OPPOSITION by Jesse Dorcas

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 18, 1860

OPPOSITION

By Jesse Dorcas

Has a tendency to put those who are worthy of it for the truth's sake, on their guard, and drive them nearer to the Master, who is able to direct by his word and Spirit, under all manner of trials. Indeed, such seems to be the necessity of opposition, that James is directed to say for the encouragement of the tried: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers

temptations." Why? Because tribulation worketh patience, patience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed, &c. Peter and John waxed bold under opposition, and many were made confident by Paul's bonds to "speak the word without fear."

Opposition generally brings with it suffering of mind or body, sometimes both. The Captain of our salvation was made "perfect through sufferings." Let us consider him who endured such contradiction of sinners, lest we be weary and faint in our minds. Says Peter, "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." The peace of the child of God is compared to a river; yet how frequently is the ripple, often found in it, in its course towards the great ocean.

JESSE DORCAS.