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self…denial； they aim to secure a reputation for superior wisdom by
criticizing the Bible。 There is much which the finite mind； unenlightened by
divine wisdom； is powerless to comprehend； and thus they find occasion to
criticize。 There are many who seem to feel that it is a virtue to stand on
the side of unbelief； skepticism； and infidelity。 But underneath an
appearance of candor it will be found that such persons are actuated by
self…confidence and pride。 Many delight in finding something in the
Scriptures to puzzle the minds of others。 Some at first criticize and reason
on the wrong side； from a mere love of controversy。 They do not realize that
they are thus entangling themselves in the snare of the fowler。 But having
openly expressed unbelief； they feel that they must maintain their position。
Thus they unite with the ungodly and close to themselves the gates of
Paradise。
God has given in His word sufficient evidence of its divine character。 The
great truths which concern our redemption are clearly presented。 By the aid
of the Holy Spirit； which is promised to all who seek it in sincerity； every
man may
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understand these truths for himself。 God has granted to men a strong
foundation upon which to rest their faith。
Yet the finite minds of men are inadequate fully to comprehend the plans and
purposes of the Infinite One。 We can never by searching find out God。 We
must not attempt to lift with presumptuous hand the curtain behind which He
veils His majesty。 The apostle exclaims： 〃How unsearchable are His
judgments； and His ways past finding out！〃 Romans 11：33。 We can so far
comprehend His dealings with us； and the motives by which He is actuated；
that we may discern boundless love and mercy united to infinite power。 Our
Father in heaven orders everything in wisdom and righteousness； and we are
not to be dissatisfied and distrustful； but to bow in reverent submission。
He will reveal to us as much of His purposes as it is for our good to know；
and beyond that we must trust the Hand that is omnipotent； the Heart that is
full of love。
While God has given ample evidence for faith； He will never remove all
excuse for unbelief。 All who look for hooks to hang their doubts upon will
find them。 And those who refuse to accept and obey God's word until every
objection has been removed； and there is no longer an opportunity for doubt；
will never come to the light。
Distrust of God is the natural outgrowth of the unrenewed heart； which is at
enmity with Him。 But faith is inspired by the Holy Spirit； and it will
flourish only as it is cherished。 No man can become strong in faith without
a determined effort。 Unbelief strengthens as it is encouraged； and if men；
instead of dwelling upon the evidences which God has given to sustain their
faith； permit themselves to question and cavil； they will find their doubts
constantly becoming more confirmed。
But those who doubt God's promises and distrust the assurance of His grace
are dishonoring Him； and their influence； instead of drawing others to
Christ； tends to repel
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them from Him。 They are unproductive trees； that spread their dark branches
far and wide； shutting away the sunlight from other plants； and causing them
to droop and die under the chilling shadow。 The lifework of these persons
will appear as a never…ceasing witness against them。 They are sowing seeds
of doubt and skepticism that will yield an unfailing harvest。
There is but one course for those to pursue who honestly desire to be freed
from doubts。 Instead of questioning and caviling concerning that which they
do not understand； let them give heed to the light which already shines upon
them； and they will receive greater light。 Let them do every duty which has
been made plain to their understanding； and they will be enabled to
understand and perform those of which they are now in doubt。
Satan can present a counterfeit so closely resembling the truth that it
deceives those who are willing to be deceived； who desire to shun the
self…denial and sacrifice demanded by the truth； but it is impossible for
him to hold under his power one soul who honestly desires； at whatever cost；
to know the truth。 Christ is the truth and the 〃Light； which lighteth every
man that cometh into the world。〃 John 1：9。 The Spirit of truth has been sent
to guide men into all truth。 And upon the authority of the Son of God it is
declared： 〃Seek； and ye shall find。〃 〃If any man will do His will； he shall
know of the doctrine。〃 Matthew 7：7； John 7：17。
The followers of Christ know little of the plots which Satan and his hosts
are forming against them。 But He who sitteth in the heavens will overrule
all these devices for the accomplishment of His deep designs。 The Lord
permits His people to be subjected to the fiery ordeal of temptation； not
because He takes pleasure in their distress and affliction； but because this
process is essential to their final victory。 He could not； consistently with
His own glory； shield them from temptation； for the very object of the trial
is to prepare them to resist all the allurements of evil。
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Neither wicked men nor devils can hinder the work of God； or shut out His
presence from His people； if they will； with subdued； contrite hearts；
confess and put away their sins； and in faith claim His promises。 Every
temptation； every opposing influence； whether open or secret； may be
successfully resisted； 〃not by might； nor by power； but by My Spirit； saith
the Lord of hosts。〃 Zechariah 4：6。
〃The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous； and His ears are open unto
their prayers。 。 。 。 And who is he that will harm you； if ye be followers of
that which is good？〃 1 Peter 3：12； 13。 When Balaam； allured by the promise
of rich rewards； practiced enchantments against Israel； and by sacrifices to
the Lord sought to invoke a curse upon His people； the Spirit of God forbade
the evil which he longed to pronounce； and Balaam was forced to exclaim：
〃How shall I curse； whom God hath not cursed？ or how shall I defy； whom the
Lord hath not defied？〃 〃Let me die the death of the righteous； and let my
last end be like his！〃 When sacrifice had again been offered； the ungodly
prophet declared： 〃Behold； I have received commandment to bless： and He hath
blessed； and I cannot reverse it。 He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob；
neither hath He seen perverseness in Israel： the Lord his God is with him；
and the shout of a King is among them。〃 〃Surely there is no enchantment
against Jacob； neither is there any divination against Israel： according to
this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel； What hath God wrought！〃
Yet a third time altars were erected； and again Balaam essayed to secure a
curse。 But from the unwilling lips of the prophet； the Spirit of God
declared the prosperity of His chosen； and rebuked the folly and malice of
their foes： 〃Blessed is he that blesseth thee； and cursed is he that curseth
thee。〃 Numbers 23：8； 10； 20； 21； 23； 24：9。
The people of Israel were at this time loyal