1. THESS. v. 21. “Prove all things; holdfast that which is good.”
AFTER Jesus Christ, the most prominent figure in the
New Testament is the Apostle Paul. There are many
striking points of likeness, and yet a deep diversity.
Notice it in two things. Our Lord had a steady uniform
sense of His Divine being; but He did not show it in the
form in which enthusiasm is usually seen. Paul’s deep
conviction kindled in his mind a true enthusiasm. Again,
Christ had deep wisdom, but His wisdom was nothing like
shrewdness or logical acuteness. Paul again was full of
sound judgment, very wise, and very sober; all that is
possible to mere man, but infinitely below the intuitive
wisdom of the Son of God.
We see Paul’s character here. He had been speaking
with his wonted enthusiasm. But he sees nothing incon-
sistent in this with the soundest, calmest reasoning.
I. “Prove all things.” Be enthusiastic; but test, try, ex-
amine well. Courses of sin need no testing. The apostle
speaks of what seems good, wise, honourable.
1. At times indolence tempts to indifference. This is
the greatest danger of the age. But it is palsy to the
mind and death to the soul.
2. Some are afraid to think. But remember the greatest
have stood firm; and the doubts of our age are old though
they may seem fresh and new.
II. “Hold fast that which is good.”
1. Hold fast what we have proved to be good. Im-
mature convictions are generally abandoned.
2. But before we have had time and power to prove,
there is something to hold fast. Even heathen know the
great foundations of the fitting, the beautiful, and the good.
We are not heathen born. Do not cast off all that you
have learned at your mother’s knee for the cavils of daring
men and the sneers of half-read women.
E. H. B.