False Impressions Concerning Experience
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robbed them of health and vitality. When you seek to instruct them,
they defend their course by referring to their experience.
Here is where we have met the greatest difficulties in religious
matters. The plainest facts may be presented, the clearest truths,
sustained by the word of God, may be brought before the mind; but the
ear and the heart are closed, and the all-convincing argument is, “my
experience.” Some will say, “The Lord has blessed me in believing
and doing as I have; therefore I cannot be in error.” “My experience”
is clung to, and the most elevating, sanctifying truths of the Bible are
rejected.
Balaam inquired of God if he might curse Israel. He was anxious
that the permission might be given, because he had the promise of
great reward. But God said, “Thou shalt not go.” Balaam was urged
the second time, by messengers more honorable than the first, and
greater inducements were offered. He had been shown the will of the
Lord in this matter, but he was so eager for the reward that he ventured
to ask God a second time, and the Lord permitted him to go. Then
he had a wonderful experience; but who would wish to have such an
experience?
Many examples might be given to show how people have been
deceived by relying upon what they supposed to be their experience.
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