Earlier text: AN EDUCATED MINISTRY.DEAR SISTER G: My heart is drawn out in love and sympathy for you. The present state of things in your family is the sure result of following out your mistaken ideas; and the end is not yet. You have not seen the danger of associating so freely with your relatives. They have had a far greater influence over you and yours, than you have had over them. Their being your relatives makes them no less a hinderance to your spiritual welfare, and no less transgressors of God's holy law. Their course is fully as offensive to God as that of any others who refuse light and truth,543and will not listen to any evidence in its favor. Injurious impressions have been made upon your mind, and have influenced your course of action. God has made every provision to bring salvation within our reach; but he will not thrust it upon us against our will. He has laid down conditions in his word, and we should diligently, interestedly, with heart and mind, set about the task of learning these conditions, lest we make some mistake, and fail to secure our title to the mansions above. We cannot serve God and the world at the same time. We must not center our affections on worldly relatives, who have no desire to learn the truth. We may seek in every way, while associated with them, to let our light shine; but our words, our deportment, our customs and practices, should not in any sense be molded by their ideas and customs. We are to show forth the truth in all our intercourse with them. If we cannot do this, the less association we have with them, the better it will be for our spirituality. If we place ourselves among associates whose influence has a tendency to make us forgetful of the high claims the Lord has upon us, we invite temptation, and become too weak in moral power to resist it. We come to partake of the spirit and cherish the ideas of our associates, and to place sacred and eternal things lower than the ideas of our friends. We are, in short, leavened just as the enemy of all righteousness designed we should be. The young, if brought under this influence, are more easily affected by it than those who are older. Everything leaves its impress upon their minds,—the countenances they look upon, the voices they hear, the places they visit, the company they keep, and the books they read. It is impossible to overestimate the importance, for this world and the next, of the associations we choose for ourselves, and more especially for our children. The first years of life are more important than any other period. Decided progress will be made, either544in a right direction or a wrong one. On one hand, any amount of frivolous attainment may be gained; and on the other, any amount of solid, valuable knowledge for practical life, in becoming acquainted with God, and in learning how to strengthen every faculty that God has intrusted to us. Most important and essential for our present and eternal good, is the knowledge of divine truth as revealed in the word of God. We are living in a time when everything that is false and superficial is exalted above the real, the natural, and the enduring. The mind must be kept free from everything that would lead it in a wrong direction. It should not be encumbered with trashy stories, which do not add strength to the mental powers. The thoughts will be of the same character as the food we provide for the mind. The time devoted to needless, unimportant things, would better be spent in contemplating the wonderful mysteries of the plan of salvation, and in using every God-given power to learn the ways of the Lord, that our feet may not stumble upon the dark mountain of unbelief, or stray from the path of holiness which was cast up by infinite sacrifice for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. The strength of intellect, the substantial knowledge gained, are acquisitions which the gold of Ophir could not buy. Their price is above gold and silver. This kind of education the young do not usually choose. They urge their desires, their likes and dislikes, their preferences and inclinations; but if the parents have correct views of God, of the truth, and of the influences and associations which should surround their children, they will feel their God-given responsibility to firmly guide the inexperienced youth in the right way, knowing that what they sow they will also reap. Could my voice reach the parents all through the land, I would warn them not to yield to the desires of their children in choosing their companions or associates. Little do parents consider that injurious impressions545are far more readily received by the young than are divine impressions; therefore their associations should be the most favorable for the growth of grace, and for the truth revealed in the word of God to be established in the heart. If children are with those whose conversation is upon unimportant, earthly things, their minds will come to the same level. If they hear the principles of religion slurred, and our faith belittled; if sly objections to the truth are dropped in their hearing, these things will fasten in their minds, and mold their characters. If their minds are filled with stories, be they true or fictitious, there is no room for the useful information and scientific knowledge which should occupy them. What havoc