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Importance of Self-Government
379
You need not expect to avoid pain and weariness in the toils and
trials of life. The Son of God was partaker of the human frame. He
was frequently wearied in body and spirit. Said He: “I must work
the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh,
when no man can work.” You should cease your far-off dreaming,
and bring your mind to present duties, and cheerfully perform them.
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This world is not the Christian’s heaven. It is merely the fitting-
up place. It is the scene of our life battles, our conflicts and sorrows;
and it is important that we all have a firm grasp of the better world,
where will be found, when the warfare is ended, peace, joy, and
bliss, to be enjoyed forever. I saw that you would both be in greater
danger of making shipwreck of faith were you united, because you
would look upon matters in a false light. You both have a great work
to do for yourselves, but you are in danger of blinding your eyes to
each other’s faults.
Sister P should be guarded so as not to stir up the hasty spirit of
her husband by relating her supposed grievances to him to obtain
sympathy. He views things in a strong light and feels deeply over
matters which are not worthy of notice. She will have to learn this
and understand that it is wisdom to be silent. She needs the power of
endurance. It is much easier to throw a thing into the mind than to
get it out when once it is there. It is easier to dwell upon a supposed
wrong than to pacify or control the feelings when once aroused.
Brother P has qualities which would be excellent if they were
refined by the elevating influences of pure religion. He can be useful.
Sincere piety alone can qualify him to perform his duties well in
this world and give him a fitness for heaven. A heavenly character
must be acquired upon earth, my brother, or you will never possess
it; therefore you should engage at once in the work which you have
to do. You should labor earnestly to obtain a fitness for heaven. Live
for heaven. Live by faith.
Brother P, you are a rough stone; but the hand of a skillful
workman is upon you. Will you let Him hew and square you, and
polish you for that building which is coming together without the
sound of ax or hammer? Not a blow is to be struck after probation
closes. You must now, in the hours of probation, overcome your
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impetuous temper, or be separated from God at last.