The Greatest Thing in the World and Other Addresses

by Henry Drummond

We have been accustomed to be told that the greatest thing in the religious world is Faith. That great word has been the key-note for centuries of the popular religion; and we have easily learned to look upon it as the greatest thing in the world. Well, we are wrong. If we have been told that, we may miss the mark. In the 13th chapter of I Corinthians, Paul takes us to Christianity at its source; and there we see, 'the greatest of these is love.'" Included here are "Love: the Greatest Thing in the World," "Lessons from the Angelus," "Pax Vobiscum," "First! An Address to Boys," "The Changed Life, the Greatest Need of the World," and "Dealing with Doubt.

Genres: Christian, Classics, Philosophy, Religion, Christian Living, Theology, Spirituality

81 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 8, 2009

About the author

Henry Drummond FRSE FGS was a Scottish evangelist, biologist, writer and lecturer. He was a friend and contemporary of the Rev. John Watson (the Kailyard novelist Ian Maclaren) at Stirling High School and the University of Edinburgh.

Many of his writings were too nicely adapted to the needs of his own day to justify the expectation that they would long survive it, but few men exercised more religious influence in their own generation, especially on young men. His sermon The Greatest Thing in the World remains popular in Christian circles.

Reviews

[Kirtida Gautam · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a book!!!
If you have to read 1 book this year, read this one. It's hardly 50 pages long. But what a book!
I lived for myself, I thought for myself,
For myself, and none beside.
Just as if Jesus had never lived,
As if He had never died.
~ Henry Drummond.

[Chuck Shorter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Late 19th century Scottish evangelist, biologist & lecturer. I saw a reference to Drummond in another book that I read a few years ago and downloaded this sermon and collection of articles. The "Greatest Thing" is a message he had preached on 1 Corinthians 13 (But the greatest of theses is charity). He tends to critique the Authorized Version, which always bothers me, but he does make some good observations about the nature, and superiority of love.

[Sonny Sweatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly one of the best books I've ever read. Henry Drummond's discussion about love reminds me of a dance. He lights back and forth on the topics. He does not try to be exhaustive in his description or his thoughts. He merely puts forth some thoughts on some of a huge subject matter. I just happen to find that those thoughts are rather beautiful. Enjoy.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greatest Thing in the World and Other Addresses is wonderful book that should be read and reread over and over again. Love: The Greatest Thing in the World is based on I Corinthians 13 and the main reason for purchasing the book. It is a great book to share with others.

I heard it can be found for free online. The book I have was forwarded by D. L. Moody and contains seven stories in all.

[Morgan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short message by Henry gave me new perspective and shined a lot of light on what the commandment of love truly is. It definitely brought me closer to the knowledge of who my Heavenly Father is and what He's all about. Love is the center of Jesus and everything about Him. This book is a must read for all Christians. It was so sweet.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are incredible lectures, especially the Greatest thing in the World. It could be called life changing. As with most five star books I put up I can't properly describe the way I feel about this in a review. But that is one lecture that everyone should read.

[Peter J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Key to the Truth

Once in a great while one finds a book as worthy as this book! simply stated, it presents the timeless keys to life.
fresh today as when it was written, An inspired straight forward telling of eternal truth,

[Greg Skodacek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

The Greates Thing is a short, simple, and clear exposition of 1 Corinthians 13. Excellent.

"Christ came and said, 'I will show you a more simple way. If you do one thing, you will do these hundred and ten things, without ever thinking about them. If you love, you will unconsciously fulfill the whole law.'”

"Patience; kindness; generosity; humility; courtesy; unselfishness; good temper; guilelessness; sincerity—these make up the supreme gift, the stature of the perfect man."

"Where Love is, God is. He that dwelleth in Love dwelleth in God. God is Love. Therefore love. Without distinction, without calculation, without procrastination, love. Lavish it upon the poor, where it is very easy; especially upon the rich, who often need it most; most of all upon our equals, where it is very difficult, and for whom perhaps we each do least of all."

"The most obvious lesson in Christ’s teaching is that there is no happiness in having and getting anything, but only in giving. I repeat, there is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving."

"Will-power does not change men. Time does not change men. Christ does. Therefore, 'Let that mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.'”

"Everything else in all our lives is transitory. Every other good is visionary. But the acts of love which no man knows about, or can ever know about—they never fail."

"To love abundantly is to live abundantly, and to love forever is to live forever."