has this love for light reading wrought with the mind! How it has destroyed the principles of sincerity and true godliness, which lie at the foundation of a symmetrical character! It is like a slow poison taken into the system, which will sooner or later reveal its bitter effects. When a wrong impression is left upon the mind in youth, a mark is made, not on sand, but on enduring rock. The associations of your children are of a character to draw them away from every influence that would interfere with, or break up, their health-destroying habits. They are impatient if they cannot have their own way. The advice of Christians is distasteful to them. They are traveling the road to ruin, and any influence which seeks to lead them in an opposite direction, stirs the worst impulses of their hearts. They are creatures of circumstance. The formation of these early ties which are unfavorable to religious impressions, has had a powerful, controlling influence over them at every subsequent step. Let the youth be placed in the most favorable circumstances possible; for the company they keep, the principles they adopt, the habits they form, will settle the question of their usefulness here, and of their future, eternal interests, with a certainty that is infallible. The parents should not concede to the inclinations of their children, but should follow the plain path of546duty which God has marked out, restraining them in kindness, denying with firmness and determination, yet with love, their wrong desires, and with earnest, prayerful, persevering effort, leading their steps away from the world, upward to heaven. Children should not be left to drift into whatever way they are inclined, and to go into avenues which are open on every side, leading away from the right path. None are in so great danger as those who apprehend no danger, and are impatient of caution and counsel. It is because I see your danger, my sister, that I write you now as I do. While there may be many to flatter you, and enjoy your hospitality without seeking to impart a blessing by right counsel, I must warn you of unseen danger, which will imperil your present and eternal happiness. We are approaching stormy times, and we want to study the true foundation of our faith. We need to search the law book, to see if our title to the immortal inheritance is without a flaw. Our people have been regarded as too insignificant to be worthy of notice; but a change will come. The Christian world is now making movements which will necessarily bring commandment-keeping people into prominence. There is a constant supplanting of God’s truth by the theories and false doctrines of human origin. Movements are being set on foot to enslave the consciences of those who would be loyal to God. The law-making powers will be against God’s people. Every soul will be tested. O that we would, as a people, be wise for ourselves, and by precept and example impart that wisdom to our children! Every position of our faith will be searched into; and if we are not thorough Bible students, established, strengthened, and settled, the wisdom of the world’s great men will lead us astray. The world is busy, anxious, and devoted. Evil is eagerly followed as though it were righteousness, error as though it were truth, and sin as though it were holiness. Darkness is covering the earth, and547gross darkness the people. And shall God's people be asleep at such a time as this? Shall those who hold the truth be silent, as if paralyzed? Infidels declare that if they believed what Christians profess to believe, they would be far more in earnest than they. If we believe that the end of all things is at hand, "what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness?" Every soul who truly believes the truth will have corresponding works. All will be earnest and solemn, and unwearied in their efforts to win souls to Christ. If the truth is first planted deep in their own souls, then they will seek to plant it in the hearts of others. The truth is kept altogether too much in the outer court. Bring it into the inner temple of the soul, enthrone it in the heart, and let it control the life. The word of God should be studied and obeyed, then the heart will find rest and peace and joy, and the aspirations will tend heavenward; but when truth is kept apart from the life, in the outer court, the heart is not warmed with the glowing fire of God's goodness. The religion of Jesus is, by many, reserved for certain days, or certain occasions, and at other times is laid aside and neglected. The abiding principle of truth is not merely for a few hours on the Sabbath, or for a few acts of charity, but it is to be brought into the heart, refining and sanctifying the character. If there is a moment when man is safe without this special light and strength from Heaven, then he may dispense with the truth of God. The Bible, God's pure, holy word, must be his counselor and guide, the controlling power of his life. It gives forth its lessons to us, if we will take them to heart. Abraham was a man favored of God. The Lord said, "I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment." Abraham was honored of God because he cultivated home religion, and caused the fear of the Lord to pervade his whole household. It is God who says, "I know548him, that he will command,"—there