Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene - Ellen G. White

ight to more heroic efforts in their march forward.
Earnest and devoted laborers are failing for want of
a helping hand, and are sinking beneath their
double burden. Their graves are way-marks along
the upward path of reform.
The true glory and joy of life are found only by
the working man and woman. Labor brings its own
reward, and sweet is the rest that is purchased by
the fatigue of a well-spent day. But there is a selfimposed
toil which is injurious and utterly
unsatisfying. It is that which gratifies unsanctified
ambition, which seeks display for notoriety. The
love of possession or appearance leads thousands
to carry to excess that which, in itself, is lawful—to
devote all the strength of mind and body to that
which should occupy but a small portion of their
time. They bend every energy to the acquisition of
wealth or honor, making all other objects
secondary; they toil unflinchingly for years to
accomplish their purpose; yet when the goal is
reached, and the coveted reward secured, it turns to
ashes in their grasp; it is a shadow. They have
given their life to that which profiteth not.
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