[James Tetley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply awesome. A collection of 6 addresses. His treatise on ' The Changed Life:The greatest need in the world' is beautiful. It picks up a theme that I have been reflecting on from Pauls letter to the church in Corinth. That change only happens as we reflect on the glory of Christ. Drummond summarises glory as character. That transformation happens as we gaze at him. Read the sermon....my scant summary does it no justice. Also his keynote address from 1 Cor 13 is deeply convicting. Finally the Pax Vobsicum address gives other interesting insights on spiritual transformation. Drummond was a worker amongst men. He worked alongside Moody and counseled men and woman 1 on 1 spiritually. His insights are invaluable. This is a MUST read book.....

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry Drummond, (1854-1907) was a Canadian poet and physician according to the old world book encyclopedia I checked. I just had to find out more about this author after listening to this book, The Greatest Thing In The World. He started giving this lecture in 1884 about 1 Corinthians 13. This chapter in the New Testament only has 13 verses yet it says it all. At the end of the lecture/book, the author challenges you to read 1 Corinthians 13 everyday for the next 3 months and see how it can change your life. Sounds like a great idea!

[Shelly J. Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful!

This little treasure is a power packed discourse on the essential work of love, God’s love, in the life of the believer. It is a simple truth that God is love. However, let’s be careful not to confuse simplicity with ease. It is not easy, or possible, to love like God without His love continually having access to do a transformative work in our lives. lord, transform us to love like you!

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short booklet admonishing us to live in light of 1 Corinthians 13. Convicting. A few times the theology seemed a bit off but I read it to have my butt kicked and it delivered. A sample, from the section on “love is not irritable or resentful”, he says I’ll-temper is:

… a test for love, a symptom, a revelation of an unloving nature at bottom. It is the intermittent fever which bespeaks unintermittent disease within; the occasional bubble escaping to the surface which betrays some rottenness underneath; a sample of the most hidden products of the soul dropped involuntarily when off one’s guard; in a word, the lightning form of a hundred hideous and un-Christian sins. A want of patience, a want of kindness, a want of generosity, a want of courtesy, a want of unselfishness, are all instantaneously symbolized in one flash of temper. Hence it is not enough to deal with the temper. We must go to the source, and change the inmost nature, and the angry humors will die away of themselves. Souls are made sweet not by taking the acid fluids out, but by putting something in—a great love, a new Spirit, the Spirit of Christ. Christ, the Spirit of Christ, interpenetrating ours, sweetens, purifies, transforms all. This only can eradicate what is wrong, work a chemical change, renovate and regenerate, and rehabilitate the inner man. Will-power does not change men. Time does not change men. CHRIST DOES. Therefore, “Let that mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”[11]

[Wesley Rinehart · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with many writers from centuries gone by, Drummond writes with a clarity and a conviction that are potent and refreshing in today's often muddled world. I found the first and last sermons to be the most helpful. The first--entitled "The Greatest Thing in the World"-- was a rumination on 1 Corinthians 13. Drummond nails home the absolute necessity of love.
The final sermon in the booklet is on "The Will of God". Drummond convincingly posits that doing "the will of God" is a better goal than any others. Self-denial, the beatitudes, keeping the 10 commandments--all of these are subservient to the ultimate end of man-which is to do the will of God.

[Christopher Lewis Kozoriz · Rating 5 out of 5]

THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am
become as a sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of
prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all
faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not LOVE I am nothing. And
though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be
burned, and have not Love, it profiteth me nothing.
Love suffereth long, and is kind;
Love envieth not;
Love vaunteth not itself is not puffed up,
Doth not behave itself unseemly,
Seeketh not her own,
Is not easily provoked,
Thinketh no evil;
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be
tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we
know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then
that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I
understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away
childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I
know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith,
hope, Love, these three; but the greatest of these is Love.—I COR xiii. (1 Corinthians 13: Whole Chapter)

"How many of you will join me in reading this chapter once a week for the next three months? A man did that once and it changed his whole life. Will you do it? It is for the greatest thing in the world. (Henry Drummond, The Greatest Thing in the World, Page 13)

Awesome! That is the word to describe this book. If you have your priorities wrong in life, then this book will show you what you should be focusing on and it is isn't about yourself. It is about loving others. You were created to love others. When you stop loving others and people stop loving you. Then you have nothing to live for. This can explain suicide can't it?

The author examines 1 Corinthians and gives a few insights into what love is and how to make love the priority of your life.

