the work of godhan in deed become flesh and blood and assumed the form of a servant but out of the veil of this real humanity shines forth tho glory of eternal truth the bible under whatever view we may regard it is undoubtedly the most remarkable of all books and beyond the reach of comparison it caa teach edify improve comfort and cheer as no other book it has a creative regenerative sanctifying sanctify ing all penetrating power for every reader that is seriously concerned about bis salvation eal and pierces to the very marrow of our heart and conscience it improves upon acquaintance and challenges our reverence and affection in proportion as we use it we never get tired of it as we do of the greatest works of men like a torch the more it is shaken the more it shines and like a healing herb the harder it is pressed the stronger the ajeet fragrance it yields even iti difficulties and mysteries have their use and should remind us of the imperfection of our earthly knowledge and stimulate us to deeper research the bible has the seal of approbation I 1 of all christendom Christan dom of these eighteen hundred years and continually verifies itself jn the experience of every christian by the inner testimony of the holy spirit that breathes through it with its supernatural power the bible is a book of life the book of god for all mankind for children and adults for the rich and poor for the rulers and subjects for the learned and the illiterate easily intelligible telli gible and yet unfathomable old and yet enog end fresh as godheim self who gave it as pur guide in the path of piety virtue and happiness within this eacret volume lle the mystery of mysteries oil happy they of human race to whom our god has given grace to hear to read to praise to pray to lift the latch and force the way bat better had they neer been barn who read to doubt or read to scorn da october |