Chapter 12—Diligence
[
See Chapter 65, Indolence.
]
Strive and Achieve—It is hard study, hard toil, persevering dili-
gence, that obtain victories. Waste no hours, no moments. The results
of work—earnest, faithful work—will be seen and appreciated. Those
who wish for stronger minds can gain them by diligence. The mind
increases in power and efficiency by use. It becomes strong by hard
thinking. He who uses most diligently his mental and physical powers
will achieve the greatest results. Every power of the being strengthens
by action.—
The Review and Herald, March 10, 1903
.
Attain Highest Possible Capacity—The true object of education
should be carefully considered. God has entrusted to each one ca-
pacities and powers, that they may be returned to Him enlarged and
improved. All His gifts are granted to us to be used to the utmost. He
requires every one of us to cultivate our powers and attain the highest
possible capacity for usefulness, that we may do noble work for God
and bless humanity. Every talent that we possess, whether of mental
capacity, money, or influence, is of God, so that we may say with
David, “All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given
[100]
Thee” (
1 Chronicles 29:14
).—
The Review and Herald, August 19,
1884
; (
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 82
.)
Fine Mental Qualities Not the Result of Accident—True suc-
cess in any line of work is not the result of chance or accident or
destiny. It is the outworking of God’s providences, the reward of faith
and discretion, of virtue and perseverance. Fine mental qualities and a
high moral tone are not the result of accident. God gives opportunities;
success depends upon the use made of them.—
Prophets and Kings,
486
(1917).
Mental Culture Is What We Need—Mental culture is what we
as a people need and what we must have in order to meet the demands
of the time. Poverty, humble origin, and unfavorable surroundings
need not prevent the cultivation of the mind. The mental faculties
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