A SERMON

Hokitika Guardian, 16 July 1940, Page 3

A SERMON

*»♦«* “THE GREATEST liOOK OF THE ’WORLD.” (Delivered by Lyn R. Us mar at the Sale St., Church of Christ, last evening.) The unity and harmony of the Bible bespeaks its Divine origin.—lt came from narrow and bigoted Hebrews who have never before or since been proniinant in the realm of literature. A human origin would have been more understandable had it come from the educated Egyptians or Chaldeans. There are 66 books and about 40 different authors, who each added their contribution over a period of approximately 1,500 years. During that time kingdoms rose and fell and the people in each succeeding generation differed in customs, outlook, etc., to a- great extent. Yet with it all there is a golden thread running through from Genesis to Revelation. It is like 40 different artists, over 1500 years each adding their bit to the canvas. Humanly speaking, under these circumstances, the. portrait would be a montrosity. Not so with the Bible, God’s hand guided those men so that the book would become unified and harmonious. Its strength over attack is evidence ofi its Inspiration. Most .books are like men; they are horn; live their day; die and are forgotten. Not. so with this Book. Men have tried to ban and burn it. But the longer the attack, the stronger the Book. It is still the world’s best seller. Last year j the British and Foreign Bible Society . issued about 10,000,000 copies of the' scripture. One is issued every three seconds. Parts of the Bible are translated in 1,000 tongues and dialects.; In Germany “Mein Kampf” (Hitler’s book is sold to the extent of 750,600 each year. Figures recently issued by the Prussian Bible Society show that tlie Scriptures in that country are sold to the extent of 1,000,000 copies annually. The Bible has had a wide influence. An African Prince once sent an Am-; bassador to Queen Victoria to ask her the secret of England’s political greatness. Handing him a Bible the Queen' said, “Go tell your Prince this is the secret of England’s political greatness.” The Bible has enobled sculpture, providing 'many an excellent thcmcV It has meant much to music e.g: Hayden’s “Creation.” Beethoven’s “Mount of Olives,” or Handel’s “Mcs- ' siah.” Tills Book' has sponsored the choicest gems of our literature. Shake- / spoa’reV in his’ works lias over 500 I Bible quotations; lie quotes' from 54 of the 66 books and in all of his Of), plays-there are Scriptural references or quotations. Bint the Bible has meant most to humanity. The acceptances of its teachings raises men and women to a higher level. This Book teaches that the true interpretation of life is spiritual; that the key to the Spiritual is God; that the key to God is Jesus Christ, and that the key to Christ is self-surrender; “What think ye of l Christ?”