3. The witness may be brightened by diligence in the discharge of
duty, by frequent seasons of glad prayer, by definite testimony
to salvation and sanctification, and by stirring up our faith.
4. The witness may be dulled by neglect of duty, by sloth in
prayer, by inattention to the Bible, by indefinite, hesitating
testimony, and by carelessness, when we should be careful to walk
soberly and steadfastly with the Lord.
5. I dare not say that the witness of the Spirit is dependent
upon our health, but there are some forms of nervous and organic
disease that seem to so distract or becloud the mind as to
interfere with the clear discernment of the witness of the
Spirit. I knew a nervous little child who would be so distracted
with fear by an approaching carriage, when being carried across
the street in her father's arms, that she seemed to be incapable
of hearing or heeding his reassuring voice. It may be that there
are some diseases that for the time prevent the sufferer from
discerning the reassuring witness of the Heavenly Father. Dr. Asa
Mahan told me of an experience of this kind which he had in a
very dangerous sickness. And Dr. Daniel Steele had a similar
experience while lying at the point of death with typhoid fever.
But some of the happiest Christians the world has seen have been
racked with pain and tortured with disease.
And so there may be seasons of fierce temptation when the witness
is not clearly discerned; but we may rest assured that if our
hearts cleave to Jesus Christ and duty, He will never leave or
forsake us.
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