Bible Truths Illustrated by J. C. Ferdinand Pittman

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BIBLE TRUTHS ILLUSTRATED
apostasy from the truth, there should be careful reading and
study of the Scriptures, independent of human interpretation.
It should always be remembered that one cannot measure
the correctness of any theory—the truth of any doctrine— by
the numbers who believe it. Also, as H. W. Beecher put it,
that "no doctrine is good for anything that does not leave
behind it an ethical furrow for the planting of seeds which
shall spring up and bear abundant harvests."
256. The best mode of opposing error is seldom to advert
to it, but calmly and attractively to exhibit the opposite right
and truth; for truth is, in itself, delightful to every unsophisticated
mind. It wins it own way. . . . Let it be proposed in
fulness and simplicity, with clearness and with affection, and the
task is done. We shall thus gain the stronghold of every honest
understanding; we shall thus win the citadel of every heart
that can be won. Jebb.
257. The majesty of truth needs other bulwarks than vulgar
and cowardly vituperation. Coarse and violent language, excusable
three hundred years ago by the manners of that day, was
bold and brave on the lips of the Reformers, with whom the
struggle was one of life and death, and who might be called
to pay the penalty of their bold defiances with their blood. But
the same fierceness of language now, when there is no personal
risk in the use of it, in the midst of hundreds of men and
women ready to applaud and honour violence as zeal, is simply
a dastardliness from which every generous mind shrinks. You
do not get the Reformers' spirit by putting on the armour they
have done with, but by risking the dangers which these noble
warriors risked. It is not their big words, but their large,
brave heart, that makes the Protestant. Oh, be sure that he
whose soul has anchored itself to rest on the deep, calm sea
of truth does not spend his strength in raving against those
who are still tossed by the winds of error. Spasmodic violence
of words is one thing : strength of conviction is another. F. W
Robertson.
258. We must not have it truthfully said of our sermons as
was said by a certain lady, who, after having heard a minister
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