The Gift, the Guidance, and the Gratitude
As copies of the Holy Scriptures, though made by fallible
hands, are sufficient for our guidance in the study of divine truth; so
translations, though made with uninspired human skill, are sufficient for those
who have not access to the inspired original. Unlearned men will not be held
accountable for a degree of light beyond what is granted to them; and the
benevolence of God in making revelation, has not endowed all with the gifts of
interpreting tongues. When this gift was miraculously bestowed in ancient
times, it was for the edification of all: and now, when conferred in the
ordinary course of providence, the purpose of conferring it is the same. God
has seen it wiser and better to leave the members of Christ to feel the
necessity of mutual sympathy and dependence, than to bestow every gift on every
individual. He has bestowed the knowledge necessary for the translation of his
word on a sufficient number of faithful men to answer the purpose of his
benevolence; and the least accurate of the translations with which the common
people are favored is full of divine truth, and able to make wise to salvation.
A full conviction that the Bible is the word of
God, is necessary to give us confidence in its teachings, and with respect for
its decisions. With this conviction pervading the mind when we read the sacred
pages, we realize that God is speaking to us, and when we feel the truth take
hold of our hearts, we know that it is God with whom we have to do. When we
study its precepts, all our powers bow to them, as the undoubted will of our
sovereign Lord; and when we are cheered and sustained by its consolations, we
receive them as blessings poured down from the eternal throne. Nature and
science offer no light that can guide us in our search for immortal bliss; but
God has given us the Bible, as a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path. Let
us receive the gift with gratitude and commit ourselves to its guidance.
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