This is evident from the
fact that tributes of admiration have been paid to the bible by the most
eminent poets, jurists, statesmen, and philosophers, such as Milton, Hale,
Boyle, Newton and Locke. Erasmus and John Locke betook themselves solely to
the bible, after they had wandered through the gloomy maze of human
erudition. Neither Grecian song nor Roman eloquence; neither the waters of
Castalia, nor the fine-spun theorisms of scholastic philosophy, could
satisfy their yearnings. But when they wandered amid the consecrated bowers
of Zion, and drank from Siloah's brook, the thirst of their genius was
quenched, and they took their seats with Mary at the feet of Jesus, and
like little children, learned of him!
Even deists and infidels have yielded their tribute of praise. What says
the infidel Rosseau? Hear him: "The majesty of the scriptures strikes me
with astonishment. Look at the volumes of the philosophers, with all their
pomp, how contemptible do they appear in comparison with this! Is it
possible that a book at once so simple and sublime, can be the work, of
men?" Thus
"Learning and zeal, from age to age,
Have worshiped, loved, explored the page."
How often is this precious book abused! In many would-be Christian homes,
it is used more for an ornament of fashion than for a lamp to the
Christian's path. We find the bible upon their parlor table, but how seldom
in the family room! They make it a part of their fashionable furniture, to
be looked at as a pretty, gilded thing.
Pages:
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93