Perhaps no period in ancient or modern history has contained a larger proportion of spiritually minded thinkers and workers than this in which we live. The present attitude of religious expectancy, following almost a century of remarkable scientific and inventive enterprise, the numerous limitations which have succumbed to common sense and to the application of man's heretofore latent but now effective ability, and the accumulated confidence resulting from past achievement, have all aided in preparing the human mind for the reception of many priceless benefits which a century ago would have been regarded as inventions of the devil.
Glancing back over the vista of time to the days of the Hebrew commonwealth, we cannot fail to recognize a constitutional resistance constantly breaking out in rebellious murmurings against such legislation and institutions as were designed for the well-being of His people. The racial spirit of self-will which has characterized the human family since the epoch of the Garden of Eden, never manifested itself more forcibly, perhaps, than during the public ministry of our Saviour.
The Jewish people had been zealously watching for the advent of a Messiah who should fulfil the Hebrew Scriptures and again restore the kingdom to Israel. Why could they not see that the Nazarene Prophet was this very Messiah? Why could they not understand his heart-stirring appeals to their spiritual reason? Still more, why could they not comprehend the many wonderful works which he performed in their sight? The answer is not hidden from us, for St. John has recorded this explanation of the Master; "Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. . . . He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God."
