DEPRESSION IN THE BIBLE TRADE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 68, 21 March 1910, Page 6

DEPRESSION IN THE BIBLE TRADE.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —In your issue of yesterday you have a very interesting article entitled " Depression in the Bible Trade." I notice several ministers have been interviewed as to its probable cause. Some have given vary foolish reasons, for instance, one puts it down to the decreasing birth-rate, another that the "publishers' supply must have in some way exceeded the demand"; another to toe indifference of the multitudes to the claims of religion. I think the JRev. Gray Dixon gives the most reasonable cause, viz., higher criticism and the tabooing of the Bible in State schools. There is an old saying T read somewhere—perhaps it is out of print now, so I will quote it:— " As ye sow so shall ye reap." Ministers have for tShirty years preached that whole books in the Bible were forgeries; that many of the most sacred incidents in Bible history were myths, and Sunday school teachers and Bible vlnss leaders have meekly echoed in the class what ministers have trumpeted from the pulpit, until Vhe average attendant of both Church and Sunday School have been so initiated into the mysteries of doubt, that they believe the Bible for less than the person who neither attends Chirrch nor Sunday School. Now, Sir, pepple don't, waste money buying books they do not believe in. I do not believe this is any passing craze, but that the depression will go on. The Bible that has been so ignored tells of this depression, and thus proves its liability. It says: " They shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the Word o! the Lord; and shall not find it" (Amos 8, 12). All privilege brings responsibility. Our forefathers bought with great sacrifice thn privilege of an open Bible, and we have despised our birthrisrht. So God will take it from tjs. " The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means: and my people lovp to have it so; and what will ye do in the end thereof?"—l am, etc. S. L. P. RBtMER. March ltn.