Exodus 6:9

"Handfuls of Purpose"

For All Gleaners

"They hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage." Exodus 6:9 .

How religion is sometimes placed at a disadvantage! Men's social circumstances disqualify them for listening to sublime appeals. Poor people are in no mood to listen to speculation; even the word of hope falls mockingly on the ear of men who have grievous burdens to carry. Sometimes social condition is to be improved before religious instruction can be effectively given. The condition of the body greatly affects the temper of the spirit. A wounded spirit who can bear? By long ill-usage man is disqualified for religious action. We must therefore be patient with men. We do not all start from the same point in our spiritual education. We must wait for the weak ones; we must adapt our tone to those whose lives have been sunk in black despair. Some news appears to be too good because of the low condition of those who receive it. No wonder the world itself was startled almost into mockery by the announcement that God had appeared to redeem it. Preachers should not imagine that their people are all as well prepared as themselves to go forward in the noblest pursuits. He is most Divine who is most patient with the suffering and the weak. When Jesus Christ announced the forgiveness of sins, the people were shocked at the very Gospel that should have been their supreme joy.