The author of the Second Epistle of Peter writes:

"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men
of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."[7]

Such passages as these command the instant assent of all who reverence an
ethical and spiritual inspiration in the prophets, and a real revelation
through them, and they command no other belief.

In the first Epistle General of Peter we read:

"Concerning which salvation the prophets sought and searched diligently
who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you; searching what
time or what manner of time the spirit of Christ which was in them did
point unto, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and
the glories that should follow them."[8]

Any idea of a progressive revelation implies that there was a light
coming on into the world, which to them of olden time showed dimly a
mystery into which they strove to look further. A vision of ideal goodness
rose before them. It rested above the ideal Israel, chosen and called of
God for a holy work. It shadowed that righteous servant of God with
sorrow. The lot of the elect one was to be suffering. Thus the world was
to be saved to God. This the great Prophet of the Exile saw. Christ's
coming filled out this mystic vision, and it is fairly translated into the
terms the Epistle uses.

The prophets were, in such lofty visionings, under an influence beyond
their consciousness.

"The passive master lent his hand
To the vast soul that o'er him planned."

All other passages claimed in support of the notion of an infallible Bible
fail on the witness-stand.

There is positively nothing in the New Testament which lends a reasonable
countenance to such an amazing theory.

Even the stock argument, used when all other quotations failed, disappears
in the honesty of the Revised New Testament. People who know no Greek see
now that Paul did not write "All Scripture is given by inspiration of
God"; but

"Every Scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."[9]

This is precisely the claim to be made for the Bible, as against the
exaggerated notions cherished about it. It is good for--all forms of
character-building. Its inspiration is ethical and spiritual. The test of
the inspiration of any writing in it is its efficacy to inspire life with
goodness.

III.

_The B