will be no betraying of sacred trust on his part, no yielding to any one but God; there is a law, and Abraham will keep it; no blind affection will cloud his sense of right, and interfere between God and the souls of his children; that kind of indulgence which is the veriest cruelty, will not lead Abraham astray. Parents and children alike belong to God, to be ruled by him. By affection and authority combined, Abraham ruled his house. God’s word has given us rules for our guidance. These rules form the standard from which we cannot swerve, if we would keep the way of the Lord. God’s will must be paramount. The question for us to ask is not, What have others done? What will my relatives think? or, What will they say of me if I pursue this course? but, What has God said? Neither parent nor child can truly prosper in any course excepting in the way of the Lord. I am thankful that you have noble sons who are seeking to walk in the ways of the Lord; but I hope you will discern more clearly the path of duty in respect to their associations. This will determine whether you are growing in spirituality, or whether you are dwarfed in your religious life. The stern dictates of conscience must be obeyed, even though it be difficult; and it will help you to gain in moral power. Duties are often crosses which we must lift. Prayer and praise to God are not always offered without a struggle. Self-denial and cross-bearing lie directly in the path we must travel if we reach the gates of the city of God. Jesus has led the way; will we follow? We must be workers together with God, not alone for our own salvation, but in doing all we can for the salvation of others. Thus we become partners in the great plan of redemption, and will be sharers in the eternal weight of glory by and by. God calls upon you to press your way "toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." May the Lord bless you, is my prayer. But remember, if you549are united with Christ, you must be a co-worker with him. Our piety and religious duties will become narrowed down to our own interests, unless we are daily partakers of the spirit of Christ. Interest for the souls of others is calculated to give breadth and depth and stability to Christian character. The Lord is coming. We are nearing home, and we want to take large inspirations of the heavenly atmosphere; then we shall become identified with the Saviour in all his plans. We shall be elevated, and able to elevate others, and shall be efficient in good works. NEEDS OF OUR INSTITUTIONS.
From time to time I have felt urged by the Spirit of the Lord to bear testimony in regard to the necessity of procuring the very best talent to work in the various institutions and other departments of the cause. Heretofore there has not been sufficient care to secure the best ability for all parts of our work. Those who bear responsibilities must be men trained for the work, — men whom God can teach, and whom he can honor with wisdom and understanding, as he did Daniel. They must be thinking men, — men who bear God's impress, and who are steadily progressing in holiness, in moral dignity, and in an understanding of their work. They must be praying men, — men who will come up into the mount, and view the glory of God, and the dignity of the heavenly beings whom he has ordained to have charge of his work. Then, like Moses, they will follow the pattern given them in the mount; and they will be on the alert to secure and bring into connection with the work the very best talent that can be obtained. If they are growing men, possessing sanctified intelligence; if they listen to the voice of God, and seek to catch every ray of light from heaven, they will, like the sun, pursue an undeviating course, and they will grow in wisdom and in favor with God. The publishing department is an important branch of God’s work, and all connected with it should feel that it is ordained of God, and that all Heaven is interested in it. Especially should those who have a voice in the management of the work, have breadth of mind and sanctified judgment. They should not waste their Lord’s money by thoughtlessness, or lack of business tact; neither should they make the mistake of limiting the work by the adoption of narrow plans, and trusting the work to men of small ability. It has been repeatedly represented to me that all our institutions should be managed by men who are spiritually minded, and who will not weave their own defective ideas and plans into their management. This work should not be left to men who will mingle the sacred with the common, and who will regard the work of God as being upon about the same level as earthly things, to be managed in about the same common way in which they have been in the habit of managing their own temporal affairs. Until those can be connected with our institutions who have breadth of mind, and who can lay plans in harmony with the growth of the work and its exalted character, the tendency will be to narrow down everything that is undertaken, and God will be dishonored. O that all who have responsibilities to bear in connection with the cause of God, would come up into a higher, holier atmosphere, where every true Christian should be! If they would, then both they and the work which they represent would be elevated, and clothed with sacred