MH page 494

Remember that you cannot read hearts. You do not know the motives which prompted the actions that to you look wrong. There are many who have not received a right education; their characters are warped, they are hard and gnarled, and seem to be crooked in every way. But the grace of Christ can transform them. Never cast them aside, never drive them to discouragement or despair by saying, “You have disappointed me, and I will not try to help you.” A few words spoken hastily under provocation—just what we think they deserve—may cut the cords of influence that should have bound their hearts to ours.

Exercise patience and grace toward individuals with difficult characters rather than casting them aside or speaking hastily. The text offers moral and ministerial guidance on dealing with difficult individuals and avoiding discouragement, containing no verifiable empirical health claims.

The consistent life, the patient forbearance, the spirit unruffled under provocation, is always the most conclusive argument and the most solemn appeal. If you have had opportunities and advantages that have not fallen to the lot of others, consider this, and be ever a wise, careful, gentle teacher.

A consistent, patient, and unruffled life serves as a powerful moral appeal and teaching method. The paragraph is an ethical and behavioral recommendation regarding interpersonal conduct and example.

In order to have the wax take a clear, strong impression of the seal, you do not dash the seal upon it in a hasty, violent way; you carefully place the seal on the plastic wax and quietly, steadily press it down until it has hardened in the mold. In like manner deal with human souls. The continuity of Christian influence is the secret of its power, and this depends on the steadfastness of your manifestation of the character of Christ. Help those who have erred, by telling them of your experiences. Show how, when you made grave mistakes, patience, kindness, and helpfulness on the part of your fellow workers gave you courage and hope.

Influence others gently and steadily rather than harshly, sharing personal experiences of overcoming mistakes. The text provides relational and mentorship principles using an analogy, without empirical medical assertions.