This book will cause you to focus on loving others. Get out of a religious spirit and be a blessing. As you are blessed to be a blessing.

As a side note, I found out about this book through one of Norman Vincent Peale's books. Norman Vincent Peale said it is one of the greatest books in the world. I just had to read it.

[Laurie Elliot · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a teenager 50 years ago, I had a small, well marked copy of "The Greatest in the World" which I read through many, many times. It was like a dear friend.

When I remembered this last year and searched for it on the internet I discovered the "Other Addresses" - I wish I'd had these, too, as a teenager! But I am discovering their value in this season of life as well. This is not my first time through and I expect to read them through many times again.

[Linda W.]

"Siksi, rakasta. Ilman erottelua, ilman laskelmointia, ilman viivyttelyä. Rakasta."

"Minulle ei kerrottu pienenä, että Jumala on rakastanut maailmaa niin paljon että antoi ainoan poikansa ettei yksikään, joka häneen uskoo, joutuisi kadotukseen vaan saisi iankaikkisen elämän. Minulle kerrottiin, että Jumala rakasti maailmaa niin paljon, että jos luottaisin häneen, minulla olisi rauha tai minulla olisi leposija, onni tai turva."

[DENNIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manifest Destiny

An amazing picture is painted. Let your personal beliefs and thinking challenge the authors writing and I guarantee you will lose sleep. Learn how to walk hand in hand with your fellows and do that under the care and protection of Gods grace.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book on a mission trip to Europe, and God’s voice was so clear. He spoke to me through this book. Henry Drummond is so wise, and I think all Christians should read and reflect on the wisdom God shares through Drunmond

[Brenda Remis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the book, not Kindle Edition. A very small book with a very powerful message on Love. The author encourages you to re-read certain parts of the book, which will be easy to do, and is my intention.

[Gabriele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not an easy read for me. Started reading it in January (book, not the Kindle edition), forgot about it, returned to it in September. But wow, what a book! It will certainly remain on my bedside table for quite some time.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most perspective-shifting 60 pages I've read in quite a long time. Masterful argument elevating love over faith.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst mainly a work on theology still has something for everyone

[Gail Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for some serious thinking.

I will read this book again. Great spiritual truths are shared in a way that causes the Christian to grow in his beliefs of Christ.

[Weijun · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a nice little book for Christians! Very important truths in a compelling way! Very informative and revealing for me!

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous short sermons full of love and practical advice as to how to serve Christ in love.

[Eerika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uskomaton kirja, luin yhdeltä istumalta ja se selkeytti ainakin minulle asioita ihmisyyden, elämän ja maailman tarkoituksesta, sekä Jumalasta.

[Niko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but strong, I really liked it

[John Muriango · Rating 5 out of 5]

In order to clearly understand that the Bible was truly inspired, just consider how Paul was able to use so few a words in order to explain a concept such as love. Men have written volumes upon volumes of works in order to just explain it, and still more works will be written in future.

It was a privilege to reread this classic book by Henry Drummond, and I was truly astonished to see on how far short I fall in understanding what love is and then living it out.

I thank Drummond that he anchored his thesis on the Gospel so as to explain what love is and how to live these truths practically, as God is the one who enables us to do so, and thus, should we fall in one way or another, and of course, we surely do, we can go back to our Father who will grace us to do so.
I highly recommend that people will take time and read this book.

[Kayla Sheaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Drummond, the ‘greatest thing in the world’ is love. He walks his readers through 1 Corinthians 13 in order to prove his thesis. The Greatest Thing in the World is a concise, yet compelling, narrative about love. Henry Drummond clearly believed in Christ’s sacrifice at the cross and knew the scriptures well.

Near the end of the speech, Drummond gives his call to action. He asks, “How many of you will join me in reading this chapter once a week for the next three months? A man did that once and it changed his whole life. Will you do it?”

[Rosamaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suosittelen lukemaan tätä muistikirjan kanssa; näin ajattelen itse lukea kirjan seuraavan kerran. Olen nyt viimevuosina kerran kuunnellut ja kerran lukenut tämän kirjan enkä muista enää oikein mitään, paitsi sen että oli kiva ja pidin. 😊

Kyseessä on ns. Bible Study 1. Korinttilaiskirjeen 13. luvusta, mikä on tunnettu siitä että se usein luetaan avioliiton vihkimisessä, vaikka tuo kirjeessä mainittu rakkaus käsittää muutakin kuin pelkän romanttisen rakkauden.