Moral and Intellectual Culture
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imbued with the spirit of Jesus, and then the treasures of the soul will
be presented in words that will find their way to the hearts of those
who hear. The religion of Christ, exemplified in the daily life of His
followers, will exert a tenfold greater influence than the most eloquent
sermons.
Intelligent, God-fearing workers can do a vast amount of good
in the way of reforming those who come as invalids to be treated at
the sanitarium. These persons are diseased, not only physically, but
mentally and morally. The education, the habits, and the entire life of
many have been erroneous. They cannot in a few days make the great
changes necessary for the adoption of correct habits. They must have
time to consider the matter and to learn the right way. If all connected
with the sanitarium are correct representatives of the truths of health
reform and of our holy faith, they are exerting an influence to mold the
minds of their patients. The contrast of erroneous habits with those
which are in harmony with the truth of God has a convicting power.
Man is not what he might be and what it is God’s will that he
should be. The strong power of Satan upon the human race keeps them
upon a low level; but this need not be so, else Enoch could not have
become so elevated and ennobled as to walk with God. Man need not
cease to grow intellectually and spiritually during his lifetime. But the
minds of many are so occupied with themselves and their own selfish
interests as to leave no room for higher and nobler thoughts. And
the standard of intellectual as well as spiritual attainments is far too
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low. With many, the more responsible the position they occupy, the
better pleased are they with themselves; and they cherish the idea that
the position gives character to the man. Few realize that they have a
constant work before them to develop forbearance, sympathy, charity,
conscientiousness, and fidelity—traits of character indispensable to
those who occupy positions of responsibility. All connected with the
sanitarium should have a sacred regard for the rights of others, which
is but obeying the principles of the law of God.
Some at this institution are sadly deficient in the qualities so es-
sential to the happiness of all connected with them. The physicians,
and the helpers in the various branches of the work, should carefully
guard against a selfish coldness, a distant, unsocial disposition; for
this will alienate the affection and confidence of the patients. Many
who come to the sanitarium are refined, sensitive people of ready tact