THE DISCUSSION ON THE BIBLE.

Southland Times, Issue 20209, 21 June 1927, Page 10

THE DISCUSSION ON THE BIBLE.

To the Editor. Sir, —I am pleased to note that you have allowed the use of your columns for the discussion of religious subjects. It often occurs to me that too much space is given to things which do not count and at least do not lead to morality or character building. All men naturally desire knowledge, but what profit is there in knowledge without the fear of God? Certainly a low peasant who serves God is better than a proud philosopher, who, to the neglect of his own soul; studies the course of the heavens. He who knows himself well becomes vile in his own sight and can take no delight in the praises of men. If I knew all the things of the world and were not in charity, what would it avail before God, Who will judge* me by my actions? If I knew the whole Bible, and the maxims of all philosophers, what would it profit me if I were destitute of the love of God and of His grace? God’s word says: “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” But to love God and to serve Him only, this is the highest wisdom, wheA one despises the world in order to reach forth towards the Kingdom of Heaven. There are many things the knowledge of which is of little use to the soul; and he is extremely foolish who turns his attention to such things rather than to those which would be conducive to his salvation. The more one knows and understands the heavier will be his judgments, unless, in consequence of his greater knowledge his life is a more holy one.

This must be our business, to conquer one’s self and daily to acquire more selfcontrol, and to grow in virtue. In conclusion, I would say: “Oh if men were as diligent in uprooting vices and planting virtues as they are in starting questions, there would not be so many evils and scandals in the world as there are, nor so much laxness amongst religious persons. He is really learned who does the will of God, and forsakes his own will.—l am, etc., P. L. DAUBNEY.