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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
did not commend himself to the patients. He was so overbearing and
dictatorial that his influence could not be tolerated in the sanitarium.
He was not lacking in ability, and had he been willing to be taught he
might have gained a practical knowledge of the work of a physician;
had he preserved his spirit in meekness of humility he might have
made a success. But natural defects of character have not been seen
and overcome. There has been a disposition on his part to deceive,
to prevaricate. This will destroy the usefulness of anyone’s life, and
would certainly close to him the doors of the ministry. The strictest
veracity should be cultivated and all deception shunned as one would
shun the leprosy. He has felt embarrassed because of his diminutive
stature. This cannot be remedied, but it is within his power to remedy
his defective character if he will. Mind and character may, with care,
be molded after the divine Pattern.
It is the true elevation of the mind, not an affectation of superiority,
that makes the man. The proper cultivation of the mental powers
makes man all that he is. These ennobling faculties are given to aid
in forming character for the future, immortal life. Man was created
for a higher, holier state of enjoyment than this world can afford. He
was made in the image of God for high and noble purposes, such as
engage the attention of angels.
The youth of today do not generally think deeply or act wisely.
Were they aware of the dangers besetting their every step, they would
move cautiously and escape many snares that Satan has prepared for
their feet. Be careful, my brother, not to appear what you are not.
Gilded imitation will be readily distinguished from the pure metal.
Examine with the greatest care not only yourself, but the position
which each one of your family occupies. Trace the history of each,
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and meditate as to the result of the course pursued. Consider why it
is that some persons are loved and respected by the truly good, while
others are despised and shunned. Look upon these things in the light
of eternity, and wherein you discover that others have failed, carefully
avoid the course that they have pursued. It will be well to remember
that tendencies of character are transmitted from parents to children.
Meditate seriously upon these things, and then in the fear of God
gird on the armor for a life conflict with hereditary tendencies, imi-
tating none but the divine Pattern. You must work with perseverance,
constancy, and zeal if you would succeed. You will have yourself to