Chapter 6—True Benevolence
Dear Brother and Sister F,
I will now try to write what has been presented before me in regard
to you; for I feel that it is time for this church to get their hearts in
order and make diligent work for eternity. Both of you love the truth
and want to obey it; but you are inexperienced. I was shown that
you would be placed in circumstances where you would be tried and
tested, and that traits of character would be revealed which you were
not aware that you possessed.
Many who have never been placed in positions of trial appear to be
excellent Christians, their lives seem faultless; but God sees that they
have traits of character that must be revealed to them before they can
perceive and correct them. Simeon prophesied under the inspiration of
the Holy Ghost, and said unto Mary in reference to Jesus: “Behold,
this Child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a
sign which shall be spoken against; (yea, a sword shall pierce through
thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
In the providence of God we are placed in different positions to call
into exercise qualities of mind calculated to develop character under a
variety of circumstances. Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet
offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” Professed Christians may live
unexceptionable lives so far as outward appearance is concerned; but
when a change of circumstances throws them into entirely different
positions, strong traits of character are discovered, which would have
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remained hidden had their surroundings continued the same.
I was shown that you have selfish traits which you have need to
strictly guard against. You will be in danger of regarding your prosper-
ity and your convenience irrespective of the prosperity of others. You
do not possess a spirit of self-denial that resembles the great Exemplar.
You should cultivate benevolence, which will bring you more into har-
mony with the spirit of Christ in His disinterested benevolence. You
need more human sympathy. This is a quality of our natures which
God has given us to render us charitable and kind to those with whom
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