The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-02-17
A Bible Without Theology.

1t is custom somewhat common in at
least one Theological Seminary, to procure
proof-texts in Theology from the leaves Of
old copies of the Scriptures. They are
carefully cut out with knife or scissors, and
secured by mucilage in places left for the
lrpose in writing down the lectures. The
e ss-Texts stand out plainly on the written
Vl5age, and perhaps their printed form makes
it easier to commit them to memory. How,
ever this may be, the book thus mutilated
gains nothing by this treatment. In a little
while numerous gaps appear in its pages,
and now and then leaf is removed. In a
little longer time Romans and Galatians are
nearly gone, and Hebrews is hardly better
off. A course in Theology ends with Pauls
Epistles virtually gone, the Gospels much
shattered, and Job, Psalms, and the Pro-
phets considerable rent.
A volume of this sort is not apt to be
highly priced by its owner. Very little of
the sanctity attaches to it with which we
commonly regard the Holy Scriptures. Yet
it has occurred to me that these remnants
of inspired truth may meet want felt and
expressed in certain quarters. Indeed, who
can say that Bible prepared on this gene
raj plan may not meet want of the times,
and become the standard authority in a
great religious movement?
A Bible without Theology In the edi-
torial rooms of that great religious news,
paper, whose "genial though erratic" ed-
tor,in-chief calls for "more religion, but no
more theology" just such Bible, perhaps
unconsciously, seems to be sought for.
Many "hberal" thinkers would find use
for Bible from which all Orthodox texts
had been removed. Some critics would carry
out very fully this destructive process, leav-
ing in the end little authentic history, a
few psalms, some good moral precepts, some
prophecies recorded after their fulflment,
and few of the sayings of the man Jesus
The hard doctrines of the Scriptures are
looked upon by many persons as barriers
which keep them out of the kingdom of
heaven. Some would like to see those pas
sages removed that tell of Gods rightful
sovereignty over sinful race, and of the
necessity of submission to his righteous will.
Some cannot bear to be told of God of
purer eyes than to look upon iniquity; whom
without holiness no man can see. Very
many stumble at passages that tell of an
everlasting punishment to which rejeetors of
salvation through Christ shall 90 away
These doctrines removed from the Scrip
lures, new, broad way might take the place
of that strait way that leads to the kingdom.
1t implies more than we are apt to think,
reverently and humbly to take the whole
Bible as the Word of God adding nothing,
taking nothing away, but receiving with
faith just what divine wisdom has given US.
1t has theology, wider and richer, doubt
less, than the formulas of any one theologi-
cal system, yet embracing the great funda-
mental truths which all these systems re-
cognize. With valuable practical instruc-
tons and numerous historical examples, are
mingled clear and decided doctrinal state
ments, Divine wisdom has given all these
in due measure, for the varied needs of the
Christian life; that we may both know and
do the truth, and that the truth may make
us free--Adodnce.