Vol 3:5 (May 1957)
Editorial
One can readily recognize truth when he meets her because she is clothed with clarity and simplicity, whereas error is ever shrouded in darkness, deceit, and intrigue. Error may be most convincing in her attempts to seduce, but truth is mighty and ever ready to impart her strength. It is only in the energy of truth that perversion and ignorance can be defeated.
Edwin Tharp, formerly of China, has attempted by truth to strip error of its shroud of darkness, to focus the bright light of Scripture upon the dens of occultism, and to expose the dangers of a wilful ignoring of the facts of spiritism.
We have two excellent articles on “Demonology.” The one, the first part of which appears in this issue, has been written by brother Tharp from the experiential side of the subject, the other has been written as a splendid doctrinal treatise and will be published at a later date.
Scriptural knowledge is our strong defence! The Written Word is the sword for defensive as well as offensive tactics! It is ever wise in facing combat with a foe stronger than we, even Satan, to enlist the help of a strength greater than his. That strength is found in the holy words, “It is written.”
There is an intuitive tendency in man to identify himself with some one whom he considers to be his superior. In the life of a Christian this urge can be not only a blessing but a forming and reforming influence. The Apostle Paul purposely uses this inclination when he writes, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
Epaphras, whose brief biography has been reviewed for us by Thomas Hay, Japan, is a noble character. What indescribable benefit would be ours if we should identify ourselves with so great a man! If we were to emulate his example our spiritual life would be deeper and our spiritual influence would be broader.
In one sense we are all isolationists. There is one aspect of our lives into which no other human may penetrate, our thought life. Our thought life is like an inaccessible house in the centre of a vast impenetrable jungle known only to those who live within it, and open only to the sky.
Ben Tuininga has written for the Lambs of the Flock on the great importance of our thoughts, but it would be very well for those who consider themselves as sheep in the flock of Christ to ponder well his message.
The article, “Sins Forgiven,” by David Kirk, while an exposition of two complementary passages of Scripture, is full of doctrinal value, and should be intently perused in order that a clearer understanding of this important matter be apprehended.
Out of a deep spiritual experience during a test in circumstances, N.R.B.P. has given us a message of hope and consolation in the poem, “His Presence.”