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URa-isa^a^iassaajSKa^ THE OLD BOOK AND THE OLD FAITH REVIEWED IN A SERIES OF LECTURES BY ROBERT STUART MacARTHUR PASTOR CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH, NEW YORK O h>ly, kclf Book o/Gtdt T^*rt art mo mordt likt iktH*: Tht toiut that angth b^*^aS*sw^*ii'f»> i PREFACE. of one generation entirely contradict and sometimes utterly annihilate, the critics of a preceding gen- eration; and they themselves, in turn, receive like treatment from the critics of a succeeding genera- tion. The field of exegetical inquiry is covered with the disjecta membra of the critics of earlier days. Believers in established doctrines may well posses', their souls in patience until the critics have completed their present, and apparently pleasur- able, work of mutual destruction. So long as their theories of interpretation are mere theories, they are unworthy of our serious opposition ; should they become established truths, we would be unworthy of ourselves as lovers of truth did we refuse them our assent. There are " fads " in Scripture interpretation as in political discussions, in social customs, and in literary tastes. It is quite certain that the pendulum of religious opinion is now swinging toward a simpler faith, a warmer zeal, and a constructive interpreta- tion. Many in all our churches are impatient with the microscopic criticism often applied to the Bible as seen in the wearisome displays of divi- sional vagaries indicated by letters of the alphabet, or by colors in a "Polychrome Bible." If the plays of Shakespeare, the poems of Milton, the I, «s« 1 sometimes icding gen- rcceive like ing genera- is covered s of earlier es may well critics have itly pleasur- iretation are our serious ished truths, as lovers of There are i in political i in literary pendulum of ard a simpler re interpreta- (ipatient with plied to the )lays of divi- the alphabet, ble." If the ■ Milton, the PHeface. ^ histories by Macaulay. or the orations of Daniel Webster were subjected to similar treatment, it could be proved, according to some of the methods of the so-called Higher Criticism, that many au- thors had written these productions; indeed, the authors and their works would be made inexpressi- bly ridiculous. The people are longing for pulpit teaching that is definite, affirmative, and authori- tative. It is certain that a return toward the older view of Bible interpretation is perceptible also among great scholars. Professor Sayce has recently af- firmed that the spade is to demolish many of the conclusions of philology; that the tablets tend to establish the traditional view of the historical trustworthiness of the Old Testament; that the Pentateuch was written chiefly by Moses; that he has come to disbelieve in the later views of the Pentateuch; and that he mistrusts the conclusions of the Higher Critics. Professor Harnack has also uttered his protest against many of the conclusions of modern Biblical criticism and in favor of the older view. Professor Klustermann. on purely critical grounds, sharply opposes the reconstruc tion scheme of the Pentateuch made by Wellhau- sen and his school. He regards both the methods ^S^^SmSi^»iiMJmmsissi^^^i^ji.^-^^si.^ lo PREFACE. and the manners of Wellhausen as utterly wrong. Verily this destruction of critics by critics is an interesting conflict. The old Book will stand ; " the grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but the word of our God shall stand forever." R. S. MacArthur. Calvary Study, New York, September i, i8gg. t ly wrong, tics is an vithereth, God shall lRTHUR. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I II. Ill, IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. XI. XII. XIII. XIV. XV. XVI. PAGE IS The Divine Revelation of the Bible The Assured Genuineness of the Bible ... The Unique Inspiration of the Bible The Definite Design of the Bible The Inerrant Teaching of the Bible 05 The Peculiar Authority of the Bible 105 The Instructive Reticence of the Bible . • • , • The Compassionate Spirit of the Bible ... The Progressive Revelation of the Bible . The Artless Harmony of the Bible * 177 The Remarkable Unity of the Bible 193 The Ancient History of the Bible . 200 Biographical Honesty of the Bible The Matchless Poetry of the Bible ' The Aggressive Mission of the Bible The Suggestive Scientism of the Bible . 31 49 67 8S 121 141 177 225 239 271 fe^5:ji***te'^,,J5S*e3*.fJi,.SA,,(S;i^H,t,*,Rii,,>-,,s^,„ \ 1 ' i'^'\ U CHAPTER XVII. XVIII. XIX. XX. XXI. XXII. XXIII. XXIV CONTESTS. PAOB The Artistic Influence of the Bible . 293 The Musical Inspiration of the Bible 309 The Literary Incitation of the Bible 325 The Legislative Dominance of the Bible . . • • ' ^^ The Domestic Felicities of the Bible 359 The Indestructible Vitality of the Bible . . • • • . • ^^^ The Irrefutable Evidences of the . 395 Bible . • • • • „., , ,,i The Appropriate Study of the Bible 417 PAOB Bible . 293 e Bible 309 5 Bible 325 of the . 341 e Bible 359 of the . 377 of the • 395 le Bible 4^7 THE DIVINE REVELATION OF THE BIBLE. i^&^te/al'^s^-'S^^; W**Saii^;... "si: m f\ ;i« THE OLD BOOK. I. The Divine Revelation of the Bible. It is confidently affirmed in many quarters that the Church is losing its hold upon large classes in the community, that the Bible has ceased to com- mand the reverence and even the respect of the people, and that religion itself is no longer the potent factor which once it was in human thought and life. It is doubtless true, in the case of many who make these assertions, that the wish is father to the thought; and it is also true that similar as- sertions often have been made which were proved untrue by subsequent events. It must be ad- mitted, however, that the Sabbath is no longer re- garded with the sanctity which characterized it in former generations. The early part of the day is wellnigh smothered by the blanket-sheet news- paper; later portions of the day are rolled in the dust by the bicycle; and many professedly Chris- tian people join with the acknowledged people of the world in spending what remains of the day in I ; t:^kl^l^mt>^ami^mliir.j.. 11!! !'.' '> i 1 6 r//E OLD book: social festivities. The Continental Sunday has made grievous inroads on the American Sabbath; the holy day has largely become simply a holiday. It is not difficult to account for the indifference and irreverence which characterize Sunday and its services in recent times. For this deplorable result the unwise, and often really unscholarly. destructive criticism of the Bible is largely respon- sible. In former times the enemies of divme reve- lation were called infidels; now they are called churchmen of various creeds. Formerly they stood outside the temple of truth which they wished to destroy; now they stand in its holy places, wear- ing its honors and titles, while they are vigorously but vainly striving to undermine its eternal foun- dations. The time has come for preachers and all evangelical believers to speak clearly, strongly, loyally, and lovingly in affirmation of the old faith and in defence of the old Bible. It is believed that in all our churches there are many men and women who are utterly weary of the indefiniteness of much of the pulpit teaching of the last few years. It will not be intelligently denied that the pulpit often has spoken hesitantly, vaguely, and apolo- getically; certainly the time has come for it to speak confidently, affirmatively, and authoritatively. Revelation is the act or process of reveahng or disclosing what before was unknown, The word itself is profoundly suggestive. It comes from the Latin revelo, which is made up of re, back. 1 1 e t i( n h tv m th hi Ai Ge Tm a s hoc tha nat ' I inday has Sabbath ; a holiday, ^difference iay and its deplorable nscholarly, ely respon- livine reve- are called yr they stood y wished to laces, wear- e vigorously ternal foun- eachers and ly, strongly, the old faith jelieved that 1 and women ness of much iw years. It it the pulpit , and apolo- me for it to thoritatively. I revealing or \. The word comes from ) of re, back, ^/rms HEyELATio^^ of the bible. 17 and vdum,^ veil. In revelation God draws back the veil wh.ch concealed Him from men. Our deepest needs cry out for light from God. Except help come from God other than that which we denve from the light of nature, we shall sink into moral man.ty. if not into despair. We joyously recogn^e the fact that nature is a reveliion, o nthV "^T T'^^^*'-"^^'^ beautifully illustrated n he nineteenth psalm The first six verses of that psalm g,ve us a statement of natural religion • begmnmg at the seventh verse and going to the "on Vt 'f ""^' ^"^^' -^ '^^ anlllustlt! tion of the character and eflfect of revealed rehV- •on; and m the last verse of the psalm we hive a manifestation of experimental religion. We thus PsTir^Tr ""^''""' -^ -^--tion in the psalm. There is no contradiction whatever be- tween these three forms of communicating the mmd of God. Nature is an unwritten Bibfe. al the Scriptures are a written Bible Youn^ Jn h.s "Night Thoughts,'- has well said of natuS^" T« elder Scripture, writ by God's own hand.- Scripture authentic ; uncorrupt by man. " And Sir Thomas Browne, as quoted by Dr ?w7Bibt"" h"""^'"^" '" ^'^ pamphlet. ''The rwo Bibles, has expressed quaintly and forcibly a similar thought when he says : "There are two books from which I collect my divinity: besides ' nature - that umversal and public manuscript '%?^iit:,ifl'irrS«aafoTTr;sszrwT-'=r^ ^-^v-^T f %:, Hily l!it' 6! -. g r//^ OLD BOOK. God of the world It is po ^^^.^.^^^ nature can never answer; -/ f ^ ^^^^y^ not to us of the utn,c^ .mpor^ - , Lie dwarfed, answered, our moral nature ^ u ^„,i 3,.veUed tr^mcate^^^^^^^^ How can powers will ^e restramed ^ j^eness for man be just with God ? Is ther ^ ^^. _ • > !<; there power anywhere to enaoic u the reverse? Natural r % . ^^^ case of the these profound questions, ^veninth questions which it does answer we^^^^^^^^^^ confirmation than mature herself can gjve ural religion often ^^^l^^^X::'^ need its conflicting testimony; ^.^^ 3"^' T. j^ j^ ^ost de- voice to be most auth^ita-^^^^^^^^^ ^^^ ^^, fective. Greece, in all the glo y ^^.^ ^^ Hi " We err of nature- honored the jciating the us in this ly religious . are simply )le. I the light of questions are they be not ome dwarfed, r intellectual d. How can jrgiveness for able us to tri- the universe? ng, loving, or ot fully answer the case of the require fuller m give. Nat- j confusing and lere we need its e it is most de- of her art and e moral evil at er life. Rome, af splendor, was :orruption which JJirLVJ-: KEVELATIO.y OF TlfE Ji/n/.F.. 19 swept over all clas.ses alike. The highest know]- edge possible apart from a divine revelation is painfully imperfect, if it be not grossly corrupt Every heathen altar in ancient days and in modern times tells of man's need of a divine revelation There is nothing at once more pathetic and inspir- ing than the Apostle Paul's reference, in his ser- mon on Mars' Hill, to the altar dedicated "to the unknown god." The Greeks had lords many, but they did not satisfy the aspirations of the cultured minds and the longings of the aching hearts of that remarkable people. In Japan to-day may be seen an idolatry as gross, superstitious, and repul- sive as that among the nations which reputedly are far below the Japanese in intelligence and even in morality. Every heathen form of worship is a testimony at once to man's need of divine help, to his extreme moral depravity, and to the possibility of his rendering worship to the true God. There IS evermore in the heart of man a longing after God, perverted though it invariably becomes. Even among degraded peoples there are remnants of the nobility of their nature and examples of their varied aspirations after God. God's image though defaced, is not effaced. Thus the most' advanced heathen nations, in their idolatrous practices, confess their ignorance regarding the profoundest questions of time and eternity, and their need of a divine revelation. H*feU«lwM»t.^**iiW.s;'!iat*»«5=t»i^ -J.1.-V,-.--. 20 THE OLD BOOK. » I ■'! REVrXATlON Is TO liE EXPF.CTF.D. May we expect help, ligh, and W"'™- _;;,'^/ Has Jod «hc.us.his <'7P;-f;';« t mU moot and will He fail to reveal 1 hmselt .' v\ ui 1 ;; continued disappointment ! Are onr nobl r ature, false to then-selves and to H™-"; A« not our aspirations God's inspirations? May we expect God to draw aside the veil and reveal Htm- ,T:I a lovins rather to His eonlessey wand- inc and His rebellious, sorrowful, and helpless chu dren " From what we know of God by nature, may te not expect that He will meet the deep needs of Ir Tntelleetual and moral natures by thetr appro- ; atesu ply? we rejoice in the fact 0,at God ha, made Himself partially known in nature. Of th.s ",A,awehavLlreadyseen,thePsalmis.ofIsrad Xg in the nineteenth psalm. He "eognued the he? that the heavens declare the glory of God , he r ual y affirmed that "an undevout astrono-" . raid • The heavens are far more eloquent to us To day with all our discoveries regard.ng astro- no'm caXdies, than they could possibly have W toTh Psalraist. Surely God who has spoken and Vr.hns sneaks in nature will speak in some wlr f rm t; a marvellous system of ittgemou, cotTvancTs He has arranged for the supply of our ;;:carneeds., and many of '^ese arrangement lo4 anticipate their actual use by us. If God has Ts met *e wants of our lower natures, surely H-. 1 1 r •i'^txc^ nn-rxE Rr.rF.r.ATrox of rirr. nrnLE, 21 ED. rom 'jod? r Himself, U He mock our nobler self ? Are ? May we cvcal Him- clly wander- elpless chil- nature, may ecp needs of their appro- that God has ire. Of this mist of Israel ^cognized the y of God ; he astronomer is ;loquent to us ;arding astro- bly have been IS spoken and peak in some 11 of ingenious J supply of our ! arrangements s. If God has natures, surely He vv.ll supply the deep necessities of our higher subl.mcr, and diviner natures. The whole realm of nature abounds in illustrations which aid us in chensh.ng this hope. There are in the vegetable world vvonderful remedial agents for the ills of life There ,s m plant and flower a recuperative, restor- ative, curative element. The bruised plant seeks US riormal condition ; the broken bone puts forth re- markable energy to recover its former strength, and the lacerated flesh evokes forces and adopts proc- esses wh.ch elicit our admiration, in the effort to recover from its wounded experience. By analogy we reason from the needs and helps of the body io the h.gher needs of our souls, and to the source of the.r providential supply. There is reason thus to hope for a restorative element, a reparative proc- ess, a spiritual medicament somewhere in the pharmacy of nature, somewhere in the laboratory of God. The thought of forbearance, of mercy, of pardon on the part of God. is anticipated in he creeds even of enlightened heathen philosophers Hope strives to inspire life even in the saddest he.T* . u^°"' '"'^ ^"P^ ''' •« ^°"btful whether heathen faiths could escape from utter collapse. f^om r" H T ' u"' '"^^'^* ^^^-^r.nc. to come from God. Hope thus struggles against doubt, love be God that m due time He came with the voice tT'L^'^lT^'^^ '°"^ °^ redemption, and fill- ing earthly hfe with heavenly hope and joy' '^^WsS^^s^m^^^m^i^i^^ ■5«n^M>S^iWB^ilit^^*^tI.. -. . , 33 THE 01 n BOOK, il* ;;iW. Ih '*i I', Thk Naturk ok Rkvki.ation. God has revealed Himself. The Eternal has spoken. Divinity has been clothed m humantty. The living God has made Himself known to hv.ng „,en Miracles have attended the utterance of His Tice They ushered in the epoch of revelation Is represcited by Moses, by the prophets, and by Christ They have well been called the great bell of the universe which calls attention to Gods ser- mon, and they have been described also as can- Ties lit before'the dawn, but put out after the sun has risen." It pleased God to introduce the mi^ raculous element in giving the "^P'^/ ^^^^^ to men. but it pleased Him also to hold tha mirac ulous element always at the minimum. It is the dory of life that God has appeared among men m t person of Jesus Christ. This manifestation of God was earth's highest honor; it was also heavens brightest glory. We know not whe her other planets have inhabitants ; but we cannot con- ceive of any higher honor being conferred on any part of God's earth than that God's Son should become man and dwell among men and die f^ „.en. We may say with reverence tha GocUou Id not help making a revelation of Himself Al 11. e is reveLory. The tone of the voice the g ance of the eye. the movement of the hand or foot-these aeallre;elatoryof culture and character. God cannot conceal Himself and remain God. Part of ( r a a r a< IT ti If ev fie pi br va po pU *■, a:. :ernal has humanity, rn to living ,nce of His revelation Its, and by i great bell , God's ser- so as " can- ter the sun ice the mi- d revelation that mirac- It is the long men in lanifestation it was also not whether ; cannot con- jrred on any Soil should and die for lat God could elf. All life :e, the glance 3r foot— these aracter. God God. Part of Pnvxr REVELATION OF THE PlBrE. n the joy Of Hi» ii/e is in the bcstowmentof life and blessu.g upon others. All true life is multiplied byimpartation; mi\ it is dwarfed by withhold- ment. Should God cease lo give-it is said with reverencc-~-f le would cease to be God. The Dead Sea is the dead sea because it has no outlet, visible or invisible. In the nature of the case it can have no outlet, as it is the lowest body of water on the g obe. It is estimated that daily six million tons of water fall into the Dead Sea; and all of this prodigious quantity of water is carried off by evap- oration. Human life, and perhaps we may also reverently add divine life, would become stagnant and moribund did it cease to bestow itself upon others. A man who in order to conceal his char- acter hides himself in a hermit's cell, by that act reveals his character more than he could by an active life among his fellow-men. God, we thus see, has spoken to the children of men. Can we put implicit faith in the holy Scrip- tures as a divine revelation.' This is the crucial question of the theological thinking of the hour If there is no certainty here, there is dubiety everywhere. The Bible at this point is now fiercely attacked. A small amount of talent em- ployed in destructive criticism will attract for a bnef period a greater amount of attention than a vastly greater degree of talent employed in ex- pounding Scripture, and in comforting God's peo- ple with its blessed truths. VVe may, however, be '^^iiiiefiSi^ii^miSiSiiafm^ 24 THE OLD BOOK. 1- in ii" sure that God will overrule all attacks made upon His Word, for its fuller confirmation. The whole foundation of revealed truth will thus eventually appear in all its granitic solidity. The present generation of destructive critics of holy Scripture will soon disappear in the exegetical and theologi- cal limbo in which their predecessors are now hid- den and forgotten. The Bible God's Revelation. The Bible is God's highest and fullest revela- tion to the children of men. The Bible means " the book. " The word is biblia, the plural of the Greek word biblion, diminutive from biblos, mean- ing book. The English words book and beech were originally one and the same; the Anglo- Saxon is hoc, a book, and also a beech-tree. Beechen tablets, or pieces of beech-bark, probably formed the original books of the ancient Saxon nations. The Latin liber meant bark, and also book. The Greek biblos was the inner bark of the papyrus, and so meant paper or book. Once the term might have been applied to a dictionary or to any other book, and in Chaucer it is so ap- plied : " To tellen all wold passen any bible. That owher [anywhere] is." It is a wonderful testimony to the acknowledged value of the Bible as the Word of God that it now has appropriated to itself this title, and that by II ^- J:ra„d the New ^^r:a i^tre Utter aWUion 7.^^^^^^^^ ^-•s rLr hLa::7r — „ hunted period of sixteen 1 , j Marvellous years was "-P'^ JJ .f::;^ ,,e period while advancement in the worl remarkable i. was in progress i and » jq J,^^ ,,,, „,. progress """s 'he to* '< „,. love-notes of jestic words of Genesis to ■""ttlove this book in every fibre of o^na- -'-^-"\Ser;:tt::drofo"u leges, and «P^»' ^ , s„,t lay dying in his congregations^ Sir Wa e y _^^^ ^^ ^^^ dining-room at Abbottsior , ^^.^ Tweed which he so 7* ">''^°- ^^ ,„, wm. • u.., Mr Lockhart, to reau w son-in-law, Mr. 1^ ^ „ „^ ^ock- "''™".'rjt« is bnfo L tlk," said Sir Walter. r-lXrrid'to him the fourteenth chapur I warmest stensions, jrity. It ind other losophies, (hie forms of any lit- sts of two . the New thirty-nine enty -seven in all. A m hundred Marvellous >eriod while remarkable the first ma- ove-notes of DIVINE REVELATION OF THE BIBLE. 27 of John's Gospel, that chapter which breathes out the very air of heaven. Sir Walter listened with deep interest and marked devotion. When the reading ended he said: "Well, this is a great comfort. I have followed you distinctly, and I feel as if I were to be myself again." This was the testimony of him who had contributed so many volumes to an imperishable literature, regarding the value of the Word of God. This holy book will withstand all the assaults of all its foes. It will go on conquering and to conquer, until the kingdoms of this world shall have become the king- doms of our Lord and of His Christ. Well may we say, in the glowing words of the inspired Isaiah, "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but the word of our God shall stand forever. " re of our na- od. Let us ts of our col- ■ schools and dying in his r out on the ^e asked his ad for him. ed Mr. Lock- id Sir Walter, leenth chapter ,1, 1 k : THE ASSURED GENUINENESS OF THE BIBLE. ;»^*'*^%*is,nr*'tv.-'w« r I I '1 ■;• ■i 'I'i! ^ 111 ' 1 * , .;,»M»»rwv s^ 36 7-///? OLD BOOK. lypsc are recognized, those differences are explic- able on the ground of John's greater familiarity with Greek when the gospel was written, he hav ing formerly had a better knowledge of Ara- mrran. The points of similarity between the two books are very marked. This fact is observed in the common use of the titles for Christ, "the Umb of God." "the Word of God," and "the True," as frequent epithets applied to our Lord in both books. The Epistle to the Hebrews was ac- cepted during the first century after it was writ- ten. To this fact Clement of Rome, Justin Mar- tyr, and the Peshito Version bear witness. In the Roman, North African, and some other churches, the genuineness of this book was doubted for two centuries. It was believed that some of its char- acteristics were inconsistent with the traditions of a Pauline authorship. But this conclusion was at most merely a matter of opinion, and certainly an opinion not based on very firm foundations. At the end of the fourth century Jerome, after a care- f ul review of all the evidence accessible in the case, decided in favor of the earlier opinion ; Augustine followed Jerome in this opinion ; so did also the Third Council of Carthage, in the year 397. The book has ever since held its place in the list of the received books of the New Testament. Many students of the late Dr. A. C. Kendrick will re- member his interesting and learned discussion as to the authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews. He it \ Jev tur chi tioi so 1 eve pro exc pet( nesi nig] this that whi effoi men us tl "cr3 whic of it dent tion; and the( I are explic- • familiarity ten, he hav Ige of Ara- een the two IS observed Christ, " the ," and "the I our Lord in rews was ac- r it was writ- Justin Mar- riess. In the ler churches, ibtcd for two e of its char- ! traditions of lusion was at 1 certainly an idations. At !, after a care- )le in the case, n; Augustine 5 did also the :ar 397. The in the list of iment. Many idrick will re- [ discussion as the Hebrews. ASSUA'KI) CF.J^UrA/F.NES.S OF THE BlliLF. 37 He with some others was disposed to believe that it was written by Apollos, who was an Alexandrian Jew, "a learned man," and "mighty in the Scrip- tures. " But even granting that Apollos was its chief author, he may have written at the sugges- tion and under the direction of the Apostle Paul ; so that the spirit of the epistle is virtually Pauline, even though Apollos may have chiefly assisted in producing this great work, or even have been its exclusive writer. Thus we have these ancient, unprejudiced, com- petent, and learned authors in favor of the genuine- ness of the New Testament Scriptures. It is well- nigh impossible to account for the unanimity of this competent testimony on any other hypothesis than that of the genuineness of the Scriptures to which the testimony is borne. Rationalistic Theories, One characteristic of all these theories is the effort entirely to eliminate from the New Testa- ment all its miraculous elements. Strauss gave us the " myth theory," making the gospels simply " crystallizations into story of the Messianic ideas, which had for several generations filled the minds of imaginative men in Palestine." Careful stu- dents clearly see, apart from all other considera- tions, that the time between the death of Christ and the issuance of the gospels was too shor!: for the development of mythical histories, which nee- 38 THE OLD BOOK. essarily are the growth of centuries. It is also to be affirmed that the first century was not a credu- lous time. We know well that Sadduceeism had permeated all Jewish thinking and general reason- ing We know that even among the disciples there were doubters regarding even Christ's resurrec- tion- there were doubters then that there might be no doubters now. The disciples were really slow to believe what surpassed their comprehen- sion. In many ways the gospels run counter to the Jewish ideas of the time. The Gospel was for all nations; the Jews taught a religion which was for Jews alone. The Gospel proclaimed a suffering Messiah; Judaism gloried in the hope of a tem- poral monarch and a triumphant kingdom. We know, also, that the apostles were sober, thought- ful, judicial men, and the very last writers likely to be the propagators of mythical statements and groundless fancies. It is not too much to say that the man wh^ could invent the character and his- tory of Christ would have to be Christ Himself. It makes a less severe tax upon our credulity to believe that Christ lived and died and rose, as is taught in the gospels, than to suppose that the evangelists could have imagined such a life, death, and resurrection. The theory of Baur has been called the " ten- dency theory." This theory makes the gospels originate in the second century. It affirms that they were written under other names, for the pur- sons cons lines also to I credu- ism had reason- es there esurrec- e might e really tiprehen- lunter to I was for hich was suffering E a tem- )m. We thought- ;rs likely ents and ) say that and his- Himself. edulity to ose, as is that the ife, death, the "ten- le gospels ?irms that ir the pur- ASSUHED GENUmEN-ESS OF THE BIBLE. 39 pose of reconciling opposing opinions between Gentiles and Jews, both of whom were represented in the churches. Literary objections to this the- ory are numerous, and so are historical and doc- trinal objections; but the moral objection is ab- solutely conclusive. This theory requires us to believe that faithful disciples of Christ in the sec- ond century were conscienceless fabricators of a life of the Lord, while claiming that they were companions of the pure and holy Christ whom they describe. Such Jesuitical impostors as these per- sons would be, on this supposition, is utterly in- consistent with every conception of honesty, man- liness, honor, and Christianity. It has been wisely pointed out by Dr. Strong that Baur's admission that the Epistles to the Romans, Galatians, and Corinthians were written by Paul in the first cen- tury utterly vitiates his elaborate theory. These epistles clearly testify to the main events of Christ's life, and thus the entire theory is over- thrown by its own author. We have also the " romance theory " of Renan. This theory contradicts that of Baur in essential particulars. It admits a basis of truth in the gos- pels, and it holds that they were written in the first century. Thus one rationalistic critic de- stroys his brother rationalist. Old-fashioned be- lievers in the Gospel may preserve their souls in patience while these critics are lustily engaged in the work of mutual destruction. We can calmly *^«^xtft; 's^^^iiii,3X^rile.~- 40 THE OLD BOOK. gaze upon the disjecta membra of the critics, re- joicing that the truth is not imperilled while they are destroying one another's rationalistic theories. Renan affirms that the events of Christ's life were so sublimated by the enthusiasm of His disciples that they are really overlaid with " pious fraud," and so cannot be accepted as genuine. He makes the gospels historic romances. He writes with much literary beauty, and he throws the charm of his rare sentimental glamour over his pages. But he dares deny to Christ "sincerity with Him- self"; he affirms that Christ practised "innocent artifice" ; he attributes to the gospels many char- acteristics which are as imaginative as the morality of the writers, according to his theory, was defec- tive. He grants to Christ a marvellous sweetness of character, but denies Him credit for honesty, and he also robs Him of His divinity. His gush- ing language, at times, when speaking of Christ, must be most distasteful to every reverent soul so long as he denies Christ not only the glory of His divinity, but the perfection of human morality. He attributes a romantic enthusiasm to the apos- tles, but his views in this respect are conclusively contradicted by the superiority of the character and by the holy influence of the lives of these inspired writers. His theory is strangely weak, notwith- standing that it possesses a sentimental charm. It utterly fails to account for the rapid spread of the Gospel, and for the real character of Christ and dent loya is a1 in tl the ; W New Sod only suffi( Scri] impe they is ut their confi to sh ideas their toth our < that i lan'i natur imagi one < unive irresi s^ssss ics, re- le they leories. fe were isciples fraud," ; makes :s with : charm ; pages. :h Him- nnocent ny char- Borality s defec- veetness honesty, is gush- ' Christ, : soul so glory of morality. ;he apos- clusively acter and ! inspired notwith- 1 charm, spread of of Christ ASSURED GENUINENESS OF THE BIBLE. 4 1 and His apostles. Kenan's power is already deca- dent. Only as men link their names in loving loyalty and genuine reverence with the name that is above every name, can they themselves share in the glory of the immortality which belongs to the Son of God. We have already seen that the writers of the New Testament indorsed the Old Testament. So did Christ. He loved this book. It was His only Bible. He never criticised it. This fact is sufficient to command our approval of that ancient Scripture. The writers of the New Testament imperilled their lives in support of the testimony they gave. The high moral tone of their writings is utterly opposed to any theory of dishonesty in their narratives. Their writings are also mutually confirmatory, there being just enough discrepancy to show the absence of all collusion. The moral ideas of these writers were greatly in advance of their time, and their writing is divinely adapted to the wants of the soul. It addresses all parts of our complex nature. It has been well remarked that in the Scriptures we have law and epistles for lan's reason, psalms and gospels for his affectional nature, and prophecies and revelation for his lofty imagination. This element in sacred Scripture is one of the reasons for its remarkable charm, its universal appropriateness, and its continuous and irresistible power. !i.'^?i\i,5» St^^::! '-^i^ ^':^^^::Tt 43 THE OLD BOOK. Additional Evidence. The Bible itself is in many respects more won- derful than anything it contains. It has lived amid falling civilizations, opposing nationalities, and bitterest hostilities of every sort. It never was really a mightier power than it is at this hour It is endowed with an immortal youth, a universal adaptability, and a resistless fascinatioa It car- ries on its own pages evidences of its own genuine- ness Forgeries are usually clumsy productions. The work which professed to be the epistles of Phalaris, a tyrant of Agrigentum in Sicily, who lived about the middle of the sixth century B.C., and to be written to two of his contemporaries, was for a time generally accepted as genuine. But Richrxd Bentley, a distinguished classical scholar applied to these epistles the modern methods of historical criticism, and they were soon conclusively proved to be base forgeries of at least eight cen- turies later. It was in 1690 that he published his "Dissertation upon the Epistles of Phalaris. This work established his reputation throughout Europe; and in his employment of the principles of historical criticism which until then were prac tically unknown, he filled the learned world with astonishment and created a new era in scholar- ship. Cicero calls Phalaris the " most cruel of all tyrants" ; but he nevertheless was fond of litera- ture and philosophy, and was a patron of learned men attei easil Test betn curn char: that Cop3 and wrou and 1 belie know are p goats matei deter that 1 paper then : printi cottoi began disser script multi] We that t; ing th '**^«-^ )re won- is lived nalities, [t never lis hour, iniversal It car- genuine- luctions. jistles of ;ily, who tury B.C., iporaries, ne. But 1 scholar, ethods of iclusively ight cen- published Phalaris." iroughout principles were prac- vorld with n scholar- Tuel of all of litera- of learned ASSURED GENUWEATESS OF THE BIBLE. 43 men. Imitations of books of the Bible have been attempted, but in every case the forgeries were easily detected. Were the books of the New Testament forgeries, they would long ago have betrayed themselves. They abound in allusions to current events, to popular customs, and to public characters, and if these references were inaccurate that fact would have been discovered speedily. Copying these ancient manuscripts was an honored and even sacred employment, and many copyists wrought out of love for the Word of God. Princes and nobles as well as high ecclesiastics and lowly believers earnestly engaged in this work. We know that the manuscripts of the first five centuries are parchments, made from the skin of sheep and goats. When we discover a manuscript on this material, we are able, approximately at least, to determine the date of the writing. We know also that manuscripts of a few centuries later were of paper prepared from the Egyptian papyrus, and then from the tenth century to the introduction of printing they were of paper manufactured from cotton. In the fifteenth century the printing-press began its work. Then a new era dawned for the dissemination of the Word of God; then manu- scripts were eagerly sought, and then printing multiplied books with the utmost rapidity. We know also, as we have already partially seen, that the early versions are another means of test- ing the genuineness of these books. The Septua- '«^a^j. .<^MS$iS^ssfs;smims!mmsu^s eia t^xamfmS'»^-s~,mssiii^t0^,fS!m!B!r?^emss!tar- TH THE UNIQUE INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE. sfl^aftmiaSSMStjHaraj*,..,, .MSSMta. av,- ^ -i ,--s»v..aSi«K»fes®sa!9S«- III. The Unique Inspiration op the Bible. Is the Bible divinely inspired? What do we mean by the inspiration of the Bible? These are questions of the utmost importance, and they are also questions to which many answers have been given. The term inspiration comes from the Vul gate translation of 2 Timothy iii. 16 : " Omnis scrip- turn divtmtus inspirata''-"z.\\ Scripture divinely mspired. " In this translation into Latin, the word vtsptred is the Greek word Theopneustos ; this word nowhere occurs in classic or profane Greek. Its appearance in Plutarch, competent critics tell us, is in all probability an error of the copyist. It clearly seems to have been used for the first time in the passage just quoted. It often became nec- essary for the New Testament writers to coin new words, or to put new meaning into old words. The new thought born into the world with Christianity frequently required a new vehicle for its communi- cation to men. It is somewhat difficult to decide upon the exact meaning of the term, inspired, God-breathed," as here employed ; sometimes the passive meaning was given to it. "endowed with God's Spirit"; at other times it was rendered tesW<^!l*a1^JkS«»*i^aw^^ir!fc^;i■»i^}«s!asI!^^ 5» THE Ol.n BOOK. " breathing the divine Spirit " ; and at still other times, as in the Vul^'ate, "given by the Divine Spirit." Origen used the expression, "the holy volumes breathe the fulness of the Spirit." The Peshito and Ethiopia Versions understand it as meaning " inspired by God " ; the Peshito trans- lates it " every Scripture which is written in the Spirit." Definitions of Inspiration. It is generally understood that no well-defined doctrine of the inspiration was formulated until after the Reformation. By the use of the term inspiration in this discussion is meant that divine control over the minds of the writers of the Bible which enabled them to write a book which is a suffi- cient and infallible rule of faith and practice. The book, thus prepared, may be such an infallible rule, even though errors in dates, quotations, enumera- tions, and even in reasoning should be found upon its pages. It is admitted that there are different degrees and various kinds of inspiration. Some- times the word is employed to include revelation ; when so employed it implies that inspiration is the direct communication of truth by God to man-— truth which human knowledge unaided by special wisdom from God could never acquire. At other times by inspiration is properly meant illumination ; when so employed the term means the quickening of human faculties so that in a remarkable degree men may understand truths already revealed. The "■-if. ill other ! Divine the holy ." The ncl it as to trans- n in the ll-defined ted until the term lat divine the Bible isasuffi- ice. The lible rule, enumera- )und upon different I. Some- evelation ; tion is the to man — by special At other imination; juickening ble degree lied. The UNIQUE INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE. 51 term may be employed in cither of these senses; it may also be employed, as the connection would determine, so as to include both of these mean- ings. To the term a broader meaning is occasional- ly given; it is then used to convey the impression of such divine control as qualifies for correct oral utterance, or for heroic leadership in the kingdom of God. We are at present, however, chiefly con- cerned with that view of inspiration which is re- lated to the authorship of the Holy Scriptures. In this sense it is such an influence over the writ- ers of the Bible that all their writings, at least on distinctively religious subjects, are absolutely trust- worthy. We saw in a former chapter that it was natural to suppose that God would make a revela- tion of Himself to the children of men. We are now prepared to affirm that if God were to ma^e a revelation of Himself to men, it is fair to assume that He would keep the record of that revelation, especially in its distinctly religious teachings, ab- solutely free from error. In human courts groat pains are taken to have accurate reports made by stenographers of the testimony of witnesses, the speeches of advocates, and the decisions of judges. In reports which are revelations of the divine mind and will we can well believe that God, as the great Revealer, would take the utmost pains to secure correct reports of His revelations. What we may fairly assume seems actually to have taken place in all the revelations which God has given to men. *'««'%^««HSsi^&,«*-?J-^ r^'i.ifs^Ci;'! 'ST)^-'3wrwT Sa THE OLD BOOK. Jesus assumes responsibility for the inspiration of the Old Testament Scriptures. He quotes thee Scriptures with the formula. "It is written, and also declares in regard to that Scripture that one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away ; and He also calls that writing " the word of God, and affirms that U " cannot be broken." Attention has been called to the fact that Christ quotes from four of the five books of Moses, from the Psalter from Isaiah, and from still other Old Testament books, with the formula. " It is written^ Among the Jews this formula indicated that the quotation was from a sacred book, and a book whose sacred- ness depended largely upon a belief in its divine inspiration. Christ paid the utmost respect to the Old Testament Scriptures. He always spoke o those Scriptures as the Word of God; and to al Christians this fact is incontrovertible evidence of the divine origin of these Scriptures. Both Tal- mudic and Alexandrian Judaism agreed in ascrib- ing to the Old Testament Scriptures a peculiar and unquestioned authority. It was cons^ntly affirmed that the thorah, or law. was of immediate divine origin. Some teachers of Judaism affirmed that God wrote it with His own hand; others de- clared that He dictated it to Moses as His aman- uensis. Some were willing to admit that Joshua was the author of the account of the death of Moses; but others went so far as to affirm that Moses himself wrote the account, and wrote it \vi Je: \va ga die tea Sp hai spiration of uotes thcae ritten," and e that " one iway " ; and f God," and .ttention has quotes from the Psalter, i Testament 1." Among ;he quotation rhose sacred- in its divine respect to the ays spoke of d ; and to all e evidence of 5. Both Tal- ced in ascrib- es a peculiar as constantly of immediate laism affirmed nd ; others de- as His aman- lit that Joshua the death of to affirm that and wrote it UNIQUE IXSPIRATIOiV OF THE BIBLE. 53 with his tears. Nothing is more certain than that Jesus Christ, who spake as never man spake, who was the great Teacher and the sinless Saviour, re- garded the Old Testament with as much respect as did the Jews of His day. When Jesus commissioned the apostles and teachers, He promised them the aid of the Holy Spirit in teaching; and the apostles claimed to have received this promised Spirit and to have spoken with divine authority. They distinctly affirm that they spoke, " not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth. " The apostle Paul declares, " I received of the Lord that which also I delivereth unto you." Those who were not apostles, as Mark, Luke, James, and Jude, were recommended to the churches by apos- tolic sanction and authority, and seem to have writ- ten under immediate apostolic guidance. Theories of Inspiration. Thus far we have spoken merely of the fact of inspiration. It is fitting, however, that we press our inquiry as to the mode or theory of inspiration. We might hold the fact with absolute tenacity, even though we could not formulate satisfactorily a theory regarding the method of inspiration. There are those who hold tenaciously to the doc- trine of the atonement of Christ who find them- selves unable to state a satisfactory theory of the atonement. But it is well to discover, as far as !S5L;-. -.-! ."^JiJJSS' 54 THE OLD BOOK. we may learn it, the method as well as the fact of inspiration. Some hold what is known as the intuition theory of inspiration. By this term they mean simply a greater insight into truth than is possessed by the majority of men. They make inspiration but a greater degree of intellectual and spiritual apprehension than that which is possessed by the rank and file of Christian believers. They deny the uniqueness of the inspiration of the writers of Holy Scripture. They would make them to be inspired as were the great philosophers and poets of classical days— or as were Shakespeare and Milton, or Tennyson, Browning, and others of modern times. Thus knowledge similar to that possessed by the writers of Scripture gave rise to sacred books in other religions, and to 'vo.' s on philosophy and art in other relations in lif i ^ view of inspiration makes it but a higher d*. « 'ft . ment of the intellectual and spiritual potency of which every man is possessed in some degree. Doubtless there is an element of truth in this view. All men have some insight into the truth, and the true theory of inspiration recognizes this general fact. 'But, unfortunately, in matters of religion man's insight is vitiated by sin; his Judg- ment is thus perverted, his moral vision greatly dimmed, and sometimes it seems to be entirely wanting. Except he be supernaturally guided, he is sure to err, and thus to be a blind leader of the *'?■! e fact of intuition ley mean possessed ispiration spiritual ed by the 'hey deny writers of em to be and poets aeare and others of ir to that ive rise to Wo-' s on if. h- r dt. f'ft;- potency of egree. nth in this the truth, jnizes this matters of ; his Judg- on greatly be entirely guided, he ider of the UNIQUE INSPIRATION' OP THE BIBLE. 55 blind. It is also to be observed that this theory of inspiration is self-contradictory. If it were true, then one man is inspired to teach as true what an- other man is inspired to contradict as false. The Vedas, the Koran, and the Bible, it has been well remarked, cannot be inspired to contradict one another. The Vedas permit stealing; the Bible denounces theft. Are both these books inspired .> If so, then there is no such thing as truth ; if so, then truth is simply what men imagine. There is no objective reality, if this theory be correct ; there are only our subjective notions regarding what is real and true. It is not too much to affirm that if this theory were true, there is no God who is truth and who reveals truth. It is certain that this the- ory leads directly to atheism. It explains inspira- tion by virtually denying that there is any unicity in inspiration. Another theory is known as the illumination theory. This theory holds, with the preceding, that inspiration is simply an increase of the illu- mination possessed by every Christian. It does not regard the Bible as the Word of God, but sim- ply as containing the word of God. There is, of course, an element of truth in this theory. Error pure and simple could not long endure. It is the fibre of truth in false doctrines which holds them together sufficiently long to attract notice and to receive a qualified approval. In judging this theory it ought to be borne in mind that, strictly •^tst^snmmi % 56 THE OLD BOOK. speaking, the illumination of the Holy Spirit gives no new truth, but simply a more vivid, accurate, and vital apprehension of truth already revealed, We come to what is known as the dictation the- ory. This theory has been held by many excellent Christian people ; perhaps, indeed, most of those who are known as orthodox Christians, at some time in their lives held this theory literally and tenaciously. It is sometimes characterized as the mechanical theory of inspiration. It holds that the Holy Spirit took such possession of the minds and bodies of the writers of Scripture that they became passive instruments, mere amanuenses, mere machines, under the power of the Spirit. This is sometimes called the verbal theory of in- spiration. Those who oppose this theory will not deny that there are instances when God spoke with an audible voice, and when the command was that His words be written as spoken (Dan. iv. 31; Acts ix. 5; Rev. i. 10, 1 1 ; xix. 9; xxi. 5). But these examples are rare, they certainly were not God's invariable, or even usual, method of commu- nicating His divine will. In favor of this theory is the view sometimes held that thought could not be suggested by the Spirit without the sugges- tion also of actual words. It is also supported on the ground that it gives the authority of Scripture, in actual words to the doctrines of revelation. Among the supporters of this rigid theory of ver- bal inspiration, frequently known as the mechani- was n irit gives accurate, vealed tion the- excellent of those at some rally and ed as the olds that he minds :hat they anuenses, le Spirit. )ry of in- ^ will not poke with 1 was that . iv. 31; 5). But were not if commu- lis theory could not le sugges- >ported on Scripture, revelation. )ry of ver- ; mechani- UNIQUE mSPIRATIOiV OF THE BIBLE. 57 cal theory, were nearly all of the Protestant theo- logians of the seventeenth century, and many, especially among the English and Scotch, in the eighteenth century; and in the nineteenth century such men as Carson, Haldane, Gaussen, and still others representing different countries. Objections to the Dictation Theory. This theory is opposed because of the evident peculiarities of style observed in the inspired writ- ings. There is manifestly a human element in the Bible. This element distinguishes one writer from another. The variations in the accounts of the same transaction show that verbal inspiration was not the divine method. If there were no hu- man element, and all Scripture writers were mere machines, there would be no idiosyncrasies in thought and expression. We know that Milton dictated to his daughters, and we know also that his style in " Paradise Lost " is the same whethc. he dictates to one daughter or to another. We know, on the contrary, that there is a marked dif- ference between the styles of various Scripture writers. No careful student can fail to discover a difference between Hosea and Isaiah, and between John and Paul, although the same Spirit suggested to each the heavenly thought he was to communi- cate. In reply to this objection, those who hold the mechanical view of inspiration declare that the Spirit accommodated Himself to the peculiarities SW?!^^i»S*WWSBC88SBa»st5!tSTCT««a-.t?>r-H»^«ca!iT-^r3', 88 THE OLD BOOK. of the writers. But that view is almost an impos- sible supposition, and granting that it were possi- ble, it will not explain the divergencies of state- ment jy different Scripture writers concerning the same facts. We know that there are four forms in which the superscription on the cross is given. If we might expect verbal exactitude — ipsissima verba — anywhere, it would be in giving this super- scription, but noticeably it is wanting. If we com- pare the words of our Lord to the disciples on the lake, we have a similar divergency in the forms of expression. It is to be further said that verbal in- spiration is an expression not indorsed by the Scrip- tures themselves. Perhaps it is not too much to say that words as such are incapable of inspiration. Oral words consist of certain sounds, written words of certain marks ; and these sounds and marks are merely material signs of which a spiritual element can scarcely be predicated. It used to be affirmed that we could not think without words, but a truer statement of mental processes now obtains. It is absolutely certain that children have thoughts long before they have words. It will not be denied that dogs and other animals have some kind of dream or thought, although they are deprived of powers of speech. It is unfortunate that this the- ory of inspiration has been so earnestly held by many noble souls and true believers in the fact of inspiration; because critics in opposing the theory believed that they opposed the fact itself. In de- inspirj Strict! of this emplo) considi this tl: use, an Not ur verbal It had, mind t vius, th fully se ried it ! to the v of the and At the "m tine spe member '•ffii' ^Si, n impos- re possi- of state- ning the forms in s given. ipsissima lis super- ■ we com- :s on the forms of /erbal in- he Scrip- much to spiration. ten words narks are 1 element ; affirmed at a truer IS. It is ghts long )e denied : kind of prived of this the- y held by he fact of he theory f. In de- UmqUE INSPIRA TION OF THE BIBLE. 59 stroying the outpost, they considered that they cap^ tured the citadel. We all certainly are possessed of thoughts for which at the moment we have no adequate word. We often think of a friend's face when we are unable to call his name; and God's Spirit gives us thoughts too deep for utterance in any human language, both when we are addressing God in prayer and our fellow-men in testimony and exhortation. It is to be remembered that the theory of verbal mspiration is comparatively modern in origin. Strictly speaking, the early Fathers knew nothing of this theory. It is true that some of thfem, in employing the figure of a harp or lyre, have been considered by some modern critics as indorsing this theory. But that figure was not in general use, and it ought not to be too literally interpreted. Not until the seventeenth century did the idea of verbal inspiration become formulated into a theory. It had, indeed, been floating about loosely from mind to mind long previous to that time. Calo- vius, the bitter opponent of Grotius and Calixtus fully set forth the verbal theory; later writers ear- ned It so far as to apply it to the vowel-points and to the various signs of punctuation. Perhaps some of the Fathers, among whom were Justin Martyr and Athenagoras, held the mechanical and even the "mantic " theory. Both Irensus and Augus- tme speak of the apostles as writing what they re- membered; and yet at times they seem to imply ■ -. h.-^.^^^mpmsr2i^.^^^£*i^^iji^. \ '■^ESaiT^SSPta*' r?*ti'r» i 6o TirR OLD BOOK. \iti. that the apostles were but the hands which wrote at Christ's dictation. Origen distinguished be- tween the contents of Scripture and its language — in which latter mistakes might occur. He more than any other of the Fathers discussed the nature of inspiration. Thomas Aquinas distinguishes between revelation and inspiration. He properly affirmed a progressive knowledge as writers came in thought and life nearer to Christ. It was left for Abelard to assert that prophets and apos- tles were not always free from error. The Re- formers always emphasized the authority of Holy Scripture. This authority was not seriously ques- tioned ; the true inquiry was as to the meaning of Scripture. Luther recognized the Holy Spirit as the author of the Scriptures, but he admitted that human writers showed their peculiarities as they poured their whole heart into their words. Cal- vin's sition in this regard was substantially that of Li er. Calovius, as we have already seen, was the av .or of the theory which was long identified with Protestant orthodoxy. The phrase " plenary inspiration " is nowhere warranted by the Scrip- tures; "plenary authority" would be a better phrase. Strictly speaking, Christ alone was plen- arily inspired, of all human beings. The True Theory. What is known as the dynamical theory is the theory which is supported in these lectures ; it also has t our t passn scioui Inspii the w conce] reasor those fects i ary stj humar in whi are hu lation. seem, Bible i writers typists men. remain pernal menwt took th L_-i^*;*,-i>*- 1 W**^- -■ ■' l?**™**^ ' ich wrote shed be- nguage— He more he nature inguishes I properly :ers came It was and apos- The Re- f of Holy iisly ques- eaning of Spirit as litted that s as they rds. Cal- tially that seen, was identified ! "plenary :he Scrip- a better was plen- eory is the es; it also UNIQUE msPIRATTOf; OF THE BIBLE. 6i has the support of the best theological thinkers of our time on both sides of the Atlantic. This the- ory holds that inspiration is not a natural but a superhuman fact, and that it is a special and unique work of God in the soul of man. It holds with great earnestness to the affirmation that the Scrip- tures are neither exclusively human nor entirely divine; and that the Scripture writers wrote not passively, but actively; not mechanically, but con- sciously; and not impersonally, but personally. Inspiration used all the personal peculiarities of the writers; it employed all their excellencies in conception and expression, all their abilities in reasoning toward conclusions, and in formulating those conclusions; and it also used even their de- fects in reasoning, and their inelegancies of liter- ary style. The Bible thus presents God's truth in human forms. The apostles were earthen vessels in which was the grace of God; so the Scriptures are human vases in which is contained God's reve- lation. Paradoxical though the statement may seem, it is literally true that the humanity of the Bible is a conclusive proof of its divinity. The writers of the Bible were not typewriters, but typists; they were not God's pens, but God's pen- men. The bush in which God appeared to Moses remained the bush, while yet it glowed with su- pernal splendor. The apostles did not cease to be men when they became apostles. The Spirit of God took the faculties with which they were endowed. -s I s 6i THE OLD BOOK. and wrought through them for the declaration of truth and the revelation of God. These writers were thus so guided by the Holy Spirit as to secure absolute accuracy in all the ethical and doc- trinal teachings of the liible. Their thoughts were inspired, but their words were not dictated. They were so controlled as to make no error of doctrine, though in all that pertains to the mode of expres- sion each writer was left to the spontaneous move- ment of his own mind. This theory is to-day accepted by the majority of orthodox ICnglish, Scottish, and American theological writers. IXKALLIBLIC ReCOKD. Thus inspiration secured an infallible transmis- sion of God's thoughts through the minds, tongues, and hands of holy men of old. Inspiration was neither omniscience nor sanctification. Sometimes it communicated new truth ; sometimes it simply guided men in collecting and arranging existing material. The union of the human and divine in the composition of the Bible is one of its striking glories ; it is not too much to say that it is one of its divine excellencies. Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word, was both human and divine. The Bible, as the revealed Word, is both human and divine. The union of humanity with divinity in Jesus Christ uniquely fitted Him to be the Saviour of men. The union of the human and the divine in the Bible perfectly adapts it to be the infallible rule of fait God, human ical; a cause characi divinit; humani througl the life than it! we cam bound for othe modern the hei we ackr bosom tural ac( His uni Christ's we deny ner, it i was writ spired b^ that Woi human i His perf twofold ness as •flftiS ition of writers t as to .nd doc- its were They octrine, expres- is move- 1 to-day I'Inglish, ransmis- tongues, tion was nietimes c simply existing divine in striking is one of incarnate Bible, as ne. The IS Christ of men. le in the lible rule i UNIQUE I.YSP/RA TlOy OF THE Hllil.E. 63 of faith and practice of men made in the image of God. Any criticism of the Bible because of the human element which it contains is utterly illog- ical; as well might we criticise Jesus Christ be- cause of the human element in His birth, life, character, and work. It is possible to prove the divinity of Christ because of the perfection of His humanity. No stream of human life ever flowed through this world and reached so high a point as the life of Christ; but no stream can rise higher than its source. If we deny the divinity of Christ we cannot explain His unique humanity. We are bound to account for Jesus Christ as we account for other great characters of history, ancient and modern. But we never shall be able to explain the height to which the stream has risen, except we acknowledge its source at the throne and in the bosom of God. It is easier to believe in the Scrip- tural account of Christ's divine origin as seen in His unique birth, than to attempt to account for Christ's life in its purity, power, and divinity, if we deny the unicity of His birth. In like man- ner, It is easier to believe that the Word of God was written by holy men of old as they were in- spired by the Spirit of God, than it is to explain that Word if we deny that fact. The union of the human and the divine in Christ is an element of His perfection as the Saviour of men. So this twofold element in the Bible is a proof of its fit- ness as the revelation of God to man. If God .