If the medical students will study the
word of God diligently, they will be far better prepared to understand
their other studies; for enlightenment always comes with an earnest
study of the word of God. Let our medical missionary workers
understand that the more they become acquainted with God and
with Christ, and the more they become acquainted with Bible history,
the better prepared they will be to do their work.
The students in our schools should aspire
to higher knowledge. Nothing will so help to give them a retentive
memory as a study of the Scriptures. Nothing will so help them
in gaining a knowledge of their other studies.
If unbelievers desire to join your classes
for the training of medical missionaries, and you think that
they would not exert an influence that would draw other students
away from the truth, give them a chance. Some of your best missionaries
may come from among them. They have never heard the truth, and
as they are placed where they are surrounded with an influence
that reveals the spirit of the Master, some will be won to the
truth. In the studies given, there should be no concealment of
one principle of Bible truth. If admitting to your classes those
not of our faith will lead to silence on the great themes that
concern our present and eternal good,-- themes that should ever
be kept before the mind,--let them not
be admitted. In no case is principle to be sacrificed or the
peculiar characteristics of our faith hidden in order to add
outside students to our classes.
Faithful teachers should be placed in charge
of the Bible classes, teachers who will strive to make the students
understand their lessons, not by explaining everything to them,
but by requiring them to explain clearly every passage they read.
Let these teachers remember that little good will be accomplished
by skimming over the surface of the word. Thoughtful investigation
and earnest, taxing study are required in order for this word
to be understood. There are truths in the word which, like veins
of precious ore, are hidden beneath the surface. The hidden treasure
is discovered as it is searched for, as a miner searches for
gold and silver. The evidence of the truth of God's word is in
the word itself. Scripture is the key that unlocks scripture.
The deep meaning of the truths of God's word is unfolded to our
minds by His Spirit.
The Bible is the great lessonbook for the
students in our schools. It teaches the whole will of God concerning
the sons and daughters of Adam. It is the rule of life, teaching
us of the character that we must form for the future life. We
need not the dim light of truth to make the Scriptures comprehensible.
As well might we suppose that the noonday sun needs the glimmering
torchlight of earth to increase its glory. The utterances of
priest and minister are not needed to save men from error. Those
who consult the divine Oracle will have light. In the Bible every
duty is made plain. Every lesson given is comprehensible. Every
lesson reveals to us the Father and the Son. The word is able
to make all wise unto salvation. In the word the science of salvation
is plainly revealed. Search the Scriptures, for they are the
voice of God speaking to the soul.