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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
perverse habits. They conclude that they are not so far out of the way
after all, and that no great change need be made by them. The people of
God should firmly uphold the standard of right and exert an influence
to correct the wrong habits of those who have been worshiping at the
shrine of fashion, and break the spell which Satan has had over these
poor souls. Worldlings should see a marked contrast between their
own extravagance and the simplicity of reformers who are followers
of Christ.
The secret of life’s success is in a careful, conscientious attention
to the little things. God makes the simple leaf, the tiny flower, the blade
of grass, with as much care as He creates a world. The symmetrical
structure of a strong, beautiful character is built up by individual acts
of duty. All should learn to be faithful in the least as well as in the
greatest duty. Their work cannot bear the inspection of God unless it
is found to include a faithful, diligent, economical care for the little
things.
All who are connected with our institutions should have a jealous
care that nothing be wasted, even if the matter does not come under
the very part of the work assigned them. Everyone can do something
toward economizing. All should perform their work, not to win praise
of men, but in such a manner that it may bear the scrutiny of God.
Christ once gave His disciples a lesson upon economy which is
worthy of careful attention. He wrought a miracle to feed the hungry
thousands who had listened to His teachings; yet after all had eaten
and were satisfied, He did not permit the fragments to be wasted. He
who could, in their necessity, feed the vast multitude by His divine
power, bade His disciples gather up the fragments, that nothing might
be lost. This lesson was given as much for our benefit as for those
living in Christ’s day. The Son of God has a care for the necessities of
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temporal life. He did not neglect the broken fragments after the feast,
although He could make such a feast whenever He chose. The workers
in our institutions would do well to heed this lesson: “Gather up the
fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” This is the duty of all;
and those who occupy a leading position should set the example.
Those whose hands are open to respond to the calls for means to
sustain the cause of God and to relieve the suffering and the needy are
not the ones who are found loose and lax and dilatory in their business
management. They are always careful to keep their outgoes within