St. Paul say when warning Timothy in his second Epistle (iii. 14, 17) against “perilous times” and evil men? “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that”—_Who_? the priest?—the scholar?—No!—“That the MAN OF GOD”—whether priest or layman, whether scholar or no scholar—“may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” And contrast his language to Timothy with the case of the little girl from the Industrial School—“From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”—There were no Bible-burners in St. Paul’s days. The little girl in Birmingham receives a Testament, and it is not only taken away, but is burnt by the Priest. We read in the Epistle for this morning’s service “Whatsoever things were written aforetime _were written for our learning_, that we through patience, and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” It is evident therefore that they were not written to be kept back from the people, but that they were “_written for their learning_.” {15} Yet the Church of Rome which arrogates to itself the title of the only true Church puts the Bible into the Index of prohibited books. One more example which the Scriptures furnish—the example of the Ethiopian Eunuch. (Acts viii. 27, &c.) He was sitting in his carriage, reading his Bible, and God sent his minister to him saying—“Understandest thou what thou readest?” Beautiful illustration of a minister’s place! It is to explain the Scriptures. He did not say “You cannot understand them—You ought not to be reading Esaias the prophet.” If he took it out of his hands, it was not to throw it either into the fire or into the water, but he took the book from him and “_began at the same scripture and preached unto him Jesus_.” And this is our office now, not to stand between the people and the Bible, but to open up the Bible to them, grounding our every sermon, our every lecture, our every lesson, upon it. I proceed, Brethren beloved, to draw from this mournful occurrence practical lessons, and, in doing so, I trust I shall not violate the rule which, in perfect sincerity, I laid down at the commencement. Of course, the Romanist will think I am violating it, as will some latitudinarian Protestants. But, I urge, learn from this transaction in our town the _true unaltered character of Popery_. Yes—though many haply do not like that statement, I repeat it—_the true unaltered character of Popery_. We are _bigots_ forsooth! which was the bigot?—the man that gave the _Bible_ or he that burnt it?