Prophecy Speaks (E.A.Rowell).pdf

“Suppose we turn to the Book itself and see. Here I read, ‘Prove all things; hold fast
that which is good.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:21. Does anyone here disagree with that?”
Mr. Dare paused for reply. There was none.
“Good; we are together so far. ‘Come now, and let us reason together, saith the
Lord.’ Isaiah 1:18. Even the most sceptical mind will admit the fairness of this invitation.
Note that the reasoning is together. But God gives His reasons first so that we may ‘prove’
them. Does anyone here find fault with that?”
Again Mr. Dare paused for a reply, but no one ventured.
“How are we to assay this volume? Have its writers given us any means by which to
verify its statements? Do they especially invite or urge us to try any particular part? Does
any portion claim to be impregnable?
“Naturally, if there is any section for which special claims are made, we shall
investigate them. We are not now concerned with the statement that it is all the Word of
God. We must take some part that we can put into the crucible for the acid test.
“If we, as Peter claims he did, could witness Christ’s great glory, actually hear the
voice of God speaking to His Son Jesus, we would consider we had very convincing
evidence. However, Peter, telling of this experience (in his second epistle, chapter 1:16-21),
adds that there is evidence far more certain than even the audible demonstration of the
presence of God. ‘We have also a more sure word of prophecy.’ And he concludes by
saying, ‘Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as
they were moved by the Holy Ghost.’ “
Mr. Emerson rose quickly, towering to six feet of impressive stature. A number in the
audience, evidently interested in Dare’s talk, shouted, “Sit down, sit down; put him out.”
But a rising chorus of voices shouted encouragement: “Go on, speak up, friend.”
They were evidently glad that a test of the speaker’s invitation to interrupt was to be made so
soon.
David Dare stopped immediately and turned smilingly to the conspicuous figure
awaiting recognition. He raised his hand. An expectant silence followed.
“All I ask,” he said calmly, “is that you give your name and make your statement brief
and to the point. This applies to all who may speak hereafter. Now I shall be glad to hear
you, sir.”
All eyes turned to Mr. Emerson. He seemed to feel his importance as champion of the
sceptics’ cause and appeared to stretch up an inch taller. In his manner was a serious dignity.
Lucile leaned over and whispered to George, “Dad is running true to form.” George
smiled assent and put his finger to his lips.
“My name is Emerson. My statement will be brief and on the subject. But I doubt
that you will be glad to hear me. However, you invited it. I am amazed that a man of your
intelligence attempts to palm off on this audience such antiquated and exploded stuff as
prophecy. There is no real prophecy. The facts are always twisted to fit the prediction. And
if there is real accord, it is purely accidental. Finally, prophecy was usually written after the
event and made to fit into it. Anyone can write that kind of prophecy.
“I could easily now write a prophecy of Lindburg’s flight across the Atlantic, date it
A.D. 1000, and credit it to some famous scientist of that time. Then, fifteen hundred years
from now, when that prediction, presumably written nine hundred years before the event it
foretells, is found, a fine case for accurate prophecy could be made out for that scientist.”
“That’s right, that’s right,” commented several voices as Mr. Emerson sat down. “A
real poser. Sounds unanswerable.”
All eyes now turned back to David Dare, who stood tranquilly by the stand, ready to
answer.
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