The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1909-03-25

Charlotte Observer of February %,
De published in this paper:
To the Editor of The Observer:
The following is most remarkable
confession and its authenticity is
abundantly certified. 1t is the first
Napoleon argument for the Divine
Jusin OF the Scriptures, in a conver-
ati0n with General Bertrand at St
elena. II you will give this "argu-
nant" space in your columns | will
iUly appreciate the same.
ALEXANDER GRAHAM.
True, Jesus Christ offers to ou,
faith q series of mysteries. He COM
12nds us authoritively to believe,
.ad gives no other reason than His
awful word, | am God. True, this is
II article OF mere faith, and upon l.
5aua4ds all the other articles of the
f1ristian system; but the doctrine
II The divinity of Christ once admit
5od, Christianity appears with the
precision and clearness Of algebra. Il
uas the c0nnectedness and unity of &
Sc .ance. This doctrine, resting upon
,aa Bible, best explains the traditions
r@vaient in the world. 1t throws
u hit upon them; and all the other
t.c.rines of Christianity are strictly
nnected with it, as links of the
ae chain. The nature of Christ :
.eHce is mysterious, | admit; but
mystery meets the wants of man.
49,. ct 1t, and the world is an inez-
p abe riddle: believe it, and the
story Of our race is satisfactorily
Ell aimed. Christianity has one ad-
...atage over all systems Of philoso-
2nT and all religions. Christians dc
..o Gelude themselves in regard tc
5.e nature Of things. You cannot re-
o'1.ch them with the subtleties and
ices Of those idealists who think
solve profound theological prob
15 by their empty dissertations,
-ei their efforts are those of the
i. Who tries to touch the sky
..l his hand, OR cries to have the
ncsl as his plaything. Christianity
.ys simply: No man hath seen Coo
31t Cod. God reveals what He is
is revelation is a mystery which
.either imagination nor reason can
conceive. But when God speaks, man
nast believe This is sound common
sense.
The Gospel possesses a secret vir-
re Of indescribable efficacy, q
HarInth which influences the under
! sanding and softens the heart. In
neUitating upon it, you feel as you
II in contemplating the heavens.
rla Gospel is more than a book; it is
'iving thing-active powerful, ,over-
:1ni0g every obstacle in its way
. 5ea upon this table this table this
1rak If books (and here the Emper-
" touched it reverently): | never
ease reading it, and always with
.aT delight. Christ never hesitates,
aaver varies in his instructions; and
ne lease Of his assertions is stamped
oith q simplicity and a depth which
.aDtivate the ignorant and the learn
ID, if they give it their attention.
Nowhere is to be found such series
4 beautiful thoughts, fine moral
-4Hins, following one another like
INKS Of a celestial army, and pro
!uoing in the soul the same emotion
; is felt in contemplating the inf
aiea extent Of the resplendent hea-
eas on fine summer night. Not
only is our mind absorbed, it is con-
,roliea; and the soul can never go as
--av with this Book for its guide.
Once raster Of our mind, the Gospel
. is @ s4itaful friend. God Himself is
! aa- friend, our Father, and truly our
/ @ 4. 4 mother has not greater care
/ ror the infant on her breast. The
-ouf, captivated by the beauty Of the
| & zse1, is no longer its own. God
occupies it altogether; He directs its
lights and all its faculties; it is
/ il. What proof it is of the di
I Unity Of Christ, that with SO abso
sra an empire His single aim is the
so.1ta ameIioration Of individuals
thair purity of conscience, their I'M
- Of truth, their holiness of soul.
Ny last argument is, there IS no
a Cod in heaven il a mere man Wa'
q c 10 conceive and execute success
fully the gigantic design of making
h If the object Of supreme wor
nap by usurping the name OF Cod
Jrsr3 alone dared to do this; III
alone said clearly and unfalteringl.
0. Himself, l am God; which is quit
different from saying am god, or
there are gods. History mentions n
either individual who has approprlat
ed t. himself the title of God in tn