126
Counsels for the Church
will be opening the door of their hearts that the dear Saviour may come
in and dwell with them. Those who are most closely connected with
God are the ones who know His voice when He speaks to them. Those
who are spiritual discern spiritual things. Such will feel grateful that
the Lord has pointed out their errors.
David learned wisdom from God’s dealings with him and bowed in
humility beneath the chastisement of the Most High. The faithful por-
trayal of his true state by the prophet Nathan made David acquainted
with his own sins and aided him to put them away. He accepted coun-
sel meekly and humiliated himself before God. “The law of the Lord,”
he exclaims, “is perfect, converting the soul.”
Psalm 19:7
.
“If ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are
ye ... not sons.”
Hebrews 12:8
. Our Lord has said: “As many as I
love, I rebuke and chasten.”
Revelation 3:19
. “No chastening for the
present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward
it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are
exercised thereby.”
Hebrews 12:11
. Though bitter the discipline, it is
appointed by a Father’s tender love, “that we might be partakers of His
holiness.
[98]
126
Testimonies for the Church 5:682, 683