The value of the volumes that we know under the title of Shakespeare are instructive and valuable primarily because they so vividly, accurately, and fully portray the affections, thoughts, and passions of the natural man, which we call human nature. But is their value as a teaching force one whit lessened if it should be proved that they were written by Lord Bacon? If their authorship were thrown into doubt, who wrote them would be a matter of idle and worthless curiosity to him who cared only for their intrinsic worth. The Word is valuable because it vividly, accurately, and fully portrays the affections, thoughts, and passions not only of the natural man, but also of the spiritual man and of God. It reveals not only human nature, but spiritual nature, angelic nature, and the Divine nature. The Word ought not in the least to be diminished as a teaching, spiritualizing power if Providence had
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