Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 129, 1901

Hoover, W. L.

September 25, 1901 [typed]

Previously unpublished. +^Note

My brother,—

A Christian is to use his influence aright. Closely examine yourself with unprejudiced eyes and unbiased judgment. You are too free with young girls. This is your weakness. You should be particular to avoid even the appearance of evil in your association with young girls. The fact that you are in danger of losing your soul through carelessness in this respect should be a serious matter with you. 16LtMs, Lt 129, 1901, par. 1

When talking with young men, and especially with young women, you should be circumspect in your words. A married man should keep his soft, flattering words for his wife. 16LtMs, Lt 129, 1901, par. 2

You are making your own record, but it does not end there. You are making upon other minds impressions which are either a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. Remember that you are in the service of God, and that you are to set a Christlike example, acknowledging the Lord in all your ways. Leave praise of your work to come from others when you really deserve it because of your prudence, because you ask the guidance of God. 16LtMs, Lt 129, 1901, par. 3

Your ideas are not correct, and the Lord is not pleased with your seed-sowing. You are a burden of self-trust. When you are willing to be a humble, dependent child of God, and to be saved in His appointed way, He will be able to bless you. 16LtMs, Lt 129, 1901, par. 4

The workers in our institutions are to be picked men and women. When after test and trial a worker fails to reach the standard required, he should never be sent to another institution to avoid the disagreeable task of telling him his faults. If he is too free with young girls, he should be plainly told that his conduct is injuring the reputation of the institution and that it cannot be tolerated. 16LtMs, Lt 129, 1901, par. 5

Again, the workers in our sanitariums are to be taught the value of economy and forethought. They are to learn how to bind about the edges. 16LtMs, Lt 129, 1901, par. 6