Chapter 84—Dealing with Emotions
We Cannot Read Motives—Remember that you cannot read
hearts. You do not know the motives which prompted the actions
that to you look wrong. There are many who have not received a right
education; their characters are warped, they are hard and gnarled and
seem to be crooked in every way. But the grace of Christ can transform
them. Never cast them aside, never drive them to discouragement or
despair by saying, “You have disappointed me, and I will not try to
help you.” A few words spoken hastily under provocation—just what
we think they deserve—may cut the cords of influence that should
have bound their hearts to ours.
The consistent life, the patient forbearance, the spirit unruffled
under provocation, is always the most conclusive argument and the
most solemn appeal. If you have had opportunities and advantages
that have not fallen to the lot of others, consider this and be ever a
wise, careful, gentle teacher.
In order to have the wax take a clear, strong impression of the seal,
you do not dash the seal upon it in a hasty, violent way; you carefully
place the seal on the plastic wax and quietly, steadily press it down
until it has hardened in the mold. In like manner deal with human
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souls. The continuity of Christian influence is the secret of its power,
and this depends on the steadfastness of your manifestation of the
character of Christ. Help those who have erred, by telling them of your
experiences. Show how—when you made grave mistakes—patience,
kindness, and helpfulness on the part of your fellow workers gave
you courage and hope.—
Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work, 116,
117
(1900). (
Counsels on Sabbath School Work, 100, 101
.)
Contending With a Force That Captivates Body, Soul, and
Mind—An intensity such as never before was seen is taking pos-
session of the world. In amusement, in moneymaking, in the contest
for power, in the very struggle for existence, there is a terrible force
that engrosses body and mind and soul. In the midst of this maddening
rush, God is speaking. He bids us come apart and commune with
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