Holy scripture is priceless because it, and it alone, contains Christ and, therefore, the faith that saves. A diamond merchant packing some gems which he was sending to a trader in India, wrapped each one separately with great care. Coming to the last and costliest of all, he used as its coverings the first three chapters of the Gospel of St. John, tearing them, as he had done other Gospel portions, from a waste volume in his office, because the soft paper made an ideal wrapping. A Hindu, to whom this precious stone was sent, received with it what was infinitely more precious to him than the diamond which it covered—a leaf from the Book of Life, whereon he found the words:
He was astounded; he spoke to many about his “find”, and constantly inquired: “Why did I not know this before?” The Word grew in his heart, by the power of God’s Spirit. “Surely,” said he, “this means me—this salvation is for me.”
By faith he accepted it, and he told others of it. Later on, a missionary went to that place, expecting to find only heathen. Great was his surprise when he discovered a large gathering of Indian Christians there.
ML 12/01/1968