Religion in the Daily Life
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probation ceases. The growing is a continuous work. Men with fiery
passions have a constant conflict with self; but the harder the battle,
the more glorious will be the victory and the eternal reward.
You are connected with the office of publication. In this position
your peculiar traits of character will be developed. The little courtesies
of life should be cherished. A pleasant and amiable temper, blended
with a firm principle of justice and honesty, will make you a man of
influence. Now is the time to obtain a moral fitness for heaven. The
church to which you belong must have the refining, elevating grace of
Christ. God requires His followers to be men of good report, as well as
to be pure, elevated, and honest; kind, as well as faithful. It is essential
to be right in the weightier matters; but this is no excuse for negligence
in things apparently of less importance. The principles of the law of
God must be developed in the life and character. An amiable temper,
combined with firm integrity and faithfulness, will constitute a moral
fitness for any position. The apostle Peter exhorts: “Be courteous.”
We must be learners in the school of Christ. We cannot imitate His
example unless we are pleasing in disposition and condescending in
deportment. True Christian politeness should be cultivated. No one
else can lessen our influence as we ourselves can lessen it through the
indulgence of uncontrollable temper. A naturally petulant man does
not know true happiness, and is seldom content. He is ever hoping to
get into a more favorable position, or to so change his surroundings
that he will have peace and rest of mind. His life seems to be burdened
with heavy crosses and trials, when, had he controlled his temper
and bridled his tongue, many of these annoyances might have been
avoided. It is the “soft answer” which “turneth away wrath.” Revenge
has never conquered a foe. A well-regulated temper exerts a good
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influence on all around; but “he that hath no rule over his own spirit is
like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”
Consider the life of Moses. Meekness in the midst of murmuring,
reproach, and provocation constituted the brightest trait in his character.
Daniel was of a humble spirit. Although he was surrounded with
distrust and suspicion, and his enemies laid a snare for his life, yet he
never deviated from principle. He maintained a serene and cheerful
trust in God. Above all, let the life of Christ teach you. When reviled,
He reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not. This lesson
you must learn, or you will never enter heaven. Christ must be made