The child of God waits for opportunities. There will be occasions soon
enough for manifestation. According to the hour is the duty; and the
duty now is performance. Calm, wise, large and balanced plans,
discriminate selection of persons, discreet preparations of industry, a
sober estimate of the greatness of the undertaking, and a summoning of
all energies to its fulfilment, is the vocation just now of
Association. Enough for the day it is, honestly, honorably, humanely,
to lay the foundation in the earth unseen for the glorious fabric which
the future shall rear in light.
In so far as the inculcation of principles, the instruction of the
national mind, the calling out of enthusiasm and courage, of hope and
heroism, demand publicity, of course Association must not be backward.
It must no more be behind than before the time. But the special call
to-day is, in practical endeavor to prepare the way for a future gospel
preaching. We need complete science, clear understanding, solid
judgment. We need to solve innumerable problems, to comprehend
principles exactly by their detailed development in practice. We need
inward concentration, to gain singleness and unity of purpose.
"Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God," either by anticipation or by
tardiness.
Pages:
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406