Our College
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most vigorous intellect may put forth all its powers to grasp and yet
feel that there is an infinity beyond.
The evils of self-esteem and an unsanctified independence, which
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most impair our usefulness and which will prove our ruin if not over-
come, spring from selfishness. “Counsel together” is the message
which has been again and again repeated to me by the angel of God.
By influencing one man’s judgment, Satan may endeavor to control
matters to suit himself. He may succeed in misleading the minds of
two persons; but, when several consult together, there is more safety.
Every plan will be more closely criticized; every advance move more
carefully studied. Hence there will be less danger of precipitate, ill-
advised moves, which would bring confusion, perplexity, and defeat.
In union there is strength. In division there is weakness and defeat.
God is leading out a people and preparing them for translation.
Are we, who are acting a part in this work, standing as sentinels for
God? Are we seeking to work unitedly? Are we willing to become
servants of all? Are we following our great Exemplar?
Fellow laborers, we are each sowing seed in the fields of life. As
is the seed, so will be the harvest. If we sow distrust, envy, jealousy,
self-love, bitterness of thought and feeling, we shall reap bitterness to
our own souls. If we manifest kindness, love, tender thought for the
feelings of others, we shall receive the same in return.
The teacher who is severe, critical, overbearing, heedless of others’
feelings, must expect the same spirit to be manifested toward himself.
He who wishes to preserve his own dignity and self-respect must be
careful not to wound needlessly the self-respect of others. This rule
should be sacredly observed toward the dullest, the youngest, the most
blundering scholars. What God intends to do with those apparently
uninteresting youth you do not know. He has, in the past, accepted
persons no more promising or attractive to do a great work for Him. His
Spirit, moving upon the heart, has aroused every faculty to vigorous
action. The Lord saw in those rough, unhewn stones, precious material
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that would stand the test of storm and heat and pressure. God seeth
not as man sees. He judges not from appearance, but He searches the
heart and judges righteously.
The teacher should ever conduct himself as a Christian gentleman.
He should ever stand in the attitude of a friend and counselor to his
pupils. If all our people—teachers, ministers, and lay members—