Basic HTML Version
74
Testimonies for the Church Volume 2
is crossed you are easily irritated, and then you speak and act as
though a demon had possession of you. Angels turn from the scene
of discord where angry words are exchanged. Many times have
you driven the precious, heavenly angels from your family by the
indulgence of passion.
Like begets like. The same spirit which you manifest has been
reflected upon you again. Your children have seen so little affection,
tenderness, and gentleness that they have had nothing to win them to
the truth or inspire them with respect for your authority. They have
so long partaken of the evil fruits borne by you that their disposition
is bitterness. They are not altogether corrupt; there are left beneath
the uncultivated exterior, good impulses, which might be reached
and brought to the surface. If your religious life had been more even,
exemplifying the life of Christ, things would be different in your
family. “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Just
such as the seed you sow will be the harvest which you will gather.
If gentle words were the order of the day in your dwelling, such fruit
would you receive.
A heavy responsibility rests upon you. In view of this, how
careful should you be in all your words and acts. What kind of
seed are you sowing in the hearts of your children? The reaping
time—oh! remember, the reaping time is not far distant. Sow no
foul seed. Satan is ready to do that work. Sow only clean, pure seed.
You, my dear sister, have been jealous, envious, and fault-finding.
You have thought you were neglected and despised. You have been
[80]
too much neglected, but you have a work to do for yourself which
no one can do for you. It will require effort, perseverance, and
earnestness to obtain the victory over long-established habits which
have become as second nature. We have the tenderest feelings for
you, with all your errors and faults; and while we shall take the
liberty to tell you your faults, we pledge ourselves to help you in
every way we can.
I was shown that you do not possess that filial love which you
should. The evil in your nature is exercised in a most unnatural
way. You are not tender and respectful to your parents. Whatever
may be their faults, you have no excuse for the course you have
pursued toward them. It has been most unfeeling and disrespectful.
Angels turned from you in sadness, repeating these words: “That