A SHORT time ago an indignant letter of complaint, backed up by a short leader, appeared in the columns of a weekly newspaper circulating in a well-known seaside town. They complained of an earnest Christian gentleman―an ex-officer of His Majesty’s army―perambulating the streets and carrying striking texts of Scripture, very much after the style, of the familiar sandwich man.
It was a curious coincidence that on the very day of the appearance of this indignant protest, a sandwich man was perambulating the same town, advertising the latest films at the local picture palace. There was, however, no indignant letter of complaint written to protest against this, though it is well-known that in far too many cases the influence of the picture palace is for evil, exciting the young to deeds of violence and sensuality, and that repeatedly judges and magistrates have condemned them as productive of juvenile crime.
On the other hand it is without controversy that if a drunkard shapes his course by the Bible he becomes sober, a thief becomes honest, an impure man becomes pure; in short that the influence of the Bible is only wholesome and uplifting and that the best of mankind are those who practice its precepts.
Why then the complaint of the one and the welcome to the other? Is the Bible the Word of God? Does it contain authoritatively God’s message of salvation? Assuredly it does. Then should not men welcome its message at all times and in all places? David was of this mind when he wrote Psalms 119, containing 176 verses each of which with the exceptions of one or two refers to God’s word, under the names of word, law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments judgments. He could say, “The law of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.” (vs. 27).
Yet men would like to banish it from the streets and public appeal and confine it to Sundays and then to a brief hour or two within the walls of a religious building. What does this mean? In reality that they would like to banish it ALTOGETHER. Such can get what they like in hell. There will be no Sunday there to remind them of God’s claims, and no Bible texts paraded through its streets. There will be no Bible there. Men can get what they want there.
What then is the strange reason why the blessed pure Word of God is disliked and refused? The answer is plain: “Everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” (John 3:2020For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. (John 3:20)).
“The only objection to this book,” said the dying infidel with intense emphasis, as he placed his hand upon a Bible, “is a bad life.” As he stood with the portals of eternity before him this was his testimony. How significant!
Reader, do you find no interest in the Word of God? Nay, do you dislike it? This shows how much you need it. Do not spurn it. Do not neglect it. You do so at your peril.
For while it reproves sin and tells in plain language of its terrible punishment― “death” and “after this the judgment,” yet it also tells of God’s love in giving His Son to die on the cross, there to make atonement for sin and perform the mighty work of salvation. And now God can righteously and in love offer you salvation on the ground of faith alone.
Ponder this verse, and rest not till you get for yourself the wondrous blessing that it contains, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)).
What is YOUR choice? for choice you have made. If it is your choice, repent and turn to the Lord before it is too late. Would that we could beseech you with the importunity that the matter demands.
THE EDITOR.