TOO MUCH OF IT by Editor

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 16, 1881

TOO MUCH OF IT.

By Editor

PROF. SWING has solved the problem of a "pocket Bible with large print." It is not likely, however, that the good old lady who wished for one would be satisfied with the article which the Professor recommends. His idea is to "set the Bible free from the weights which impede its progress," by "throwing away such portions as have no practical, every-day value." If all the "liberal minded" were permitted to act as a committee in such revision, we doubt not but that a vest-pocket edition of the Scriptures, with the largest print, might be obtained. To be sure there would be a great diversity of opinion as to what part of the Scriptures is of practical, every-day importance, but there can be no doubt as to what the "weights" are which "impede the progress" of the Bible. What hinders the progress of the Bible more than the ten commandments? Greater men than the poor colored preacher have found that they have a "dampening effect on the congregation." They say that to them they are a "yoke of bondage." Take these away, together with the teachings of Christ and the apostles in relation thereto, and how popular the Bible would become. It would be almost as "progressive" as the people of this generation. Then all the prophecies, the writings of Moses, David, etc., could be removed as having no practical, every-day importance, and if any portion were left it would be nothing more than the "essence" of which the Professor speaks. But people already do this in effect, and "make void the law" of God, even as they did in the time of David and Christ. "Nevertheless, the foundation of the Lord standeth sure."