Sharing the Burdens
161
feel free to go out and come into his home more as a boarder than a
husband of the family circle
Domestic duties are sacred and important; yet they are often at-
tended by a weary monotony. The countless cares and perplexities
become irritating without the variety of change and cheerful relaxation
which the husband and father frequently has ... in his power to grant
her if he chose—or rather if he thought it necessary or desirable to
do so. The life of a mother in the humbler walks of life is one of
unceasing self-sacrifice, made harder if the husband fails to appreciate
the difficulties of her position and to give her his support
Show Consideration for a Feeble Wife—The husband should
manifest great interest in his family. Especially should he be very
tender of the feelings of a feeble wife. He can shut the door against
much disease. Kind, cheerful, and encouraging words will prove more
effective than the most healing medicines. These will bring courage
to the heart of the desponding and discouraged, and the happiness
and sunshine brought into the family by kind acts and encouraging
words will repay the effort tenfold. The husband should remember
that much of the burden of training his children rests upon the mother,
that she has much to do with molding their minds. This should call
into exercise his tenderest feelings, and with care should he lighten her
burdens. He should encourage her to lean upon his large affections and
direct her mind to heaven, where there is strength and peace and a final
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rest for the weary. He should not come to his home with a clouded
brow, but should with his presence bring sunlight into the family and
should encourage his wife to look up and believe in God. Unitedly
they can claim the promises of God and bring His rich blessing into
the family
“Lead on Softly”—Many a husband and father might learn a help-
ful lesson from the carefulness of the faithful shepherd. Jacob, when
urged to undertake a rapid and difficult journey, made answer:
“The children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are
with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will
die.” “I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me
and the children be able to endure.”
6
Manuscript 80, 1898
.
7
The Signs of the Times, December 6, 1877
.
8
Testimonies For The Church 1, 306, 307
.