Danger of Self-Confidence
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for her, while precious souls whom God loves may be passed coldly
by because no fervent expressions of attachment are heard from them
toward herself and Brother F. And yet the love of these very souls
is true and is to be more highly prized than that of those who make
such protestations of their regard. The opinion your wife forms has a
great influence on your mind. You often take it for granted that she is
correct and think as she thinks and act in church matters accordingly.
You must exemplify the life of Christ, for solemn responsibilities
rest upon you. Your wife is responsible to God for her course. If she is
a hindrance to you she must render an account to God. Sometimes she
arouses and humbles herself before God and is a real help; but she soon
falls back into the same inactive state, shunning responsibilities, and
excusing herself from mental and physical labor. Her health would be
[628]
far better if she were more active, if she would engage more cheerfully
and heartily in physical and mental labor. She does not lack the ability,
but the disposition to act; she will not persevere in cultivating a love
for activity. God can do nothing for her in her present condition. She
has something to do to arouse herself and devote to God her physical
and mental energies. God requires this of her, and in the day of God
she will be found an unprofitable servant unless there is a thorough
reformation on her part and she lives up to the light given. Until
this reformation takes place, she should not be at all united with her
husband in his labors.
God will bless and sustain Brother F if he moves forward in hu-
mility, leaning upon the judgment of experienced fellow laborers.
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