True and Honest Men
By their wisdom and justice, by the purity and benevolence of
their daily life, by their devotion to the interests of the people,—and
they, idolaters,—Joseph and Daniel proved themselves true to the
[57] principles of their early training, true to Him whose representatives
they were. These men, both in Egypt and in Babylon, the whole nation
honored; and in them a heathen people, and all the nations with
which they were connected, beheld an illustration of the goodness
and beneficence of God, an illustration of the love of Christ.
What a lifework was that of these noble Hebrews! As they bade
farewell to their childhood home, how little did they dream of their
high destiny! Faithful and steadfast, they yielded themselves to the
divine guiding, so that through them God could fulfill His purpose.
The same mighty truths that were revealed through these men,
God desires to reveal through the youth and the children of today.
The history of Joseph and Daniel is an illustration of what He will
do for those who yield themselves to Him and with the whole heart
seek to accomplish His purpose.
Chapter 7—Lives of Great Men 43
The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who
will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true
and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men
whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men
who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.
But such a character is not the result of accident; it is not due
to special favors or endowments of Providence. A noble character
is the result of self-discipline, of the subjection of the lower to the
higher nature—the surrender of self for the service of love to God
and man.
The youth need to be impressed with the truth that their endowments
are not their own. Strength, time, intellect, are but lent
treasures. They belong to God, and it should be the resolve of every
youth to put them to the highest use. He is a branch, from which
God expects fruit; a steward, whose capital must yield increase; a [58]
light, to illuminate the world’s darkness.
Every youth, every child, has a work to do for the honor of God
and the uplifting of humanity.
Elisha, Faithful in Little Things
The early years of the prophet Elisha were passed in the quietude
of country life, under the teaching of God and nature and the
discipline of useful work. In a time of almost universal apostasy his
father’s household were among the number who had not bowed the
knee to Baal. Theirs was a home where God was honored and where
faithfulness to duty was the rule of daily life.
The son of a wealthy farmer, Elisha had taken up the work that
lay nearest. While possessing the capabilities of a leader among
men, he received a training in life’s common duties. In order to
direct wisely, he must learn to obey. By faithfulness in little things,
he was prepared for weightier trusts.
Of a meek and gentle spirit, Elisha possessed also energy and
steadfastness. He cherished the love and fear of God, and in the
humble round of daily toil he gained strength of purpose and nobleness
of character, growing in divine grace and knowledge. While
co-operating with his father in the home duties, he was learning to
co-operate with God.