Unsanctified Ability
25
The true followers of Christ will not choose intimate friendship
with those whose characters have serious defects, and whose example
as a whole it would not be safe to follow, while it is their privilege to
associate with persons who observe a conscientious regard for duty
in business, and in religion. Those who lack principle and devotion
generally exert a more positive influence to mold the minds of their
intimate friends than is exerted by those who seem well balanced and
able to control and influence the defective in character, those lacking
spirituality and devotion.
Brother B’s influence, if unsanctified, endangers the souls of those
who follow his example. His ready tact and ingenuity are admired,
and lead those connected with him to give him credit for qualifications
that he does not possess. At the office he was reckless of his time.
If this had affected himself only, it would have been a small matter;
but his position as foreman gave him influence. His example before
those in the office, especially the apprentices, was not circumspect
and conscientious. If, with his ingenious talent, Brother B possessed a
high sense of moral obligation, his services would be invaluable to the
office. If his principles had been such that nothing could have moved
him from the straight line of duty, that no inducement which could have
been presented would have purchased his consent to a wrong action,
his influence would have molded others; but his desires for pleasure
allured him from his post of duty. If he had stood in the strength of
[25]
God, unmoved by censure or flattery, steady to principle, faithful to his
convictions of truth and justice, he would have been a superior man
and would have won a commanding influence everywhere. Brother B
lacks frugality and economy. He lacks the tact which would enable
him to adapt himself to the opening providence of God and make him
a minuteman. He loves human praise. He is swayed by circumstances,
and is subject to temptation, and his integrity cannot be relied upon.
Brother B’s religious experience was not sound. He moved from
impulse, not from principle. His heart was not right with God, and
he did not have the fear of God and His glory before him. He acted
very much like a man engaged in common business; he had but very
little sense of the sacredness of the work in which he was engaged.
He had not practiced self-denial and economy, therefore he had no
experience in this. At times he labored earnestly and manifested a good
interest in the work. Then again he would be careless of his time and