Intimate Friendship With Worldlings
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action. We must feel the necessity of uniting our human efforts and
zealous action with divine power. We can stand forth in God, strong
to conquer. You, Brother E, have greatly failed in energy of purpose to
do and to endure.
What a great mistake is made in the education of children and
youth, in favoring, indulging, and petting them. They become selfish
and inefficient, and lack energy in the little things of life. They are not
trained to acquire strength of character by the performance of everyday
duties, lowly though they may be. You neglect to do willingly and
cheerfully that which lies directly before you to do, and which someone
must do. There is a great desire with all of us to find a larger, more
exalted work.
No one is qualified for great and important work unless he has
been faithful in the performance of little duties. It is by degrees that
the character is formed and that the soul is trained to put forth effort
and energy proportionate to the task which is to be accomplished. If
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we are creatures of circumstance, we shall surely fail of perfecting
Christian characters. You must master circumstances, and not allow
circumstances to master you. You can find energy at the cross of
Christ. You can now grow by degrees, and conquer difficulties, and
overcome force of habit. You need to be stimulated by the life-giving
force of Jesus. You should be attracted to Christ and clothed with His
divine beauty and excellence. Brother G’s daughter has an education
to gain; she is no more competent for the duties and difficulties of life
as a wife than a schoolgirl ten years old.
Religion should dictate and guide you in all your pursuits, and
should hold absolute control over your affections. If you yield your-
selves unreservedly into the hands of Christ, making His power your
strength, then will your moral vision be clear to discern quality of
character that you may not be deceived by appearances and make great
mistakes in your friendship. Your moral power must be keen and sen-
sitive, that it may bear severe tests and not be marred. Your integrity
of soul should be so firm that vanity, display, or flattery will not move
you.
Oh, it is a great thing to be right with God, the soul in harmony
with its Maker, so that, amid the contagion of evil example, which by
its deceitful appearance would lure the soul from duty, angels may be
sent to your rescue! But bear in mind, if you invite temptation, you