The Bible is the only book in which the best literature of thirty centuries is incorporated, the only book which has been translated into more than three hundred languages and printed by the hundreds of millions. The only book which has stimulated invention, advanced education, given stability, order and prosperity to homes and nations, emancipated slaves, exalted virtue, and led lost souls to a knowledge of Christ and everlasting life.
The Bible! Bishop Foster said, “Exiled, it has created a new kingdom and shifted the center and balance of power. Carried away captive, it has broken down rival altars and overthrown false gods, till the right of way has been accorded to it by friend and foe. Sold into bondage by false brethren, it has captured the hearts of its masters, and ascended the throne of dominion. Driven into sea, it has gone over dry shod, seeing its enemies overwhelmed in the flood and itself singing the glad song of deliverance. Burned on the public square by the public executioner, it has risen Phœnix-like and floated away in triumph, wearing the smoke of its own funeral pyre as a flag of victory. Scourged from city to city, it has gone through the capitals of the civilized world, leaving behind it a trail of light attesting its divine authority. Cast into the leper’s pest-house, it has purified the scales of contagion, restored the soft pink skin of smiling infancy, quickened the energies of romping youth, and recreated the sinews of heroic manhood. Betrayed by a kiss, it has stood erect in the calm majesty of eternity, amid the swarming minions of its enemies. Nailed to a felon’s cross it has illuminated the darkness by the radiance of its own glory, and transformed the summits of sacrifice into a throne of universal judgment. Sealed into the gloom of a sepulcher, it has come forth with the echoing footsteps of Almighty God, rising to dominion over all intelligences.”
The Bible! Marvelous book! It has illuminated every darkness, broken the shackles of vicious habits, and given inspiration along all lines of goodness. The pictures of Raphael, the images of Milton, the allegory of Bunyan were all drawn from it. Ruskin built his literary productions upon it. The poets Thompson and Johnson dipped their pens in the style of the Orientals. Emboldened by its teaching Howard devoted his life to the amelioration of prisoners, Wilberforce and Lincoln to the emancipation of slaves, and the Pilgrim Fathers forsook their native land to accept the hardships of this untilled country, where they might worship God according to the dictates of their conscience.
The Bible! It is the best book for boys. Not only does it tell the story of Joseph sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Samuel called by God in the night, David killing Goliath with sling and stone, Daniel cast into the lions’ den, Christ confounding the doctors of the law by His knowledge of the Scriptures, but it makes one rich in things eternal. In London a poor man once purchased a second-hand family Bible, and was turning over its leaves, when he found two stuck together. His wife loosened them with hot water, and found there six crisp five pound bank-notes, twenty-five dollars each. He was questioning his right to keep them, when he found these words written on one of them: “I have had to work very hard for these, and, having no natural heirs, I leave thee, whoever shall buy this Holy Book, my lawful heir, June 17, 1840, South End, Essex.” So—
“This Book unfolds Jehovah’s mind,
This voice salutes in accents kind;
This friend will all your needs supply,
This fountain send forth streams of joy.
This mine affords us boundless wealth,
This good physician gives us health.