p. 8 | IS THE BIBLE OUTGROWN? by J. W. Collie

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 3, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 49.

IS THE BIBLE OUTGROWN?

By J. W. Collie

We are living in an age of doubt and unbelief, and while the Bible is not assailed as in some periods of the world's history, yet there is a tendency on the part of a great many people, including theological teachers, to discredit the teachings of God's holy Word.

It is said by many, that its history is not to be relied upon; its science does not conform to the demands of modern research and discovery; and were it not for the self-interest of professional teachers, it would be entirely given up as a thing disproved.

Looking back over the history of the past, however, we find that similar utterances have been made, and yet the book has withstood all these things and remains to-day “the Book of books.”

We are assured by these critics of the Bible that new conditions have arisen, and that “intellect has been emancipated from the thraldom of dogma,” and that the searchlight of modern criticism shows that the Bible is faulty throughout.

In the light of these things it is gratifying indeed to note an instance that recently occurred in Toronto, Ontario. Evangelist Newell very quietly and modestly gave notice that a series of Bible studies would be held every Tuesday evening in Massey Hall. What is the result? Not only are the front seats filled by a “faithful few,” but the great hall is crowded to the utmost limit allowed by law, not less than four thousand being in attendance.

This has not been done by sensational methods used by the preacher, but it simply shows that the Bible is not outgrown, and that the simple, literal teaching of the Word appeals to the hearts and lives of many who are hungering and thirsting for something different than the modern pulpit is giving.

There never was a time when the amount of literature of all sorts and kinds was being turned out as at the present; but much of it is unsatisfying and it becomes apparent that the Bible appeals to men as nothing else in literature does.

It touches the conscience, the reason, the imagination, the spiritual nature, as nothing else does, and the man that can bring the message of the Bible home to the hearts of men and women; who has talked with God and received from Him a testimony of cheer to poor dying souls, will find a field ripe and ready for his work.

Those who are living away from the good old Word, are like the mariner on the sea, when the stars have gone out, the shore-line no longer distinguished, and without chart or compass is drifting onto the cruel rocks.

Compared with all the books of the past or the present, the Bible is the most up-to-date piece of literature in the world. J. W. COLLIE.