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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 3
upon their own hearts, and sanctify and ennoble their lives. The sim-
plest duties, lying directly in their path, are neglected for some wider
and more distant field, where their labors are frequently expended in
vain. Whereas in a field easier of access they would have labored
with success, and encountered fewer trials, gaining influence and new
courage as the way opened and broadened before them.
The apostles might have entreated the Lord that, in view of the
unappreciated efforts which had been forth in Jerusalem, and the insult
and cruel death to which Christ had been subjected, they might be
permitted to seek some more promising field, where they would find
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hearts more ready to hear and receive their message. But no such plea
was made. Jesus was the sole director of the work. The very ground
where the greatest of all teachers had scattered the seeds of truth, was
to be thoroughly cultivated by the apostles until those seeds should
spring up and yield an abundant harvest. In their labors the disciples
were to endure the hatred, oppression, and jealousy of the Jews; but
this had been experienced by their Master before them, and they were
not to fly from it.
Before his death, Jesus had said to his disciples, while comforting
them in view of his approaching humiliation and death, “Peace I leave
with you; my peace I give unto you.” Now, after the conflict and
the victory, after triumphing over death, and receiving his reward, in
a more emphatic manner he bestowed upon them that peace which
passeth all understanding. He qualified them to enter upon the work
which he had commenced. As he had been sent by his Father, so he
sent forth the disciples. He breathed upon them, and said, “Receive ye
the Holy Ghost.”
The apostles were not sent forth to be witnesses for Christ until
they had received that spiritual endowment necessary to fit them for the
execution of their great commission. All professions of Christianity
are but lifeless expressions of faith until Jesus imbues the believer
with his spiritual life, which is the Holy Ghost. The evangelist is not
prepared to teach the truth, and to be the representative of Christ, till
he has received this heavenly gift.
Men in responsible positions, who are proclaiming the truth of
God in the name of Jesus without the spiritual energy given by the
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quickening power of God, are doing an unreal work, and cannot be
certain whether success or defeat will attend their labors. Many forget