Other pleasures may be more ecstatic; but the habit of reading is the only enjoyment I know, in which there is no alloy." The Bible was begun in the desert in Arabia ages before Homer sang and flourished in Asia Minor.

Millions of books have since gone into oblivion.

Empires have risen and fallen.

Revolutions have swept over and changed the earth.

It has always been subject to criticism and obloquy.
Mighty men have sought its overthrow.