The True Spirit by Stephen N. Haskell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 19, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 44.

The True Spirit.

By Stephen N. Haskell

THE true servant of Christ will ever seek to exalt the truth. He will not be found exalting himself, but will hide behind the cross of Christ, and will present him as the sole object of attraction and love. There was no apostle whose writings are more prominent than those of the apostle Paul. Out of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament more than one-half are from his pen. His labors were more abundant, his stripes were more numerous, and in prisons he was more frequent than any other apostle. The secret of his prominence and success lay in the fact of his realizing his unworthiness and the desire he had to exemplify Christ's life as a pattern to those who should afterward believe on him. He felt that he was the chief of sinners because he had been a blasphemer and a persecutor. Yet in his heart the spirit of thankfulness reigned that the Lord had counted him worthy to suffer for his name.

It might be a question whether Paul ever entertained the idea that his writings and his influence would be so extensive. His labors and writings were of a personal character; he had a personal interest for those for whom he labored. His labor was specially directed for churches as well as individuals. The following words revealed his true feelings: "Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present

every man perfect in Christ Jesus; whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily." He ever felt that he was under obligation to his hearers. A "debtor both to the Greeks and to the barbarians; both to the wise and to the unwise," he labored for God, looking for a reward, to the end of the race. The question of personal interest never entered into his heart while laboring for others. The spirit manifested by him was entirely opposite to any feeling that his labor was not appreciated. It was such a privilege to him to suffer with Christ that his heart constantly rejoiced in God. Having this opportunity, he was contented. This spirit will characterize every true laborer for God.

A few men God selects and makes prominent while they live. It is not always that they are the most useful men. The Judgment alone will reveal the humble souls who sustain the more prominent positions because of their prayers and faith. The Waldenses in a quiet, unpretentious manner sowed the seed of the Reformation. They traveled throughout Europe, disguised as peddlers; but their real object was to exert an influence that would bear fruit in the kingdom of God. A strange, solemn power attended the words of Scripture which they spoke; it reached hearts which were longing for the truth. Their humility, their sincerity, their earnestness and deep fervor were subjects of remark. So captivated would their hearers become with the truths they uttered that they forgot to inquire whence they came or whither they went. Those with whom they conversed questioned after they had left whether it had not been an angel who appeared to them. The true Christian spirit clothes with humility.

The Judgment will remove from God's work all selfishness and self-interest. The motives of the heart will then be weighed in the balances of God's sanctuary. God weighs moral worth, and it is estimated by the amount of unselfish interest the person possesses. Self is abased, but God is exalted. It is then that God can accept the labors of his servants. He is now waiting to pour out his Spirit and clothe his people with power. Already we occasionally hear of some of the dropping of his Spirit. The time is not far distant when we shall see more of his power accompanying his truth. May that time hasten. S. N. H.