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Pride in the Young
165
Jesus, you have disgraced your profession. O my sister, did you
think those clerks could not see through the gloss you threw about
you? Did you think they were so captivated with your pretty face that
they could not see beneath the surface and read your true, superficial
character? When you placed upon your head the adorning borrowed
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from Sister R’s store, and then displayed yourself as if on exhibition
before those clerks, did you think this was not discerned? Did you
forget that angels of God were in attendance, and that their pure
eyes were reading your thoughts, the intents and purposes of the
heart, and taking cognizance of every act, and delineating your true,
frivolous character? While you were engrossed with your small talk
to the clerk with whom you were fascinated, because he flattered
your vanity, could you have stood before the looking glass you
would have seen the gestures, the whisperings, among those who
were observing you, and laughing because you were making such
a foolish show. You were bringing a stain upon the cause of truth.
Could you have entered that store unobserved a short time after you
stepped out, and have heard the conversation after you had lingered
as long as decency would permit, you would have learned some
things you never thought of before. You would have been wounded
and humbled to learn how you were viewed by even frivolous clerks.
The very one who flattered you to your face joined in the laugh and
sport of his companions upon your vain course.
You might have an influence for good in-----and honor your
Redeemer. But instead of this you have made yourself the speech
of flattering clerks and beardless youth. This unbecoming course
has been remarked by very many, and those who have noticed these
inconsistencies, even though they may be unbelievers and profess
respect for you, despise you in their hearts. You are following in the
footsteps of S, and unless your parents awake and open their eyes to
your folly, they will share in your guilt. Sin is upon them and upon
your sisters for the course they have taken in fostering your pride
and flattering your vanity. If you and your sisters were in a saved
state, you would all feel the perilous condition of the unsaved. The
day will come, unless a great change is wrought in you, when you
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will hear from many lips. “I associated with these Christians, yet
they never told me of my danger. They never warned me. I thought
that if I was in danger of being lost, they would not rest day or night