„ •swMt'&'numKm-m^if, 64 THE OLD BOOK. is to communicate truth to men, He must employ language which men can understand; He must talk to men as men, and not as angels or seraphs. The Bible thus remains a unique book. Every Christian mind recognizes in it a fuller knowledge and a diviner authority than are found in any other book. The Divine Spirit makes Himself felt on every page ; He shines forth in matchless glory in every chapter. In these sacred pages God's mind comes into conscious contact with our minds. We may well believe that the Scriptures were inspired, among other reasons, because of their inspiring effect upon the thought and speech of all their students. Here light breaks forth as from the very throne of God. We are conscious of the enlight- ening, ennobling, purifying, humanizing, diviniz- ing influence of the mind of God revealed in the Word of God which we call the Bible. In a later chapter reference will be made to views originated by English deists, German ra- tionalists, and by positivists of many shades of thought. Objections which are made to inspira- tion will also be named and answered, and positive proofs of the inspiration of Scripture will be ad- duced. Let us hold fast to this holy book as the word not of men, but of God, as the word which is to be our guide in life, and by which at the last we are to be judged in the immediate presence of its divine Author. THE employ [e must eraphs. Every owledge ny other ■ felt on glory in d's mind Is. We inspired, inspiring all their the very enlight- , diviniz- d in the made to rman ra- hades of ) inspira- I positive II bead- ok as the rd which t the last jsence of THE DEFINITE DLSFCN 0'/ THE BL3LE. :iiftm.-?«^Sef?*5F^?*J5Sffr-t r r'TTj'^^^r- V--1 ,-- ;. t l^i' <'x-:V. > Tj ,-■ -^^-^ ."■ V ^ is-t-i^/ .'i-r^'i^*' «;i*e^'»«HaM5^.-^_T<-^-saJE"^ -uw^ . IV. The Definite Design of the Bible. Has the Bible a distinct and definite design? If so, can we clearly discover and definitely state that design ? To these questions partial answers were given in a former chapter ; but the questions are suffi- ciently important to warrant a fuller reply. Every book worthy of the name has a definite design, a distinct purpose. There has been much discussion recently as to whether works of romance should be didactic in their purpose and definite in their de- sign. Marion Crawfor 1, who has himself contrib- uted so many volumes with a real though not a de- clared purpose, has taken strong ground against the didactic novel. But whether the purpose be stated or not, every book worthy of the name must have a definite design. A purposeless book is nec- essarily a powerless book. " Romona " in its sub- title clearly states its purpose ; and that purpose it fully accomplishes. "Marcella" is a discus- sion of various socialistic and economic theories ; and the purpose is clearly seen at every stage in its presentation. " Robert Elsmere " is distinctly ^•tJ>iSi'''yvr''i^l!^ '■-o.ws»'?^c^^«'^^ i \ > 68 TffE OLD BOOK. definite in its purpose, although weak in argument and unscholarly in theological methods. Its influ- ence is already decadent. Dante's " Divine Com- edy " reveals its purpose to every careful student. Its aim is to show the awfulness of sin and the blessedness of divine forgiveness. Whether the purpose be sustained or not, every volume rightly conceived and properly executed has a distinct pur- pose. It is difficult to see why any book is writ- ten if it have not a distinct purpose; if it have no purpose it has no raison d'etre. The Bible in this respect, as in so many other re- gards, is no exception to this general rule of worthy literature. What is its purpose ? Incorrect answers have often been given to that question, and as a re- sult false literary judgments have been pronounced on the Bible. It is not a text-book on astronomy or geology, and it is not a treatise on science or art; still it has inspired the loftiest art in music, sculp- ture, and painting. It is not a treatise on nature ; yet there is in the Bible more loving and sublime de- scription of nature than is found in the whole range of the Greek and Latin classics. There is more lofty and august representation and personification of nature in the Psalter alone than in any volume of the greatest of either the Greek or Latin poets. The Bible is not an encyclopaedia of universal his- tory; and yet it gives more general information on matters of universal knowledge than any other book in the world. Not Herodotus, but Moses is .!'/■ v.:^.rfVPV>*a* ^--i i, %(Stf »>«=».-i4&«i5-i»*sti»>.J'*'''*''^ ■*''■'--' THE DEFINITE DESIGN OF THE BIBLE, 69 : in argument Is. Its influ- Divine Com- -eful student. ■ sin and the Whether the olume rightly a distinct pur- book is writ- ; if it have no many other re- rule of worthy :orrect answers an, and as a re- sen pronounced n astronomy or science or art ; n music, sculp- itise on nature ; and sublime de- the whole range There is more [ personification 1 in any volume or Latin poets. )f universal his- ;ral information I than any other IS, but Moses is the father of history ; not Lycurgus nor Solon, but Moses is the "orld's great lawgiver. The Bible gives us the me st ancient history of the most prim- itive events, it is not intended to be a textbook on cosmogony — the science of the origin or crea- tion of the universe; and yet it cannot be proved that any of its statements on this subject, when rightly understood, are contradicted by the most authoritative conclusions of modern science. Mod- ern science has laughed to scorn the cosmogonies of some of the great nations of antiquity, but it nowhere opposes the teaching of the Bible. The Bible cannot contradict true scientific conclusions. God is one ; truth is one. God cannot contradict Himself. What He affirms- in geology must agree with what He declares in Genesis. Our interpre- tations of God's teachings in His two volumes of creation and revelation may differ, but God's reve- lations themselves always harmonize. Infidelity once styled Moses a blunderer and the Bible a fraud when the Bible affirms that there was light before the sun ; but now all the scientists declare that this very result must have occurred from the conditions then present. Moses was no scientist ; he lived in an age when nothing was known of molecular activity. He never heard of Newton's theories, or the nebular hypothesis of La Place. If he had, he could not have understood either of them. How came he to anticipate the conclusions of modem sbience "i God taught hira. God taught »:;i=teft)ii;a*v*j*;^ ^-^ J 70 THE OLD BOOK. *^\ Moses, and Moses teaches the scientists of to-day. Medical science in several important respects is slowly attaining, with referen.:e to all sanitary mat- ters, the high position reached by Moses ages ago. How came he to be so vastly superior to systems of medicine in his day? How came he to be m striking particulars in advance of medical science in our day? There again stands God. Let m- fidelity be dumb; let it hide its empty head. It is time that a shallow atheism learned becoming modesty. The Bible, even in its incidental allu- sions, shows a wisdom far superior to the teachings of science so-called at the time when the Bible was written. The most advanced scientists of that day were vastly inferior in scientific knowl- edge to the inspired writers of the Word of God. The Purpose of the Bible. But the teachings of the Bible in all these mat- ters are simply incidental. It is, however, be- yond all other literature of its day, .even m its obiter dicta. How unspeakably glorious it must be in its direct statements regarding the purpose for which it was written! How profound is its phi- losophy, how seraphic its poetry, how divine its revelation, how sublime its science of salvation! What is the exact purpose of the Bible? Again it is to be affirmed that it does not profess to be a cyclopedia of art, literature, or science. We ought not then to be disturbed by surface difficulties in .»;i£i?,,W*«r'^i'^'i>*.~»i<..>^iS ■r-iiwofet*"''^; ,*««is«-w«^ii>«^•^*MS»*«J<»«-iw^^ Its of to-day. t respects is sanitary mat- ses ages ago. r to systems he to be in ;dical science od. Let in- pty head. It icd becoming cidental allu- the teachings en the Bible scientists of jntific knowl- ^ord of God. BLE. all these mat- however, be- ^r, .even in its ous it must be \Q purpose for md is its phi- low divine its ! of salvation! Bible .' Again profess to be a ce. We ought difficulties in r//£ DEFINTTE DESIGN OF THE BIBLE. 7 1 its references to matters of this class. Its pur- pose is vastly deeper, higher, broader, and diviner. Its aim is to meet man's religious necessities, to answer his profound spiritual questions, and to en- able him to live rightly on earth, and finally to enjoy the presence of God forever in heaven. It is a volume of supernatural revelation concerning God, duty, and immortality. It comes to give us a celestial philosophy and a divine salvation. It professes to be, in the words of Milton's " Comus " : " That golden key That opes the palace of eternity." If it be divinely infallible in its own special de- partment of knowledge and for its specific purpose, we ought not to demand more. We go to the Bible of Nature for truths regarding science ; we go to the Bible of Scripture for truths regarding salva- tion. This is a distinction which ought every- where to be made. The Bible is our great classic in the noblest of all knowledges. In carrying out its exalted purpose it reveals to us the character of God. We have already seen that creation is a revelation of God ; but we have also seen that creation can never answer the deep- est questions of the soul. The Bible discusses all subjects of history as subordinate to its great end, to its unique design of making known God to men. Thus only so much of general history is written as will conduce to that design ; thus we have a full ft'v*s«fe*3 ■»i.«ia)«>S;t^^;i&*ia: ,;-.^,.:- .rt..ii«¥'*5«C->w4§si4.''i i-.,^^T!*^^:^«S3a»wS*&^*f re, they hnve altars to un- )d known as ither. teaching men is in a state 1. Only God an immortal the wants of glory that he 3d. Heathen ruths. Thus forethought," and stole fire lowledge, and ade in heaven le first woman arms of suffer- t on all these eds a flood of condition and misery, and it ; favor, friend- is the jarring low shall man epest question isdom has no I every merely iumb. Every :ted answer to rJ/E DEFINITE DESIGN OF THE BIBLE. 75 this question. The Bible comes with an answer clear as the sunlight, sweet as a strain of angelic music, and authoritative as the voice of God Himself. In accomplishing its design, the Bible gives the true rule of life. Heathenism had no conclusive answer to give when questioned as to the rule of life. Epicurus could only say : " The chief good is pleasure; the cardinal grace prudence." The Stoics taught that the rule of life is indifference alike to pain and pleasure; the Peripatetics taught that virtue is to be pursued in prosperity, but at times a lie is prefet-able to the truth ; theft, swear- ing, and any sin were occasionally allowable. In like manner philosophy has failed to supply a rule of life in modern times. Lord Herbert taught that men are not to be blamed for acting according to their passions. Bolingbroke, Volney, and Hume made self-love the rule of life. Modern heathenism has precepts enough, but it imparts no moral power to reduce these precepts to practice. At this point Buddhism and all the ethnic religions utterly fail. These statements are not the result of preconceived prejudices, but are in exact harmony with thor- oughly ascertained facts in the experience of hea- then nations. At this point the Bible soars above all these systems of philosophy, both ancient and modern. It is radiant with the glory of heaven as an ethical guide, and it tells the wandering soul how to find the source of spiritual power. It en- ■rmemmm^i'*^-^'- 7« THE OLD BOOK. ables true seekers after God to realize in their blessed experience the lofty ideals held forth in its divinely inspired pages. It reveals our exalted destiny, declaring that we are heirs of immortality, and may be joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. The Bible thus points the way to godliness of life on earth and immortal glory in heaven. Just before his death the brave and heroic Socrates could only say : " I am in good hope that there is something remaining for those who are dead, and that it will be much better for good than for bad men. I am going out of the world, and you are to continue in it but which of us has the better part is a secret to every one but God." Plato had only a hope but no assurance of immortality. Cicero ends his discussion in uncertainty. Seneca says: "Im- mortality, however desirable, is rather promised than proved." We know that annihilation is abominable to every man in his normal mental and moral condition. Who can answer for us these profound questions ? Human speculation is silent ; the most learned philosophy can give us only guesses and not truths-. Thank God, the Bible speaks with the authority of truth. It has brought immortality to light; it shows that the kingdom of heaven is open to all believers; it makes earth the vestibule of heaven ; it clears away all illusions of speculation, and floods earth with the supernal radiance of heaven. Blessed Bible, Book of God, guide of life, glory of earth, and revealer of heaven ! It -fi ii'. ,va^,,-it--i.s«.-*.T*ii'<««*a^«*'"^*«*^'***'*^^ ize in their eld forth in I our exalted immortality, :hrist. The s of life on Just before es could only is something 1 that it will men. I am 3 continue in t is a secret only a hope cero ends his says; 'Im- ler promised mihilation is lal mental and for us these ition is silent ; give us only od, the Bible It has brought the kingdom t makes earth ■ay all illusions I the supernal , Book of God, aler of heaven ! ^jii^s^^^' THE DEFINITE DESIGN OF THE BIBLE, 11 It is the " Star of eternity ! the only star Hy whicli the bark of man could navigate The sea of life and gain securely the coast of bliss," But the Bible not only gives the true rule of life, but it supplies needed knowledge as to how to se- cure divine strength for the development of char- acter. We never are able to realize our high ideals except as we have strength given us from God toward that end. The Word of God tells us of the source of spiritual power; it is the great instru- ment in spiritual regeneration. The apostle Peter distinctly says : "Being born again, not of cor- ruptible seed but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever." Thus the Bible teaches what to be, and how to become what it sets before us as the standard of charac- ter. In this respect the volume is unique among the books of the world. It has been well said by William Walters, in his booklet entitled " Claims of the Bible " : " Bible-loving men are Bible-living men, and are in the highest sense good men." All parts of the Bible tend to produce spirituality of character. It is a safe and the only safe guide to heaven known among men. The Psalmist asks, " Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way.' " and he rightly answers, " By taking heed thereto according to Thy word. " The Bible really is intel- ligible only to those who have honest minds and pure hearts. As the profound and devout Pascal 78 THE OLD BOOK. truly remarked : " The liible is a science of the heart uiul not of the understanding ; love is not only the end of the Bible, but the entrance to its mean- ing." The result is that the Psalmist could readily say that he knew more than the ancients and was wiser than his teachers. Voltaire was learned in many respects, but he was no match for the Chris- tian serving-woman who " Just knows and knows no more, her liible true- A truth the brilliant Frenchman never knew." Unenviahle Criticism. Men who try to destroy the faith of the people in the Word of God are engaged in a cruel work. They would rob life of much of its light, the heart of its chief joy, and the future of its divinest hope. But they are engaged in a work which they can never accomplish. Some of us are daring enough to believe that William Shakespeare will still live after Ignatius Donnelly is dead. This modern critic is not likely to be successful in proving that the world's greatest poet is simply a gigantic myth. It is well for critics of Moses that he has long been in heaven. When on earth in the court of Pharaoh, or at the head of the Egyptian army, he proved himself to be a foeman worthy of the steel of his bravest adversaries. Pharaoh tilted against him, and Pharaoh went to the bottom of the Red Sea. Jannes and Jambres opposed him, and they are pil- loried forever on the page of sacred story. an ne atl thi SOI sei ne th( les kn gis ics Go de: th< ••ffi .^-ii-SfeS=i^f«fr* k **.*B.-»W**'*lf*'>«*'**'*' -*'?■'**«•* science of the love is not only cc to its mean- It could readily cicnts and was was learned in I for the Chris- r nible true- :r knew." M. \ of the people n a cruel work, light, the heart s divinest hope, which they can : daring enough re will still live This modern in proving that [I gigantic myth, lie has long been ourt of Pharaoh, army, he proved the steel of his ed against him, )f the Red Sea. and they are pil- :d story. r//E DRFixiTE DKs/ay (>/■• r///-: hi fin-. 79 A child or an idiot lot Io<«' with a knife or a hammer in a gallery of paintings or a hull of sculp- ture could destroy more in an hour than a Ra- phael or an Angelo could create in a lifetime. There is no sphere in life in which the minimum of talent can .so atti t the maximum of passing notice as when ^.igcd in destructive criticism; and there is no sphere in life in which one's talent will so soon be utterly forgotten. The Hible will live as does its Divine Author. It will go on con- quering and to conquer in all the ages to come. The grass of infidel eloquence withercth, the flower of agnostic philo.sophy fadeth, but the word of the living God shall stand forever. The theories of many of the critics are confusing and self-contradictory. If a score of the most emi- nent critics were deprived of the writings of the atheistic critics of the earlier day and the German theorists of to-day, and were left to their own re- sources with their grammars and dictionaries to settle all questions connected with the genuine- ness, authenticity, and inspiration of the Scriptures, the results of their work would be absolutely hope- less contradictions. Most of them derive their knowledge at second hand from agnostic or neolo- gistic critics. The conclusions of the higher crit- ics are far more contradictory than is the Word of God, even according to the affirmations of the most destructive of these critics. We do not fear for the Bible. Spiritual experience demonstrates the ;'*'-*f3S-»-'<^'^*ife"*^ 8o THE OLD BOOK. wisdom of the Mosaic law, the immortal Decalogue, and the seraphic Psalter; the Old Testament is indorsed by Christ as His Bible. Let Christ be true, though every critic be false. No criticism, whether higher or lower, has yet given us an ab- solute affirmation that reverses a single statement of our Lord's indorsement of His Bible as the highest revelation of the will of God then made to men, and as a safe guide to heaven. The Bible grows constantly upon all its students. It has revelations adapted to the spiritual attainments of all its readers. As was said long ago, it has depths in which a lamb can wade and others in which a leviathan can swim. In a Dresden gallery of royal gems, it is said that there is a remarkable silver egg; touch a spring and it opens disclosing a golden chicken; touch the chicken and it opens disclosing a crown studded with gems; touch the crown and it opens disclosing a magnificent dia- mond ring. Thus does the Bible disclose its charms to all its students, its gems becoming more and more valuable as the spiritual apprehension of men is the more capable of appreciating that value. The Bible must be studied earnestly. It is not enough that we get something from it week by week as it is taught in the pulpit. Our study of it should be marked by docility, humilicy, and rev- erence. The greater our humility the vaster will be our attainment in this exalted study. Sir Wil- liam Hamilton uttered a deep truth when he said: sfe; .«-.-:^-^J.t%.l^''^^'t&ft&^|": ',/:^iTlW«*'*WW*fe*'*'^>'®*'****''"'* tal DecaK)gue, Testament is Let Christ be No criticism, ven us an ab- ngle statement 5 Bible as the d then made to n. The Bible dents. It has attainments of ro, it has depths lers in which a gallery of royal markable silver ns disclosing a n and it opens ;ems ; touch the magnificent dia- ile disclose its i becoming more apprehension of ating that value, lestly. It is not rom it week by ;. Our study of lumilicy, and rev- ty the vaster will study. Sir Wil- ith when he said : r^£: DEFINITE DESIGN OF THE BIBLE. 8 1 "The highest reach of human science is the scien- tific recognition of human ignorance. " And the Psalmist experienced tiTe same truth when he sang : " The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant." Dr George Dana Boardman, in his booklet, " The Two Bibles," quotes these suggestive questions from John Ruskin : " In what science is knowledge to be had cheap, or truth to be told over a velvet cushion, in half an hour's talk, every seventh day.' Can you learn chemistry so, or geology, or anat- omy .' And do you expect to penetrate the secret of all secrets, and to know that whose price is above rubies, in so easy a fashion } " Let us then recognize clearly the distinct design of the Bible. Let us study it constantly, reverently, and prayerfully; and, most of all, let us submit our hearts to its teaching. Then shall we sweetly ex- perience the truth of our Lord's words— a truth as distinctly philosophic as it is profoundly spiritual : " If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." 6 fttisli.i!!te^t!h»t»^ THE INERRANT TEACHING OF THE BIBLE. V. The Inerrant Teaching of the Bible. Has the Bible spoken with absolute truth re- garding the deepest questionings of the human heart ? Is it an infallible guide to human conduct ? Can the longing soul hear in the Word of God the voice of the loving Father? That God has spoken in nature is joyously, de- voutly, and gratefully admitted. The Psalmist in the nineteenth psalm, in majestic personification, represents one day as calling to the next in the ut- terance of divine speech. He also represents night as whispering to her successor night, showing di- vine knowledge. He reminds us that God's tes- timony in nature is heard throughout the whole world. We have all seen the glory of nature in the mute uut eloquent language of sunrise and sun- set, in the white robe of winter, and in the vivid greenness of summer. We have listened to the music of nature's harp, which has been to us rhyth- mic, inspiring, and ennobling. The king of day and the queen of night alike voice God's great thoughts in His unwritten Bible, the Bible of Na- ture. Nowhere does the written Bible, the Bible of Scripture, contradict or even depreciate the 86 THE OLD BOOK. value of the teachings of God's " elder Scripture." We ought to study nature as sacred in its place and for its purpose. We ought to hear the voice of God echoing through the cathedral of nature, as Moses heard the voice of God in the burning bush. It is true that " Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God ; But only he who sees takes off bis shoes. The rest sit around it and pluck blackberries." But as fallen beings estranged from God we long for a voice more personal, tender, and divine than that which nature utters in her most majestic orations or her tenderest whispers. We long for the voice that can tell us that God is a Spirit, that God is a Father as well as a Creator. We must hear God speak to us promising pardon for sin, strength for daily need, and transformation of hu- man character into its own divine likeness. This voice comes to us in the Word of God w?th all the sweetness, tenderness, and authority of God Him- self. Can this voice be trusted ? This is the ques- tion of the hour in theological thinking. Objections to Inspiration. It is claimed by some that a belief in inspiration is vitiated, if not destroyed, because of literary de- fects in the Word of God. Even Luther accused Paul, in one instance, of false logic ; he also spoke disparagingly of the book of Esther. Still it is to S( 1 ,er Scripture." d in its place hear the voice ral of nature, n the burning )d; ses, :berries." from God we ler, and divine most majestic We long for i a Spirit, that or. We must ardon for sin, mation of hu- keness. This 3d w?th all the of God Him- [lisistheques- ing. [ON. in inspiration of literary de- .uther accused he also spuke Still it is to INERRANT TEACHING OF THE BIBLE. 87 be observed that no one has ever more magnified Paul at other times, and the Scriptures as a whole, than did this same Luther. A true doctrine of inspiration may admit mistakes, or at least the possibility of mistakes, in historical and biograph- ical statements, while it denies any error in mat- ters of faith or morals. We may still firmly hold our conviction of the truth of Scripture, even if its inspired writers erred concerning things entirely unimportant from a religious point of view. We ought not to demand inerrancy on matters outside their special purpose, or perfection in logic or rhetoric on the part of the writers of Scripture. If they received without adulteration and present- ed without errancy invaluable spiritual truths, we ought not to ask more at their hands. They were appointed for this special purpose. The Bible, as we have seen, is God's book, and yet it is man's composition. We have here the subtle inter-rela- tion of the divine and human element, as in the God-man, and also in all men who become God's men by the work of divine grace in salvation. It is easy to believe the discourses of Christ, although we may be in doubt regarding the lists of some of the names which carry his genealogy back to Abraham or to Adam. The Bible, as was long ago said, was not given to teach us how the heav- ens go, but how we may go to heaven. Scientific jriattfrs are related in popular rather than in scientific language. Perhaps the writers did not :( i ^^iiEIffi^^»rtA#;m??#*t'iii*-»ftiSii-.44 •",»■■' ••.X;iSf..„\mv~~^^^- 88 THE OLD BOOK. always have in mind the proper view of scientific interpretation, as we now understand scientific teaching. It is astonishing that the Bible so often anticipates (as we shall later fully see) many of the scientific discoveries of modern times. Neither the Hindu Shasters nor any of the heathen cos- mogonies can for a moment compare with the holy Scriptures in their general agreement with the dicta of modern science. It is not too much to say that the most advanced modern science has nowhere conclusively shown that any page of Scrip- ture, when fairly interpreted, is scientifically un- true. But granting that there may be errors in Bible cosmogony, cosmology, or ethnology, or in some other related science, or in chronology or in some statistical enumeration, what does such an error signify in a document whose special purpose is the communication of spiritual t-uth ? Grant, if any one so pleases, that there may be in the Word of God some logical irrelevancy, or some his- torical imperfection, we are not disturbed by the admission. Such defects might set at naught the theory of verbal inspiration, but they do not in any degree set aside the fact of inspiration. Our stand- ard of judgment on some of these points differs from that of writers even a generation ago. The inspiration which would have corrected errors into which, according to our standard of logic, rhetoric, and science, writers of the day when the Bible was written might fall, would have been an utter failure I ew of scientific stand scientific e Bible so often ee) many of the imes. Neither le heathen cos- npare with the agreement with is not too much lern science has ly page of Scrip- icientifically un- ,ay be errors in ethnology, or in 1 chronology or liat does such an : special purpose I truth ? Grant, may be in the ncy, or some his- listurbed by the set at naught the ley do not in any ion. Our stand- ;se points differs ation ago. The rected errors into of logic, rhetoric, len the Bible was jn an utter failure INERRANT TEACHING OF THE BIB I.E. 89 for the puriwse for which it was given. If the writers of the Bible had striven to correct every scientific error on the part of their readers, their words would often have been meaningless, and occasionally would entirely have defeated their spiritual purpose. How ridiculous men of to-day make themselves when they find fault with the writers of Scripture because they did not use the nomenclature of modern science ! Such terminol- ogy on their part would have made them as ridicu- lous as their critics now make themselves in their foolish demands. If only we have a true concep- tion of what the design of the Bible is, an error in such matters will not give us a second thought. It is again repeated that inspiration is not, and never claimed to be, omniscience. We must also make due allowance for the mis- takes of copyists. Errors in matters of history are often mistakes in transcription ; and rightly con- sidered, such errors have no force of argument against the inspiration of the Bible. Certainly printers and proof-readers in our day are not infal- lible. Why should we expect copyists of the Word of God to be infallible ? God wonderfully has" pre- served the Scriptures in these regards ; their de- fensibility in this respect is well nigh miraculous. They are far more free from various readings than are other ancient manuscripts. It is not too much to affirm that no existing variation endangers any important doctrine of our faith, and this is a remark ^ll^t*®'fe*''*A««a«W54s*' uf their fiercest critics. It was important thai th' writers of the Hible should use language in such germinal form as to be unlerstandable by those to whom they wrote ; and they yet use language which is capable of such expansion ?:> lo be in har- mony with the latest conclusions oi the most ad- vanced science of our day. Many statements of Scripture which once were obscure, or appirently untrue, have become clear with the progress oi sci- ence, and have been proved entirely truthlul by the various discoveries of recent times. Light is increasing daily. Witnesses for God's Word are coming from every quarter. The spade is bring- ing them forth from the sands and debris of many countries and centuries. Philology and archaeol- ogy join hands in testifying to the truth of holy Scripture. The widest erudition joins hands with the simplest faith in indorsing the old Bible as indeed the very word of God. If we patiently wait, earnestly study, and devoutly trust, all ob- scurities will finally disappear, all doubts will van- ish, and all problems will find their solution. We may with Dr. Strong quote regarding Biblical ob- scurities what Isocrates said of the work of Hera- clitus : " What I understand of it is so excellent >«-«iS:U— es are still inoyance of Tlie marvel rvcti :o free udgu. i»' of nt thai th' »ge in such lie by those se language o be in har- le most ad- ;^temcnts of • apparently gress o! sci- truthiul by 1. Light is I's Word are de is bring- )ris of many nd archaeol- uth of holy 3 hands with old Bible as ve patiently rust, all ob- bts will van- lution. We Biblical ob- jrk of Hera- so excellent *-«2 '<>;.'#■. ^'"^A^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) /. /A 1.0 I.I r^ la III 2.2 It i^ 12.0 — 6" 1.8 11.25 1111.4 111.6 "W Photographic Sciences Corporation ■y 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14S80 (716) 873-4S03 3jivvrgS!^i,L>3Ka5i te f CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICIVIH Collection de microfiches. i^- Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques ■"^..- WERRANT TEACHING OF THE BIBLE. 93 that I can draw conclusions from it concerning what I do not understand. " Proofs of Inspiration. To deny that the Bible is a divine book on the ground of its real or supposed imperfections is as unreasonable as to deny that the world was created by God because of its imperfections, or to deny that Jesus Christ was perfect simply because His character is inexplicable, judged by the standards of human conduct usually recognized among men. We must hold clearly in mind, as already earnestly urged, the purpose for which the Scripture was given, in order that we may rightly judge of its character. We have no right to criticise the Bible because it does not contain truths which it never was designed to teach. As well might we find fault with a volume of poetry because it does not contain all needful knowledge of mathematical problems; as well might we object to an oratorio because it did not give us knowledge of hydrostat- ics or hydraulics. Men have been most unwise, and so in the broad sense uncritical, because un- reasonably critical in their treatment of the Bible. The interpretation of the Bible has suffered alike from cynical foes and heedless friends. We should judge it chiefly as a work of religious faith and life ; and in this respect it is an infallible guide to duty on earth and to glory in heaven. This is its chief function; and this exalted aim ennobles it !:? h .'l«Via!a>.-J!i;- 94 THE OLD BOOK. above all other books. Thus it is appropriately a divine-human work. Its specific design, its exalted duty, its distinctive glory, must necessarily limit its range of topics and its method of discussion. We do not expect it to be a treatise on railways, steamships, telegraphs, or telephones. If it com- pletely discusses the sublimest and divinest of themes, that ought to be glory enough for one volume. Its chief purpose, as we have seen, its divine prerogative, is that it is a text-book of re- ligion. If I have a guide-book to India giving me correctly the time-tables on railways and steam- ships, and a thousand other things immediately connected with my journey in India, I shall not reject it even if I find in it some incidental allu- sion to the United States containing a slight error in American history. Its function is as a guide to India. It may still be that to an admirable de- gree, even though it contain some erroneous allu- sions to botany, geology, or some other science or history entirely unconnected with its purpose. It is true that some of the Bible's doctrines involve historical facts, but it is easy to make all neces- sary distinctions between historical facts of vital importance and those of merely incidental relation to the purpose for which the Bible was given. The existence of scientific errors in the Bible is not yet proven, and probably it is impossible to prove that it contains such errors. A careful and unprejudiced study of Joshua x. 12-14, for exam- INERRANT TEACHliVG OF THE BIBLE. 95 )priately a its exalted irily limit liscussion. 1 railways, If it com- iivinest of h for one 2 seen, its ook of re- giving me nd steam- imediately shall not ental allu- light error IS a guide nirable de- leous allu- science or rpose. It es involve all neces- ts of vital al relation was given. le Bible is lossible to areful and for exam- pie, will conclusively show that the Bible does not affirm that the sun and moon stood still, or even that Joshua prayed to God that they might pause in their course. The passage shows, when properly translated and interpreted, that Joshua did not pray to God at all, but that he simply apostrophized the sun and moon. The time has come when we must make sharp distinctions between the revelations of Scripture and the interpretations of man. The time has come when this passage should no longer be a stumbling-block to either saints or sinners. It has too long received a degree of importance, alike from the friends and foes of revelation, which when truly interpreted it does not deserve. This is a passage which human interpretation and not divine revelation has made difficult. Direct Proofs. The gospels claim that Christ promised inspira- tion to His apostles (John xiv. i6, 17, 26; xv. 26, 27; xvi. 13-1 :). It is also claimed in several passages that in accordance with Christ's promise the apostles received inspiration in their teachings. Only a few passages of this class need here be stated: Acts iv. 8; xi. 12; xv. 28; i Peter i. 12. The apostles did not hesitate to put themselves on a level with the Old Testament writers, and to these writers they granted inspiration. They thus claim for themselves the degree of inspiration which they attribute to the writings of the more ancient %\ . !»£«iikiAt^i.'^- ■tfi*^',v. •,,m!k.-- ' ■JT^rsCWT^^^wr:: 96 THE OLD BOOK. Scripture: 2 Tim. iii. 16; 2 Peter i. 19-21. Ths meaning of this passage quoted from Timothy has been much discussed; it refers, of course, to the Old Testament. The Revised Version gives the rendering, " Every Scripture inspired of God is," etc. Is this a true rendering? According to the common rendering of this passage, inspiration is affirmed of all Scripture; but according to this later rendering the affirmation regarding inspira- tion is greatly limited. One hesitates to declare his conviction that the common rendering is the true one, when some scholarly men and the Revised Version seem to prefer another interpretation. Scholarship, however, can match scholarship on both sides of this subject. Rules of Greek syntax can be marshalled to show that the common ren- dering is conformable to the recognized laws of this most accurate of all languages. The rendering of the Revised Version is liable to strong objections. When two adjectives are closely joined— as are the words Theopneustos^n^ ophelimos, " God-breathed " and "profitable"— by ihe conjunction kai, both must be predicates, if either is. It is quite certain that there is good authority for the older interpre- tation, if one wishes to hold it as here taught. It is difficult to believe that the apostle meant to affirm that divine inspiration belongs to a part of Scripture but not to tue whole, or that he meant to give us a rule by which to judge whether or not any part of the Scripture is inspired, that rule INERRANT TEACHING OF THE BIBLE. 97 9-21. Th2 rimothy has )urse, to the yci gives the of God is," rding to the nspiration is ding to this iing inspira- es to declare lering is the 1 the Revised iterpretation. ;holarship on Greek syntax common ren- id laws of this s rendering of ig objections, jd — as are the tod-breathed " ion kai, both s quite certain )lder interpre- re taught. It istle meant to gs to a part of that he meant whether or not red, that rule or criterion bei;ig simply its utility. Who is to be the judge of its utility.^ If that criterion be adopted, then every man makes his own Bible, Neither Christ nor any of His apostles ever named a distinction between different parts of Old Testa- ment Scripture. The doctrine plainly taught in the text under consideration, and the doctrine sus- tained by many other Scriptures, is that all the writings called the sacred Scriptures are divinely inspired. In the Old Testament the authors fre- quently testify to the divine origin of their mes- sage. They use such language as " the word of the Lord came." or "the Lord spake by His ser- vant." We know that the prophets were specially called of God. The New Testament writers make most explicit statements regarding the inspiration of the writers of the Old Testament. The inspira- tion of the New Testament is also affirmed by the apostles insisting upon the infallibility of their words (I Cor. ii. 13; i Thess. ii. 13). No one can intelligently affirm that the apostles were not competent witnesses, neither will any one dare say that they were dishonest or fanatical. Their lives were singularly transparent and beautifully conse- crated. Apart from the superintendence of the Spirit of God over their lives and wordS; we can- not account for the purity of the one or the divin- ity of the other. With all the diversity in the style of the various writers, there is such a unity in thought as to suggest a superintending spirit 7 98 THE OLD BOOK. which ruled over the work of all.. These writers never wrote with the thought that they were contributing each his part toward harmonious and immortal literature.. Each wrote out of his own individual taste and with his special purpose and design ; and yet all contributed toward one com- plete whole to such a degree as to evoke the- surprise, admiration, and enthusiasm of all un- prejudiced critics. Additional Evidence. The nature of the contents of the Scriptures also furnishes a strong argument in favor of their inspi- ration. The inherent excellencies of both Testa- ments witness to their heavenly origin. The New Testament particularly stands out in marked sepa- ration from ail contemporaneous literature. In matter, effect, and motive it is beyond all compar- ison superior to all other literature of its own day or any other time. In many respects, in its thought and expression it is totally opposed to the entire spirit of the age in which it was written, and to the opinions of the people to whom it was primarily given. The development of literature in different countries is recognized among all lit- erary students; but the New Testament, in its pure thought, heavenly atmosphere, and divine in- fluence, stands apart from all the law of move- ment, of progress, and of attainment among unin- spired writers of every country and century. The INERRANT TEACHING OF THE BIBLE. 99 hese writers they were monious and of his own purpose and ird one com- evoke the* of all un- :riptures also f their inspi- both Testa- i. The New marked sepa- terature. In \ all compar- ; of its own spects, in its pposed to the was written, whom it was of literature among all lit- iment, in its md divine in- law of move- among unin- entury. The volume possesses a unity, a singleness of purpose, and an elevation of tone which stamp it as a work alike of human genius and of divine inspiration. Its statements are characterized by a sublime sim- plicity and a divine sublimity. Its calmness, com- prehension, reticence, and majesty differentiate it from all the literatures of the world; Well may Van Oosterzee say: "He who will acknowledge in Scripture nothing higher than a purely human character comes into collision not only with our Lord's word afld that of His witnesses, but also with the Christian consciousness of all ages. It is impossible to account for these exalted qualities on any other hypothesis than that the writers of this uncommon volume were under the special in- fluence of God m thought and speech. " These records have been subjected to every conceivable form of criticism, and yet they have remained un- impeached and unimpeachable. There stands God. These records are as much superior to the tradi- tions of mere men as Christ is superior to all false Christs, who for a time have challenged the thought of men simply to disappear in total silence or to linger before men in complete dishonor. It would seem that in the apostolic Church in- spiration was not confined to the apostles. Por- tions of Scripture were written by others than apostles, and were yet in harmony with the spirit, doctrines, and facts of the apostles in the Scrip- tures acknowledged to be theirs. To this class I lOO THE OLD BOOK. belong possibly the ^pi^tle to the Hebrews and certainly the Gospels of Mark and Luke. Al testimony points to Mark as the companion and secretary of Peter. 'from whose early teachings he probably composed his gospel; and .t .s certain TL in his writings Luke ^^^ '^^ ^^^^'^\::^ indorsemenfof the apostle Paul. The Old Testa n,ent existed long before Christ's days; even the Septuagint translations were extant for one and a half centuries previous to that time. The Old Testament was Christ's Bible. He loved it, He qu Tit. and He indorsed it, but He never once criticised it. The Jews of the time of Christ uni- versally recognized the Old Testament writings as la red; and^he progress of our invest gations in history archeology, and exploration all ten^^^^^^^^^ confirm the statements of the ancient Scriptures. Repeatedly did Christ cite the Old Testament as undisputed authority (Matt. v. 17; xi. 13; xvi. 4. xxii.3MXXvi. 54. and in many other p^sage). The apostles in all their writings (in 2 Tim. ui. ,6. and 2 Peter i. 20, 21) directly assert the inspira- tion of the Old Testament. From the days of primitive Christianity the Bible has been received as a book containing the fruest history, the sublimest poetry the d^epes philosophy, the purest morahty, and the highest revelation " Search the Scriptures," sa|d Christ "for in them ye think ye 1^--^^^!," they are they which testify of Me. The Bible riebrews and Luke. AH mpanion and teachings he it is certain ssistance and le Old Testa- lys; even the ; for one and Tie. The Old loved it ; He Ke never once of Christ uni- mt writings as /estigations in n all tends to :nt Scriptures. I Testament as xi. 13; xvi. 4 ; ther passages). (in 2 Tim. iii. sert the inspira- :hristianity the containing the ;ry, the deepest ind the highest es," said Christ, eternal life, and [e." The Bible INERRANT TEACHING OF THE BIBLE. lOi has no rival. It is the Mont Blanc, it is the Himalaya of literature. What Christ, the living Word, was as compared with other men on the earth, that the Bible, as the written word, is to- day as compared with other books. It comes to us with the authority of Heaven, and it guides us to the blessedness of heaven. Give this unique book your earnest, believing, prayerful study. Loving obedience to its teachings will furnish the best evidence of its inspiration. They and only they who obey Christ can truly know His doctrine. Let us bless God that the Bible, as His highest revelation, is worthy the praise of saints and seraphs ; and that it might well be the theme of redeemed sinners in heaven if it contained only this one verse — the Bible in miniature, a verse containing sufficient truth, if fully believed, to save the whole earth, a verse which shows us the very heart of the eternal God : " For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life " (John iii. 16). ' fey-W,^ i 4l4!i,l-,Wlll-.W'a ' .l-. ' lii ' i THE PECULIAR AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE. :-- -tfai».aamKi>ja«v.-jj»iMaai. ; i. ' )'.'.'ii... 1} ^f^ VI. The Peculiar Authority of the Bible. It would seem from the record in the last verse of the seventh chapter of Matthew that the domi- nant impression produced upon the people by the discourse of our Lord known as the " Sermon on the Mount " was its peculiar authority. The peo- ple never before had heard the law defined as on this occasion. They never before observed the high standard of morality which now was erected for their guidance ; and they never before heard a discourse so simple in thought and so spiritual in purpose. But the conviction which forced itself upon them as the controlling thought of the occa- sion was the unique authority of this sublime dis- course. They experienced the commanding power of our Lord's doctrine ; they recognized the perspi- cuity of His statements and the persuasiveness of His exhortations ; and especially they realized that His arguments were not only reasonable but also resistless. They could Jiot but discover the wide difference between His discourse and the locutions of the Scribes and Pharisees. These latter dealt with frivolous cases of casuistry ; they made puerile i !53!B«J4(4iit!!)J4;=153S3K!r.'.fiS55HSS*S!33 io6 THE OLD BOOK. distinctions, and they were engaged in ridiculous splitting of controversial hairs. They also quoted now one authority and now another; but in oppo- sition to this method of public instruction our Lord dealt in great, profound, holy, and sublime principles. And yet H is words were so amazingly simple that even a child could apprehend their es- sential meanings. What is true of this discourse is in a measure true of the entire Bible. It deals at times in care- ful argumentation and cogent reasoning, and occa- sionally in syllogistic ratiocination; but it must still be affirmed that the Bible as a whole is declar- ative rather than argumentative. It strikes out a new path for all subsequent thinkers and writers. There were no human models in such high and spiritual instruction as guides for its inspired writ- ers. It occupies a position that is peculiar and solitary. It imitates no other volume; it is inde- pendent of all other books, scarcely ever alluding to any volume or writer, while it pursues its own lofty path under divine guidance. It rises above the great field of ordinary literature as does the Himalayan range from the plains of India; it lifts itself in its symmetrical and supreme beauty above all other literature, as Mount Tabor rises in its singularity and sublimity above the plain of Es- draelon. Gilfillan has compared the Bible in this respect to Mont Blanc, which does not measure itself with Jura, does not name the other mountain tl % ridiculous Iso quoted it in oppo- iction our id sublime amazingly d their es- a measure les in care- , and occa- at it must le is declar- rikes out a ,nd writers. 1 high and spired writ- eculiar and it is inde- er alluding ues its own rises above as does the idia; it lifts )eauty above rises in its )lain of Es- Bible in this not measure ler mountain PECULIAR AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE. 107 " save when in thunder it talks to her of God," and then does she " Answer from her misty throne Back to the joyous Alps." He reminds us that John never speaks of Plato, nor Paul of Demosthenes, nor Jesus of any writer save Moses and the prophets. This characteristic of the Bible cannot fail to attract the attention and evoke the admiration of every true student. There is on its pages a degree of originality not found in any other volume. Every reader of exegetical and theological writers has often been impressed with the fact that each is greatly, and often properly and even unavoidably, indebted to all his predeces- sors for the thoughts he utters and occasionally for the expressions he employs. It is startling how few really original, or even greatly suggestive, ideas are found in any volume written by an unin- spired man. Few of these volumes are of suffi- cient interest to justify a second reading ; it would be difficult to name a dozen volumes which are worthy of three readings. Even those pages which we have marked upon our first reading as especially worthy of our consideration, we have all found upon a second examination not to be so valuable as at first blush we had supposed. Probably there is no actor living who could week after week, es- pecially without all the accessories of the theatre, for fifty, thirty, twenty, or even ten years hold an audience in any part of the world by his exposi- • BOOK. 114 u •• The Bible, whether giving the teach- " iThe Itherthc Son. or its inspired human mgs of the father, in • „( but authors, is a book "' «"^f;„„„,„d3 „p„„ its feel, while we Usten » *e;7"n „ «<,is- sacred pages, that the last wo , ^^^^ ^^^^^ '"'it'n^toT To authtitative utterances of we hsten to the m ^^ Chrysostom, Soeiates or Anstotle, 01 ' > ^ ^ w„,iam of Luther « ^a™. o£^>;-'» "^^^^^^ „, ,„ ,,ese r^of'Cfee. knowledges, of ^.jal rceWns of inade,.. --^^^^^^^^^^ conclusive decrstons^ , "! rearly day we readily merely human author »' ^ Z"^," J w, conelu- see that time has »'^«"'^f„"°7JhU positions sions are erroneous and *>« ja"^, °^„, ,^„„rty. have become to'f;;^"/^! God are as much But the teachmgs of the Wor ^^ ^^^ "^r ftoX-'thTy-rat anytime in the '^T Th"; neUr iLcle obsolete norevenobso- r-.?Le Bible is like a flowing fountam. lescent. ^be B.b „ ^,i g„,„. pounng out ts «"«"'"? y^^,. tions and bringing fert.Uty ""^ '1^.'^^ giye is '"« in every -->'„-;^ rral/undimin- like the sun m its ""«"" benediction to ishable supply. -*™ '^^f^^lughtand writ- "" "'" '".h Kble as*on no other book in the rrMfad y' Hey l^ve not scaled its lofty ■*U ., 1 g the teach- ipired human e cannot but nds upon its ly subject dis- ; so feel when utterances of r Chrysostom, )r Sir William ns of all these Iges, of partial igs, and of in- g any great but day we readily ; of his conclu- of his positions otful authority. }od are as much jplicable to the iny time in the e nor even obso- owing fountain, upon all genera- very other bless- ry; the Bible is ;d and undimin- nt benediction to thought and writ- )ther book in the ; scaled its lofty PECULIAR AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE. 115 heights nor fathomed its profound depths. God's Word is like Himself, " the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. " The thought of the divine authority of their message gave the apostles no small pirt f their remarkable power. They could not but sp^^ik the things which they had seen and heard , their hearts overflowed with the blessedness of their message. They could appeal to the profoundest convictions even of their bitter foes that it was better to obey God rather than man. The man who realizes that he is but the voice of God becomes by that reali- zation a resistless force ; he is simply the harbinger of his Lord. He is simply the messenger of the King of Glory. When Latimer stood before Henry VHI., he reminded himself that he was in the presence of the king in whose power his earthly life was. He must, therefore, speak with great wisdom, restraint, and consideration. But he re- minded himself also that he was in the presence of the King of Heaven. He must, therefore, speak the whole counsel of God, whether the earthly king would hear or forbear. This last consideration enabled him so to fear God that he had no fear of man. In this respect he experienced a kinship with the apostle Paul, and with all the disciples and apostles of the Lord Jesus, and with the Lord Jesus Himself. ,i6 THE OLD BOOK. Pulpit Authority To-Day. It is sometimes declared that the pulpit of to- day has lost, or is 'losing, its power. If that be true to any extent, the deplorable result is due in part to the fact that in some degree the preacher has failed to recognize himself as the ambassador of Jesus Christ. This recognition the apostle Paul constantly held in mind. Speaking for himself and those associated with him, he was able to say : "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, rs though God did beseech you by us : we pray yuu in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God" (2 Cor. v. 20). The true preacher recognizes that he bears a commission issued by God, countersigned by Jesus Christ, and sealed by the Holy Ghost. Such a man must preach the preaching which God com- mands. He has no self-life, but his true life is hid with Christ in God. He must have no self- will, but his will is sweetly blended with the will of his Lord and Master. We must emphasize the idea constantly kept in mind by our fathers— the idea of a divine call to preach the everlasting Gospel. The reality of this call carries with it the necessity of the most thor- ough preparation possible, in body, mind, and soul, for executing this divine commission. When the preacher recognizes fully that he is an ambassador for God, he will be girded with strength, guided by wisdom, and constrained by love. Only as he ii ti T P tl Ml*t-1 3*««^^T"- 1 PECULIAR AUTHvfiirY OP THR BIBLE. M? julpit of to- If that be ult is due in the preacher ; ambassador : apostle Paul r for himself } able to say : r Christ, r.s re pray yuu in d " (2 Cor. V. tiat he bears a gned by Jesus ost. Such a ich God corn- is true life is have no self- with the will tantly kept in , divine call to reality of this the most thor- nind, and soul, n. When the an ambassador rength, guided J. Only as he fails to realize his relations to God can he fail in the authoritative delivery of his inspired message. The recognition of his true relation will give him profoundest humility in the presence of God and at the same time holy boldness in the eyes of men. Thus it will come to pass that the pulpit of to- day will possess some of the original authority and divinity of the times of prophets and apostles. When the preacher simply regards himself as called upon to testify what congregations desire and then prepares to give them that preaching, whether or not it be in harmony with the declara- tions of the Bible, he is shorn of power and stripped of glory, and he to some degree dishonors himself and his message in the sight of God and man. Perhaps there is nothing more wonderf-il even in the Bible than the twofold sense of deepest per- sonal humility and loftiest imputed and imparted authority, on the part of prophets, psalmists, dis- ciples, and apostles. Once more we must allow this old book to have its place in the pulpit of our churches, on the shelves of our libraries, and in the hearts of our congregations. This book is the rightful regent of the world. It appeals alike to the reason, the affection, and the imagination. It comes in no humble garb, and it assumes no lowly attitude as it solicits our attention. It speaks with an authority which belongs to no other book ever known among men. It demands our attention, promising the largest rewards when its precepts 'V^ \ v.»Bff3?S»SIH1B9w- ii8 THE OLD BOOK. are obeyed, and threatening the direst calamities when its warnings are neglected. This book will go on shining £3 does the sun ; its light cannot be extinguished. Its voice can never be hushed, its testimony can never be contradicted, and its invi- tations will never entirely lose the charm of their sweetness and tenderness. There is nothing in the Bible that is more miraculous than is the Bible itself. Written as it has been throughout the course of sixteen or seventeen centuries, in differ- ent languages, by many persons in various social, intellectual, and religious conditions, it speaks to us to-day as the contemporary of the latest litera- ture and as the exponent of the highest religious thought. Apart from its divine origin, there is in it more exquisite literary beauty, more tender description of nature, more pure morality, and greater spiritual sublimity, than in all other books ever composed, in any land or language. As Christ, the incarnate Word, spoke with an author- ity peculiarly His own, so the Bible, as the re- vealed Word, speaks with an authority as truly unique as are its divine origin, its marvellous per- petuity, and its exalted morality. By this word we are to be judged, and by it we are to be justi- fied or condemned. He who opposes the Word of God assumes an enormous responsibility. Well shall it be for pulpit and pew when both bow low in the presence of God and His inspired Word, say- ing: "Speak, Lord, and we Thy servants shall promptly, fully, joyously hear and obey Thy voice." ..::h.^^-.' ^Vrtt4«=-;«*«ffcMtaw*-.»'