Chapter II
THE PREACHER'S THEME
"From the beginning of time until now, this is the only thing that has ever really happened. When you understand this you will understand all prophecies, and all history."
IN that profoundly moving book, Tolstoy's War and Peace, one of the most memorable scenes describes the night at Russian Headquarters when a messenger brought to Koutouzow, the old Commander-in-Chief, the first news of Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. After the years of terrific strain and agony to which the soul of Russia had been subjected, the tidings sounded incredible. The envoy finished his report and then waited for orders in silence. A Staff Officer was about to speak, but Koutouzow checked him with his hand, and tried to say something himself. Not a word would come. Finally the old man turned away to where the sacred images stood against the wall. And then suddenly and unrestrainedly, "Great God" he cried, "my Lord and Creator! Thou hast heard my prayer! Russia is saved!" And then he burst into tears.
To-day the envoy of the Gospel is charged with tidings more moving and more wonderful by far. If this message is fantasy, there is no hope for humanity anywhere. If this is true, the whole world is saved.
We proceed, therefore, to a consideration of the
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