The science of historical interpretation, during the last few decades, has made the Old Testament a new book for most of the present generation of cultivated folk. We do not expect to obtain from it guidance of the same sort as our fathers did, nor do we seek guidance in the same way. We understand perfectly that the Old Testament must be treated exactly like any other piece of literature, in that it must be allowed to tell its own story without let or hindrance. But some of the larger results

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... f the adoption of the historical point of view seem to have failed thus far to find very general recognition. The purpose of the present paper is to lay emphasis upon one or two of these neglected issues. One of the most significant things in the Old Testament is the attitude toward truth therein reflected. The Old Testament worthies respect the past; yea, reverence it. They never tire of reference to it; they glory in their history. It is to them a never-failing fount of information and inspiration. They never dream of such a thing as ignoring their traditions. They could not and would not make an absolute break with the accumulated experience of preceding centuries. But, on the other hand, they did not blindly worship the past. They did not allow it to take such complete possession of them as to render them incapable of appreciating the present, or of making progress toward the future. They valued the past for what it had to teach them about God and about life; but they never regarded it as being the repository of all knowledge, or the full and complete guidebook for all time to come. They did not turn their backs toward the future, with their eyes glued upon the past. Their attitude, indeed, was quite the reverse; it was one of expectation, anticipation, hope. They were ever looking eagerly, longingly, confidently for new light to flash forth from above. They were decidedly receptive toward 373 influence upon the world's thought. To attempt to decide to which our debt is the greater would be a thankless task. The direct effect upon literature of Plato is probably greater than that of Ezekiel; but the latter has certainly influenced more vitally the thought of common men. So potent has been his influence, that to continue to ignore the source of it would be blindness; and to continue to discredit it, in comparison with Plato's, would be folly.