Editorial May 30, 1908 Issue

"LINE UPON LINE"

John B. Willis

No fact respecting the truth is more interesting than this, that it is always fresh and new, it does not grow insipid, and it does not tire. If its reiteration becomes wearisome and begets a sense of being bored, the explanation is found in this, that we have not heard it as truth, but only as an oft-repeated statement, a mere succession of words. Indeed, to those who apprehend it as true the truth cannot be "repeated," for the reason that at every hearing something more of its inexhaustible content is communicated; and though we may have entertained it a thousand times, we have occasion to say, when it again enters the door of thought, "Why! it never appeared to me just like this before." Another facet of the jewel has been turned our way, and another flash of divine light has rewarded our gaze.

To human perception the radiations of infinite Truth are sadly obscured by the veil of material belief; nevertheless, their ever-new glories are disclosed, these "fresh-panoplied spring days," in a way that brings unmeasured delight. Though we have wondered and admired as we studied the veining and structure of a thousand leaves, the next we observe is none the less absorbing in its revelations of wisdom and of beauty; though we have delighted in the form and fragrance of a thousand roses, the next we pluck will seem all the more splendid and captivating, and we thus come to realize that in the measure of our responsiveness to its appeal every glimpse of the manifestation of Truth brings unfailing refreshment and joy.

All this has a very deep and practical significance to our spiritual life, since its continuous nourishment thus comes to afford us continuous pleasure. The discovery day by day of new values in the truths we have demonstrated, increases their welcome to our thought, and the companionship grows ever more gladdening and helpful. Our pleasures are thus enlisted in the interest of our need, and the most favorable possible conditions for growth are secured. The reiterated statements of truth now crowd upon us only as the flowers overflow our garden walks; their wealth of beauty and of fragrance is our exceeding joy, and we follow the familiar pages of the Bible as we would follow an ascending path which ever and anon opens up to us new and entrancing views. Our possible discomforts are lost sight of in exalted thought, and all sense of duty as an impelling force is forgotten in our embrace of a quickening privilege. We have learned what it is to delight in "the law of the Lord," and to rejoice in "the God of our salvation."

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