««**-'^ ' ' L*S4S5'M3>A5*»W»W'Wi«*>-" est calamities rhis book will ght cannot be be hushed, its , and its invi- charm of their is nothing in an is the Bible liroughout the aries, in differ- various social, s, it speaks to e latest litera- ghest religious gin, there is in , more tender morality, and all other books language. As with an author- ible, as the re- hority as truly marvellous per- By this word are to be justi- ses the Word of nsibility. Well ;n both bow low pired Word, say- yr servants shall jbey Thy voice." THE INSTRUCTIVE RETICENCE OF THE BIBLE. ->-W)^.i;g^l^gattX^!i^JfMVKtC!^c*^^Bj •iu), ,,^jta,^,.- ^ ^vi ' t twi ra t sej»t*tt*a* VII. The Instructive Reticence of the Bible. Edward VI., king of England, was the son of Henry VIII. and Jane Seymour. He was born at Hampton Court, October 12, 1537. He had but little encouragement, at least on his father's side, toward a religious life ; and yet he early developed marked religious tendencies. He died under the age of sixteen, and was thus too young when king to exercise pre-eminent or even powerful influence on the statesmen or tendencies of his times. His coronation was an occasion of marked interest. Three swords were brought and laid before him at one stage in the ceremonies. These swords were the emblem of royal power in three different direc- tions. Glancing at these swords, he paused a mo- ment, and then said: "Bring another; there is one I need most of all — ' the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God."' The Bible was brought, the ceremony proceeded, and from that day to the coronation in her sweet girlhood of the noble Queen Victoria who now sways a sceptre over the mightiest empire the world has ever known, the Bible has retained its place in the coronation cere- monies of the kings and queens of Great Britain. It is an interesting fact that the Bible is the only 133 THE OLD BOOK. symbol employed at the inauguration of the Presi- dent of the United States. It occupied its usual conspicuous place when President McKinley, m the presence of uncounted thousands, took upon himself the oath of his high office. The tourist in Spain is certain to visit the old city of Toledo, and while there he will find no place more interesting, not excepting the ancient and glorious cathedral and the zocodover or " square market," than the Fabrica de Armas, the manufac- tory of Toledan swords. This is a huge, rectang- ular building, standing on the right bank of the Tagus. It was erected in 1788, but long before that time the Toledan blades had become justly famous. Iberian weapons, and the fondness of the people for them, are mentioned both by Livy and Polybius. The secret of manufacturing these fa- mous swords the Moors carried from Damascus to Toledo. The temper of these swords is so remark- able that it is said they can be curled up like the mainspring of a watch without suffering any mjury in the operation. The true swordsman must know his weapon. He must be absolutely familiar with its delicate temper, the sharpness of its edge, and the strength of its body. He must have a quick eye and a supple wrist, as well as a trusty blade. All true believers are swordsmen for truth and God In their case also perfect familiarity with their weapon is necessary to success in its use. It is a remarkable fact that in the enumeration of the th he un "SaV ^V^.^.-i(|l^fATrJs-****'-TW&*S*«'* ..*js»*4'ss»w4»'ar*4>w«*»i'*"*'*' INSTRUCTIVE RETICENCE OF THE BIBLE. 1 23 the Presi- its usual Cinley, in took upon it the old 11 find no le ancient or " square e manufac- e, rectang- mk of the Dng before ome justly ness of the y Livy and g these fa- lamascus to \ so remark- up like the J any injury must know imiliar with :s edge, and lave a quick isty blade, r truth and liarity with its use. It ■ation of the Christian's armor given by the apostle Paul in the sixth chapter of Ephesians there is but one offen- sive weapon, while there are five pieces of defensive armor; and this one offensive weapon is not the great Roman spear, but the sword, the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. No man can use this sword aright except he be familiar with its temper and all its characteristics. One ele- ment of weakness in the Church to-day is the un- familiarity of so many Christian men and women with the peculiarities of the Word of God. Few could give an intelligent analysis of any one book in the Bible ; fewer could give the trend of inspired thought in the gospels or epistles ; and still fewer could trace the development of the divine purpose from Genesis to Malachi. One purpose of this series of Sunday-night lectures is to give the peo- ple additional familiarity with the sword of the Spirit. There is no sword like it. When properly wielded by pulpit and pew, the slain of the Lord will be many. No minister can have his corona- tion of honor, power, and glory unless ever by his side there shall lie (except when it is actually in his hand) the sword of the Spirit. Often Misinterpreted. A statement of some of the characteristics of the Bible in this lecture and in other lectures will help those who hear and read these words better to understand and to use this celestial weapon. It is tH THE OLD BOOK. to be affirmed that few books have been so greatly misrepresented as the Word of God. Many critics have misrepresented it because of their profound ignorance of its design and its substance. They have practically acted upon the principle which governed Sidney Smith, who, it is said, affirmed that he did not read books which he was to review ; the reading of the volumes might prejudice the judgment which he might form and express. It would be simply risible on our part, if the act were not so culpable on their part, that so many critics of the Word of God have written out of their igno- rance and not from their knowledge, and that so many others have been governed by a spirit of malevolence. This spirit is manifested on every page of their writings. Their criticisms are far less malefic than they otherwise would be, because the evil spirit which inspired them is so constantly manifested. They write with a bitterness difficult to explain, were it not for the deep-seated evil in the human heart. Still others, like Rousseau, op- pose the book because it condemns the sins to which they are inclined. When the Bible con- demns our sins, we must either turn against the sins or against the preacher and the truth which point out the sins which thus bring us into con- demnation. Many critics of the Bible get their opinions at second hand, and some must go much further back in order to find the origin of their opposition to the inspired Word. No one can read **1, l.sAWillWSDa^WW!*^**^^^**^^ jsia*«iji i^l^^!*ifi^<^S^K^i^^»tffi^' r,«i«X.3«»jM«>»i5»«Ka«w; INSTRUCTIVE RETICENCE OF THE BIBLE. 127 ;at many wear out he Bible, 5 archaic logic, and l^awrence s picture ttle to at- imiration. not in the IS too un- i in these when his It for six sits daily; developed red in the ing to win It beauty, iny eye to a true life, ory of God of His in- 1 overflow- tible. For hrough the d to-day, as its joyous abundance the variety of blessings of which it is the source. It comes to us to-day with all its original beauty and power. All its true students find it to be an armory filled with weapons of celestial temper, a divine labora- tory of roborant medicines, and a mine deep as the heart of the earth and abounding in noblest wealth. Its truths fall upon our souls softly as the dew, and yet they are resistless in their power as the storm. If men were robbed of the Bible, the world to many would be, as if it were without a fountain or a flower ; it would in sooth be without a charm in life or a hope in death. Remarkable Reticence. One cannot study the book without discovering its remarkable reticence. It gives at once the im- pression of self-restraint, of conscious strength, of assured conviction, of absolute knowledge, and of great reserve power. It is practical in its purpose, and so its methods are distinctively and emphati- cally practical. It deals with the greatest subjects, and it soars to the loftiest heights. But it never for a moment loses its poise, never deserts its pur- pose, never hesitates in its onward sweep. The unity of its various parts in this regard is truly marvellous. Written during a period of nearly or quite seventeen centuries, written by men differing so completely in education, in social life, and in religious attainment, it is truly wonderful that it should so completely preserve one character. It laS THE OLD BOOK, has a pervasive spirit, a unitive principle, and an accordant motive. Each man wrote with the ut- most spontaneity, and yet all the writers were so controlled as to secure certain great ends, preserv ing unity in purpose with diversity of method. In this particular is clearly shown the superintending Spirit of God. Each writer wrote along his own lines, developing his own peculiarities, and yet the writings of all conduced to one great end. The purpose of the Bible is eminently practical, as opposed to what is merely theoretical v specula- tive. No writers of any other literature 1 ad so many temptations to indulge in speculative discus- sion as had the writers of the Bible; but they res- olutely continue to impress practical and personal duties, and not to gratify mere curiosity. The Bible deals with the greatest of all conceivable subjects. It projects it? lofty and solemn thought into eternity. It touch ^. the deepest springs of human motives, and it appeals to the highest in- spirations of human life. It has its times of sol- emn introspection, it has also its moments of holy prospection ; it discusses the miseries of men and the mercies of God. But the practical element is never forgotten ; it is always emphasized with much pathos and argument. The most exalted doctrine is solemnly presented in its close relation to daily duty. These affirmations are finely illustrated in all which the Bible tells us of God. in His immaculate ■i>»= Why does not the Bible gratify our speculative tendencies } The danger is that even the Church would neglect practical duty while it indulged in unwarranted speculations. The angels rebuked the disciples who saw Jesus ascend, be- cause they stood gazing up into heaven, to the neglect of the testimony which longing hearts so much needed. A similar rebuke angels and preachers ought now to give to some Christians who neglect daily service for men while they 9 130 THE OLD BOOK, M Stand gazing up into heaven waiting for the return of the Lord. There is entire certainty that when the seal of silence is not broken in the Bible, the silence is not only Silvern but golden for all disci- ples of Christ. This Principix Illu-.trated. The Bible is strangely silent regarding the place of the burial of Moses. We may well be sure that there was entire wisdom in the selection of the place of that august burial. Moses did not live for himself, but for his people. He was to sec the goodly land, but was not himself to enter it. Mar- vellous is the charm which the Bible throws upon his last view of the goodly land from Mount Pisgah. Yonder, west of the Jordan, lay that land; but a more glorious land is soon to be the home o God s servant and Israel's leader. There in the land o Moab he died. Here in some ravine by Beth-Peor he was buried ; " but no man knoweth of his sepul- chre unto this day." And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. Legend has supplied what revelation did not fur- nish- tradition has told of the tears of the people and the wailing of the children as they turned from the familiar scenes. It tells - ^^ow ^oses died from the kiss of God. But regarding all these things the Bible is judiciously silent. No doubt undue reverence would have been given the grave of Moses had its location been definitely known. go tie » -oil ^fcRtI.l^.Srt*.«*^( F,».*SJO=..*v~».?>-.»«t«'^'^ r^**ii««■ *«T^»»»*»i«i*»" „«*#«»«(«»««»""»*'**'• r the return r that when e Bible, the or all disci- ng the place be sure that ;tion of the did not live as to sec the ter it. Mar- throws upon :ount Pisgah. land; but a ome of God's n the land of by Beth-Peor I of his sepul- ren of Israel b thirty days. I did not fur- of the people } they turned us how Moses rdingall these It. No doubt ven the grave itely known. INSTKUCnVE RETICENCE OF THE HIHLE, IJI The N% / Testament manifests a similar reti- cence in regard to Christ. We do not know with absolute certainty the day of the month, the month of the year, nor the year of the world in which Christ was born. Scholars in different ages and countries have selected almo.st every one of the days of the year as the day of His birth. It is almost certain that it was not the 2Sth of Decem- ber, and it is quite certain that we are four or five years behind the proper year of His birth; so that this present year ought to be at least 1903 of the Christian era. There is a strong tendency in hu- man nature toward giving undue honor to times and seasons. Religious festivals not appointed by God often receive a devotion denied God's holy day. There are many who would shrink back with hor- ror from certain acts if committed on Good Friday, which they will commit on the Lord's day without the slightest compunction of conscience. It is deeply interesting also to observe the reti- cence of the Bible regarding the youth of Christ. From the time that He appears in the temple at twelve years of age, to the time when He enters upon His public ministry at thirty, there is but one hint, one glimpse, one echo, concerning the eigh- teen years of lowly life, of patient ser\'ice, and of holy discipleship in the obscure village of Nazareth. When we contrast the reticence of the inspired gospels in this regard with the garrulous triviali- ties found in the so-called Gospels of the Infancy, 132 THE OLD BOOK. we have a striking illustration of the superiority of the gospels as given by holy men inspired of God to write the history of Christ, One needs no stronger argument .than the comparison between the genuine and the pseudo-gospels, as to the value of inspiration. In these pseudo-gospels we have prolonged accounts of the freaks of divine power which it is claimed Jesus manifested. We are told that He made mud images, spoke to them a word of power, and that they became living beys and girls. Wc are told that when engaged with Jo- seph the carpenter, His reputed father, in erecting houses, He touched with His hand beams that were too short, and they became of the required length. One turns away with disgust from the ridiculous descriptions contained in the gospels written by men uninspired of God. The profound silence falling upon this period of Christ's life re- bukes by anticipation the tendency toward the prac- tice of Mariolatry. There is not the slightest doubt but that in the Roman Church to-day the Virgin Mary often receives a degree of homage denied the Son of God. There is not one word in holy Scripture to justify such homage ; and there are records of positive rebukes which Christ adminis- tered to His mother both before and after entering on His public ministry. There is in the Bible a similar reticence regard- ing the personal appearance of Christ. Not one word is said as to His height, the color of His hair e superiority L inspired of Dne needs no ison between 5 to the value pels we have divine power We are told them a word ng beys and igedwith Jo- r, in erecting beams that the required List from the the gospels The profound irist's life re- vard the prac- lightest doubt ly the Virgin )mage denied word in holy ind there are irist adminis- after entering icence regard- ist. Not one ior of His hair INSTRUCTIVE RETICENCE OF THE BIBLE. 133 and eyes, or as to any of His features. This ab- sence is truly remarkable ; it seems to set aside all the natural instincts of His devout followers and of His inspired evangelists. We know that noth- ing more interests average hearers or readers than accounts of the personal characteristics of leaders of thought, representatives of fashion, authors of movements, and founders of religion. Why is the Bible so strangely silent on all these topics.? We are not to know Christ after the flesh ; we are to know Him in a higher, a holier, and a diviner re- lation. Mr. Walters, in his little volume entitled " Claims of the Bible," quotes Mrs. Jameson and Lady Eastlake, who give this explanation of the silence of the evangelists regarding the personal appearance of Christ : " He whom all races were to call Brother, was not to be too closely associated with the particular lineaments of any one race. East and West, Byzantium and Rome, Spain, Italy, Germany, and every Christian nation might imag- ine the form of the Son of Man not altogether un- accordant with their respective ideas of beauty, dignity, and love." No doubt there is force in this explanation. Christ was to be the brother of every believer. He may be more to every woman now than He was to His own mother, except so far as she believed in Him as her Lord ; and more to every man than He was to His own brothers, except so far as they believed in Him as their divine Saviour. .- 1^ I »iS5aiWS5^i®3*»^ 134 THE OLD BOOK. One is struck also by the remarkable reticeuce of the Bible regarding the mysterious experiences of Lazarus during the four days that he spent in the grave. Why \vas he thus silent? How the village folk would have gathered about him had he talked of the wonderful experiences through which he may have passed. He might have been the wonder of the entire country, calling attention to himself, rather than giving honor to his Lord. Tennyson, in his " In Memoriam, " gives us a won- derful picture of how the neighbors met from house to house, how the streets were filled with joyful sound, how a solemn gladness crowned the purple brows of Olivet, as the people gazed upon a man raised up by Christ. But all else remains unrevealed; "something sealed the lips of that evangelist." A similar illustration of the reticence and of the practicality of Biblical teaching is seen in the meth- od of the apostles in discussing their own exalted experience, and in their treatment of profound doc- trines. Nowhere outside the Bible can be found a nobler specimen of literature in the discussion of a great doctrine than the apostle Paul has given us in his teaching of the resurrection in i Cor. xv. This chapter will ever hold its place in the front rank of the divinest elements of inspired literature. We have here a connected, elaborate, and unan- swerable argument for the doctrine of the resur- rection — the very foundation- truth of Christianity. )le reticence experiences he spent in ? How the t him had he irough which ve been the ; attention to to his Lord, ves us a won- rs met from ■e filled with crowned the e gazed upon else remains lips of that ice and of the 1 in the meth- • own exalted srcfound doc- can be found he discussion aul has given in I Cor. xv. in the front red literature, e, and unan- of the resur- Christianity. INSTRUCTIVE RETICENCE OF THE BIBLE. 13S We have here resistless logic, majestic rhetoric, and lofty emotion in rhythmical expression. This chapter is an oratorio of triumph. It is resplen- dent as a gleam of light from heaven ; it is musical as a strain from angelic harps ; it is rhetorically, musically, and spiritually inspiring and sublime. We have in this chapter inimitable beauty of thought, together with unequalled power of argu- ment. But the apostle turns at once from sublime doctrine to practical duty. The chapter marries doctrine and duty. This glorious chapter closes with the words, " Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." There is thus evermore a practical application in all the apostle's greatest arguments. His discussion of his own wonderful visions and revelations from the Lord follows the same method of teaching. On this occasion he was in a condition of literal ecstasy, not knowing whether he was m the body or out of the br \y ; he was as one caught up to the third heaven. Observe his remarkable and commendable reticence regarding these marvellous experiences. Put over against his sublime reti- cence the puerile loquacity of Mohammed when describing his pretended exaltation and divine revelation. No doubt Mohammed's epilepsy had not a little to do with his visions. No doubt he was at times moved with a rapturous vehemence 13* THE OLD BOOK. of emotion. No doubt his whole frame was vio- lently swept with paroxysms during these experi- ences ; and no doubt he even seemed to hear strange voices impelling him to noble services. But his garrulity reduces all to puerility compared with the noble silence, the majestic reticence of the apos- tle to the Gentiles. In all this apostle's allusions to paradise he makes it not a theme for personal discussion nor to gratify vain curiosity, but he mentions it only to commend his apostleship to those who called it in question. He used this ex- alted experience merely to advance the cause to which he had consecrated his life. He had not desired to attract attention to himself; but his whole purpose was to honor his Lord and Master and to advance the ca'jse of truth among men. Not otherwise was it with the apostle Peter, in the description which he gives of that great and awful time when the heavens shall be rolled to- gether as a scroll, and when the Lord shall come as a thief in the night. There were abundant op- portunities in these allusions for gratification of curiosity, speculation, and selfish ambition. We ask speculative questions to this hour regarding all these events. We cannot hold the thought of the people to practical duty when speculations of this character are rife in the community. But although the apostle Peter is discussing these tremendous events— events which have occupied the thought of modern science as well as spiritual theology— me was vio- hese cxperi- hear strange es. But his ared with the of the apos- le's allusions for personal »sity, but he postleship to used this ex- the cause to He had not jelf; but his i and Master long men. )stle Peter, in liat great and [ be rolled to- rd shall come abundant op- ;ratification of mbition. We r regarding all thought of the lations of this But although se tremendous d the thought lal theology — '^INSTRUCTIVE RETICENCE OF THE BIBLE. 137 he turns immediately from the majestic description which he has given, to the practical duty he de- sires to emphasize, saying : " Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness" (2 Peter iii. 11). This method of teaching is never forgotten in any part of the New Testament. All contained in the Scripture has its practical uses. This state- ment is true even of the long genealogies which often excite the amusement of thoughtless readers of the New Testament. These genealogies estab- lished the family relationship of great historic characters; they also often proved the fulfilment of solemn and glorious prophecies. Probably no part of our body is meaningless ; it has its place in the economy of our physical life and growth. Not otherwise is it with all parts of the Word of God. Let us learn the lesson in our Christian ex- perience taught by this method of Biblical revela- tion. Let us rejoice that doctrines are the foun- dation of practice, and that all true doctrine should be incarnated in daily duty. Thus it will be seen that every part of God's Word is of immediate service in the development of the Christian life. Let us rejoice in all the revelations of God's holy book, and let us see also that, as in experience, in oratory, in authorship, often the strongest elements of character are seen in reticence rather than in expression, so the fullest proofs of revelation are r I .,jM^a>ffllii8teiJ*J!*r8feM W » WJ >4»Jjit'-«^ ;iU '1 VIII. The Compassionate Spirit of the Bible. It has been suggested that if the Bible were en- tirely lost, all its parts could be rediscovered and reunited, because every verse has been quoted by writers whose works are accessible. The further suggestion has been made that if the Bible were lost, many of the greatest books, paintings, sculp- tures, and oratorios would be comparatively if not largely meaningless. It is probably true that every text and verse in the Bible has been quoted either in books of devotion or theology or in those of poetry and fiction. We have only to imagine for a moment that the entire book had utterly perished as a book, and its various texts from the different connections in which they are found ; and it is easy to see how vast a portion of literature would thus be worthless. We cannot read even a few pages of any standard work without coming to some direct or indirect allusion to the holy Scrip- tures. If all knowledge of these Scriptures were utterly lost, many of the sweetest and sublimest passages of Shakespeare would be forceless if not entirely meaningless. A similar remark would apply to the noble strains of Milton, as he lifts us on the wings of literary genius and poetic inspira- • ■^fim^e&i\si!0i»mi»»ft»'imiM-:fsi»iiti^-df~i<»ii>s^^ 14* THE OLD BOOK. .- t. the very throne of God. Many cf the \A he obscure if not unmeaning. The tact is would be oDscuic iiihle have .i,at the thought and speech of the Bible nav chapters in our inquiry concerning the Bible literature. . i i^^* tVi<>r«* would T^nt if the Bible were entirely lost, there woui chiefly literary. A ^^'^f^'"'}''^ ^.. , j, ti,e chief source. L-reation auu rr>rT. When has atheism founded great orphanages or other charitable institutions ? A few such instances, it is claimed, can be named; but the number is very small, and when found it is discovered that for the most part these institutions were founded not be- cause of, but in spite of, the atheistic element that had some place, in the creed of the founder. The time has come when atheism should apologize for its inhumanity. It is cold and cruel, even as was heathenism. Atheism can change the rarest day in June into the rawest day in January. Atheism is a monstrosity in human thought and a gigantic ■' ■^^«Er.rK»lri?,«8W«H«W«WI*W«?^M=t3KrT7Fa3B^9S7»E!; i L i j^g - atH t r t a nitj- y a-"' : ! »S4 THE OLD BOOK. failure in human effort. The Bible is evermore the poor man's book. It is always and everywhere his consolation and inspiration. It opens to him at once the noblest possibility of a lofty manhood. It recognizes his manhood in his relations to his fellow-men, and his possible childhood in his rela- tions to God. It has been well said that in this volume the poor man may walk at any time in the garden of Eden, enjoy the hospitality of Abraham, ascend the mount of God with Moses, and rejoice in his heirship '."ith God through Jesus Christ. It was not on. his "Principia," as Gilfillan has re- marked, that Newton laid his dying head, but on his Bible ; not on his " Task," but on his Testa- ment, that Cowper found repose ; not in his wide fame, but in his humble hope, that Robert Hall experienced peace ; not on h's limitless genius, but on the divine mercy, that ' leridge rejoiced in the hour of death. This boo like its divine Author, pours out its compassioni. .e spirit, rejoicing the dark world with its supernal light and enkindling cold hearts with its heavenly warmth. ft ;!r '^'-ul. ii h V l\ I ' 1 1 t • t 'lli _,*5 I,' ..'..,■ ,;,a„. J-J-.i-^J'-"'"'''"'*^*''''''^*'''''''^" ' ' ■^■**— *iiig^ • le is evermore ind everywhere t opens to him lofty manhood, relations to his ood in his rela- id that in this my time in the ty of Abraham, ses, and rejoice ;sus Christ. It Jilfillan has re- ig head, but on : on his Testa- lot in his wide at Robert Hall less genius, but : rejoiced in the J divine Author, t, rejoicing the and enkindling ith. THE PROGRESSIVE REVELATION OF THE BIBLE. i i 1 jUWJn/imMWMMM MHti rB f T g '^w w^i ^' IX. The Progressive Revelation of the Bible. All intelligent students of the Bible have dis- covered the great progress which it makes in its revelation of the truth of God to the minds of men. Were the Bible more carefully studied, it would be more tenderly loved as well as more fully under- stood. It is a thousand pities that to many otherwise intelligent men in the world, and to not a few even in the Church, it is a comparative- ly unknown book. Except as men study music, painting, scuipture, and poetry, how can they ex- pect to be devoted disciples of any of these fasci- nating pursuits ? The man who discovers the de- velopment of thought in the Bible whicq it clearly contains, experiences in studying its pages some- what of the charm which an enthusiastic musician enjoys as he follows the diapason of a great orato- rio. If only the members of all our churches could be stimulated to study the Word of God aright, the Bible would virtually become a new book in the experience of the Church. We open it at Genesis and read the sublime words, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth " ; we close 1S8 THE OLD BOOK. it reading in Revelation, " Even so, come, Lord Jesus." A period of from sixteen hundred to seventeen hundred years has intervened between the writing of these two sentences. Not fewer, probably, than forty writers were engaged in writ- ing these and the intermediate portions of the book These writers represented various grades of intel- lectual and spiritual attainment, and many variant positions in s<.oial life. Some of the writers were princes and some peasants; some were lovers of war and others lovers of peace ; some were proph- ets and others were poets; but all stood in some sense with uncovered head in the immediate presence of God. He must be a very cursory reader indeed who does not discover the marvel- lous progress in the development of spiritual expe- rience as seen in these different writers. One is almost overwhelmed with the thought of all that has occurred in the history of the human race between the writing of the first sentence and the closing invocation. Empires and republics rose and fell, philosophies flourished and decayed, armies fought and suffered defeat or rejoiced in triumph, and great nations appeared and perished while this majestic, immortal, and divine book was reaching its sublime conclusion. Truly the thought of all that intervened between these two sentences is wellnigh overwhelming. The first sentence is a simple and sublime statement of the great fact of God's creative power and unique per- li'l '.1 mOGKESSr I'E XE I'ELA T/0,V OF THE BIBLE. « 5 9 (, come, Lord 1 hundred to encd between Not fewer, gaged in writ- ins of the book adcs of intel- 1 many variant c writers were were lovers of le were proph- all stood in the immediate , very cursory sr the marvel- spiritual expe- riters. One is ght of all that e human race : sentence and and republics id and decayed, or rejoiced in :d and perished id divine book on. Truly the ween these two ing. The first tatement of the and unique per- sonality; it is addressed to the earliest conscious- ness of man. It is a sentence which denies athe- ism, because it assumes the existence of God; it denies pantheism, because it affirms the personality of God; it denies materialism, because it declares the creative act of God. The sentence closing thin great volume expresses the longing f ry of the en- nobled, exalted, and partially divinized creatu o f,>v the fullest revelation of the august preaeiv<; of Christ in the weary world and in the loving heart. This invocation for the return of the Lord je.;\i:3 was the appropriate expression of the desire '.i' tho aged John, suffering exile in a lonely isViud, It is appropriate for us also as we reach 'he close of the volume of revelation. It discloses f;omcsvhafc of the glories of the heavenly world, and it com- forts our hearts with the hope that the Lord T^fAis will come quickly and gather His redeemed people to Himself. This cry of the apostle John was born of faith, and it expresses the exalted hope which results from the teaching of this progressive revelation. Rapid Progress in the New Testament. There is, as we have seen, wonderful progress between these extremes ; but that progress is much more rapid in the New Testament than ii Inf Oid. At times in the Old Testament the coarse vi cir cuitous ; occasionally we seem to irc b.j ,kward rather than forward. Eddies atour/'. in the stre?.mi ■tjg^?*e?y«!?S9ncKw FT;' !: i ! 1 li ■4 '':l I 1^ iil ill' ^;r i6o r/^A' OZZ) BOOK. But there is still a stream flowing of revelation. y>^^^ «■ ,, Hre-er forward toward the ultimate >BSue »' God/ '^^8f. „1ans and divinet purposes. Bishop Butler says . Cn are impatient' and are for precipttatmg thtaTs- but God appears deliberate throughout His operations, accomplishing His acts by slow " PS The chknge of the seasons, the npemng of he fruits of the earth, the very history of the twer, are Instances of this." We need » en to remind ourselves that one day wrth G°d " as^^ thousand years and a thousand years as one day^ We becom'e impatient of *e slow movements o God, as we judge, regarding H,s methods^ We must remember that God gives men tru h as they Tre ab e to receive it. In the Bible .t came to Tern at sundry times and in divers manners. It came in broken parts and in severed l"''^. ?■"" " Ae fulness of time He enabled us to read the les- on He had long been teaching. The- js P^g- from the beginning even to the end of the volume When we reach the close of the Old Testament we are totinctly conscious that the light is growing br ghte , the' truth clearer, and the purpose of God owner Between the two Testaments there ,s a bank page-blank so far as the insprred record gi" ^ut this period of Sou. hundred years was fne of great activity among the nations, and o cor esp nfing progress in the development of the kingdom of God. We must -<>• ^'^E^'^ °'"' '° a tfme and place remote from H,s people. He IM PROGRESSIVE RE VELA TION OF THE BIBLE. i6i stream flowing of God's larger ,p Butler says : r precipitating ate throughout s acts by slow the ripening of history of the e need often to tth God is as a ■ears as one day. vv movements of 5 methods. We len truth as they Bible it came to srs manners. It red links ; but in s to read the les- There is progress :nd of the volume. Did Testament we light is growing ae purpose of God iments there is a .e inspired record hundred years was lations, and of cor- velopment of the )t relegate God to I His people. He is ever present; He is ever accomplishing His gi- gantic plans and His glorious purposes. When we enter the New Testament we are con- scious that we breathe a new atmosphere. The progress we are now making is extremely rapid. In the Old Testament we slowly step from century to century ; in the New Testament we rapidly step from year to year and even from month lo month. Marvellous is the progress we make from the cradle to the cross of Christ ; marvellous also from Cal- vary to Olivet ; still more marvellous from Pente- cost to the close of the record. In the kingdom of nature we everywhere see processes of prolonged development, and then results rapidly matured. Forces of nature are long at work in God's great laboratory, while often but few outward tokens mark their presence. Then come the few warm days of spring ; then buds open, blossoms appear, and winter quickly gives place to spring, and spriag to summer. In the great movements in society, similar laws of progress have their manifestation. These also are illustrated by processes in nature. Snow gathers for many months, and sometimes for long years, piling itself up into great mountains ; thus avalanches are prepared. Then the voice of tourist or guide may shake the air sufficiently to cause the accumulated snow to rush down the mountain-side in a resistless avalanche. So in great movements for political and social reform the crisis suddenly comes. Hidden forces rapidly ■■*-rfras!Ci.'. ■sawwwo* ^ 7 gM M H « g ' s i .Wl.imL ! Wfl ' 1 \ • 1 1 "^ 1 fi ;!tl II THE OLD BOOK. work, firmly combine, and finally move forward with swiftly accelerating speed and irresistible force. , . T J' World-shaping events occurred during our Lord s earthly life. Think of the progress in science and art during that general period in Greece! Think of the world-embracing ambitions of Rome as she sat on her seven hills and ruled the world ! Think of the great forces at work on the hiUr. and in the valleys of Britain, whose final outcome is the civilization of the great Empire and the Amer- ican Republic! Few among the writers of the Roman Empire had any conception of what was occurring in the land of Palestine; but the leaven that was to leaven the world was then at work. The statesmen, publicists, warriors, and philos- ophers were ignorant of the presence of that heav- enly and resistless leaven. But few followers, ap- parently, gathered about Chris: during His public ministry; and yet that ministry has shaped human history ever since. It has controlled the foremost nations of the world. It has inspired the litera- ture, the art, the music, and the commerce of all civilized nations. When we study the books which follow the gos- pels, we make rapid progress in the development of the doctrine taught by Christ. Thus when we come to the Acts of the Apostles, we are in the dispensation of the Holy Spirit. In the develop- ment of the kingdom of God as revealed in the move forward ad irresistible ring our Lord's I in science and reece ! Think ( of Rome as led the world! )n the hills and nal outcome is : and the Amer- writers of the an of what was but the leaven then at work, rs, and philos- ice of that heav- !w followers, ap- iring His public IS shaped human led the foremost pired the litera- commerce of all h follow the gos- the development Thus when we es, we are in the In the develop - i revealed in the PROGJiESSl VE RE VELA TION OF THE BIBLE. 1 63 Word of God, we observe first especia']/ the dis- pensation of God the Father, next that in a pecul- iar sense of God the Son, and then in ar. advanced degree that of God the Spirit. We must not, of course, suppose that either Person of the Trinity was absent during any stage in the development of the divine purpose in relation to man; and yet each period has its distinctive characteristics in the manifestation of Deity. The book of the Acts lies between the facts of the gospels and their development in the epistles. In this respect it stands related to the gospels somewhat as the book of Joshua does to the Pentateuch. In the Penta- teuch we had the laws of Judaism ; in the book of Joshua we have illustrations of the applica- tions of those laws to life and duty. The Pen- tateuch and the gospels give respectively the youth of Judaism and of Christianity : Joshua and the Acts give the manhood of these systems. Through subordinate leaders, in the book of Joshua, Moses was still the real leader ; through the apos- tles, in the Acts, Christ is still the real leader. The fulness of the doctrine was impossible until this stage of the results was reached. Mysterious statements in the gospels are explained and defined in the epistles. Suggestions in the gospels be- come practices in the epistles, facts become doc- trines. Christ's work as described in the gospels comes to be fulfilled in the Acts and the epistles. Before we reach the close of the Scriptures we J I i :!,! *i i \ 164 T//E OLD BOOK. see that the inward, individual life of believers becomes the outward and organized kingdom of Christ which is in the book of Revelation a his- tory of trial and triumph, and finally a destiny in glory. We see all along these stages that Christ is still the Head of the Church. There is no con- tradictior whatever between these various parts of the one divine book. Parts are related to one an- other as dawn is to morning, and morning to the meridian splendors of noon. Christ is still the Head of the Church. The later and larger doctrine is found in its germs in the words which Christ spoke when on the earth. It was necessary that Christ should die and rise from the dead before the doctrine of salvation in all its fulness could be proclaimed. They are unreasonable who expect to find the fulness of the doctrine of salvation in the gospels before the facts of salvation were accom- plished in the life of Christ. Not until He was glorified was His life-work completed; and not until it was thus complete could the facts of His life be fully interpreted and practically applied. Facts More in Detail. Let us look more in detail at this general out- line. There is not only progress from gospels to Acts, and Acts to epistles, and epistles to Reve- lation, but there is also progress from gospel to gospel. The gospels must logically as well as chronologically precede the epistles. We must PROGRESSIVE RE VELA TJON OF THE BIBLE. 165 life of believers ized kingdom of Revelation a his- jally a destiny in tages that Christ There is no con- e various parts of elated to one an- [ morning to the hrist is still the nd larger doctrine rds which Christ as necessary that le dead before the fulness could be ible who expect to if salvation in the ition were accom- ^ot until He was npleted; and not [ the facts of His itically applied. 5TAIL. ; this general out- is from gospels to epistles to Reve- ss from gospel to jically as well as (istles. We must have the facts regarding the presence and the teach- ing of Christ before we can organize these facts into a system and formulate them into doctrines. The writers of the gospels tell us almost nothing of themselves. Their modest reticence and self- abnegation are marvellous. They give us, without preface and without comment, the plain narration of that which they have seen and heard. In order the better to fix our thoughts on the narration of the facts and the portrait of the person of Christ we have four gospels, and not one gospel. We have the accounts of the manifestation of Christ presented to us in four photographs taken from as many different points of view. We have the one Lord of Glory passing four times before us in this ancient, simple, sublime, and heavenly narrative. This fact is of immense value in enabling us to get a true conception of the life and character of the Lord Jesus. There is an enormous advantage in the fourfold repetition of the wondrous story of Christ's life and death. Thus again and again we stand beside His cradle, and we follow Him through His unique life. Again and again we stand beside His cross. Again and again we gaze into His empty sepulchre, and at last journey with Him to the eastern declivity of the Mount of Olives, and watch Him as He goes up to take His place on His temporarily vacant throne. We need to saturate our minds with the spirit of this four- fold narrative. . 11 '( a-i I' i i66 r/fE OLD BOOK". But we need also to observe that there is prog- ress from one gospel to another. Special princi- ples of selection and arrangement are illustrated in each gospel. Out of the great mass of facts ac- cessible to each evangelist he chose those most in harmony with the purpose for which he wrote the gospel which bears his name. Matthew regarded Him as the royal Law-giver, Mark as the mighty Worker, Luke as the Friend of Man, and John as the Son of God. In harmony with this dominant thought, Matthew traces the genealogical line back . to Abraham ; Mark introduces us at once to Christ amid all the activities of His marvellous life. His is the glowing narrative in which everywhere he represents Christ at work. In harmony with this lifelike narrative such words as "straightway, "forthwith," "immediately" appear with remark- able frequency. The portrait of the Saviour is one ; the aspects which we are permitted to observe are four. Matthew, as we have seen, carries us back to Abraham, and shows us how the New Testament grows out of the Old Testament. Luke carries us back to Adam. But John sweeps past Abraham, past Adam, past all human relationships, and presents to us Christ as God. It is fitting that John should always be represented as astride an eagle, poarmg aloft into the mysteries and glories of eternity, soaring into the immediate presence of the Eternal. Matthew gives us the gospel in its special relations to Judaism; and Mark and Luke '^'.-■ssaa. PROGRESSIVE RE VELA TION OF THE BIBLE. 1 6 7 t there is prog- Special princi- ire illustrated in iss of facts ac- 56 those most in ch he wrote the atthew regarded k as the mighty Ian, and John as :h this dominant ilogical line back at once to Christ dlouslife. His h everywhere he armony with this 5 "straightway," lear with remark- if the Saviour is rmitted to observe 5 seen, carries us us how the New restament. Luke John sweeps past man relationships, It is fitting that ited as astride an steries and glories lediate presence of the gospel in its id Mark and Luke in its broader relations to the human race. Mat- thew's gospel is Israelitic; Mark's Gentilic; Luke's universal ; John's Christian. In John's gospel we see Christianity entering into subtle controversies regarding the person of Christ. It is of the utmost value to us that one who stood so close to Jesus as did John should give us this profound dissertation which no other evangelist anywhere contradicts. This truth is assumed in the synoptic gospels; for they everywhere imply what the apostle John declares as to the divinity of Christ. Ihe thought which earlier was in the germ John expands, ennobles, and glorifies. But the teaching of Christ, even in the most ad- vanced gospel, was not a finality. Even there are found suggestions of a fuller development. It is visibly progressive throughout the gospels; it is continuously progressive after the gospels. We cannot expect to find in the three earlier gospels definite assertions as to the real nature of our Lord's vicarious death; but John's gospel is fuller in that regard. But even here are great sayings whose complete meaning awaits the future of the plan of revelation. We shall see the wonderful progress in the development of the divine thought in the gospels if we simply compare the sublime Sermon on the Mount — the first discourse in Mat- thew — with the last discourse of Christ recorded in John. The Sermon on the Mount, at the open- ing of the ministry, was beautiful and sublime. It s68 THE OLD BOOK. j| .(, 1 if 'ifl was vastly in advance of the highest thought of the greatest teacher of Greece, of Rome, or of the dreamy Orient. . It stands peerless above the world to this hour. But when we compare it with the discourse and prayer in the upper room, as found in the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seven- teenth chapters of John's gospel, we see what progress has been made in spiritual development. In the Sermon on the Mount we are somewhat in the atmosphere of the Old Testament ; in the later address we stand at the beginning of the New Dis- pensation. The light of heaven falls on our up- turned faces; the peace of God is in our hearts; we stand in the unclouded splendor of Him who is the Son of Righteousness ; heaven has opened ; we are listening to the King of Glory; we are on the Olivet of revelation; we have anticipated the cry of John in the Apocalypse ; indeed, the apocalyptic glory is already experienced The Acts of the Apostles. Still there is progress as we pass from the gos- pels to the Acts. The book of the Acts carries us back to the preceding record, as recorded by Luke in the gospel which bears his name. The record in that gospel was of what Jesus did on the earth ; it was what Jesus " began both to do and to teach. In the book on which we have now entered we are to have a record of what Jesus " continued to do after He was taken up into heaven. Christ s PROGRESSIVE RE VELA TION OF THE BIBLE. 169 thought of the )me, or of the above the world are it with the room, as found nth, and seven- , we see what al development, ire somewhat in ;nt ; in the later of the New Dis- falls on our up- is in our hearts ; ir of Him who is has opened; we ^ ; we are on the icipated the cry 1, the apocalyptic OSTLES. ass from the gos- le Acts carries us recorded by Luke .me. The record did on the earth; ) do and to teach." ! now entered we as " continued " to heaven. Christ's authority is still recognized. He is still the Head of the Church. Strictly the title ought to be not the Acts of the Apostles, but the Acts of the Lord Jesus. It is still the personal action of the Master Himself. He has simply changed His stand- point. On critical occasions, even after His as- cension, He is made manifest. The dying Stephen saw Him. Suddenly He appears to Saul of Tar- sus. Unexpectedly He came to Paul in the tem- ple. But a thin veil at any time separated Him from His waiting and worshipping disciples. We cannot help also observing that there is great progress in the book of the Acts itself. The book begins at Jerusalem, the capital of the religious world ; it ends in Rome, the capital of the Roman world. The dividing-line falls at the close of the twelfth chapter. We first had the Gospel within the bounds of Judaism ; then beyond those limits pressing toward a parallelism with the Roman Empire, and then, finally, reaching out toward the whole race of man. It is profoundly instructive to study the progress in the development of the divine thought and purpose in this first history of the Christian Church. In the first division we had the movement from Jerusalem to Antioch, the field being chiefly the Jewish world, and the apos- tle Peter being the principal agent ; in the second division the movement from Antioch to Rome ; in this last division the field of operations is the Gentile world, and the principal agent is the apos- II mw ,70 THE OLD BOOK. tie Paul. The book of the Acts began in Jeru- salem, the capital of the religious world ; it ends in Rome, the capital of the political world. The Epistles. The Acts of the Apostles was so named because it is the record not of the words, but of the acts of the apostles. We cannot expect, therefore, to find in that book more than the intimations of doctrme ; we cannot expect the exposition of doctrnies to any degree. Thus this book carries us from the gospels to the epistles. It has well been likened to the span of a great bridge; its absence would produce an impassable chasm ; it would involve us in inextricable confusion. Were we to pass at once from the close of the gospel by John to the opening of the epistle to the Romans, we should experience a painful shock. There would here be an impassable hiatus. We should be obliged to ask: "Who is this Paul who calls himself the servant of Jesus Christ.? Whence came he ? He was not mentioned among the witnesses of the resurrection. How came the gospel to the Ro- mans ? " We thus see at a glance how necessary is the Acts of the Apostles to the understand- ing of the epistles. Christ has been preached; churches have been formed. But what shall be done with those churches ? Shall they be left to their own resources? The new intellectual and moral life must be fed. Now we see the facts of il mm PROCKESSfVE KE VELA TION OF THE BIBLE. 1 7 i began in Jeru- i world ; it ends al world. 5 named because lut of the acts of therefore, to find ions of doctrine ; of doctrines to rries us from the ?ell been likened :s absence would would involve us e we to pass at 2I by John to the jmans, we should ;re would here be Id be obliged to calls himself the ce came he? He witnesses of the ospel to the Ro- ce how necessary 3 the understand- is been preached; Jut what shall be lall they be left to iv intellectual and jve see the facts of the gospels in a new light. The Holy Ghost has come. New standards of character are given; new principles of action are suggested; new bonds between man and man are recognized. Indeed, a new world is born. It is a critical time in the his- tory of Christianity. The fate of the Gospel was in the balance. A further word of God is needed; a further word is furnished. God meets this necessity by the living voice and by the inspired writing of His holy apostles. These letters are the voice of the Spirit speaking to the Church. Christ Himself wrote no letters. So far as we know, He never personally wrote anything except a few words with His finger on the ground. 13ut He writes as the voice of the Spirit speaks to the churches through these epistles. It must be borne in mind also that the epistolary form is a great advance in the New Testament over the oral communications of the Old Testament. The prophets delivered oracles ; the apostles wrote let- ters. There was an immense advantage in the great argument of the epistles, the argument of justification by faith, and other profound discus- sions in the epistolary form of revelation. The order of the epistles also is profoundly sug- gestive. Romans, Corinthians, Galatians — as Bernard, in his " Progress of Doctrine," has pointed out — were corrective in their nature. In these first epistles the apostolic doctrine is asserted in its divine character. In the epistles to the Ephe- f ■' I ■T ' tJ ' ' ,f 'ij I 1 ' »7« r/M 0/./) //ooA'. sians and Colossians a calmer spirit is manifested ; here we have not so much confutation as consola- tion. In the epistle to the Philippians the voice is that of a loving friend. In the Thessalonian epistles we havo the completion of Paul's addresses to the several churches. Although these last are earlier in date, they are placed later because of their teaching regarding the sustaining hope of the Christian in the glorious appearance of Christ. Then follow properly the pastoral and the gen- eral epistles. There is thus progress of doctrine throughout. The Apocalypse. In the earlier Scriptures we have seen Christ in relation to individual souls and to churches. The Church had its fierce conflicts. As the epistles closed we had hints of anti-Christ, of lawlessness, and of manifold evils. The opening of the Apoca- lypse strikes the note of all which is to follow; it gives praise and glory to Jesus Christ as the Lamb that was slain. The book tells of the coming of the Lord Jesus. It gives us a doctrine of victory, and this victory means the overthrow of evil. Then come the new heavens and the new earth, then the glorious vision of the city of God. The word cifjy suggests a well-ordered and protected society. The ideal social life is restored; and here is the final vision of the heavenly Jerusalem. Here is the culmination of all the revelations of '4I lifewto^. ili MH i U. II' IU is manifested ; ion as consola- ipians the voice e Thessalonian ■^aul's addresses 1 tliese last are iter because of ling hope of the ince of Christ. 1 and the gen- ress of doctrine e seen Christ in churches. The As the epistles of lawlessness, ig of the Apoca- is to follow ; it 'ist as the Lamb f the coming of :trine of victory, irthrow of evil. the new earth, :y of God. The d and protected 3 restored; and venly Jerusalem, le revelations of PROGRESSIl'E RF.VELA TJOiV OF THE BIBLE, 173 God from Genesis to this moment. Take this glorious vision away, and what a loss would we sustain ! God dwells with men. In that perfect society all the people are righteous. The! love never fails. The city is the final home o*" * ^ re- deemed. We are not to think simply ot ^^ur indi- vidual portion, else we lo.sc the completeness of the blessing for the Church. The sublime words assure us of corporate blessedness where " He hath prepared for them a city." Thus in the New Testament we come from the cradle of Ik'thlehcm to the city of God. First we have a person ; then facts ; then in the Acts Christ is preached and churches are formed; then the apostolic letters expound the duties of men in their new relations ; and in Revelation we find ourselves the partakers of a corporate life. We are citizens of a holy city, in which Christ finds His joy, and in which the ideal has become the actual. Thus the progressive idea of " the New Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" carries us form the cradle of Bethlehem to the city of God. We go, in both, from Eden to Paradise ; from God walking with men in their innocence to men dwell- ing with God, their innocence restored by His for- giving grace. If we were to call attention to special doctrines, we should see how the early parts of the Bible an- ticipate the later. There is no contraaIc<-ion be- tween the Old Testament and the New. Angus- •I ' \ 1 1. 1 li ':! ''' '11 w 1 It 7V/£ OZZ) BOOA'. 174 ^1 .;^ • " The New Testament is latent ''":,t"oidtoM Testament is patent in the in the UW, tne v^i^ . •„ ^u^ hud the New New." The aid Testament .s*e bud tn Testament ti,e fl°«'^ J^.^.^r^c „Stution o. its time and pla e. J" « of the earli- Great Britam is the natural outg ^^^^„ est »-"-'- °V*:,rdtThe B^ish Consti- Constitution standi relatea .,ion as flower to hu and . b»Uo see^^^ ^^^ doctrine of the Tnn.ty ■»/ 8^ .. j..et us make ^"""'rii':;:'"^^ :::*eve,opme„tis man in our ima.e, o ^^^^^^_ found in the ^^^^^flZ^'^rornise that God tionwas suggested with ^^P^^ the seed 1.1 rMii-pnmitv between the serpent aim would put enmity D ^^.^.^^ ^^^^y ,„ of the woman; it reachea u its complete Preparation when C-t ^-g ^^P ^ the cross, and its presentation when F preached on the day of Pentecost ' The history of both Testpent-ugbt -^^^^^^^ history of every human sou ^^ f J ,ies. its period of law. of S-f ' ° ^^nd ,o our cry. ^r.A nf aoocalytic vision of gloiy, anu ^ ^.tlrcome. Lord Jesu." i-^-e Prom.seJ^. He wm <>-"j* -■ : ;f„ ™ Uers and Lord God omnipotent reigneth. It-' rit. X'\i :ament is latent is patent in the tie bud, the New rt is perfect for y Constitution of owth of the earli- The American .e British Consti- ud to seed. The rested in the very rds, " Let us make 11 development is Human rcdemp- aromise that God ;rpent and the seed meridian glory in Christ hung upon when the apostles ist. ;nts ought to be the Our life must have of acts of apostles, Diy ; and to our cry, ' is the promise that the voices of saints t of many waters and "AUelujahl for the h." THE ARTLESS HARMONY OF THE BIBLE. X. The Artless Harmony of the Bible. No other book touches life at so many points as does the Bible. Though written in a country which was of small dimensions, yet it is a country which has a remarkable variety of climate and of production. In this respect Palestine is virtually the world in miniature. Only those who have given special attention to the subject are aware of the remarkable differences in climate and produc- tions in parts bf the country separated from one another by only a few miles. The traveller in go- ing from Jerusalem to Jericho, a distance of only about eighteen miles, may really occasionally pass from winter to summer, and at all times from a comparatively temperate to a virtually tropical climate. In January, 1884, there were snow- drifts five feet deep at the Jaffa gate of Jerusalem, but at the same time there was a mild and tropical climate in the Jordan valley. Sir J. W. Dawson tells us that he has passed in February from rain, sleet, and cold winds at Jerusalem to a warm and sultry temperature at Jericho. This is a feature of Palestine to which it owes its remarkably great variety of animals and plants for a country of its size. Another reason for the great variety of pro- 13 178 THE OLD BOOK. ductions and animals and birds is that the coun- try lies in the route from Asia and Europe into Africa. Migratory birds cross Palestine annually twice, in autumn and in spring. Doubtless a much more ample connection once existed between Asia and Africa than is seen at present. This fact is proved by the deposits in the Isthmus of Suez and in the desert east of it. There is also a marked diversity of climate, soil, and production between the hills and valleys of Palestine- and this diversity always must have exercised an influ- ence on the habits and pursuits of the people. The people of adjacent districts thus how as marked differences in their endurance and charac- ter as they do in their clothii.