Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth II
1926 - 2022

“To what greater inspiration and counsel can we turn than to the imperishable truth to be found in this treasure house, the Bible.”

We at Ards Evangelical Bookshop are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Only eternity will reveal the blessing of having upon the throne, a Sovereign who recognised the King of Kings, the Lord Jesus Christ.

She had the privilege of being brought up by parents who knew the Saviour. Her father, King George VI was known to be a regular attender of Bible teaching meetings before he became King.

On one occasion, her parents were on a state visit to Canada. His hosts had arranged for a well-known Native American, Chief Whitefeather, to sing for them, assuming he would choose a traditional native song. Being a Christian himself, he chose to sing his favourite hymn, I’d Rather Have Jesus.

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold
I’d rather be His than have riches untold
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or land
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand
Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today

It contains the lines, “Than to be the king of a vast domain, or be held in sin’s dread sway.” The King’s officials shifted nervously, wondering whether the King would be embarrased. The King went immediately over to the chief, shook his hand warmly and told him, “so would I.”

Before she became Queen, Princess Elizabeth was on a visit to Kenya, staying in the “Treetop Hotel,” up a large hill. News of her father’s death arrived to the camp in the foot hills, and word was sent to the Princess. It was said of her that, “she went up the hill a Princess and came down a Queen.” From that point on, until last Tuesday, her life was lived in service for others. She often referred to her Saviour and faith in Him in her public addresses. She testified:

I have been and remain very grateful to God for His steadfast love. I have indeed seen His faithfulness.

Our shop will be closed on Monday 19th September for the funeral of Her Majesty.