06.02. The Bible Needs No Defense

2. THE BIBLE NEEDS NO DEFENSE In bringing you this message on the Bible it is not with any intention of trying to defend it, it does not need it, it has defended me. When I hear men speak of defending the Bible it reminds me of the story of the circus train which was wrecked near a country village and a flat car containing the cage of a large African lion was thrown into the ditch, the people of the village came in great numbers to view the wreck and with them came their dogs and scenting the lion they set up a baying that was deafening, whereupon an old farmer became greatly excited and began to shout, "Defend the lion, defend the lion," but one of the old circus men spoke up in disgust, "Let him loose and he will defend himself." And so it has been the cry of many, "Defend the Bible, defend the Bible," but the Grand Old Book needs no defense, just let it loose and it will defend itself. They have preached its funeral ten thousand times but they have never gotten it buried, before they can get it into the grave it is up and out again carrying its message of hope, cheer and salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth.

No, it is not to defend the Bible I come to you in this message, but I do come to stir up your minds by way of remembrance, to call your attention to some things you already know, and to remind you of

"What a treasure we have in this wonderful Book
’Tis the word of the Lord to my soul,
So secure that no critic can mine it away;
While the years of eternity roll."