^, shelter, and various domestic habits and pursuits. These facts show that Palestine was specially fitted as the birthplace both of the Bible and of Judaism and of Christianity. The Bible is a book intended for all countries and for all centuries. It has as great adaptability to the icy mountains of Greenland as to the coral strands of India. Its references to animals and to the various aspects of nature adapt it as well to America as to Europe or Asia. In this respect Palestine is unique among all the countries of the world, especially for a country of its small size, and it was divinely appointed as the birthplace of great religions and of God's full- est revpioticr. tu men. Thus the writers of the Bible had the appropriate local setting for writing . ^■i.^J^^JiM^-'- i_C-a.-^ii-^:'- fc-w**--a-J* ^ s that the coun- and Europe into alestine annually g. Doubtless a 3 existed between t present. This I the Isthmus of There is also a I, and production f Palestine- and xercised an influ- :s of the people, ts thus how as ranee and charac- lelter, and various :ine was specially the Bible and of tie Bible is a book all centuries. It icy mountains of ds of India. Its various aspects of :a as to Europe or 5 unique among all lally for a country nely appointed as and of God's full- he writers of the setting for writing ri/E ARTLESS HARMONY OF THE BIBLE. 179 a book which was intended tc cover a vast field and to describe widely different subjects ; and thus it comes to pass that the Bible is perfectly at home at all times and in all lands. It is the contempo- rary of all religions ; it is the exponent of the high- est civilization of every age ; and it is the inspira- tion toward the development of the divinest char- acter of which human nature, under divine grace, is capable. The Bible, like its Lord, whom it re- veals and honors, belongs to all races, ages, and countries. Absence of System. There is a notable absence of systematic ar- rangement in the contents of this remarkable book. It has disclosed God, with all the mystery of His undefined and undefinable existence; but it no- where attempts to prove the existence of God. A revelation necessarily assumes the existence of the revelator. It opens with the majestic words im- plying His existence and declaring His personality and power. When it speaks of God it never gives an opinion, it never speculates; it always in sim- ple but majestic language declares His existence, and implies His creative power, administrative wis- dom, and ineffable love. In this resnect the Bible is markedly different from the productions of all merely human philosophic and religious teachers. The majestic sweep of the first chapter of Genesis proves by its uniquity the great gulf which sepa- i8o THE OLD BOOK. rates this book from all the volumes of uninspired men. No human philosopher with a few bold strokes of his pen could give such a magnificent account of creation. The book also discusses great questions regard- ing angels and other superhuman existences. It brings before us the being, the character, and the offices cf these exalted creatures in a manner sug- gesting its peculiar inspiration and divine wisdom. It tells us of the origin, the duty, and the destiny of man. It avoids all mere speculative discussion regarding all these profound subjects ; and it ever- more presses home the practical duties and spiri- tual relations which belong to man, alike in his earthly environment and in his heavenly possibil- ity. It gives illustrations of the unfoldments of God's mighty plans in the government of the world. It carries us from the eternal past to the eternal future; it shows us that time is but a hyphen be- tween the eternities. It draws aside the veil and reveals the open door into heaven, and it also gra- ciously uncovers to our shuddering gaze the pit of Hades. It rises into loftiest eloquence as it chants the song of the unspeakable love of God in the re- demption of man. It shows us God's redemptive love even at the gate of Eden, and it manifests that love in its meridian splendor on Calvary. The infinitely great and the infinitely small meet on its divine pages. We behold the august Cre- ator enthroned on the circle of the universe; but nes of uninspired vith a few bold ich a magnificent questions regard- in existences. It character, and the in a manner sug- nd divine wisdom. ^, and the destiny :ulative discu3sion jects ; and it ever- l duties and spiri- man, alike in his heavenly possibil- he unfoldments of iment of the world. past to the eternal i but a hyphen be- ; aside the veil and m, and it also gra- ing gaze the pit of (quence as it chants e of God in the re- 1 God's redemptive 1, and it manifests endor on Calvary, finitely small meet >ld the august Cre- the universe; but r//E ARTLESS HARMONY OF THE BIBLE. i8i just when we might be too much awed to give Him love or true reverence, we learn that He is as loving as He is mighty ; that while He listens to the music of the spheres as they roll in their mighty orbits obedient to His command, He no- tices the sparrow's fall and rejoices in the bloom and perfume of the rose. Family as well as national life is portrayed on its pages. The Bible, like Palestine, is the world in miniature. It surpasses all other books in this regard. It gives us the best pictures of all civili- zations, all countries, all centuries. It is not too much to say that it is in the most emphatic sense the book of mankind. The writers of this volume are numerous and varied. There are probably not fewer than forty writers whose inspired and consecrated labors ap- pear on its pages. They represent all the walks of life, many varieties of moral character, and many varying degrees of culture. They cover, as has already been noticed, a period of between sixteen and seventeen hundred years in length. Some of these writers possessed abundant educational ad- vantages; others were greatly limited in this re- gard. Some were statesmen rejoicing in interna- tional influence and power; others were peasants and herdsmen, not known outside the narrow circle in which they moved in their lowly employments. Some were warriors who rcjoiced in the clash of arms and in all the pomp and pageantry of war; f -.— ■ ■!!» i8a THE OLD BOOK. Others were lovers of peace, and were engaged as fishermen and husbandmen in the pursuits of rural life. Some were prophets, apostles, priests, and kings ; othefs had no title, and would be utterly unknown to the wcrld did not their names appear on these pages. Some portions of the Bible are addressed to Jews, others to Gentiles, bond and free, Greek and barbarian. Some lived amid the noise, confusion, and cosmopolitanism of ancient cities; others dwelt amid the idyllic charms of simplest and commonest life. Some were profes- sional men ; others were keepers of vineyards or tillers of the soil. It thus comes to pass that princes and peasants meet on these pages in a common fellowship, and unite their labors for a common and inspired end. Variety in Discussions. These writers wrote thus in a great variety of circumstances and with a corresponding variety of subjects. Their differing condition grew out of their varied positions and occupations. Thus some wrote in times of great national prosperity; others in times of defeat, captivity, and slavery. These writers differed very much in nationality and very much in methods of thought, figures of speech, and other forms of expression. Some parts of the Bible were v;ritten on the tented field ; others in kings' palaces ; some parts in prison and in exile; others in peace and prosperity. Some i Vl^mtft-- '^-'*^'- ^*^ ■-■-I r j^.h' jcaj. ■ .^..•iJ^lmm.UA^.Viil-' ■ I were engaged as e pursuits of rural sties, priests, and ; would be utterly heir names appear 5 of the Bible are lentiles, bond and ne lived amid the itanism of ancient idyllic charms of Some were profes- •s of vineyards or )mes to pass that these pages in a their labors for a 5SI0NS. a great variety of responding variety ondition grew out ccupations. Thus ational prosperity ; :ivity, and slavery. Lich in nationality thought, figures of sxpression. Some on the tented field ; parts in prison and prosperity. Some TJ/£ ARTLESS HARMOS'Y OF THE BIBLE. 183 voices echoed in the wilderness, and some from dark and loathsome dens and caves of the earth ; others sounded forth with every opportunity and privilege of national peace and personal prosperity. Some writers wrote to the music of stormy wave and howling wilderness; others in the midst of smiling fields and national enthusiasm and inspira- tion. Thus each writer contributed his part to the imagery employed, the thought unfolded, and the truth declared. Some writings are very short; others are long histories, tracing the development of the divine plan in its manifold relations to hu- man sin and sorrow. Failure and success, triumph and defeat, through long years, meet and mingle on the pages of the Bible story. Occasionally we have a full-length portrait of the life and character of some great actor in these ancient times and re- mote lands ; again we have simply a few dashes of the brush, giving but faint outline of men who appeared but a moment and then disappeared into the darkness of a remote past and into the shadows of a mysterious story. Now and then a great character like Melchisedek seems magically to stand before the reader ; then he disappears for centuries ; then with dim outlines shows himself again in his heroic personality ; and finally retreats forever into the shadows. Some writers draw aside the historic veil of the remote past; others lift to our wondering eyes the curtain of the distant future. Some are concerned with ■i^m^ms&m^:^i-- i lM jB,«K 3 Wa g 5J 5 WWmit^' " " ^ 1 84 THE OLD HOOK. the long descriptions of ceremonial observances; others with exhortations to duties which seem to be more pressingly important and to be immedi- ately present. Some rise on the wings of faith and hope to marvellous heights of poetic beauty and religious sublimity; others are closely logical, argumentative, and didactic. Tender appeal, lov- ing exhortation, solemn warning, hearty commen- dation, and wholesome rebukes are found in close relationship on the pages of this remarkable vol- ume. Thus it comes to pasr. that we have a great vari- ety in the contents of the book. We have senten- tious proverb, glowing lyric, and immortal drama. With the exception of the stately epic, almost every kind of literature is found on its pages. The fable of secular literature becomes the parable of inspiration; the ode is transformed into the psalm, the oracle into the prophecy ; and histories of this world are exalted into histories of the king- dom of God. Archbish jp Trench has reminded us that tragedy is not wanting, for though we have no CEdipus, we have he man of Uz, and for the " tale of Troy divine " we have the story of the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven as a bride adorned for her husband. Doubtless all these ele- ments of literature were necessary to the perfection of this volume as a revelation from God. This book was to be the leaven that should leaven all literature; it was the instrument which should ~l OK. Tionial observances; .ities which seem to and to be immedi- , the wings of faith Its of poetic beauty s are closely logical, Tender appeal, lov- ing, hearty commen- s are found in close this remarkable vol- live have a great vari- c. We have senten- ind immortal drama, stately epic, almost found on its pages. : becomes the parable ransformed into the phecy; and histories histories of the king- ;nch has reminded us yc though we have no Uz, and for the " tale e story of the New of heaven as a bride jubtless all these ele- sary to the perfection on from God. This hat should leaven all anient which should THE ARTLESS HARMONY OF THE BIBLE. 185 strengthen all literary minds and hearts. The Spirit of God thus sanctified the various forms of literature which should make their appeal to the different elements in our composite nature. There is also great variety in the contents of this book. We have the history of the creation of all races, nations, and men. We have an account of differing institutions, and national or universal ordinances. We have laws for life in its relation to God and man ; we have revelations of God teach- ing the manifold concernments of His grace; we have prophecies that in the historic record have their fulfilment; we have God speaking now by the audible voice, and now in dreams and visions; and we also have revelation by signs and symbols. There are also great differences in the clearness with which God's will is made known. The whole stream of revelation tends toward one point, the direction differing as the truths revealed differ; but they all unite in revealing the glory of Jesus Christ as God manifest in the flesh. We might expect great reserve on the part of God in making revelations of Himself. Mysteries in revelation are clearly the unavoidable condition of any reve- lation of the infinite God to finite man. Wher- ever the infinite a.id the finite meet, insoluble prob- lems necessarily emerge. These difficulties belong to our human condition. They have also their practical advantages; they encourage diligence; they develop humility; they secure reverence. 1 86 THE OLD BOOK. All revelation in.pHes obvclation. The infinite God cannot fully r.veal Himself to finite man^ Did God draw aside the veil, the light would blind U3 by its onghtness, and the vision would awe us by its heavenly splendor. Thus revelation is pos- sible ..uly as it is accompanied by obvclation, Thus we have in the Bible passages supernal in their light and beauty ; others calm, pacific, and majestic. We have strong meat for robust men, and we have siu. . e milk for growing babes. We have streams in vhich leviathan can swim, and, as has been said, shoals in which lambs can wade The Scripture pages, like the leaves of the tree ol hfe 1. >ar twelve manner of fruits. Jesus Christ is the'dorious Unifier of this blessed revelation; in Him'r.s blended glories meet, and on His brow it places its many crowns. Method, not System. AH these varieties appear, as we have seen, in the Bible, but without system. Some men seem to find fault with the Bible because it is not sys- tematic in its arrangement of topics as is a dic- tionary or an encyclopedia. They want a Bible whose contents are classified alphabetically or topically. This is an utterly senseless demand We shall look in vain in the Bible for a system of theology, in vain for a formal creed, in vam for articles of faith. There is no code of laws for the government of conduct, as we understand these Jl n. The infinite If to finite man. light would blind ion would awe us revelation is pos- d by obvelation, (ages supernal in ;alm, pacific, and t for robust men, iwing babes. We n can swim, and, 1 lambs can wade, aves of the tree of J. Jesus Christ is ised revelation ; in ind on His brow it STEM. 3 we have seen, in Some men seem cause it is not sys- topics as is a dic- They want a Bible alphabetically or senseless demand, ible for a system of 1 creed, in vain for code of laws for the e understand these IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) ^ ^ // /.. f/. V ^ 1.0 I.I 1.25 ■- IIM 2.5 1.8 U IIIIII.6 ^j-v-^ 7 Photographic Sciences Corporation -y SJ \ iV <^ "% V o'^*'^ \ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 ^^- ^ m.ifaimii-ix-mmmi>'WiPsssi&me^sss^^^^!^^^^>fs?s^^^^^^^^^--^ ■'i]^'ii^i^^ ^^ me M 1?- t^ f I CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / fnstitut Canadian de microroproductions historiques i^^^Sl?^^^® m-^i . ■ :rt_-''» ' ^'''' -'^-^ 1 88 THE OLD BOOK. ranged. There is in nature an orderly disorder, an unsystematic system, an utter absence of sci- entific classification. • Method is truly divine ; system is merely human. For systems of doctrine we go to the Nicene and Athanasian creeds or to the Westminster Confes- sion of Faith. Here we get systems sometimes dry as dust and cold as ice. Here our thinking is all done for us. Here is the procrustean theolog- ical bed. Here the theological theory is the Pro- crustes which tortures its theological neophytes by stretching or lopping off their legs to suit the length of the doctrinal bed. There is but little room for spiritual vitality in some of the theologi- cal systems ; there is, however, great use for intel- lectual inanity and theological vacuity. Ceme- teries are admirable places for placidity, uniformity, and recumbency ; but true vitality prefers the vari- ety of nature and of the Bible, to the creeds made by men, often conspicuously narrow, and occasion- ally warped and dwarfed by the harshness of theo- logical systems. There are times, doubtless, when we should formulate our knowledge of the Bible into clear and definite statement ; and the truths of the Bible admit of such formulation. But the Bible itself is ever in advance of such statements. It has an elasticity, a vitality, and a resiliency never found in man-made creeds. Doubtless there are times when we ought to formulate our knowledge of orderly disorder, r absence of sci- is merely human, the Nicene and itminster Confes- stems sometimes e our thinking is ;rustean theolog- heory is the Pro- cal neophytes by legs to suit the lere is but little ; of the theologi- eat use for intel- vacuity. Ceme- idity, uniformity, r prefers the vari- I the creeds made ow, and occasion- arshness of theo- when we should Bible into clear luths of the Bible the Bible itself is lents. It has an ency never found > there are times ur knowledge of THE ARTLESS HARMONY OF THE BIBLE. 189 ornithology, geology, botany, and other sciences ; but such formulations are poor substitutes for the song of the birds, the testimony of the rocks, and the perfume of flowers. Method is one thing; sys- tem is quite another. System belongs to cabinets, arboretums, and cemeteries; method belongs to fields, flowers, and groves. Method is of God; system is of man. Nature is God's great unwrit- ten Bible ; revelation is God's great written Bible. Method marks both ; absence of system is char- acteristic of both. Neither can ever be exhausted. Both would be exhausted were they artificially ar- ranged, technically classified, and minutely la- belled. It has been said that the Bible is "a wilderness, as some choose to call it, but a wilder- ness of sweets, with its flowers upon their .stalks, its plants freshly growing, the dew upon their leaves, the mould about their roots, with its lowly hyssops and its lofty cedars of God." Creeds necessarily are dry, partial, lifeless ; often they are mischievous, misrepresenting or conceal- ing truth. Almost invariably and unavoidably they are compromises. Occasionally they are un- sightly scaffolds erected by men around the temple of celestial truth. Elaborate creeds sometimes lead men to neglect the Word of God. As a result, many Christians make more of the prayer-book compiled by men than they do of the Word of the living God. God has presented truth to us occa- sionally with sufficient reserve to stimulate patient I ,;^^ji|Sl^-^^®aSB««"«a***f !**'***'^'™'*^^ "' 190 THE OLD BOOK. inquiry, to encourage prayerful research, and to reward consecrated acquisition. Let us ever ear- nestly study tiie blessed pages of this Word of God, and our knowledge shall be progressive, but never exhaustive. No man can ever fathom the depths of its profundity or scale the heights of its lofti- ness. Well has Henry Ward Bcecher said: "Its truths are like gold in the soil ; whole generations walk over it and know not what treasures are hid- den beneath. So centuries of men pass over the Scriptures and know not what riches lie under the feet of their interpreters. Sometimes when they discover them, they call them new truths. One might as well call gold newly dug up new gold." These are wise words. The Bible, like the sky or the ocean, or like nature as a whole, is ever new, fresh, and beautiful. It arouses the un- abated interest of childhood; it commands the ad- miration of youthhood, and it fills manhood and womanhood with satisfaction, joy, and peace. No other book bears reperusai as does the blessed Bible. It meets the demand of every generation. It is in very truth, as the apostle Peter afifirms, " the word of God, which liveth and abideth for- ever. " Well may we pray with George Herbert : " Oh, that I knew how all Thy lights combine, And the configurations of their glory ! Seeing not only how each verse doth shine, But all the constellations of the story." esearch, and to Let lis ever ear- lis Word of God, jssive, but never ithom the depths ;hts of its lofti- icher said : " Its hole generations ■easurcs are hid- in pass over the riches lie under Sometimes when lem new truths, .vly dug up new The Bible, like ire as a whole, is t arouses the un- ommands the ad- lls manhood and , and peace. No loes the blessed every generation, le Peter afifirms, and abideth for- George Herbert: hts combine, ir glory ! doth shine, he story." THE REMARKABLE UNITY BIBLE. OF THE I i ,^^jSfe^?5*B*^-«i»»-?«i^S»*V-r>*.rt.M6ife'Jtti*e»SeK«^ XI. The Remarkable Unity of the Bible. The Bible will well reward the most patient study of the most careful student. New beauties constantly appear upon its sacred pages. The more scholarly and devout are its students, the more beautiful and blessed do its truths become. Its great object, as we have already seen, is to make men wise unto salvation. The science of salvation is the most august science ever pursued by human inquirer; the science of salvation is the loftiest and holiest achievement of human endeavor. God cannot indeed be fully known. We now see Him and all spiritual things through a glass darkly. We now know Him, not as He is, but as we are. We cannot now comprehend, but we can in part apprehend God. God has graciously made known His will through the instrumentality of His Word. He might have accomplished this result through the medium of the Bible, even though it were a f.v less attractive book than He has chosen to mak:: it. The beauty of His word is one of its chief glories. No one can ponder its pages without being attracted by their peculiar fascination. The Bible is supreme among all the books of the world. 13 i f 'I If ■i,jfraiii.-aii>4l3/tfMfS'--ii&ASt^$.\ ■»4*'.^^»^'i*4*KVi»*i'W***"i'^'^"-"^-^-^!^*'^^'*****^-'^*^*'- 194 THE OLii BOOK. It is the oracle of oracles ; it is the light of light. It has depths which the most gigantic intellect ■ cannot explore, and it has shallows in which the lowliest disciple can joyfully wade. The charms of music, poetry, painting, and sculpture have ex- ercised their most loving ministry in illustration of the truths contained in the Bible, but they have not yet told all which these truths contain, nor re- vealed all the love of which these truths are a faint expression. The Bible thus possesses many of the most laud- able characteristics of the noblest literature. It, as already remarked, as the revealed Word, is as much superior to the words of uninspired men, as Christ, as the incarnate Word, is superior to all the sons of Adam. Pollok has not exaggerated the beauty and power of the Bible in these strik- ing lines: " This book, this holy book, on every line Marked with the seal of high divinity. On every leaf bedewed with drops of love Divine, and with th' eternal heraldry And signature of God Almighty stamped. From first to last,— this ray of sacred light, This lamp from off the everlasting throne, Mercy took down, and in the night of times Stood, casting on the dark her gracious bow And evermore beseeching men with tears And earnest sighs, to hear, believe, and live." But while in the Bible a vast variety of subjects is discussed, as we have already discovered in these REMARKABLE UNITY OF THE BIBLE. 19S the light of light, gigantic intellect lows in which the ide. The charms sculpture have ex- •y in illustration of ble, but they have hs contain, nor re- e truths are a faint y of the most laud- est literature. It, ;ealed Word, is as f uninspired men, d, is superior to all s not exaggerated ible in these strik- i every line divinity, irops of love lieraldry ity stamped. >f sacred light, isting throne, ! night of times er gracious bow !n with tears lelieve, and live." t variety of subjects • discovered in these lectures, there is one dominant thought pervading the inspired record from Genesis to Revelation. That thought is worthy of our careful considera- tion ; that thought is the glorious diapason, the concordant, unitive, pervasive, and controlling note of the entire volume. While the book lacks systematic arrangement, it possesses a genuine and a discoverable organic unity. All great com- positions possess this characteristic in a more or less marked degree. Some writers designedly veil their controlling purpose, believing that if it were conspicuous it would detract somewhat from the charm of the volume. But whether or not writers conceal the method by which they attain to unity of thought and purpose, the unity must be there or the book will be greatly lessened in its value. Sometimes the concealment of the purpose of the volume may all the more conduce to the attain- ment of the end sought. " Uncle Tom's Cabin " could not conceal its dominant design; perhaps the conspicuity of the design is greater by its be- ing wrapped up in a thrilling story than if it were didactically declared. That volume is the epoch- making book of the last half century. Careful consideration of the literature of the period, on both sides of the Atlantic, will not modify but will confirm this statement. That book coined bullets, made cannons boom, rifles crack, and swords flash. It directed forensic eloquence, modified judicial decisions, and influenced international relations. 'ia^»»KSWi*JSS5»3-!J-'->?,w^i-^m~^e'^^\^.'£^'^''^-^!s:i^'--o^"!:^~ 19* THE OLD BOOK. That book precipitated public thought and changed Ae d^tiny of millions. It may not always have l^en orrect in its descriptions, not always accurate ri"s Undents, not always wise in its assignment ofmoWcs- but it had a definite purpose; U never ir iThtof its ,„/««rfV«; it moved cor^tantly "ndufesistibly toward its goal; and ,t suH™ely accomplished its great purpose. The cha n, ol bondage were struck from four m.ll.ons of slaves a^d a woman's pen stabbed the monster slavery to 2 heart. There was a superb literary un. y and "e moral unity in the book f- begmmng to end. This unity was never forgo ten, whether Us descriptions were poetic or denunaatory laugh- able or lachrymal, or whether the conduct .t de- oicted were satanic or angelic. All really great books must possess th.s charac- tert"rTh! stream of thought must flow hke a „v r It will now deepen and now broaden, :m now have its eddies in which Ae stream wm for a time go in a direction opposite to its usiMl tr nd but the waters and the eddies will soon be ^iek into the main current, and will thus sweep Cram one direction. Every great speeh such as that of Burke in his impeachment of Lord Hastings or of Webster in his reply to Hayne "tTcharacteri^ed by unity of thought and tenguage. The greatest works comply with this eTsStial law of making a powerful im,«ct on he mnd of reader or hearer. Any marked violation tought and changed ly not always have not always accurate 50 in its assignment e purpose ; it never it moved constantly 1 ; and it sublimely se. The chains of r millions of slaves, • monster slavery to rb literary unity and )ook from beginning r forgotten, whether denunciatory, laugh- r the conduct it de- t possess this charac- ight must flow like a and now broaden, it jvhich the stream will opposite to its usual le eddies will soon be It, and will thus sweep Every great speech, impeachment of Lord , his reply to Hayne, unity of thought and 3rks comply with this (owerful impact on the Any marked violation A'A. V.4 A" A'.-l /?/./•; VXITY OF TJIK H/IU.E. IQ? of this law will rob any work, whether it be rhe- torical, musical, or artistic, of no small element of the power which otherwise it would possess. There must he concentration if there is to be powerful impression. Adam Smith, spending ten years on the "Wealth of Nations," Gibbon giving twenty years to his " Decline and Fall of the Roman Em- pire," Webster spending thirty-six years on his dic- tionary, and Bancroft twenty-six years on his " His- tory of the United States " are illustrations of the value of unity of purpose, concentration of aim, and continuity of effort. One important element of genius is intensity; indeed, genius may be de- fined as willingness and abil'ty to do tremendously hard work. The man with one talent concentrated upon a definite object will soon accomplish more than the man with ten talents scattering his ener- gies in a variety of directions. Scientists tell us that if the power of the sun scattered over an acre of ground should be concentrated upon a given spot, its power would be well-nigh incalculable. There must he, in order to success in any depart- ment of life> endeavor, unity of purpose and defi- niteness of aim. A small amount of powder con- centrated into a :annon will accomplish more than many barrels of powder exploded in an acre lot. Not otherwise is it in moral and spiritual endeavors. The apostle Paul taught us a great lesson when he said: "This one thing I do." The man who follows his example, even though his talent be i -":(3^9nr33^'^^at3(E»nBP?ss?'v?;5RwrepiK3B^KB'^ ' ■.■ma?; : -' - y^^ : J "- '=' ''g-; g atgJ ? st^-' V. J T - w^K- ' ^-V. ? T i i -.^'-i-wm- igS THE OLD BOOK. comparatively little, will not fail of commendable success in life. There should be in every life-his- tory one pervasive, unitive, and dominant thought. There should be in every oratorio a discoverable diapason. A man who is sufficiently skilled in music, standing by Niagara Falls and listening to the roar of its thundering waters, could write the score of the song which these waters sing. Pos- sessed of similar talent, a man standing opposite a rippling; glancing, singing brook could also write the score of its melodious and soothing song. The thundering fall and the singing brook each has its diapason. Not otherwise is it in every true life, in every great book, in every truly artistic paint- ing, noble sculpture, or worthy work of any sort. With this thought in mind we may examine for its fuller illustration Milton's "Paradise Lost," any of Shakespeare's plays, Tennyson's poems, or any works of modern or ancient times, in prose or in poetry. Some writers may partially conceal the unity of their work, and some students may not be skilful in discovering this unity even when it is present. But it can be recognized in any work of man possessing elements of worth and destined long to survive. This unity is clearly seen in the Bible. We have here a collection of books which, to the superficial observer, are not linked together by any unitive thought. These writings represent many centuries, many writers, many civilizations. We have here histories ancient and comparatively ill of commendable be in every lif e-his- 3 dominant thought, itorio a discoverable ifficiently skilled in alls and listening to ters, could write the J waters sing. Pos- i standing opposite a ook could also write soothing song. The ig brook each has its it in every true life, ■ truly artistic paint- ly work of any sort. I we may examine for 's "Paradise Lost," rennyson's poems, or ent times, in prose or f partially conceal the ; students may not be inity even when it is :ognized in any work Df worth and destined is clearly seen in the jction of books which, re not linked together ese writings represent fs, many civilizations. ;nt and comparatively REMARKABLE UNITY OF THE BIBLE. 199 modern, biographies long and intricate, and others extremely short and apparently of only passing in- terest, prophecies glowing with rhetoric, throbbing with patriotism, and joyous in hope, or sobbing in grief; lyrics possessing in marked degree the highest qualities of this most persuasive and stim- ulating literature; a great poem, abounding in examples both of drama and tragedy ; and yet all pervaded by a unitive purpose, and all tending tow- ard a definite end. We might well ask in the pres- ence of the library which we call the Bible, with its almost unrivalled diversity of thought, writers, subjects, styles, and centuries, whether any degree of unity was possible in the midst of such a vari- ety. Some critics are perhaps ready to say that the Bible is simply a jumble of history, legend, speculation, and superstition. Is there one domi- nant thought in this volume ? Does it possess a pervasive spirit.' Is there one superintending, controlling, and supreme mind found in this vol- ume.' There is no hesitation in answering all these questions with an earnest affirmative. Each book is animated by the same spirit ; each forms an essential part of the whole. The great diver- sity in the books of the Bible is not only con- sistent with its perfect unity, but, properly under- stood, is a necessary part of that unity. ';»^"»'v'*J 200 THE OLD BOOK. Other Examples of Unity. No true student of nature will deny the unity of this material world. As he studies the great book of nature, whether its leaves be rocks, flowers meadows, butterflies' wings, the changing sky, or the composite nature of man, he will find unity pervading this vast book of nature. He will rec- ognize its deep mysteries and its occasionally apparent contradictions. He will see that its rec- ord in creation is written in the language of fire and storm, and sometimes in the rending earth- quake. But this glorious book has its prophecies, its poems, and its psalters, and its divine thoughts written in geology, astronomy, chemistry, and biology. Its subjects are many, but when all are understood it will be seen to be one story of crea- tion, one history of providence, one song of hu- manity and divinity. All true scientific students know that many subjects in physical sciences which were once thought to be entirely distinct are now seen as tending to coalesce. The natural forces of light, heat, and electricity show their in- herent unity. Not otherwise is it in the domain of animals and plants. Indeed, text-books have been prepared, as Principal Dawson has reminded us, to teach the unity of relationship between ap- parently distinct sciences. The name physiography has been given to this new science which already has proved its value to the broad scientific student. K. F UntTY. 11 deny the unity of dies the great book be rocks, flowers the changing sky, 1, he will find unity ture. He will rec- id its occasionally vill see that its rec- he language of fire the rending earth- c has its prophecies, I its divine thoughts ny, chemistry, and ny, but when all are le one story of crea- :e, one song of hu- le scientific students n physical sciences be entirely distinct ilesce. The natural Lricity show their in- is it in the domain 2cd, text-books have )awson has reminded ;ionship between ap- lie name physiography cience which already jad scientific student. REMARKABLE UNITY OF THE 20I All great scientists see instantly and constantly the law of unity in diversity in their various de- partments of inquiry. This unity in diversity the Bible long ago beautifully illustrated. Scientists are now slowly discovering what the Bible long ago fully and powerfully declared. The more the Bible is studied in all its parts, the more conspic- uously will it be seen that its structure is not me- chanical but organic; that it is not put together like a human machine, but is organized and devel- oped as is the human body. There is similar unity in the human body. This fact inspired writers employ to illustrate the unity of the Church. We have legs, arms, feet, hands, eyes, mouth, fingers, toes, bones, muscles, tissues, and skin ; and yet all of these are but members of one body. In like manner the Bible is but one book, though made up of many parts ; and each part is animated by the principle which pervades the whole. From Genesis to Revelation there is a steady progress of spiritual truth in the development of God's great purposes toward man. Similar unity is seen in many great buildings. They have their foundation, their walls, their roof, but all these separate parts constitute but one building. Many great buildings represent the thought of different architects in different centu- ries. The expert can discover the architecture of the classical period, of the Norman, the early English, and the later periods. Warwick Castle -:i»MS'^^Pi*'«SS7-~ '" aci THE OLD BOOK. as it is seen from the exterior is but a jumble of the styles of many men in many centaries. But within there is seen to be a perfect unity in design and in execution. Not otherwise is it in the Bible. It is made up of many streams, but all belong to one mighty river, flowing from the throne of God. All these streams unite in the one great river of salvation, and thus flow forward to the ocean of eternity. This unity in the Bible is as marked as that of the seed dropped into the ground. The whole Word of God is in germ in the book of Genesis ; and the progressive develop- ment of the Bible is one of the charms of this wondrous volume. The earnest student sees that the Bible is not a mechanism but an organism, and that the divine Spirit breathes through all its parts. It has no artificial members, no incongru- ous elements, no monstrous portions. All are parts of a complete and beautiful whole. This truth cannot be too frequently nor too earnestly impressed upon the mind of all readers of the sacred pages. In harmony with this unity we find the inspired writers quoting from one another. Each supports the affirmations and buttresses the declarations of the other. All have a unifying influence, and all tend to a completed whole. All its parts are ma- terials in the same majestic temple ; all the parts are notes in the same sublime oratorio. In this spirit Christ used the Old Testament. It has 3 but a jumble of r centaries. But :t unity in design ise is it in tlie streams, but all lowing from the ims unite in the thus flow forward inity in the Bible , dropped into the rod is in germ in Dgressive develop- le charms of this student sees that but an organism, les through all its bers, no incongru- ortions. All are iful whole. This nor too earnestly ill readers of the e find the inspired ;r. Each supports the declarations of I influence, and all U its parts are ma- iple; all the parts : oratorio. In this estament. It has REMARKABLE UNITY OF THE BIBLE. 203 three great voices, the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms ; but it is all one book. The burden of its testimony was the coming of the Christ of God. The Pentateuch illustrates the epistles; the gospels complete the prophecies ; the epistle to the Hebrews expands, defines, and enforces the book of Leviticus. This harmony of parts would be impossible were it not for the unity of the whole. If we take up a volume by uninspired writers covering a period as long as that covered by the Bible, and including as great a variety of subjects and authorities as there are in the Bible, this volume being bound together as are the books of the Bible, it would contain an utterly hetero- geneous mass of material, and would be a hopeless jumble of statements, allusions, and arguments. The purpose of the Bible declares, necessitates, and reveals its unity. We have already seen that it is not a text-book of geology, botany, astron- omy, or of any of the sciences. We have also seen that it is the great text-book of salvation. Its chief design is to restore man to God's like- ness. Nothing that is revealed in this volume is foreign to this peculiar design. All of the disclos- ures bear on this end. Only such history, and that of such nations, is given as is necessary to the development, illustration, and affirmation of the purpose of the volume. This is why the history of Israel has so much prominence. This is why other nations are only mentioned in relation to ^t^KaWfJUUK'^t 304 THE OLD BOOK. Israel. The chief purpose of the book is over present in all the wanderings of the patriarchs, m all the domestic relations described, and in the proverbs, psalms, precepts, promises, warnings and threatenings. This unity is entirely independent of external accidents; it is that of inward coherence, that of spiritual intensity, and that of divine intuition; it is deeper than all outward circumstance, intenser than all mechanical relations. It is the unity which is found between seed and fruit, between body and spirit, between human need and divine supply. , ,, It is thus seen that the Bible is the whole world in miniature. It is the product of the eternal pur- pose of the eternal mind which pervades all crea- tion, all providence, and all revelation. ' There is thus in the Bible an inseparable unity between all its parts and its divine design-the redemption of man in Jesus Christ. In one of his grandest out- bursts of almost superhuman eloquence, Henry Ward Beecher illustrates the unity of the Bible by comparing it to Beethoven's matchless music. He tells us how one idea is worked out in this music through all the changes of measure and of key now it is almost hidden, and now breaks out in rich, natural melody; then it is "whispered in the treble, murmured in the bass, dimly suggested in the prelude, but growing clearer and clearer as the work proceeds, winding gradually back until REMARKABLE UNITY OF THE BIBLE. 205 the book is ever the patriarchs, in ibed, and in the ises, warnings and ndent of external coherence, that of livine intuition ; it imstance, intenser It is the unity md fruit, between I need and divine is the whole world of the eternal pur- i pervades all crea- irelation, ' There is t unity between all -the redemption of if his grandest out- eloquence, Henry unity of the Bible s matchless music, worked out in this i of measure and of and now breaks out it is " whispered in iss, dimly suggested learer and clearer as gradually back until it ends in the key in which it began, and closes in triumphant harmony." Thus he shows that throughout the whole Bible there runs one great idea. This idea is man ruined by sin, and his re- demption by grace. This result is found in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Saviour of men. This thought was typified in the sanctions of the law ; it was even dimly promised at the fall, and then more clearly to Abraham. Christ is the Shiloh spoken of by Jacob ; he is called the star by Ba- laam ; the Prophet by Moses ; the Redeemer looked for by Job, and the " Beloved " of the Song of Songs. Thus we may find Christ in the sublime strains of Isaiah, in the weird visions of Daniel, and in the profound mysteries of Ezekiel. In the fulness of time the angels sang their song over the plains of Bethlehem, " Glory to God in the high- est, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Jesus Christ was the key-note of that angelic ora- torio. He is the diapason of the redemptive song from Genesis to Revelation. He is the unitive element in the Bible. He is the concordant note in humanity. The same thought of unity is seen everywhere in the Church of Jesus Christ. This thought the apostles emphasize and illustrate. As the body has many parts and is yet one body, so each local church has many members and is yet one body. In like manner many local churches unite as nec- essary parts of a common whole, to form one de- Ti Ji«sa9se*!j ^i^'-'^R'-i**'^' V r V 2o6 THE OLD nOOK. nomination of Christians; and in a larger sense, in their social unity many bodies of Christians unite in the one Church of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the unifier of the Bible, the unifier of each local church, and the unifier of all true churches of every name. And He will eventually be the unifier of the redeemed earth and the re- vealed heaven, when the holy city, the new Jerusa- lem, shall come down from God out of heaven, pre- pared as a bride adorned for her husband. Jesus Christ will be the light, life, unity, and glory of that heavenly city. n a larger sense, ies of Christians us Christ. Jesus Ic, the unifier of lifier of all true le will eventually :arth and the re- ,', the new Jerusa- ut of heaven, prc- • husband. Jesus lity, and glory of THE ANCIENT HISTORY OF THE BIBLE. j r arv^f ^ n- J - -^ XII. The Ancient Historv ok the Riule. What is history? Many answers have been given to this question. We shall not be in error when we reply that history is a systematic narra- tive of events in v/hich man has participated. A history may be called a chronicle when it is simply a record of successive times. It is properly called a narrative when it is only a story of events. But hi.story, in the modern sense of the term, takes ac- count of the causes of events, and the consequences resulting from their occurrence. This new element in history makes it a science or a philosophy. Until about the time of the Reformation, history was chiefly narrative or chronicle ; it consisted, for the most part^. merely of annals. But with the intro- duction of the Reformation, there came a new ele- ment in history; there came then to be a history of history. The old historians were satisfied with giving us only a bare recital of events; the newer histories accompanied the recital by philosophical reflections, attempting to discover the mutual rela- tions of events and the consequences to which they led. This element in history was illustrated with great force and propriety in connection with the 14 THE OLD BOOK. izcd upon that rcmarKaoi^ ,iurovcr the po- a„'lk't^U0W THE ANCIENT HISTORY OF THE BIBLE. 215 elves at that time is was the method ,," of Caesar in his he more scientific ry. Tacitus pos- in those we have his great history, mny in dark colors mnection between ■as the first sacred Sir Walter Ral- les of fresh discov- iception of history e and was of slow , necessarily taken ven as earlier there use of writing was ^ to lose the chron- the names of the al periods, who re- \ich long had lain ) true conception of It was long ago Halicarnassus, and "history is philos- This principle in works of Macaulay, who have displayed , making its record e for the most part they remain within the limits of historic veracity. We all must recognize the fact that history is to a great degree the combination of human peculiar- ities, so that the biographical character will al- ways be an important element in the work of the true historian. Truthful History. These principles have illustration in the history recorded in the Bible. With all the discoveries of modern times it has not been shown that Bibli- cal history is in any essential particulars untrust- worthy. So far as we have had opportunity of testing the truthfulness of sacred history, it stands the test to a remarkable degree. The accumulated store of knowledge concerning past ages, as found in the Bible, is indorsed by modern discovery, showing the great harmony between sacred and profane history. The monuments and hiero- glyphics of Egypt, as well as the writings of such historians as Herodotus, Xenophon, and Josephus, establish not only the general agreement but the minute harmony between the inspired writers and the heathen historians. Differences arise regard- ing chronological statements, but many of these differences can be explained on the ground of the carelessness of copyists and the ease with which blunders may be made in the giving of figures and in making statistical records of any kind. Pro- fessor Rawlinson says, as quoted by Mr. William -■ uneJsl*li.i***«iM^AC^'='; ai6 THE OLD BOOK. Walters, " In four instances thus, of Egypt, As- syria, Babylon, and Persia, our knowledge of the condition of the people at the time indicated, being exact and copious if not complete, the com- parison may be made in extcnso ; and it is espe- cially in these four instances that the harmony between the sacred and the profane is most strik- ing." Voltaire and others of his school objected to the Bible because it gave so much space to the history of the Jewish people. This is an utterly frivolous objection. The book was intended to give prominence to this chosen race. It gave the history of other nations chiefly in their relation to this people, and it subordinated every element, historical, linguistic, and philosophical, to the one grand design of unfolding the purpose of God in human redemption. The Jewish people were un- der the tuition of God, and so had a great part to play in disseminating His truth and in illustrating His divine purpose. No one can read the records of the Old Testament without being profoundly impressed with their lifelike character. One sees at once in reading the story of the Exodus that the writer was familiar with the territory which he describes; its geography was mapped out before his eye while he recorded the narrative. It would seem as if parts of the record were a daily journal. It is difficult to name any history possessing the quality that comes from the writing of an eye-wit- ness to a greater degree than some portions of the LIS, of Egypt, As. knowlodge of the e time indicated, omplete, the com- ; and it is espc- that the harmony fane is most strik- is school objected much space to the This is an utterly was intended to race. It gave the in their relation to ;d every element, ophical, to the one purpose of God in ih people were un- ad a great part to and in illustrating in read the records being profoundly laracter. One sees he Exodus that the territory which he mapped out before arrative. It would ere a daily journal, tory possessing the iting of an eye-wit- )me portions of the THE ANCIENT HISTORY OF THE BIBLE. 217 history found in the Pentateuch. There is an air uf naturalness, of contemporaneous.iess, of veri- similitude of which every intelligent reader must be conscious as he studies these ancient records. They are very far removed from the coldness and the formality characteristic of many historians. They combine the essentials of the best examples even of modern historic methods. We have sta- tistical facts embellished by the charms of good writing; we have accurate personal knowledge ex- pressed in truthful forms of speech ; and pervading the whole narrative there is a degree of personal conviction and of consciousness of the divine presence which give warmth, vitality, personality, and divinity to the whole narrative. God is seen to be the great Mover of all the events of which His people are a part. He vitalizes, energizes, and spiritualizes all the story by the manifestation of His august presence and His divine glory. Difficulties in Other Histories. Valuable contributions are now being made to the history of British India ; and, without doubt, before many years shall pass the old stories of the heinous crimes which were alleged against Clive and Hastings will be thoroughly disproved, or at least greatly modified. Sir Alfred Lyall, a high authority on all Indian matters, declares that "the hardihood and endurance of the men who won for England an empire were equalled 2l8 THE OLD BOOK. only by the general justice and patience with which they fashioned and administered it." Un- fortunately thousands of excellent people will still feel what they believe to be a righteous wrath because of the supposed atrocious acts of Clive and Hastings. Three features of those acts are always prominent when this part of Anglo- Indian history is under discussion: the judicial murder of Nandkumar, the extermination of the Rohillas, and the plunder of the Begums. The suspicion never reaches the average reader of In- dian history that these horrors never occurred. It has been well said that disparagement of their own countrymen is a common failing of unwise Eng- lishmen. A similar remark is fully illustrated in American history, even at this hour, by those who denounce the President of the United States and his advisers. Burke calls such persons "birds of evil presage, who have at all times greeted our ears with melancholy song." Such critics find in the supposed crimes of the founders of the Indian Empire unending sources of denunciation, invec- tive, and obloquy. Unfortunately this false his- tory is taught in schools and colleges throughout the English-speaking world; and still more unfor- tunately, it is taught to and believed by the edu- cated natives of India to be literally true. These natives thus grow up with bitterness of feeing tow- . ard their English rulers, and with a constant ten- dency to rebel against their authority. Sir James fr^aintoivtf^'**'*****''^'^' nd patience with istereJ it." Un- llent people will ) be a righteous atrocious acts of tures of those acts is part of Anglo- iion: the judicial ermination of the he Begums. The rage reader of In- lever occurred. It ement of their own ng of unwise Eng- fuUy illustrated in hour, by those who United States and I persons " birds of times greeted our Such critics find in nders of the Indian ienunciation, invec- itely this false his- coUeges throughout nd still more unfor- jelieved by the edu- terally true. These ;rness of feeing tow- . with a constant ten- ithority. Sir James THE ANCIENT HISTORY OF THE BIBLE. 219 Stevens and Sir Henry Maine have given careful and dispassionate criticism to this period of his- tory. The chief criminal in all this mutter was James Mill, the father of John Stuart Mill. Sir John Strachey, in his " India," affirms that Mill's history was saturated with party politics, but be- cause of its "excessive dryness and severity of style " it produced upon many the impression that it was entirely accurate. Sir John Strachey did not rest his affirmations on the conclusions reached by Stevens and Maine, but by careful examination of original documents he qualified himself to form and express an independent judgment on the whole subject. Several years of his Indian ser- vice were passed in the province of Rohilkhand. V/hen he first went to that province, men were still living who remembered hearing in childhood a story of the great Rohilla chief, of his defeat by the British, and of his death. He tells us that he went to that province without a doubt as to the truth of the terrible story told by Mill, by Burke, and by Lord Macaulay in his famous essay on Warren Hastings. He soon found, to his utter surprise, after mingling with the people and meet- ing a Rohilla prince, that the atrocities which to this day fill Britain with shame had never been heard by the children and grandchildren of the men whose race was supposed to have been well- nigh exterminated. He later examined original authorities on the Rohilla war, and his indignation -.T^-*-«i>*f.* JtMii.'* rttAi»fP**'l*'**»^ 220 THE OLD BOOK. was great when he found that James Mill had been guilty of garbling documents and teaching utter falsehood by the suppression of truth. He discov- ered that the English army was not hired out by Hastings for the destruction of the Rohillas; that the Rohillas whom Burke describes as " belonging to the bravest and most honorable and generous nation on earth," were not a nation at all, but a small body of cruel and rapacious Afghan adven- turers who had imposed their unwelcome and false war on the unwilling Hindu population, and that the entire story of their destruction by Hastings was false from beginning to end. Unfortunately Macaulay accepted Mill as a reliable authority. It is not too much to say that there is scarcely one statement of fact in Macaulay's essay which was net taken from Mill's history, except those statements which were taken from the equally un- reliable speeches of Burke. But no such discov- ery of inaccuracy has been fcund regarding the Bible history; and it is safe to say that no such inaccuracy will ever be fou;.id regarding that history. The Personality of Moses. This matter is worthy of brief mention at this point. The criticism which arose some years ago regarding the personality of Homer has in these latter days arisen regarding the personality of Moses. Heyne, Wolfe, and Niebuhr indulge - •^ti-t^iiamitiaisxuniime^ti^^^ les Mill had been d teaching utter uth. He discov- not hired out by he Rohillas; that es as " belonging ble and generous tion at all, but a IS Afghan adven- velcome and false lulation, and that tion by Hastings Unfortunately ble authority. It here is scarcely lay's essay which ory, except those n the equally un- t no such discov- id regarding the say that no such regarding that Moses. mention at this rose some years if Homer has in g the personality Niebuhr indulge THE ANCIENT HISTORY OF THE BIBLE. 221 themselves in several varieties of historical scep- ticism regarding Homer. They reduced Homer as well as Cadmus and Hercules to mere " sym- bols." Some made the word Homer refer to an ideal patron of an association of poets, "Ho- meroi;" others made the word mean hostage; others gave it the meaning of " one who connects or combines," and still others made it mean " one who does not see." Before the days of Wolfe there were those who denied the existence of Homer on the ground that no one could remember and recite, in the absence of writing, poems of so great length. But we know that in the early days in Scotland, bards could recite legends and poems by the hour, and evening after evening. Just when the state- ment was made as to the impossibility of remem- bering poems of so great length as those of Homer, an English student arose who recited the Iliad verbatim et literatim ct punctuatim ; and a simi- lar achievement has recently occurred in the reci- tation of Dante's " Divine Comedy." It is now found that there were written documents probably in the days of Homer. It is simply begging the question to say that no poet could compose and retain in memory verses of so great a length. It has been jokingly said that Homer's poems were not written by Homer, but by another man of the same name. Doubtless the Pentateuch is, with- out intending any pun upon the word, a mosaic. Moses as a sensible man certainly availed himself iii^f^mi.AiiimigmSmmHi^l'^ 22 J THE OLD BOOK. of all accessible documents. His work will stand when all his critics are utterly forgotten. We need not hesitate to affirm that whatever discoveries may be made in history, theology, or archaeology, in all the years to come, there shall be no discovery which shall seriously reflect upon the historical accuracy of this glorious old library which we call the Bible. The fact is that wit- nesses are rising from the Libyan sands, from long-closed tombs, and from the records in stone and bronze, all testifying to tlie uuth of this an- cient narrative. This history is not only the old- est, but it is also the most faithful of all the histo- ries that have ever been written The hand of God is distinctly visible upon every page. Within the last generation Layard, Botta, and Smith have been exploring the mounds of Nineveh, and have made marvellous discoveries affirmatory of the BiDle narrative. '"'ey have found sculptured me- morials containing Assyrian accounts of events recorded in the books of Kings and Chronicles; they have found even the names Jehu, Hezekiah, and Omri ; they have found Sennacherib's own account of his invasion of Palestine. It is thus as surprising as it is gratifying that after this long period tablets come forth from the grave of centu- ries to be the irrefutable witnesses to the truth of this old story written by God through the hands of men God will take care of His word. Crit- ics come and critics go ; but, as He Himself has declared, His word shall stand forever. -,i*^TVI s^^^i,^^,s*^^*mmii-'*»^-s^i>^<'''^^^^'i^^^- i work will stand rgotten. ■m that whatever tory, theology, or come, there shall :)usly reflect upon orious old library fact is that wit- byan sands, from J records in stone uuth of this an- not only the old- ul of all the histo- jn The hand of ;ry page. Within a, and Smith have Jineveh, and have ififirmatory of the ind sculptured me- ccounts of events s and Chronicles; ;s Jehu, Hezekiah, Sennacherib's own sstine. It is thus that after this long the grave of s:;entu- ses to the truth of through the hands t His word. Crit- s He Himself has forever. BIOGRAPHICAL HONESTY OF THE BIBLE. :4it",i-WtfA«V.'