Prophecy Speaks (E.A.Rowell).pdf

“This strange method of eternally authenticating His Word compels the ruin of
empires long dead, the mutation of states, the obliteration of nations and civilizations, to
witness to the truth of His Word.
“All the places famous in antiquity — Egypt, Syria, Phoenicia, Arabia, Tyre, Sidon,
Idumea, Palestine, Babylon, Assyria, Nineveh, Judea, Rome and many other countries — are
witnesses that do not forget, do not contradict, and though dead these many centuries, rise to
testify. When put in a jury box they cannot be confused. Some of the oldest of them have
been before the jury thirty-three hundred years; the youngest, two thousand. They are now
on the stand, fresh and potent, bearing their testimony with far greater fullness and accuracy
than at any former time.
“The ages do not detract from, but add to, their testimony. Minute cross examination
serves only to increase the swelling column of evidence. No counterproof has yet been
attempted.”
Mr. Emerson arose. All eyes turned his way. Mr. Dare waited for him to speak.
“Suppose we did disprove many of the Bible prophecies, what would we accomplish
by such disproof?” he asked.
“The Bible stakes everything on its ability to foretell the future. If the Bible claim to
make genuine predictions is true, it is a miracle of foresight far beyond the ability of human
sagacity to discern or to calculate, and is the highest evidence of the supernatural knowledge
of the prophet.
“God claims to be the only one able to foretell the future. He says in Isaiah 46:9, 10:
‘I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient
times the things that are not yet done.’
“The ability to foretell is the seal of God’s deity, which He claims cannot be
counterfeited. The Bible challenges others everywhere to foretell the future: ‘Who, as I, . . .
shall declare . . . the things that are coming, and that shall come to pass, let them declare.’
Isaiah 44:7.
“But this is by no means all. Such strong claims are not casually made. Have you
sceptics a cause to present? Hear Isaiah 41:21-23: ‘Produce your cause, saith Jehovah; bring
forth your strong reasons.’ Now, what are the strong reasons? Let us read on: ‘Declare unto
us what shall happen: declare ye . . . things to come. Declare the things that are to come
hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods.’ “
“Has your Bible fulfilled these conditions?” asked Mr. Emerson. “I don’t mean in a
vague manner, but in a clear and definite way.”
“ ‘Have I not declared unto thee of old, and showed it?’ asks God in Isaiah 44:8. And
then He says, ‘Ye are My witnesses,’ “ returned David Dare. “You, yes, even you, Mr.
Emerson, and the rest of the sceptics in this audience, are witnesses to the accuracy of
prophecies made many centuries ago.”
Mr. Emerson shot to his feet. “Do you mean that you are going to prove your
prophecy thesis by us?” he asked in great amazement.
“That is exactly what I do mean,” smiled the speaker, evidently enjoying the surprise
of the audience.
“But we don’t believe your Bible; we think its predictions the sheerest kind of
foolishment, and yet you say you are going to prove by us the very thing we don’t believe?”
Mr. Emerson was incredulous.
Lucile leaned over to whisper to her brother, “He has an interesting line, all right; he’s
got dad excited!”
George smiled, “Yes, and dad is not the only one excited. Look around,” he
whispered back.
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