Social Relations
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to the people, which will not cause levity or the semblance of a smile,
but will solemnize the mind, touch the heart, and arouse the moral
sensibilities to the sacred claims that God has upon the affections and
life. Those who labor in word and doctrine should be men of God,
pure in heart and life.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:241
.
* * * * *
Young men are arising to engage in the work of God, some of
whom have scarcely any sense of the sacredness and responsibility of
the work. They have but little experience in exercising faith, and in
earnest soul-hunger for the Spirit of God, which ever brings returns.
Some men of good capabilities, who might fill important positions,
do not know what spirit they are of. They run in a jovial mood as
naturally as water flows downhill. They talk nonsense, and sport with
young girls, while almost daily listening to the most solemn, soul-
stirring truths. These men have a religion of the head, but their hearts
are not sanctified by the truths they hear. Such can never lead others
to the Fountain of living waters until they have drunk of the stream
themselves.
[131]
It is no time now for lightness, vanity, or trifling. The scenes of
this earth’s history are soon to close. Minds that have been left to
loose thought, need change. The apostle Peter says, “Gird up the
loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is
to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient
children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in
your ignorance: but as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy
in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I
am holy.” [
1 Peter 1:13-16
.]
Loose thoughts must be gathered up and centered on God. The
very thoughts should be in obedience to the will of God. Praise should
not be given or expected; for this will have a tendency to foster self-
confidence rather than to increase humility, to corrupt rather than to
purify. Men who are really qualified, and who feel that they have a part
to act in connection with the work of God, will feel pressed beneath a
sense of the sacredness of the work, as a cart beneath sheaves. Now
is the time to make the most earnest efforts to overcome the natural
feelings of the carnal heart.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:473, 474
.