Understanding
67
indulgence of a quick temper, a harsh, overbearing spirit, reveals that
its possessor should not be placed where he will be called to decide
weighty questions that affect God’s heritage.
A passionate man should have no part to act in dealing with human
minds. He cannot be trusted to shape matters which have a relation to
those whom Christ has purchased at an infinite price. If he undertakes
to manage men, he will hurt and bruise their souls; for he has not the
fine touch, the delicate sensibility, which the grace of Christ imparts.
His own heart needs to be softened, subdued by the Spirit of God; the
heart of stone has not become a heart of flesh.—
Special Testimonies
for Ministers and Workers 5, 1896, 18.
(
Testimonies to Ministers and
Gospel Workers, 261
.)
Qualities Needed in Understanding Minds (counsel to a liter-
ature evangelist)—There are more difficulties in this work that in
some other branches of business; but the lessons learned, the tact and
[81]
discipline acquired, will fit you for other fields of usefulness, where
you can minister to souls. Those who poorly learn their lesson and
are careless and abrupt in approaching persons would show the same
want [lack] of tact and skill in dealing with minds should they enter the
ministry.—
Manual for Canvassers, 41, 42, 1902
. (
Colporteur Ministry,
34
.)
Meeting With Impulse, Impatience, Pride, and Self-esteem—
Dealing with human minds is the most delicate work ever entrusted to
mortals, and teachers need constantly the help of the Spirit of God, that
they may do their work aright. Among the youth attending school will
be found great diversity of character and education. The teacher will
meet with impulse, impatience, pride, selfishness, undue self-esteem.
Some of the youth have lived in an element of arbitrary restraint
and harshness, which has developed in them a spirit of obstinacy and
defiance. Others have been treated as pets, allowed by overfond parents
to follow their own inclinations. Defects have been excused until the
character is deformed.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students,
264
(1913).
Patience, Tact, and Wisdom Needed—To deal successfully with
these different minds the teacher needs to exercise great tact and deli-
cacy in management, as well as firmness in government. Dislike and
even contempt for proper regulations will often be manifested. Some
will exercise their ingenuity in evading penalties, while others will