THE TESTIMONY

THE TESTIMONY

The peculiar nature of the testimony of this present time cannot be understood or grasped if one does not see the calling of the church. True, Peter, James, and Jude, do not speak of the mystery; but they, writing to Jews, insist on the new course of things, and the practical life consequent on their new calling. Paul adds to this what the calling is, and John sets forth the divine character of the saint now. John insists on “the name” as the sum and substance of the testimony as much as Paul; the one, that all our gain is derived from “the name”; the other, that all our acting for Him must be in His name. Now the more I comprehend the magnitude of this calling, the more I see that no single person could accomplish it. He could surely act his part efficiently, but then it would be only a part; and hence the more interested I am in this great testimony, the more zealous I am that I should have the co-operation of all saints in it; because the more the members are acting according to their specific qualifications, the better will His name be maintained here on earth. Only His body could truly in any degree effectively set forth His name here. If I understand the mystery, I see how only it can be done, and the more I see it, the less I shall like or tolerate isolation.