Simplicity of the Bible.
By Irenaeus
THE Bible is a much simpler book than many preachers would have the people believe. There are some things in it hard to be understood, undoubtedly. But these are not the things they attempt to explain, or explain away. They find the words of inspiration in the way of their views, and they go at the words, tooth and nail, hammer and tongs, and manage to give an interpretation to them which will bolster or at least not oppose their favorite theories. The Bible is the simplest book in the world, and there is no work of its size treating so great a variety of subjects which is more intelligible to the common mind. Errors, heresies, and corruptions in doctrine and practice, do not arise from the misconceptions which the "common people" get from reading the Bible, with the Spirit of God alone to guide them. The fundamental truths which all evangelical Christians love to believe, are on the surface as well as in the depths of holy Scripture. He who runs may read. The Bible is a revelation. The Author did not employ language to conceal his thoughts. The entrance of his words gives light. They make wise the simple. And that preacher is the best who is the most scriptural, bringing the truth as therein revealed directly to the conscience and the heart.—Irenaeus, in N. Y. Observer.