yet a collection of little books, selected from a larger literature and
given their present position of preeminent authority.

[Sidenote: _The record of God's vital, personal relations to the
Israelitish race_]

The term Testament suggests not the form and authority of the books, but
their theme. It is the English translation, through the Latin and Greek,
of the Hebrew word, _berith_, usually rendered, _covenant_. It means a
_bond_ or _basis of agreement_. It implies a close and binding contract
between two parties, and defines the terms to which each subscribes and
the obligations which they thus assume. The _Old Covenant_ or
_Testament_, therefore, is primarily the written record of the origin,
terms, and history of the solemn agreement which existed between the
Israelitish nation and Jehovah. The early narratives preserve the
traditions of its origin; the lawgivers endeavored to define its terms
and the obligations that rested upon the people; the prophets
interpreted them in the life of the nation, and the sages into the life
of the individual; and the historical books recorded its practical
working. The significant fact is that back of the Old Testament records
exists something greater and deeper than pen can fully describe: it is a
vital, living connection between Jehovah and his people that makes
possible the unique relation which finds expression in the remarkable
history of the race and in the experiences and souls of its spiritual
leaders. Thus through life, and in the concrete terms of life, God
reveals himself to the life of humanity.

[Sidenote: _Written in history and human minds and hearts_]

In the light of this truth the Jewish and medieval dogma that every