A DOOR OPENED THE words concerning the open door are from the last book of the Bible. The thought which they express could have been taken from any one of the books; for it is the vigorous, pervasive truth which is declared by Prophets and Apostles, and most of all by the Lord Himself, that God is stronger than any man, and that his strength is pledged to our advantage. It seems a commonplace assertion as it is made in this form; but the right apprehension of it is by no means commonplace. The right use of it would give to our life a vigor and constancy which would enable and ennoble it through all its course. But in these words which a man heard when he was a prisoner with a free spirit the strength of God is seen more clearly, and not as a force which overpowers everything before it and compels the results which it desires. It is seen in its intelligence, recognizing its own previous work, and keeping faith with itself and with the men whom it has made and endowed. It recognizes human character and lib |