dignity, and they would command the respect of all connected with the work. Among those employed in our institutions, have been men who have not sought counsel of God, who have not conformed to the great principles of truth which God has laid down in his word, and who have consequently manifested marked defects of character. As the result, the greatest work ever committed to mortals has been marred by man's defective management; whereas, if Heaven's rules had been made551the governing principle, there would have been a much nearer approach to perfection in all departments of the work. Those placed in leading positions, should be men who have sufficient breadth of mind to appreciate persons of cultivated intellect, and to recompense them proportionately to the responsibilities they bear. True, those who engage in the work of God, should not do so merely for the wages they receive, but rather for the honor of God, for the advancement of his cause, and to obtain imperishable riches. At the same time, we should not expect that those who are capable of doing, with exactness and thoroughness, work that requires thought and painstaking effort, should receive no greater compensation than the less skillful workman. A true estimate must be placed upon talent. Those who cannot appreciate good work and true ability, should not be managers in our institutions; for their influence would tend to circumscribe the work, and to bring it down to a low level. If our institutions would be as prosperous as God designs they shall be, there must be more thoughtfulness and earnest prayer, mingled with unabating zeal and spiritual ardor. To connect the right class of laborers with the work, may require a greater outlay of means, but it will be economy in the end; for while it is essential that economy be exercised in everything possible, it will be found that the efforts to save means by employing those who will work for low wages, and whose labor corresponds in character with their wages, will result in loss. The work will be retarded, and the cause belittled. Brethren, you may economize as much as you please in your personal affairs,—in building your houses, in arranging your clothing, in providing your food, and in your general expenses; but do not bring this economy to bear upon the work of God in such a way as to hinder men of ability and true moral worth from engaging in it. In the Olympic games to which the apostle Paul552calls our attention, those engaged in the races were required to make most thorough preparations. For months they were trained by different masters in the physical exercises calculated to give strength and vigor to the body. They were restricted to such food as would keep the body in the most healthy condition, and their clothing was such as would leave every organ and muscle untrammeled. Now if those who were to engage in running a race for earthly honor, were obliged to submit to such severe discipline in order to succeed, how much more necessary it is for those who are to engage in the work of the Lord, to be thoroughly disciplined and prepared, if they would be successful! Their preparation should be as much more thorough, their earnestness and self-denying efforts as much greater, than were those of the aspirants for worldly honors, as heavenly things are of more value than earthly. The mind, as well as the muscles, should be trained to the most diligent and persevering efforts. The road to success is not a smooth way, over which we are borne in palace cars; but it is a rugged path, filled with obstacles which can be surmounted only by patient toil. My brethren, not one-half the care has been taken that there should have been, to impress upon those who could labor in the cause, the importance of qualifying themselves for the work. With their powers all undisciplined, they can do but imperfect work; but if they shall be trained by wise and consecrated teachers, and are led by the Spirit of God, they will not only be able to do good work themselves, but will give the right mold to others who may work with them. It should, then, be their constant study to learn how they can become more intelligent in the work in which they are engaged. None should rest in ease and inaction; but all should seek to elevate and ennoble themselves, lest by their deficient understanding they fail to realize the exalted character of the work, and lower it to meet their own finite standard. I saw that there was great inefficiency in the bookkeeping in many departments of the cause. Bookkeeping is, and ever will be, an important part of the work; and those who have become expert in it are greatly needed in our institutions, and in all branches of the missionary work. It is a work that requires study that it may be done with correctness and dispatch, and without worry or overtaxation; but the training of competent persons for this work has been shamefully neglected. It is a disgrace to allow a work of such magnitude as ours, to be done in a defective, inaccurate way. God wants as perfect work as it is possible for human beings to do. It is a dishonor to sacred truth and its Author to do his work in any other way. I saw that unless the workers in our institutions were subject to the authority of God, there would be a lack of harmony and unity of action among them. If all will obey