human frailties and oppositions, still travels gloriously in its own strength. The Lord Jesus Christ, being God manifest in the flesh, was the Truth itself in personal form, and though the evil could see nothing in Him but a madman and a devil, yet the good saw nothing but wisdom and God. Some, therefore, of old said of Him, "He is a good man: others said, nay; but He deceiveth the people." (John vii. 12.) In all these differences truth heeds not the opposers, but presses onwards. When the rabble intended to cast Jesus down headlong from the brow of the hill, He stopped not to contend with them, but quietly passed through the midst of them, and went his way. (Luke iv. 30.) What is Truth? was Pilate's question to Jesus, and the first words uttered by the Lord after the question was put, were, "Behold the man!"[1] (John xix. 5.) Behold the truth as estimated in a ruined and fallen church, despised, rejected, and scorned!
We shall all do well to remember that human oppositions stop not the progress of truth; nor can human opinions in the least degree alter its nature and complexion.
God's truth is one undeviating light,
Shining with beaming grace alike on all,
To bless and guide night-wandering man on earth,
And point to brighter worlds beyond the grave!
As the one light, shining from solar orb,
T' illume fair nature's objects far and wide,
Is seen in rich and varied-coloured hues
Of flowers, shrubs, and vegetable forms;
In sparkling diamond, or in ruby warmth,
- ↑ In the Authorized Version, these words are put into the mouth of Pilate. In the original they are the words of Jesus.
