Article November 1, 1900 Issue

Jefferson's Bible

Chicago Tribune

Clergy and laymen will be interested in knowing that through the diligent search of Representative Lacey of Iowa, what is known as the "Jefferson Bible" has been brought to light. This little volume was compiled by Thomas Jefferson, and it contains the moral doctrines of Christ, the portions of the Scripture of a supernatural nature being omitted. So thoroughly did Jefferson go into this work that when it was completed the moral doctrines of the Saviour were pasted in a blank book in parallel columns, being in the Greek, Latin, French, and English languages.

The story of this precious book is best told in the words of Judge Lacey, as follows:—

"There is a little volume of one hundred and sixty-four pages in the library of the National Museum, bound in red morocco by a Richmond bookbinder, which is one of the curious things in Washington that is rarely seen. Thomas Jefferson's library was purchased by the government, and is now contained in the splendid Congressional Library. Some time ago, in giving the Jefferson collection a careful examination, I found that the 'Jefferson Bible,' as it is sometimes called, was not there. No one could tell me where it was until I asked A. R. Spofford, who knows everything about books, and he told me it was in the National Museum Library. It appears that the volume was not included in the sale of Mr. Jefferson's library, but was afterwards purchased for four hundred dollars from Miss Randolph. This book is too valuable to be kept upon the shelves of the Museum Library, but Dr. Cyrus Adler keeps it under lock and key, and carries the key himself."

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