Some ask: How shall we answer those who reproach us with self-conceit and presumption in daring to believe and teach what Wesley, Whitefield and Knox did not, and great men of to-day do not believe or teach? They reproachfully inquire, Are you better or wiser than they?
We answer, The path of the just is indeed the shining light, which shineth more and more, unto the perfect day. Consequently, those who walked even very closely with God could only have the light due in their day—instance, Daniel and all the prophets. (Dan. 12:9,10; 1 Pet. 1:10-13.) Were Wesley and Whitefield and Knox, etc., better than Moses, and Daniel, and all the prophets?
And if some of to-day, who stand before the people as the exponents of Christianity, do not really walk in the shining light, or at most walk very slowly, should the humblest child of God stumble over them? Not at all. We have God's own word by which to prove all things, and if we do not do it, we alone as individuals are to blame for it. God's word assures us that it is not possible to deceive the elect—the faithful, who ignore all prejudice, and pride, and ambitions for human praise, etc., and simply follow the divine word, testing all things by it, though others great or small might reject it.
We cannot judge the hearts of others in these matters, but we can judge our own. And by the grace of God we can stand firmly by our convictions, and boldly contend for the faith of which we cannot be ashamed.
We can heartily concur in our Master's expression of gratitude to God when he said—"I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight."—Matt. 11:25,26.