Editorial by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jan 26, 1905

Editorial

By Editor

Leaves and Fruit

THE result of abiding in Christ is seen in bearing fruit. “He that abideth in me, and I in him,” said Jesus, “the same beareth much fruit.” There is constant danger of being satisfied with a luxuriant growth of leaves while good fruit is conspicuous by its absence. “It is much easier to grow leaves than fruit, as all Christians well know; and many a life hides the absence of fruit by the abundance of leaves. It is so easy to be deeply interested and actively engaged in the promotion of religious questions, without being much governed or controlled by religious principle. Outward activity is not always the best proof of inward reality; and it becomes important to reflect whether sometimes, amid the foliage of an outward Christian life, some may not be hiding the fruitlessness of a barren experience, and thus drawing away the tree’s best sap before its time, and rendering a supply of good fruit impossible.” It is well to remember that it is not possible “by mere outward show of leaves to supersede the necessity of those fruits of the Spirit which prove the reality, the genuineness of the growth, and the proper development of that life to which all Christians are called to aspire, and which each should manifest.” “By their fruits ye shall know them.”

Prayer and Power

THERE are lessons for us in the experiences of Jesus while he was here upon the earth. Note this one: “Jesus also having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form, as a dove, upon him.” After this the record states that “Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee.” There was a direct connection between his praying and his receiving the power of the Spirit. So it is to-day. It is the men of prayer who are the men of power. The Lord has promised his Holy Spirit to those who ask for it, but prevailing prayer is much more than the repetition of a mere form of words appropriate in a supplication to the Most High. There must be a real communion of heart and soul with God, a oneness of purpose with him, and a yielding of the whole being for service in order that God may be glorified in bestowing the gift of his divine power upon us who have wasted our substance in riotous living. The Father is willing to give in just that measure that his children are willing to receive to his glory. There is therefore no excuse for weakness in view of the abundant provision for supplying power. “He giveth power to the faint; and to him that hath no might he increaseth strength.” Prayer is the channel of this power.