308
Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 2
cares of both high and low, rich and poor.—Lt 50, 1897. (
Evangelism,
348, 349
.)
Counsel Is Needed—The inexperienced need to be guided by
wise counsel when in trial and assailed with temptation; they must
be taught that attainments in spiritual things will cost them steadfast,
well-directed effort. We must repeat it often to those newly come to
the faith, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to
all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (
James
1:5
). These words are to be presented in the spirit of the Master who
gave them, for they are of more value than gold or silver or precious
stones.
Teach the young disciples to put their hands in the hand of Christ,
saying, “Lead me, guide me.” What comfort and hope and blessing
will the needy, perplexed souls receive if they will humbly seek God.
The condition is that they come in faith, nothing wavering, asking for
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guidance in the day of perplexity. This pledge is given to every sincere
seeker: “You shall have gracious answers.” “You shall receive.”
The instruction is to be often given that what God has said will
never fail. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in
princes. We must teach every soul to lay his requests by prayer on
the mercy seat. Strength and grace will surely come to the one who
does this, for the Lord has promised. And yet so many go in weakness
because they do not believe that God will do just as He has said.—MS
19, 1894.
God Has Given Rules—The father is the lawmaker of the house-
hold; and, like Abraham, he should make the law of God the rule of
his home. God said of Abraham, “I know him, that he will command
his children and his household” (
Genesis 18:19
). There would be no
sinful neglect to restrain evil; no weak, unwise, indulgent favoritism;
no yielding of his conviction of duty to the claims of mistaken affec-
tion. Abraham would not only give right instruction, but he would
maintain the authority of just and righteous laws.
God has given rules for our guidance. Children should not be left
to wander away from the safe path marked out in God’s Word, into
ways leading to danger, which are open on every side. Kindly but
firmly, with persevering, prayerful effort, their wrong desires should be
restrained, their inclinations denied.—
The Ministry of Healing, 390,
391
(1905).