Jan
23
2008
Cloud of Witnesses: Basil Manly, Jr.
Basil Manly, Jr. (1825-92)
Basil Manly, Jr. was one of the founders of Southern Seminary and he served as Professor of Old Testament from 1859-71 and 1879-82. 
(His grave lies just a few feet in front of James P. Boyce’s family gravesite.)
Manly was a firm proponent of the inspiration of the Scriptures, consistently arguing that a neglect or denial of Scripture’s truthfulness would prove detrimental to Christianity. Manly claimed that denying the inspiration of the Bible would “minister to the pride of reason, instead of to the culture of faith. It would generate perplexity instead of repose, conflict instead of submission, resistance instead of reverence.”
Every time we sing the poetic words of Southern Seminary’s “hymn,” we are expressing the heart of Basil Manly, Jr. – a gifted professor and wise administrator.
Soldiers of Christ, in truth arrayed,
A world in ruins needs your aid:
A world by sin destroyed and dead;
A world for which the Savior bled.
His Gospel to the lost proclaim,
Good news for all in Jesus’ Name;
Let light upon the darkness break
That sinners from their death may wake.
Morning and evening sow the seed,
God’s grace the effort shall succeed.
Seedtimes of tears have oft been found
With sheaves of joy and plenty crowned.
We meet to part, but part to meet
When earthly labors are complete,
To join in yet more blest employ,
In an eternal world of joy.