Prophecy Speaks (E.A.Rowell).pdf

“10. No one else meets these specifications, and Jesus Christ does.
“11. The truth of the system of Plato or Karl Marx or Buddha or Mohammed does not
depend on the question whether they were good or bad men. But if a flaw could be shown in
the character of Christ, the whole Christian system would collapse utterly and at once.
“His character stands as the foundation of the whole Christian fabric. Sceptics know
this, and still they do not attack, but uniformly praise Him! His character is so winning, so
lovable, so beautiful, so strong, so perfect, that though, like Gilbert West, they begin their
studies with the intention of attacking, they end in most enthusiastic praise, and often in
worship.
“Christ runs through the Old Testament as well as the New, like the lifeblood through
our bodies. He is the golden link that binds all its parts together, the light that illumes all its
secret chambers, the key to its deepest mysteries and the keynote to its eternal harmony, the
heart of every Bible book and prophecy.”
Mr. Emerson, who had been quiet during the whole talk, arose to speak. David Dare
turned in smiling expectancy to him.
“Mr. Dare,” began Mr. Emerson in earnest tones, “I have refrained from interrupting
you, for I have a real regard for the Christ, and do not want to appear in the role of a cheap
disturber. Although your evidence regarding Him is interesting and not easily dissipated, it is
far from convincing. For instance, Genesis 3:15, ‘I will put enmity between thee and the
woman,’ etc., seems to me rather an unstable foundation on which to base a prophecy of
Christ. And most of your other instances appear to me to be equally unsatisfactory.”
“I agree with you, Mr. Emerson,” replied Mr. Dare.
Lucile gasped, as did her brother and father and many others in the audience.
“You agree with me!” Mr. Emerson exclaimed. “I don’t understand.”
“Nevertheless, I agree with you. Any one of the more than three hundred predictions
relating to Christ is insufficient to prove that He was the expected Messiah. They are like the
strands of a rope, individually unable to bear much weight. But taken altogether, and woven
into a rope of evidence, they form a bond which cannot be broken. Other strands will be
woven into our rope of evidence.
“In estimating the influence of Jesus on history,” continued David Dare, “consider the
difference between Christ and all moralists and philosophers. To gather all the wise and good
precepts of all the different philosophers, and separate and discard all the error and gross
immorality and absurd superstition in their teachings, would have been a great work. But that
a single person, unacquainted with these philosophers, and unlearned in the wisdom of men,
should in direct opposition to the established practices and maxims of his own country,
formulate a system so admittedly superior to all others, challenges the studious attention of
everyone.”
Mr. Emerson arose. “Do you mean to imply that the philosophers were absurdly
superstitious, and the moralists themselves immoral?”
“Exactly! That is just what I mean to say,” said Mr. Dare. “No heathen moralist ever
opposed himself to the prevailing vices and corruptions of his own time and country. No
heathen moralist ever endeavoured to curb the inhuman and horribly bloody sport of
gladiators; none spoke against lust, the deliberate, slow killing of infants and slaves by
exposure, or the public encouragement and establishment of brothels. The most amazing,
indecent revellings were openly practised as part of their heathen religion, and the greatest
philosophers and moralists never lifted a voice against them.”
Mr. Emerson interrupted again. “You surely cannot say these harsh things about such
men as Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, and Seneca. These men at least were not guilty of the
things you say.”
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