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In Positive Self-Control, May 15
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth:
he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her
shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Isaiah 53:7
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One class have come up without self-control; they have not bridled the
temper or the tongue; and some of these claim to be Christ’s followers, but
they are not. Jesus has set them no such example.... Some are nervous, and
if they begin to lose self-control in word or spirit under provocation, they
are as much intoxicated with wrath as the inebriate is with liquor. They
are unreasonable, and not easily persuaded or convinced. They are not
sane; Satan for the time has full control. Every one of these exhibitions
of wrath weakens the nervous system and the moral powers, and makes it
difficult to restrain anger on another provocation.
With this class there is only one remedy,—positive self-control under
all circumstances. The effort to get into a favorable place, where self
will not be annoyed, may succeed for a time; but Satan knows where to
find these poor souls, and will assail them in their weak points again and
again. They will be continually troubled so long as they think so much of
self.... But there is hope for them. Let this life, so stormy with conflicts
and worries, be brought into connection with Christ, and then self will
no longer clamor for the supremacy.... They should humble themselves,
saying frankly, “I have done wrong. Will you forgive me? For God has
said we must not let the sun go down upon our wrath.” This is the only
safe path toward overcoming. Many ... nurse their wrath, and are filled
with revengeful, hateful feelings.... Resist these wrong feelings, and you
will experience a great change in your association with your fellowmen
When self ceases to wrestle for the supremacy, and the heart is worked
by the Holy Spirit, the soul lies perfectly passive; and then the image of
God is mirrored upon the heart
[143]
49
The Youth’s Instructor, November 10, 1886
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50
Manuscript 176, 1898
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146