"In searching for an answer we have been led to conclude that the true explanation

will be found in that prevailing neglect of the Bible as a whole, which arises from its

being always read in mere fragments; in the forgetfulness of the particular purpose for

which the Book was given; in confusions regarding its inspiration; in errors relating to

the Holy Spirit; in the confounding of revealed facts with human inferences; in bias of

one kind or other; in reading either for `edification' or for kindling of devout feeling,

without first ascertaining the meaning of that which is read;  in the habit of

accommodating Scripture, or of perverting it, by exaggeration, projection, or other

misapplication of texts; in allegorizing, under the influence of unbridled fancy; in the

abuse of parallel passages and references, in the darkening of the sense which is

frequently occasioned by the injudicious division into chapters and verses;  in the

acceptance of interpretations drawn from Hymns; in the neglect and consequent abuse of

unfulfilled prophecy; in inattention to the character of the particular dispensation under

which we are living; in errors as to church authority, and the value of tradition; in undue

reliance on the professional labours of the clergy; in turning helps into hindrances; and

above all, in habitual indifference to the demand Scripture makes on every man for

prolonged study, as an essential pre-requisite to the elevation by its means of moral