g than we have strength for. We often do not know our strength
nor the power of His grace. Sorrow may be sent to reveal us to
ourselves, and show how much spiritual energy we have been silently
acquiring. Do not, therefore, run to and fro, and say, "It is too
much, I cannot bear it." But know and be sure that Christ has
ascertained your resources, and is sure of your ability, before He
permits the extreme ordeal to overtake you. Dare to say with the
apostle, "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me."

III. THE TEACHING OF THE DIVINE SPIRIT.--His _personality_ is
unmistakable; though the Greek word for Spirit is neuter, a masculine
pronoun is used in conjunction with it when Jesus says, "He, the Spirit
of Truth." The personal Christ sent as a substitute for Himself no
mere breath or influence, but the personal Spirit. The Advocate before
the Throne is well represented by the Advocate in the heart of the
Church, and these two agree in one. Distinct as different Persons, but
one in the mystical unity of the Holy Trinity.

Note the _method_ of the Holy Spirit. He teaches truth by taking of
the things of Christ and revealing them. There are two methods of
teaching children, by precept, and by example. I go into a schoolroom
one summer afternoon, and remark the hot cheeks and tired eyes of the
little ones. Outside the open window the bees are droning past, the
butterflies flit from flower to flower, and nature seems to cry to the
little hearts, "Come and play with me." Does a garden ever look so
beautiful as to children shut up to their studies? "What are you
learning, little ones?" I say. "Botany," is the sad answer "We've got
to learn all these hard names, and copy these diagrams." "Well," I
say, "shut up your books, and come with me." And presently I teach
them more botany by contact with the flowers themselves, than they
would have learned by hours of poring over lesson-books. It is so the
Spirit teaches. Is gentleness or purity, self-sacrifice or prayer, the
lesson that we are set to acquire? There is no need for Him to make a
new revelation to us. It is enough if He but bring us face to face
with Jesus, and show these qualities shining through His words and
deeds. The truth certainly, but the truth as it is in Jesus.

The condition of proficiency in the Spirit's school is _obedience_.
"He will _guide_ you into all truth." This word is very significant.
Literally it means, _Sho