Thomas_Strongho_1915-WM.pdf

The Bible as a Revelation

~1'1°~ EVERAL years ago an enterprising press­ . man wrote to a hundred men representing 0 various positions and classes in England­ peers of the realm, members of the House of

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~ Commons, professional men, merchants, and others-with this inquiry: "Suppose you were con­ demned to three years' solitary imprisonment, and could take with you only three books, which three would you select? Please state them in the order of your prefer­ ence." Ninety-eight out of the hundred put the Bible first of the three; and this is all the more remarkable because quite a number of these men were not only not Christians or even church-goers, but some had actually worked against the ·ouistian religion. Nevertheless, as they thought of the possibility of three years' solitary confinement, the Bible in that large num­ ber of instances was put first of the three books that they desired to have with them. It is a fine testimony to that Book which enters into everything in Christianity. The Bible touches the Christian life at all points, and for this reason it is essential for us to be clear as to what the Bible is, and in what respects it affects our thought and action. This is a day of communication, from the crudest form up to wireless telegraphy and aeroplanes; but the supreme question is whether it is possible to have communication with and from God. No one can read the Old Testa­ ment or the New without seeing indications that the writers at any rate believed that they could and did receive communications from God.

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