Only they
must first become aware, by what they see without our thrusting
it upon them, that here a spirit is breathing to which they are
strangers, that here is manifested a life as yet unknown to them. Then
will we, as was done then, lead them by the word of our testimony to
the foundation of this new life; and as, when the word of preaching
pierced men's hearts, when to some of them the old man began to appear
as he really is, and they felt the first pangs that precede the death
of the sinful man, there also sprang up faith in the resurrection of
Him whom they had themselves crucified; so will it always be with the
knowledge of the new life proceeding from Him who has risen. Therefore
let us have no anxiety; the circle of those who recognize this life
will always be widening, just because they are beginning to share in
it. And as soon as even the slightest premonition of it arises in a
man's soul, as soon as he has come only so far as to be no longer
pleased and satisfied with the perishing and evil things of the world,
as soon as his soul absorbs even the first ray of heavenly light, then
his eyes are opened, so that he recognizes this life, and becomes
aware what a different life it is to serve righteousness, from living
in the service of sin.
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