Explanation of Early Statements
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measure to accomplish their malicious intentions against Him. They
hated the Herodians, yet they joined these inveterate enemies in order
to invent some plan to rid the earth of Christ.
Such was the spirit with which the Son of God was met by those
whom He came to save. Can any who are seeking to obey God, and to
bear to the world the message of His truth, expect a more favorable
reception than was granted Christ?
I have no ill will toward those who are seeking to make of none
effect the message which God has given to reprove, warn, and en-
courage His people. But as the ambassador of Christ, I must stand in
defense of the truth. Who are those that so zealously array themselves
against me? Are they the pure and holy children of faith? Have they
been born again? Are they partakers of the divine nature? Do they
love Jesus, and manifest His spirit of meekness and humility? “By
their fruits ye shall know them” (
Matthew 7:20
). Do they resemble
the early disciples, or those cunning scribes and Pharisees who were
constantly watching to entrap Christ in His words? Notice the sharp
practice of those ancient opposers of the faith—how lawyers, priests,
scribes, and rulers combined to find something against Him who was
the light of the world.
And why were they so intent upon condemning Christ? They did
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not love His doctrines and precepts, and they were displeased as they
saw the attention of the people turned to Him and away from their
former leaders.
Human nature is human nature still. Let not those who seek to
hedge up my way and destroy the influence of my words, deceive
themselves with the belief that they are doing God service. They are
serving another master, and they will be rewarded according to their
work.
Rebellion will exist as long as Satan exists. Those who are actuated
by his spirit will not discern the spirit of God or listen to its voice until
the mandate shall go forth, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still:
and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous,
let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still”
(
Revelation 22:11
). I expect to encounter the malice of those who
despise the light which God has been pleased to give me.