Needs of Our Institutions
495
exercised in everything possible, it will be found that the efforts to
save means by employing those who will work for low wages, and
whose labor corresponds in character with their wages, will result in
loss. The work will be retarded and the cause belittled. Brethren, you
may economize as much as you please in your personal affairs, in
building your houses, in arranging your clothing, in providing your
food, and in your general expenses; but do not bring this economy to
bear upon the work of God in such a way as to hinder men of ability
and true moral worth from engaging in it.
[552]
In the Olympic games to which the apostle Paul calls our attention,
those engaged in the races were required to make most thorough
preparations. For months they were trained by different masters in the
physical exercises calculated to give strength and vigor to the body.
They were restricted to such food as would keep the body in the most
healthy condition, and their clothing was such as would leave every
organ and muscle untrammeled. Now if those who were to engage in
running a race for earthly honor were obliged to submit to such severe
discipline in order to succeed, how much more necessary it is for those
who are to engage in the work of the Lord to be thoroughly disciplined
and prepared, if they would be successful! Their preparation should
be as much more thorough, their earnestness and self-denying efforts
as much greater, than were those of the aspirants for worldly honors,
as heavenly things are of more value than earthly. The mind, as well
as the muscles, should be trained to the most diligent and persevering
efforts. The road to success is not a smooth way over which we are
borne in palace cars, but it is a rugged path filled with obstacles which
can be surmounted only by patient toil.
My brethren, not one half the care has been taken that there should
have been to impress upon those who could labor in the cause the
importance of qualifying themselves for the work. With their powers
all undisciplined, they can do but imperfect work; but if they shall be
trained by wise and consecrated teachers, and are led by the Spirit of
God, they will not only be able to do good work themselves, but will
give the right mold to others who may work with them. It should, then,
be their constant study to learn how they can become more intelligent
in the work in which they are engaged. None should rest in ease and
inaction; but all should seek to elevate and ennoble themselves, lest by