Sound Doctrine
269
The ministers of Christ today are in the same danger. Satan is
constantly at work to divert the mind into wrong channels, so that
the truth may lose its force upon the heart. And unless ministers
and people practice the truth and are sanctified by it, they will allow
speculation regarding questions of no vital importance to occupy the
mind. This will lead to caviling and strife; for countless points of
difference will arise.
Men of ability have devoted a lifetime of study and prayer to the
searching of the Scriptures, and yet there are many portions of the
Bible that have not been fully explored. Some passages of Scripture
will never be perfectly comprehended until in the future life Christ shall
explain them. There are mysteries to be unraveled, statements that
human minds cannot harmonize. And the enemy will seek to arouse
argument upon these points, which might better remain undiscussed.
A devoted, spiritual worker will avoid bringing up minor theoretical
differences, and will devote his energies to the proclamation of the
great testing truths to be given to the world. He will point the people to
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the work of redemption, the commandments of God, the near coming
of Christ; and it will be found that in these subjects there is food
enough for thought.
In time past there have been presented to me for my opinion many
non-essential, fanciful theories. Some have advocated the theory that
believers should pray with their eyes open. Others teach that, because
those who ministered anciently in sacred office were required, upon
entering the sanctuary, to remove their sandals and wash their feet,
believers now should remove their shoes when entering the house of
worship. Still others refer to the sixth commandment, and declare that
even the insects that torment human beings should not be killed. And
some have put forth the theory that the redeemed will not have gray
hair—as if this were a matter of any importance.
I am instructed to say that these theories are the production of
minds unlearned in the first principles of the gospel. By such theories
the enemy strives to eclipse the great truths for this time.
Those who in their preaching pass by the great truths of God’s
word to speak of minor matters, are not preaching the gospel, but
are dealing in idle sophistry. Let not our ministers spend time in the
discussion of such matters. Let those who have any question as to
what they should teach, any question as to the subjects upon which