Fidelity and Perseverance Needed
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of character unsubdued; and in a crisis, when strong, hopeful spirits
are needed, they give up to discouragement and bring burdens on the
church; and they do not see that this is wrong. The cause does not
need such persons, for they are unreliable; but there is always a call
for steadfast, God-fearing workers, who will not faint in the day of
adversity.
There are some in the church in-----who will cause trouble, for
their wills have never been brought into harmony with the will of
Christ. Brother E will be a great hindrance to this church. When he
can have the supremacy he is satisfied, but when he cannot stand first
he is always upon the wrong side. He moves from impulse. He will not
draw in even cords, but questions and takes opposite views, because it
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is his nature to be faultfinding and an accuser of his brethren. While
he claims to be very zealous for the truth, he is drawing away from
the body; he is not strong in moral power, rooted and grounded in the
faith. The holy principles of truth are not made a part of his nature.
He cannot be trusted; God is not pleased with him.
Brother and Sister E have not regarded the directions of God’s word
in the training of their children. These children have been allowed to
control at home to a very great degree and have come and gone as they
pleased. Unless they are placed under entirely different influences they
will be found in the enemy’s ranks, warring against order, discipline,
and subordination. Children thus left to have their own way are not
happy; and where parental authority is lightly regarded, the authority
of God will not be respected.
The work of the parent is solemn and sacred; but many do not
realize this because their eyes are blinded by the enemy of all righ-
teousness. Their children are allowed to grow up undisciplined, un-
courteous, forward, self-confident, unthankful, and unholy, when a
firm, decided, even course, in which justice and mercy are blended
with patience and self-control, would produce wonderful results.
Brother E must have transforming grace. There is no safety for
him while he retains his natural defects of character, and he must war
against them continually. Unless he will live a watchful, prayerful life
he will not be well balanced, and there is danger that the truth will
be hindered, misrepresented, and brought into disrepute through his
influence. Let him be careful lest he awaken in unbelievers prejudices
that can never be removed.