1889 Watch Tower - A2Z.org

of our dear Lord? His delight was and is to do the Father's willat any cost to himself. As a man under the kingdoms --authorities--of this world, and as a youth under the authority ofearthly parents, he was loyal and faithful (Matt. 22:21; Luke2:51), yet all of this earthly authority was exercised by hispersonal inferiors, though they were his legal superiors. Howbeautifully we will be able to grace and fill whatever station weoccupy in life, if we carefully study and copy godliness--Godlikeness,whether we be princes or peasants, masters or servants.(7) Does brotherly kindness characterize all my actions? does itmake due allowance for the inherited weaknesses andcircumstantial misfortunes of others? Does brotherly kindnessdeal patiently, and helpfully so far as wisdom in view of thecorrection of those faults, may dictate? and that, even at theexpense of self-interest, if necessary and prudent?And if, as I look myself squarely in the face, I recognizedeformity of character, do I thankfully accept a brother'sproffered aid and meekly bear reproof, determining that by thegrace of God I will overcome such dispositions, and provemyself a help rather than a hindrance to others, if it should evencost my life to do it, and that I will no longer foster my olddispositions, but plunge into activity in the service of God withthose who should have my co-operation in service, instead ofmy burden?(8) Have I charity--love unfeigned-- for the unrighteous andunlovely, as well as for the good and the beautiful?--a lovewhich is ever ready to manifest itself in wise and helpful activityfor saint and sinner; a love which pities, and helps, andcomforts, and cheers, and blesses all within its reach; whichlongs for the grand opportunities and power and glory of theincoming age, chiefly for its privileges of scattering universalblessing; and which, in harmony with that sentiment, utilizesevery present opportunity wisely, and in harmony with thedivine plan, for the accomplishment of the same end--thusmanifesting and cultivating the disposition which must be foundin every member of that glorious company which shallconstitute the King's cabinet in the incoming age? If thisdisposition is not begun, cultivated and developed here, we willnot be considered worthy of that honor and office then.And just as in the cultivation of vegetation, watchfulness, andthe necessary precautions to prevent blight and decay and toguard against the intrusions of evil powers and influencescalculated to sap its life, pruning, trimming and cultivation arenecessary to accomplish the desired end of fruitfulness. Byresisting the devil he will flee from us, and by patientcontinuance in well doing, an increasing measure ofdevelopment will result.