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The Ministry of Healing
Why then should we wade through the mass of error contained in
the works of infidels for the sake of a few intellectual truths, when
all truth is at our command.
How is it that men who are at war with the government of God
come into possession of the wisdom which they sometimes display?
Satan himself was educated in the heavenly courts, and he has a
knowledge of good as well as of evil. He mingles the precious
with the vile, and this is what gives him power to deceive. But
because Satan has robed himself in garments of heavenly brightness,
shall we receive him as an angel of light? The tempter has his
agents, educated according to his methods, inspired by his spirit,
and adapted to his work. Shall we co-operate with them? Shall we
receive the works of his agents as essential to the acquirement of an
education?
If the time and effort spent in seeking to grasp the bright ideas
of infidels were given to studying the precious things of the word of
God, thousands who now sit in darkness and in the shadow of death
would be rejoicing in the glory of the Light of life.
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Historical and Theological Lore
As a preparation for Christian work, many think it essential
to acquire an extensive knowledge of historical and theological
writings. They suppose that this knowledge will be an aid to them
in teaching the gospel. But their laborious study of the opinions
of men tends to the enfeebling of their ministry, rather than to its
strengthening. As I see libraries filled with ponderous volumes of
historical and theological lore, I think, Why spend money for that
which is not bread? The sixth chapter of John tells us more than can
be found in such works. Christ says: “I am the Bread of Life: he
that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me
shall never thirst.” “I am the living Bread which came down from
heaven: if any man eat of this Bread, he shall live forever.” “He that
believeth on Me hath everlasting life.” “The words that I speak unto
you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
John 6:35, 51, 47, 63
.
There is a study of history that is not to be condemned. Sacred
history was one of the studies in the schools of the prophets. In the
record of His dealings with the nations were traced the footsteps of