SUCH is the heading of a two-paged leaflet advertising "The Times Book Club." Below are given two reasons:
FOR INFORMATION. —The greatest history the world has ever known is now in the making. Read books that will give some idea of the meaning and significance of to-day's momentous events.
FOR DISTRACTION.— In a time of anxious preoccupation the best diversion is often found in a really good novel.
This terrible war, that is gradually drawing within its area nation after nation, that is responsible for millions of men actually fighting, that is being waged on land and sea, in the air, under the earth and beneath the water, is indeed most wonderful history in the making. But is it, as "The Times Book Club" describes it, "the greatest history the world has ever known"?
We beg leave to say at once, and without fear of contradiction, that history, infinitely bigger in its meaning and consequences than anything now going on—colossal, staggering, awe-inspiring as it may be—has taken place. Beside this history every other historical incident is of no more importance than the doings of an ant-heap in Central Africa are to General Joffre.
This piece of history is
“The center of two eternities,
Which look with rapt, adoring eyes.”
We refer to the wondrous incarnation of the Son of God—His death—His resurrection—His ascension.
That is "the greatest history the world has ever known." Yet how many there are to whom it does riot appeal in the least. How many there are who are far more concerned with what is happening in France and Belgium and Russia and Germany than what took place at Calvary long centuries ago.
At most, what is happening on the Continent of Europe may affect our property, prosperity and life. It may bring poverty, death, bereavement and sorrow. Sad consequences, indeed, but they only affect us for this life and this world, only for a very little while at the most.
But what happened at Calvary affects us for all eternity. How will it affect you, reader? Either it will, if a believer, win you heaven, or assure you, if an unbeliever, of hell. Which shall it be?
The believer is saved forever and ever.
The unbeliever has the wrath of God abiding upon him.
Such is the plain testimony of Scripture.
Personal, individual appropriation of the value of the death of Christ is what is needed. Without that "the greatest history the world has ever known" will only seal your doom in the lake of fire forever.
Then we are informed by "The Times Club" that a good reason for reading is "for distraction," and for that we are recommended to a really good novel. But in times of “anxious preoccupation “what good will a novel do the reader? Suppose, for instance, you are very distracted; that the enemy is within one hour's march of where you live, and every inhabitant will be shot, you among the number. What good will fiction do you then?
On the other hand, what blessed, happy, healthful distraction the Word of God can give. How cheering to learn in it the way Of salvation and of eternal life; and, even under the terrible circumstances supposed, for the believer in Christ to have the assurance and joy of being so soon with the Lord. Or if events lead to long trial of earthly circumstances, poverty, bereavement, and the like, will the living in the unreal atmosphere of a novel really help the reader to bear his circumstances with fortitude and joy? How different are the consolations which the Book of Books affords. The believer can say: "We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is sited abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us,” (Rom. 5:3-53And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:3‑5).)
"The Times Club" leaflet tells us of a lady who read 65 books in less than three months at a cost of less than nine shillings. This works out at more than five books per week, or, roughly speaking, one volume each working day. If these books were all novels, what an unreal world this lady must be living in.
And yet she has to face death, judgment, the great white throne, the lake of fire, if she dies in her sins. As a general rule, novel reading and Bible reading do not go together. The worldling reads novels. Earnest Christians read the Bible.
Now if these lines should happen to catch the eye of this lady, we would recommend her to the study of 66 books, which can keep her interested deeply all the rest of her days, if she will only read them aright. They will tell her how the world was created, how sin came in, the interesting story of the Jewish nation, how the Savior came to this world, of His death on the cross, of His glorious resurrection and ascension, of His willingness to save and bless, how the Lord lives for His people, and is soon coming for them. It will unroll the solemn future happenings in this world, and give her vivid peeps into eternity.
And this will not cost her nine shillings, wonderful as these 66 books are. Only yesterday I was shown 27 of them, commonly called tile New Testament, well bound, good, clear print, which can be bought for the sum of one penny.
Listen to the testimony of the Bible. “The holy scriptures... are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Tim. 3:15-17.)
Reader, let me earnestly entreat you to read the Word of God, AND PAY HEED TO ITS MESSAGE. Those who fail to read it,' or read it carelessly and superficially, merely as a respectable formality, and die unsaved, will find it their bitterest reflection that they have held within their hands God's book, that it contained the message of life and peace, and that they had paid no heed. This will be indeed "the worm that never dies"—the accusing conscience—the unavailing, eternal regret, bitter beyond words.
A poor, worn-out tramp laid himself down to die on a stone, which formed part of a Roman camp. He died of starvation. Excavations were made in the camp after his death. When the stone on which the poor, starved, hunger-bitten tramp had died was lifted, there were found underneath it three crocks full of gold coins. Little did he know that he was dying of starvation within six inches of all this treasure.
But you are hereby informed of the wonderful treasure to be found in the Word of God. Fail to find it, and the responsibility will be all yours. The blame will all lie at your own door. You alone will have to bear the consequences. Be warned in time, I beseech you.
A. J. F.