The Samaritans | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 14, 1884

The Samaritans.

PHILIP was so successful in Samaria that he sent to Jerusalem for assistance, and Peter and John were sent to help him. Chap. 8:14. The readiness of the Samaritans to hear the word, as contrasted with Jewish stubbornness, has had counterparts in all ages. Those who make the least show of holiness are generally the most susceptible to the truth, especially truth that requires radical changes in customs or belief. Those who have had reason to believe that their church ever was approved of God, at any time, are the most backward in moving on to new positions, as duty is indicated by new light and the economy of true reformation. The zealous followers of the “reformers” of other days are generally very bigoted when an effort is made to show them that further reformation is necessary. They lose sight of the fact that man’s reformation never can be complete until he has become perfect in Christ. The Judaism of the popular church of to-day is as bigoted as it was in the beginning of the dispensation; and those who most gladly receive the truth are the ones who can be made to realize their need of a closer walk with God, rather than those who “have need of nothing.” Rev. 3:17.