By act of Parliament in 1579 every Scotch householder with
$2,500 to his credit had to provide, under penalty of $50, “a
Bible and Psalme buke in vulgare language in their houssis for
the better instruction of thame selffis and their famelijes
in the knowledge of God.” The condition of the times gave
added value to such a regulation. Books were few and the
Bible was a treat. Being compelled to buy it may have been a
financial hardship, but having it and next to no other book
at all made opportunity for good intellectual and spiritual
delight.--_Northwestern Christian Advocate._
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