Defending the Truth by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 14, 1909

Defending the Truth

By G. B. Thompson

G. B. THOMPSON

We sometimes speak of defending the truth. We have no special criticism to offer concerning this expression; yet we should not forget that the truth needs no defender. It is its own defense. It is well able to take care of itself. It has survived centuries of warfare.

“Truth crushed to earth shall rise again, The eternal years of God are hers.”

A lion may be caged, but he is the “king of beasts” still. Only slip the bars and let him free, and he will defend himself.

So with truth. It has in itself an inherent power. It may be bound about with environment, and seemingly crushed, but when the crucial moment comes, it will arouse, and like a giant, scatter and defeat the legions of error.

Truth is light, and light has more power than darkness. It is considered greater than locks and bars. When I was a boy, I can well remember that stores, shops, banks, etc., when the business of the day was finished, would put up strong shutters, turn out the light, and leave all the goods, money, etc., in total darkness. This was pleasing to the burglar. With his improved implements of mischief, he worked in the dark to advantage, and took from the safe the money it contained. In walking the

streets of a large, modern city recently, I was impressed with the different method now in use. Instead of shutters of metal and darkness, as a safeguard they have turned on the light. The blinds are off, and the electric light is left burning all night. Over a safety vault a strong light made everything as open as the day. I thought, Light without locks is better than darkness with locks.

And so it is in spiritual matters. God’s Word is truth, and it is light. John 17:17; Ps. 119:130. Light is stronger than darkness. It can dispel the darkness. You enter a large room; all is dark, you strike a match, or turn an electric button, and the darkness is gone.

Before God’s people are periods of darkness and great tribulation. A time of trouble such as mortals have never seen draws near. Darkness will cover the earth, and gross darkness the people. Earthquake and storm, flame and flood, and cataclysm of nature are increasing on every side. Soon the seven last plagues of God’s wrath will fall as the earth sinks into a millennium of darkness, the result of the curse of sin. But through it all the Israel of God will be safe. The truth will be their shield and buckler. Instead of Israel defending the truth, the truth will defend them. Let us be thankful for the truth.

Takoma Park, D. C.