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before you in this place. You will need to present truth in its simplicity.
Bring the people to the waters of life. Speak to them the things which
most concern their present and eternal good. Let not your study of the
Scriptures be of a cheap or casual order. In all that you say, know that
you have something which is worthy of the time you take to say it,
and of the time of the hearers to hear. Speak of those things which are
essential, those things which will instruct, bringing light with every
word.
“Learn to meet the people where they are. Do not present subjects
that will arouse controversy. Let not your instruction be of a character
to perplex the mind. Do not cause the people to worry over things
which you may understand but which they do not see, unless these
are of vital consequence to the saving of the soul. Do not present the
Scriptures in a way to exalt self and encourage vainglory in the one
who opens the word.”
The work for this time is to train students and workers to deal with
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subjects in a plain, serious, and solemn manner. There must be no time
uselessly employed in this great work. We must not miss the mark.
Time is too short for us to undertake to reveal all that might be opened
to view. Eternity will be required for us to know all the length and
breadth, the depth and height, of the Scriptures. There are some souls
to whom certain truths are of more importance than other truths. Skill
is needed in your education in Scriptural lines. Read and study
Psalm
40:7, 8
;
John 1:14
;
1 Timothy 3:16
;
Philippians 2:5-11
;
Colossians
1:14-17
;
Revelation 5:11-14
.
To the apostle John on the Isle of Patmos were revealed the things
which God desired him to give to the people. Study these revelations.
Here are themes worthy of our contemplation, large and comprehensive
lessons which all the angelic host are now seeking to communicate.
Behold the life and character of Christ, and study His mediatorial
work. Here is infinite wisdom, infinite love, infinite justice, infinite
mercy. Here are depths and heights, lengths and breadths, for our
consideration. Numberless pens have been employed in presenting to
the world the life, the character, and the mediatorial work of Christ,
and yet every mind through which the Holy Spirit has worked has
presented these themes in a light that is fresh and new.
We desire to lead the people to understand what Christ is to them
and what are the responsibilities they are called upon to accept in Him.