A WONDERFUL BOOK by J. T. Crockett

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 30, 1878

A WONDERFUL BOOK.

By J. T. Crockett

“ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Tim. 3:16.

There is not, nor ever has been in the world, any other book that could pass through the various ordeals through which the Bible has passed and come out untarnished. The Infidel has endeavored to overthrow it. The Universalist has tried to condemn it. The Roman Catholics have repeatedly united their efforts and tried to commit every volume to the flames. The Atheist, Deist, Pagan, and a host of others, have brought their united forces to bear against the teachings of this sacred volume. But yet it has triumphed over all, and come out as gold from the furnace, which proves its divine origin.

Other books may grow old and fail to be any longer attractive. But not so with the Bible; the more we read it and meditate upon its truths, the more attractive it becomes. It is indeed “the Book of books,” the best book. Other books are not worthy to be compared with it. They are human composition; this is divine composition. They are man’s writings; this is God’s word. Moreover, it is suited to the capacities of all, whether learned or unlearned. It is simple, yet profound. It is also suited to the various tastes of all, whether there be a desire for history, biography, great events, wonderful escapes and deliverances, or profound and logical reasoning.

Here we have the foundation of all true history. Although we have many excellent histories, yet we have no account of the early history of the world, and of the primitive condition of our race except what has been received from this volume. Where is there a history giving a true account of the creation that has been written independent of the Bible? There is none. But when we open this wonderful book we find, even in the very first verse, unfathomable historical truths. The mind is almost instantly led out to consider eternity. We read that “in the beginning God created [that is, made from nothing] the heaven and the earth.” The beginning of what? We think, of measured time. Then previous to “the beginning” spoken of this heaven and earth could not have been; for God created them. But all this space which is now occupied by our solar system must have been one vast vacuum. Wonderful book! making such wonderful revelations!

It is to this book we are also indebted for the early history of mankind. Here we learn of man’s primitive purity and of the entrance of sin into the world. Do we wish to read biography? What can be more interesting than the lives of Joseph, Moses, Samuel, the prophets, and of Christ himself?

Are there those who wish to read of great events in history? Let them turn to the account of the creation, the flood, the building of the tower of Babel, of Solomon’s temple, or to the crucifixion. Are there those who wish to read of wonderful escapes and providential deliverances? Let them go with the children of Israel to the Red Sea, with the three Hebrews to the fiery furnace, or with Daniel to the lions’ den. Or do we wish deep reasoning and profound theology? Let us turn to the arguments of Paul. Do we desire to know our duty both to God and our fellow-man? Let us go to the Bible, and “search the Scriptures” for it. Thus we find in the Scriptures much suited to the capacities and desires of all who wish to read; and it is given by inspiration of God. This book is of God, and cannot be the work of man. It teaches us how to be happy, and to make others happy. It teaches us that we are strangers and pilgrims here; therefore we should not set our affections on things below. It teaches us that we must soon pass from time to eternity; therefore we should always keep our latter end in view. It teaches us that we must give an account of our stewardship; therefore we should improve every talent committed to our care. It tells us of the agonies of our Saviour, how he suffered and died that we might be redeemed from the curse of the law; therefore our hearts should overflow with love to Him who has done so much for us.

Wonderful book! Precious volume! Truly it is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable. It is as a letter from a dear Friend, who has gone to a beautiful and delightsome land to prepare a place for his people. Here he informs us that love must be the ruling principle of all who would enter that land; that we should love the Lord with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and our neighbor as ourselves.

He told his people before he left that he would return for them; and informed them that when the time drew near they would see his grand signals in the heavens. “The sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light.” Matt. 24:29. This, the first of the grand signals, was literally given in the month of May, 1780. It was to be followed by another: “And the stars shall fall from heaven.” This also was given in 1833. How, then, should we answer these grand signals? Our Saviour says, “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28. And lest his people should still doubt he adds, “When ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.” Verse 31. No guess-work here. The grand signals have been given. The place in those “mansions” (John 14:2) is almost ready. The great and glorious day “is nigh, even at the doors.” Mark 13:29. And we may, as Christ has said, know it. Then let us be ready, having our lamps trimmed, and our lights burning. Yes, our Lord will soon be here. He has not given these signals in vain, nor for naught. “He is faithful who has promised.”

Our Lord is ever kind and gracious; and in order that his people may be fully prepared for what is before them, he has in this sacred volume given us, not only an account of the nations, but also a description of the character of the popular churches of the last days. Read 2 Tim. 3:1–5. Here we have a list of sins of church members; for they “have a form of godliness,” but deny the “power thereof.” This is a true description of many in our day. So the Bible gives us signs which cannot be mistaken, and which point to our generation as that which shall behold the “Lord himself descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God;” for Christ says, when mentioning these signs, “This generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled.” Matt. 24:34.

Some will say that we can know nothing about the time; for “that day and hour knoweth no man,” etc. We are not now speaking about either the day or hour in particular, nor even week or month. But what did Christ mean by “this generation,” if not the generation that should behold the last grand signal? Again, as if to silence all objections, he confirms it with “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Verse 35. Let us not be faithless, but believing. How, then, can any who love the Lord and his “glorious” appearing permit a single day to pass without drawing spiritual nourishment from this precious volume, the Bible, “which is able to make us wise unto salvation,” and which reveals such precious truths?

How strange, how amazing it is, that, notwithstanding its intrinsic value and divine origin, the Bible is so little studied! Should we not consider it a great honor conferred upon us, and a great blessing to us, that the Supreme Ruler of all should condescend to hand down to us such a wonderful book? And are we not guilty in the sight of God if we let our Bible lie on the shelf until it is covered with dust, and thus neglect daily to study its sacred pages? Yes, verily. And as God has here, through holy men of old who spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, made known to us the only plan of salvation, “how can we escape if we neglect so great salvation?”

The day of the Lord is near, even at the doors; the doors of heaven will soon be opened, and the “Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” 1 Thess. 4:16. Then we, in company with our dear ones who have fallen asleep in Jesus, shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. Then there will be no more parting; for “so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

May the Lord help us to be ready, and watching.

J. T. CROCKETT.

Lincoln Co., Ky.