.^MtiW f>di»A«'^i»-^ .iJ XIII. HlOGHArillCAL HONKSrv OV TIIK. Bini-E. The Hiblc dares tell the truth about its hemes and heroines. In this regard it is widely differen- tiated from every other biography. It does not hesitate to admit the sin committed by Abra- ham, by Lot, and by Isaac. It calls Lot a right- eous man, and yet it frankly records his acts of unworthincss, humiliction, and open wickedness. These wrongs are nowhere concealed ; on the con- trary, they are called by their true names. David is the man after God's own heart, and yet David's heinous sin is fully recorded. Solomon acknowl- edges his guilt; and there is not one line he ever wrote which excuses one wrong which he ever committed. Most Difficult Writing. Biography, and especially autobigraphy, is the most difficult of all kinds of literature. It seems to be almost impossible for the ordinary biogra- pher to tell the truth regarding the subject whose history he is writing. Uninspired biographers deny or minify the vices of their subjects, and they create or magnify their virtues. Few men 15 J ji 1 p i ifr 1*tiS8t pjur'MT^'^^SKWZ'- 2 26 THE OLD BOOK. are fitted even to undertake this difficult kind of literature. We know that even in our own day it is rare to find a man with the self-poise, the varied information, the absolute honesty, and the unflinch- ing courage necessary to write a complete and ac- curate biography. Trevelyan's " Life of Macau- lay " takes very high rank as a biography in all the best qualities of this difficult form of litera- ture. It is easy to count on the fingers of one's two hands the biographies of any one generation which come up to the highest literary standards. The recent biography of Tennyson by his son Hallam, and a fcv/ others of recent times, come into the category of good literature of this charac- ter; but the rarity of discriminating biographies gives special prominence to the volumes which have attained high rank, and also enables us to judge more justly of this style of literature as found in the Bible, The Bible abounds in bio- graphical sketches, and this fact is a marked ele- ment of the Bible's moral power. It enables us !o see the influence of true religion in the devel- opment of noble character, and also to observe the vicious effects in individual lives of the dominion of evil. Biography is a sort of mirror in which the whole world may see the evil and the good in human character. It is to human life what the quiet lake is to the mountains, rocks, and trees standing upon its shore ; we know that these are all faithfully reflected in its placid waters. No f is difficult kind of :n in our own day it ;elf-poise, the varied ty, and the unflinch- a complete and ac- 's " Life of Macau- i a biography in all icult form of litera- the fingers of one's any one generation t literary standards. ;nnyson by his son recent times, come ature of this charac- linating biographies the volumes which , also enables us to tyle of literature as ble abounds in bio- act is a marked ele- )vver. It enables us ;ligion in the devel- d also to observe the ives of the dominion of mirror in which evil and the good in human life what the ins, rocks, and trees : know that these are ; placid waters. No BIOGRAPHICAL HONESTY OF THE BIBLE. 227 kind of writing is more instructive, as none is more difficult of attainment. In attempting this kind of writing many able men utterly fail. Some men have written in malice, some in ignorance. Some men have written with fulsome eulogy, and some with detestable detraction. Great portions of biographical history need to be rewritten. It is quite certain, as already suggested, that great injustice has been done even to Clive and Hast- ings in relation to the establishment of the Brit- ish Government in India. The time, doubtless, is soon coming when all that period of Anglo- Indian history will be rewritten, and when the judgments that have been passed upon the found- ers of the British Empire in India will be in many respects modified, and in some respects entirely reversed. There is reason to believe that political malice largely governed the statements of James Mill, which by their calmness, coolness, and clear- ness have been taken as the sober statements of historic truth. We thus see how difficult it is to write accurate history, and especially biographical narratives. We are, therefore, the more ready to admire the charmful and truthful biography which we con- stantly find in the Word of God. The writers of Scripture show at every point a commendable fidelity to absolute truth. They "nothing exten- uate, nor set down aught in malice." Infirmities as well as excellencies they record. There is no i. I i ii'.i: 'It' I* J'M y til i^' ^ vrn!(.'.ii^tfe'^»»''''^***'"5"'^'>= ■ ' ''1 1 . it 228 THE OLD BOOK. attempt on their part to blacken or to 'vhiten their subjects They neither besmear them with pitch nor cover them with whitewash. The evil in the good man is not denied, and the good in the evil man is frankly acknowledged. Uninspired biog- raphers, as already remarked, find it almost impos- sible to come up to this high standard of writing. If some men could come back to life to hear their own funeral eulogies, read their obituaries, and peruse their biographies, they would be amazed to learn how immaculately good their lives were. In- deed, they would not recognize themselves as the subjects of these narratives. If some men could read the inscriptions on their tombstones, they would be absolutely certain that they were in the wrong graves, and that the tombstones must have been intended to record the virtues of men whose lives were quite other than their own. When we turn to the Bible we have no such embarrassment on either side. Here there is no palliation of vices; here there is no exaggeration of virtues; here no untruthful panegyrics are re- corded, even when praise is merited and bestowed ; and here no malevolent denunciations are found, even when disapproval must necessarily be de- clared. The candor of the sacred writers is worthy of all praise. Moses is spoken of as one of the most patient of men, and yet the impatience of Moses is recorded. He must have shown a repre- hensible impatience when he struck the rock at ; ii y \ or to 'vhiten their r them with pitch The evil in the ; good in the evil Uninspired biog- d it almost impos- andard of writing. 3 life to hear their nr obituaries, and ould be amazed to ;ir lives were. In- : themselves as the If some men could : tombstones, they it they were in the nbstones must have rtues of men whose ir own. e we have no such Here there is no is no exaggeration I panegyrics are re- irited and bestowed ; mciations are found, necessarily be de- red writers is worthy :en of as one of the t the impatience of have shown a repre- ; struck the rock at BIOGRAPHICAL IIOXESTY OF THE BIBLE. 229 Meribah. Who makes the record of that impa- tience.' The answer is, Moses himself. David confesses his fearful wanderings with no attempt at extenuation. The fifty-first psalm is an out- burst of grief and penitence which must touch every heart even to this hour. Almost every sen- tence in that psalm is a moan, every word a sob, and every syllable a tear. That psalm must ever appear in the Psalter as one of the humblest of penitential confessions. Nothing approaching it in this regard can be found in any other literature. Its manifestation of repentance is profound and unfeigned. The Psalmist makes confession of sinful deeds springing from a sinful nature and manifesting themselves in unpardonable conduct. Nowhere else can a confession be found so tender, so contrite, and so fervent. With the confession there is also a humble, filial trust in the forgiving love of God. The thirty-second psalm probably was written by David after he wrote the fifty-first. We know that Augustine used often to read, with weeping heart j.nd eyes, shortly before his death, the seven penitential psalms, of which the thirty- second is one. He placed them on the wall over against his sick-bed, that he might constantly make their truths his own experience. The fifty- first psalm was David's great confession of sin and earnest prayer for forgiveness ; and the thirty-sec- ond psalm is the record of the confession he had made and the forgiveness he had received. It ex- !-,l 11 1% I-. 1, ^afiuitite;,' . ,^» - A. $i^ ».\' 23° THE OLD nOOK. presses his consciousness of restoration to his Fa- ther's house and heart. It is an outbui st of his gladness when God's forgiveness had been received into his sinful, sorrowful, but penitent soul. His sin had been great, but it was not after all the hard- ened act of a selfish sensualist. When the prophet came, David turned with genuine sorrow to God, praying for forgi\eness. From its uneasy slumber his really sensitive conscience was aroused, and it could find no rest until full forgiveness was re- ceived. In the presence of these two great psalms we can readily understand how David was " the man aftcr's God's own heart." Carlyle, with a superb scorn, denounces those who speak of David only as a great sinner and not also as a great re- penter, who hold him before the world as deeply peccant and not as also genuinely repentant. In this respect Carlyle has spoken a great truth ; he has uttered a needed rebuke, and has emphasized a commendable criticism. The Bible reveals God as holy, just, and good. It also represents Him as delighting in mercy. It sets His character before us as the ideal of our attainment; for we are ex- horted to be holy even as He is holy. It offers rewr;rds to the obedicit, and utters threatenings against the disobedient. It places before us every dissuasion from sin, and every incentive to holi- ness. It deals with great principles of heart and motives of life. It does not lay down numerous petty rules, but great general laws, and then gives H ," ii - | : t i! n ration to his Fa- outbuist of his ad been received litent soul. His ifter all the hard- ^hen the prophet e sorrow to God, :s uneasy slumber s aroused, and it givcness was re- two great psalms David was "the Carlyle, with a lo speak of David ilso as a great re- e world as deeply :ly repentant. In a great truth ; he d has emphasized Bible reveals God represents Him as is character before it; for we are ex- is holy. It offers itters threatenings :es before us every incentive to holi- ciples of heart and ay down numerous iws, and then gives BIOGRAPHICAL IfOXESrV OF THE BIBLE. 23 1 us the spirit to understand and the desire to apply these laws in our daily lives. David frankly con- fesses his sin, devoutly offers his prayer for for- giveness, and greatly rejoices in the conscious possession of God's mercy. Honesty in the Narrative. Who narrates the account of Jonah's fleeing to Tarshish in disobedience to the command of God .' None other than Jonah himself writes this humil- iating narrative. His conduct was childish, petu- lant, and disobedient in the extreme. He seems to have been, at times at least, painfully morose, pitifully peevish, and perhaps helplessly melan- cholic. It is not too much to say that occasionally he was scarcely responsible for his conduct. He was possessed of a hypochondriacal temperament, being easily discouraged and easily elated. He was timid or courageous, according as one mood or the opposite was dominant. He was under the influence of the heathenism of his time, and yet was a patriotic lover of his people and an earnest hater of all the oppressors of his nation. He re- cords with the utmost frankness not only his one great act of disobedience to God, but also his con- dition of childish disappointment in the destruc- tion of the rapid-growing gourd. With absolute fidelity he paints his own unattractive portrait. His story is, however, one of fascinating interest. Apart from the miraculous clement which has 'i '! ! h: .Jlils! THE OLD BOOK. subiected it to the criticism of the exegetes and has W ^e to question its historicity, it is s,n,ply as alt^y one of the most charming short stones of any liLature. The man who will s,t down to Zd it as he might read any other book apart a ■ together from the thought of its msp.ratwn or ,ts uWmate purpose, cannot fail to be delighted w,th "he novelty of the narrative, the frankness of the «, and the archaic charm of the mcdent 'me^'we turn to the New Testament, we dis cover similar frankness. Mark ,s supposed to ha^ been the amanuensis of the apostle Peter. It IsTt least believed that he wrote under th,s apos- e" direction. It is therefore the -ore no^,c. able that Mark gives so full an a^""' "«/"" ^ cowardly and blasphemous denial of h,s dmne Lorf and Master. In these narratives we have *e great heart of the impulsive but noMe d.saple * c^g itself with absolute honesty, without effort at vindication or justification of any ort. The «,rtrait of Peter is here painted to the life. Had Te not been governed by absolute honesty, he migW have entirely concealed or at least greatly Id^fied many of the most ''"-King «=-<-- °' Ts unmanly and unholy conduct toward h-s Lord We cannot' but admire the absolute hones y the Bible in its biographical narrations. There is he« a lesson for us all. We are not to ,udge men ;"their worst, nor yet by their best elements of "T^ xegetps and has , it is simply as short stories of 11 sit down to • book, apart al- nspiration or its 2 delighted with rankness of the of the incident stament, we dis- is supposed to ipostle Peter. It under this apos- the more notice- iccount of Peter's ial of his divine irratives we have but noble disciple sty, without effort )f any sort. The to the life. Had olute honesty, he or at least greatly iiaging features of t toward h's Lord, bsolute honesty of rrations. There is ■e not to judge men ir best elements of BIOGRAPHICAL HONESTY OF THE BIBLE. 233 character; so judging them, we shall be guilty of misjudging. We should not judge the sun by its spots, but rather by its light and its heat. We must judge men in their entirety, in their sphe- ricity, in their completeness of character and con- duct. This rule we ought to apply with the ut- most honesty, fidelity, and constancy to all our fellowmen; this rule the Bible seems to observe in all the biographies which it contains. We have no right to pass a harsh judgment upon men except we know all the influences which bore upon their opinions and action. It is an unspeakable comfort for us to remember that the Judge of all the earth will do absolutely right. God knows every influence which has been brought to bear upon men in the way of incitement or restraint. Many a man, because of his environment, has out- wardly, at least, refrained from sin, while many another man, because of the absence of that re- straining environment, has been involved in guilt. The natural impulse of the former may have been less noble than the natural tendency of the latter. The difference in conduct was due quite as much to difference in circumstances as to difference in character. Here as everywhere we may fall back with unspeakable comfort upon the omniscience of God, as directed by His unerring justice and His infinite love. jj^^-S£g»«^jfe^gffi!«s^o.ve»»w»**i»»«'<-.i™««ji'At*-,sji^^ JHii If ii ■ 234 THE OLD BOOK'. Variety in Bible Biography. There is in the Bible a great variety in these biographies, as we have observed varieties in so many other respects. We have here representa- tives of nearly all classes and conditions of men. On the pages of the Bible varied and often opposing classes meet. Kings and warriors, shepherds and agriculturists, poets and priests here give their manifold charms to this ancient narrative. Occa- sionally we have but faint outlines of portraits, and at other times full-sized pictures, with every outline boldly sketched. Often we wish that some of the biographies were fuller than divine wisdom has chosen to give them in the inspired narrative. The great life is evermore that of Him who spake and lived as never did any other being. His is the matchless biography. His is the peer- less character, and He is the perfect man It is worth much to the world that we have a fourfold biography of Him who was the Son of God and the Son of Mary, the Ancient of Days and the Child of the Manger. These narratives are artless, sim- ple, and sublime. Jesus Christ was the God-man^ His life is unique, even as was Hi« birth. Such a birth would suggest such a life. He who came into the world as never did any other man would be expected to live in the world as no other man ever lived. It would be well-nigh unthinkable if a life so begun had not been so continued ; and WW )GRAPHY. t variety in these ;d varieties in so here representa- onditions of men. ind often opposing ors, shepherds and s here give their narrative. Occa- tlines of portraits, ictures, with every ;en we wish that fuller than divine lem in the inspired :rniore that of Him lid any other being, y, His is the peer- perfect man. It is we have a fourfold le Son of God and : Days and the Child ves are artless, sim- ;t was the God-man. s Hi" birth. Such life. He who came iny other man would arid as no other man -nigh unthinkable if in so continued ; and BIOGRAPHICAL HONESTY OF THE BIBLE. 235 what might have been expected was actually real- ized. In writing this biography the evangelists had no model. The life they record stands alone on the pages of universal history. We see in it at every point the union of the human and the divine. How could uninspired men write cor- rectly such an inspired life ? Now one element of that life is especially conspicuous, and now an- other element is presented to our view. We see Christ as a familiar guest at the wedding in Cana of Galilee ; and then we see Him putting forth His power as the creative Word. Finely did Crashaw long ago sing, " The conscious water saw its God and blushed." We see this same Saviour weak and weary as any traveller at Jacob's well; but soon we behold Him speaking words of heavenly wisdom and revealing Himself to the woman of Samaria as the Christ of God. At the grave of Lazarus He pours out His sympathetic tears; and in the midst of weeping friends He utters His majestic voice as the Resur- rection and the Life. We see Him weary in the boat. His head upon the wooden pillow, while the spray dashes in His face and bedews His hair; then we see Him rising in His majesty and hush- ing the storm into perfect calm by His omnipotent word. If a divine life had not been lived before these evangelists, and which they truthfully de- scribe, then they themselves must have been di- 1 1 ni ■I -i ,,^Si«ilS&^-*^ ttv->4 5^. j»««;fe«<«**»«^*S>*t)iWii&«^i^il»ac*4^^ •1 ^»*t*yta«»%i*^M.'£.i^.-*^f^ 336 THE OLD BOOK. vine It is less a tax on our credulity to believe tiat Christ lived as the evangelists have descnbed ;:ltlea,vUaUzcd,a„a spiritualized .0 go onus way girdling the world with Wessmg^ Who gave its writers their un.que skill? .. Whenc. b.. Iron, h.av.n could m.n. u.sWM '« •«•• In Mveral ages born, in »«"' P""' U„sk'd Ibei, pains. ung,..ri«; to .d™.. su"b,gu,«,g.i», „d»a«y«io»*"'P"»l .^-.■. ,«^***'ii*S dulity to believe ts have described to suppose th;\t a life had it not They who charge ten this narrative rtually affirm that the Christ of God. k1 believed, life is phy is to some de- wherever the in- the divine truths nguage into which I has been greatly 1, and even immor- circulating through r. speech with some- as the German Ian- life from Luther's uis English has been dualized to go on its lessing. inique skill ? an, unskilled in arts, arts, how or why ith a lie ? heir advice, iom their price! " ll THE MATCHLESS POETRY OF THE BIBLE. m ki*<^J«S-i»*.'t««.'**«''*^ *«»<•.-' iM t f XIV. 'I'liK Matchless Poetrv of the Him.E. The most enthusiastic and partial student of classical poetry is obliged to confess that there is no poetry in any literature equal to that found in the liible. We havt the testimony of men who were themselves great poets, who do not hesitate for a moment to give the poetry of the l?ible a unique place in the rhythmical literature of the world. Sir William Jones, a critic of no mean authority, says : " I am of opinion that the Hible contains more true sensibility, more exquisite beauty, more pure morality, more impartial his- tory, and finer strains of poetry and eloquence than can be collected from all other books, in whatever age or language they may be written." It is the testimony of John Milton, the immortal bard who came into the immediate presence of God as never did any other uninspired poet, that " there arc no songs comparable to the songs of Zion, no orations equal to those of the prophets, and no politics like those which the Scriptures teach. " 'if.'! :||F ■■ J;. I'll ' I ill!? „ — .-^fw^^«^«!»«.M£*sra».«: nm 24° THE OLD BOOK, What Is Poetry? It is not easy to give a satisfactory answer to this question. Most of our writers who have un- dertaken a definition of poetry have recognized th difficulty of the task. Aristotle says that "poetry is imitation" ; Thomas Fuller, "poetry . Isl Tn words" ; Dr. Johnson, "the art of pleas- Tng" and Thomas Carlyle calls it « mpassioned truth" It has also been defined as 'the beauty rideas. distinct from the beauty of things ; an another writer declares that poetry ^^^^^'^X all that is beautiful, burning to passion att ir«l in imagery, and speaking in music, It is _• r tain that poetry is that form of literature which rbodies beautiful thought feeling or action u. rhythmical and melodious language it is one o Z noblest of arts, addressing vtsel to the finer feelings and imagination by means of musical and roving words. Macaulay defines poetry to be ^h art of employing words in such a manner as to produce an illusion on the ^"^-S^^^^^^^"; ^f , ' of Ling by means of wo^^w^^^^^^^^^^^ by means of colors. Bailey, m declares that— •• Poetry is itself a thing of God ; He made His prophets poets : and the more We feel of poesie. do we become _, Like God, in love and power-under-makers. Coleridgetellsus that "poetry is not the proper PA-. TRY? itisfactory answer to riters who have un- try have recognized Aristotle says that ,as Fuller, " poetry is )n, " the art of pleas- :alls it " impassioned ;fined as " the beauty auty of things " ; and poetry is "love for ig to passion, attired 1 music/' It is c'-r- tn of literature which , feeling, or action in anguage ; it is one of ing itself to the finer means of musical and defines poetry to be Is in such a manner as he imagination, the art i what the painter does iley, in his "Festus," of God; poets: and the more ve become power— under-makers." oetry is not the proper THE MA TCHLESS POE TR Y OF THE BIBLE. 241 antithesis to prose, but to science ; poetry is op- posed to science, and prose to metre. " E. C. Stedman, in his " Nature of Poetry," affirms that "poetry is rhythmical imaginative language ex- pressing the invention, taste, thought, passion, and insight of the human soul." It would be easy to give many other definitions of poetry equally as interesting and descriptive as those already given; but we need not multiply words in mere definition. We know that according to the etymology of the word it signifies a creation or production of some sort. The Greeks employ its classical equivalent to designate the artistic productions of the imagi- nation expressed in language. We know well that poetry is not necessarily associated with verse or rhyme. It often finds superb expression in prose. The book of Ruth is eminently poetic in sub- stance, although in form it is prose. Many parts of the book of Job and of the prophetical writings are also distinctively poetical. It would be easy to name writers of recent and comparatively recent times, such ai'> Jeremy Taylor, Hooker, Burke, Ruskin, Hawthorne, and Emerson, many of whose works, though in the form of prose, arc richly imaginative and are truly poetical. In gen- eral, however, poetry tends to express itself in certain rules of metre, and also to assume rhyth- mical language. The music of the metre height- ens the emotions and tends by mysterious but uni- versal laws to seek expression in measured forms. j6 :l'\ 'm i, ttf'jidsS*-^'' ■■«»sw'w.!ii»''-'- 'im.v J!v-- ■ . -■ii?'' j^, THE OLD BOOK. ,„, ,„„er may be our definition of poetry, we Tl fln ."a it ha. sonte of its noblest iUustra- i^n in the Word of God. There, if ever, we may have e-™Pl« °' Shakespeare's thought when he tells us that — T„:.f.he. .0 sh.p... ."mfa*»~ •^B^rrr^iKJl'^ E^j^r.^-Kera-** ■• ill' 24^ THE OLD BOOK. th.t in the Old Testament there are numerous n tance of dramatic dialogue, as in the book o Tnb and L of lyric poems, placed in dramatic Job, anU also oi > i ^^^^ connections, in Solomon s Song. ^ . ,ue strictly technical sense we do not tmci in the stncuy ^^^^ ^^^^ in Hebrew literature. It is to urc « m.ist look for the invention of the drama in we must look ^"'^ ^ ^^^^^^ genius. its perfection of P-^^ f ^^^.^^ ,, fi,d either We do not --^-^l^l^^J^ The most recent a Euripides or a Sha^-^^^^^^^ ^^^, satisfactorily t'^'ulat tLsong of SoJmon contains many ;rn'l^^icfeLres. Solomon ^^ ^hfs 1 «,nmrch He has carried off to nis ael The poem doses with .he .numph o P^re and loyal love in the happy union of these peasan T „. All through the history of the Churcn lovers. AH '^"'"S ,,;, beautiful song commentators ^a 'o"f '^^ ,, „, earthly or was a song of love , but wn perplexed spiritual love was a question that S^^'V /^^P Kblical critics. Many of the interpretations are ^_ », '.•*«») !rf-(W*^'*««^"'-*' :re are numerous as in the book of )laced in dramatic But the drama ; we do not find Greece alone that 1 of the drama in ind human genius, tble to find either The most recent and satisfactorily non contains many lolomon is a type of carried off to his tiden. In the poem ies of his court, who nit to the life which he king, however, is en's fervent attach- rhom she has left be- 5overeign though he ire from pressing his nself thwarted in his b the triumph of pure inion of these peasant istory of the Church at this beautiful song ither it was earthly or that greatly perplexed he interpretations are THE MA TCHLESS POE TR Y OF THE BIBLE. 347 allegorical, the Church and Christ appearing as the chief subjects in the poem ; Christ being the be- loved bridegroom, and the believing and loving soul being the Church, the bride. Whatever in- terpretation may be given, the presence of the dramatic element in this Song of Songs must be recognized, and it is recognized in the later inter- pretations, which give the poem a clear setting and make its movement strong in thought, clear in action, and inspired in its result. The Hebrew Bard. The Hebrew bard chose lofty subjects as the elements of his inspired song. In its source, its theme, and its method, the poetry of the Bible sur- passes all other poetic literature. It throbs with human interest, it abounds in charming references to domestic life, it glows with human hopes, at times it weeps with human sorrow, and it carries us back to the primitive habits of an ancient peo- ple. It is equally adapted to funeral obsequies and to marriage festivities. There is no condi- tion in life to which it does not properly belong. Well has Sir Daniel Sanford, a man of broad cul- ture and ability as marked as it was varied, said that "In lyric flow and fire, in crushing force, in majesty that seems still to echo the awful sounds once heard beneath the thunder-clouds of Mount Sinai, the poetry of the ancient Scriptures is the most superb that ever burned within the i% 'iS:', 9a6 THE OLD BOOK. breast of man." Every reader of the book of Job _and certainly every reader who has sat down and read it through without interruption-wiU fed the full force of the words of Thomas Carlyle that burly Scotchman whose own prose often glows with poetic beauty, while it is roborant in its rugged strength, that apart from all theories about the book, it is one of the grandest things ever wHtten with pen; and then he adds : "Subhmesor. row. sublime reconciliation, oldest choral melody as of the heart of mankind, soft and great as the summer midnight, as the world with its seas and stars! There is nothing written. I think, in the Bible or out of it. of equal literary merit No man can read the thirty-eighth chapter of the b^^^^^^ of Job. containing the account of God s challenge to Job to answer, and God's enumeration of His niighty works, with t feeling the full force of Cadyle-s strong wc s. ^he book o Job a^on is enough to give . : B^^le a high place among the noblest literatures of the world The man who does not feel the rhetorical grandeur, the dra- matic charm, and the lofty religious motive of this book is lacking in many of the noblest elements of manhood. Emerson has told us that A man is a whole encyclopedia of facts. The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn, and Egypt, Greece, Rome. Gaul. Britain. America he folded al eady i" the first man." One might almost say with equal truth that all literatures, all dramas. ^^.l^^KX'r:'^"'^'-?'^'*''''!'''^^^'*^^**^'' of the book of Job who has sat down ;rruption — will feel homas Carlyle, that prose often glows is roborant in its m all theories about -andest things ever ulds : " Sublime sor Idest choral melody oft and great as the ,d with its seas and tten, I think, in the iterary merit." No ti chapter of the book It of God's challenge enumeration of His ng the full force of e book of Job alone a high place among he world. The man cal grandeur, the dra- digious motive of this the noblest elements told us that " A man icts. The creation of ne acorn, and Egypt, 1, America lie folded One might almost say iteratures, all dramas, T//E MA TCHLESS POE TR Y OF THE BIBLE. 249 histories, lyrics, sermons, orations lie folded in this one book which we call the Bible. All the great literatures of the future are in the diction- aries of to-day and to-morrow. All that is needed is the presence of some tuneful soul who shall wed word to word. Then we shall have stately epics, powerful tragedies, resistless dramas, tearful elegies, and glowing lyrics. Then we shall have poem on poem, powerful sermons, eloquent ora- tions, and masterful histories. They are all in the dictionary of to-day and to-morrow. In like manner the Bible is the fountain, the source, the inspiration of literature, of painting, of sculpture, of music, and of all the noblest productions of the greatest souls standing with uncovered head and uplifted heart in the immediate presence of the Almighty. It was thus that the Hebrew bards stood and sang. They saw God in sunshine and storm. They heard His voice in the rolling thunder and witnessed His power in the flashing lightning. In all the events of history they saw the tokens of His presence. They heard the echo of His foot- falls sounding through the corridors of their past history. Their poetry then was in the largest and truest sense as original as it was powerful and divine. They had no teachers; they belonged to no schools of poetry; they had no masters whom they might imitate. The student of uninspired poetry discovers the influence, even in Browning ■: .1 !l V \ 'k 1 'm 111'^ J as© THE OLD BOOK. and Tennyson, of great masters of former genera- tons. When he enlarges the boundaries of his inquiries, and studies these great masters them- selves, he finds in the poems the influence of their masters of a still earlier period. And thus he might go back and back to the earlier bards of the most primitive peoples. But in the themes, the method, and the spirit of Bible poetry there are no echoes of earlier singers ; but these Bible songs have resounded thft)ugh all the ages in the echoes of the noblest human poets of every century and country. In all these respects the poetry of the Bible is unique. It is not too much to say, even in the close of the nineteenth century, that the most popular poet in all the world is " Israel's sweet singer." This statement at first thought seems to be a great ex- aggeration, but a little reflection will show that it is absolutely true, even when taken in the most literal sense. The Bible is still the most popu- lar book in all the most highly civilized nations. Judged simply by the number of copies manufac- tured and sold, it is far in advance of all com- petitors for popularity. Well has Disraeli, in his "Tancred," expressed this thought. This most eloquent Israelite has not gone beyond the bounds of truth when he declares that "as an exponent of the mysteries of the human heart, as the soother of the troubled spirit, to whose harp do the people of England fly for sympathy and solace ? Is it to X. m .ji^ ' *i«^>».Tifcfti*i»*^;..'©Ji.,-.' iSt^t3w*?*lw'" ' ''T^^ le really mean ir methods of ; to a region lips the wings Idom atheists, m ; it cannot ites an atmos- r soar, and in ithe. As ex- disseminated the minds oi is an evil of s foreign to a :companied al- 5es an affirma- its very form, ids to anarch- for outbreaks intry in which of followers. • of anarchists had their way, nd in its place ic marriage, or at the will of necessarily op- very first sen- stence of God. !, vulgar, and d, assumes va- AGGRESSIVE MISSION OF THE Bmi.E. 259 rious forms, at different times, in its opposition to revealed religion. The Bible must oppose it be- cause it vigorously opposes the Bible. It is said that when Paine wrote his " Age of Reason " he did not possess a Bible. Later he said : " I have gone up and down through the Chris- tian's garden of Eden, and with my simple axe I have cut down one and another of its trees, until I have hardly left a single sapling standing. " This boast was as silly as it was false. It was impos- sible for Paine to uproot the trees of truth which were planted by the hand of God. His works were published at a time when many influences com- bined to give them popularity and power. He possessed some qualities that were commendable, and was himself a sufferer because of his views. Strictly speaking, he was not an atheist. He wrote against Christianity and in favor of deism. But his day is over, and the Word of God which he despised still lives, endowed with divine life and resistless power. Voltaire was a man of different character, but his influence also has greatly waned. It would be virtually dead were it not that many of his ideas have been taken up by the so-called higher critics, revamped with modern phraseology, and started out under their patronage for a new but certainly brief career. Voltaire lived in the atmosphere of such English deists as Bolingbroke, Collins, Wollaston, and others. He vilified Shakes- peare as a barbarous mor ,ter of a writer, declaring 8tttM!i£ajMt.'; 260 THE OLD BOOK. that his works were intolerable to any man pos- sessed of orthodox French taste. He was the most noted of the band of writers whose crusade against law, order, and religion prepared the way for the French Revolution. He, like Paine, was a deist rather than an atheist. Diderot and others abused him because they considered that his partial belief was an evidence of intellectual m- firmity He was a superb master of ridicule, and wrote with the most attractive graces of the French style But this man has passed away, as must all others, of every rank and degree, who oppose God and His truth. The Bible has withstood every attack of infidelity in the past, and it bids defiance to every deistic and atheistic assault in the future. Opposed to Polytheism. • The Bible is necessarily opposed to polytheism wherever it is found. Israel was long disposed to the idolatries of various surrounding nations. Not until after the Babylonish captivity did Israel fully overcome her idolatrous tendencies. That experi- ence restored her fully to her theistic convictions -convictions from which she has never departed to this hour. Polytheism has appeared m all the nations of antiquity, and also in all those of mod- ern times who are without the inspired revelation^ By polytheism we understand the prevalence of belief in many gods. Often the word is used as a personification of natural forces or phenomena; ■^y. -<^i^^^lt»!*^: '^^ i»w.ilWi'»>r.?*S»«ais >«*»^: ais .«*»,_< .,*«s4.»i»*Si»«« «*<*■!*<»««»>» ;i'- ) any man pos- He was the 5 whose crusade epared the way like Paine, was derot and others idered that his : intellectual in- of ridicule, and ;es of the French iway, as must all who oppose God withstood every i it bids defiance ult in the future. [EISM. ,ed to polytheism i long disposed to ing nations. Not ty did Israel fully es. That experi- leistic convictions las never departed jpeared in all the all those of mod- nspired revelation, the prevalence of le word is used as :es or phenomena ; AGGRESSri'E MISSION OF THE BIBLE. 261 it is frequently employed in this sense in the clas- sical mythologies. As far back as we can go, it is found that the rudest nations have had some form of polytheism, including in that term their worship of spirits. Traces of theism appear in the history of Balaam and Melchisedek. The nations with which the Jews came in contact not only worshipped many gods, but employed images in that worship, with the single exception of the fol- lowers of Zoroaster. Polytheism is by no means unknown to-day in many lands and among many people > ; it is the natural religion of savage tribes throughout the world. Only as men advance to purer conceptions of God do they advance in higher degrees of civilization. Polytheism, therefore, everywhere disappears before the march of true civilization. The Bible is in conflict with polytheism at this hour in many lands. Gods many are worshipped in India, China, Japan, and many of the islands of the seas. One may see in Japan the worship of idols indicative of as much superstition t*s can be found in any part of the world. -Indeed, the puerilities person- ally observed among the Japanese in the worship of their idol gods would excite laughter, did it not merit sincere pity. The Bible must move forward in its triumphant march until every idol deity is overthrown. The Roman heathen were willing that a statue of Christ should be erected in the Pantheon, but this proposition the early Chris- BttiWfSStWa*?'"- 963 THE OLD BOOK. tians Utterly rejected. Chris, could no. share H honors wi.h gods which are no. gods. If H.s statue were erected, all Cher statues must be de- Ironed The same law hold, .rue to-day The S demand, that God, and """--^^^^^^ shipped. The most ^-^^^^^^'^^Zl^Z made at all periods in .he history oi n To destroy the Word of God. It ., opposed to the '„„ entrained license, superstitious ceremonies nd abominable practices of heathenism in all oun. « and centuries. Heathenism persecuted the early Chri il.and made heroic efforts utterly U,e stroy the Bible. We have only to turn to the h.s ory of Diocletian to see how terrible «a; 1»» "P" ^sitionto the Word of God and the Chur h^ Christ. In the early part of hi, reign he was rea ^onlwy favorable to both « *e.nflue„ce o ^==-^'^ft'%t:teT;:^tir -::::ioM:d tures and who thirstea lor tuc Diocletian to issue his severe edicts a«a.ns them During a period of ten years the condition of uunng a, Y cpvpre Thev were Christians was unspeakably severe^ i y excluded from all public honors and offices they were made liable to accusations of many kjnds. Td were powerless to secure legal redress Nev- ertheless the Church of God lived and the Word o G d HumpWed. The Bible thus opposed t e mos cultured and the most powerful polythosts m the ea y days of Christianity. It also earned its con- 71 ad triumphs to Northern Europe, and over- V- "iV«S!BSiK«ltB' ,|B^-S«t»«»»®*'W»fiffl!»«»S' d not share His gods. If His les must be de- le to-day. The 2 alone, be wor- ?orts have been y of heathenism s opposed to the ceremonies, and ^ in all countries ecuted the early rts utterly to de- turn to the his- rible was his op- id the Church of reign he was rea- the influence of tested the Scrip- ir destruction, led licts against them. the condition of vere. They were s and offices ; they ns of many kinds, gal redress. Nev- ed and the Word of is opposed the most 1 polytheists in the also carried its con- n Europe, and over- AGGRESSIVE M/SSrO.V OF THE BIB I.E. 263 threw the mighty Odin, Thor, and all the gods of the Valhalla, even as it overthrew the gods of classic Greece and Rome. The names of the days of the week show the mighty hold which northern heath- enism had in the days of its dominancy. Every day of the week, as the name of each implies, was dedicated to some form of heathen worship. We have retained the names, but we have destroyed the idols which once these names enshrined. Christianity has within the last half century hurled all the idols from their altars in the Ha- waiian Islands. It is moving forward now to such conquests in nominally heathen lands as the Church has never seen since the days of the apostles. The Bible is also opposed to pantheism. Pan- theism identifies mind and matter. It unifies the finite and the infinite, making them simply mani- festations of one universal Being. It is derived from two words, pan, all, and theos, God. It thus identifies the universe with God, and God with the universe. It declares that God is all, and that all is God. When it makes all God it becomes an ex- aggerated theism ; when it declares that the " all " has absorbed God it becomes blank atheism. In its practical manifestations it is to all intents and purposes atheism. Without doubt the antiquity of pantheism is very great, as in some of its forms it was known in the earliest days of Hindu civiliza- tion. It has grown out of polytheism, which, as we have seen, is the instinctive creed of the most St»«a«SMMiSKi'^. 364 THE OIP liOOA'. primitive races. Greek pantheism, no doubt. 1 ad an origin similar to that of ancient panthe^sm but it is more varied in form and more reasonable .n 1 hod. Unfortunately pantheism has appeared " tntly. at different stages in the development of Christianity. One can see how certam dehght- ?ul and commendable spiritual characteristics may ;:l:re in this doctrine, if it be held mconne^^^^^^^^ with a firm belief in the existence of a personal God ■ but when so held it is inconsistent pan he- fsm ' Modern pantheism showed itself .n Giordano runo. who was burnt at Rome in the year 1600. Uha also appeared in Spinoza. He is i^rhaps the greatest of the whole class of pantheists pro- duced either in the ancient or the modern world. It has had its forceful representatives of great d.s^ t nction in Germany and France, m England and America. But. apart from Germany, none of these tuntries has yet produced a great pantheisUc philosopher. If Ralph Waldo Emerson may be regarded as a pantheist, he is an exception to tSs statement; but his pantheism was theology I rather than philosophical. Quite recently Chris- tan Scientist's have developed a shallow and un^ reasoning pantheism. It is almost amusing to hear men and women of most immature thought using the phrases in which lurk the germs of an- c n? pantheism. These unscientific religionists and irreligious scientists think they have discov- ered some new truths. Their fads are really the ■ .5!^a9ssrE«E>E3WP-' S-!5»!r«.<.«s;»^3SKa6*f.''' w»M«*as!SKSKS sj^^ieaii^iawsseMa toM'WW ^^^' AOCRESSIl'E MfSS/OX 01' THE HIHI.E. 265 1, no doubt, had ; pantheism, but )re reasonable in m has appeared the development / certain delight- aracteristics may ild in connection nee of a personal insistent panthe- itself in Giordano in the year 1600. ^. He is perhaps ,f pantheists pro- ;he modern world, itives of great dis- ;, in England and lany, none of these great pantheistic Emerson may be s an exception to sm was theological lite recently Chris- a shallow and un- ilmost amusing to immature thought k the germs of an- :ientific religionists k they have discov- r fads are really the discarded cult» of the Orient. The Word of God opposes pantheism in whatever form it appears. Its errors seem to be anticipated, as are also those of materialism, polytheism, and atheism, in the first sublime sentence of the Hible. We are there told that God created the heavens and the earth. That sentence, as we have partially seen, denies atheism because it asserts God; it denies mate- rialism, for it affirms creation ; it denies pantheism, for it declares the personality of God. These isms, like all other philosophies and religions which are opposed to Jesus Christ, must one day be utterly overthrown. A true belief in the Word of God utterly overthrows all pantheistic notions of God, declaring not only His eternity and universality, hut also His personality, with an emphasis which can neither be intelligently contradicted nor continuously resisted. The Bible and Agnosticism. This is another and comparatively modern form of infidel teaching. The word is composed of two Greek words meaning not and knoivlcdge. Agnos- ticism was the creed of a sect in the third cen- tury who held that God did not know all things. Now, however, an agncstic is one who holds the theory of nescience, or " no knowledge " on the part of men. Huxley practically introduced this word into modern nomenclature with its present significance. He tells us that most of his col- «sweaiSM»»s*** i(^b THE OLD BOOK. leacucs in the different societies to which he be- longed were " ists " of some sort, while he was a „.an without a "rag of a label." He therefore invented, in its modern sense, the title asnostic. It seemed to him to be antithetical to gnostic as found in Church history. The agnostic does not really deny the existence of God. but he affirms that God is unknowable. What he probably really means is that God is not understandable The agnostic teaches that knowledge is derived exclu^ sfvely through the senses. All. therefore, which lies outside of the sphere of sense lies outside of the grasp of our faculties. Any subject which transcends the limitations of human experience cannot be understood and ought not to be believed. This school of thought seeks the middle ground m theology between that occupied by the dogmatic theist and the philosophical atheist. Its diffe - ence from atheism is only seeming; it pretends great modesty, but it virtually affirms that what- ever cannot be thoroughly understood practically has no existence. Tt seems evident that agnos- ticism is losing its power. There is a dangerous gnosticism, but there is also a very blessed gnos- ficism. We rejoice to hear Job say. ' know and the apostle Paul to echo. "know, and the beloved John as he declares. " We know. The Word of God fully teaches that while God inay not bo fully comprehended, He certainly can be par- tially apprehended by every loving and devoted •vW-S>i.»rt*«Vt)t4«fc Sft-i£«»5««aj:-iif'i^**^*H«>}if;s;>(.sriE*t^^ - to which he be- while he was a • He therefore le title agnostic. ical to gnostic as .gnostic does not 1, but he affirms le probably really rstandable. The is derived exclu- , therefore, which ise lies outside of ny subject which luman experience lot to be believed, middle ground in by the dogmatic heist. Its differ- ming; it pretends affirms that what- erstood practically trident that agnos- »ere is a dangerous very blessed gnos- ob say, " I know," ' I know," and the 'We know." The while God may not irtainly can be par- loving and devoted ACCKESSIVK MISSION OF Till- DIULE. iM disciple. There is a great deal of ground betv een the extremes of gnosticism and agnosticism. A word has been recently coined by Dr. Jos.ph Cook and the late Dr. McCosh which exactly expresses the idea. This word was suggestf 1 by the lan- guage of the apostle Paul in I C<^- xiii. I2, when he says, " Now I know in part." iVwkward though this word may appear to the eye and may sound to the ear, it is an extremely useful word and will become common in the near future. The wise man is neither an agnostic nor a gnostic. IJke the apostle Paul, he knows in part. He is there- ore a " merognostic." This is the true attitude for all Christian believers to occupy. There are many things which now we do not know and can- not now know. The light, however, is growing brighter day by day. One day we shall know even as we are known. The dawn of that day hastens. Let us now frankly acknowledge that we know only in part— that we are merognostics. Standing on this ground we shall have common sense, prac- tical experience, and divine revelation on our side. The Bible Opposes Islamism. This word is used in this connection as synony- mous with Mohammedanism. The word itself is Arabic, implying submission, that is, submission to God. Cairo may be regarded as the capital of Mohammedanism, as the great university of this faith is located in that city. ss=»?»*4«'»-i*'<*SE*t«>'**»*'' 26d THE OLD BOOK. Mohammedanism in its rise and progress, it must be admitted, was an illustration of the sur- vival of th" fitter. It came into contact with an utterly weak and worthless form of Christianity; and it was characterized by a remarkable degree of consecration to its principles and of zeal in their dissemination. It swept like wildfire over great portions of territory, and soon secured millions of believers. Islamism holds that it was once the religion of all men, but after sin had been intro- duced idolatry for a time triumphed. Mohammed was a man of marvellous power, whatever may be said of his honesty f^nd morality. His religion is a combination of Judaism, paganism, and Christi- anity. The trinity of Mohammedanism is Moses, Christ, and Mohammed. The Koran contains much that is admirable, and more that is abomi- nable. Within thirty-six years after the death of Mohammed, Islamism was clamoring at Constanti- nople for entrance into Europe. But for the dis- covery of that bituminous compound called " Greek fire," Islamism would then have entered Europe, and would have swept over continents and seas, and might to-day be the religion of Great Britain and America. In 71 1 Mohammedanism, defeated at the East, entered Europe through the Straits of Gibraltar. But for its terrific defeat at Tours, Mohammedanism would have had one more oppor- tunity of sweeping over all Europe, and finally America as well. It thundered before the gates of >.*,(iiaW«S;.i'.JR.*W*-^'>>-''--'^ >Si*?J,' vifetaftSAta**'?*-- .-ilk'OijiftftrtsfciiSSia^i and progress, it ration of the sur- contact with an n of Christianity; narkable degree of nd of zeal in their vildfire over great secured millions of t it was once the in had been intro- 3hed. Mohammed r, whatever may be y. His religion is inism, and Christi- nedanism is Moses, e Koran contains lore that is abomi- s after the death of joring at Constanti- . But for the dis- lound called " Greek ve entered Europe, ontinents and seas, ion of Great Britain imedanism, defeated 1 rough the Straits of ic defeat at Tours, lad one more oppor- Europe, and finally d before the gates of AGGRESSrvE MISSION OF THE BIBLE. 269 Vienna, and its crescent now gleams from the lofty dome of St. Sophia in Constantinople. Without doubt Mr. William Walters is right in declaring that the Sepoy rebellion of 1857 was one of the fruits of the implacable enmity of Mohammedanism toward Christianity. To-day it numbers its followers by hundreds of millions; but there are signs that the crescent is waning before the cross, and that the words of Christ, " I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me," are being fulfilled. It would be proper in this connection to speak of the conflicts of the Bible with papalism and with Satanism in all the varied forms of their manifestations ; but that discussion will appear in a slightly different form in a later chapter. Let us stand with undaunted hearts beside the cross of the crucified Christ. That cross has beaten down philosophies hoary with age and honored by learning. It has been carried in triumph over the rocky hills of Palestine, and from island to island of the sea, until now it is erected in almo.st all the lands under heaven. God's Word will go forward on its heroic and triumphant career until every error is overthrown and truth is established in every land Christ has girded His sword upon His thigh— the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And that sword will never be sheathed until every form of error is destroyed, and truth in all its symmetry, beauty, and divinity is established throughout the earth. THE SUGGESTIVE SCIENTISM OF THE BIBLE. XVI. The Suggestive Scientism of the Bible. The Bible was not written as a text-book of science, as that term is usually understood. As a matter of fact, the term science is often unduly limited. There is no reason in the nature of the case why that term should be so generally lim- ited to what are known as the physical sciences. There is a science of language, a science of his- tory, and a science of literature, as truly as there is physical science. Science deals with phenom- ena, and the term may rightly be applied to many departments of human thought and life. Science is knowledge ; it is comprehension or understand- ing of any system of truths or facts. It covers a wide field of mental activity, in whatever depart- ment that activity may be manifested. There is, however, a science with which the word of God is intimately connected- -the noblest, sublimest, and divinest of all sciences, the science of salvation. But while the Bible is especially concerned with that science, it touches most interestingly and sug- gestively many lines of thought and systems of fact which have been organized into modern sci- i8 »ii'i^E^{*^^VS^^;-S^<*■■^Ct^^r^--: ■■iwt^^>-' ■ ■«--afl?ar" •f-^-iHAf^^i^'i.--^' '>.■^,^te;\M>--*-"•e■: -.'••'ii'^-- J74 THE OLD BOOK. ence There is in the Bible a wonderful degree of knowledge touching mysterious f P^f ' P^^" nomena which have been but recent^ reduced Jo the formulas of scientific knowledge. It is sim ply remarkable that the Bible has so frequently Si ipaled the conclusions of the most authonta- iv^rldern scientists; and it is -PO-bie to ex- p lain this anticipation except on ^^^^^y^^^^^l divine guidance in the record found m the Bible^ There is space in this chapter simply to touch Ipo" some'of these remarkable anticipations of Idem discovery, as these anticipations are re- corded on the inspired page. CosMOGONic Science. In „„ department of human inquiry have in- spired writers shown greater diversity of thought and puerility of expression than they have .n the^ cosmogonical statements. Cosmogony .s the sc ence of the origin or creation of the "mverse; Is the doctrine of the formation of the world. It ha been a favorite study both of anoent and mod- ern times. It is fitting that the methods of modern dencTshould be appUed to all the not.ons of cos- Tgony that were cherished and formulated by rSwriters. M-y of ^se notion are augh- able in the extreme. We are gravely lom > n pired cosmogonists that men rested "Pon* earth, and that the earth rested upon a huge turtle , K'. a wonderful degree ious physical phe- recently reduced to wledge. It is sim- has so frequently the most authorita- is impossible to ex- 3n the hypothesis of found in the Bible, er simply to touch ble anticipations of inticipations are re- :IENCE. lan inquiry have in- • diversity of thought lan they have in their :osmogony is the sci- n of the universe; it ion of the world. It ;h of ancient and mod- the methods of modern all the notions of cos- id and formulated by hese notions are laugh- ire gravely told by un- men rested upon the ted upon a huge turtle ; SUGGESTIVE SCIENTISM OF THE BIRI.E. 275 but these wise cosmogonists thoughtlessly fail to tell us on what the huge turtle rests. This is a most unpardonable oversight on their part. They have also told us that the sea is a majestic whale, leviathan, or other aquatic monster, and the tides of the sea they attributed to the breathing of this enormous creature thus evolved from their own vivid and untrained imagination. The cosmogony of the Hindus is among the most extravagant and monstrous. The cosmogony of Hesiod is one of the earliest outside of the Bible. This was deliv- ered in verse, and it served as the groundwork of many of the speculations of later Greek philoso- phers. The cosmogony of Homer is poeticil and beautiful, and it represented the popular views of the Greek people regarding these mysterious sub- jects. The Ionic philosophers, including Thales, Anaximenes, Anaximander, and Anaxagoras, are among the most celebrated of the ancient world. The view of Ovid bears a striking resemblance to the Mosaic account of creation ; indeed, so marked is the similarity as to suggest that it was derived by tradition from that account. There are three great views among the ancients regarding the origin of the world. One represents the world as eternal in form as well as substance ; another rep- resents all matter as eternal, but the form as hav- ing been assumed at some historic epoch ; and the third, that of the saci c I Scriptures, attributes the origin of the world to a spiritual cause, or divine ■*ie»4MsSi!i-a»KW*s»*»---''-'''*' "'*''* 376 THE OLD BOOK. Creator. TV-e firs, two have -die- — s m their substance and statement. They ^m" find that differences existed according nors=trr;:rSesean^ --t;':::n::rr:hrran;:: r:.':rtrrsn.o.on.o.Mo^^^^^^^^^^^ „„y of the Bible, is untrue he acU 0^^ g^^ '-^/'"^".rX in a -arable way in "°" dll erro" Hoi came they to be so much :>r.r liters of cou-i^;°— „S C;hc:rc:nJe.p.in^eJact.^^^^^^^^^^ the Hindu Shasters, ""'•^^7^,^7'7h comparison ^T'lTX bX: thnLTesuits o-r mod. as does *at °f Ae B ^^ ^^^^ ^^^, „. rr::rdU:r have been sor^iy^oa.^^^^ -='^' Tr o"^:hrcr:Ce:ls «i.b Slilot— ^-inas^^^^^^^^^ criticism hold up to the contempt of ndlcss variations in t. They differ ac- ntury in which they tians differs widely ons; and so we shall ccording to the na- nay study. ^ny of these ancient ble ridicule. That Dt show that any one )f Moses, the cosmog- to the acknowledged lis is a fact of great , remarkable way in tispired Word of God. ,e so wonderfully pre- ,me they to be so much tries containing great ,rians, and immortal rine inspiration of the the fact that neither .ny heathen cosmogony X bear such comparison rith the results of mod- ,at some of the most re- : been so fully, so accu- nticipated by the state- hich many persons with ,nd in a spirit of hostile contempt of the world? SUGGESTIVK SCIENTIST OF THE BIBLE. 277 Such persons take unnecessary pains to advertise their own ignorance. Read in Job xxvi. 7, " He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangcth the earth upon nothing." These are wonderful words. In this chapter Job begins to reply to all that had been said by his three friends. Beginning with the fifth verse of this chapter, and going through to end of the fourteenth, he gives a statement of the power, majesty, and glory of the Almighty, and thus he showed his friends that he was not possessed of any low or grovelling conceptions of God, but that he could use language as lofty as their own in the description of God's power and character. He could even surpass his friends in his views of God's majesty and glory. It is in this connection and for this purpose that he utters the seventh verse of this great chapter. Job's poem as a whole gives deeply interesting views of the cosmogony which prevailed in that remote time and mysterious land. The references which he makes to astronomy, geography, and to many arts which are mentioned in the book of Job add greatly to its value. Nowhere else can we get information so extensive, so accurate, and so effect- ive on these subjects as in this dramatic poem. By the north, in the verse, he seems to mean the north pole, or the heavens as they seem to revolve around that pole. Possibly he conceived of the earth as a vast extended plain, and of the heavens *:*.