Man’s Duty to His Fellow Men
487
swayed by it and does not see the necessity of being fortified by the
grace of God to stand for the right with true moral courage. Not only
does she fail to realize and do the work that God requires of her, but
she exerts an overpowering influence to hold her husband and tie his
hands. And she has succeeded to a great extent. He is blinded.
Brother M should consider that God has claims upon him which
are above every earthly relationship. He needs the eye-salve, the white
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raiment, and the gold, that he may have a symmetrical character and
an abundant entrance into the kingdom of God. Nothing short of an
entire conversion can ever open the soul of his wife to see her errors
and to confess her wrongs. She has great changes to make, which she
has not made because she did not realize her true condition and could
not see the necessity of reform. So far from being willing to learn of
the heavenly Teacher, who was meek and lowly of heart, she considers
meekness servility; and a becoming spirit, lowliness of mind to esteem
others better than herself, she regards as degrading and humiliating.
J has a positive, imperious, proud, self-willed spirit. She does not
see anything particularly desirable in a meek and quiet spirit that she
should covet it. This valuable ornament possesses so little value for
her that she cannot consent to wear it. She has, too frequently, a spirit
of resentment which is as opposite to the Spirit of God as the east is to
the west. True gentleness is a gem of great value in the sight of God.
A meek and quiet spirit will not be ever looking out for happiness for
itself, but will seek for self-forgetfulness and find sweet content and
true satisfaction in making others happy.
In the providence of God, Sister N has been separated from her
father’s family. Although, with others, she shares the characteristics of
the family association, bearing grave responsibilities has led her out
of herself and has given her an interest in others’ woes. She has, in
a measure, opened her heart in sympathy and love for God’s family,
taking an interest in others. The work and cause of God have engaged
her attention. She has felt, in some degree, that poor fallen mortals
are one great brotherhood. She has had to educate herself to think for
others, do for others, and forget self; and yet she has not cultivated
as thoroughly as she should the interest, sympathy, and affection for
others that are necessary for the followers of Christ. She needs to have
greater sympathy and less tense, rigid justice. As she has given her
interest and time to the great subject of health reform she has reached