“The Darkness Comprehended It Not”
361
45
). The truth is constantly unfolding and presenting new features
to different minds. All who dig in the mines of truth, will constantly
discover rich and precious gems. We are anxious that all who claim to
believe the truth now open before us, and especially those who take
the responsibility of teaching the truth to others, should have a clearer
conception themselves of the all-important significance of the themes
of the Bible.
Those who stand in vindication of the law of God, are in a position
where they need much of the Spirit of God. If ministers are wanting
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in meekness, if they are easily irritated when opposed, it is evident
that they need divine enlightenment. Men must manifest the grace
of Christ as they labor for souls. The truth as it is in Jesus will have
altogether a different influence upon the minds of unbelievers, from
that which it has had when presented as a theory or as a controversial
subject.
If we do our very best to present the truth in its stirring character,
crossing the opinions and ideas of others, it will be misinterpreted,
misapplied, and misstated, to those who are entertaining error, in order
to make it appear in an objectionable light. There are few to whom you
bring the truth, who have not been drinking of the wine of Babylon.
It is hard for them to comprehend the truth, therefore the necessity of
teaching it as it is in Jesus.
Those who claim to be lovers of truth can afford to be meek and
lowly of heart, as was the Great Teacher. Those who have been
diligently working in the mines of God’s Word, and have discovered
the precious ore in the rich veins of truth, in the divine mysteries
that have been hidden for ages, will exalt the Lord Jesus, the Source
of all truth, by revealing in their characters the sanctifying power of
what they believe. Jesus and His grace must be enshrined in the inner
sanctuary of the soul. Then He will be revealed in words, in prayer,
in exhortation, in the presentation of sacred truth, for this is the great
secret of spiritual success.
When self is woven into our labors, then the truth we bear to others
does not sanctify, refine, and ennoble our own hearts; it will not testify
that we are fit vessels for the Master’s use. It is only through fervent
prayer that we may hold sweet fellowship with Jesus, and through this
blessed communion the words and the spirit are made fragrant with
the spirit of Christ. There is not a heart that will not bear watching.