Chapter 27—A Sacred Circle
Sanctity of the Family Circle—There is a sacred circle around
every family which should be preserved. No other one has any right in
that sacred circle. The husband and wife should be all to each other.
The wife should have no secrets to keep from her husband and let
others know, and the husband should have no secrets to keep from his
wife to relate to others. The heart of his wife should be the grave for
the faults of the husband, and the heart of the husband the grave for his
wife’s faults. Never should either party indulge in a joke at the expense
of the other’s feelings. Never should either the husband or wife in sport
or in any other manner complain of each other to others, for frequently
indulging in this foolish and what may seem perfectly harmless joking
will end in trial with each other and perhaps estrangement. I have been
shown that there should be a sacred shield around every family
The home circle should be regarded as a sacred place, a symbol of
heaven, a mirror in which to reflect ourselves. Friends and acquain-
tances we may have, but in the home life they are not to meddle. A
strong sense of proprietorship should be felt, giving a sense of ease,
restfulness, trust
Tongues, Ears, and Eyes to Be Sanctified—Let those composing
the family circle pray that God will sanctify their tongues, their ears,
their eyes, and every member of their body. When brought into contact
with evil, it is not necessary to be overcome of evil. Christ has made it
[178]
possible for the character to be fragrant with good....
How many dishonor Christ and misrepresent His character in the
home circle! How many do not manifest patience, forbearance, for-
giveness, and true love! Many have their likes and dislikes and feel at
liberty to manifest their own perverse disposition rather than to reveal
the will, the works, the character of Christ. The life of Jesus is full of
kindness and love. Are we growing into His divine nature
1
Manuscript 1, 1855
.
2
Letter 17, 1895
.
3
Manuscript 18, 1891
.
129