Ministers of the Gospel
379
victories will be gained by this course. You have not only secured
useful knowledge, but the exercise of the mind has increased mental
strength and power. The key found to unlock one mystery may develop
also other precious gems of knowledge heretofore undiscovered.
Many of our ministers can present to the people only a few doctri-
[415]
nal discourses. The same exertion and application which made them
familiar with these points will enable them to gain an understanding
of others. The prophecies and other doctrinal subjects should be thor-
oughly understood by them all. But some who have been engaged in
preaching for years are content to confine themselves to a few subjects,
being too indolent to search the Scriptures diligently and prayerfully
that they may become giants in the understanding of Bible doctrines
and the practical lessons of Christ. The minds of all should be stored
with a knowledge of the truths of God’s word, that they may be pre-
pared, at any moment when required, to present from the storehouse
things new and old. Minds have been crippled and dwarfed for want
of zeal and of earnest, severe taxation. The time has come when God
says: “Go forward, and cultivate the abilities I have given you.”
The world is teeming with errors and fables. Novelties in the
form of sensational dramas are continually arising to engross the
mind, and absurd theories abound which are destructive to moral and
spiritual advancement. The cause of God needs men of intellect, men
of thought, men well versed in the Scriptures, to meet the inflowing
tide of opposition. We should give no sanction to arrogance, narrow-
mindedness, and inconsistencies, although the garment of professed
piety may be thrown over them. Those who have the sanctifying
power of the truth upon their hearts will exert a persuasive influence.
Knowing that the advocates of error cannot create or destroy truth,
they can afford to be calm and considerate.
It is not enough for our ministers to have a superficial knowledge
of the truth. Subjects which are handled by men who have perverted
their God-given powers to tear down the truth are constantly coming
up for investigation. Bigotry must be laid aside. The satanic delusions
of the age must be met clearly and intelligently with the sword of the
Spirit, which is the word of God. The same unseen Hand that guides
the planets in their courses, and upholds the worlds by His power, has
[416]
made provision for man formed in His image, that he may be little
less than the angels of God while in the performance of his duties on