SCRIPTURE COMMENT by Joseph Clarke

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, January 29, 1880

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 55, No. 5

SCRIPTURE COMMENT.

By Joseph Clarke

BY JOSEPH CLARKE.

Let us suppose that an artist, after many months of careful labor, produces a very beautiful picture. But this costly and excellent painting falls into the hands of some person who, being destitute of taste and judgment, stows it away in the garret, where the dust collects upon it, until much of its beauty is obscured and marred, and it would be regarded with indifference by those who were not aware of its real value. The master now obtains it; he frees it from dust and mold, and retouches it with the same skill that he first exercised in producing it. The painting, so lately a cheap article in ignorant hands, again becomes an article of great value; and all admire, and wonder that the dusty and apparently worthless painting has become a thing of marvelous beauty, fit to adorn the palace of a king.

So of the Bible. When apostles and martyrs were its expositors, it was a thing of beauty and excellence, and the harmony and justice of its principles were truly admirable. But a change came. Heathen philosophers undertook to explain its doctrines according to their notions and preconceived ideas, thinking by so doing to popularize Christianity. The Bible was thus represented as saying things which did not comport with any intelligent idea of truth or justice; and this state of things has continued from the time of Constantine to the present generation. In consequence, many who do not realize these things, consider the word of God a very singular book.

Finally, the Master himself has undertaken the restoration of this priceless treasure. The dust of ages is being swept away; it is being cleansed from the fables of pagan philosophers and the grime of papal slime, and once more stands forth in its native grandeur and excellence. Many have attempted to do this work, but have failed. But, thanks to the Master, the colors are indelible, or all these bungling efforts would have ruined the work in its most important features.

Would you know how this work is being done,—how the book of God is being restored to its original truth and harmony? We refer you to the three volumes entitled, “The Spirit of Prophecy;” and to other standard works published at the office of the REVIEW AND HERALD. By studying the vital and important points presented in these works, you will see the wonderful things written in the word of God, all clean, and sweet, and pure. Try it, dear reader; we do not fear the result.