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Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 2
it a sufficient excuse for the grossest errors to plead forgetfulness. But
do they not, as well as others, possess intellectual faculties? Then they
should discipline their minds to be retentive. It is a sin to forget, a sin
to be negligent. If you form a habit of negligence, you may neglect
your own soul’s salvation and at last find that you are unready for the
kingdom of God.—
Christ’s Object Lessons, 358, 359
(1900).
Minds Adapts to Dimensions of the Familiar—It is a law of the
mind that it will narrow or expand to the dimensions of the things with
[418]
which it becomes familiar. The mental powers will surely become
contracted and will lose their ability to grasp the deep meanings of
the Word of God unless they are put vigorously and persistently to the
task of searching for truth.—
The Review and Herald, July 17, 1888
.
(
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 127
).
Mind Adapts to That Upon Which It Dwells—It is a law of the
mind that it gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is
trained to dwell. If occupied with commonplace matters only, it will
become dwarfed and enfeebled. If never required to grapple with
difficult problems, it will after a time almost lose the power of growth.
As an educating power, the Bible is without a rival. In the Word
of God the mind finds subject for the deepest thought, the loftiest
aspiration. The Bible is the most instructive history that men possess.
It came fresh from the fountain of eternal truth, and a divine hand has
preserved its purity through all the ages
Here the great problems of duty and destiny are unfolded. The
curtain that separates the visible from the invisible world is lifted, and
we behold the conflict of the opposing forces of good and evil, from
the first entrance of sin to the final triumph of righteousness and truth;
and all is but a revelation of the character of God. In the reverent
contemplation of the truths presented in His Word, the mind of the
student is brought into communion with the infinite mind. Such a
study will not only refine and ennoble the character, but it cannot fail
to expand and invigorate the mental powers.—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
596-599
(1890).
By Beholding We Become Changed—It is a law both of the intel-
lectual and the spiritual nature that by beholding we become changed.
The mind gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is al-
lowed to dwell. It becomes assimilated to that which it is accustomed
to love and reverence. Man will never rise higher than his standard