Applying Principles with Wisdom and the Holy Spirit
It is one thing to perceive principles, and quite another thing to apply them. Truths of the highest importance are often made ridiculous, and even turned into a lie, by strained and extravagant applications of them made by those whose judgment does not balance their zeal. The principles of truth are the same under all circumstances, but “circumstances alter cases,” and altered cases alter the demands of propriety. There is policy, as well as principle, in Christianity; and policy is all right, and very essential, so long as it does not sacrifice principle. So when a person points out principles, he does not assume to mark out the exact line of human conduct to be followed under all circumstances. We must not depend too much on principles alone. No matter how well you know general principles, or how logically you can reason, you will often be at fault in your procedure unless your mind is in a condition to be illuminated and directed by the Holy Spirit. That agency alone can guide each individual correctly; and make just the right application of Christian principles upon all occasions.