Scripture Writers by J. Hamilton

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 17, 1863

Scripture Writers.

By J. Hamilton

THE rhetorical and poetical beauties of Scripture are merely incidental. Its authors wrote, not for glory nor display, not to astonish nor amaze their brethren, but to instruct them, and make them better. They wrote for the world's advantage, not to aggrandize themselves. Demosthenes composed his most splendid oration in order to win the crown of eloquence; and

the most elaborate effort of ancient oratory—the panegyric to which Isocrates devoted fifteen years—was just an essay written for a prize. How different the circumstances in which the speech on Mars' Hill was spoken, and the farewell sermon in the upper chamber at Troas. Herodotus and Thucydides composed their histories with a view to popular applause; and Pindar's fiery pulse beat faster in prospect of the great Olympic gathering and the praises of assembled Greece. How opposite the circumstances in which the seer of Horeb penned his faithful story, and Isaiah and Jeremiah poured fourth their fearless denunciations of popular sins. The most superb of modern historians confesses the flutter which he felt when the last line of his task was written, and he thought that perhaps his fame was established. A more important history concludes :

"These things are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing, ye might have life through his name."—J. Hamilton.