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Testimonies to Southern Africa
life mingled with persevering faith, the truth will cut its way through
seemingly impossibilities.
We will not be speaking of what cannot be done, but of what can
be done. “Go forward,” is the word of our Leader. We are distinctly
told by the Lord Jesus Christ through His apostle that He “gave some
apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors
and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the
ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in
the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a
perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”
Here is represented constant growth of knowledge in Christ Jesus, and
it is a matter that deserves careful attention.
Personal religion reaches a low standard because there is more
preaching than there is personal effort to guide the souls of men by
careful instruction. Christ presented lessons in the conversation by
the fireside that were of practical interest. He did not dwell upon the
doctrine when a soul was in perplexity as to how to find Him and to be
made acquainted with His constraining love, which can alone enable
the soul to discern the unpopular truth. Bear in mind that heart must
come close to heart in warm, genial persuasion and entreaty, that they
may enlighten as to how to believe and how to receive the promises of
God. The method of growing into conformity with the will of Christ
must be made plain.
Great men, learned men, can be reached better by the simplicity
of a godly life than by all the sharp arguments that may be poured
upon them. Good impressions will be given when religion is full of
vitality which will give life and progress. Where the precious seed
of truth finds lodgement in the heart, through the workings of the
Spirit of Christ the receiver will discover the sinfulness of human
passions, vanities, ignorance. All these must be cleansed from the soul
temple and the grace of God become an abiding principle. Then all the
principles of truth bloom in the garden of God—humility, meekness,
patience, and love.
The evidences of the grace of Christ in the human heart always
tend to unity. But because some errors and inconsistencies are seen
in those whom we think should be perfect, shall we cast them aside?
No, Christ does not cast us aside because of these things, although His
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Spirit is grieved. It is not wise to sink the soul in pettish despondency,