Chapter 81—The Minister’s Wife
June 5, 1863, I was shown that Satan is ever at work to dishearten
and lead astray ministers whom God has chosen to preach the truth.
The most effectual way in which he can work is through home in-
fluences, through unconsecrated companions. If he can control their
minds, he can through them the more readily gain access to the hus-
band, who is laboring in word and doctrine to save souls. I was referred
to the warnings which God has repeatedly given, and to the duties
which have been pointed out as belonging to the wife of a minister;
yet these warnings have not had a lasting influence. The testimonies
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given have had effect but a short time. The light has been but partially
followed. Obedience and devotion to God have been forgotten, many
have disregarded the sacred obligation resting upon them to improve
the light and privileges given, and walk as children of the light. If the
veil could be parted and all could see just how their cases are regarded
in heaven, there would be an awakening, and each would with fear
inquire, What shall I do to be saved?
The minister’s wife who is not devoted to God is no help to her
husband. While he dwells upon the necessity of bearing the cross
and urges the importance of self-denial, the daily example of his wife
often contradicts his preaching and destroys its force. In this way she
becomes a great hindrance and often leads her husband away from his
duty and from God. She does not realize what a sin she is committing.
Instead of seeking to be useful, seeking with true love for souls to help
such as need help, she shrinks from the task and prefers a useless life.
She is not constrained by the power of Christ’s love and by unselfish,
holy principles. She does not choose to do the will of God, to be a
co-worker with her husband, with angels, and with God. When the
wife of the minister accompanies her husband in his mission to save
souls, it is a great sin for her to hinder him in his work by manifesting
unhappy discontent. Yet instead of entering heartily into his labors,
seeking every opportunity to unite her interest and labor with his, she
often studies how she can make it more easy or pleasant for herself.
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