Wednesday 14 March 2018

A few good reads

A few good reads

Hi, has anyone here read any of the works of David Baron (1855-1926)? DavidBaron.jpg

They were written many years ago, but still bless me greatly. Also, his brother-in-law, Adoph Saphir? 
Image result for Adolph Saphir

The story of their conversion is also of interest. It goes something like this; Back in the early 1800s, a Scottish Christian lady left the then grand sum of 50 pounds in her will "for the evangelization of the Jews." The lawyer initially refused to write her bequest in, as he would not put aside money for a cause for which it would never be used. In any event, her will prevailed, and the Scottish Presbyterian church commissioned three pastors (Robert Murray McCheyne, Dr Keith and Dr Black), to go to Palestine to check out the prospects for establishing a work there among the Jews (the Presbyterian Church of Scotland had no idea that the majority of Jews lived in eastern Europe at this time). In Egypt, Doctor Black, fell off a camel and needed medical attention. The nearest modern facilities were in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, so he was sent there. When he got there, a Protestant princess who had been married into Austrian royalty heard there was a Protestant missionary in the city, and visited him, as she was distressed at the spiritual condition of her adopted people. Dr Black recovered, and with her help was able to establish a small mission. Her husband attended the meetings and was converted, and he also supported the work. It was through this mission that Adoph Saphir's father and himself were witnessed to and became believers. After many years involvement with the Mission, the princess's husband took very ill. As he lay dying, she asked him what he was trusting in. He might have answered all the help he had given the missionaries etc, but instead, he replied; "nothing but the blood of Jesus!" I have always thought this the most wonderful Christian answer. Both David Baron and Adolph Saphir worked mainly in Britain, and their written works remain a blessing. If any are interested, I would recommend "The Ancient Scriptures for the Modern Jew" by David Baron, and "Christ and Israel" by Adolph Saphir.