ves inconvenience and reproach. This is
the only argument against the truth which its advocates have never been
able to refute. But this does not deter the true followers of Christ.
These do not wait for truth to become popular. Being convinced of their
duty, they deliberately accept the cross, with the apostle Paul counting
that "our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a
far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;"(773) with one of old,
"esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in
Egypt."(774)
Whatever may be their profession, it is only those who are world-servers
at heart that act from policy rather than principle in religious things.
We should choose the right because it is right, and leave consequences
with God. To men of principle, faith, and daring, the world is indebted
for its great reforms. By such men the work of reform for this time must
be carried forward.
Thus saith the Lord: "Hearken unto Me, ye that know righteousness, the
people in whose heart is My law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither
be ye afraid of their revilings. For the moth shall eat them up like a
garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but My righteousness shall
be forever, and My salvation from generation to generation."(775)
27. MODERN REVIVALS.
[Illustration: Chapter header.]
Wherever the word of God has been faithfully preached, results have
followed that attested its divine origin. The Spirit of God accompanied
the message of His servants, and the word was with power. Sinners felt
their consciences quickened. The "light which lighteth every man that
cometh into the world," illumined the secret chambers of their souls, and
the hidden things of darkness were made manifest. Deep conviction took
hold upon their minds and hearts. They were convinced of sin, and of
righteousness, and of judgment to come. They had a sense of the
righteousness of Jehovah, and felt the terror of appearing, in their guilt
and uncleanness, before the Searcher of hearts. In anguish they cried out,
"Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" As the cross of
Calvary, with its infinite sacrifice for the sins of men, was revealed,
they saw that nothing but the merits of Christ could suffice to atone for
their transgressions; this alone could reconcile man to God. With faith
and humility they accepted the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of
the world
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