Our Institutions at Battle Creek
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God is observing everything that transpires in the office. “Thou
God seest me,” should be always in mind. Everyone who bears re-
sponsibilities in the office should be courteous and kind to all. An
ever-abiding sense of the presence of Christ would prevent the en-
croachment upon others’ rights which is so common in the world’s
practice, but which is an offense to God. The love of Jesus must be
incorporated into the lives of the workers in the several departments
of the office, in order that justice may be done, not only to the work,
but to one another.
The very first work, my brethren, is to secure the blessing of God
in your own hearts. Then bring this blessing into your homes, put away
your criticisms, overcome your exacting ways, and let the spirit of
cheerfulness and kindness prevail. The atmosphere of your homes will
be carried with you to the office, and heavenly peace will surround your
souls. Wherever the love of Jesus reigns there is pitying tenderness
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and thoughtfulness of others. The most precious work that my brethren
can engage in is that of cultivating a Christlike character.
It was shown me that those who preside over our institutions should
ever bear in mind that there is a chief director, who is the God of
heaven. There should be strict honesty in all business transactions in
every department of the work. There must be firmness in preserving
order, but compassion, mercy, and forbearance should be mingled with
the firmness. Justice has a twin sister, Love. These should stand side
by side. The Bible should be your guide. There can be no greater
deception than for a man to think that he can find a better guide, when
in difficulty, than the word of God. The blessed word must be a lamp
to our feet. Bible precepts must be carried into the everyday life.