Watchman And Observer

THE SCRIPTURES.
When the philosophic De Tocqueville visited our country a few years since, he once, on his own request, entered a Sunday-school, and examined its exercises, and particularly the books in use. To his surprise he found in the hands of every child, a New Testament without note or comment, and all eager in its perusal. He inquired at once of the superintendent whether this practice with children was common through the country.— When answered in the affirmative, he exclaimed with emotion "what a mighty effect it must have on the character of the nation!"
It is even so. It is this book more than all things else which has made us what we are, and which has lighted up beyond us the few bright spots on our earth's otherwise dark and dreary surface. It is this which is as an instrument not only to improve the condition of all here, but is to work out the fulfillment of those glowing spiritual promises to the Jew and the Gentile, to the bond and the free, to Ethiopia and the far off Isles of the ocean.
'There is no solid hope for the race, as to permanent happiness here or hereafter, from any book or policy or effort of man, but in close alliance with this sacred volume. One who was divinely taught could say, "I have seen an end of all perfection, but thy commandment is exceeding broad."
All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but the Word of our God shall stand forever."
This Word, with all its potency and its promises, is entrusted to us. For lack of its aid millions are in darkness and without hope. The voice of Providence is inviting us to bear it through the doors open, and opening to every part of the globe. Shall these varied and pressing motives to exertion be disregarded?