Character of the Bible

The Bible differs from other books, as our Lord differed from men. He was born of a woman, but his spirit was the everlasting Father. It is humble in its appearance, as nature is when compared to art; and some parts which Providence has permitted to remain within the same cover have often attracted more attention than that which is really divine. From the very nature of perfect innocence its presence is unnoticed, save by him by whom it is loved. Divine Love, in its perfect thoughtlessness of itself, enters the atheistical heart, unperceived. Such an one thinks meanly of those who think humbly of themselves, and with perfect humility the last vestige of reality disappears. To him, both nature and the Word are like a deserted building, through which, as he passes, he is conscious of nothing but the sound of his own footsteps; but to him whose heart opens to the Divine Influence, this building appears to assume, from the internal cause of its creation, the symmetry of perfect proportions, till at length, as he becomes more and more conscious of the presence with which it is filled, he sees no temple, " for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple." The Word resembles the Hebrew language, in which much of it is written. To him who knows not its spirit, it is an empty form without sound or vowel; but to him who is alive to the Divine Influence, it is filled with the living voice of God.

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