Showing results by narrator "Adriel Brandt" in All Categories

One blessing, or in some ways curse, we have been given is the ability to think and rationalize. With this comes a constant internal battle in which we debate within ourselves what the right moral choices are. Bonar expands on how conscientious we truly are and which patterns emerge in our daily lives.

Balaam, son of Beor, is known to us as a non-Israeli prophet who, despite his initial refusal to curse the Israelis, was eventually overcome by wickedness. Horatius Bonar explores in depth the nature of this duality. He details the fate and torments of anyone who allows themselves to be guided by a divided heart.

What armor would we wear when considered in a biblical sense of the glorious war? None of ornate metal but one that has a more spiritual defense. Bonar reflects further on the resolve, mental strength, and faith needed in order to build up a defense against sin and against evil.

If we ask ourselves what it means to disobey God, we can recall many references to his cruelty and relentlessness in punishing those who refuse his word. These punishments go very deep and Bonar takes this biblical theme as a launching pad for discussing the frivolous nature of the so called human remedies. How we are a race of diversions and entertainments, façade and masquerades, in short, creators of a superficial and temporary solace.

Sharing his analysis of the phrase ‘go and possess the land’, Horatius Bonar reads deeply into the meaning of ownership. In some ways this entails a reflection on the biblical sense of nationalism. The Israelis, first wanderers and to some extend forced nomads, are told to settle and identify with this one place, one land, one city. 

Balaam looks around at the Israelis who have suffered and wandered, but are now so close to glory. Horatius Bonar describes a man overlooking the encampment and feeling a certain conflict rise within himself. We see, along with him, the weary Israelis on one side and on the other, the land of milk and honey within their grasp.

Horatius Bonar allows us to learn more about his interpretations of God as a father to all the people. The phrase ‘Oh that they were wise’ laments humanity and its inability to choose a path of constructiveness and righteousness. Bonar reflects further on these characteristics that shapes human nature in a manner that is, in his mind, unteachable.

Horatius Bonar shows himself as a very passionate hymnist in this sermon focusing on the Fig-Leaves Adam and Eve use to cover themselves after acquiring the knowledge of shame. He shares his views on how a fig-leaf, a pure and beautiful form of vegetation, can’t possibly shield Man from his loss of innocence. In Bonar’s mind, the one thing that can save us from the anger and wrath of God, is the rituals we now associate closely with the Catholic faith.

The incomparable romance and adventure of this classic Arthurian adventure is brought to vivid life in this audio release of a rare, accurate translation. William Allan Neilson's translation of the Middle English epic poem loses none of the magic and morality of the original in its beautiful prose, keeping the poet's expressive alliteration alongside its rich imagery and clear action. Wonder with King Arthur's court at the mysterious green guest, wince at the splattering blood, and lose yourself in the Wide Country as Sir Gawain accepts and seeks to fulfill a fatal agreement.

The New Science of Living and Healing by the New Thought author Wallace D. Wattles examines various aspects of mental and physical health from a unique perspective and with some unorthodox conclusions. The book discusses diet, nutrition and fasting, the source of strength, the nature of sleep and how to make the most of it, a scientific way of living and healing, the power of the mind to cure, nature and the development of will power, suffering in sickness, and new light on immortality.

First published in 1887, Ten Great Events in History explores certain historical events that the author considered to be inspiring, based on the advance of individual freedom. These events include the Greek struggles against the Persian Empire, the Crusades, Columbus and the New World, the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the Dutch struggle against Spain, and Britain’s conquest of India. Although many may argue that certain of these were in fact acts of oppression, the book contributes an informative perspective and an engrossing narrative.

With this address, US President James Monroe set a precedent for the nation’s foreign policy. In it, he stated that “The American continents...are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers.” Monroe established this doctrine in a time where most of Spain and Portugal’s colonies in Latin America had gained independence. From then on, the Old World and the New World would operate in separate political spheres, and any European interference in North or South America would be considered a threat against the US.

Frank Grouard was an army scout associated with many of the most notable events of the Indian Wars of the Great Plains. Grouard had lived among the Sioux for six years, first as a prisoner and later as a Sioux warrior. During this time he acquired an indepth knowledge of the Northwest. As a government scout, he served as an interpreter, performed despatches, and tracked war parties. Grouard was present at the battle of the Rosebud in 1876 where government forces were fought to a standstill by Crazy Horse.

The narrator introduces himself as being 228 years old and goes on to document his interactions with Dr. Samuel Johnson. Being older and in a time when respect for elders was everything, the narrator expects Dr. Johnson to appreciate his writing, which the man does not. While the tale goes on to document other awkward meetings with Dr. Johnson, he ultimately dies younger than the narrator - who goes on to continue writing and living an unfulfilled life.

Randolph Carter begins the story telling the harrowing tale to those who found him stumbling through the swamp. Carter and his friend, the occultist Harley Warren, went to investigate the location of a supposed portal to the underworld - near Big Cypress Swamp in Florida. Upon discovery of a tomb with stairs going deep into the earth, Warren decides to descend them. Only after waiting for what seems an eternity does Carter call down into the tomb, only to be returned with a voice that does not belong to Warren telling him that his friend was dead.   

Book three of the Rise of Daniel follows Daniel, Jeremiah, and Nebuchadnezzar through the dark period of the Babylonian Captivity. Daniel has gained favor within Nebuchadnezzar’s court, but this creates envy in those who resent his rise to power. An array of evil spirits arises against him, threatening to destroy him, his friends, and his people. Daniel walks a thin line of survival where a single misstep could see him consumed by the evil spirits seeking his life. Such is the danger that even his friendship with Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah is in jeopardy.

Captain Dave Murray and the crew of the Algonquin disappear from Earth’s solar system during a vital Space Colonization Agency mission, and find themselves reemerging light years away in a crowded planetary system with no weapons, no supplies, and no way to return home. Through first contact scenarios, the captain and crew discover the Graviscape, the only energy field that traverses all space-time dimensions. When properly modulated, data and even matter can be transported at faster-than-light speeds giving them a potential option to get home.

Book two of the Rise of Daniel continues to follow Daniel, Jeremiah, and Nebuchadnezzar at the beginning of the Babylonian Captivity. Daniel and his three friends find themselves immersed in a growing spiritual battle between the gods of Babylon and the God of Israel. The captives are expected to conform to a new way of life, learn a new language, and bow to false gods. If they are found unworthy to stand before King Nebuchadnezzar, they will perish. It is a simple choice: conform or die. In the midst of this, Daniel dreams.

Life in California Gulch, deep in the Colorado Rockies, pre-dates the Leadville silver boom (1875-1895). However, it was gold, not silver, which laid the foundation for future generations of citizens at 10,200 feet elevation. Oro City is the spectacular, albeit inhospitable, site of placer gold mining during the 1860’s. Meet fortune seeking immigrants—a blacksmith, store keeper, singer, school teacher, and sporting women, as well as a rascally burro—whose lives are filled with anxiety, fear, joy, and humor.

Book one of the Rise of Daniel follows Daniel, Jeremiah, and Nebuchadnezzar at the beginning of the Babylonian Captivity. Daniel, merely a boy of fourteen, is thrust into a world of conspiracy and evil when Jeremiah the prophet predicts the coming of the powerful Babylonian prince, Nebuchadnezzar, to conquer Jerusalem. The kingdom of Judah has turned her back on the God of Israel, trusting in the Egyptians and the gods of the heathen nations around them.