I saw that it is highly important for those who preach the truth to be refined in their manners, to shun oddities and eccentricities, and present the truth in its purity and clearness. I was referred to Titus 1:9: “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” In verse 16 Paul speaks of a class who profess that they know God, but in 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 exhort to be sober-minded. In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing 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 the word, and also for the benefit of His people who hear the word. {1T 415.1}

Jeg så, at det er overordentlig vigtigt, at de, der prædiker sandheden, har en dannet optræden, at de undgår særheder og at de fremholder sandheden i dens renhed og klarhed. Jeg blev henvist til Tit. 1,9: »Han skal holde fast ved det troværdige ord i overensstemmelse med læren, for at han kan være dygtig til både at formane med den sunde lære og at overbevise dem, som siger imod.« I det 16. vers taler Paulus om nogle, der siger, at de kender Gud, men fornægter ham med deres gerninger, idet de er »uduelige til enhver god gerning«. Derpå formaner han Titus: »Men du skal forkynde, hvad der stemmer med den sunde lære; at gamle mænd skal være ædruelige, værdige, sindige, sunde i troen, i kærligheden, i udholdenheden. Forman ligeledes de unge mænd til at være sindige i alle forhold og vær selv et forbillede i gode gerninger; og vis i din lærergerning uforfalsket renhed, værdighed, sund, upåklagelig forkyndelse, så den, der står os imod, må blive til skamme, fordi han intet ondt har at sige om os.« Denne undervisning er skrevet til gavn for alle, som Gud har kaldet til at prædike ordet og også til gavn for hans folk, som hører ordet.