his directions, the Lord will stand as the invisible commander; but there must also be a visible head who fears God. The Lord will never accept a careless, disorderly company of workers; neither will he undertake to lead forward and upward to noble hights and certain victory, those who are self-willed and disobedient. The upward progress of the soul indicates that Jesus bears rule in the heart. That heart through which he diffuses his peace and joy, and the blessed fruits of his love, becomes his temple and his throne. “Ye are my friends,” says Christ, “if ye do whatsoever I command you.” Our institutions are far beneath what God would have them be, because many of those connected with them are not in fellowship with him. They are not growing men. They are not constantly learning of Jesus; therefore they are not becoming more and more efficient. If they would come close to him, and seek his help, he would walk with them and talk with them; he would be their counselor in all things, and would grant to them, as he did to Daniel, heavenly wisdom and understanding. Years ago I saw that our people were far behind in obtaining that knowledge which would qualify them for positions of trust in the cause. Every member of the church should put forth efforts to qualify himself to do work for the Master. To each has been appointed a work, according to his ability. Even now, at the eleventh hour, we should arouse to educate men of ability for the work, that they may, while occupying positions of trust themselves, be educating by precept and example all who are associated with them. Through a selfish ambition, some have kept from others the knowledge they could have imparted. Others have not cared to tax themselves by educating any one else. Yet this would have been the very best kind of work they could have done for Jesus. Says Christ, "Ye are the light of the world;" and for this reason we are to let our light shine before men. If all that the Lord has spoken in reference to these things had been heeded, our institutions would to-day occupy a higher and holier position than they do. But men have been satisfied with small attainments. They have not sought with all their might to rise in mental, moral, and physical capabilities. They have not felt that God required this of them; they have not realized that Christ died that they might do this very work. As the result, they are far behind what they might be in intelligence, and in the ability to think and plan. They could have added virtue to virtue, and knowledge to knowledge, and thus have become strong in the Lord. But this they have failed to do. Let each go to work now with a firm determination to rise. The present need of the cause is not so much for more men, as for greater skill and consecration in the laborers. OUR INSTITUTIONS AT BATTLE CREEK.
The evils arising from centering so many responsibilities in Battle Creek, have not been few. The dangers are many, because of the unconsecrated elements that wait only until a change of circumstances shall encourage them to put all their influence on the side of wrong. If all those connected with our institutions were only devoted and spiritually minded, relying upon God more than upon themselves, there would be far greater prosperity than we have hitherto seen. But while there is such decided lack of humble trust and entire dependence upon God, we cannot be sure of anything. Our great need today is of men who are baptized with the Holy Spirit of God,—men who walk with God as did Enoch. We do not want men who are so narrow in their outlook that they will circumscribe the work instead of enlarging it, or who follow the motto, "Religion is religion; business is business." We need men who are far-seeing, who can take in the situation, and reason from cause to effect. The teachers in our College should be men and women of well-balanced minds, and who have a strong moral influence; who know how to deal wisely with minds, and who possess the true missionary spirit. If all were of this character, the burdens that now rest on the President would be lightened, and the danger of his becoming prematurely worn would be obviated. But it is this wisdom that is lacking. It is not desirable to place the tuition too low. It should be sufficient to meet the expenses, even if the College is not so largely patronized. Those who really prize the advantages to be obtained there, will make extra exertions to secure them. The larger part of those who would be induced to come because of the low tuition, would be of no benefit to other556students or to the church. The larger the number, the more tact, skill, and vigilance is required in their management. When the College was first started, there was a fund placed in the Review and Herald Office for the benefit of those who wished to obtain an education, but had not the means. This was used by several students, who thus had a good start, and could earn enough to replace the amount they had drawn, that others might be benefited by it. Some provision should now be made for the maintenance of such a fund to loan to poor but worthy students who desire to prepare themselves for missionary work. There are among us persons of ability who might be of good service in the cause were they but looked after and encouraged. When any of these are too poor to obtain the advantages of the College, the churches should feel it a privilege to defray their expenses. The youth should have it plainly set before them that so far as possible they must work to meet their own expenses. That which costs little, will be lightly appreciated; that which costs something near its true value, will be estimated accordingly. But the churches in different fields should feel that a solemn responsibility rests upon them in regard to training youth and educating older persons to engage in missionary effort. When they see among them any who give promise of making useful workers, but who are not able to educate themselves, they should take the responsibility of sending them to the College to be instructed and developed. QUALIFICATIONS OF MANAGERS.
