Why I Use A Scofield Bible
By Herbert Lockyer, Lift. D., F.R.G.S.
M Y first Scofield was a daily com panion for over 30 years. It now occupies a revered and retired position in a case of Bibles. Tattered and torn, dirty and dilapidated, it presents the appearance of a war-scarred veteran, and such it is, seeing it has been used in many spiritual conflicts. What memories this much-loved Bible holds for one! The fly-leaf bears the inscription— “ Presented to Herbert Lockyer by a Few Christian Friends of Morningside and Chapel May 6, 1911.” At the time I was a Scottish Evangel ist, and at the conclusion of a soul stirring campaign in the towns men tioned, a group of converted coal-miners presented me with my first Scofield, as a token of their gratitude. It would take volumes to describe all this precious Bible-help has been to me. After 16 years’ constant use, I was forced to have it rebound. Then, in 1939, another new covering was necessary. My present revised Scofield came into my possession in 1943, but, every now and then, I go- back to my first love. Without apology, I look upon the Sco field Reference Bible as one of the great est single Bible aids ever published. When the Oxford University Press un dertook the prodigious task of printing this now famous Bible it built better than it knew. Critics and enemies of this Bible exist, but if only they could pro duce Bible expositions one-millionth part as effective as Scofield’s notes, they would earn a reward. Unfortunately, there are those who despise this monu mental work, but like a ball, the harder it is kicked the faster it travels. For almost half a century it has weathered many theological storms and, according to the publishers’ figures, its sales are larger than ever. For the benefit of a younger genera tion it may be fitting to indicate how this remarkable compendium of theology came into being. From The History of the Scofield Reference Bible, by Dr. Arno C. Gaebelein, who was one of the close collaborators with Dr. Scofield in the preparation of his famed Bible, we glean the following facts. Dr. Cyrus I. Scofield was born August 19, 1843, in the backwoods of Lenawee County, Michigan. This fact accounted for his love for the out-of-doors — the woods, birds and animal life. When Cyrus was quite young, the Scofield family left Michigan and settled in central Tennes see before the Civil War. As a South erner, young Scofield enlisted in the Con federate Army, and before he was 20 years of age saw a good deal of action. At the conclusion of the war, Scofield, now 22, traveled to St. Louis and studied for the legal profession. At 26, he offered S E P T E M B E R , 1 9 5 1
himself for admission to the bar, and thus became a lawyer. Shortly after he was elected by the citizens of Atchison, Kansas, to the state legislature, and dis tinguished himself in various ways. Gen eral Grant, who was then in his second term as President of the United States, impressed with the abilities of C. I.
the Presidency of the Northfield and Mount Hermon schools. After seven years, he returned to his Dallas Church. As the result of his constant Bible teaching ministry, there came into being the Scofield Bible I Correspondence Course, now continued by the Moody Bible Institute, Chicago. From time to time, Scofield mentioned to interested friends the plan of pro ducing a Reference Bible, and financial difficulties being overcome, he gave him self to the task of preparing his Bible, which George Truett called “ a monu mental achievement”. Commenced in 1902, the Bible was published in 1909 by the Oxford University Press, and by the end of that year, thousands of copies had been sold. To date, over two million copies have been disposed of. Every user of this Reference Bible knows how faithfully the plan set forth by Dr. Scofield in the Introduction of the Bible has been followed. Without doubt, as Dr. Gaebelein points out, “ The pro duction of the Reference Bible was a significant act of Divine Providence.” My constant use of this Bible for al most 40 years constrains me to affirm that it is a volume of great spiritual and doctrinal value, and that Eternity alone will reveal the remarkable influ ence it has exerted in the lives of count less readers. When one comes to write of the worth of the Scofield, he is embarrassed by riches. To master the notes of such a Bible means to secure a most valuable knowledge of the fundamentals of our Faith. Any young Christian, setting out to witness for Christ, could not equip himself in any more efficient way than by tracing and grasping the doctrinal themes as indicated by Dr. Scofield’s reference scheme. For a working knowledge of the back ground of the books of the Bible; of types and topics, prophecy and parables, names and words, the Scofield Reference Bible is incomparable. It is a commen tary, concordance and Bible dictionary, all rolled into one. There is no other single book in the religious realm so loaded with conservative theological ex positions, and which, in the last 50 years, has done more to enlighten and edify Christian workers. It would prove both interesting and profitable to interview a cross-section of the Christian public as to what the Scofield has meant to them. Of particular interest to the preacher and student is the loose-leaf Scofield. By this means one’s own outline, developed in consultations with Dr. Scofield’s notes, can be placed in a fitting position. A sermon on “ Grace” , for example, would be used between pages 1320 and 1321. (Continued on Page 81) Page Thirteen
Dr. C. I. Scofield In His Library
Scofield, who was then 36 years old, ap pointed him United States Attorney for the Kansas District. After two years he resigned and returned to St. Louis to practice law. It was at this time, in 1879, that the greatest event in his life occurred. Through the efforts of conse crated Christian workers, Scofield sur rendered his life to God. Soon after, there commenced that acquaintance with Dr. James H. Brookes, renowned Bible scholar, which was to lay the foundation of the Reference Bible. With his re markable analytical mind, Scofield quick ly mastered the fundamental truths of Holy Writ. In 1882 Scofield became the pastor of a small Congregational Church in Dal las, Texas, which greatly prospered un der his ministry, and is now known as the Scofield Memorial Church. Several years later, he went to Northfield Church, where he was thrown into con tact with D. L. Moody, and became a frequent speaker at the famous evan gelist’s Northfield Conference. Mr. Moody invited C. I. Scofield to take over
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