^«^ -'^^^^Ss^-''-'^*'^- i^^ey^ii-' v's^«a/«^*>v^-=-.-" '*'-«s^'-' ,-:i>--^>lfc*..- ^'a**'* 278 rilR OLD nooK. as poised above it. The hn. ivciis ate thus repre- sented as beiiif.' stretclicd out, and they are sus- tained by the power of God. Milton finely ex- presses a sinilar thought in the words : " 'I'lic c.irtli is balanced, from her centic hung." It is not afTirmed in this lecture that Job was familiar with the globularity or sphericity of the earth; and perhaps he was not familiar with the diurnal and annual revolution of the earth. But he certainly conceived of it as lying on the vacant air, and so maintained by the power of God. There are, indeed, passages in some of the classical writers which suggest that hints of the true figure of the earth flashed through their minds ; but these hints were not supported by sufficient evidence to establish a general law or to create a uniform belief. The marvel is that the descrip- tion given by Job should be appropriate to the scientific facts of to-day. Job, writing to-day, with all the knowledge of astronomy now possessed by astronomical scientists, could not have used language more scientifically correct than that which he employed in the passage quoted from his poem. He could not better have set forth his con- ception of the majesty of God. God truly " hang- eth the earth upon nothing " ; the planets and the vast sun hang upon nothing ; and in that position God sustains these heavenly bodies, and governs this mighty universe. Why do we not find in Job the puerilities about the turtle.' Why not the 13 ate thus repre- and they are sus- Milton finely ex- words : ccntie hung." lecture that Job y or sphericity of not familiar with ion of the earth. t as lying on the by the power of es in some of the that hints of the rough their minds; )rted by sufficient law or to create a that the descrip- ippropriate to the (, writing to-day, )niy now possessed Id not have used correct than that IQ quoted from his e set forth his con- God truly " hang- le planets and the id in that position )dies, and governs we not find in tie? Why not the .'^rCGESTIVE SCIENTISAf OF THE liini.E. 279 childish babble about the sea being a great mon- ster? How comes it to pass that he describes this terraqueous globe as neither resting upon pillars nor hanging upon an axle ? How comes it to pass, except on the supposition of the inspiration of the Word of God, that Job represents the world as firmly held in its place while it hangs upon nothing ? No man could hang even a feather upon nothing. How then does God hang the whole earth upon nothing? And how comes it to pass that Job knew that God so hung the earth ? Explain, O ye critics, who deny divine inspiration and superhu- man wisdom to the writers of this glorious book! Account if you will for Job's modern knowledge in that ancient time. We know not with absolute certainty who Job was, neither do we know the country in which he lived, nor the century in which he wrote. And yet here we have him making statements regarding mysterious scientific matters with as much accuracy as if he made them to-day, in the light of all the knowledge of thou- sands of years. Here stands God. Here appears conclusively, conspicuously, and divinely Job's heavenly wisdom, his matchless knowledge, and his divine-human inspiration. Harvey Anticipated. When we turn to Proverbs iv. 23, we have these words: "Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." Here again we a> ^^^tTaiCCgv' ^ ^»^=i ^! ^ F ^ ***rSj^i»i ^aii.^tT-i.-'^i^-i'^''- ^ •8e THE OLD BOOK. have a statement which challenges our thought and commands our respect. We arc counselled "above all !;.'i.:!)ing" to guard the heart. This is sound advice, ICvery observant man knows how apt the affections are to go astray. The reason is assjf^ued for keeping the heart above all other keeping — "for out of it are the issues of life." 'I'iic Hebrew is here remarkably suggestive, /f/'.sf/'// cliayim ; literally translated it is, "the goingR out of lives." This is striking language. Il' appropriateness is recognized to-day in the bright light which modern science has shed on the whole subject of physiology and anatomy. Dis- coveries touching this science are the most murked of our time. The discovery of the circulation of the blood has made William Harvey iinmonal. He was born at Folkestone, Kent, England, on April 1st, 1 578. His father was a sturdy yeoman. He himself was one of nine children, and five of his brothers became London merchants of consid- erable wcilth and of acknowledged worth. When sixteen years of age, Harvey was matriculated at Caius College, Cambridge. His degree in arts was taken in 1597. The University of Padua was then the most celebrated school of medicine in the world, and thither Harvey went, upon his gradua- tion, to study his profession. Five years he spent in this university, under the instruction of the most eminent men in the profession of medicine. In 1602 he received his doctor's diploma, and re- fOOA'. i allonges our thought VVc are counselled d the heart. This is ,'ant man knows how istray. The reason is heart above all other i the issues of life." ibly suggestive, /of sot// d it is, " the going'-- "iking language. It d to-day in the bright ce has shed on the r and anatomy. Dis- e are the most muvked of the circulation of im Harvey immortal. ;, Kent, England, on ■ was a sturdy yeoman. : children, and five of 1 merchants of consid- ledged worth. When Y was matriculated at His degree in arts niversity of Padua was lool of medicine in the rent, upon his gradua- Five years he spent lie instruction of the ofession of medicine. :tor's diploma, and re- f' i-lh^^J'iifi^ ' '%v,*a!v7-i^^t-<^u',i4; ^ *^ V^'-'va. V^^- ,<^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V. /. < % L i/.x %M.y 1.0 I.I 1.25 ■a Kii III 2.2 £ us 1112.0 1.8 1.4 il.6 ^'V'^ o 7 Photographic Sciences Corporation ■J 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 i --, "3 \ T'-i. J . -^T^ -^ -. n:i T i^,-wr,b|g^ar.w«?>jipi:/vif,3«S^vS® 4i^ t I CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques \ \ .Si^iifitfSc^iJf! SUGGESTIVE SCIENTISM OF THE BIBLE. 281 turned to England in the same year. Cambridge also gave him the doctor's degree. He then set- tled in London as a physician. In 161 5 he was Lumleian lecturer at the College of Physicians. He was also appointed a physician to St. Bartholo- mew's Hospital. His first course of lectures was delivered in 16 16, the year in which Shakespeare died, and about that time he suggested and ex- plained those theories of the circulation of the blood which have made his name a household word in every civilized land. In 1619 he gave some publicity to his views, but it was not until 1628 that he gave them fully to the world. In the mean time he had freed his argument from the ob- jections raised by the most skilful anatomists. He was appointed physician extraordinary to James I., and in 1632 to Charles I. In 1636 he publicly demonstrated to Caspar H of man, the distinguished professor of Nuremberg, and one of the chief opponents of his views, the founda- tions upon which they rested. He died in his eightieth year, June 3d. 1657. He expressed frankly his indebtedness to one of his former in- structors, Fabricius, for his discovery. It appears certain that Caesalpinus, who died at Rome about the time that Harvey left Italy, distinctly ex- pressed, in one of his works, his conviction as to the circulation of the blood. But it is equally true that beyond the inductive method of research practised by his Paduan professors and some re- Sif fc£iS^^SM^'^i<'°'?^'^*-5^>'-?'"-«i^-^^ ' ' ,r&'iwfe";^-:'T-^ -i? 282 THE OLD BOOK. suits to which that method led, and their discov- ery of the valves in the veins, the credit of discov- ering the circulation of the blood undoubtedly belongs to Harvey. In this case, as in the case of almost all discoveries, many men had their attention directed about the same time to the re- sults which some one of them would give to the world. As early as the time of Linacre physi- cians knew that the blood was not stagnant in the body. Homer knew this ; so did every augur who inspected the entrails of a victim. Plato uses ex- pressions implicative of this knowledge; so does Shakespeare. But they had no conception of a continuous stream flowing from the heart and re- turning to its source. This discovery, the true cir- culation, Harvey made ; and this the Bible antici- pated. He for a time experienced the treatment which is given to all inventors or discoverers, and was looked upon with suspicion by many and with contempt by some. But he enjoyed the intimacy of kings and of such men as Bacon, Hobbes, Cow- ley, and other persons of great note in England, and he lived to be considered the first anatomist and physician of his time, and to see his discov- eries acknowledged by the ablest physicians throughout the civilized world. )0A'. id, and their discov- , the credit of discov- ; blood undoubtedly case, as in the case lany men had their same time to the re- n would give to the le of Li nacre physi- s not stagnant in the did every augur who ;tim. Plato uses ex- knowledge; so does 1 no conception of a om the heart and re- liscovery, the true cir- this the Bible antici- ienced the treatment rs or discoverers, and on by many and with enjoyed the intimacy Bacon, Hobbes, Cow- eat note in England, ed the first anatomist and to see his discov- le ablest physicians Id. 1 SUGGESTIVE SCIENTISM OF THE BIBLE. 283 Harvey and Solomon. We give all honor to William Harvey ; not one laurel would we pluck from the wreath which crowns his brow. But we are obliged to say that in this passage in Proverbs, as well as in some passages in the Epistles, and in still other parts of the Bible, Harvey's discovery was anticipated by inspired writers. This passage is a plain allusion to the arteries and to their functions in carrying the blood from the heart to the utmost extremities of the body. The heart is the secret source of power. So long as it is capable of receiving and propelling the blood, just so long will at least a reasonable degree of health be enjoyed. When the heart fails to discharge these functions, life must speedily end. Nothing in all the universe is more wonderful than the heart within our bodies. All the blood passes through it. It is stated that in a state of health the heart contracts itself at least sixty times in a ninute, and consequently thirty-six hundred times in an hour; and that at each beat of the pulse it throws out about two ounces of blood, so that there passes through the heart every hour about three hundred and fifty pounds of blood. In order to throw out this quan- tity of blood so that it shall reach as far as two feet into the great arteries, the heart must resist a weight of twelve thousand six hundred pounds. This marvellous instrument keeps on beating, *^^%Q^;-.;iSaiME*^>w»«te^Ti««ffi?#.iiii^-U'-'*««fc>-^'* **- ^---^ ■=^«i«t/^»t*^4*.',rrijn.i^,.^ a84 THE OLD BOOK, whether we wake or sleep, for eighty or one hun- tlred or more years. We are brought into a kind of human sympathy with the throbbing engine in one of our great ocean steamers, as it throbs night and day for six or seven or eight consecutive days. Kut here is this wonderful mechanism within our own bodies performing its marvellous functions every second for threescore years and ten and more. Truly we are fearfully, wonderfully, and gloriously made. The term " heart failure " is a convenient phrase to cover a multitude of sins as well as a great degree of ignorance. Just as the heart is the fountain whence all the issues of life proceed, so the greatest care must be taken that it be preserved in its normal condition. It is not otherwise in spiritual things. The heart is the seat of the affections ; the heart ought to be the throne of Jesus Christ. All the streams of spiritual activity must proceed from Him; all the faculties of the soul, when spiritually it is in good condition, show that God is in immediate control. We must, therefore, watch with the ut- most care that this fountain and its connecting veins are 'ccpt in workable order. If the heart be pure and holy all its purposes will be just and good; if it be defiled, impure, nothing can pro- ceed from it but evil, and that continually. Well may the Scriptures exhort us in the words, " Son, give Me thy heart." Once more we may well ask. How came Solo- )r one hun- nto a kind 5 engine in irobs night •utive days, within our 5 functions d ten and ;rfully, and ilurc" is a ,e of sins as ;nce all the are must be .1 condition. The heart rt ought to the streams n Him; all ally it is in I immediate jvith the ut- connecting the heart be be just and ng can pro- lally. Well ifords, " Son, i came Solo- SUGGESTIVE SCIENTISM OF THE BIBLE. 285 mon to be so wise as to anticipate the discovery of Harvey ' How came Moses to be an authority in sanitary science as well as in cosmological knowl- edge' Medical science to-day. in certain impor- tant respects, has not reached the high point at- tained by Moses thousands of years ago. How can men explain these facts if they deny the in- spiration of the writers of Holy Scripture ? These are scientific facts; they are not the speculations of a pulpit exegete. The time has come when atheism should be discreetly silent, or should hon- estly give glory to God, honor to His Word, and reverence to Jesus Christ as the world's greatest Teacher. The Circle of the Earth. In Isaiahxl.22 wereadi-ItisHethatsit- tethuponthecircleoftheearth. . . . that stretch eth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in/' These are in- structive words by the rapt prophet Isaiah^ How came he to speak of the circle of the earth? Let us look for a moment at his meaning and at the connection in which his words stand. We know that in most Oriental countries it is common to have courts within the houses; and we know that in those countries it is not uncommon for streets o be sheltered from the sun during the hottes hours of the day. A velum (veil or awning) stretched across on ropes from wall to wall. This 286 THE OLD BOOK, is the fact which probably Isaiah had in mind in the language which he uses in the latter part of this verse. The firmament above is thought of as stretched out, expanded over our heads, as a curtain or veil, forming a sort of tent. A similar expression occurs in Psalm civ. 2. God is there referred to as stretching out the heavens like a cur- tain. We know that the houses of most Orientals are constructed with a court in the centre. Houses so constructed may still be seen in Spain and in the countries which formerly were Spain's colonies, and in other lands. This court, or open square, has in it fountains and flowers. The fountains splash, giving an air of coolness and beauty ; and the flowers fill the space with a perfumed atmos- phere. Any one who has visited some of the best hotels or homes in Spain, and who has enjoyed a " siesta " in one of these courts, will readily recall the sweet picture, and will at once see the har- mony between these memories and the suggestions of the passage from Isaiah. In the artificial cool- ness of these courts the family sit, and when the weather is very hot or rainy an awning is drawn over this court area. So Isaiah thought of the heavens as extended like a tent ; and here, in this beautiful pavilion, God had His dwelling-place. But special attention is now called to the first part of the verse. The Hebrew literally meant "the sitter" or "he that sitteth on the circle of the earth." Perhaps the thought goes back to the \ mind in er part of bought of eads, as a A similar )d is tlicre like a cur- ; Orientals Houses lin and in 's colonies, )en square, ! fountains sauty; and ned atmos- of the best enjoyed a adily recall ee the bar- iuggestions ificial cool- X when the ig is drawn ight of the ere, in this ng-place. to the first rally meant le circle of back to the SUCaESTfl-E SCfEA'T/S.V OF rilE HIIU.K. =«? twenty-first verse, as if Isaiah ha.l said, " Hav-e ye not known Him who sitteth on the c.rcle of the earth >" The phrase beautifully sets forth the majesty and glory of God. God is represented as a mighty sovereign making the earth His august throne. It is of importance, then, in our mquiry that we should get a definite conception of what is meant by the words "the circle of the earth The word translated circle properly means circle, sphere, or arch. In Proverbs viii. 27 and Job xxii 14 it is translated with that meaning. ler- haps the phrase is here used in the sense of the I atin term orbis tcrrarum, referring to the earth as an extended plain surrounded by mighty waters^ It is not claimed in this discussion that Isaiah meant definitely to express his belief that the earth was a sphere. Perhaps he had no exact knowledge of the earth's sphericity Perhaps he held the opinion of the majority of the men of his time, that the earth was a great plain. More than once he speaks of " the ends of the earth, mean- ing ^he earth itself, conceived of as a vast plain having well-defined boundaries. Probably this was the prevailing opinion among the ancients. It is, however, here affirmed that Isaiah used language in harmony with the idea of the sphericity of the earth, and thus anticipated the discoveries of a much later day; he thus used language not only not opposed to these discoveries, but language ex- actly in harmony with these discoveries. He used *SSi»:»SloivVe««..'-^»'««'*^'^'^*'''*"' 288 THE OLD BOOK. terms in which clearly lies the germ of all these scientific discoveries and conclusions. Suppose Isaiah had employed language which contradicted these discoveries. How all the little infidels and the puny agnostics would exclaim in their derision of his ignorance ! Why, then, do they not hon- estly lift their stridulous voices in acknowledg- ment of the accuracy of his phraseology ? Why are they not manly enough to give him credit for his anticipations of modern discoveries? How came he to use language so accordant with the most advanced ideas of our time on these subjects, when the cosmogonies of uninspired peoples excite only prolonged and well-nigh uncontrollable laugh- ter? Whence did this glowing, rapt, seraphic Hebrew prophet derive this remarkable wisdom ? Who gave him such understanding? How came he not only to be free from error in his use of language, but to employ terms which suggest the sublime truths of later scientific discovery ? There again stands God. The merit of having first formed the general notion of the Copernican system seems to be due to Pythagoras, but Copernicus really has the credit of having again Jrawn the attention of philosophers to it after the lapse of centuries, and of having in- creased the probability of its truth by his experi- ments and arguments. But the full glory of hav- ing matured its sublime truth belongs to Kepler, Galileo, and others, and especially to the immortal i all these Suppose intradicted ifidels and ir derision y not hon- :knowledg- gy ? Why I credit for les ? How th the most ! subjects, jples excite able laugh - it, seraphic le wisdom ? How came his use of suggest the ry ? There the general is to be due is the credit )hilosophers if having in- ' his experi- lory of hav- s to Kepler, he immortal SUGGESTIVE SCH-NTISM OF THE miU.E. 289 Newton. His discoveries connected with the law of gravitation demonstrated the truth of the broader laws of the Copernican system. Certainly Isaiah knew nothing of Copernicus and his great discov- eries. The clergy in the days of Copernicus and astronomers generally, rejected his theories. How came Isaiah to be wiser than the clergymen and astronomers of comparatively recent centuries. Certainly Isaiah knew nothing of the laws of gravi- tation as they have been formulated by Sir saac Newton. Newton showed that the same force which causes a stone to fall extends to the moon and holds her in her orbit. He showed tha the planets tend to fall toward the sun, the satellites toward the planets, and the moon toward the earth and that all these tendencies are in harmony with the law by which an apple falls to the ground. He did not, indeed, discover gravitation, for it was known from the earliest days; but he applied and formulated the law in harmony with these tenden- cies He finally enunciated the greatest law of nature ever discovered: "Every body in nature attracts every other body with a force directly as its mass, and inversely as the square of its dis- tance " These are syblime discoveries of com- paratively modern days. We fully recognize their utility and rejoice in their sublimity. Apart from the beautiful harmony between Isa- iah's words and the latest conclusions of modern science, there is majesty in his words in their 19 . yfiws^soa.'.'ssj^M*^'*''***'- 20O THE OLD HOOK. relation to God. The inhabitants of the earth, numerous and mighty as they are, he represents as nothing compared with the great God. The Ex- alted One is so exalted, so glorious, and so divine that from His lofty throne He looks down upon the inhabitants of the world, busy, excited crea- tures as they often are, looks down upon them as if they were interminable bands of locusts spread over the vast plains of the mysterious and majestic East. These are truly sublime descriptions of the greatness of Ciod, and striking conceptions of the insignificance of man. We may well ask in the presence of such words, in the language of the Psalmist, "What is man that thou art mindful of him.'" But we remember, also, in the words of the same I'.salm, that God has "made him a little lower than the angels, and has crowned him with glory and honor." Let all atheism be dumb in the presence of the great God! This mighty Being is our Father, our Friend, our Redeemer. With bowed head and uplifted heart let us give Him the homage that is His due, as Creator, Pre- server, and Ruler of this great globe, as in august majesty He "sitteth upon the circle of the earth." f the earth, cprosents as (1. The Ex- lul so divine down upon ixcitcd crea- pon them as icusts spread and majestic icriptions of inceptions of r well ask in guage of the t mindful of :hc words of ; him a little icd him with be dumb in rhis mighty r Redeemer. let us give Creator, Pre- as in august )f the earth," THE ARTISTIC INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 1 XVII. The Artistic Influence of the Bible. In speaking of the relation between the Bible and the fine arts, music, the noblest of all the fine arts, would naturally be included in any category that might be given. But music is so important in itself, and also in its relation to the Bible, which gives it celestial inspiration, and to which it, in turn, gives impressive expression, that an entire chapter will be devoted to the influence of the Bible upon music. The thought in this chapter, therefore, will be limited, in speaking of the artis- tic influence of the Bible, to painting and sculp- ture. We can well indorse the language of Cowper in relation to painting when he says : " Blest be the art that can immortalize, The art that baffles time's tyrannic claims To quench it." We can readily see, also, how great an influence the Bible has exercised over some of the greatest masters of this noble art in the production of their masterpieces. A few general remarks, however, on the subject of painting as a whole, and in illus- tration of the development of this high art, will be :& i-..lTy4£3l!®.;^*«A=*«6^'>'>"-i-«=^'--'^- 294 THE OLD BOOK. in order. We may define painting as the act or art of representing on a flat surface by n-.oans of lines and colors various objects, so as to convey ideas and excite emotions. Ruskin calls painting a noble and expressive language, but of itself noth- ing, although invaluable as the vehicle of thought. There must, therefore, be a valuable thought lying back of the representation on canvas or other ma- terial in order that the representation itself may be worthy of our appreciation or even of our con- sideration. Some critics affirm that painting oc- cupies, as combining with light and shade and color, the chief place in the fine arts. This, how- ever, is an estimate which a sober second thought will not indorse. It must be admitted that as compared with music and poetry, painting lacks the element of movement— an element whose presence is essential to the highest form of art. In its most elementary forms painting must be considered one of the oldest of the arts. Certainly it is older than writing, and it will also be readily acknowledged that as a vehicle for expressing thought in vivid and enduring forms it possesses great advantages over writing. No description can convey so striking an impression as does a pictorial representation. Painting has a great ad- vantage over many of the arts in that it is not limited by differences of language, but speaks in more or less forceful degrees to all nations, what- ever be their language and whatever their degree as the act or I by rr-oans of as to convey calls painting of itself noth- le of thought, thought lying i or other ma- ion itself may ;n of our con- t painting oc- nd shade and 5. This, how- econd thought nitted that as painting lacks ilement whose it form of art. nting must be rts. Certainly also be readily for expressing ns it possesses Mo description sion as does a has a great ad- that it is not , but speaks in nations, what- er their degree THE AUTISTIC INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 29S of civilization. Even the most illiterate can in- terpret, in some measure, the thought of a picture ; those with artistically trained minds and eyes can, of course, get vastly more out of a picture than those lacking these qualities. To the unartistic it may be little more than so much paint and can- vas, while to those who are sympathetic and artis- tic it may represent the noblest thought even of the divine Raphael. But the painting will have a language even for those who are entirely unedu- cated. There is no doubt but that illustrations in the comic papers have controlled more than one Presidential election. In one noted case, at least, one principal representation of a Presidential can- didate did much toward securing his defeat. A former " boss " in New York city feared the rep- resentations of these papers far more than he did the most caustic editorials which the press ever published. Remains discovered in Egypt show that the ori- gin of painting is of great antiquity. As early at least as nineteen centuries before Christ, the halls and temples of Thebes were decorated by painting and sculpture. We know that Ezekiel prophesied about six hundred years before Christ, and he re- fers to paintings in Jerusalem in imitation of those of the Babylonians and the Chaldeans. Many ref- erences show that paintings of the highest excel- lence were executed in Greece at a very early date. Discoveries in the ruins of Pompeii, where the m- :tira^«sB»3ry5*^-^*«**i*-*' 296 THE OLD BOOK. fluence of Greek art was great, show the regard paid in classic times to the art of painting. Many of these remains reflect most damagingly on the moral taste of the people who were buried in that doomed city ; but they remain to this hour testify- ing alike to artistic skill and to moral depravity. The chief schools were in Corinth, Athens, and Rhodes; and the first great artist, according to high authority, of whose works there is any authen- tic description, is Polygnotus of Thasos. The works of ApoUodorus of Athens, Zeuxis his pupil, Eupompus, Parrhasius, and Timanthes, and others carried the art to a high degree of perfection, and made it conspicuous down to the time of Philip, the father of Alexander the Great. But the greatest master of ancient painters, as is well known to all students of this art, was Apel- les, the son of Pythias, who probably was born at Colophon on the Ionian coast of Asia Minor, al- though some authorities name other locations as his birthplace. His ideal portrait of Alexander wielding a thunderbolt exercised no little influ- ence in the development of Alexander's character ; this portrait was preserved in the temple of Diana at Ephesus. Alexander is reported to have said concerning it : " There are only two Alexanders, the invincible son of Philip and the inimitable Alexander of Apelles." He flourished in the lat- ter half of the fourth century before Christ. His contemporary and rival was Protogenes of Rhodes. V the regard ting. Many ;ingly on the uried in that hour testify- al depravity. Athens, and according to 3 any authen- 'hasos. The xis his pupil, s, and others :rfection, and Tie of Philip, it painters, as irt, was Apel- y was born at ia Minor, al- r locations as of Alexander 3 little influ- ;r's character; nple of Diana to have said ) Alexanders, he inimitable led in the lat- Christ. His les of Rhodes. T//£ ARTISTIC INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 297 The Etruscans followed the art at a very early period in Italy. Their finest specimens are paint- ings on tombs, and the remains of armor and fic- tile ware ornamented with various figures. These show the influence of Greek art in the develop- ment of Etruscan taste and method. It is not a little remarkable that no great school of classic art flourished thus early in Rome. Many of the chief adornments of Roman palaces were the work of Greek artists, or Roman artists working under the influence of Greek masters, as is well known. When the seat of empire was carried to Byzan- tium, the earlier art came to be recognized as Byzantine art. The influence of Christianity on painting came to be marked in Italy as early as the thirteenth century. It was powerfully illustrated in Ger- many, especially in the fourteenth century. In the next century we have the name of Albert Durer, "the prince of artists," as he has been called, and others entitled to fame. The English school was later in origin and slower in development. There has been a distinct American school of paint- ing since the year 1825, when Thomas Cole origina- ted what is known as the American school of land- scape painting. His views on the Hudson find a ready market, and his allegorical pieces are still more famous. They are well known in America and in Europe as charming representations of natu- ral scenery characterized by boldness and beauty. 298 THE OLD BOOK. Biblical Art. We are at present especially concerned with the development of Bible art, showing as it does the powerful influence of Bible teaching, ideals, and inspiration on the minds of the greatest artists. Indeed, the greater the artist the more conspicu- ously does the influence of the Bible appear in his noblest compositions. The greatest painters of every country show alike in conception and execu- tion the influence of the Bible on their master- pieces. Raphael's cartoons, Transfiguration and Madonna, are sufficient to immortalize him in the land of his birth and throughout the civilized world. He has been called by his countrymen // Divino — "the divine." We can scarcely look at his own portrait without being impressed with the propriety of this designation. The finest specimens of his cartoons now in existence are those at Hampton Court. They were sent first to Flanders^that they might be copied in tapestry ; but the tapestries are far inferior to the original designs. One set of these copies is now in Rome, and the other was purchased from England and carried by a Spanish ambassador to Spain. The cartoons at Hampton Court were purchased by Rubens for King Charles I. These cartoons are striking commentaries on important Scripture narratives, and although not always entirely accurate, are suggestive and strik- rned with the , it does the g, ideals, and ;atest artists, ore conspicu- appear in his t painters of 3n and execu- their master- iguration and ze him in the ivilized world, n // Divino — ik at his own I the propriety cimens of his J at Hampton iers^that they tapestries are One set of the other was by a Spanish 5 at Hampton King Charles nmentaries on although not live and strik- THE ARTISTIC INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. =99 ing. As his Transfiguration was his greatest, so also it was his. last work. In order that his genius might find its highest inspiration, it was necessary for him to climb the Mount of Transfiguration and catch the heavenly light which fell upon Christ and His disciples. Raphael died on the thirty- seventh anniversary of his birthday— that being a fatal birthday with many men of genius— and this painting, not yet completed, was carried to his grave at his burial. It represents Christ soaring above the earth and swimming in glory, Moses with the tables of the law on one side, Elijah on the other; and the three disciples, just aroused from sleep, partly blinded by the dazzling light, are at their feet. The painting has been criticised because it represents the maniacal boy and his troubled father with the disciples on the moun- tain-side. The point of the criticism is that this scene was distant in time and place from the trans- figuration. But the union of the two is an illus- tration of remarkable genius on the part of Raphael. He did not wish to leave the side of the mountain unoccupied and barren, and he wished also and chiefly to teach that the disciples had a duty in the plain below in healing the lunatic boy after they had received ti-ansfiguration blessings on the moun- tain above. In this Bible gallery we must, of course, see Michael Angelo's " Last Judgment." This is a work of resistless power. Its solemn teaching no 300 TH6. OLD BOOK'. beholder can entirely resist. Angelo, when in the zenith of his power, was almost unrivalled as painter, sculptor, and architect. He might have been famous in either of these great arts, and m the union of the three he possessed an unapproach- able fame. He was as lofty in genius as he was noble in origin. This great picture of " The Last Judgment" was painted for the hall of the Sist.ne Chapel in Rome. This colossal fresco is nearly seventy feet in height, and in its production he surpassed all his former works, alike in his power of invention and his consummate knowledge of the human form divine. But for the inspiration of the Bible this great work would have been an utter impossibility. Neither can we be indifferent to Correggio's " Notte "-Night. The charm in this remarkable picture is that it represents the light as raying out from the Child fesus; the entire scene is lighted only by the celestial splendor beaming from the head of the infant Redeemer. In this gallery of Bible paintings we cannot pass over Guido Reni's " Crucifi.xion. " This is in the church of San Lorenzo in Rome. It represents fervent spiritualism, and fixes indelibly upon the mind of the beholder this most awful scene in the life of our divine Lord. Carlo Dolce's " Christ Blessing the Bread and Wine" and "Christ on the Mount of Olives" bring our Lord before us in blended human tenderness and divine majesty. This painter was filled with the thought of Christ s when in the nrivalled as might have arts, and in unapproach- us as he was )f " The Last )f the Sistine SCO is nearly )roduction he : in his power iwlcdge of the jiration of the )ecn an utter indifferent to charm in this icnts the light is; the entire stial splendor ; Redeemer, ive cannot pass This is in the It represents ;libly upon the ul scene in the )olce's " Christ nd " Christ on Lord before us divine majesty, aght of Christ's THE ARTISTIC mPLUENCE OF THE BIBLE, jot tenderness and love, and that characteristic appears in all his works. No one who has ever seen Mu- rillo's •' Moses Striking the Rock," " Abraham and the Angels," and especially his famous " Immacu- late Conception" can ever forget the vision of his artistic genius. He was born at Seville, Spain, and in the Royal Gallery in Madrid no fewer than sixty-one of his famous works are exhibited, and one hundred and five of his paintings are in galleries in London. The " Immaculate Concep- tion " is now in the Louvre, it having been bought in 1852 for $120,000. _ Rubens' " Descent from the Cross fixes tor- ever in the mind of every beholder that sad scene. He was one of the greatest of Flemish painters and is the acknowledged head of the Flemish school He combines energetic action with breadth of thought and brilliancy of color to a remarkable • and harmonious degree. It is not necessary to speak at length of Da Vinci's " Last Supper, painted in oil on the wall of the refectory m Milan, of Titian's "Tribute Money." Tintoretto s « Crucifixion," West's " Death on the Pale Horse,^ " Christ Healing the Sick." Martin's " Belshazzar s Feast." Eastlake's "Lament over Jerusalem Holman Hunt's " Light of the World." Dor6 s "Christ Leaving the Pretorium." Ary Scheffer s " Christ Rearing His Cross," " Christ the Conso- lator " and " Christ the Remunerator." nor of the wonderful series of paintings by Tissot recently 30a THE OLD HOOK. exhibited in America. Benjamin West, of whom mention has just been made, was born in Penn- sylvania, of Quaker jiarcntage. He was the first American artist ever seen in Italy, and he natu- rally attracted much attention. He was buried in London in 1820, with great pomp, in St. Paul's cathedral. The fact is that the Bible is greatly honored in the greatest picture galleries of the world. It would be quite impossible to understand many of the noblest productions of human genius were we not familiar with the Bible narrative. The Bible gave these men their inspiration. It placed before them their high ideals, and drawn by artistic gen- ius combined with spiritual emotion these artists wrought, embodying their highest thought, and crowning the Christ of God with honor and glory.. It is a remarkable fact that William Bowyer, an eminent English printer and classical scholar, spent thirty years of his life in illustrating the Bible. He procured engravings and other draw- ings referring to Bible subjects, and interleaved them in an edition of the Bible. Mr. Walters tells us that the work extended to forty-seven vol- umes and embraced seven thousand subjects. Mr. Bowyer, who was nominated Printer of the Rolls of the House of Lords, died in 1777, having spent much of his later leisure hours in the delightful occupation of showing how art has drawn its inspi- ration from the Bible, and how it has honored the .-^jP,,^y,tfj.j-t^;>afe^'^Tfai >t]- | »! » W IW /est, of whom )orn in Pcnn- : was the first and he natu- was buried in in St. Paul's tly honored in he world. It stand many of ;enius were we e. The liible : placed before )y artistic gen- 1 these artists thought, and inor and glory., im Bowyer, an ssical scholar, llustrating the nd other draw- ind interleaved Mr. Walters orty-seven vol- subjects. Mr. er of the Rolls 7, having spent the delightful Irawn its inspi- las honored the THE ARTISTIC INFLUENCE OF THE HUU.E. iOi liible with the divinest illustrations of its noblest genius. (Ireat painters have evermore seen how their art is made immortal by drawing their sub- jects of inspiration from the Holy Hook. It is marvellous that many students of art admire the artistic stream, while they affect to despise the Bible as the artistic fountain whence these streams have flowed. A much longer list of great painters might be given, all of whom have drawn their subjects from, and ever found their ideals in the word of God. But the list given is sufficient to show the power- ful influence exercised by the Bible on one of the noblest arts of ancient or modern life. Sculpture and the Bible. Painting and sculpture arc sister arts. They are closely related in origin, atmosphere, inspira- tion, and achievement. They are worthy of being placed side by side in this discussion, as both so largely draw their inspiration from the Bible. Greece in the palmy days of its classic fame exer- cised a remarkable influence on the development of sculpture in all succeeding ages. It is frankly admitted that the Bible did not exercise so great an influence on scultpure as on painting; for the influence of Greek ideals has been felt on sculp- ture as related to Christian art. The Greeks ex- celled in producing in marble the human form. vISW^ttii-B^i*;* 304 THE 01 n ROOK. and no other nation has ever been able even to approximate their hiRhcst achievements. Greece made the most careful studios in this respect ever made by any nation. Mer whole social system tended to the development of physical strength and beauty. The aim of her social and medical science was not to restore to health and strength feeble children; they were permitted to die in order that only the strongest and finest might sur- vive. God made the Greeks great sculptors sim- ply under the inspiration of nature ; but any stu- dent of the art can discover that these classic artists fail in giving to their work the loftiest sen- timent, as Christian ideals have ennobled that sen- timent. The Greeks had a fine eye and a deft hand for physicral beauty, with an exquisite appreciation for all its sensuous charms. Their figures seem almost to breathe the breath of life. The story of Pygmalion and his bride is scarcely a myth. This legendary king and celebrated statuary of Cyprus might almost be considered, in the fable which gives life to the beautiful ivory statue of a maiden which he had made, as being but the incarnation of the perfection of Grecian art. But that art had no high moral feeling; it ministered chiefly to voluptuous desire. It did not exalt the soul with noble ideas of moral purity and goodness. It is doubtful whether the Greeks in this regard were in any degree in advance of the people of Nine- veh, Egypt, and other great nations of antiquity ij.j»iB^rti«»sf!*^:£»*J=«^" -S«;s««*-OT^ xble even to nts. Greece respect ever ocial system ical strength and medical and strength id to die in St might sur- culptors sim- but any stu- these classic ; loftiest sen bled that sen- id a deft hand ; appreciation • figures seem The story of I myth. This ary of Cyprus ; fable which le of a maiden le incarnation It that art had red chiefly to the soul with Ddness. It is s regard were ;ople of Nine- s of antiquity r///-: /tA'r/sr/c ixfluknce of Ttrr Pini.E. 305 who made remarkable progress in sculpu* c Art was not associated with religion or morals. Gff-rit as were Phidias and Praxiteles, they needed the refining and elevating atmosphere in which An- gelo and Canova did their noble work and won their enduring fame. When the immortal sculptors turned aside from classic models, they went to the Bible for their subjects and their ideals. We now enter upon a new era in the history and influence of sculpture; we now come to the great enn(>blement of this exalted art. We now sec that sculpture has spiritual and moral beauty, such as it never had in the days of its highest classical attainment. Let us enter this hall of Biblical sculpture. We behold at once Ghiberti's - Sacrifice of Isaac " and also his "Gates of Paradise." Michael Angelo gave Ghiberti the noble tribute of admiration re- garding the gates to the baptistery of Florence by saying that they were worthy of paradise. We have here also Donatello's " St. Peter and St. Mark," Angelo's immortal "Moses," Canova's " Penitent Magdalen," and Thorwaldsen s • Christ and the Apostles. " Without doubt Thorwaldsen was one of the greatest of modern sculptors ; with- out education to any great degree, he won by his artistic genius the enthusiastic indorsement of the ablest artists of his day and a royal reception in Copenhagen, as well as the affection of his nation and of lovers of art throughout the world. He 20 ?itt,.se««fci'*»B<*=J' -SS^i^**"- 3o6 THE OLD BOOK. was moved by Christian ideals, and his whole soul responded to the exaltation with which those ideals enabled him to conceive and to execute his immor- tal works. These are but a few of the many illustrations which can readily be given of how the Bible has influenced sculptors and painters of the loftiest genius. We see at every instance the refining, ennobling, and sweetening influence of the Word of God and the life of Christ on the minds and hearts of these sons of genius, these disciples of art and masters of fame. Their noblest inspi- rations came from the presence of Christ in their work. The Bible was their most valuable and valued text-book ; and at the feet of Jesus Christ they laid their highest artistic wreaths of triumph. In all departments of human effort the noblest genius should be stimulated to its highest and divinest work as it finds its inspiration in the school of Jesus Christ. It is difficult to speak with patience of the shallow critics of the Bible who are enraptured over the charms of artistic genius, but who deny to this book the honor of having given subjects, ideals, patience, motive, and inspiration to the immortal artists in all Chris- tian lands and times. ■ •if'S^ l^.i;r«lf»;OJ.1 ^.--^^'*»^'"^'^"'^"^ *^Vrft*^**«S^«* »^ * — "^ proper for only ;d only in spirit, the song; and should be per- services of song, onverted should eligious worship, as to whether it netre devised by ible to learn new me authoritative, Recent revival AT conceptions re- ted States as well r rest assured that 2 embodiments of : and of religious ;r lose their hold Itured and conse- ilON. eart of the proph- ir uttered a great Iso to some degree are in some meas- y music is one of las bestowed upon 1 its highest point MUSICAL INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE. 3«3 When it is inspired by deep religious devotion^ Nothing is more certain than that the operettas of the hour are only for the hour. They do not pos- sess the true elements of endurance; these ele- ments are found only in musical compositions that are imbued with the religious spirit. The same remark applies to all forms of literature. All great classic poems, tragedies, and dramas are really religious. They embody the deepest relig- ious experiences and emotions of which their au- thors were possessed. We may say that the great classic authors were heathen; the statement is true Nevertheless they wrought under the influ- ence of a religious inspiration ; and that inspiration has given immortality to these great dramas and tragedies. The profound questions which have been discussed by Christian authors were in their essence discussed by these tragedians and drama- tists. A moment's thought will show that at heart many problems of Christian theology are closely related to the subjects of these great dramas and tragedies. They were often attempts to discover the deep things of God, or to justify the ways of God with men. It has been finely said that- " Devotion borrows music's tone, And music takes devotion's wing ; And like a bird that hails the sun. They soar to heaven, and soaring sing. To the Bible we are indebted for many of the greatest musical compositions the ablest musical 3M THE OLD BOOK. geniuses have yet given to the world. No one can lay the slightest claim to musical knowledge, or to the possession of musical taste, who has not seen and admitted the powerful influence of the Bible in its thought and emotion, in the devel- opment of musical sounds. Ambrose, bishop of Milan in the fourth century, invented what is known as the Ambrosian Chant. This chant was founded on the first four " authentic modes " of the ancient Greeks, and was sung antiphonally. It continued until the close of the century, when the Gregorian chants were introduced. To the Bible we are indebted for the development of these chants or tones, with all their choral melodies and their profound influence in the development of musical taste and Christian life. To the Bible also we are indebted for the Kyries and Sanctnses. The Kyrie is a form of prayer which occurs in all the ancient Greek liturgies. All who have heard the services of the Greek Church in Russia will remember the almost resistless influence of this part of the service, sung in its melodious mono- tone by the men in the choirs of the Greek Church. We know also it is to the Bible we are so pro- foundly indebted for the great TV Deims which have place still in books of service and in the wor- ship of so many churches. One cannot think of the TV Deutn Laudantus, sung on so many occa- sions of triumph and thanksgiving, without pro- found emotion. This is certainly one of the '^*^CB«2S«Wi--*-»~».fcX>«M»;**».*'*"'*^"l*M-'''^^ ias«««««iii»W*«S!IS«S«15K».5S««*««*M*''«'«**'*'''-^ rid. No one il knowledge, , who has not luence of the in the devel- )se, bishop of nted what is his chant was nodes " of the iphonally. It ury, when the To the Bible lent of these [ melodies and jvelopment of To the Bible and SanciHses. h occurs in all ho have heard in Russia will fluence of this lodious mono- Greek Church, ire are so pro- Dentns which ind in the wor- annot think of so many occa- j, without pro- ly one of the MUSICAL INSPIRATION OF THE BIB I.E. 31 S noblest productions of uninspired men ever used in religious worship. Its authorship is uncertain. There are well-founded traditions which describe it as the joint production of Ambrose and Au- gustine, on the occasion of the baptism of Au- gustine by Ambrose. It is said that it was chanted as Augustine was coming forth from the water, he and Ambrose bursting forth in this glorious song by a common inspiration. From this supposed ori- gin the Te Dam is often called the Ambrosian hymn. Christians of all names and creeds have joyously joined in chanting this glorious produc- tion of sanctified musical genius. Later Musical Productions. To the Bible we are also indebted for the grand chorals of Sebastian Bach, who was born in Eisen- ach, 1685, and who died in Leipsic, 1750. It is stated on high musical authority that excepting Handel. Bach had no rival as an organist. It is true of him as of Handel, that his great religious works are his immortal monument in the history of music. He belonged to a transition period ; " standing be- tween the polyphonic music written in the contra- puntal and imitative style, and the harmonic music of definite tonality, his name is at the head of the German school, and he is sometimes called ' the musician's musician.' " His great works include the four settings of the "Passion," the "Christ- mas Oratorio," the "Easter Oratorio." and the }^gfgi;t^^jSKi^£ttiiiili3**- 3iC) T!TF. OLD ROOK. " Magnificat," and almost innumerable Scriptural cantatas for Sundays and fast days. He has given us a collection of fugues to display his knowledge of counterpoint. But for his religious faith we should never have had this superlative musical genius. , , u A similar remark will apply to Handel, who has • given us " Israel in Egypt," " Samson," " Saul," and especially the "Messiah." Though a native of Germany. Handel spent so large a portion of his life in England that Britain may almost claim him as one of her own sons. It was in England that he composed many of his greatest works. Becoming discouraged by the attempt to give opera in London in a foreign language, having lost many thousands of pounds in the effort, he left in 1 741 for Dublin. A friend gave him some passages of Scripture, as he was starting on his journey, as the text for a great oratori.. t on these he composed his "Messiah," which was first known as the " Sacred Oratorio." It was pro- duced in that city first for charitable purposes. It has since given him fame throughout the civilized world Parts of it were composed in the deepest conceivable religious spirit. Tears mingled with the ink as some of its notes were written. He himself has told us that in writing its glorious Hallelujah Chorus he seemed to see the great God in whose presence he felt himself to be standing Parts of it so stir one's religious emotions, as well * t «a)=5^«6&^*«»' ■a«««i«ii»«0««S»^.»*<»*****"*'*" .«-JI»sS»eHK»fe>*^««'**'-*i"»*^^'"***''- ,IR««!i«iSlli>»**««»**" Table Scriptural He has given y his knowledge ligious faith wo lerlative musical Handel, who has amson," " Saul," Though a native rge a portion of nay almost claim was in England greatest works, attempt to give language, having in the effort, he id gave him some s starting on his aratoriv • on these which was first 0." It was pro- able purposes. It ;hout the civilized sed in the deepest ears mingled with vere written. He riting its glorious . see the great God elf to be standing. s emotions, as well MirsiCAL lySPfRATlO.V OF THE BiniE. 3' 7 as charm one's musical taste, as to suggest the idea that if heaven have anything musically finer, we must have a development of endurance, else the joy of the heavenly scene would consume us with its rapturous delight. Blind as he was. he still composed his matchless music, and being led to his seat at the organ, played it in the midst of the plaudits of his delighted audiences. On Good Friday. April 13. i759. he died, as he said in hopes of meeting his good God, his sweet Lord and Saviour, on the day of his resurrection. Handel will live forever in the loving memory and the delighted experience of every appreciative hearer of the noblest religious music. But for the inspiration of the Bible, Haydn would never have given us his "Creation." It has been truly said that the celebrated chorus of the "Creation," "The Heavens Are Telling, is perhaps second only to the Hallelujah Chorus of Handel's " Messiah. " Joseph Haydn was born on the confines of Hungary and Austria, m 1732. In the suburbs of Vienna he composed his orato- rios "The Creation" and "The Seasons." The harmonies of "The Creation" are pervaded with • the fires of youth, although it was written in his sixty-fifth year. Some critics consider this equal to the finest productions of Handel. " The Sea- sons " was almost his last work. But time would fail to speak at length of Mo- zart, who has been called the Raphael of music. 3>8 THE OLP BOOK'. Mc certainly was one of the greatest geniuses in musical history. In \79^ ^ mysterious order came for him to write a requiem, just as he was starting for Prague. This reciuicm has made his name immortal. Musical critics affirm that he com- bined the characteristics of the Italian and German schools with marvellous skill ; and also that to his great musical genius he added the suavity of man- ner and the beauty of sentiment rarely found even in the sons of the highest art. I le died before he had completed the great work on which he was laboring, and his body found rest in a pauper's grave, no trace of his grave being found, although a monument has been erected to his memory. To the inspiration of the Hible Heethoven is indebted for his grand " Missa Solemnis," and his other great composition, " The Mount of Olives.^' There were several well-marked periods in his musi- cal history. Shut out as he was, in large measure, from the enjoyments of social pleasures, he found compensation in a world of his own imagination, and brought forth from it those imperishable treas- ures of harmony which have given him rank among immortal artists. Some of his greatest creations belong to what is known as the second period of his artistic life; but the " Missa Solemnis" is the product of the third and last period of his remark- able career. This and other works produced at that time belong to the highest sphere of art. It has been said by musical critics that the deep St geniuses in lUS order came e was starting ;ulc his name that he com- m and German ilso that to his iiavity of man- c\y found even died before he which he was in a pauper's ound, although i memory. : Heethoven is ;ninis," and his unt of Olives." ods in hismusi- . large measure, isures, he found m imagination, )erishable trcas- lim rank among eatest creations lecond period of olemnis " is the i of his remark- rks produced at )here of art. It i that the deep MCS/CAl. lXSr/K'A7/0X OF THE HIIU.E. 3 '9 mysteries of his last works can be apprehended only by those possessed at > nee of deep religious and artistic emotion and of wide and accurate tech- nical and musical knowledge These critics also affirm that the chorus in the " Mount of Olives," "Hallelujah to the l-'ather," is worthy to be placed in the same category with the sublime chor- uses of Handel and Haydn. In 1824 his ninth symphony and parts of the grand " Missa Solem- nis " were performed, but he was so deaf as not to hear a sound. It was the bitter irony of fate that he who had given unspeakable pleasure to so many thousands by the art of sound should be deprived of hearing. His heart was wounded by the in- gratitude of a nephew ; and he died during a ter- rible thunder-storm. March 27th, 1827. The Lon- don Philharmonic Society relieved the anxieties of his death-bed, and his last words were expressions of thanks to his English friends. The Bible also gave Mendelssohn his imperish- able oratorios, " Elijah " and " Paul." But time would fail even to mention the name of every one of the noble artists whose greatest productions were inspired by the Word of God. One is often astonished at the strange neglect of the Bible by the delighted listeners in concert halls to the music of these sublime oratorios. One aim in these lectures is to show the indebtedness of music to revelation, and of art generally to the old Bible which many so largely neglect, and of which occa- .t**l*tfcV«i-"i«'*-'>-- *'^'s''' 390 THE OLD BOOK. sionally they speak with a disrespect as surprising as it is reprehensible. Better Things to Come. We may be quite sure that the Bible has still greater musical inspiration for some musical ge- nius of the present or a future generation, than it has ever given to the musicians in the past. Its resources are by no means exhausted. John Rob- inson, in addressing the Pilgrim fathers as they were starting on their perilous journey, uttered a great truth when he said : " I am very confident the Lord hath more truth yet to break forth out of His holy Word." All forms of human genius find in- spiration in this divine book. We may be abso- lutely certain that some consecrated musical genius will yet give the Church a nobler Te Dcum than the one which has been joyously chanted these hun- dreds of years; that some future Bach will give us a grander choral than even his which has risen from the heart and trembled on the lips of thou- sands of reverent singers; that some other Handel will tell us of new glories in the Messiah which even hb did not discover, or which at least he did not declare in his immortal oratorio; that another Haydn will reveal to the world new beauties in creation, and will show that " The heavens are telling " a sublimer song than that which he wrote and which has echoed through the world ever since; •espect as surprising Come. the Bible has still •r some musical ge- e generation, than it ns in the past. Its jausted. John Rob- ;rim fathers as they as journey, uttered a \m very confident the ireak forth out of His luman genius find in- . We may be abso- crated musical genius »ler Te Dcinn than the y chanted these hun- ure Bach will give us his which has risen 1 on the lips of thou- lat some other Handel in the Messiah which which at least he did aratorio; that another vorld new beauties in : telling " which he wrote and the world ever since ; MUSICAL INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE. i2\ and we may be sure that Beethoven has not ex- hausted the varied poetic and tender associations of the Mount of Olives. It is impossible to ex- haust the charms of God's unwritten Bible of na- ture ; it is equally impossible to exhaust the match- less wonders, the unspeakable beauties, and the heavenly glories of God's written Bible of revela- tion. New themes will suggest themselves to new .ausicians, as they will also to future poets, teach- ers, and preachers. New perfections in the char- acter of Christ, new elements in the Fatherhood of God, will constantly be observed, and will be joy- ously declared in song and sermon, in sculpture, painting, and music. In proportion as musical art is consecrated to the glory of God, it will be en- nobled in spirit, exalted in utterance, and immor- talized in influence. The world awaits the com- ing of the great singer, the inspired preacher, and the resistless musician. Such will always have place and power in the advancement of the king- dom of God among men. All true religious be- lievers are members of God's great chorus. They are all undergoing a process of training for partici- pating in the world's sublimest song. The whole creation now groans, waiting to be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. The whole creation is waiting, watching, and praying for the complete adoption of God and the entire redemption of body and soul through Jesus Christ. Yonder on the 31 1ifeSe^^ai;*^&M«e»!