“WHEN the spirit of truth is come” says the Lord, “He will grade you into all truth” (John, xvi. 13). Man may lead unto truth but it is the Spirit of God that only can lead you into truth. He only that hath the key of David, that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth, can open to you the door of truth; and show you the inside of truth. And great is the difference between these two teachings. He that comes to a stately house or place sees only the outward fabric and structure; and even that may take much; but he that comes into it, sees all the inward contrivances and conveyances; he sees all the rich furniture and adornings of the several rooms and offices of the house which are not only for use, but for delight and ornament. Surely, the very outside of truth is goodly; but, like the king’s daughter, it is all glorious within; not pleasing only, but ravishing; this they see who are led into truth; by virtue whereof David saw wonderful things in the law, Psalm. cxix. 18. Objects which filled his soul with wonder and delight.
As the teachings of the covenant are inward in respect of the object, so inward also in respect of the subject. “In the hidden part thou shalt make me know wisdom,” Psalm, li. 6, and again, “I will bless the Lord who has given me council, my reins also instruct me in the night seasons,” Psalm, xvi. 7. Case’s Correction, Instruction: The God and the Word.
The church without Christ though attended by thousands is the emptiest building in the world; but a church with Christ, and only two or three gathered in His name is the fullest house in the universe.—Selected.