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Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 2
purpose of the Creator. Christ has said that we shall have the poor
always with us. The poor, as well as the rich, are the purchase of
His blood; and among His professed followers, in most cases, the
former serve Him with singleness of purpose, while the latter are
constantly fastening their affections on their earthly treasures, and
Christ is forgotten. The cares of this life and the greed for riches eclipse
the glory of the eternal world. It would be the greatest misfortune that
has ever befallen mankind if all were to be placed upon an equality in
worldly possessions.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:551, 552
(1881).
God Outlaws Social Caste—The religion of Christ uplifts the
receiver to a higher plane of thought and action, while at the same time
it presents the whole human race as alike the objects of the love of
God, being purchased by the sacrifice of His Son. At the feet of Jesus
the rich and the poor, the learned and the ignorant, meet together, with
no thought of caste or worldly preeminence. All earthly distinctions
are forgotten as we look upon Him whom our sins have pierced.
The self-denial, the condescension, the infinite compassion of Him
who was highly exalted in heaven puts to shame human pride, self-
esteem, and social caste. Pure, undefiled religion manifests its heaven-
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born principles in bringing into oneness all who are sanctified through
the truth. All meet as blood-bought souls, alike dependent upon Him
who has redeemed them to God.—
Gospel Workers, 330
(1915).
Remedy for Social Evils—To this wise provision for the spiritual
needs of his subjects [the appointment of teaching priests], Jehoshaphat
owed much of his prosperity as a ruler. In obedience to God’s law
there is great gain. In conformity to the divine requirements there
is a transforming power that brings peace and goodwill among men.
If the teachings of God’s Word were made the controlling influence
in the life of every man and woman, if mind and heart were brought
under its restraining power, the evils that now exist in national and in
social life would find no place. From every home would go forth an
influence that would make men and women strong in spiritual insight
and in moral power, and thus nations and individuals would be placed
on vantage ground.—
Prophets and Kings, 192
(1917).
Proper Cultivation of Social Relationships Brings Happi-
ness—With those who lived at a distance from the tabernacle, more
than a month of every year must have been occupied in attendance
upon the annual feasts. This example of devotion to God should