Positive Influences on the Mind
335
Well, there is a stem that strikes down to the golden sands beneath
and gathers nothing but the purest substance that feeds the lily until it
develops into the pure and spotless flower, as we see it. Should not this
teach us a lesson? It ought to. It shows that although there is iniquity
all around us we should not approach it. Do not talk of the iniquity
and wickedness that are in the world but elevate your minds and talk
of your Saviour. When you see iniquity all around you, it makes you
all the more glad that He is your Saviour and we are His children.
Then shall we look at the iniquity around us and dwell upon the
dark side? You cannot cure it; then talk of something that is higher,
better, and more noble. Talk of those things that will leave a good
impression on the mind, and it will lift every soul up out of this iniquity
into light beyond.—MS 7, 1888.
Counting One’s Blessings—If all the misdirected energies were
devoted to the one great object—the rich provisions of the grace of
God in this life—what testimonials we could hang in memory’s halls,
recounting the mercies and favors of God! ... Then the habit would be
[799]
carried with us as an abiding principle to accumulate spiritual treasures
as earnestly and perseveringly as the worldly aspirants labor for the
earthly and temporal things.
You may well be dissatisfied with the present supply when the
Lord has a heaven of blessedness and a treasure house of good and
gracious things to supply the necessities of the soul. Today we want
more grace, today we want a renewal of God’s love and tokens of His
goodness, and He will not withhold these good and heavenly treasures
from the true seeker.—MS 22, 1889. (HC 188.)
Returns to Correspond to Gifts—Every servant has some trust
for which he is responsible, and the varied trusts are proportioned to
our varied capabilities. In dispensing His gifts, God has not dealt with
partiality. He has distributed the talents according to the known powers
of His servants, and He expects corresponding returns.—
Testimonies
for the Church 2:282
(1869).
To Understand Proper Use of Mental and Physical Capabili-
ties—Time is to be used judiciously, earnestly, and under the sanc-
tification of the Holy Spirit. We are to understand just what is right
and what is wrong to do with property and with mental and physical
capabilities. God has a positive ownership of every power He has
committed to the human agent. By His own wisdom He makes the