EXTRACTS

GRG Do you mean that if we have a felt need in our souls the Holy Spirit responds to it?

JT That is, I think, what is to be learnt from this. You feel the need of a Comforter. You meet with brethren who when trouble arises amongst us never seem to get it settled. Well, if one goes to court without an advocate, one makes a very poor hand of it. The advocate knows what to do, and the reason for the long uncertainty in matters is that the Paraclete is not employed, so to speak—you do not make room for Him.

JMn Do you mean the Comforter might be with the brethren in regard to this adjustment?

JT Yes. Although He has not become incarnate, the Spirit acts in the church; hence He says, “Separate me Barnabas and Saul”; we are not told how He said it to the brethren, but it must have been through some person He employed. “He abides with you”—if we make room for Him, He adjusts matters for us, and we are certain as to the adjustment. Of course there are many other blessed services He renders, but this is specially important.

Rem. As you say, all the uncertainty is caused by the Spirit of God not having adjusted us.

JT That is what I thought, for it is from the standpoint here of a Paraclete, One who is personally here, and capable of taking up all our affairs.

J. Taylor (Vol. 29, pp.292, 293)

Where is our priesthood? Where is the ability to settle complicated matters? Why are things allowed to drag on and defile the saints? These are pertinent questions, and they are applied and addressed to every one here. “Priests of God”; God has His priesthood; He expects that they are recognised, and they come forth where the need exists. “The law of truth was in his mouth”. The word “law” particularly fits in with the priesthood, because they were the custodians of the law. Wherever a question may arise, what is the law governing it? The priests should be able to tell us; his lips should keep knowledge. We may say true things, you know, and yet be wanting of the law of truth. It is the law of truth that is so essential.

J. Taylor (Vol. 40, p.355)

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