It is Work that Tells

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 23, 1875

It is Work that Tells.

It is cause for deep regret that so many young men, who, during their course of preparation, shone the fairest, should disappoint the hopes they excited, and yield, after all, but stunted fruit. Hundreds of cases might be cited that resemble leaky ships. Out of colleges and seminaries they rode under full sail and with colors flying, and gradually out to sea, promising a prosperous voyage; but when next seen they were water-logged, sinking, to be remembered no more.

It is too evident that many cease to be students when they begin to be teachers; many enter with prestige of ideas which are excellent capital, if properly improved by indefatigable labor, for attaining intellectual wealth, but unfortunately they wilt under the first silly caresses of foolish flatterings. We are all acquainted with some who started with fair capital, but who, hearing the silly whispers of admiring relatives and friends, began to look upon themselves as among the strong, the uncommon men, and neglecting study, died moth-eaten. Bubbles made with a little soap and water are beautiful, and one can almost imagine them miniature worlds floating in the air; but, alas! they burst while we admire.

Natural genius, however much to be admired, is simply so much good soil which, like the soil of the garden let alone, goes to weeds. It must be ploughed and harrowed and receive seed to be made to bring forth the golden grain,— Christian at Work.