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who were in great darkness and error. Although weary, He presented
the truths of His spiritual kingdom, which charmed the heathen woman
and filled her with admiration for Christ. She went forth publishing the
news: “Come, see a man which told me all things that ever I did: is not
this the Christ?” This woman’s testimony converted many to a belief
in Christ. Through her report many came to hear Him for themselves
and believed because of His own word.
However small may be the number of interested listeners, if the
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heart is reached and the understanding convinced, they can, like the
Samaritan woman, carry a report which will raise the interest of hun-
dreds to investigate for themselves. While laboring in places to create
an interest, there will be many discouragements; but if at first there
seems to be but little interest, it is no evidence that you have mistaken
your duty and place of labor. If the interest steadily increases, and
the people move understandingly, not from impulse, but from princi-
ple, the interest is much more healthy and durable than it is where a
great excitement and interest are created suddenly, and the feelings are
excited by listening to a debate, a sharp contest on both sides of the
question, for and against the truth. Fierce opposition is thus created,
positions are taken, and rapid decisions made. A feverish state of
things is the result. Calm consideration and judgment are wanting.
Let this excitement subside, or let reaction take place by indiscreet
management, and the interest can never be raised again. The feelings
and sympathies of the people were stirred; but their consciences were
not convicted, their hearts were not broken and humbled before God.
In the presentation of unpopular truth, which involves a heavy
cross, preachers should be careful that every word is as God would
have it. Their words should never cut. They should present the truth in
humility, with the deepest love for souls and an earnest desire for their
salvation, and let the truth cut. They should not defy ministers of other
denominations and seek to provoke a debate. They should not stand
in a position like that of Goliath when he defied the armies of Israel.
Israel did not defy Goliath, but Goliath made his proud boasts against
God and His people. The defying, the boasting, and the railing must
come from the opposers of truth, who act the Goliath. But none of this
spirit should be seen in those whom God has sent forth to proclaim the
last message of warning to a doomed world.