Moral and Intellectual Culture
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time to consider the matter and to learn the right way. If all connected
with the sanitarium are correct representatives of the truth 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
and keen discernment. These persons discover such defects at once
and comment upon them. Men cannot love God supremely and their
neighbor as themselves and be as cold as icebergs. Not only do they
rob God of the love due Him, but they rob their neighbor as well. Love
is a plant of heavenly growth and it must be fostered and nourished.
Affectionate hearts, truthful, loving words, will make happy families
and exert an elevating influence upon all who come within the sphere
of their influence.
Those who make the most of their privileges and opportunities
will be, in the Bible sense, talented and educated men; not learned