Christian Friend vol. 15, 1888, p. 56.
There is no greater source of weakness than the constant tendency to compare the present with the past. The wise man thus says, "Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this." The divine method is to lead God's people to draw their strength from the contemplation of the future. When, for example, the restored remnant were cast down as they were building the temple, so mean in appearance in comparison with that of Solomon, the Lord's message was, "The latter glory" (such is the true rendering) "of this house shall be greater than of the former;" and all the glory, of Messiah's presence and reign was continually unfolded before their eyes for present sustainment and encouragement. So also all the promises to the overcomers in the seven churches are connected with the future. In the Hebrews the past is recalled (Heb. 10: 32), but only to urge the saints to rise to the same standard. Generally the Holy Spirit would attract our thoughts to that blessed future when individually we shall be conformed to Christ, and when the church will be presented to Him glorious and without a blemish as the source of present encouragement and strength.
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There is a difference between natural ability and divine gift. The former ministers to the mind and intellect, the latter to the heart and conscience. The former attracts to itself, forms a "school of opinion;" the latter commends Christ, and builds up the church. In the first man is prominent, and in the second Christ only is seen. On the other hand, hearing may be with the mind, or with the heart and conscience. In the former case man, and in the latter Christ, is before the eyes. What need therefore for self-judgment both for those who preach the Word and for those who hear.
Christian Friend vol. 15, 1888, p. 291.
The semblance of love which does not maintain the truth, but accommodates itself to that which is not the truth, is not love according to God; it is taking advantage of the name of love in order to help on the seductions of Satan. In the last days the test of true love is the maintenance of the truth. God would have us love one another; but the Holy Ghost, by whose power we receive this divine nature, and who pours the love of God into our hearts, is the Spirit of truth, and His office is to glorify Christ. Therefore it is impossible that a love which can put up with a doctrine that falsifies Christ, and which is indifferent to it, can be of the Holy Ghost - still less so, if such indifference be set up as the proof of that love.