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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
anxieties and burdens frequently far exceed those of the husband and
father. Her work is a solemn and important one—to mold the minds
and fashion the characters of her children, to train them for usefulness
here and fit them for the future, immortal life. The husband in the
open missionary field may receive the honors of men, while the home
toiler may receive no earthly credit for her labor. But if she works for
the best interest of her family, seeking to fashion their characters after
the divine Model, the recording angel writes her name as one of the
greatest missionaries in the world. God does not see things as man’s
finite vision views them. How careful should the husband and father
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be to maintain his loyalty to his marriage vows. How circumspect
should be his character, lest he shall encourage thoughts in young girls,
or even in married women, that are not in accordance with the high,
holy standard,—the commandments of God. Those commandments
Christ shows to be exceedingly broad, reaching even the thoughts,
intents, and purposes of the heart. Here is where many are delinquent.
Their heart imaginings are not of the pure, holy character which God
requires; and however high their calling, however talented they may
be, God will mark iniquity against them and will count them as far
more guilty and deserving of His wrath than those who have less talent,
less light, less influence.
I am pained when I see men praised, flattered, and petted. God
has revealed to me the fact that some who receive these attentions
are unworthy to take His name upon their lips; yet they are exalted to
heaven in the estimation of finite beings, who read only from outward
appearance. My sisters, never pet and flatter poor, fallible, erring men,
either young or old, married or unmarried. You know not their weak-
nesses, and you know not but that these very attentions and this profuse
praise may prove their ruin. I am alarmed at the shortsightedness, the
want of wisdom, that many manifest in this respect.
Men who are doing God’s work and who have Christ abiding in
their hearts will not lower the standard of morality, but will ever seek
to elevate it. They will not find pleasure in the flattery of women or in
being petted by them. Let men, both single and married, say: “Hands
off! I will never give the least occasion that my good should be evil
spoken of. My good name is capital of far more value to me than gold
or silver. Let me preserve it untarnished. If men assail that name, it
shall not be because I have given them occasion to do so, but for the