This book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the
way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness
of believers. It contains light to direct you, food to
support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the
traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass,
the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. It is a
mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of
pleasure.
Its
teachings are holy, its precepts are binding, its
histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Here
paradise is restored, heaven is opened, and the gates of
hell are disclosed. Christ is its grand
subject, our good is its design, and the glory of God is
its beginning and end.
It is
given to you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and
will be remembered forever. It should fill the memory,
rule the heart, and guide the feet. It involves the
highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor,
and condemns all who trifle with its sacred contents.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe,
and practice it to be holy. Read it slowly, frequently,
and prayerfully. This Book, the Book of Books, the Book
of God, the Bible -- is the revelation
of God to man!
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