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Testimonies for the Church Volume 2
mize your time so as not to overtax your strength. The light burden
of home duties which you have to perform you can bear without
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overtaxation if you exercise perseverance and proper diligence. But
you have a work to do to control the tongue. It is a little member and
boasteth great things, but it needs the bridle of grace and the bit of
self-control to keep it from running at random. Your conversation is
of a low order, and you indulge in much cheap talk. “Let no corrupt
communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good
to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
May the Lord convict you of these things as you read these
lines. I entreat of you to put on the meek dignity of a wife and
mother. There is a responsibility resting upon the father. Your
efforts should be united to control your son, who is fast traveling the
road to perdition. You should earnestly seek for the inward adorning,
even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight
of God of great price. With patience, grace, and sweet humility you
can teach your poor, deceived boy the first principles of Christianity,
and true politeness, or Christian courtesy. You are frequently hasty
and boisterous. Oh, how important that you see the work to be done
for you, before it shall be forever too late! Now Jesus invites you
to come to Him, and to learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly of
heart. The promise He has given you is sure, that you will find rest
in Him. You have a great work to do. Deceive not your own souls,
but examine yourselves as in the light of eternity. It is impossible
for you to be saved as you are.
Sister S, your husband might be of some use in the church if your
influence were what it ought to be. But your example and influence
disqualify him to exert a sanctifying influence in the church. Home
influences more than counteract his efforts for good. You are wholly
unqualified to be the wife of an elder of the church. God calls upon
you to reform. Your husband has a work to do to set his heart and
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house in order. When he is converted, then can he strengthen his
brethren.
As a family, you need to be sanctified through the truth. Dear
sister, will you see the work to be done for you and take hold of it
without delay, that your influence may be saving? Work out your
salvation with fear and trembling. Walk in wisdom toward them
that are without, redeeming the time. “Let your speech be alway