There should be a thorough reformation on the part of the men who are now connected with our important institutions. They possess some valuable traits of character, while they are sadly lacking in others. Their character needs to have a different mold,—one after the likeness of Christ. They must all remember that they have not yet557attained unto perfection, that the work of character-building is not yet finished. If they will walk in every ray of light that God has given; if they will compare themselves with Christ’s life and character, they will discern where they have failed to meet the requirements of God’s holy law, and will seek to make themselves perfect in their sphere, even as God in heaven is perfect in his sphere. If these men had realized the importance of these things, they would to-day be far in advance of their present condition, far better qualified to fill places of trust. During these hours of probation they are to seek for perfection of character. They must learn daily of Christ. They are connected with the work of God, not because they are perfect, unerring men, without defects of character, but notwithstanding these defects. God expects them, while connected with his work, to be constantly studying and learning how to copy the Pattern. Jesus connected John, Peter, and Judas with him in his work, making them co-laborers with him; but at the same time they were to be constantly learning lessons of Christ. They were to gather from his divine teachings, instructions which were to correct their wrong ideas, and their erroneous views of what constitutes a Christian character. John and Peter were not perfect men, but they improved every opportunity to learn. Peter did not learn to distrust himself, to be jealous of himself, until he was overcome by the temptations of the devil, and denied his Lord. Judas had the same opportunity that these disciples had to learn the lessons taught by Christ, but he did not appreciate their value. He was a hearer only, and not a doer. The result was seen in his betrayal of his Lord. The men whom God has connected with his institutions are not to feel that there is no improvement for them to make, because they stand in responsible positions. If they are to be representative men, guardians of the most sacred work ever committed to558mortals, they must take the position of learners. They must not feel self-sufficient or self-important. They should ever realize that they are treading on holy ground. Angels of God are ready to minister to them, and they must be continually in reception of light and heavenly influences, or they are no more fitted for the work than unbelievers. If the character of the men connected with the Office at Battle Creek were so transformed that they could have a helpful influence over those under their control, then the outlook would be more encouraging. Whatever the men employed there may think of their ability, I have reason to say that many will need to improve greatly before they are qualified to fill their positions acceptably. They may feel competent to give counsel, but they are themselves in need of counsel from Him who is unerring in wisdom. Great and important interests are in danger of being mis-shaped, and of coming forth defective from their hands. If all felt their ignorance more, and would depend less on self, they might learn of the great Teacher, meekness and lowliness of heart. God is observing everything that transpires in the Office. "Thou God seest me," should be always in mind. Every one who bears responsibilities in the Office should be courteous and kind to all. An ever-abiding sense of the presence of Christ would prevent the encroachment upon others’ rights which is so common in the world’s practice, but which is an offense to God. The love of Jesus must be incorporated into the lives of the workers in the several departments of the Office, in order that justice may be done, not only to the work, but to one another. The very first work, my brethren, is to secure the blessing of God in your own hearts. Then bring this blessing into your homes, put away your criticisms, overcome your exacting ways, and let the spirit of cheerfulness and kindness prevail. The atmosphere of your homes will be carried with you to the Office, and heavenly peace will surround your souls. Wherever the love of Jesus reigns,559there is pitying tenderness and thoughtfulness of others. The most precious work that my brethren can engage in, is that of cultivating a Christ-like character. It was shown me that those who preside over our