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Sensuality in the Young
359
I entreat you, for Christ’s sake, to set your house and hearts in
order. Let the truth of heavenly origin elevate and sanctify you, soul,
body, and spirit. “Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the
soul.” Brother G, your eating has a tendency to strengthen the baser
passions. You do not control your body as it is your duty to do in
order to perfect holiness in the fear of God. Temperance in eating
must be practiced before you can be a patient man. Remember that
you have given to your children, in a great degree, the stamp of your
own character. You should guard yourself, and not be harsh, severe,
or impatient. Deal with them decidedly, yet patiently, lovingly,
pityingly, as Jesus has dealt with you. Be careful how you censure.
Bear with your children, yet restrain them. This you have neglected
too much. You have not corrected them in the right manner, not
having perfect control of your own spirit. A great work must be
done for you both.
Brother G, if you had gone on from strength to strength, fol-
lowing in the light the Lord has given, He would now have chosen
you as an instrument of righteousness. You have talents; you have
ability; you can work for God’s glory; but you have not made an
entire surrender of yourself to God. Oh, that you would even now
seek meekness, seek the righteousness of Christ, that you might be
hid in the day of the Lord’s fierce anger!
My dear brother and sister, you should take hold unitedly and
perseveringly to right your mismanagement of your children. Sister
G has been too indulgent; yet unitedly and in love you can do much,
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even now, to bind your children to your hearts and instruct them
in the good and right way. You have a work to do in setting your
own hearts and house in order. You should cultivate harmonious
action. The transforming influence of the Spirit of God can do a
great work for you both, and will unite your hearts and efforts in the
work of reform in your own family. All repining, murmuring, and
hasty irritability should cease. Its effects are to weaken you both and
to destroy the influence you must exert if you succeed in training
your children for heaven.
Satan now has the field. Your poor children are his captives; he
has control of their minds and causes them to take a low turn. Their
moral sensibilities seem paralyzed. They have practiced self-abuse
and gloried in their iniquities. Such boys are capable of poisoning