Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. We recall the story of the Book of the Gospels — Cuthbert's own book — which the monks at Lindisfarne carried with them in their wanderings. They set sail for Ireland; a storm arose; the book fell overboard, and was lost; they were driven back to the English coast. Disconsolate, they went in quest of the precious volume: for a long time they searched in vain; but at length (so says the story) a miraculous revelation was vouchsafed to them, and, following its directions, they found the book on the sands far above high-water mark, uninjured by the waves — nay, even more beautiful for the disaster. Does not this story well symbolize the power of the eternal gospel working in the Church? Through the carelessness of man, it may disappear amidst the confusion of the storms; the waves may close over it and hide it from human sight. But lost — lost forever — it cannot be. It must reassert itself, and its glory will be the greater for the temporary eclipse which it has undergone. (Bishop J. B. Lightfoot.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. |
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