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and must overcome. Make thorough work for eternity, as in the sight
of God.
Elder Daniels, I am your friend because I tell you the truth. You
are engaged in a solemn work, and as an ambassador of Christ, I desire
that you should make no failure, but give full proof of your ministry.
Pray much, my brother; talk less. Pray that you may be endowed with
wisdom and courage necessary to accomplish the work, whatever it
may be. Say before God, “I will do my duty with an eye single to Thy
glory.”—
Letter 10, 1888
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Teach Children to Form Good Habits
Written to Mary Nelson on March 19, 1902, giving counsel on the
education and development of her children
.
Dear Sister Mary Nelson,
As a Christian, you have duties to do that are left undone. You are
not giving your children the education that they need. Your disposi-
tion is such that you are not molding and fashioning their characters
after the divine similitude. You are in as much need of having your
temper sweetened as is your husband. Your harshness of voice and
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your disagreeable disposition should be entirely overcome. Although a
mother, you have not been learning lessons of self-control. You should
cultivate pleasing traits of character. You may and should cultivate
sweetness of disposition. Do not delay; for your habits are becoming
fixed.
You rule, but not in love. What an objectionable education your
children are receiving! It is not right for you to bring up the younger
members of the Lord’s family as you are bringing up your children.
You should teach your children to form good habits. Will you spoil
them for future usefulness by neglecting to train them as you should in
habits of cleanliness and order? Will you not patiently teach and assist
them always to keep their rooms and their clothing in order?
Fretting and scolding will not help to reform your children. In
governing them, you should exercise firmness; but with this, kindness
should be mingled. Diligently teach them how to be Christians. Never
raise your voice in passion; never strike a blow in anger; for this,
in the place of correcting their faults, will confirm them in a wrong
course. Remember that they have inherited their parents’ dispositions.