44
The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 3
and administrators of it, were all brethren, children of one God. Jesus
would impress upon the minds of the people that they were to give
no man a title of honor, indicating that he had any control of their
conscience or faith.
If Christ were on earth today, surrounded by the religious teachers
of the age who bear the titles of Reverend and Right Reverend, would
he not repeat his saying to the Pharisees: “Neither be ye called master;
for one is your Master, even Christ”? Many who assume these honorary
titles are utterly devoid of the wisdom and true righteousness which
they indicate. Too many hide worldly ambition, despotism, and the
basest sins beneath the broidered garment of a high and holy office.
The Saviour continued:—
“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And
whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble
himself shall be exalted.” True greatness is measured by moral worth.
[61]
Greatness of character in the estimation of Heaven consists in living for
the welfare of our fellow-men, in doing works of love and benevolence.
Christ was a servant to fallen man; yet he was the King of Glory. He
still continued his denunciations of the rich and powerful men before
him:—
“But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut
up the kingdom of Heaven against men; for ye neither go in yourselves,
neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.” By perverting the
meaning of the Scriptures the priests blinded the understanding of
those who would otherwise have seen the nature of Christ’s kingdom,
and that inward, divine life which is essential to true holiness. By their
endless round of forms they fastened the minds of the people upon
external services to the neglect of true religion.
They not only rejected Christ themselves but took the most unfair
means to prejudice the people against him, deceiving them by false
reports and gross misrepresentations. In all ages of the world truth
has been unpopular; its doctrines are not congenial to the natural
mind; for it searches the heart, and reproves its hidden sin. Those who
persecute the advocates of God’s truth have ever, like the Pharisees,
misrepresented their words and motives. Jesus resumed:—
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour
widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayer; therefore ye
shall receive the greater damnation.” The Pharisees so wrought upon