«T««.nv TIIF. OLD BOOK. !» of glass mingled »ith fire are those that have rtten the victory, standing, having the harps »( ?;Ta»aiting the moment when the divme Leader onhirrLemed choir shail give the sign^^ -« nipotent reigneth. OK. are those that have having the harps of len the divine Leader ;ive the signal to sing orus ever uttered by luman ears: "Great rorks, Lord God al- rhy ways, Thou King or the Lord God om- THE LITERARY INCITATION OF THE BIBLE. IgCTBTjill -J^'r-^'-^'igi'' ■* ^^iWtey»r ^'MJJ«^ '''>^« * ^'"'-^°'*'°^^'-^ XIX. The Literary Incitation of the Bible. The Bible has exercised a powerful influence on all forms of literature. When the mind of man comes into contact with the mind of God, all hu- man faculties are aroused. Mind sharpens mind in all human relations. How much more, then, is it true that the human mind is aroused, energized, and ennobled when it comes into contact with the mind of God. This is true as God is studied in nature, in providence, and in revelation. The Bible ennobles every language into which it is translated. It intellectualizes and to some degree spiritualizes every people among whom it is dis- seminated. It is the suggestive remark of Dr. James Hamilton that God not only made the Bible instructive, but also attractive; and he illustrates this idea in its relation both to the physical world and the divine Word. God, as he indicates, might have made a world without a carpet of verdure or a ceiling of blue; He might have made a world without mountains, cataracts, or forests, and with- out rainbows or flowers. A comparatively plain world, consisting of pasture land, arable fields, clumps of trees, magazines of fuel, and a few other jmfn^)U!MmMr'if^t*r^Bt>.-^. _t,.>-^^-.^'V^«ry--- A'. d never have been eat works to which had it not been for lod. This German se writer as well as has a high place in the cantos of his dike for nobility of faith ; and he exer- itional taste of his beneficial. Goethe, pstock had become (wledged the whole- n German thought, d by French influ- but he broke loose and gave the honor ry. His "Messiah" verse and prose in ics. We know well idebted for Young's Pollok's " Course of i works which occupy re of different centu- :he Bible in suggest- 1 literature is scarcely in giving intellectual ration. But for the in Scott's "Ivanhoe" UTERAKY INCITATION OF THE BIBLE. 335 William Walters, after remarkmg *f ^ta^J peare, Byron, and Southey owed some of therr best Lenes L inspiration ,o the Bible says : At the ™..estion of a valued friend I have turned my t ougtoto the parallelism between Macbeth and kt^etween Lady Macbe* an J.e e,,_^be. rrhrrmTy:rr.rLidofthedea* o Absalom by Joab; to the parallel between rtre openir, - of the lamentations of Jeremtah and By- roTs apostrophe to Rome as the Niobe of the nations! to L parallelism between h.s own ode to Napoleon and Isaiah's ode on the fall of Sen IS and also to the -emblan^ be^een Southey's chariot of Carmala, m the curse ol Kehama, and Ezekiel's vision of the wheels; and ";« forcibly impressed with the obUgat.ons of these writers to the sacred Scriptures merever the Bible is widely diffused and care- fuirr^d it develops all the intellectual facul- t^s' The Dark Ages were such in cons,derab e ^r, because there was then a famine of he Worf ll God Wherever that condition prevails to-day, u A. The Bible is now, and long illiteracy abounds, the Dime ■- 336 THE OLD BOOK. has been, practically excluded from Spain. What is the result ? There ignorance, superstition, and bigotry have long been dominant. The fact is that the Roman Church has never favored popular education. In countries like the United States, where Protestantism prevails, she has been com- pelled in self-defence to open schools of her own. But her true attitude toward the education of the ir.asses is seen in countries where she has long had undisputed sway. In the " Encyclopaedia of Education," edited by the superintendent and as- sistant superintendent of public schools in New York City, in the article on illiteracy, we are told that in Italy illiteracy is 73 per cent, in Spain it is 80 per cent, in the Argentine Republic 83, in Poland 91, and in Mexico 93, while in so-called heathen China it is only 50 per cent. Out of the total popuation in Spain of about eighteen mil- lions, recent statistics affirm that twelve millions are illiterate. Similar statistics could be given of Cuba, Porto Rico, and other countries from which the Bible has been long virtually banished. Priestly domination practically excludes the Word of God ; and its exclusion results in the triumph of ignorance, superstition, and tyranny. The Bible has exercised a powerful influence in restraining immoral literature as well as in creat- ing a literature that is pure and noble. It is impossible to overestimate its indirect influence along this line. The best way to preach down Spain. What iperstition, and The fact is avored popular United States, has been com- )ls of her own. location of the : she has long ncyclopaedia of endent and as- ;hools in New cy, we are told ;nt, in Spain it Republic 83, in le in so-called t. Out of the eighteen mil- ;welve millions ould be given :ountries from lally banished, udes the Word n the triumph my. ul influence in ell as in creat- noble. It is irect influence preach down LITERARY mCITATION OF THE BIBLE. 337 error is to preach up truth, and the only way to drive out darkness is to let ii. light. The Bible thus e.xcludes ignoble and immoral literature by filling the home and the heart with noble thoughts, pure inspirations, and divine aspirations. Thus the Bible is in all times and lands the friend of knowledge, the herald of progress, the source of literature, and the richest benediction to human life in all its broad ranges and varied interests. He is the enemy of much that is most beauti- ful in culture, most exemplary in character, and most divine in literature who would rob our edu- cational institutions of the presence and power, as a literary excitant and as a spiritual inspiration, of the inspired book of the ever-living God. This book, when rightly studied, will enable each of its students to say, ^ Ith clarified minds and purified hearts : " Thy v/o*^f "s ? lamp unto my feet and a light unto my p'a.' aa i. THE LEGISLATIVE DOMINANCE OF THE BIBLE. J rp^ XX. The Legislative Dominance of the Bible. The Bible has exercised a boundless influence on the legislation of all civilized nations. Few legislators pause to reflect on their great indebted- ness to the Bible, alike for the principles of law and for the formulation of that law in different countries. It is not too much to say that the last four books of the Pentateuch furnish the founda- tion on which the methods of right legislation have been constructed. We have in the Deca- logue the germ of all moral duty in all the varied ranges of life. Our Lord with His matchless wis- dom in affirmation of great principles— a wisdom never surpassed and never equalled — reduced the Ten Words to two statements ; one table of the law He included in His declaration of the duty of su- preme love to God, and the other table of the law He included in His affirmation of the duty of equal love to our fellowmen. There is not the slightest do^bt but that the influence of the Decalogue fil- tered through all the strata of human thought and life, not only in Israel, but to a considerable de- gree among other nations also. The study of the entire sacrificial system among the Greeks shows 342 THE OLD BOOK, that they learned much from the inspired teaching which controlled the Hebrews in their religious life. Indeed, the brightest torches of classical philosophy, poetry, and literature generally were kindled on Jewish altars. God made the dispersion of His ancient people contribute greatly to the il- lumination of all the nations of the earth. Doubt- less the dispersion and captivities of the Israelites were controlled by God alike for their own warn- ing and instruction and for the impartation of essential religious truth to the nations by which they were surrounded. There is little doubt that the Mosaic code in its essential features was known in many countries in which arose the most cele- brated founders of systems and formulators of laws. The Sublime Decalogue. Nothing can surpass the grandeur and subll ty of the circumstances in which the Decalogue -^s given to Moses, and through him to the people of Israel. The people since their departure from Egypt had passed fifty days on their memorable journey. The fiery pillar went before them by night, and the cloudy pillar by day. They were now conducted into the very heart of the desert. They were now prepared by such miracles as the manna and the smitten rock to receive the most stupendous and the sublimest of all the revelations which God had yet bestowed. Nothing could sur- spired teaching their religious les of classical generally were e the dispersion reatly to the il- ! earth. Doubt- of the Israelites their own warn- impartation of itions by which ittle doubt that tures was known the most cele- formulators of »GUE. ur and subll ty ; Decalogue -^s to the people of departure from :heir memorable before them by lay. They were t of the desert, miracles as the eceive the most II the revelations •thing could sur- LEGISLATIVE DOMINANCE OF THE BIBLE. 343 pass the grandeur of the scene when the law was given to the people. On the lofty heights of the Sinaitic range of mountains — eminences rising toward God as if they were the ruins of some ancient world — with the Persian Gulf on the one side and the Red Sea on the other, God came down, making these splintered peaks and hoary rocks His august pulpit. The region was new to the people of Israel, although not unknown to their great leader and lawgiver. Often in that same Horeb Moses had fed the flocks of Jethro, and at the bush that flamed with fire he had received his solemn commission. Few places in all the earth could have been chosen by God more suitable, by loftiness, solitariness, and sublimity, for the impar- tation of the divine message to men. These moun- tains rise to a height of nearly ten thousand feet. They stand in majestic grandeur above- the barren plains. This region was God's sanctuary, as this mountain was God's pulpit. Here the book of heaven, written on tables of stone, was given to the waiting peoples. The Decalogue is well worthy, in itself, of the remarkable conditions under which God communi- cated it to His chosen people. We are not sur- prised that the people almost feared, in this solemn environment, to hear the voice of the Eternal. Never was a code of law in which so much mean- ing is found in connection with so much simplicity and brevity of statement. The old Talmudic name, ._J 344 THE OLD HOOK. the Ten Words, expressed the truth that God con- densed into a few sentences the greatest truths ever communicated to the human race. These words are so plain that a child can readily appre- hend their meaning; they are so few that they can be committed to memory with little effort, and never be forgotten. Compared to the numerous intricate and perplexing laws upon the statute- books of all the civilized nations, the Decalogue stands out unique in simplicity, solemnity, practi- cality, and divinity. The first table is distinc- tively religious. It teaches what is our true relation to God as Creator and Preserver. The second table is moral, declaring our true relation to our fellowmen. In the first, God is presented as the supreme object of worship ; and in the sec- ond we are shown the possibility of worshipping God aright by the faithful performance of our duties toward one another. We have in this remarkable code great principles capable of universal and spir- itual application. We may well say with Joanna Baillie : " The terrors of that awful day, though passed, Have on the tide of time some glory cast." No wonder the people were filled with holy awe and silent wonder as they witnessed the thunder- ings and the lightnings, and listened to the noise of the trumpet proclaiming the existence, the power, and the holiness of the great God of Israel and of the whole earth. They might well ask, s,™w-«~*— t-'*"'^'"'**''*" h that God con- greatest truths in race. These n readily appre- e\v that they can ittle effort, and :o the numerous )on the statute- s, the Decalogue lolemnity, practi- table is distinc- hat is our true Preserver. The our true relation jod is presented ; and in the sec- y of worshipping ance of our duties n this remarkable iniversal and spir- . say with Joanna hough passed, flory cast." ed with holy awe ssed the thunder- tened to the noise le existence, the reat God of Israel : might well ask, LEGISLATIVE DOMINANCE OF THE BIBLE. 345 " Who is like unto Thee, O Lord .' " Israel has never entirely forgotten the solemn experiences of the hour when this divine law was received. Ref- erences to that solemn experience are found in psalmody, prophecy, and history. It was a sensa- tion too solemn and divine ever to be forgotten, even by those schools of thought among the Israel- ites in which the divine mission of Moses and the inspiration of the ancient Scriptures are but lightly esteemed. No wonder that Disraeli said : " The life and property of England are protected by the laws of Sinai ; the hard-working people of Eng- land are secured a day of rest every week by the laws of Sinai." Not only the people of England but the people in all civilized lands have reason to bless God for the Decalogue. The subsequent history of Israel, to a large degree, revolved around the holy mount. Our Lord did not come to de- stroy the law; He positively affirmed : "Think not that I am come to destroy the law. ... I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." That law stands revealing the holiness of God, and summoning mankind to duty toward Him and toward one an- other. Jesus Christ did honor to that law; noth- ing has been abrogated. It was simply fulfilled by His perfect obedience to God and His holy life among men. This Decalogue is the first statute- book against idolatry and polytheism. Its very first commandment says: "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me." That is the very heart of ___._^_..j 346 THE OLD BOOK. all true worship. We may have many objects of desire and affection, but the moment any desire is cherished in preference to God, that moment we become in heart idolaters. A child who can repeat that command is wiser than Socrates or Plato, than Homer or Hesiod, for these philosophers and poets were worshipping lords many and gods many. This same law sets apart one day in seven to the service of the Almighty. This is one of the most beneficent enactments in the history of humanity. This law consecrates one day in seven to needed rest and to divine worship. It lifts up its hand, saying to toil : " Thus far shalt thou come, and no further." The man who opposes the Sab- bath is an enemy to the race and an enemy to God. Our Sunday is God's benediction upon struggling humanity in its manifold cares, burdens, and sor- rows. Humboldt, who certainly was not a preju- diced observer, says : " The selection of the sev- enth day is certainly the wisest that could have been made. To some extent it may be optional to shorten or lengthen labor on other days, but in regard to man's physical power, and for persever- ance in a monotonous employment, I am convinced that six days is just the true measure. . . . When in the time of the Revolution I spent several years in Paris, I saw this institution, despite its divine origin, superseded by a dry and wooden decimal system. Only the tenth day was a day of rest, and all customary work was continued for nine I: !WT-.,-.-;«^^»rf^S-t>V«'>."la-i*«fc*iW«i A :5AS4i^^OS«.'«#*i.r<^-Hl*rf*:-^?ff^?l3>»^-''*^^«««^«^^ ^ objects of ny desire is moment we can repeat ;s or Plato, philosophers ny and gods Jay in seven IS is one of fie history of day in seven It lifts up It thou come, »ses the Sab- lemy to God. m struggling ens, and sor- not a preju- \ of the sev- t could have yr be optional days, but in for persever- am convinced . . . . When several years ite its divine oden decimal 1 day of rest, med for nine LEGISLATIVE DOMINANCE OF THE BIM.E. 347 long days. This being evidently too long, Sun- day was kept by several, so far as the police per- mittcd, and the result was too much idleness. No man will ever be able to state the world s in- debtedness to the day of holy rest, and to all the other requirements in the divine Decalogue. INFLUEN'CE ON OTHER NATIONS. Attention has already been called to the excel- lent as well as wide influence which the Decalogue has exerted upon other nations. Scholarship is conclusively showing the mutuality of indebted- ness between the Egyptians and the Israelites. This is a comparatively new, and it promises to be a very fruitful, line of inquiry. Until lately, many persons hesitated to admit that the Hebrews learned from the Egyptians; and many scholars unsympa- thetical toward revealed religion, were unwilling to admit that the Egyptians borrowed anything from the Hebrews. Without doubt, the indebtedness is mutual. The Phoenicians, as a branch of the great Semitic race, and as brought in many ways Fnto contact with the Israelites, borrowed very largely from the Hebrew code of laws, as well as from other forms of ceremonial and religious in- struction. During three centuries (1300-1000 B c ) the Phoenicians covered all the islands and coasts of the Mediterranean with their forts and factories. The ^gean Sea. with all its islands, was in their hands. They sailed along the shores IR^^'jfiMa^^^'!-^ 348 THE OLD BOOK. of the Black Sea, founded colonies in Spain, and passed over the Atlantic to Britain. They were a marvellous people. There is no doubt whatever but that the Greeks borrowed generously from the Phoenicians , the careful inquiries of our own day are thus developing the indebtedness of one nation to another. To Minos, one of the mythological kings of Crete, the celebrated " Laws of Minos " are ascribed, and he is said to have received from Jupi- ter the wisdom which he embodied in these laws. Here a great truth is taught— the truth that the human mind requires divine illumination before it is capable of formulating a code of laws for the government of a people. It is not unlikely that traditions were handed down to the people con- cerning the historic fact of a divine revelation made to Moses, and through him to the people of Israel. Lycurgus, the celebrated Spartan law- giver, is supposed, although his history and legis- lation are involved in such obscurity as to be al- most mythical, to have flourished about 880 B.C. The traditions inform us that he travelled in many foreign lands, including Asia Minor, India, Egypt, and Iberia; that he compared the political situa- tions of the various countries he visited, and that finally he returned to Sparta, filled with knowl- edge, and thus fitted to be one of the greatest law- givers of the race. The true theory, no doubt, is that which supposes Lycurgus thus to have col- lected, codified, and enlarged the previously exist- »fjartriwayi«;s!*»l4P6it^ i»-:i--*sai*<^.'»«** 354 THE OLD BOOK. eminent was the law of the land, and the heavy hand of law came upon those who desired to wor- ship God in ways not indorsed by the Puritan ec- clesiastics. To the Yioble Baptist Roger Will- iams belongs the high distinction of being the first to found a state, Rhode Island, that entirely separated civil government from religion, — that truly recognized the right of every man to abso- lute religious liberty. This principle was finally adopted in the Constitution of the United States. And the influence of these American and divine principles is powerfully felt to-day in Europe and throughout the whole world. Even Great Britain does not possess entire religious liberty ; non-con- formists suffer many disadvantages, and are sub- jected to many forms of humiliation. We trust that the day will soon come when the Anglican Church in Wales and England, and the Scottish Presbyterian Church in Scotland will be disestab- lished by law, as the Anglican Church has been in Ireland. In our heart of hearts we all can sing with Cowper : " 'Tis liberty alone that gives the flower Of fleeting life its lustre and perfume ; And we are weeds without it." The men who fight the battles of civil and re- ligious liberty in all parts of the world are the m».a who believe in the Bible. The great tree of liberty is sending its roots down into the soil of every land, and its blessed fruits will soon be gath- 1 the heavy ired to wor- ; Puritan ec- loger Will- f being the hat entirely igion, — that lan to abso- 5 was finally lited States. 1 and divine Europe and Ireat Britain ty; non-con- ind are sub- , We trust the Anglican the Scottish be disestab- ch has been we all can er e; civil and re- 'orld are the great tree of the soil of ioon be gath- LEGISlATiri-: DOMINANCE OF TITR HIIU.E. 355 ered by all nations, whatever their color or creed. In the Bible alone can be found the inspiration which will lead to true " Liberty, Equality, Fra- ternity. " For nearly a century these three words have embodied the creed of many lovers of liberty in France and other parts of the world. No doubt they have been used without proper meaning or limitation, and have done much on the continent of Europe to cause the movement known as " the Revolution." But the true interpretation of these words is suggested by the Word of God. The Bible led to the doctrine of equality, as set forth in the American Declaration of Independence. That doctrine is incarnated in the words, " All men are created equal." John Adams, the friend and successor of Washington, and second President of the United States, has stated rightly this doctrine in the words : " That all men are born to equal rights is true, . . . but to teach that all men are born with equal powers and faculties ... is as gross a fault ... as ever was practised by monks, by Druids, by Brahmans, by priests of the immortal Lama, or by the self-styled philosophers of the French Revolution." But for the principles of God's Word the eman- cipation of the serfs in Russia would never have occurred. It is well known that when Alexander the Second was but a child, his father, the Em- peror Nicholas, observed him sad and thoughtful Upon inquiry as to the cause, the boy replied : " I ,.*«(t^*^^fc*.i*UW-»i*>>.*i'*»-*^'^-''*t«'**^ '**t£:^ ii*»so(#*ii«-"«S?»*»M*>v^«h«s^.v , r) J ,-.'lWa fc»JV'^4WJ' tWJlClihiw i^ ! m jtW-. gf ' 356 THE OLD BOOK. 35" emperor I nv>11 cmancip Efforts were made to fill the coy ^^^^ ^^^^^^3 -«. ™' '" tt s^overS^'^at in reading the '"P"'"''"^Jvo"hf , Alexanclcr learned that al rr:trUn. that C^ had ;n,aa^^^^^ rretr^ThesTtruttdrppeda^anin- ''", He "din.othe heart o( the young prmce^ cnrrupt.ble seed .nt ,„engthemng ».th They grew w..h im grow , ^^ ^^^ his strength, and at last they ._^ T='TthjE:arXpr::^aLtioihythe trr^l U-l) - save liberty to over forty millions of Rus^an serfs .^^ ^^._^^^^_ When the Bible ;»="' ™ „ wi,iation and and so supreme, -"J- "J .^'^ ^l, by .he il- ?::::^;':::,rgwrdtreate Shall he real. ized in every nation. Then- " Shall all men's good Be each man's rule, and universal peace Ue like a shaft of light across the land And like a lane of beams f -;];^";,''.. Through all the circle of the golden year. vhen I become " This reply Efforts were tractions of the ht these serious it in reading the learned that all 1 had " made of Iwell on all the Iropped as an in- he young prince, engthening with )udded and blos- ise (two years in 9clamation by the rty to over forty lad its legitimate, all legislation and len Year by the il- eate shall be real- THE DOMESTIC FELICITIES OF THE BIBLE. s good iversal peace OSS the land, thwart the sea, ,e golden year." ^jsi^fitjf'"-^'* i»** „i...?i*«iaiJ'*-f -**?'H Fi£A*»i«.iB*»'^* s,3tp.«4».ui»b*«*?ft--'i''' XXI. The Domestic Felicities of the Bible. This is a very broad and an equally suggestive and instructive subject. It is also a subject of special interest in our day. Seldom has there been a time in our country when the teachings of the Bible touching all the questions relating to home and family life were more needed than at this hour. The Bible surpasses all other books in the wisdom with which it answers important and often perplexing questions in family life and daily duty. It is the great statute-book for all times and nations. Only as its teachings are fully under- stood and clearly obeyed is family happiness pos- sible. Only as its laws become incorporated into human codes will family life realize its high and holy ideal. Our city and country have recently acquired an unenviable notoriety because of flagrant disobedience to the laws of the Bible in regard to marriage and divorce. A portion of the commu- nity, often spoken of as the "four hundred," has become conspicuous for its degrading disregard of family propriety and divine law in relation to personal purity and appropriate marriage. The Scotch word "sconnered" excellently expresses ip 360 THE OLD hOOfi'. the feeling of disgust entertained by a consider- able proportion of the bett.-r rlasspH Rorially and religiously, regarding this recent violation of the laws both of God and man. We are greatly in need of uniform laws governing marriage and di- vorce—laws which shall be str'ctly observed in all the cities of the American Union. We are greatly in need of the observance of the Word of God as the one rule governing all the relations of life. The whole country has been so humiliated in the eyes of the civilized world by the gross, vulgar, and altogether abominable course pursued by those to whom reference has just been made, that the need of such laws is keenly felt. Questions have often arisen as to the canons of various churches regarding the marriage of divorced persons. The true statute-book touching this matter is found in the New Testament, in the words of the Lord Jesus Himself. We shall never be wiser than was the great Master; we shall ever be guilty of folly until we accept His words as the only law govern- ing all these delicate and holy relationships in life. Society and the Bible. In these recent days a new significance has been given to statutes affecting society and socialism. We have brought into common use the phrase "social science," and the somewhat barbarous word " sociology. " By social science is meant the considcr- rially and ion of the greatly in ;e and di- sserved in We are le Word of elations of miliatedin OSS, vulgar, ;d by those e, that the itions have IS churches sons. The is found in Lord Jesus an was the ty of folly law govern- ionships in ce has been d socialism, the phrase t barbarous is meant the DOMESTIC FEUCrnt.S OF THE Jim I.E. 361 study of all that relates to the social improve- ment of the community. A society was organized under the leadership of Lord IJroiigham, July. 1857, Its aim being to consider the best means of uniting and harmonizing all the elements that may cooperate in the common advancement of the people. Organizations-now exist in different parts of the United States, and under the general term sociology the study of the origin and develop- ment of human society is carried on by many phil- osophical and philanthropic men and women. Ml that relates to social well-being is of the utmost importance to every well-wisher of the human race. Socialism has become a significant feature of our time. Historically it is a prodact of the French Revolution. That revolution was itself in some sense a protest against the feudalism of the Middle Ages. In the eighteenth century, in France, England, and Germany, a new social so- ciety giving great prominence to the rights of humanity as a whole became conspicuous. Per- haps the first manifestation of that modern spirit of industry was an extreme individualism. Now it has become socialistic rather than individual- istic. Here, as everywhere, the great principles laid down in God's Word must finally become the dominant influence and the guiding force, else the best interests of individuals and communities can- not be preserved. Without doubt, society is an institution of God. All men have instinctive 362 THE OLD BOOK. cravings for companionship. No tendency in the human race is more marked than its greganous- ness Our various faculties and affections require congenial society for their symmetrical and so ap- propriate development. We are depen-^ent one upon another from the cradle to the grave. The Word of God tells us that God has set the solitary m families, that man was made for domestic life, for friendship, and for citizenship, with all their varied privileges and consequent obligations. Society demands that we relinquish certain privileges to which we might be entitled if we lived as savages or remote from human habitations, Just in pro- portion as we enjoy great advantages in huinan fellowship, must we abandon certain individual rights. Society is made up of such relinquish- ment because of the advantage which comes from association. This principle is illustrated in urban lif- at every point Many things a citizen of a great city must set aside which he might possess were he living in a rural community. But the gain in other directions far more than compensates for the loss in any given regard The Bible everywhere recognizes the divine ori- gin of the family and of 30ciety; and the Bible supplies the right motive and due direction in the performance of the varied duties which these rela- tionships imply and necessitate. Everywhere the spirit of the Bible is conducive to the sanctifica. tion and exaltation of the home. It has been said tendency in the its gregarious- iffections require ;trical and so ap- pen'^ent one upon ave. The Word t the solitary in domestic life, for th all their varied ;ations. Society ain privileges to ; lived as savages ns, Just in pro- ntages in human ;ertain individual such relinquish- vhich comes from lustrated in urban igs a citizen of a he might possess munity. But the ; than compensates zes the divine ori- ty; and the Bible ue iirection in the s which these rela- Everywhere the e to the sanctifica- It has been said DOMESTIC FELICITIES OF THE BIBLE. S^S that the dearest words in our language are mother, home, and heaven. Certain associations of the ut- most tenderness gather about each word m this remarkable triad. We can ill spare all that the old-fashioned word home suggests in oui personal and family experience. There is no word in the French language for home. It is true that there are in that language various partial substitutes for this beautiful and inspiring word. The word is in Anglo-Saxon ham; in German it is hetm, and it is allied to the Greek word kdme, meaning a vil- lage It has this meaning also in all the languages in which it appears in its various forms ; and that old Teutonic idea is preserved in such names as Burnheim, Nottingheim, Hochheim, and Mann- heim But in our ordinary usage the word is far more tender and suggestive than if it were ex- tended to include a village, or if it were limited to the house in which one resides. Dryden well ' * ' Home is the secret refuge of our life. " While the French have substitutes for this word, even they themselves will frankly admit that they have no exact equivalent for this word. AH that is meant in the relation of husband and wife, parent and child, brothers and sisters, is wrapped up in this tender word home. Even the grave is spoken of in Script.re as our "long home." and no thought of heaven is more precious than that suggested by the words "our heavenly home. 1,64 THE OLD BOOK. This idea of home the Bible everywhere recog- nizes, emphasizes, and sanctifies. The Bible also gives sacredness to the marriage relation In one form or another marriage is one of the oldest institutions of society, and is the source or product of some of its most ancient laws. Two institutions come down to us from the hap- piness and holiness of Eden, marriage and the Sabbath These divine institutions hav, outlived the cataclysm which separated man from God and man from man; they have thus survived the fall and are anticipations of Eden restored. The ne- cessity for the regulation of the relations of men and women in family life has been felt m all the ages of human history; a similar necessity obtains also in defining their obligations to their children^ The practice of the greater nations of the civilized world indorses the marriage of one man and one woman at a time; but monogamy is a compara- lively recent development of marriage. Few so- cial studies are more important and instructive than those connected with the marriage relation as it has been developed in many civilizations and as it has manifested itself in different centuries a^d religions. In 1085 Hildebrand declared mar- riage to be a sacrament of the Church At the Reformation Calvin elevated that thought to a still higher level, declaring marriage to be an institution of God. Unfortunately, the school which recognized Grotius as its leader made mar- where recog- the marriage rriage is one y, and is the ancient laws, irom the hap- •iage and the hav, outlived from God and vived the fall red. The ne- ations of men felt in all the cessity obtains their children, of the civilized e man and one r is a compara iage. Few so- ind instructive irriage relation ;ivilizations and ferent centuries d declared mar- :hurch At the t thought to a riage to be an ely, the school ader made mar- DOMESTIC FELICITIES OF THE BIBLE. 36S riage simply a contract or partnership. We are at present suffering in the United States from the inconsistency of our laws in regard to the whole subject of rnarriage and divorce. As already im- ;ied in this lecture, we never shall reach salutary ground until we take the Word of God as our great ftatute.book touching this important relationship n life Its profound principles, if fully obeyed, would "sanctify and glorify the ^^^^'^J^ '^'^l^, Tnall instances where that relationship ^s robbed of its power, this sad -result is due to the total or partial neglect of obedience to the great statute- book on mLiage as on all other ^-an -laUon- ships It will be well for all our churches to get back to the plain and authoritative teaching of the H ad o the Church in deciding every question regarding marriage, divorce, and all family rela- ''Thl' Bible also sanctifies family life. Itjv^^^ parents the honor of the obedience to which they a e entitled. It stimulates brotherly and sisterly e and binds the members of the family togeth- n consideration and affection. It has been well Taid that "The Bible transforms the h-e -^^ the home." There is no true family life where 's p esence is not enjoyed and its precepts obeyed. The importance of the family relation was recognized even in heathen times and fami- Ues. A^ong the Greeks the family or hou^e w recognized as the nucleus of society. Aristotle 366 THE OLD BOOK. went so far as to speak of it as the foundation of society ; and he quotet' Hesiod as declaring that the original family consisted of the wife and the laboring ox. Strangely enough, in that conception of family life the ox was considered as occupying the position of a family servant. The Greek idea of family life includes tlie idea of the slave in his relation to a man and his wife. The Roman idea associated the family life still more closely with that of the state. The position of the father was taken as the basis of the political and social rela- tion of the people. In Christian countries the family bond is exalted, sweetened, ^nd spiritualized. Marriage is made an essential condition of the 'rue development of home. Home, then, becomes i.:t merely a house, not merely a shelter, but it suggests comfort, de- cency, purity, nobility, and godliness. Only as these ideas are preserved and illustrated does fam- ily life become estimable in itself and a benedic- tion to the children in the home. Every home ought to have an open Bible as the symbol of su- preme authority. Such an influence would be more beneficial than the wisdom of all the statesmen of all the ages. The principles of the Bible will allay every passion, inspire all noble ambitions, sweeten every drudgery, and beautify every obliga- tion in every family. This spirit makes the birth of every child a time of solemn joy and thoughtful thanksgiving; it hghtens tv.^ -crrc,.. oi sickness, oundation of iclaring that wife and the .t Conception as occupying e Greek idea ; slave in his Roman idea closely with le father was d social rela- nd is exalted, age is made ivelopment of ;rely a house, comfort, de- ss. Only as ted does fam- nd a benedic- Every home symbol of su- vould be more he statesmen the Bible will lie ambitions, ' every obliga- akes the birth .nd thoughtful , oi sickness, DOMESTIC FELICITIES OF THE BIBLE. 1^1 and makes death but the porter who opens the gate of glory to the departing soul. We cannot tro strongly emphasize the value of godly homes in building up the nation. Finely has Father Hyacinthe, in one of his Notre Dame Conferences, as quoted by Mr. Wil- liam Walters in his little volume entitled " Claims of the Bible," said : " Show me families worthy of the name— true domestic commonwealths— father a,-id mother, king and minister, enthroned together in che midst of the circle of their children, talking to them of ancestors, of honor, of duty, and being hearkened to— commanding in respect, and still more in love and being obeyed; show me a father, kihg in his home, and so much the more free in the world without as he is authoritative in the world within; show me homes like these, and I will show you republics! The genuine free citi- zen is the father, respected and obeyed at home. It is out of such sturdy materials as these that lasting social order can 'be built." Divorce and the Bible. This relationship has already been touched upon in the preceding remark' , but it is deserN'ing of fuller emphasis. It is well known that the desire to obtain release from matrimonial bonds has man- ifested, itself in every age and under every civili- zation Thi? release was often granted in heathen nations on the slightest grounds. The Romans 368 THE Ol.n BOOK. considered marriage as little more than a conven- tional union, and as such it was observed only so long as it suited the convenience of both parties to the contract. Christians take much higher ground, adopting as the basis of their systems the Scriptural law as given by the Lord and His apos- tles. Marriage among Christian nations was gen- erally regarded as a sacred tie, to be dissolved only on the ground of infidelity to the marriage vow. Unfortunately now, by many Christian people, and apparently with the sanction of Christian churches, this Scriptural ground for divorce is largely aban- doned. In Roman Catholic countries the principle laid down by the Council of Trent, in its decree declaring marriage indissoluble even when both parties had violated its Scriptural conditions, has been generally observed ; but in those countries it is not a little remarkable that dispensations can be secured with the utmost ease, and that according to the very highest testimony, in countries so distinc- tively Catholic as Porto Rico, and Mexico, it is affirmed that one-half of the families are living without having gone through any form of marriage whatever. They are not even under what is known as a common-law marriage ; and most of their chil- dren are born outside of wedlock. In many of these countries the priests have been accustomed to charge sums of money for the performance of the marriage ceremony which the poor people were unable to pay, and the result was that marriage DOMESTIC FELICITIES OF THE PIBLE. 3^9 in a conven- rved only so both parties luch higher systems the [id His apos- 3ns was gen- ssolved only arriage vow. 1 people, and ian churches, largely aban- the principle in its decree \ when both nditions, has : countries it lations can be ; according to es so distinc- Mexico, it is es are living n of marriage ?hat is known : of their chil- many of these xustomed to mance of the people were that marriage was to a large degree entirely discarded. Even in other conditions, where persons desired to con- tract marriage, they were forbidden by the canons of that Church, and dispensations have been se- cured without much difficulty which permitted the consummation of the marriage in violation of all ecclesiastical canons. Luther and Calvin taught that divorce should be granted on what were known as Scriptural grounds, and also for mali- cious desertion. There is probably no reproach attaching to American social life today greater than the ease with which divorces can be secured. The reasons assigned are often most ridiculously frivolous, and yet the divorces are granted; and often those thus divorced, as in this recent case in New York, step across the bounds of New York state, and almost before the ink is dry on the de- cree of divorce forbidding the one proved guilty to remarry, a remarriage is consummated in another state. The time has come when all true American citizens must declare their abhvirrence of a system which permits so degrading a condition of things. The peculiarly offensive feature of impropriety is that the parties to it are known as being active in Church life, and especially in a Church whose can- ons such a marriage violates. But they remain in the enjoyment of their church relations without discipline, and soon they will have social and ecclesiastical approval. 24 37° THE OLD BOOK. Woman and the Bible. The Bible has been to a very remarkable degree the friend of woman. In the Orient woman is man's toy or slave by turns, and sometimes she is virtually both at the same time. In continental Europe she is honored as nowhere in the Orient; but even in continental Europe her condition is often one of marked dishonor. She sometimes is at work in the fields yoked with an ox. and is fre- quently the drudge and virtual slave in the home. In Great Britain her position is much more hon- ored than anywhere in continental Euorpe. In America she receives a degree of respect, position, and honor not surpassed, perhaps not equalled, even in Great Britain. Here she is man's equal, his companion in all the tenderest relationships and in all the holiest duties of life. This is peculiarly woman's century; its last quarter has given her honor in all the walks of business and professional and social life as never before in human history. She is queen of the home, and the home is pecul- iarly her domain of noblest influence, while that influence is extended at the same time to many kinds of professional life and to some of the duties of a business career. There is no doubt but that the long and marvellous reign of Queen Victoria has tended greatly to the honor of woman in every- civilized land. Her influence has purified her court, and has tended to the purification of every «£-.0»3(W«Q*-«6.^-*«»»>^ »^* •kable degree nt woman is etimes she is n continental n the Orient ; r condition is sometimes is ox, and is fre- : in the home, ch more hon- . Euorpe. In pect, |t>osition, equalled, even in's equal, his ationships and is is peculiarly has given her nd professional human history, home is pecul- ice, while that time to many ne of the duties doubt but that Queen Victoria woman in every LS purified her kation of every DOMESTIC FELICITIES OF THE 1URI.E. 37' royal court on the globe ; that influence has bright- ened the lowliest home, and has ennobled the humblest womanhood in every country. It was an American who gave us the phrase, " the quecn- liness of the woman, and the womanliness of the queen " ; and it was an American who gave the world the toast, "Victoria, queen of Great Brit- ain and Ireland, empress of India, and woman of the world." In Greece, in the days of her classic glory, woman was merely a slave ; the only woman who might enjoy the intellectual companionship of men was a woman of a class whose very name is a dishonor to womanhood in every age and land. This class of women were educated, and permitted to associate with educated men. The most hon- ored figure on a woman's tomb, in that day of classic glory in Greece, was a muzzle, suggesting that she should not speak, and a pair of reins, teaching that she should be driven by her hus- band. In Rome the honor and reverence given to her now in the most intelligent lands of Christen- dom were utterly unknown. The Bible teaches the true relation that ought to exist between the sexes. Tennyson in his noble words— words that will live through all coming years— but expresses the thought of Scripture regarding woman in the tender relationship of marriage, when he tells us that woman — ' ' Is not undevelopt man, But diverse. Could we make her as the man. C*.t.*j(N«!n*^'«^"'»W*^-' '■ 37 « THE OLD HOOK. Sweet love were slain , l>is dearest bond .9 thU. Not like to like, but like in difference. Yet in the long years liker must they grow. The man b.- more , woman, she of man He train in sweetness and i'. moral height. N r lose the wrestling thews that throw the world. She mental breadth nor fail in chlldward care. Nor lose the chiUllike in the larger mind ; Till at the last she set herself to man.^^ I ike perfect music unto noble words. The Bible blesses all ranks and conditions, as it does both sexes, in society. It makes the nch LXatetpdthepoora^^^^^^^^^^ Todr^b ::ti;;:r— ^^^^ the lowliest cottage and in the most splendid pal- ace The poor have ever found the Bible to be the best guide in life, and Jesus Christ to be^e r dearest and truest friend. The spirit of the Bible ha built hospitals, orphanages, academies col^ Wes and all the noble institutions of all the noblest charities. It has bridged over the chasm between classes, uniting all in one true and nob e brotherhood. The spirit of this brotherhood is presen only as the spirit of Jesus Christ and of the C"ed Bfble is also present. Nothing is more certain than that the Gospel is the harmonizer o an the conflicting interests of ^^^^^f , Jj alone levels society-levels it up and not d^wn^ Jesus Christ was a working man, and the labo^'^ will find in Him evermore his truest friend A^l hat is true in communism is the offspring of -* '^ga}^:-^K 1 " .T».«niv.'»e;» loved the gre^t ; Then lots were (airly portioned ; Then spoils were fairly sold ; Then Romans were like brothert. In the br.^vc days of old." *WI nting-liouse; let honv. ; let it be will be vealized •earn of the elo- i his "Lays of the poor, the gre^t ; ned ; aid; >thert, »fea -^f ^;n;.yjit. : ^ ,'^ftri',Js!iyii:''f'^-'*^f ^•■-'^.-■''f *- " ai IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I lis Ki 1 2.2 Sim ■■ £f Ui 12.0 1.8 |i-25 111.4 11.6 fliotographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 W^^ # k -,mte5"i#S^SB**^"S.J*sS*3§:^*^^«^^'^^SSJ^i!»6 ES»;i.-::„.,- s^^.•,:.E.ri^&5.%A#•"'■ i5".% • {; CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. ^.■ Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques y^^mM i»tJ«««»«r»»VOT«ie»lS«.«BK!rfSlsa-aSJ»!4!>«='''''-*"'-- - I'' ".'!"-'■" -"-■■ THE INDESTRUCTIBLE VITALITY OF THE BIBLE. IL JI|JiU-4|].>i i J WgWIW.^ W> i j ! n-iA-.La.um..i,a XXII. The Indestructible Vitality of the Bible. The writer of the epistle to the Hebrews speaks of the Word of God as "quick and powerful." This is striking language. The common transla- tion uses here the old and now almost obsolete Saxon word qtdck. The word means living. The word translated powerful is in the original ener- getic. It is a word instinct with force, and this inherent force makes it powerful in its outward manifestation. The Word of God is not simply living, it is life-giving; it is not simply vivid, it is vivifying; it is not only vital, it is vivific. The apostle Peter expresses a similar thought when he affirms that God's book " liveth and abideth for- ever," and also that " the word of the Lord endureth forever." There is majesty in this description of the divine word. Amid all earthly revelations, amid the fading glories of earthly things, this book abides, unchanged and unchanging. It never loses its power. It thus comes to pass that the writers in the New Testament echo the eloquent words of Isaiah in his prophecy when he declares that " the word of our God shall stand forever." Empires have risen and fallen, kings have triumphed and a;*k;w.;^w,*- 378 THE OLD BOOK. then have vanished from sight, but God's prom- ises are unfaiUng ; His word, like Himself, is " the same yesterday, to-day, and forever." It is endowed with immortal youth, with resist- less power, with unfading glory; it is more granit- ic than granite, more enduring than the diamond, more unconsumable than asbestos. What it is to- day it has been in all the past, and will be in all the years to com., unchanged and unchanging. Nothing is more remarkable than the contempo- raneousness and indestructibleness of the Word of our God. It is abreast to-day of the most advanced commerce, the most developed science, and the most cultured intellect. As well might one say that the sun and moon had become obso- lete, as to affirm that the Bible was obsolete or even obsolescent. The Sermon on the Mount as delivered by our Lord must ever be in advance of the highest thinking of the greatest philosophers of the world. One looks in vain for the enduring monuments in the organizations of Minos, Ly- curgus. and other founders of systems and crea- tors of laws. Where are their books to-day? They have lacked enduring vitality. But no tyrant has been able to burn the Bible, no traditionalism to choke its vigorous growth, no heretic to corrupt its heavenly teaching, and no priestly power to destroy its dominant influence with those who hear gladly the words of the Lord. The fires of criticism have larg-^W destroyed the fables of the God's prom- (iself , is " the , with resist- more granit- the diamond, kVhat it is to- will be in all unchanging. he contempo- of the Word of the most oped science, Vs well might become obso- is obsolete or the Mount as in advance of t philosophers r the enduring of Minos, Ly- :ems and crea- to-day ? They ; no tyrant has aditionalism to etic to corrupt estly power to ith those who 1. The fires of ,e fables of the THE VITALITY OF THE BIBLE. 379 Shasters and the Koran, but from the heated fur- nace of criticism the Bible has come forth uncon- sumed and unconsumable. Never was its vitality greater than it is at this hour. Were it destroyed, much of the happiness of the world would wither; our sweetest hopes, our tenderest relations, and our brightest prospects would perish were this book destroyed. Its destruction would cloud the scene of hope with doubt, fill life with despond- ency, and death with despair. Better blot out stars, moon, and sun from the natural sky. better rob earth's green carpet of grass and plant and flower, better take every charm from home and family, than rob the world of its noblest treasure, its brightest hope, its divinest book, the holy Bible. Resisting Manifold Opposition. The Bible early came into contact with that strange milange, that almost indefinable combina- tion of heathenism and Judaism, mysticism and Christianity, known as Neoplatonism. This sys- tem of thought was largely devised by Plotinus. Porphyry, lamblichus, Hypatia, and Proclus were its leading representatives in different centuries. It was an eclectic philosophy, and was nearly co- eval in origin with Christianity. Later, however, it developed into a system largely pantheistic, and so it became distinctively anti-Christian. At a time when asceticism was in great favor, and when ill: "" 38o THE OLD BOOK. mysticism charmed many thoughtful minds, this system of philosophy possessed many attractions. Clement, Origen, and other Christian writers show some sympathy with it in its earlier stages. Many causes combined to give it popularity. It was a time when the old heathenism was losing its power, and when various systems of thought were strug- gling for recognition. Perhaps its chief founder was Ammonius, called Saccas because of his em- ployment as a corn porter. He is usually consid- ered the founder of the Alexandro-Roman school of Neoplatonism. He was born of Christian par- ents, but being absorbed in the study of heathen philosophy, he apostatized from his earlier faith. Without the advantages of broad culture, he de- veloped an enthusiastic love of knowledge, and his great abilities enabled him to overcome his earlier disadvantages. Plotinus was the first fully to de- velop the system. He was born at Lycopolis, a city of Upper Egypt, a.d. 205. A fundamental principle of his philosophy was to gain a knowl- edge of the essence, the principle of things, by immediate intuition. This system of philosophy was long powerful, and at one time it seemed as if it would become dominant even in countries where Christianity had been preached. Porphyry became the greatest disciple of Neoplatonism and the most famous opponent of Christianity. His original name was Malchus, the Greek form of the Syro- Phoenician word Malek, which signified king. THE VITALITY OF TTIF. PIP IE. 38t il minds, this ly attractions. I writers show itages. Many ity. It was a >ing its power, It were strug- chief founder sc of his em- isually consid- Roman school Christian par- dy of heathen s earlier faith, lulture, he de- irledge, and his )me his earlier St fully to de- ,t Lycopolis, a L fundamental gain a knowl- of things, by of philosophy ; it seemed as \ in countries ed. Porphyry tplatonism and istianity. His :ek form of the signified king. He is supposed to have been born at Batanaca, the Bashan of Scripture, or, according to other authori- ties, at Tyre, a.d. 233, and to have died about. 304, and probably at Rome. It is not too much to say that he was one of the ablest opponents Christianity has ever encountered. He was thor- oughly equipped at every point. He stands vastly higher than Lucian or Celsus, who had preced- ed him in their opposition to Christianity. They treated Christianity with a sneer or a syllogism ; but he determined utterly to destroy it. He boldly entered the arena to dethrone Jesus Christ. But all his opposition came utterly to an end. To- day probably not one out of every four men of lib- eral education can give a clear statement as to his personality or opposition to Christianity. But the Gospel lives, and Christ reigns. Porphyry's name was an allusion to the color of royal robes, but Jesus Christ and not Porphyry is king and is en- titled to wear the royal purple. His attacks upon Christianity have been overruled for good; they have a great interest and value to the student of the inspired records. As already implied, he was a man of high culture and of varied ability. Lu- cian was endowed with keen wit, but he was a jester, attacking various philosophies and religions with wit and ability, but apparently with little sincerity or moral earnestness. Celsus has often been spoken of, because of his vulgar gibes and ribald remarks, as the Thomas Paine of his period. 38 a THE OLD BOOK. But these elements are nowhere found in the argu- ments of Porphyry. Celsua wrote a volume known as "Logos ^/.///.."