If we examine the writers whose compositions have stood the test of ages, and obtained that highest honour, "the concurrent approbation of distant times and nations," we shall find that the character of simplicity is the unvarying circumstance which alone hath been able to gain this universal homage from mankind. Among the Greeks, whose writers in general are of the simple kind, the divinest poet, the most commanding orator, the finest historian, and deepest philosopher, are, above the rest, conspicuously eminent in this great quality. The Roman writers rise towards perfection according to that measure of simplicity which they mingle in their works; indeed they are all inferior to the Greek models. But who will deny that Lucretius, Horace, Virgil, Livy, Terence, Tully, are at once the simplest and best of Roman writers? unless we add the noble annalist who appeared in after-times; who, notwithstanding the political turn of his genius, which sometimes interferes, is admirable in this great quality, and by it far superior to his contemporaries. It is this one circumstance that hath raised the venerable Dante, the father of modern poetry, above the succeeding poets of his country, who could never long maintain the local and temporary honours bestowed upon them; but have fallen under that just neglect which time will ever decree to those who desert a just simplicity for the florid colourings of style, contrived phrases, affected conceits, the mere trappings of composition and Gothic minutiae. It is this which has given to Boileau the most lasting wreath in France, and to Shakespeare and Milton in England; especially to the former, whose writings contain specimens of perhaps the purest and simplest English that is anywhere to be found, except in the Bible or Book of Common Prayer. As it appears from these instances, that simplicity is the only universal characteristic of just writing, so the superior eminence of the sacred Scriptures implicity in this quality hath been generally acknowledged.

One of the greatest critics in antiquity, himself conspicuous in the sublime and simple manner, hath borne this testimony to the writings of Moses and St Paul; and by parity of reason we must conclude, that had he been conversant with the other sacred writers, his taste and candour would have allowed them the same encomium.

It hath been often observed, even by writers of no mean rank, that the "Scriptures suffer in their credit by the disadvantage of a literal version, while other ancient writings enjoy the advantage of a free and embellished translation." But in reality these gentlemen's concern is ill placed and groundless: for the truth is, "that most other writings are impaired by a literal translation; whereas giving only a due regard to the idiom of different languages, the sacred writings, when literally translated, are then in their full perfection."

Now this is an internal proof, that in all other writings there is a mixture of local, relative, exterior ornament, which is often lost in the transfusion from one language to another. But the internal beauties, which depend not on the particular construction of tongues, no change of tongue can destroy. Hence the Bible preserves its native beauty and strength alike in every language, by the sole energy of unadorned phrase, natural images, weight of sentiment, and great simplicity.

It is in this respect like a rich vein of gold, which, under the severest trials of heat, cold, and moisture, retains its original weight and splendour, without either loss or alloy; while base metals are corrupted by earth, air, water, fire, and assimilated to the various elements through which they pass.

This circumstance, then, may be justly regarded as sufficient to vindicate the composition of the sacred Scriptures, as it is at once their chief excellence and greatest security. It is their excellence, as it renders them intelligible and useful to all; it is their security, as it prevents their being disguised by the false and capricious ornaments of vain or weak translators. We may safely appeal to experience and fact for the confirmation of these remarks on the superior simplicity, utility, and excellence, of the style of the Holy Scripture. Is there any book in the world so perfectly adapted to all capacities? that contains such sublime and exalted precepts, conveyed in such an artless and intelligible strain, that can be read with such pleasure and advantage by the lettered sage and the unlettered peasant?