A Good Word for “The Christian Record” by Frank Irwin

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 4, 1908

A Good Word for “The Christian Record”

By Frank Irwin

[The following letter from a reader of The Christian Record, our paper for the blind, printed at College View, Neb., is of interest as showing the esteem in which this periodical is held. Through no other direct channel can those deprived of sight receive the good news of this message.—ED.]

“I wish again to express my appreciation of the good I derive from reading the Record, and thank you who have it in charge for the good selections of literature I find therein. I can only express my unfeigned thanks for the benefit I gain from its pages, especially those devoted to religious subjects.

“In this month’s issue, I am very much interested in the article on ‘The Seven Last Plagues.’ It seems to me that most of the clergy are ignorant on the book of Revelation, and generally remain silent on its chapters, never touching very satisfactorily upon any of the passages contained in this mysterious book. However, it does seem to my mind that there is more light in that book than the ordinary person or preacher seems to see. . . .

“I once interrogated my pastor on the hidden meanings of this wonderful book, and he informed me that St. John wrote a great deal in figurative expressions to save the church of his day from unnecessary persecutions. By that he means that the unbelieving world could not understand his writings; but the Christians could; but if they could understand his writings in that day, why not we also of to-day, who are faithful, or at least trying to do our duty in the name of our Master and Saviour, Jesus Christ?”

“I am well posted on the churches in general, and especially the Roman Church, having read and heard lectures and sermons by priests, as I have often played the organ in several of their churches in this community, and I have many acquaintances and some good friends of that persuasion. I also notice that among them there is too much dependence upon their priests, and they don’t seem to enjoy the free light of the gospel as we do. I feel pretty sure that there is no Roman Catholic at the head of, or even in charge of, this magazine. I am not writing what I have observed through any ill feeling or prejudice; but I do feel sorry for some of my devoted and simple-minded Catholic friends. . . .

“In the eighth chapter of Revelation is the beginning of a record concerning seven last woes, which were dealt out as each angel sounded a trumpet. It would be a good idea if some one well learned in the Bible would explain something about these woes. ‘The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood,’ etc.

“Trusting my letter will receive due consideration, and thanking you for your patience in reading it, I remain,

“Yours very sincerely,

“FRANK IRWIN.”