“Nothing is more needed in our age than greater depth of conviction upon religious subjects. The lack of ‘deepness’ of earth has one inevitable result, namely, the ineffectual rooting of the good seed in the soul.
“The quick germination of the seed is not generally a hopeful sign. The soul, in the absence of genuine conviction, is more or less subject to influences that move upon the surface. These influences are oftentimes tumultuous, but are usually temporary in their continuance as well as in the effects they produce. Nothing will take the place of that deep subsoil of moral conviction which alone is capable of supporting the varied processes of growth.
“The tended plant, without root in the soil without that secret provision by which sustenance is constantly imparted is either scorched by the searching rays of holy truth, or is easily extirpated ‘when tribulation or persecution ariseth.’
“Many a person has received with joy ‘the precious seed, but on account of defective teaching hath not root in himself.’ A mere glimpse of his deep depravity has been regarded as all that is necessary. His eyes have not been fully open to see his desperate condition. Palliatives have been dealt out to him. His sins have been extenuated, not exposed, and thus there is alas! ‘no deepness of earth.’ The thinnest soil upon the hard rock is all that is furnished for the seed. We find no bringing forth fruit. The branches of holy purpose are ‘withered’; the inward resistance of the evil one is uncertain, abortive; and the falling away because of ‘offenses’ gradual and fatal. Who hath ears to hear let him hear.”
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“When prayers are strongest, mercies are nearest.”