That Ubiquitous Bible

In honor of the first week of classes at UT, I’m posting the intro to the Gideon pocket size Bible… that ubiquitous little Bible.

First the pertinent facts: they come slightly larger than an iPhone and in full technicolor. And did you know the colors are significant? I didn’t.

Orange: for sidewalk distribution to middle/high school students
Green: for college/university students
Red: for in-school distribution to Middle/High school students
Digital Camouflage/Desert Camouflage: for the military
Dark blue: for law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and EMTs
White: for medical professionals
Light blue: for distribution by the Auxiliary only
Brown: personal worker’s testaments (for individual witnessing by Gideons)
Periwinkle: personal worker’s testaments (for individual witnessing by the Auxiliary)

On the left are three of my copies, the first of which (red) I got on Oct 13, 1989, complete with dinosaur sticker inside the front cover. But lacking this intro.

If you haven’t ever read this, enjoy!

“The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.”