Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 - A New You Ministry

influence that their consistent, elevated lives shall show unbelievers that they have beendeceived in this people. How important that the cause of truth be stripped of everythinglike a false and fanatical excitement, that the truth may stand upon its own merits,revealing its native purity and exalted character.I saw that it is highly important for those who preach the truth to be refined intheir manners, to shun oddities and eccentricities, and present the truth in its purityand clearness. I was referred to Titus 1:9: “Holding fast the faithful word as he hathbeen taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince thegainsayers.” In verse 16 Paul speaks of a class who profess that they know God, butin works deny him, being “unto every good work reprobate.” He then exhorts Titus:“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober,grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.... Young men likewise exhortto be sober-minded. In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrineshowing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned;that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”This instruction is written for the benefit of all whom God has called to preach theword, and also for the benefit of His people who hear the word.The truth of God will never degrade, but will elevate the receiver, refine his taste,sanctify his judgment, and perfect him for the company of the pure and holy angels inthe kingdom of God. There are some whom the truth finds coarse, rough, odd, boastful,who take advantage of their neighbors if they can, in order to benefit themselves; theyerr in many ways, yet when the truth is believed by them from the heart, it will work anentire change in their lives. They will immediately commence the work of reformation.The pure influence415