THE LITERARY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BIBLE. CHAPTER I. A DEFENSE AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE STUDY OF THE LITERATURE OF THE BIBLE. THERE are certain prejudices from which dissent should be entered with a frank acknowledgment of the righteousness of the feeling from which they spring. The subject which we purpose to discuss on these pages will at once suggest a case in which this ought to be done. There are not a few who confess to a strong disinclination to hear the Bible spoken of as a literary production. Now, with the feelings of these we are free to own a sympathy; since what disinclines them to associate it with literature is their devout reverence for the Word of God. And we should have to blame ourselves did we not frankly admit this, while expressing our entire dissent from their opinion. Indeed, justice to ourselves requires this, for we would not willingly be thought to be one whit behind them in our reverence for that Book which, as devoutly as 13 |