"We consider that when a man scandalizes his neighbor, it follows, of course, that he designs to cover his own iniquity; we consider him who puts his foot upon the neck of his benefactor an object of pity rather than revenge, for in so doing he not only shows the contraction of his own mind, but the wickedness of his heart also." "The infidel will grasp at every straw for help until death stares him in the face, and then his infidelity takes its flight, for the realities of the eternal world are resting upon him in mighty power; and when every earthly support and prop fails him, he then sensibly feels the eternal truths of the immortality of the soul. We should heed warning and not wait for the death-bed to repent. As we see the infant taken away by death, so may the youth and middle-aged, as well as the infant, be called into eternity. Let this, then, prove as a warning to all, not to procrastinate repentance, or wait until upon the death-bed, for it is the will of God that man should repent and serve Him in health and in the strength and power of his mind, in order to secure His blessings, and not wait until he is called to die." The time has come that elders should go forth, and each must stand for himself in all meekness, in sobriety, and preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified; not to contend with others on account of their faith, or systems of religion, but pursue a steady course. Salvation comes not without a revelation; it is in vain for anyone to minister without it. No man is a minister of Jesus Christ without being a prophet. No man can be a minister of Jesus Christ except he has the testimony of Jesus; and this is the Spirit of Prophecy. It is for us to be righteous, that we may be wise and {16} understand, for none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand, and they that turn man to righteousness shall shine as the stars for ever and ever. There is a law irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundation of this world, upon which all blessings are predicted; and when we obtain a blessing from God, it is by obedience to the law upon which it is predicted. Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world anxious to bless the whole human race. Salvation means a man's being placed beyond the power of all his enemies. Be virtuous and pure; be men of integrity and truth; keep the Commandments of God and then you will be able to understand the difference between right and wrong--between the things of God and the things of man; and your path will be like that of the just, which shineth brighter and brighter unto the perfect day.