Self-Control
67
become discouraged or allow themselves to be hindered in the work.
Too many become weary in well-doing. When they find that it requires
taxing effort, and constant self-control, and increased grace, as well
as knowledge, to meet the unexpected emergencies that arise, they
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become disheartened, and give up the struggle, and let the enemy of
souls have his own way. Day after day, month after month, year after
year, the work is to go on, till the character of your child is formed,
and the habits established in the right way. You should not give up and
leave your families to drift along in a loose, ungoverned manner
Never Lose Control of Yourselves—Never should we lose con-
trol of ourselves. Let us ever keep before us the perfect Pattern. It is a
sin to speak impatiently and fretfully or to feel angry—even though
we do not speak. We are to walk worthy, giving a right representation
of Christ. The speaking of an angry word is like flint striking flint: it
at once kindles wrathful feelings.
Never be like a chestnut bur. In the home do not allow yourself
to use harsh, rasping words. You should invite the heavenly Guest to
come into your home, at the same time making it possible for Him
and the heavenly angels to abide with you. You should receive the
righteousness of Christ, the sanctification of the Spirit of God, the
beauty of holiness, that you may reveal to those around you the Light
of life
“He that is slow to anger,” says the wise man, “is better than the
mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.” The
man or woman who preserves the balance of the mind when tempted to
indulge passion stands higher in the sight of God and heavenly angels
than the most renowned general that ever led an army to battle and to
victory. Said a celebrated emperor when on his dying bed, “Among all
my conquests there is but one which affords me any consolation now,
and that is the conquest I have gained over my own turbulent temper.”
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Alexander and Caesar found it easier to subdue a world than to subdue
themselves. After conquering nation after nation, they fell—one of
them “the victim of intemperance, the other of mad ambition.
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12
The Review and Herald, July 10, 1888
.
13
Manuscript 102, 1901
.
14
Good Health, November, 1880 par. 7
.