Love to Christ will not lead to self-indulgence, it will not lead to any unnecessary expenditure of means to please and gratify self or to foster pride in the human heart. The love of Jesus in the heart ever leads the soul to humility and entire conformity to the will of God.—Letter 21, 1894. (2SM 186.1) MC VC

When sin strikes inwardly, it assails the most noble part of a man’s being. It makes terrible confusion and havoc with man’s Godlike faculties and powers. While physical disease prostrates the body, the disease of selfishness and covetousness blasts the soul.—Letter 26, 1897. (2SM 186.2) MC VC

Higher Wages Proposed for Superior Men VC

My heart is deeply stirred by the scenes which during the night have passed before me. In the night season I heard from some of my brethren propositions with which I cannot agree. The statements they made indicate that they are on the wrong track, that they have not an experience which will guard them from deception. I was grieved to hear from the lips of some of our brethren expressions that show neither faith in God nor loyalty to His truth. Propositions were made that, if carried out, would lead away from the straight and narrow way. (2SM 186.3) MC VC

Some think that if higher wages were paid to men of superior talent, these men would remain among us; then more work would be accomplished, in a more thorough manner, and the cause of truth would stand on a more elevated platform. (2SM 186.4) MC VC

Concerning this question I have received instruction from One who never errs. Suppose this plan were followed, “Who,” I ask, “is competent to measure the genuine usefulness and the influence of his fellow workmen?” No man is qualified to judge of another’s usefulness in the service of God. (2SM 186.5) MC VC

The position or office a man may hold is not alone an indication of his usefulness in the cause of God. It is the development of a Christlike character through sanctification of the spirit that will give him influence for good. In the estimation of God the degree of his faithfulness determines the value of his service. (2SM 186.6) MC VC