Fifty Times in the Bible.
By H. F. Phelps
So said a neighbor the other day, in reference to the word, immortal. We were conversing upon some points of present truth; after a little, the conversation turned upon the natural immortality of the soul. After asserting himself very positively on the subject, I asked for one text as strong in favor of his theory as the one where it says, "the soul that sinneth it shall die," was against it. He said he could not then think of one, but knew there were many. Friend, said I, as you are so positive on this point, will you tell me how many times the word "immortal," is found in the Bible? He seemed to query a little as though "the thing was gone from him," and then answered, "I don't know exactly. I did know, but guess it is about fifty times or more?" His surprise was so great, when I told him it was found but once, that he seemed unwilling to believe me. And the conversation immediately took a turn, by his saying, "It is of no use for us to talk on this subject." Ah, thought I, truly consistency is a rare jewel; but a knowledge of the Bible, how very rare! And ignorance of the Bible, is often, I fear, to be found among commandment-keepers. As an instance of this, I not long ago saw a sister who had been a Sabbath-keeper for several years, trying to find one of the books near the close of the Old Testament. She began at Genesis and turned to Revelation, and did not find it! May God help us to search the Scriptures, that "they may truly be a lamp to our feet," to guide us safely through to an eternal day.