Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 131
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124 LIFE OF PAUI minded,and theapostlewas awarethattheycould not comprehendthe mysteriesof salvation; for spiritualthingsmust be spirituallydiscerned. He knew thatmany of hishearerswere proudbelieversinhuman theories,and reasonersof falsesystems of theology, gropingwithblindeyesinthe book of naturefora contradictionof thespiritual and immortal liferevealed in the Book of God . He knew that criticismwould set about controvertingtheChristianinterpretationoftherevealed word, and skepticismwould treatthe gospelof Christwithscoffingandderision. Itbehoovedhim tointroducemost carefullythe greattruthshe wishedtoteachthem. True Christianityisa religionof progress. It isevergivinglightand blessing,and hasinreservestillgreaterlightand blessingtobestowon thosewho receiveitstruths. The illuminatinginfluenceof thegospelof Christ, and thesanctifyinggraceof God ,can alonetransformthe carnalmind tobe inharmony withspiritualthings. Paul did not ventureto directlyrebukethe licentious,and to show them how heinouswas their sininthesightofa holyGod . His work was,as a wiseinstructor,tosetbeforethem thetrueobject oflife,impressingupon theirmindsthelessonsof thedivineTeacher,which were designedtobring them up from worldlinessand sinto purityand immortallife. The spiritualsensesmust be maturedby continualadvancementinthe knowledge ofheavenlythings. Thus the mind would learn todelightin them; and everypreceptof theword ofGod would shineforthasa pricelessgem . The apostlehaddweltespeciallyuponpractical godliness,and thecharacterof thatholinesswhich must be gainedin ordertomake sureof the king