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Testimonies for the Church Volume 2
true Christian courtesy, her influence will prove injurious, and the
happiness of others connected with her will suffer. She manifests
an independence which is a damage to her and alienates her friends.
This independence has caused her much trouble and has wounded
her best friends.
If those who had means were close in their deal with her husband,
and did not favor him more than worldlings in business transactions,
she has felt and talked, and aroused feelings of dissatisfaction where
none previously existed. This is a selfish world at best. Many of
those who profess the truth are not sanctified by it, and may not
have a heart to make even a trifling variation in the prices of produce
when dealing with a poor brother, sooner than they would with an
able worldling. They do not love their neighbors as themselves. It
would be more pleasing to God were there less selfishness and more
disinterested benevolence.
As Sister F has seen a selfish spirit manifest in deal, she has
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committed a greater sin by feeling and talking in regard to the matter
as she has. She has erred in expecting too much. The tongue has
been truly an unruly member, a world of iniquity, set on fire of
hell, untamed and untamable. Sister F has had a spirit of retaliation,
manifesting by her deportment that she was offended. This was all
wrong. She has cherished bitter feelings, which are foreign to the
spirit of Christ. Anger, resentment, and all kinds of unkind tempers
are indulged by speaking against those with whom we are displeased,
and by reciting the errors and failings and sins of neighbors. The
lustful desires are gratified.
Sister F, if you are grieved because your neighbors or friends
are doing wrong to their own hurt, if they are overtaken in fault,
follow the Bible rule. “Tell him his fault between thee and him
alone.” As you go to the one you suppose to be in error, see that you
speak in a meek and lowly spirit; for the wrath of man worketh not
the righteousness of God. The erring can be restored in no other
way than in the spirit of meekness, gentleness, and tender love. Be
careful in your manner. Avoid anything in look or gesture, word or
tone, that savors of pride or self-sufficiency. Guard yourself against
a word or look that would exalt yourself, or place your goodness
and righteousness in contrast with their failings. Beware of the most
distant approach to disdain, overbearing, or contempt. With care