The Fundamentals - Torrey - XXII - Chapter 1 (The inspiration of the Bible-Definition extent and proof)

Required reading
The Fundamentals edited by R. A. Torrey (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 1 of Volume II (The inspiration of the Bible-Definition extent and proof) by reading up to the heading 'III. Proof of inspiration'.

My summary
Today we begin the second volume of this major work by starting Gray's chapter on the inspiration of the Bible.

Firstly Gray defines inspiration.  Inspiration is:
(i) not revelation;
(ii) not illumination;
(iii) not human genius;
(iv) not the inspiration of men, but the books;
(v) in the original record.

Secondly Gray teaches us about the extent of inspiration.  The inspiration of Scripture includes:
(i) the whole and every part of it;
(ii) not only all the books of the Bible in general but in detail, the form as well as the substance, the word as well as the thought.

What grabbed me
I enjoyed this response to a liberal's comment about the inspiration of the original autographs: 'Some years ago a "liberal" theologian, deprecating this discussion as not worth while, remarked that it was a matter of small consequence whether a pair of trousers were originally perfect if they were now rent. To which the valiant and witty David James Burrell replied, that it might be a matter of small consequence to the wearer of the trousers, but the tailor who made them would prefer to have it understood that they did not leave his shop that way. And then he added, that if the Most High must train among knights of the shears He might at least be regarded as the best of the guild, and One who drops no stitches and sends out no imperfect work.'

Just because there are errors in the copies available today, doesn't mean we can simply dismiss the inerrant originals.

Next week's reading
Conclude Chapter 1 (The inspiration of the Bible-Definition extent and proof).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.