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Cause in Vermont
593
for himself a good foundation against the time to come, that he may
lay hold on eternal life. It is not safe for him to follow his failing
judgment. He should counsel with experienced brethren, and seek
wisdom of God, that he may do up his work well. He should now
be really in earnest, providing himself “bags which wax not old, a
treasure in the heavens that faileth not.”
Brother M has made a mistake in his domestic life. He has not,
in words, expressed that affection for his wife that it was his duty to
express. He has failed to cultivate true Christian courtesy and polite-
ness. He has failed to be at all times as kind and considerate of her
wishes and comfort as was his duty. Her not uniting in faith with him
has led to much unhappiness for both. Brother M has not respected
his wife’s judgment and counsel as he should. In many respects
her judgment and discernment are better than his. If consulted, she
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could, by her clearer perception and keener discernment, help him
essentially in his business matters, in dealing with his neighbors. He
should not stand back upon his dignity, feeling that he understands
it all himself. If he would be advised by his wife, and by his kindly
actions would show a regard for her, and a desire to please her, he
would be doing nothing less than his duty. If her advice conflicts
with his duty to God and His claims upon him, then he can choose
to differ, and in the most quiet manner possible give as his reason
that he cannot sacrifice his faith or his principles. It would be for
Brother M’s interest in temporal matters to have his wife’s judgment
and counsel.
While he is harsh, rough, and unaccommodating, he can have no
influence to win his wife to the truth. He should reform. He needs
to become softened, to be tender, gentle, and loving. He should let
the sunshine of cheerfulness and happy contentment into his heart,
and then let its beams shine into his family. He has brought into his
family those whose influence would prove a curse to his wife rather
than a blessing. In so doing, he has brought burdens upon her that
might have been avoided. She should be consulted, and her wishes
regarded, as far as possible without compromising his faith.
Brother M has chosen his own way, and has had a set will,
savoring of stubbornness. He has frequently been unyielding. This
should not be. He professes to believe a truth which has a sanctifying,
softening, refining influence; his wife does not. He should show that