institutions should ever bear in mind that there is a chief director, who is the God of heaven. There should be strict honesty in all business transactions in every department of the work. There must be firmness in preserving order, but compassion, mercy, and forbearance should be mingled with the firmness. Justice has a twin sister, — Love. These should stand side by side. The Bible should be our guide. There can be no greater deception than for a man to think that he can find a better guide, when in difficulty, than the word of God. The blessed word must be a lamp to our feet. Bible precepts must be carried into the every-day life. Those who compose our councils need to sit daily at the feet of Christ, and learn in his school to be meek and lowly of heart. As they are only weak and erring men themselves, they should cherish feelings of kindness and pity for others who may have erred. They are not prepared to deal justly, to love mercy, and to exercise the true courtesy which characterized the life of Christ, unless they see the necessity of being in union with him. The Trustees should ever realize that they are under the divine eye, and act with a continual sense that, as finite men, they are liable to make mistakes in laying plans, unless they are closely connected with God, and are seeking to have every deficiency removed from their characters. The divine standard must be met. Every one who serves in Board meetings needs to seek most earnestly the wisdom from above. The transforming grace of Christ should be felt in every meeting. Then the influence of the Spirit of Christ upon the hearts of those present, will place a right560mold upon their work. It will quell tumultuous actions and charm away the unhallowed effects of that worldliness which makes men sharp, critical, overbearing, and ready to accuse. When these councils meet, a few words of formal prayer are offered, but the hearts of those present are not brought into harmony with God by earnest, importunate prayer, offered in living faith, in a humble and contrite spirit. If the Trustees divorce themselves from the God of wisdom and power, they cannot preserve that high-souled integrity in dealing with their fellow-men, which God requires. Without divine wisdom, their own spirit will be woven into the decisions they make. If these men are not in communication with God, Satan will surely be one in their councils, and will take advantage of their unconsecrated state. Acts of injustice will be done, because God is not presiding. The Spirit of Christ must be an abiding, controlling power over the heart and mind. You should take the Lord with you into every one of your councils. If you realize his presence in your assemblies, every transaction will be conscientiously and prayerfully considered. Every unprincipled motive will be repressed, and uprightness will characterize all your transactions, in small as well as in great matters. Seek counsel of God first; for this is necessary in order that you may counsel together properly. You need to watch, lest the busy activities of life lead you to neglect prayer when you most need the strength prayer would give. Godliness is in danger of being crowded out of the soul, through overdevotion to business. It is a great evil to defraud the soul of the strength and heavenly wisdom which are waiting your demand. You need that illumination which God alone can give. No one is fitted to transact his business unless he has this wisdom. Ever since the Publishing Association was formed, light has been given from time to time, when perplexities have arisen, and the Lord has ofttimes laid down561principles which should be carried out by all the workers. In the early experience of the work, the grave responsibilities resting upon those in positions of trust were kept continually before us, and we sought the Lord from three to five times a day to give us heavenly wisdom, that we might sacredly guard the interests of the cause of God and of his chosen people. It is the worst kind of folly to leave the Lord out of your councils, and to put confidence in the wisdom of men. In your positions of trust you are, in a special sense, to be the light of the world. You should feel an intense desire to place yourselves in connection with the God of wisdom, light, and knowledge, that you may be channels of light. Important interests are to be considered, which relate to the advancement and prosperity of the cause of present truth. How, then, can you be competent to come to right decisions, to make wise plans, and to give wise counsel, unless you are thus connected with the Source of all wisdom and righteousness? The business to be transacted in your councils has been considered altogether too lightly. Common talk, common remarks, comments made on the doings of others, have had a place in these important meetings. You should remember that the eternal God is a witness in all these gatherings. The all-seeing eye of Jehovah measures every one of your decisions, and they are compared with his holy law, his great standard of righteousness. Those in the position of counselors should be men of prayer, men of faith, men free from selfishness, men who will not dare to rely on their own human wisdom, but who will pray earnestly for light as to the best manner of conducting the business intrusted to them.