February 9

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. - 2 Timothy 3:16.

THE Bible is an inspired book. It claims for itself no less a distinction and preeminence. Wise and good men may differ a little as to the mode of this inspiration, but this does not affect the reality nor the nature of its communications. The Bible is full of God, and it is able to make us wise unto salvation. I take up this Book and read; and I there find an infinite adaptation to my state as a sinner. If I am a wanderer, here is a guide; if I am enslaved, here is redemption; if I am all guilt and weakness, here is righteousness and strength. I take up the Book and read, and I immediately perceive that it must have been written by a Being who knew me, and knew me perfectly, and by a Being who was concerned, and perfectly concerned, for my welfare- That is the blessed God. I take up the Book and read, and I say such heavenly benevolence and such pure morality could not flow but from the Fountain of all purity and benevolence. I take up the Book and read, “Now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” “By love serve one another.”

What, compared with these, was pagan philosophy? and what, compared with these, is modern infidelity? How abundant are the proofs that the Bible is desirable, useful, and necessary to man; that this alone can rescue us from the thraldom of corruption, free our minds from stinging doubts and tormenting fears; that without this all is confusion without us and all is dark within us; that this alone can instruct us in ignorance, sanctify us in prosperity, sustain us in adversity, and enable us to triumph in death. We cannot question either the Divine inspiration of the sacred Scriptures, or of their being fully able to accomplish their design, that “the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”