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Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 2
undertake, however small the work may appear, will be of use in the
world.—
The Youth’s Instructor, August 20, 1903
. (
Messages to Young
People, 149
.)
Relation of Ideas One to Another—Some minds are more like
an old curiosity shop than anything else. Many odd bits and ends of
truth have been picked up and stored away there; but they know not
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how to present them in a clear, connected manner. It is the relation that
these ideas have to one another that gives them value. Every idea and
statement should be as closely united as the links in a chain. When
a minister throws out a mass of matter before the people for them to
pick up and arrange in order, his labors are lost, for there are few who
will do it.—
The Review and Herald, April 6, 1886
. (
Evangelism, 648,
649
.)
Why the Mind Takes a Low Level—If the human mind takes a
low level, it is generally because it is left to deal with commonplace
facts and not called out and exercised to grasp lofty, elevated truths,
which are enduring as eternity. These literary societies and lyceums
are almost universally exerting an influence entirely contrary to that
which they claim, and are an injury to the youth. This need not be
the case, but because unsanctified elements take the lead, because
worldlings want matters to go to please themselves, their hearts are
not in harmony with Jesus Christ. They are in the ranks of the Lord’s
enemies, and they will not be pleased with that kind of entertainment
which would strengthen and confirm the members of the society in
spirituality. Low, cheap matters are brought in which are not elevating
or instructive but which only amuse.—MS 41, 1900.
Dwelling on Unimportant Matters—During the waking hours
the mind will be constantly employed. If it dwells upon unimportant
matters, the intellect is dwarfed and weakened. There may be some
spasmodic flashes of thought; but the mind is not disciplined to steady,
sober reflection. There are themes that demand serious considera-
tion.... By dwelling upon these themes of eternal interest, the mind is
strengthened and the character developed.—
The Review and Herald,
June 10, 1884
.
Thoughts Indelibly Imprint the Soul—Abstain from all evil.
Common sins, however insignificant they may be regarded, will impair
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your moral sense and extinguish the inward impression of the Spirit of
God. The character of the thoughts leaves its imprint upon the soul,