THE earnest seeker for religious truth believes that he is justly entitled to whatever there is in another's faith that will increase his faith; he feels that he has a right to know what there is in another's life that will help him to live a better life. Since truth is one and universal, belonging to no person or class of persons to the exclusion of others, the grateful recipient of good rejoices that he is able to impart to others somewhat of that which has ennobled and blessed his life. To him it is not only a duty but a privilege to "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."
To be inspired with a desire to help others is of itself a blessing, and it demonstrates the truth of the Scriptural saying that "it is more blessed to give than to receive," but the would-be helper is not always a wise helper. Not infrequently he has "a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge," as Paul expressed it in his epistle to the Romans. Unquestionably all mortals are in need of help, but all are not ready or even willing to be helped, unless it be in their own way. The enthusiasm resulting from recent experiences oftentimes renders one unfit to judge what may or may not prove helpful to another. Human progress cannot be forced; it must come naturally, and no greater mistake can be made than to urge one to take the step he is not prepared to take, unless it is the failure to improve the present opportunity to do what is required and what can be performed.
The wise teacher is successful because he is wise. He does not attempt to impart that which his pupil is unable to receive. He realizes that he may draw others unto the truth but he cannot drive them. Unless there is the ability to receive and comprehend, at least in part, what he would give to others, his efforts must prove in vain. He is willing to help others and earnestly desires to do so, but he cannot be tempted into doing that which will be of no benefit to them and which may prove detrimental to himself and the cause he represents. There are many things which are accepted as true by the masses, even though they are not understood, but there are other things of most vital importance which, if not understood, are perverted and much evil results. This is especially true of things pertaining to religious beliefs and convictions. The apostle Peter referred to "some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction."
