fidelity, to a sense of the claims of right and duty above inclination
and pleasure. Minds thus trained do not waver between right and wrong,
as the reed trembles in the wind; but as soon as matters come before them,
they discern at once that principle is involved, and they instinctively choose
the right without long debating the matter. They are loyal because they have
trained themselves in habits of faithfulness and truth. By being faithful in
that which is least, they acquire strength, and it becomes easy for them to
be faithful in greater matters.
Brother B’s education has not been such as to strengthen
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those high moral qualities that would enable him to stand alone in the
strength of God in defense of truth, amid the severest opposition, firm as
a rock to principle, true to moral character, unmoved by human praise or
censure or rewards, preferring death rather than a violated conscience. Such
integrity is needed in the office of publication, where solemn, sacred truths
are going forth, upon which the world is to be tested.
The work of God calls for men of high moral powers to engage in its
promulgation. Men are wanted whose hearts are nerved with holy fervor,
men of strong purpose who are not easily moved, who can lay down every
selfish interest and give all for the cross and the crown. The cause of present
truth is suffering for men who are loyal to a sense of right and duty, whose
moral integrity is firm, and whose energy is equal to the opening providence
of God. Such qualifications as these are of more value than untold wealth
invested in the work and cause of God. Energy, moral integrity, and
strong purpose for the right are qualities that cannot be supplied with any
amount of gold. Men possessing these qualifications will have influence
everywhere. Their lives will be more powerful than lofty eloquence. God
calls for men of heart, men of mind, men of moral integrity, whom He
can make the depositaries of His truth, and who will correctly represent its
sacred principles in their daily life.
In some respects Brother B has ability that but few have. If his heart
were sanctified to the work he could fill an important position in the
office with acceptance to God. He needs to be converted and to humble
himself as a little child, and seek pure, heart religion, in order for his
influence in the office, or in the cause of God anywhere, to be what it
ought to be. As his influence has been, it has injured all connected with
the office, but more especially the young. His position as foreman gave
him influence. He did not conduct himself conscientiously in the fear of
God. He favored particular ones more than others. He neglected those
who, for their faithfulness and ability, deserved special encouragement, and
he brought
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distress and perplexity upon those in who he should have had a special
interest. Those who link their affections and interest to one or two, and
favor them to the disadvantage of others, should not retain their position
in the office for a day. This unsanctified partiality for special ones who
may please the fancy, to the neglect of others who are conscientious and
God-fearing, and in His sight of more value, is offensive to God. That
which God values we should value. The ornament of a meek and quiet
spirit He regards of higher value than external beauty, outward adornment,
riches, or worldly honor.
The true followers of Christ will not choose intimate friendship with
those whose characters have serious defects, and whose example as a whole
it would not be safe to follow, while it is their privilege to associate with
persons who observe a conscientious regard for duty in business, and in
religion. Those who lack principle and devotion generally exert a more
positive influence to mold the minds of their intimate friends than is exerted
by those who seem well balanced and able to control and influence the
defective in character, those lacking spirituality and devotion.
Brother B’s influence, if unsanctified, endangers the souls of those
who follow his example. His ready tact and ingenuity are admired, and
lead those connected with him to give him credit for qualifications that he
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does not possess. At the office he was reckless of his time. If this had
affected himself only, it would have been a small matter; but his position
as foreman gave him influence. His example before those in the office,
especially the apprentices, was not circumspect and conscientious