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Counsels on Health
to touch. Many littles make much in the end. But the greatest loss is
sustained by the ones who digress, for they are violating the principles
of right and learning to look upon transgression in small matters as
no transgression at all. They forget the words of Christ. “He that is
faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is
unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”
Luke 16:10
.
When an effort is made to correct these practices, it is generally
received as an evidence of stinginess on the part of the managers; and
some will make no change, but go on hardening the conscience, until it
becomes seared as with a hot iron. They rise up against any restriction
and act and talk defiantly, as though their rights had been invaded. But
God looks upon all these things as theft, and so the record is carried
up to heaven.
All fraud and deceit is forbidden in the word of God. Direct theft
and outright falsehood are not sins into which persons of respectability
are in danger of falling. It is transgression in the little things that first
leads the soul away from God. By their one sin in partaking of the
forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve opened the floodgates of woe upon the
world. Some may regard that transgression as a very little thing; but
we see that its consequences were anything but small. The angels in
heaven have a wider and more elevated sphere of action than we; but
right with them and right with us are one and the same thing.
[410]
The managers of the sanitarium are not actuated by a mean, penu-
rious spirit in reproving the wrongs that have been mentioned, and
requiring what is due to such an institution. It is no stepping down from
proper dignity to guard the interests of the sanitarium in these matters.
Officers who are faithful themselves, naturally look for faithfulness in
others. Strict integrity should govern the dealings of the managers and
should be enforced upon all who labor under their direction.
Men of principle need not the restriction of locks and keys; they
do not need to be watched and guarded. They will deal truly and
honorably at all times—alone, with no eye upon them, as well as in
public. They will not bring a stain upon their souls for any amount of
gain or selfish advantage. They scorn a mean act. Although no one
else might know it, they would know it themselves, and this would
destroy their self-respect. Those who are not conscientious and faithful
in little things would not be reformed, were there laws and restrictions
and penalties upon the point....