p. 9 | In the Present

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Sep 13, 1910

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 37, No. 36.

In the Present

It is the present experience in God which bears fruit. The vine-dresser cuts away all of last year's growth, leaving only the old, seemingly dead, dry stock. But he prunes the vine, that it may bear more fruit. So God deals with His children. Do we pride ourselves on the leaves of past experiences? God cuts them off, and leaves us to view ourselves as we are by nature, that we may know that, severed from Him, we can do nothing. Union with Him brings fresh sap, fresh life, fresh vigor. Last year's nourishment may possibly keep us alive a little longer than if we had never had it; but only the present, constant supply will bring fruit to perfection now. It is the constant, momentary life which tells for Christian fruit bearing.