October 12

God hath rebealed them unto us by his Spirit.

1 COR. ii. 10.

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. — JOHN vii. 17.

JESUS here reveals the secret of heavenly wisdom. My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. My Father is my teacher. My method of learning is by rendering to him a life of perfect obedience. If you also would learn of him, then follow my example. Do his will, prove it by experience, and then you will know of the doctrine, whether it be of God or not.

The principle contained herein is one of widest application. Our best strength and knowledge come from practice. The more we investigate and prove by experience, the more intimate and useful becomes our understanding of them. We know the fragrance of a flower by the sense of smelling. We know the flavor of a fruit by the sense of tasting. We know the faithfulness of earthly friendship by trusting it in some emergency. In like manner, if we enter heartily upon the doing of God's will, we shall find that as we are exercised in it the divinity of its origin will more clearly appear.

Thus the door of heavenly wisdom is opened in the gospel to the humblest as well as the highest. All may attend this school. Not a great mind nor the wisdom of this world is required. The promise is, — the meek will be guide in judgment and teach his way. Let us come then with ready mind and contrite heart, to Jesus, who is meek and lowly, and he will teach us by his Spirit that we may "stand complete in all the will of God."

Bendy S. Bachus

Some secret truths, from learned pride concealed,

To maids alone and children are revealed;

What though no credit doubting wits may give,

The fair and innocent shall still believe.

POPE.