The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-08-14
THE LIVING BIBLE.

sometimes made by unbelleverS, assert
ing that the Bible is "a dying book"
and gives some excellent reasons for the
contrary opinion. In point of fact the
Bible was never more vital in the exper-
fence of mankind than at the present
time. In no previous hour of it's his
tory has it been more intelligently stud
led or drawn to itself a more reverent
attention, or more clearly recognized as
fountain of instruction for all classes
and conditions of mankind. No doubt
"Bibliolatry'' is now rarer than in for
mer times. The idea of the plenary in
spiration of the Bible is rapidly pass
ing, but the old idolatry of the letter
passes only to give place to a more
rational view of the Book, and brings
into more commanding attention the
spirit and purpose of the sacred writ
ings. 1t is as the record of revela-
ton that the Bible is now studied by
the intelligence of the world. In itself,
as book, it is not this revelation but
it contains a revelation, and the pro-
foundest truths of experience, and the
deepest knowledge of God and the I'M
seen verities are embraced in its lumin-
GUS pages. Men are now searching the
Scriptures with more intelligent
purpose, and more sympathetic inter-
est than at any former period, and are
growing to understand the Bible as they
have never done before. With the in
creasing knowledge Of the principles
which should govern in its interpreta-
ton, and a more intimate acquaintance
with the facts of its history, and the
results of biblical science generally,
comes more rational respect for the
sacred volume, and promise of its
continued influence and power in the
world.
1t is from the superficial, the SOOTHING
and irreverent, and not from the learned
and patient students of the history and
environment" of the Bible, that the
cry comes that the world has outgrown
the book Of the ages. But the Bible is
not, by any means, an obsolete book.
1t is not yet remanded to the moles and
the bats. 1t is now in the front rank
of public attention, as never before in
its history. The progress of biblical
science is one of the most remarkable
facts Of the present age and this sci
ence rests on more extensive and
patient investigation than has hereto
fore been known in history. Not only
is the literature of the Bible more ex-
tensive than formerly, but with the
progress of the great missionary move
merits of the church, it is reaching a
wider circulation, and is becoming more
influential in all corners of the habita-
BILE globe. A recent article in one of
our contemporaries well says: 1.-THE
Bible to-day is read on nearly every
parallel of latitude and longitude around
the globe. 1t fiourishes in the native
home of every other religion. 1t wins
converts from the votaries of every
other. 1t grows stronger in its popu-
larity and influence, while all of them
are manifestly whitening and dying"
Tributes to the value and influence
of the Bible abound on every hand
from philosophers, poets, statesmen, sci
entific men, and men of affairs. Even
unbelievers have recorded their testi-
mony in this direction. We find few Of
these testimonies embraced in an article
in the Christian Life, of London, which
we condense. Theodore Parker said:
"There is not boy or girl in
all christendom through, but their
lot has been made better by this
GREAT BooK." Rosseau remarked
IT must confess the majesty or the
Scriptures strikes me with astonish-
ment." Carlyle's testimony is given
in this way: "a noble book All
mems book. 1t is our first statement
of the never-ending problem of mans
destiny, and Gods way with men on
earth.n Coleridge remarked: ITO give
a man full knowledge of tue moral
ity, should need to send him to no
other book" Sir John Herschel OBJ
serves "All human discoveries seem
to be made only for the purpose of con-
firming more and more strongly the
truths contained in the Holy Script
ures.n John Adams declared that "the
Bible is the best book in the world )"
Patrick Henry that lit is worth all
other books printed" and John Quincy
Adams remarked $50 great is my
veneration for the Bible, that the ear
lier my children begin to read it the
more confident will be my hopes that
they will prove useful citizens to their
country, and respectable members of
society,""
DIR. Benjamin Rush, the Universalist
patriot of the Revolution, also declared;
christianity is the only true and per-
feet religion, and in proportion as man
kind adopt its principles and obey its
precepts they will be wise and happy.
And a better knowledge of this religion
is to be acquired by reading the Bible
than in any other way" Daniel Web
ster in his declaration of religious faith
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