Hindrances to Reform
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Each must take his position and be what God designed he should be, a
spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. The whole universe is
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looking with inexpressible interest to see the closing work of the great
controversy between Christ and Satan. Every Christian is to be a light,
not hid under a bushel or under a bed, but put on a candlestick, that
light may be given to all who are in the house. Never, from cowardice
or worldly policy, let the truth of God be placed in the background.
Though in many respects our institutions of learning have swung
into worldly conformity, though step by step they have advanced
toward the world, they are prisoners of hope. Fate has not so woven
its meshes about their workings that they need to remain helpless and
in uncertainty. If they will listen to His voice and follow in His ways,
God will correct and enlighten them, and bring them back to their
upright position of distinction from the world. When the advantage
of working upon Christian principles is discerned, when self is hid
in Christ, much greater progress will be made; for each worker will
feel his own human weakness; he will supplicate for the wisdom and
grace of God, and will receive the divine help that is pledged for every
emergency.
Opposing circumstances should create a firm determination to
overcome them. One barrier broken down will give greater ability and
courage to go forward. Press in the right direction, and make a change,
solidly, intelligently. Then circumstances will be your helpers and not
your hindrances. Make a beginning. The oak is in the acorn.
To Teachers and Managers
I call upon our school faculties to use sound judgment and to work
on a higher plane. Our educational facilities must be purified from all
dross. Our institutions must be conducted on Christian principles if
they would triumph over opposing obstacles. If they are conducted on
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worldly-policy plans, there will be a want of solidity in the work, a
want of farseeing spiritual discernment. The condition of the world
previous to the first appearing of Christ is a picture of the condition of
the world just previous to His second advent. The Jewish people were
destroyed because they rejected the message of salvation sent down
from heaven. Shall those in this generation to whom God has given