Chapter 19—Other Parables
There was much curiosity and questioning among the people con-
cerning this kingdom which they could not see with their material eyes.
Jesus knew every perplexity that agitated the minds of his hearers, and
as the multitude again thronged about him, he continued to teach them
in parables. “And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be under a
bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? For there
is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing
kept secret, but that it should come abroad. If any man have ears to
hear, let him hear. And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear;
with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you; and unto you
that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given;
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and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.”
Jesus used the light of a candle to represent his doctrines, which
illuminate the souls of those who accept them. This light is not to be
hidden from the world, but should shine forth to enlighten and bless
those who behold it. The instruction received by those who listened
to Jesus was to be communicated by them to others, and thus handed
down to posterity. He also declared that there was nothing hidden that
should not be manifested. Whatever was in the heart would sooner or
later be revealed by the actions; and these would determine whether
the seed sown had taken root in their minds and borne goodly fruit,
or whether the thorns and brambles had won the day. He admonished
them to hear and understand him. To improve the blessed privileges
then extended to them, would result in their own salvation and through
them would benefit others.
And with what measure of sincere attention they listened to his
instructions, they would receive like measure of knowledge in return.
All who truly desired to understand his doctrines would be fully satis-
fied; their Heaven-given privileges would increase; their light would
brighten unto the perfect day. But those who did not desire the light
of truth would grope in darkness and be overcome by the powerful
temptations of Satan. They would lose their dignity and self-control,
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