Mind, Character, and Personality Vol. 2 - Second Advent Revival

een received, they might have saved themselves years of anxiety and sorrow. But
advice is only thrown away on those who are determined to have their own way.
Passion carries such individuals over every barrier that reason and judgment can
interpose.--RH, Sept 25, 1888. (MYP 459.) {2MCP 766.1}
Some Qualifications for a Counselor.--It is of great importance that the one who is
chosen to care for the spiritual interests of patients and helpers be a man of sound
judgment and undeviating principle, a man who will have moral influence, who knows
how to deal with minds. He should be a person of wisdom and culture, of affection as
well as intelligence. He may not be thoroughly efficient in all respects at first; but he
should, by earnest thought and the exercise of his abilities, qualify himself for this
important work. The greatest wisdom and gentleness are needed to serve in this
position acceptably yet with unbending integrity; for prejudice, bigotry, and error of
every form and description must be met.--4T 546, 547 (1880). {2MCP 766.2}
Private Counseling Can Become a Snare (counsel to a minister).--Last night
your case was forced to my notice, and I was talking with you as a mother talks with
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her son. I said, "Brother _____, you should not feel it to be your duty to converse with
young ladies upon certain subjects, even if your wife is present. You are encouraging in
them the idea that it is all right to communicate to ministers the family secrets and
difficulties that should be brought before God, who understands the heart, who never
makes a mistake, and who judges righteously. Refuse to listen to any communications
of private matters, concerning either families or individuals. If persons are encouraged
to come to one man with their troubles, they will think it all right to keep up this practice,
and it will become a snare, not only to the soul who communicates, but to the one to
whom these things are confided."--Lt 7, 1889. {2MCP 766.3}
Limitation of the Minister's Counsel to Women.-- Women have been attracted to
you, and have been ready to pour into your ears their private troubles and family
disappointments. You ought not to lend an ear to them, but tell them that you are
yourself only an erring mortal; that God is their helper. Jesus knows the secrets of every
heart, and He can bless and comfort them. Tell them that you might misjudge and be
led to encourage evil, rather than reprove it. Point them to "the Lamb of God, which
taketh away the sin of the world." If you will put on the armor and, crossing though it
may be, give personal labor just where it is needed, to those who are closing the door
against the light of heaven because of their selfishness and covetousness, you may not
make so many friends, but you will save souls.--Lt 48, 1888. {2MCP 767.1}
Warnings Repeated.--Let not women be attracted to you. Stand in the uprightness
of your soul and tell them you are not their confessor. Jesus is the one to learn the
secrets of the heart. You are only human, and judging only from a human standpoint,
you might make wrong decisions, give wrong counsel.--MS 59, 1900.