Practical Godliness
479
words came to us in an audible voice. We do not know its preciousness
because we do not obey its instructions.
There are evil angels at work all around us, but because we do
not discern their presence with our natural vision we do not consider
as we should the reality of their existence as set forth in the word of
God. If there was nothing in the Scriptures hard to be understood,
man, in searching its pages, would become lifted up in pride and self-
sufficiency. It is never best for one to think that he understands every
phase of truth, for he does not. Then let no man flatter himself that
he has a correct understanding of all portions of Scripture and feel it
his duty to make everybody else understand them just as he does. Let
[534]
intellectual pride be banished. I lift my voice in warning against every
species of spiritual pride. There is an abundance of it in the church
today.
When the truth we now cherish was first seen to be Bible truth,
how very strange it appeared, and how strong was the opposition we
had to meet in presenting it to the people for the first time; but how
earnest and sincere were the obedient, truth-loving laborers! We were
indeed a peculiar people. We were few in numbers, without wealth,
without worldly wisdom or worldly honors; and yet we believed God
and were strong and successful, a terror to evildoers. Our love for
one another was steadfast, it was not easily shaken. Then the power
of God was manifested among us, the sick were healed, and there
was much calm, sweet, holy joy. But while the light has continued to
increase, the church has not advanced proportionately. The fine gold
has gradually become dim, and deadness and formality have come
in to cripple the energies of the church. Their abundant privileges
and opportunities have not led God’s people onward and upward to
purity and holiness. A faithful improvement of the talents God has
entrusted to them would greatly increase those talents. Where much is
given, much will be required. Those only who faithfully accept and
appreciate the light God has given us, and who take a high, noble stand
in self-denial and self-sacrifice, will be channels of light to the world.
Those who do not advance will retrograde, even on the very borders of
the heavenly Canaan. It has been revealed to me that our faith and our
works in no way correspond to the light of truth bestowed. We must
not have a halfhearted faith, but that perfect faith which works by love