How often have men had their hopes dashed when the truth came home to stay? At times, what inaccuracy occupied the rooms of the house, only to be evicted by reality. The false is quickly and easily believed because it wants to be believed. Such falsehoods provide a more comfortable setting while truth acts as a tempest tearing the fabric of the heart. Such was the case with that exceptional tragedy lived and relived in the America history, the Titanic.

" The account goes on to say, "Held afloat only by her water-tight compartments, the great White Star liner Titanic is slowly crawling toward this harbour (Halifax)." The belief that the Titanic had not entered the catalog of awesome maritime disasters was widely published and believed across America. After reality hit, investigations were held to determine the source of such inhumane reports and the newspapers decried such cruelty. The Press, on April 16, stated, "No more agonizing cruelty can be inflicted upon the multitudes whose hearts are bursting for the truth about the disaster to the Titanic than to conspire to keep then in ignorance of the worst that is known by those responsible for authentic information."¹

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Whatever the cause for such misinformation, whether it was the result of the scheming owners of the White Star lines, serious bungling in communication, or misdirected pity, the fact cannot be disputed that few wanted to accept the truth for this was the ocean liner heralded as the ship that God couldn't even sink. Few could bring themselves to believe that the Titanic, with all of its engineering genius could have sunk on its maiden voyage. Most wanted to believe that there was great hope for a good ending to a momentous accident.

Hope does "spring eternal within the human breast." Somehow, no matter what the reality, men can believe that what has happened may not have happened. It is that same hope that can mislead individuals into eternity. Some believe that somehow, someway, men will not face the greatest of all disasters and human tragedies, the loss of the soul. Although Jesus Himself spoke of a real Heaven and a real Hell, and described the full reality of being lost, with God in eternity (John 19), there are still those who want to hope for a good ending of it all.

Some, who want to deny the reality of judgement, may mistakenly provide comfort for the moment, but ultimately will only inflict a greater anguish upon their hearers. At best, some may want to clutch at any straw to encourage themselves or others. Nevertheless, it is equally cruel to give a hope of heaven to all, when no such promise is found in the Scriptures. Likewise, it is cruelty for any man to keep others in ignorance of the worst that is known. Jesus Himself gave us authentic information about life after death so that we could make adequate preparation before we cross over. Believe, put your trust in, the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. Grab a hold of The Life-Preserver who paid for our debt of sin on Calvary!

¹. The Denver Times, April 15, 1912, pg.1

². The Denver Post, quoting The Press "Were The Reports Of Officers Mere Fakes To Deceive Public?", April 16, 1912, pg.2