Faithfulness in Home Duties
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sincere as angels in their sphere. Conformity to the will of God makes
any work honorable that must be done.
What you need is love and affection. Your character needs to be
molded. Your worrying must be laid aside, and in place of this you
must cherish gentleness and love. Deny self. We were not created
angels, but lower than the angels; yet our work is important. We are
not in heaven, but upon the earth. When we are in heaven, then we
shall be qualified to do the lofty and elevating work of heaven. It is
here in this world that we must be tested and proved. We should be
armed for conflict and for duty.
The highest duty that devolves upon youth is in their own homes,
blessing father and mother, brothers and sisters, by affection and true
interest. Here they can show self-denial and self-forgetfulness in caring
and doing for others. Never will woman be degraded by this work. It
is the most sacred, elevated office that she can fill. What an influence
a sister may have over brothers! If she is right she may determine
the character of her brothers. Her prayers, her gentleness, and her
affection may do much in a household. My sister, these noble qualities
can never be communicated to other minds unless they first exist in
your own. That contentment of mind, that affection, gentleness, and
sunniness of temper which will reach every heart, will reflect upon you
what your heart gives forth to others. If Christ does not reign in the
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heart, there will be discontent and moral deformity. Selfishness will
require of others that which we are unwilling to give them. If Christ is
not in the heart, the character will be unlovely.
It is not a great work and great battles alone which try the soul
and demand courage. Everyday life brings its perplexities, trials, and
discouragements. It is the humble work which frequently draws upon
the patience and the fortitude. Self-reliance and resolution will be
necessary to meet and conquer all difficulties. Secure the Lord to
stand with you, in every place to be your consolation and comfort.
A meek and quiet spirit you much need, and without it you cannot
have happiness. May God help you, my sister, to seek meekness and
righteousness. It is the Spirit of God that you need. If you are willing
to be anything or nothing, God will help and strengthen and bless you.
But if you neglect the little duties you will never be entrusted with
greater.