Everything depends on the purposes of living, on the things a man really and deep within himself sets first in his life; he will follow those things no matter what other professions he may make. Business as a servant deserves our allegiance and devotion; business as a master is the most evil and soul devastating thing in this universe.
There is the most perfect harmony; there is relatively easy settlement of problems and difficulties if but this principle be adopted; that you have taken as your chief business in life the ends of true religion, the development of character and the service of humanity, and, with this purpose, the daily toil, the opportunities and enginery of your trade or profession shall be made to serve these higher ends.
Religion then becomes the motive in business and business the manifestation of religion. A man serves the Most High in his office with the same devotion and elevation of spirit as a priest at the altar. He is doing a great work, because the spirit is great. In questions of conscience he can afford to lose everything except the great end; he will not sacrifice the lesser to the greater.
XVIII
The Force of Faith
"The Victory that Overcometh" Fear and Faith Faith for the Future
Some talk so hard about duty they have no strength left for deeds.
When a good man gets down in the dirt some one is sure to stumble over him.
Many a man who would make a first-class lighthouse is wasting his life trying to be a fog-horn.
The mournful saint works a good deal more harm than the cheerful sinner.