Counseling
309
Listen to Counsel of Experience (words to a distraught hus-
band and father)—You have been afloat in the world, but the eternal
truth will prove an anchor to you. You need to guard your faith. Do not
move from impulse or entertain vague theories. Experimental faith in
Christ and submission to the law of God are of the highest consequence
to you. Be willing to take the advice and counsel of those who have
experience. Make no delay in the work of overcoming. Be true to
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yourself, to your children, and to God. Your afflicted son needs to be
tenderly dealt with. As a father you should remember that the nerves
that can thrill with pleasure can also thrill with keenest pain. The Lord
identifies His interest with that of suffering humanity.—
Testimonies
for the Church 4:368
(1879).
When Counsel Might Have Saved Independent Youth From
Ill-advised Marriages—When it is too late, they find that they have
made a mistake and have imperiled their happiness in this life and
the salvation of their souls. They would not admit that anyone knew
anything about the matter but themselves, when if counsel had been
received, they might have saved themselves years of anxiety and sor-
row. But advice is only thrown away on those who are determined to
have their own way. Passion carries such individuals over every barrier
that reason and judgment can interpose.—
The Review and Herald,
September 25, 1888
. (
Messages to Young People, 459
.)
Some Qualifications for a Counselor—It is of great importance
that the one who is chosen to care for the spiritual interests of patients
and helpers be a man of sound judgment and undeviating principle,
a man who will have moral influence, who knows how to deal with
minds. He should be a person of wisdom and culture, of affection
as well as intelligence. He may not be thoroughly efficient in all
respects at first; but he should, by earnest thought and the exercise
of his abilities, qualify himself for this important work. The greatest
wisdom and gentleness are needed to serve in this position acceptably
yet with unbending integrity; for prejudice, bigotry, and error of every
form and description must be met.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:546,
547
(1880).
Private Counseling Can Become a Snare (counsel to a minis-
ter)—Last night your case was forced to my notice, and I was talking
with you as a mother talks with her son. I said, “Brother _____, you
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should not feel it to be your duty to converse with young ladies upon