Family Religion
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that point. We must have perfect control over our own spirit. “If any
man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to
bridle the whole body.” The light that shines upon our path, the truth
that commends itself to our consciences, will condemn and destroy
the soul, or sanctify and transform it. We are living too near the close
of probation to be content with a superficial work. The same grace
which we have hitherto considered sufficient will not sustain us now.
Our faith must be increased, and we must become more like Christ in
conduct and disposition in order to endure, and successfully resist, the
temptations of Satan. The grace of God is sufficient for every follower
of Christ.
Our efforts to resist the attacks of Satan must be earnest and perse-
vering. He employs his strength and skill in trying to turn us out of the
right way. He watches our going out and our coming in, that he may
find opportunity to hurt or destroy us. He works most successfully in
darkness, injuring those who are ignorant of his devices. He could not
gain advantage if his method of attack were understood. The instru-
ments he employs to effect his purposes, and transmit his fiery darts,
are often the members of our own families.
Those we love may speak or act unguardedly, which may wound us
deeply. It was not their intention to do this; but Satan magnifies their
words and acts before the mind, and thus hurls a dart from his quiver
to pierce us. We brace ourselves to resist the one whom we think has
injured us, and by so doing we encourage Satan’s temptations. Instead
of praying to God for strength to resist Satan, we suffer our happiness
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to be marred by trying to stand for what we term “our rights.” Thus
we allow Satan a double advantage. We act out our aggrieved feelings,
and Satan uses us as his agents to wound and distress those who did not
intend to injure us. The requirements of the husband may sometimes
seem unreasonable to the wife, when if she should calmly, candidly
take the second view of the matter, in as favorable a light for him
as possible, she would see that to yield her own way and submit to
his judgment, even if it conflicted with her feelings, would save them
both from unhappiness and would give them great victory over the
temptations of Satan.
I saw that the enemy will contend either for the usefulness or the
life of the godly, and will try to mar their peace as long as they live
in this world. But his power is limited. He may cause the furnace to