-"The True Word. This was the first considerable polemic against Chris- tianity It was probably written about 150 a.d. We probably never should have known anything of this volume but for the answer given to it by Origen. in his eight books entitled <' Contra Ccl sum." In answering the arguments of Celsus he quoted them with great fulness. Apparently he did not know the author whose work he refuted; and there is considerable doubt to this hour as to which one of several men who bore the name of Celsus it was to whom Origen made his reply. Porphyry was marked by broad scholarship, an elevated tone, and apparent candor in all his dis- cussions. He had a warm attachment to the phi- losophy of his master. He endeavored to sur- round his own system with supernatural elements, and to disprove not simply the substance of the Gospel teachings, but also the records in which that teaching is found. In this respect his course was entirely new. Those who preceded him admitted with perfect frankness the genuineness of the Gos- pel records; and it is that admission which trans- forms their opposition into an apologetic advantage for all Christian teachers. Porphyry suggested, if he did not originate, the method of attack pur- sued by many of the so-called higher critics of our own day. His work consisted of fifteen books. THE VITALITY OF THE lilBI.E. 383 jund in the argu- e a volume known ie Word." This lie against Chris- n about 150 A.D. known anything rer given to it by itled " Contra Ccl lents of Celsus he s. Apparently he ; work he refuted ; to this hour as to bore the name of n made his reply, ad scholarship, an idor in all his dis- chment to the phi- mdeavored to sur- ernatural elements, le substance of the :cords in which that pect his course was ;eded him admitted iineness of the Gos- nission which trans- ipologetic advantage 'orphyry suggested, 2thod of attack pur- higher critics of our ;d of fifteen books, but we can discover information concerning only five of these books. He, as already implied, was one of ihc most brilliant and thoroughly equipped opponents of Christianity in all the ages. But he did not destroy its vitality. Its life is still ener- getic, vivific, immortal. Julian, surnamed the Apostate, because he re- nounced the Christian faith, also became one of the most virulent foes of Christianity and of Chris- tian records. He was one of the most earnest and influential friends and patrons of Neoplatonism and of the old and dying heathen culture. Pa- thetic elements enter into his history. He was trained under an austere, monastic, tyrannical, and hypocritical form of belief. As he grew in years and knowledge he became an enthusiastic admirer of heathen poets and philosophers, and an implac- able enemy of Christianity. He was a nephew of Constantine the Great. As an apostle of the heathenism of pantheistic Neoplatonism, he deter- mined to restore the Graeco- Roman paganism and to dethrone Christianity, He claimed intimate personal intercourse with Jupiter, Apollo, and other gods; he was vain, sophistical, and loqua- cious. When but twenty years old, in the year 351, he apostatfzed from Christianity, but for po- litical purposes he concealed with consummate hypocrisy his pagan sympathies until the death of Constantius. He developed great military ability; and in the year 361 he openly declared his devo- __^J 3*4 TItE OLD HOOK. tion to heathenis,,.. For a year and a half he was emperor. It will be admitted that he was one o the most gifted, energetic, and variously able of the Roman emperors. His opposition to Chris- tianity and the Bible shows that paganism was dvinn. and that Christianity alone had m it the he of truth and the hopes of humanity. He strove to galvanize a corpse. He was charmed by the cul^ ture of Hellenism, and in giving his admiration to it for its culture he gave it devotion as a religion^ In his book against Christianity he united all the arguments of Uician. Celsus. and Porphyry, and put into his disquisition his own caustic spmt His attack called forth able refutations, so that his words were powerless to destroy the Word of God and the Church of Christ. Julian has borne valuable testimony to the Bible. He admits the birth of Christ; he wit- nesses to the genuineness and authenticity of the four gospels and the Acts of the Apostles ; and he quotes them, showing that they were received as au^ Lnticand authoritative books by the Christians of his time. He not only admits their date, but for his own special argument emphasizes the real- ity of that date; he refers to the epistles of Paul to the Romans and the Galatians; he admits the n^iracles of Christ. He. of course, has his own method of accounting for these ^'^^]^^ ^^ ^^^ explaining the existence of the gospels; but his admission of their existence and authority is of THE VITALITY OF THE HI HIE. 385 »d a half he was it he was one of iriously able of sition to Chris- t paganism was had in it the life y. He strove to med by the cul- lis admiration to on as a religion, tie united all the id Porphyry, and m caustic spirit, futations, so that troy the Word of testimony to the [ Christ; he wit- uthenticity of the Apostles; and he ^ere received as au- by the Christians its their date, but nphasizes the real- le epistles of Paul ns;' he admits the mrse, has his own 36 miracles and of e gospels; but his md authority is of the utmost value in proving their genuineness and their vitality. He died June 26th, 363, from an arrow when at war with the Persians. A later tra- dition tells us that as his life-blood mingled with the sand on which he lay, he threw a handful of it into the air, exclaiming, " O Galilean ! Thou hast conquered ! " Dying at the age of thirty-two, he left a great number of orations, letters, satires, and poems. His work entitled "Refutation of the Christian Religion " is lost, and he himself has passed into the shadows, while the glorious book which he endeavored to destroy lives with an un- destroyable vitality, and an incalculable influence over all the civilized nations of the earth. Why did not Neoplatonism set up a religious commu- nity ? It had very much in its favor. It remod- elled the ancient religions, and it endeavored to make them the exponent of a pure morality. Why did it not succeed ? The answer is indicated in Augustine's "Confessions": It lacked a divine founder ; it had no genuine cure for sin, and so could not give peace to troubled hearts; and it appealed chiefly to cultured and speculative minds. It could be a school only for the " wise and pru- dent," while the common people gladly received Christ and His truth. as 386 THE OLD BOOK. The Bible and Popery. The Roman Church in our days aims to secure the reputation of being in sympathy with the Bi- ble in countries like Great Britain and the United States. But in all countries where its power is well-nigh supreme, its opposition to the Bible is continuous and bitter. The Council of Trent de- clared that tradition was of equal authority with the Bible; it maintained that the translation of the Scriptures into the vulgar tongue was pro- ductive of evil rather than good, and that the people ought not to read nor to possess copies of the Scriptures. When Wickliffe published his translation, Gregory condemned him for having " run into a detestable kind of wickedness." Leo X. published a bull against Luther when he issued his translation, and expressed his opposition in the vilest terms. Pius VIL and Gregory XVL (the latter as late as 1844) prohibited the circulation and reading of the Bible. The Roman Church persecuted Wickliffe in his life and endeavored to besmirch his name with foul abuse after his death. His bones were disinterred and his ashes cast into the small stream which flows past Lutter- worth Thomas Fuller finely says: "Thus the brook conveyed far into the Avon, and the Avon into the Severn, ?nd the Severn into the narrow seas, and they into the main ocean; and so the ashes of Wyckliffe are the emblem of his doctrine THE VITALITY OF THE BIPLl-:. 387 CRY. 5 aims to secure hy with the Bi- and the United »re its power is 1 to the Bible is icil of Trent de- .1 authority with le translation of tongue was pro- id, and that the o possess copies ffe published his him for having ckedness," Leo ;r when he issued opposition in the regory XVI. (the ;d the circulation ; Roman Church ; and endeavored il abuse after his red and his ashes flows past Lutter- says: "Thus the on, and the Avon n into the narrow icean; and so the em of his doctrine which is now dispersed all the world over." The Roman Church burned hundreds of copies of Tyn- dale's New Testament in the churchyard of old St. Paul's. The Roman Church seized whole editions of the Bible in the Flemish, Hungarian, and other tongues. The hostility of that Church to the Bible is seen in the fact that it has put to death thousands upon thousands of the devoted disciples of Jesus and the Bible. We have only to witness the unspeakable cruelties of the Duke of Alva and the Inquisition in the Netherlands and ni Spain to have conclusive proof of the opposition of that Church to the Word of God. We have only to turn to Its attitude today in Spain, in Cuba, and in Porto Rico, in the Philippines and all over South America, to the preachers of the Gospel and to the gospels themselves, in order to know what is the real heart and spirit of that Church Nevertheless it has not destroyed the Word of God. Its vitality is undiminished, its glory is undimmed, its power is unlimited. The Bible and Criticism. Neither has a pseudo-scientism been able to de- stroy the vitality of the holy Scripture. There is no opposition between a true science and the in- spired Bible. Many of us remember the alarm with which we learned that geology was opposed to Genesis. That alarm will never again be expe- rienced. The Bible will adapt itself to the teach- 388 THE OLD BOOK. ings of an assured science so soon as those teach- ings are assured. We may have to modify some of our interpretations of the Bible, but its divine truths will remain the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. There can be no contradiction between God's revelations in creation and in revelation; there may be a contradiction between our interpre- tations of these revelations, but not between the revelations themselves. Let all men possess their souls in perfect patience. God's book will abide in all the ages to come, as it has withstood every form of opposition in the ages that are past. No form of criticism can destroy the vitality of this divine word. The breath of the Eternal is in its truths, and the power of the Almighty is in its words. We know that when it was brought to bear upon two such unbelievers as Gilbert West and Lord Littleton, it brought both under the control of its heavenly spirit and divine truth. They became infidels from a superficial acquaintance with the Bible. They agreed to expose what they called the imposture of the book. Mr. West se- lected as the special object of his attack the resur- rection of Christ, and Lord Littleton chose the conversion of Paul. They entered earnestly upon their work, filled with contempt for Christianity, and moved by hostility to the Bible. When they came together to compare notes of their progress, they lamented their former unbelief, and congratu- lated each other that they had received new light THE VTTALITY OF THE BIBLE. 389 1 as those teach- to modify some e, bvit its divine rday, to-day, and adiction between id in revelation; ■cen our interpre- not between the men possess their s book will abide 1 withstood every at are past, •oy the vitality of the Eternal is in \lmighty is in its as brought to bear jilbert West and under the control ine truth. They cial acquaintance expose what they k. Mr. West se- s attack the resur- ittleton chose the red earnestly upon ; for Christianity, tible. When they of their progress, lief, and congratu- received new light and life. Each wrote an able treatise in defence of the Christian faith. The Bible need fear no honest criticism, no sincere opposition, no earnest spirit of inquiry after truth. The so-called higher criticism has enabled us to correct some traditional errors, and to discover valuable methods of inquiry ; but we must guard against its hasty conclusions, its unwarranted assumptions, and its unfair meth- ods. Were the orations of Chatham, Burke, Pitt, Webster, or Clay subjected to the methods of analysis and criticism often employed upon the \yord of God, they v.'ould become meaningless far- ragos. A similar method of criticism has actually been applied to various human productions, show- ing how vicious is the method and how untrust- worthy are the results. A recent writer applied the methods of the higher criticism to Burns' poem, " To a Mountain Daisy. " This writer conclusively proves, if we grant the correctness of this method of criticism, that the first five stanzas of that beau- tiful poem were not composed by Bums ; he also shows by the same method that the next three stanzas were certainly composed by another man than Burns, and he proves that the last is of very doubtful authorship. All through this process of criticism he freely uses Professor Driver's phrases in his article on Genesis. One grows utterly weary of this method of criticism. The polychrome Bible fails to give certainty. One critic makes one color stand for one authority, and another for another ; »M««Bnw.wS'j^!A*W«»ti 2^o THE OLD BOOK. Ae„ comes another critic and he --''y ^J^';' the colors of the former cr,t,c, and the earnest fe:d:r turns with no ""'f 'ndignatU,n sa^-n. A p,a^e on '»''', /"-tr U wm In be over, crit cism is having its day. " Already the pendulum is swinging toward sm Xr life a purer faith, and a warmer zeal. Pro- So slyce'has recently affirmed that the spade to demolish many of the -elusions of philoU „r. that the tablets in the mam establish the St ional rather than the later critical view of he 0°d Testament records; that he has come n^ tely to disbelieve in the later opinions regarding ,l7pentateuch; that he believes it belongs to the 'roslLtg^andwaschieflywrittenbyM^ses; that, finally, the literary analysis of the Bible « an utterly un^e method of reaching resul.s. Thus hlmistrusts the conclusions of the higher cr c^^ Professor Hamack has also "'«f ^^ P'"'^' against many of the conclusions of these critics Sessor Jostermann, of the University of Kie , I^^^urdy critical grounds, "PPo-s «he 'econjuuc- Sw^."nrerrr.::a::tr;°the divine vitality of this inspired book. Thil book has also resisted every form of evd that has ever appeared in the hnn-an heart. Sa exactly reverses and the earnest ition, saying : " A This method of will soon be over, ing toward a sim- rarmer zeal. Pro- ;d that the spade elusions of philol- nain establish the er critical view of Lt he has come en- opinions regarding IS it belongs to the :ten by Moses ; and is of the Bible is an ling results. Thus ; the higher critics, uttered his protest ,ns of these critics. University of Kiel, )Oses the reconstruc- 1 made by Wellhau- sists that both the ;llhausen are utterly )f the most virulent destroy the divine cd every form of evil ic h'.m-ian heart. Sa- r//£ VITALITY OF THE BIBLE. 391 tanism in every age has opposed its progress, but has not destroyed its vitality. Hedonism has en- deavored to sap its vitality, and thus to rob it of its power ; but it moves on in its resistless prog- ress, and exercises its heavenly sway. We thank God that it is living and energetic, and that it shall stand forever. 1 THE IRREFUTABLE EVIDENCES OF THE BIBLE. J. XXIII. The Irrefutable Evidences of the Bible. Nothing is more certain than that the apostle Peter told the literal truth when he said: "We have not followed cunningly devised fables when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of His majesty." It is equally certain that we have not followed cunningly devised fables when we have given our unfailing faith to the truth of the Word of God. It is impossible to overestimate the influence of the Bible directly upon human minds and hearts, and indirectly through the fine arts and the noblest forms of literature. All who are well informed must admit, as already hinted, that the poetry of the Bible was the formative in- fluence in the poetry of Milton, Dante, Tasso, and scores more in ea^:lier and later times. It has given birth to the heavenward tendencies in archi- tecture, painting, and music; it is not too much to say that it has created a Christian and even a Biblical school of art. We know that it exercised a great influence over the minds of men who because of their ability and position exercise, in turn, a vast influence over their fellowmen. John 39^ THE OLD BOOK. Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States, and son of the second President, a man who in his boyhood was the companion of his father on an embassy to Europe, and who passed a consider- able portion of his earlier years in Paris, at The Hague, and also in London, and who enjoyed the advantages of association with the best educated men of his time, as well as the training received in Harvard in the study of law,— makes this state- ment in regard to his habits of reading the Bible : " I have for many years made it a practice to read through the Bible once a year. My custom is to read four or five chapters every morning immedi- ately after rising from my bed. It employs about an hour of my time, and seems to be the most suitable manner of beginning the day." In what light soever we regard the Bible, whether with reference to revelation, to history, or to morality, it is an invaluable and inexhaustible mine of knowledge and virtue. Daniel Webster was no less influential in many respects, and is no less high an authority regarding the Bible than John Quincy Adams. Without doubt Mr. Webster was one of the ablest forensic debaters, as he was admittedly the greatest expounder of the Ameri- can Constitution which this country has yet pro- duced. We are warranted in saying that the civil war was fought to determine whether Daniel Web- ster's interpretations of the Constitution, or those of John C. Calhoun, were correct. Mr. Webster's of the United ;nt, a man who f his father on ied a consider- i Paris, at The lO enjoyed the best educated lining received akes this state- ling the Bible : Dractice to read [y custom is to )rning immedi- ; employs about be the most day." In what !, whether with or to morality, istible mine of Vebster was no and is no less Bible than John Jlr. Webster was ters, as he was r of the Ameri- try has yet pro- ng that the civil her Daniel Web- :itution, or those Mr. Webster's IRREFUTABLE EVIDENCES OF THE BIBLE, 397 influence will be contemporaneous with the history of the Bible itself ; and this is the testimony which he gives to the value of the Bible in his own expe- rience : " From the time that, at my mother's feet, or on my father's knee, I first learned to lisp verses from the sacred writings, they have been my daily study and my vigilant contemplation. If there be anything in my style or thoughts to be commend- ed, the credit is due to my kind parents in instill- ing into my mind an early love of the Scriptures." The foremost man in all the world during the last quarter of the nineteenth century was William Ewart Gladstone, He was the uncrowned king of Great Britain, and in many respects of the whole world. Among his last works is his volume en- titled, "The Impregnable Rock of Holy Scrip- ture " He was as earnest in his devotion to the Word of God as he was profound in reasoning, ear- nest in religion, and brilliant in eloquence. It is safe to say that the great thinkers of the world are on the side of the Bible and Christianity. This statement will bear the most searching analysis as applied to the greatest men in every portion of the civilized world. We cannot too strongly insist upon the influence of the Bible in developing the noblest powers of mind and heart on the part of all its earnest disciples. It is in itself a marvel among the literary productions of the human race; all that is deepest, highest, wisest, sweetest, and holiest in the literature of the world has been in- 39* THE OLD BOOK. spired by the Bible. It is the cornerstone on which rest modern learning and civihzation. It lies beneath all our great colleges and universities, and is the text-book of poets and philosophers, authors and statesmen, students and sages. It is of the utmost importance, therefore, that we should be able fully to affirm that the evidences of its divine origin and of its lofty character are irrefutable. Internal Evidence. In an earlier chapter attention was called to the historical evidence as to the genuineness and authenticity of Holy Scripture; we turn at this point to the internal evidence. This form of evidence, within its appropriate sphere, is unanswerable. The number who can master the arguments of Paley. Butler. Lardner. and others of their class is necessarily compara- tively small; but all thoughtful readers of the Bible can appreciate the force of its internal evidence to its own absolute truth. The Bible readily and conclusively, by this kind of evi- dence, vindicates its claim to be a revelation from God It bears its credentials on its own pages. The simplicity of its statements, the evident hon- esty of its purpose, and the sincerity of its motives are too plain not to be discovered even by cursory readers. Its unity from Genesis to Revelation is an irresistible argument in favor of its divine au- =»> / <>■ HL » " i« « wsgwWi J ornerstone on ivilization. It id universities, I philosophers, incl sages. It reforc, that we he evidences of character are ?as called to the »nuineness and ive turn at this its appropriate lumber who can Butler, Lardner, issarily compara- [ readers of the of its internal uth. The Bible lis kind of evi- a revelation from in its own pages. the evident hon- rity of its motives 1 even by cursory } to Revelation is of its divine au- IRKEFUrART.E KVIDEXCES rr THE Hint H. 199 thorship. It is immediately discovcf tbie anrl ab soliitcly irrefutable that one mind dominated its thought through all its books and through all the centuries of its composition. Its writers number perhaps forty; the period of its composition, as already intimated in these chapters, is more than sixteen hundred years. Its writers represented men in many social positions and of variant de grees of intellectual culture and spiritual attain ment ; and yet there is no play of Shakespeare, no poem of Milton or of Tennyson, more marked by the spirit of unity than is the Bible. This unity is the more ob.servable when we remember the great changes which took place from the time its composition was begun to that when it ended. Dynasties ro.se and fell, civilizations appeared and retired, and many legal codes were promulgated and forgotten during the period of its composi tion. Its later writers had but an inadequate knowledge of the language and civilization of its earlier writers. We often fail to appreciate the force of these statements ; we have only to apply them to matters within our own time and civiliza- tion to understand the force of this argument. Really we think of Moses and David as both sim- ply ancient writers ; we forget that Moses was as much earlier than David as Chaucer is earlier than Tennyson or Longfellow. When David wrote the twenty-third p.salm, the ninetieth psalm, written by Moses, was already ancient literature. That 400 THE OLD BOOK. psalm is certainly one of the noblest and sub. limest of human compositions; it is profound in its religious emotion, lofty in its theological thought, and simply magnificent in its imagery. That psalm is certainly one of the oldest poems of the world. Compared with it the writings of Homer and Pindar are virtually modern, and the greater part of the Psalter is of recent date. These are facts worthy of great emphasis in con- nection with the argument now illustrated. The revelation of the character of God given us in the Bible is another internal evidence of its truth The greatest minds of ancient and modern times have striven to give us definitions of God. Who is God? How can He be understood? Is He utterly incomprehensible? These are ques- tions which have always been urged, and which never were satisfactorily answered until the an^ swer was found in the Scriptures. We are told that Simonides, the heathen poet, being asked by Hiero, king of Syracuse, the question. What is God>" desired two days to prepare his reply. At the end of two days he postponed his reply for two days more. His reply was not forthcoming at the expiration of that time, and his final re- sponse to the king was : " The more \think of God He is still the more unknown to me. The bible gives us the reply which no man of mere human understanding could ever furnish. God is revealed in the Bible in His omnipotence, omniscience, and loblest and sub- it is profound n its theological ; in its imagery, the oldest poems it the writings of modern, and the of recent date, emphasis in con- illustrated. ;r of God given us al evidence of its ncient and modern definitions of God. e understood? Is These are ques- i urged, and which ered until the an ires. We are told tet, being asked by question, " What is prepare his reply, tponed his reply for IS not forthcoming e, and his final re- more I think of God, to me." The Bible man of mere human sh. God is revealed ice, omniscience, and IRREFUTABLE EVIDENCES OF THE BIBLE. 401 immaculate holiness, but He is especially revealed as Father and Redeemer. He is made known to us as possessing and manifesting a father's pity, and as bestowing upon us a mother's comfort. Touching all the deepest questions of human life, the Bible gives its clear and inspiring response. It is its own light; it manifests its own life and light, and in that life and light it manifests also the life and light of all persons and things be- sides. When the sun is shining in the heavens in its meridian splendor, we need no witness to testify to its presence and power; it is its own witness. The Bible is the sun in the firmament of literature, filling all the heavens and earth of human thought with its celestial light. We know one man from another by the distinctive features of each man's face and voice ; by the eye and by the ear we detect distinguishing characteristics, and discover distinct personalities. Not other- wise is it in the Word of God. We know our Father's voice as revealed in His Word. It finds its echo In our deepest souls. The harmony which pervades the Bible is most evident from the first sublime words of Genesis to the last loving invi- tations of Revelation. We cannot misunderstand its harmony, its unity, beauty, and blessed signifi- cance. It thus comes to pass that the writers in the later books are confirmatory of those in the earlier books. A collection of literary or political pamphlets prepared by uninspired men and bound 26 403 THE OLD BOOK. together In one volume, even though ^^^^^"^ oeriod of only one hundred years instead of sixteen tan^^ years, as does the Bible, would he a ,uin- hle o ho'peles; and often even '"^icrous conf„-n But here is a book, lofty in its thought, spiritual Tits mo ive, and absolutely harmonious in . H^^ teaching in all its parts through all the centuries. Responsive Evidence. One branch of strong evidence is the adaptive^ ness of the Bible to the wants of men xn all the ^g of history. The apostle Paul speakso th« preacher of the Gospel co-men^-f h,mself to every man's conscience in the sight of God. Ihe eTwe commends itself in this way m a 1 pUc s and in all ages. Nothing can surpass its ability in LCrd;,and.hischarac.«is.ic^^^^^^^^^ ICtlTeT as well as to the rich, to the t^ I't^^Urto the learned, to the tatarian af well as to the cultured. It is equally adapted ^o men of all professions. It is interesting to re mter how many professions are represented in rme-dprofessions often apparently con^ Victory to one another, and yet represented i" tradictory ^.^ ^ ^ shepherd I'^rSng'^w havrPeter as a fisherman, a dis^ 'ci^Ca^n apostle; we have L-^e as the belov^ physician; Zaccheus as the envied and hated. atsffli^* ■*>' IRREFUTABLE E VIDENCES OF THE BIBLE. 403 ley ccver a I of sixteen 1 be a jum- 5 confusion, ht, spiritual lious in its through all :he adaptive- m in all the ipeaks of the r himself to >f God. The all places and its ability in \ an argument ,k thoroughly le rich, to the the barbarian qually adapted cresting to re- represented in pparently con- represented in 1 as a shepherd iherman, a dis- e as the beloved ied and hated, and yet penitent and honored publican. We have Dorcas who plied her needle for the poor, and thus secured an immortality more enduring than that of Grecian poets or Roman warriors. We have the peerless Paul as tent-maker, traveller, preacher, and apostle. We have Zenas the lawyer, Oncsi- mus the slave, Philemon the master, Erastus the Roman chamberlain, and many more, representing various industrial pursuits and professional em- ployments. The Bible was exactly the book which each needed to guide him in daily duty, to fit him for successful service, and to teach him of God and heaven. The Bible is also prepared to give all men mental development. It is as much at home with the illiterate serf as it is with the most literate philos- opher. It abounds in flowery gardens, beautiful landscapes, meandering brooks. Alpine heights, and heavenly glories. It is responsive to the as- pirations of youth, to the virility of manhood, and to the senility of extreme age. It places before the aspiring mind of man broad prospects, radi- ant possibilities, and high and holy ambitions. It sweetens poverty and sanctifies sorrow ; it purifies wealth and ennobles joy. It is the guide of inex- perienced youth, and is also a staff to men of palsied hands and tottering limbs. It is a crown of glory alike to the light-hearted child and the hoary- headed man or woman. It is filled with lessons of instruction and help for all the relationships of 404 THE OLD BOOK. life and family. It makes conjugal love reminis- cent of Eden and prophetic of heaven. It gives wisdom to parenthood and reverence to childhood; it guides citizens in all their relations, and teaches all classes and conditions of men both the father- hood of God and the brotherhood of men. It comes to men conscious of weakness and sin, with promises of pardon, help, and hope. It has dai y help for the souls of men as it promises daily food for their bodies. It is impossible to over- estimate its adaptations to all the varying conditions and relationships of life. It lifts all men into a sense of repose, as they are led to trust in God as their souls' help and hope. It shows us that men need God before they can ever have true rest; it shows us that in His bosom alone is the reiwse which the weary heart seeks. It makes manifest to us not only that man needs God, but that also in some sense God needs man. Christ s happi- ness He Himself clearly implied, would not be complete in heaven until His disciples shared its blessedness and beheld with Him His glory. Nothing is more certain than that it is equally needed by and adapted to the Greenlander on his icy mountains and to the Indian on his cora strands; the Hottentot of South Africa needs it and will be blessed by it, as truly as a Bacon, a Locke, an Addison, or a Gladstone. In this re- spect this glorious book is unique in the libraries of the world. It is a striking fact that when the i >ve reminis- i. It gives ) childhood ; and teaches the father- of men. It ind sin, with It has daily omises daily h\e to over- ig conditions I men into a ist in God as ', us that men true rest ; it IS the repose ikes manifest but that also hrist's happi- would not be iciples shared m His glory. ; it is equally nlander on his on his coral k.frica needs it as a Bacon, a In this re- in the libraries that when the IRREFUTABLE EVIDENCES OF THE PIHI.E. 405 late Dr. Dean was laboring as a missionary among the Chinese, and had read to his heathen congrega- tion the first chapter of Romans, an intelligent Chinese came to him declaring that Dr. Dean had written that chapter after he had observed the sin- ful habits of the people among whom he was labor- ing. It was difficult to convince this Chines© that this book had been written in another country and hundreds of years before. It seemed absolutely certain to him that the missionary had written it himself after he had learned all about the Chinese in his great parish. The experience of this Chin- ese is simply that of thousands more in all parts of the world and in all periods in the development of Christianity. Coleridge expressed a great truth when he said of God's law, " It finds me " ; and an unlettered man, who knew God by a deep re- ligious experience, expressed a similar thought in • saying, " I know the Bible is true because I am well acquainted with its Author." Prophetico- Historical Evidence. Prophecy is the revelation of future events with a clearness and certainty not possible by unaided human judgment. These revelations were given sometimes in dreams and visions, and sometimes audibly to the ear of the prophet. Sometimes also God took entire possession of the prophet's mind and brain. Very marvellous are the fulfil- ments of divine prophecy, as both prophecy and 'i ■^ Id vi.'7:sa7A*5wasi^.^-*;-nff 4o6 THE OLD BOOK. fulfilment are recorded on the page of revelation In this paragraph I shall be indebte to Mr WU^ liam Walters as he has enumerated both he prophecies and their fulfilments »" ^-J'^^^^^ ' "Claims of the Bible." Ammon. Moab. Phihs- tia and Edom were nations bordering on Judea. While they were still in the height of their pros- perity, their utter destruction was f oreto d Upon all these nations Amos threatened the judgments of God. Zephaniah foretold the run. of Moab and Ammon; Jeremiah pictures in striking language the destruction of Edom. and Ezekiel. Isaiah and Obadiah unite in similar predictions. Have these prophecies been fulfilled ? A single glance at the facts furnishes the conclusive evidence of tha fulfilment. Where are the Ammonites to-day. Have not both they and their cities been de- stroyed? Ezekiel foretold that Rabbah. the me- tropolis of the Amorites. should become a stable for camels, and comparatively recently a distin- guished traveller actually found a party of Arabs stabline their camels among these ruins. The Moabites also have perished; Philistia has per- ished. although when the prophets declared its doom it enjoy'ed great prosperity. For many ages these cities were eminent in commerce but they have long since fallen. Once Nmeveh was the great capital of the Eastern empire. ts walls Le sixty miles in compass, one hundred f eet Ingb ^d strengthened by fifteen hundred towers. 1 hree revelation, ) Mr. Wil- both the is booklet, ab, Philis- on Judea. their pros- old. Upon judgments if Moab and ig language Isaiah, and Have these ;lance at the ;nce of that ites to-day? es been de- bah, the me- )me a stable ttly a distin- irty of Arabs ruins. The stia has per- declared its or many ages :rce, but they leveh was the re. Its walls dred feet high, owers. Three IRREFUTABLE EVIDENCES OF THE BIBLE. 407 chariots might have driven abreast on these walls. The book of Jonah tells us of its vast population and also of its great wickedness. The prophecy of Nahum is greatly occupied with the " burden of Nineveh." Zephaniah described its complete destruction. What was the result ? In the year 606 B.C. Nineveh was destroyed. For long years its very site was unknown. Now Layard, Botta, Smith, and other travellers have explored its heaps of ruins. In the case of Babylon we have another striking example of prophecy. Herodotus, Xeno- phon, Pliny, and other profane writers describe its ancient greatness. Isaiah delivered his prophecy against it one hundred and sixty years before its fall. Babylon was then only rising into greatness. When Jeremiah prophesied, Babylon was "the glory of kingdoms, the praise of the whole earth." Nebuchadnezzar had enlarged and beautified it. But its destruction came on apace. For the night in which Belshazzar was slain and Cyrus captvred the city, its glory departed. Strabo speaks of it in his time as a vast solitude, and Jerome in his day as a home for beasts. Striking also is the illustration of the fulfilment of prophecy in the case of Tyre. This city was situated at the eastern extremity of the Mediter- ranean Sea. It was long a commercial city of the highest importance. Tyrian purple was celebrated in Greece even in the age of Homer. When Tyre was in its full prosperity, Ezekiel uttered his \\ 4o8 THE OLD ROOK. prophecy of its fall. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, and Zephaniah all unite with Ezekiel in foretelling its overthrow. These predictions are most minute. Ezekiel records their complete fulfiltfient. Tyre is now only a heap of ruins, visited by the boats of poor fishermen whose nets are spread out on the rocks in the vicinity and on its ruined walls, as was minutely foretold. It would be easy to multiply greatly these illus- trations regarding the detailed prophecies of the Old Testament and their literal fulfilment as testi- fied to by historians and travelleis in our own day. It is utterly impossible to explain the exactness of these fulfilments except as we understand the Bible to be the book of God alike in prophecy and his- tory. Here stands God. Deny the inspiration of the Bible, and these prophecies and their fulfilments are inexplicable. Experimental Evidence. This branch of evidence is closely akin to that from the adaptiveness of the Bible, as given in an earlier paragraph. Nevertheless there is a dis- tinction to be made between the two. This evi- dence comes closer home to the heart of individual men and women. It is unanswerable within its own sphere. Thirsty men drink a glass of pure water and are conscious that their burning thirst is quenched ; hungry men, although entirely igno- rant of the chemical analysis of bread, eat thereof \mos, and ;telling its it minute. ;nt. Tyre the boats ad out on Ined walls, ;hese illus- cies of the nt as testi- r own day. xactness of d the Bible :y and his- spiration of fulfilments ikin to that given in an e is a dis- This evi- f individual : within its ass of pure rning thirst itirely igno- eat thereof IRREFUTABLE EVIDENCES OF THE BIBLE 409 and are satisfied. So we as religious beings find in the truth of God satisfaction to our immortal needs. By faith we lay hold of divine promises, and our souls' hunger and thirst are satisfied. We do not prove the truth of the Bible by metaphysi cal demonstration, but by experimental knowledge in the sphere of our religious nature. We then sweetly testify that the satisfaction of our souls, with all their spiritual longings, is due to the in- fluence of this divine book, with all its spiritual supplies. We know that two and two make four ; that is a mathematical certainty. We know that hydrogen and oxygen when related to each other in certain proportions make water ; that is a sci entific certainty. We know with equal certainty that the truth of Christ and Him crucified, when received into the heart, gives satisfaction, peace, and blessedness to the soul. When we believe on Him we are saved, and we know it by proper tests, as certainly as we know that hydrogen and oxygen produce water, and that two and two make four. There are spiritual truths which can be discerned only by the spiritually minded. Every science, such as chemistry, geology, and botany, has its own secrets, and only those who are versed m these sciences can really discover these secrets. Only those who have musical taste and trainmg can understand music in its loftier ranges and deeper meanings. Profound musical truths are musically discerned. We have a right to demand that a 4IO THE OLD BOOK. man shall have sufficient musical training and taste before he shall authoritatively pronounce on musical matters. We have a right to demand that a man shall have sufficient mathematical knowl edge before he shall attempt authoritatively to pronounce on mathematical science. Not other wise is it with the Word of God. We are dis tinctly told in that word that " he that is spiritual judgeth all things " This is a plain and positive assertion of the Scripture itself. We are also in formed in that same book that " the secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him." Here is a profound spiritual truth; it is equally a scientific truth, and ought to have its application in all sci- entific relations. Men cannot judge musical, poeti cal, or artistic productions except as they are musi cally, poetically, and artistically cultivated. No man has a right to make his own ignorance a ground of authoritative assertion. It m./j been well said that like Pascal, Edwards, and Vinet, the believer on his knees can see farther than the phi losopher on tip toe. The spiritually minded man in some sense judges all things. The Lord Hirn self declared that the Father had revealed great spiritual truths to babes, although they were hid den from those who deemed themselves wise and prudent. Sir Isaac Newton said to Dr Halley, a man of science but an unbeliever in revelation, " I am glad to hear you speak about astronomy or mathematics, for you have studied and you under- ling and •unce on land that I knowl lively to 3t other are dis- spi ritual positive : also in et of the [ere is a scientific in all sci- cal, poeti are musi ted. No lorance a :ilime words iw the name iscoverer of he name of an!" The ned, was as when they o enthusias- )ne of their )d's ancient )le, the book idds:"This sages of in- APPROPRIATE STUDY OF THE BlHl.E. 419 .pired literature, and often have I wondered that some artist equal to the task has not selected the prophecy and the scene described as the subject of a painting." It is difficult to lay down rules for the proper study of the Word of God ; some suggestions, how- ever, may be made in that line. The Bible should be read constantly. Unfortu nately many persons read it but seldom. All should be urged to possess a Bible -one of the best procurable copies of the sacred book. These copies are now prepared with helps of the most valuable kind, giving the result of prolonged and profound study in many useful lines, and the entire book is offered at a remarkably low price. It is cause for gratitude that this book of books, with all the helps suggested, can be procured at so low a figure All men and women ought to have a Bible of their own. We never can get out of a Bible that is not our own the instruction and in- spiration which would be ours were the book our personal property. The Bible not only gives us spiritual food, but intellectual aliment as well. Its daily supply is as needful for the sustenance of the soul as is the daily supply of food for the support of the body. The leanness of many Chris- tians is due, in very considerable part, to the fact that they do not feed upon this food divine. Many seldom read the Bible, even on the Lord's day. al- though with some it is a Sunday book and nothing. ^20 THE OLD BOOK. more. They then read but a chapter or two, and the book is laid away until the next Sunday. It should be read daily; it should be our constant counsellor and inspirer. The noblest souls have ever drunk freely from this divine fountain of spiritual life and power. No man is so situated but that he might study the Scriptures were he so disposed. We must urge, with all earnestness and solemnity, the daily reading of this blessed book. Every day we ought to get here our supply of manna, as God's ancient people secured it regu- larly day by day. We might well, as soon as op- portunity permits, set aside a portion of time each day for Bible reading and prayer. Better only glance at the daily newspaper, and carefully study the Bible, than the reverse. It will well repay us to take time for this purpose. There is an old proverb that no traveller is ever detained on his journey by stopping for needed food and rest. Many busy men and women can bear ample testi- mony to the value of careful study of God's Word amid their hurried domestic duties and pressing business vocations. We ought all to follow the example of John Quincy Adams, to whom refer- ence has already been made. The Bible ought also to be read consecutively. We study it too much after the hop, skip, and jump method. Our perusal of this holy book is scrappy, disconnected, and so often unmcanmg. We ought sometimes to study it, reading large APPROPRIATE STUDY OF THE BIBLE. 421 two, and iday. It constant )uls have mtain of ) situated were he rnestness s blessed ur supply d it regu- lon as op- time each etter only uUy study 1 repay us is an old led on his and rest, mple testi- iod's Word d pressing follow the hom refer- nsecutively. p, skip, and oly book is unmeaning, ading large portions at a single sitting. Indeed, whole books migj'ht in this way be read and mastered. Were we to read chapters of history in Macaulay, Green, or McMaster as we read the Bible, we would make these chapters largely meaningless; were we to read the plays of Shakespeare or the poems of Tennyson and Longfellow as we read the Bible, ttre should destroy the continuity of their thought, and rob them alike of practical meaning and poetic beauty. We ought to take such a portion of the Bible as the book of Job, and read it from its first word to its last, mingling meditation and prayer with the reading, before we have risen from the inspiring task. We should then get a deeper in- terest in all portions of the holy word, and we should get a connected view of part with part. No man can judge a rose by a single petal, nor a tree by a leaf ; neither ought we to judge a book of the Bible by one chapter, nor the whole Bible by one book. The late Adolphe Monod tells us that when in a season of painful affliction he had a young man read to him from the Word of God ; and how he was not satisfied with the reading of the eighth chapter of the epistle to the Romans until the fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters had also been read, that he might fully appreciate the drift of the argument ; then he needed also the ninth and the following chapters to the end of the epistle ; and in order that he might lose nothing he insisted on reading 4" THE OLD BOOK. also the first four chapters of the epistle. Con- secutive reading is of the highest possible impor- tance It is impossible unduly to emphasize the value of this practice. Many read merely m a routine manner, not really reading the Bible, but simply reading a certain number of chapters daily or weekly There may also be a merely formal reading which has in it somewhat of the super- stitious clement, as a man gallops through the reading of a prayer before he hurries off to his business This spasmodic and periodic reading will never enable us to get the heart and soul out of the blessed book, as we should discover both did we read consecutively, meditatively, and pray- erfully . , This leads to the statement that the Bible should be read comprehensively. Each part sustains, as we have already seen, relations to all other parts Even the long genealogical tables and lists of names, such as are found in the books of Num- bers, Chronicles, and Ezra, have their significance. Some of these tables stand related to the priv- ileges of birthrights, and even to the royal lineage of the Christ. Much will be gained in reading the so called dry parts, such as the minute cere^ monial laws in the book of Leviticus Although the mind may not retain all these details in then- completeness, there will be value in their careful study as we come to meditate on other portions of the holy book. It will be worth much if we Con- • impor- size the ly in a ble, but ;rs daily y formal e super- ugh the [f to his reading soul out ver both ,nd pray- le should stains, as lier parts, lists of of Num- nificance. the priv- al lineage n reading lUte cere- Although Is in their jir careful r portions luch if we AP PROPRIA TE STUDY OF THE BIBLE 4^3 simply memorize one verse each day. If we think for a moment we shall see what a gain it would be did we master three hundred and sixty-five verses in each year of our lives. In a very little time we should become wonderfully conversant with the matchless book. We should be walking commen- taries on all parts of the holy Scripture. Should we study the Bible topically? This method of study has been strongly indorsed by Dwight L. Moody, and by other evangelists and expounders of the Bible. It is conceivable that at times at least this method may be profitably pursued. The idea of this method is to take up a subject and follow it through the entire Bible. The word faith may be taken up and followed in this method, using the aid of a concordance and a reference Bible. This word fills about two col- umns in Cruden's Concordance; this fact alone shows what a prominent place it has on the pages of sacred Scripture. Then such a word as grace might be taken up and followed through the Bible in a similar manner. Mr. Moody calls attention to the wonderful influence upon his own mind of this method of study in respect to this word grace. The word love in its height, depth, breadth, and length might also be studied along this same line. And so with the words repentance, righteousness, and other similarly expressive words. This method might be very greatly enlarged, and praise, com- mand and warning or example might be the sub- 424 THE 01. n IWOK. ject of careful study. Such commands as " Arise," " Be of good cheer," " Fear not," " Follow Me, ' and others of a similar character might thus be studied ; or the " great " things of the Bible might be studied in a similar way. There is, however, danger in this method of Bible study. Sometimes one word in the original Hebrew or Greek is ren- dered in our common version by two or three or possibly more words. In selecting, therefore, the one word from our version, we should be misled as to the original word, and so misled as to the mind of the Spirit. There is danger thus that we should make unwise generalizations and unfair qualifications of the original thought of the Spirit of God. But this method wisely pursued, and of course within proper limits, may be made ex- tremely profitable to any judicious student of the sacred Scriptures. We are also to study the Bible personally. This thought is of great practical value. Unfortunately we too often think of Bible truths as spoken so long ago as to have lost their original meaning, and to be spoken to so many as to have no per- sonal application. We gain much when we learn that God's truth is spoken to us as if we were the only persons in the universe. The Bible is indeed a great storehouse of truth for all the world, but it is, so far as we are concerned, a treasury filled with messages addressed to us. It is God's mes- sage to each reader, and to each human soul. \nse," V Me," hu9 be : might jwever, letimes is ren- hree or are, the misled to the that we unfair e Spirit , and of ade ex- : of the V. This tunately oken so leaning, I no per- we learn were the s indeed orld, but iry filled •d's mes- an soul. AfiPkOflitATE STVDV OF THE litBLE, 4*5 Christ died for the whole world because He tasted death for every man. We are to appropriate the great truths of God's book as if they were spoken lo us alone. Every plant and flower and shrub and tree can look up to the sun and say, " O sun, thou art all mine !" Each plant, however little, has all the sun to itself, as if there was nothing in the world but this plant. So each soul has all of God's truth, and of God Himself, as if there were no other soul in all the universe. In fact, God's Word talks to each man alone, impressing its solemn warnings, inspiring with its gracious promises, and ennobling with its heavenly bless- ings. The Bible also is to be read lovingly. We never shall understand its deep meaning except we be in sympathy with its spirit. No child can fully un- derstand the meaning of a father's letter except he knows something of that father's heart, and is in sympathy with that father's thought and wish. We have only to remember how much more mean- ing the twenty-third psalm, the fourteenth chapter of the gospel of John, or the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah would have, were we in hearty sympathy with the great spiritual truths contained in these precious portions of God's book. Indeed, it is impossible for us to get at the heart meaning except our own heart be in sympathy with that meaning. The text, " The just shall live by faith," gave light and comfort to Luther as he lay sick i ii 4^6 THE OLD BOOK. his bed at Bologna, and afterward it unloosed the shackles of Roman superstition from his soul as it came to his mind while he was going on his kneees up the so-called staircase of Pilate. It is most interesting to study the effect of certain pas- sages upon many of God's heroes and heroines. •• Yet there is room," came to John Bunyan with all the light and life of God, and gave him hope in his time of deepest spiritual depression. " Look unto Me and be ye saved, for I am God and there is none else," was the blessed command and assur- ance that came to Spurgeon through the lips of the humble Methodist minister who was the means of leading him into the kingdom of God. Only as these passages of Scripture are translated into personal experience do they acquire their power. " The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin," was the verse that arrested the thought and comforted the heart of Captain Hed- ley Vicars, as he carelessly turned over the pages of a Bible when in Canada, in November, 185 1, waiting the arrival of a brother- officer. That verse changed his life. He determined at that moment to live as a man ought who was washed in that pre- cious blood; and from that hour until he poured out his life blood for his country and his queen, he was a loyal servant of his Lord and Master Jesus Christ. The precious promises of God's Word must become tried and proved before their full meaning can really become our own. Henry Ward FS..jT«^-.mj!«»f-.)B4--a:»>»»a-ga»y*S"' *'-«'- «^»6 •d the 3ul as )n his It is n pas- oines. n with n hope ' Look there assur- of the :ans of )nly as :d into power, seth us ed the tiHed- ! pages , 1851, It verse noment lat pre- poured leen, he ;r Jesus i Word eir full ry Ward APPkOPRlA TE STUDY OF THE BIBLE, H'? Beecher well said that : " To come to the Bible through the commentaries is much like looking through a landscape through garret windows over which unmolested spiders have spun their webs. " The Scripture must be found, eaten, masticated, and digested by us before it can really become a part of body, mind, and heart. Robert Boyle said, " I use the Scripture not as an arsenal to be resorted to only for arms and weapons, but as a matchless temple where I delight to contemplate the beauty and symmetry, the magnificence of the structure, and to increase my awe and excite my ' devotion to the Deity there preached and adored." We must, like the Psalmist, hide God's word in our heart, that we may not sin against Him; this will be putting the best thing— God's Word— in the best place — our heart — for the best purpose — that we may not sin. The Bible should be stud- ied with our heart as well as with our head. We are to grow in love as well as in knowledge. We are to secure spiritual comfort as well as intel- lectual knowledge from the pages of God's holy book. We are also to study the Bible prayerfully. Only as we look up to God who gave us this book through holy men of old can we rightly under- stand the words He has written. He studies well who prays well. Prayer stimulates all the intel- lectual faculties as well as all the spiritual activi- ties. In the book of Revelation, the book of the 438 THE OLD BOOK vision was closeJ with seven seals, and only one out of all the earth or in heaven was able to break the seals and read the scroll. That One is He who is the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Lamb of God. To this hour, and in every human experience, the Master must still break the seal or the deepest meaning of the volume will not be understood. The best scholarship will not enable us to understand the mind of the Spirit except that scholarship be energized and sanctified by prayer for heavenly enlightenment. Scholarship * is only a telescope. Even after this telescope is adjusted to the eye, and all parts of physical vision are provided, the beauty of the heavens will not be rightly interpreted except as heavenly wisdom is bestowed. We may be the most learned and zealous students of the Bible; we may bring to it gr^at Biblical lore; we may be able to expatiate with the eloquence of a Paul on its transcendent themes, but it will be to us in its deep spiritual meaning a sealed book except as it is opened to us by the Spirit of God invoked by our earnest prayers. Well may each one of us pray as did Milton, that immortal blind bard of a heroic era, the sublime singer of a glorious epoch : " Celestial Light, Shine inward, and the mind through all her powers Irradiate ; there plant eyes, all mist from thence Purge and disperse, that I may tell Of things invisible to mortal sight." .. «talh«s? -.4.7*51 *-^A' • - ■Tj^^np,--. .,<*->J»ii'iV*=*!'-'v=' only one to break ne is He and the ry human the seal ill not be lot enable rit except :tified by iholarship iescope is ical vision s will not ly wisdom arned and bring to it ( expatiate mscendent p spiritual opened to lur earnest >ray as did heroic era, powers lence A P PROPRIA TR STUDY OF THE BIBLE. 429 We are told that when Archibshop Usher grew old, and the strongest glasses gave but little help to his failing sight, and he was unable to read any book except in the strongest light, he would then sit where the sunshine came upon him in its full- est strength; and when that sunshine flitted to another window he would place himself again un- der its brilliant rays ; and so he moved from place to place, continuing his studies until the sun had set. It is tru'=' of us that we can understand the Scriptuies only as an answer to our prayer, in har- mony with our meditation, and in line with our whole spiritual attitude. God pours the radiance ci His Spirit on the sacred page. Then and only then can we get the spiritual meaning of the words which our Father who is a Spirit has communi- cated to us His children. The Bible is also to be studied reverently. The spirit of prayer just commended will produce the reverence which ought to be inseparable from all study of the great book. Too often iv is made the subject of most reprehensible jesting. Many parts of the Bible have been robbed of much of their meaning because they have given point to vulgar jokes and gross conundrums. Such treatment of God's book is unworthy the practice or e\'en the partial indorsement of any truly devout student. It is difficult to speak with patience of those who • profess to be devoted believers, and who are guilty of treating the Bible in this fashion. A simi- 436 THE OLD BOOK. lar remark applies to many of our most spiritual hvmr They have been used simply to pomt •ores and to e'xcite the laughter of unbelievers or of utterly thoughtless persons though nommal be- lLv"rs We do not at all advocate any super sti- s feeling regarding the Word of God. but we do ad^cat^^^^^^^^^^^ it with the reverence becommg a etter directed to us from our Father in heaven^ Many have treated it with a degree of disrespec fn this regard which they would not for a momen think of giving to a letter from an absent parent or other earthly friend. If we study the Bible thus reverently we shall always be studying it spiritually, and thus at the sle ime we si.all be studying it understandmgly. M:ditation goes with P-y-^ ul and re-^^^^^^^^^ and thus spiritual things are spiritually discerned by the spiritually minded student of the holy ^°?he Bible must also be studied ohediently. This really is one of the most important elements of is dy to which we have thus {-adverted Thi is the practical point toward which all Bible study UuM^tend; this is the climaxof all our ex^mui. tion and effort. Indeed, only as we are obedient to he command of God's Spirit can - -derf "d he meaning of that Spirit. The Lord Himse f h clearly taught us that only those who do the wxU :rGod can really understand that wiU. « is more pernicious than the reading of pathetic r«*>*««.3M ■» --»^ f A^«^' ^,.,4**i»^--*i»«^'*"-~*-''-'''^-'''' ■■ n,«M.»it>««»'' iritual point ers, or lal be- ipersti- t wedo coming deaven. respect Tioment t parent ve shall s at the ndingly. It study, liscerned :he holy fy. This nts of its :d. This ble study examina- jedient to nderstand imself has .0 the will Nothing f pathetic AP PROPRIA TE S7 'JIjY OF THE BIBLE. 43 » books, which profoundly stir our emotions, but which lead us to no action corresponding to the emotions thus deeply stirred. Many kinds of novel- reading thus tend to blunt all true sympathy and to prevent practical sympathetic action. Reading of that character becomes a great injury to our physical and spiritual nature. So the reading and study of God's Word not accompanied by obedience to God's commands will tend to harden our hearts and to ossify and even to petrify our moral natures. All true study should result in obedient service to God and man. The Bible itself expresses profound wisdom when it says : " Be ye doers and not hear- ers only of the word." And Christ set us a noble example '. vi He affirmed, "I have finished the work whj'-^ ■: I gavest me to do." We should practise..; i^e fully. We must remember that all Scripture is practical We are not to pick and choose among God's commandments. Doing the truth is the only way of really believing the truth. We are to see light in God's light. We are to study the Bible on our knees, and then we are to rise and practise the truths we have learned. " Let us then, " in the words of Dr. George Dana Boardman, " study the Bible with the sincere and ardent purpose of executing our Father's will as He shall reveal it to us Then will He station us on the Delectable Mountains of the immortal Dreamer ; and ever anu anon our ears shall catch clearer and clearer echoes of the angelic music, and 432 THE OLD BOOK. our eyes command a more magnificent sweep of the glories of the celestial Canaan." » Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scrip- tures to be written for our learning, grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Thy holy word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of immortal life which Thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen." ^t^»_ .^TM^.' :-t^f«i^i*see*«MW='S^-'--''="- .--^ ^^..^• .r-JH>^.^*l^-' f the *^,3»»rt