Chap. 2 - Unsanctified Ability
I have been shown that Brother B has serious defects in his character,
which disqualify him for being closely connected with the work of God
where important responsibilities are to be borne. He has sufficient mental
ability, but the heart, the affections, have not been sanctified to God;
therefore he cannot be relied upon as qualified for so important a work
as the publication of the truth in the office at Battle Creek. A mistake or a
neglect of duty in this work affects the cause of God at large. Brother B has
not seen his failings, therefore he does not reform.
It is by small things that our characters are formed to habits of integrity.
You, my brother, have been disposed to undervalue the importance of the
little incidents of everyday life. This is a great mistake. Nothing with
which we have to do is really small. Every action is of some account,
either on the side of right or on the side of wrong. It is only by exercising
principle in small transactions of ordinary life that we are tested and our
characters formed. In the varied circumstances of life we are tested and
proved, and thereby we acquire a power to stand the greater and more
important tests that we are called to endure, and are qualified to fill still
more important positions. The mind must be trained through daily tests to
habits of 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
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who, for their faithfulness and ability, deserved special encouragement, and
