Christian’s Watchword
635
with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love
be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that
which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly
love; in honor preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent
in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation;
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continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints;
given to hospitality.” “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they
be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God,
who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be
rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying
up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come,
that they may lay hold on eternal life.” Here is a wise and perfectly
safe investment; good works are here specified and recommended
for our practice, for your practice. Here are profits that are valuable.
There will be no danger of a failure here. A treasure may be secured
in heaven, a constant accumulation which will give to the investor a
title to eternal life. And when his life here shall close, and probation
end, he may lay hold on eternal life.
Brother B, you are not a lover of hospitality, you shun burdens.
You feel that it is a task to feed the saints and look after their wants,
and that all you do in this direction is lost. Please read the above
scriptures, and may God give you understanding and discernment, is
my earnest prayer. As a family you need to cultivate liberality and to
be less self-caring. Love to invite God’s people to your house, and,
as occasion may require, share with them cheerfully, gladly, that of
which the Lord has made you stewards. Do not give grudgingly these
little favors. As you do these things to Christ’s disciples, you do it
unto Him; just so, as you grudge the saints of God your hospitality,
you grudge Jesus the same.
The health reform is essential for you both. Sister B has been
backward in this good work and has suffered opposition to arise when
she knew not what she was opposing. She has resisted the counsel of
God against her own soul. Intemperate appetite has brought debility
and disease, weakening the moral powers, and unfitting her to appre-
ciate the sacred truth, the value of the atonement, which is essential
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to salvation. Sister B loves this world. She has not separated, in her
affections, from the world, and given herself unreservedly to God, as
He requires. He will not accept half a sacrifice. All, all, all, is God’s,