Chapter 22—Fresh Themes to be Presented
The soul should be like a treasure-house, full of rich and fruitful
stores. In the pulpit, in the Sabbath-school, in the prayer-meeting,
and in society, we should have fresh themes with which to enlighten
others. We should follow the example of Jesus, who was the perfect
Teacher. He educated men by revealing to them the character of the
living God. He said, “This is life eternal, that they might know Thee
the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” This is the
important subject to impress upon the minds of youth; for they must
have a knowledge of the paternal character of God, in order that they
may be led to subordinate temporal to eternal interests. By beholding
the character of God, an intense desire will be created in their hearts
to impart to others the beauty and power of the truth.
Oh, that every man, woman, and child who deals with human
minds, may have the truth inwrought in the soul, that it may be revealed
in spirit, in word, in character, and in action! The sanctifying power of
the truth should lead every one who teaches in the Sabbath-school, or
holds a position in our institutions, to have such an experience that he
may say, “I know whom I have believed.” There is transforming power
in the religion of Jesus Christ, and this power must be seen upon us in
far greater humility, in more earnest, living faith, that we may become a
light to the world. Self must be humiliated, and Christ exalted. Why is
it that those to whom God intrusts some work in His moral vineyard are
so easily lifted up? Why is it that many seem to think that a responsible
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position exalts the man? Why do they become so self-sufficient, when
they are so utterly dependent upon the atoning Sacrifice? Why is there
with some so great a want of tenderness, so little heart work?—It is
because those who are self-sufficient have not fallen upon the Rock
and been broken. This is why there is so little trust in God, so little
earnest, contrite repentance, so great a lack of fervent prayer. Well
may the questions be put by every instructor: “Have I received the
Holy Ghost since I believed? Have I received Christ as my personal
Saviour?” Let these questions be solemnly answered.
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