Prophecy Speaks (E.A.Rowell).pdf

“Mr. Dare,” interrupted Mr. Emerson, “you have made similar statements a number of
times, but as yet have offered no evidence. With all due respect to your sincerity and
truthfulness, we must have more than your say-so.”
A ripple of applause drowned out the lecturer’s first attempt to reply. The audience
was clearly in a mood that demanded direct action.
“All right. You shall have it right now. Mr. Emerson, will you please come forward
and read from these sceptical writers as I shall hand the books to you?”
“With pleasure,” he replied as he made his way down the crowded aisle to the
platform, where he was cordially greeted by both the lecturer and Dr. Morely, the chairman.
“I hand you this book,” said the lecturer, holding out a large volume to Mr. Emerson.
“Will you please tell this audience about the author and his writings?”
Mr. Emerson examined the volume in his hand, then spoke so that all could hear:
“This is volume 2 of ‘History of European Morals,’ by William E. H. Lecky, who is
also the author of ‘History of the Rise and Influence of the Spirit of Rationalism in Europe.’
Mr. Lecky was an Irish historian, statesman, and philosopher who died in 1903, and a leading
unbeliever of his time and country. He wrote four large volumes to prove that rationalism is
the only guide a reasonable man can follow.”
“Then you would regard Lecky as a leading unbeliever of his day?” asked Mr. Dare.
“Decidedly,” replied Mr. Emerson.
“Now, please turn to pages 8 and 9, of the book you have, and read the passages
marked,” directed the lecturer.
Mr. Emerson’s clear, strong voice was heard in every corner of the large auditorium
as he read from the place indicated:
“ ‘It was reserved for Christianity to present to the world an ideal character, which
through all the changes of eighteen centuries has inspired the hearts of men with an
impassioned love; has shown itself capable of acting on all ages, nations, temperaments, and
conditions; has not been only the highest pattern of virtue, but also the strongest incentive to
its practice; and has exercised so deep an influence that it may be truly said that the simple
record of three short years of active life has done more to regenerate and to soften mankind
than all the disquisitions of philosophers and all the exhortions of moralists.’ “
“Thank you — that will do for the moment.” Mr. Emerson seated himself next to Dr.
Morely, while the lecturer turned to the audience, from whom subdued ejaculations of
amazement were heard.
“Well, that was a centre shot,” gasped Lucile. Mrs. Emerson showed pleasure, and
George looked puzzled.
“These words do affirm that Christ is the heart of all history: and not only that, but
that three years of His life were more powerful for good than all the lives and productions of
all the moralists and philosophers in the world. These are the words of a confirmed, avowed,
world-renowned sceptic, written after years spent in carefully weighing all the evidence as an
impartial historian.
“Such enthusiasm you might well expect to come from a warm believer, but I, equally
with you, am amazed that such abounding extravagance of praise should come from a famous
sceptic. But such is the fact, and it is not my business to explain it.
“If he were the only one to say such laudatory things, we might well regard it as a
puzzling exception among the bold attackers of the Bible. But now I hand you another
volume, Mr. Emerson. Will you please examine it and tell the audience about this writer?”
After a minute examining the book, Mr. Emerson said: “This is ‘Three Essays on
Religion: Nature, the Utility of Religion, Theism,’ by John Stuart Mill, an English economist
and philosopher who died a few years before Lecky. He was likewise noted as a pronounced
unbeliever.”
38