Teaching Literature Evangelism
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roundings. He called Matthew from the toll booth, and Peter and his
brethren from the fishing boat, to learn of Him.—
Education, 231, 232
.
Force and Enthusiasm Required—An important element in edu-
cational work is enthusiasm. On this point there is a useful suggestion
in a remark once made by a celebrated actor. The archbishop of Can-
terbury had put to him the question why actors in a play affect their
audiences so powerfully by speaking of things imaginary, while minis-
ters of the gospel often affect theirs so little by speaking of things real.
“With due submission to your grace,” replied the actor, “permit me to
say that the reason is plain: It lies in the power of enthusiasm. We on
the stage speak of things imaginary as if they were real, and you in the
pulpit speak of things real as if they were imaginary.”
The teacher in his work is dealing with things real, and he should
speak of them with all the force and enthusiasm which a knowledge of
their reality and importance can inspire.—
Education, 233
.
The Power of Jesus’ Example—What He taught, He lived. “I
have given you an example,” He said to His disciples, “that ye should
do as I have done.” “I have kept my Father’s commandments.”
John
13:15
;
15:10
. Thus in His life, Christ’s words had perfect illustration
and support. And more than this; what He taught, He was. His words
were the expression, not only of His own life experience, but of His
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own character. Not only did He teach the truth, but He was the truth.
It was this that gave His teaching power.
Christ was a faithful reprover. Never lived there another who so
hated evil; never another whose denunciation of it was so fearless.
To all things untrue and base His very presence was a rebuke. In the
light of His purity, men saw themselves unclean, their life’s aims mean
and false. Yet He drew them. He who had created man understood
the value of humanity. Evil He denounced as the foe of those whom
He was seeking to bless and to save. In every human being, however
fallen, He beheld a son of God, one who might be restored to the
privilege of his divine relationship.—
Education, 78, 79
.
Jesus Discerned Man’s Infinite Possibilities—“God sent not his
Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through
him might be saved.”
John 3:17
. Looking upon men in their suffering
and degradation, Christ perceived ground for hope where appeared
only despair and ruin. Wherever there existed a sense of need, there
He saw opportunity for uplifting. Souls tempted, defeated, feeling