By conveying the Bible to people, we certainly do
them a most interesting act of kindness. We thereby enable them to learn that
man was originally created and placed in a state of happiness, but, becoming
disobedient, was subjected to the degradation and evils which he and his
posterity have since experienced. The Bible will also inform them that our
gracious Creator has provided for us a Redeemer in whom all the nations of the
earth should be blessed – that this Redeemer has made atonement “for the sins
of the whole world,” and thereby reconciling the Divine justice with the Divine
mercy, has opened a way for our redemption and salvation; and that these
inestimable benefits are of the free gift and grace of God, not of our
deserving, nor in our power to deserve. The Bible will also encourage them with
many explicit and consoling assurances of the Divine mercy to our fallen race,
and with repeated invitations to accept the offers of pardon and
reconciliation. They, therefore, who enlist in His service, have the highest
encouragement to fulfill the duties assigned to their respective stations; for
most certain it is, that those of His followers who participate in His
conquests will also participate in the transcendent glories and blessings of
His Triumph.
John Jay - First Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States of America
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