Rendered Obsolete

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Feb 16, 1915

Rendered Obsolete

PROF. EDGAR LUCIEN LARKIN, of Mount Lowe Observatory, southern California, has recently said that “nine tenths of all books now in print are practically obsolete. Even discoveries made since January 1, 1900, make nine out of ten obsolete.”

Mr. Larkin doubtless has reference more particularly to scientific books. Of course books that tell the definite facts of history, in the very nature of things could never become obsolete, because facts do not change. But it is a very easy matter to be led astray in the field of science, for the reason that men are continually proclaiming theories that are based upon partial facts and insufficient knowledge.

But apart from all these books that are continually becoming obsolete, there is one that stands in a strong class by itself. It is ever telling the same story. Every little while, some one arises with imperfect knowledge, or with a partial fact, to try to show us that this great Book has made a mistake. But a few years later, fuller knowledge and a better acquaintance with the facts cause us to see that the Book was right all the time.

It is a splendid thing, in this shifting old world, to have an anchor; and there is no knowledge more blessed or enjoyable than to know that the Creator, or divine Father, who has perfect knowledge in all things, has given us a Book that will stand the test. We can depend upon it at all times and under all circumstances. Its prophecies, its promises, and its history will stand every scrutiny. The individual who is drifting without the anchorage given in the Rock of Ages as revealed through the Book of books, is truly in a sad condition.