I run across a story whose point is so obvious that no commentary from
me or from anyone else is necessary. Here's one of them. And I dedicate
it to all my loving, well-intentioned but misguided friends.
There once lived a kindly, old vicar in England named Samuel Wilberforce.
By the way, it's probably a true story, given that Bishop Wilberforce
used to tell it about himself.
Anyway, to continue.
One night, while musing about God in his study, he was struck by the
notion that there were many wicked people in London. As he pursued
the thought, it occurred to him that there were even more wicked people
if one considered all of England. From there he went to the realization
that the number of wicked people in the whole of the British Empire was
even greater. And finally, the good vicar was forcibly struck by
the obvious conclusion that the number of wicked people in the entire world
was legion.
Feelings of anxiety swept over him, for didn't the Bible say that God
punishes the wicked? How could he, Samuel Wilberforce, in good conscience,
allow that to happen? After much thought and soul-searching, he decided
that he, a bishop of the church, was going to save them, and he was going
to do so by praying for their forgiveness. He would fall to his knees,
and spend the entire night, if need be, in supplication, no matter the
pain.
Having so decided, he knelt and began to pray. Hours passed, and
Bishop Wilberforce continued in prayer to intercede with God on behalf
of the wicked. Suddenly, about three o'clock in the morning, the
good vicar heard God answer his prayers, “Samuel,” God said, “You can go
to bed now. I'll take charge of the universe for the rest of the night.”
Think about it. |
