THERE IS BUT ONE GOD.



THERE is none other God but one; for though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth (as there be gods many and lords many), but to us there is but one God, the Father." 

1 Corinthians 8:4-6. 

All besides "that are called gods" are idols, the workmanship of men's hands. They have no speech, nor knowledge, neither can they deliver in the day of trouble; yet there are millions of human beings who bow down to and worship images made of wood and stone and other perishable material.

We marvel that the heathen do not all see the utter inability of their gods to deliver or to help them in any way, and renounce their faith in them. Circumstances sometimes occur which cause them to do this. An instance is that of Deacon Thaley, a convert from idolatry in one of the Baptist missions. He relates his own experience thus: 

"When I was a heathen I bought a large idol made of light stuff, and very gaudy. One day I found some large holes in it. I performed my devotions, then pounded upon it, and behold two or three large rats ran out of it. Then I was very angry, and said, 'What! You a god, and not able to defend yourself from rats? Do I worship a god that cannot defend himself from rats?' 

 I seized a club, laid him prostrate, and pounded him to pieces. 

The old priest came out, and exclaimed in horror, 'Young man, what are you doing?' 

'I am knocking to pieces my god who cannot defend himself from rats,' said I.  I never bought another idol, and when I heard the gospel, I rejoiced in it."

With what gratitude the heathen must receive light, which delivers them from such senseless worship. How thankful ought we to be that we were not born in a land of idols. 




H. J. C.