David and his Psalms, the eloquence of Isaiah, the wisdom of
Solomon, the life of Jesits and his words, the life of Paul and
his letters, we have recommended the very greatest book in this
world. All men of nobility, of intelligence know that.
Modern enterprise and intelligence, as illustrated in the later
nations, owes its peculiarity and strength to the Bible. It is a
confidence caused by reading this book which makes most men
enterprising, venturesome, trustful of one another, resourceful
and full of endurance. So that not without a good reason have
men put the Bible in all these lists.
Another obvious lesson is that the best books are the old and
tried books. Everybody nowadays seems carried away with an
opposite notion, that we must read the newest books. They are
put out so enticingly. They interweave §o much of history, phil
osophy and religion. They deal with the problems of life. They
sell by the hundreds of thousands. But why do not these men
recommend them ? It is because they are not classic, they are not
well-tested. They have pot passed muster before the best minds.
Therefore, with as little time as we have at our command, new
writers are not entitled to claim our attention unless they can
prove an undoubted excellence which shall entitle them to the
claim.
One other lesson only do we draw from these lists. It is that
every intelligent man should read what is best in the varied de
partments of thought. What should a preacher read? Only ser
mons and theology? To what should a chemist confine himself ?
To science only ? How shall a man be the most effective lawyer ?
By reading legal works only.? Shall a teacher busy himself with
nothing but pedagogy ? Shall an engineer know only mechanics ?
Here is where the greatest warning is sounded to every man,
whether young or old. Take care le'k you narrow yourself down
to your own calling. Take care lest you become the victim of a
fad. Take care how you touch only one or two tones of a nature
which has infinite harmonies. Take care lest you allow prejudice
to make you one-sided. Take care lest, even - with a holy seal in
your profession, you become dwarfed by reason of it in your