Obstacles to the Truth by Charleston Observer

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 26, 1856

Obstacles to the Truth.

By Charleston Observer

Among the obstacles to the prevalence of truth we may enumerate the following:

1. Prejudice.—The judgment is often formed without light:—without evidence. And should the truth be presented to a mind thus pre-occupied before it can obtain a lodgment there, it has an obstacle to encounter and remove, of a very formidable magnitude. The strength of prejudice is amazing. Though assailed by reason, and argument, and revelation, it often remains as deeply rooted and vigorous as ever. Nay it is frequently nourished by the very efforts which are made for its destruction.

2. Pride of opinion.—When a man has formed an opinion and committed himself to its support, his mind is fortified against the reception of evidence showing that his opinion is false. Though he may feel himself unable to answer the objections which are urged against his views, he still clings to them with the most obstinate tenacity. His pride of opinion revolts at the thought of a change. It would be to him a weakness—a degradation to which he cannot submit.

3. Authority.—There are but few minds which think for themselves, and form their judgment independent of others. Whether they will acknowledge it or not, almost every man has his Magnus Appello, to whom he listens as to an oracle. And whatever changes the responses of his oracle may undergo, he changes with it, and echoes its latest dicta.

4. Education.—When the mind is in its forming state it takes readily the impressions which are made upon it, and retains them through after-life, in all their distinctness and vigor. Hence erroneous impressions early made are apt to be enduring. And it is here that truth meets the firmest resistance.

5. Interest.—What multitudes are governed by calculations of profit or loss in forming their opinions! And by habitually acting upon these sordid principles, are given over to believe a lie!

6. Personal Attachments.—Man is a social being and has his favorites, who insensibly exercise a control in the formation of his opinions.

7. Personal Aversions.—When truth comes from the lips of those we hate, the resistance to it is far greater than if it proceeded from a different source. Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?

8. Consciousness of Error.—This often prevents men from coming to the light lest their deeds should be reproved. They love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil. And though conscious of their error, they are not willing to confess and forsake it.

9. The Dread of Ridicule.—How many are prevented from entertaining the truth, because it will expose them to the ridicule of their companions! They had rather endure the pangs of a wounded conscience than the scoffs of the wicked.

10. Example.—Have any of the Pharisees believed on him? The force of example is great. And truth has often to make its way in the face of the opposing multitude. From these obstacles to its prevalence—and many, very many more could be given, is it marvelous that so few embrace it? The wonder is rather that it should make any progress amid such opposition. Nor would it, so far as the gospel is concerned, but for the accompanying influences of the Holy Spirit. This shows at once the source of our dependence, and urges us to supplication for the greatest of all the gifts which flow through the gospel—the gift of the Spirit.—Charleston Observer.