HOLDING THE TRUTH IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS by N. Y. Christian Advocate

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Nov 24, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 45.

"HOLDING THE TRUTH IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS."

By N. Y. Christian Advocate

THE accepted meaning is, obstructing or hindering the way of truth on the part of transgressors. Many precious truths are held back and fail to influence communities because of the neutralizing effects of evil men.

We are not to suppose that unrighteousness must be always active and open to produce this deplorable result. One doubting, vacillating professor of religion may be sufficient to hinder many other souls in securing their salvation. One who makes a flaming confession of Christ, and yet who denies him by an inconsistent life, may be the means of incalculable harm. One who continually groans under the gospel yoke, as though he served a "hard master," subverts truth. His serious mien, mistaken very often for piety, misrepresents that gospel which is "peace and joy in the Holy Ghost."

It is a most important consideration to know how to aid in furthering a righteous cause in any given place and at any precise time. Each locality has its peculiar obstructions to overcome. Whoever would come forward in support of truth must have certain qualifications for service. He must experimentally "know the truth" in a sense that the truth produces in his soul conviction, courage, inspiration. Lacking these he hinders instead of helps. His inefficiency very soon becomes apparent. And this experimental knowledge must be progressive. New revelations must come to him continually. His face must be turned toward the future rather than the past. He cannot rest as though he had "already attained." Onward, upward, his unwearied steps bear him. And in this spiritual ascent he is made the helper of other souls. "They take knowledge of him that he has been with Jesus," as they see righteousness maturing in his life, words, and work.