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The Ministry of Health and Healing
the works of infidels for the sake of a few intellectual truths, when
all truth is at our command?
How is it that human beings who are at war with the government
of God come into possession of the wisdom that 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 cooperate 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.
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 human opinions
tends to enfeeble their ministry rather than strengthen it.
As I see libraries filled with ponderous volumes of historical and
theological lore, I think, “‘Why do you spend money for what is not
bread?’”
Isaiah 55:2
. The sixth chapter of John tells us more than
can be found in such works. Christ says: “‘I am the Bread of Life.
He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me
shall never thirst.’” “‘I am the living Bread which came down from
heaven. If anyone eats of this Bread, he will live forever.’” “‘He
who believes in Me has everlasting life.’” “‘The words that I speak
to you 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 God’s dealings with the nations were traced His footsteps.
So today we are to consider the dealings of God with the nations of