Not only is the growth of Christ's kingdom illustrated by the parable of the mustard seed, but in every stage of its growth the experience represented in the parable is repeated. For His church in every generation God has a special truth and a special work. The truth that is hid from the worldly wise and prudent is revealed to the child-like and humble. It calls for self-sacrifice. It has battles to fight and victories to win. At the outset its advocates are few. By the great men of the world and by a world-conforming church, they are opposed and despised. See John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, standing alone to rebuke the pride and formalism of the Jewish nation. See the first bearers of the gospel into Europe. How obscure, how hopeless, seemed the mission of Paul and Silas, the two tentmakers, as they with their companions took ship at Troas for Philippi. See "Paul the aged," in chains, preaching Christ in the stronghold of the Caesars. See the little communities of slaves and peasants in conflict with the heathenism of imperial Rome. See Martin Luther withstanding that mighty church which is the masterpiece of the world's wisdom. See him holding fast God's word against emperor and pope, declaring, "Here I take my stand; I can not do otherwise. God be my help." See 79 John Wesley preaching Christ and His righteousness in the midst of formalism, sensualism, and infidelity. See one burdened with the woes of the heathen world, pleading for the privilege of carrying to them Christ's message of love. Hear the response of ecclesiasticism: "Sit down, young man. When God wants to convert the heathen, He will do it without your help or mine."

De store religiøse ledere i vor tid lovpriser og bygger mindesmærker til ære for de mænd, der såede sandhedens sæd for århundreder siden. Men er der ikke mange af dem, som efter at have gjort dette giver sig til at nedtræde den plante, der spirer frem af det samme frø i vore dage? Det, man sagde dengang, bliver gentaget nu: "Vi ved, at til Moses har Gud talt; men hvor han her (Kristus i skikkelse af det sendebud, han udvælger) er fra, det ved vi ikke." Ligesom det var i tidligere tider, findes de sandheder, der er specielle for vor tid, ikke hos de gejstlige myndigheder men hos mænd og kvinder der ikke er for lærde eller for kloge til at tro Guds ord.