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On a cursory view of the Bible, some peculiarities strike the mind, producing an effect like the first impres- sions in forming acquaintance with a stranger. The peculiarities which deserve notice are not in the external appearance. Sometimes the sacred volume is one of the most highly ornamented in the library ; at other times it appears in coarse binding, and printed with obscure type on rough paper; but, whatever may be its external dress, it is still the Bible, possessing that internal excellence which distinguishes it from all other books, and constitutes its true value. To a childish fancy it may seem desirable that the Bible should be distinguished by some outward sign, such as an atmosphere of glory surrounding it, like that which is sometimes seen in paintings and engravings around the head of our Redeemer. Such a sign would distinguish it effectually from all other books in the library; but would it prove the book to be divine? The glory would adhere to the paper, the printing, or the binding; and it would at least be doubtful, whether the honor divinely conferred did not fall on the paper- maker, printer, or binder, rather than on the prophets and apostles by whom the book was written. The true glory of the Bible belongs to its internal substance, the words which it contains, or rather the thoughts which these words express.

In the following chapters the character of the Bible (17)