with joy, we have been led to the observance of the seventhday
of the week as the hallowed rest-day of the Creator.
These distinguishing features of our religious faith are
unpopular. We are fully aware that much prejudice exists in the
religious world against many of our opinions of Bible truth. This,
however, exists mainly for want of information as to our real
positions, and probably, in some degree, for the want of
intelligence and piety on the part of some who have represented
our views. May God help us to overcome this prejudice by a clear
and intelligent defense of the truth, and by well ordered lives, and
the spirit of humility
8
and love, that shall melt its way into the hearts of the people. The
text suggests: -
1. A preparation of heart before engaging in the work of
teaching our fellows. "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts." In
our hearts we should set apart the Lord God as the being of our
supreme love and the only object of worship. We should be
cleansed from sin and should be imbued with the Spirit of God
before engaging in the responsible work of teaching the truth of
God to others, lest we mar the work, and create prejudice, instead
of removing that already existing.
2. A preparation of the mind of study is suggested in the text.
This is necessary in order to be always ready to teach those of
inquiring minds. "And be ready always to give an answer to every
man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you." Divine
truth appeals to the understanding. The people ask for reasons, not
assertions merely. Those who teach should be intelligent. They
should be ready. They should be "ready always to give an answer to
every man that asketh." The veriest novice in heavenly things may
give assertions with all the confidence of experienced Bible
students, and yet for want of disposition to "search the Scriptures,"
and to "study to show himself approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed," he may not be able to give one
forcible reason.
3. The people have a right to demand the reasons