Self-Discipline
69
Control Yourself—We should not be discouraged if things of a
trying nature arise. Do not let your passion rise. Control yourself.
When things occur which seem unexplainable, which do not appear to
be in harmony with the great Counsel Book, do not allow your own
peace to be spoiled. Remember that there is a Witness, a heavenly
Messenger, by your side, who is your shield, your fortress. Into it you
can run, and be safe. But a word of retaliation will destroy your peace,
and your confidence in God. Who then is injured?—Yourself. Who is
grieved and wounded?—The Holy Spirit of God.
On every occasion be armed and equipped with “It is Written.”
God is your armor, on the right hand, and on the left. A flood of hasty
words may seek for expression, but say, No; no. I will not place my
feet on Satan’s ground. I will not sacrifice my peace and honor as a
child of God. I will keep in the only safe path, close beside Jesus, who
has done so much for me....
Do not be surprised if great changes are made. Do not wonder
if the men who felt themselves capable of handling the consciences
of their fellowman, and of controlling the minds and talents God has
given them should go back, and walk no more with these who believe
the truth. The truth makes too great a demand upon them. When they
see that they must die to self, and practice the principles of self-denial,
they are displeased because they cannot gratify their ambitious desire
to rule other men. Their true characters will appear. Some will make
total shipwreck of the faith. “They went out from us, but they were
not of us,” said John, and so it will be again.
Hold fast to the truth, the precious, sanctifying truth. You are
then in the best of company, and the very highest intelligences are
beholding your course of action. You are a spectacle to the world, to
angels, and to men. Under provocation, your work is to hold the faith
and a good conscience, “Which some having put away concerning
faith have made shipwreck.”—
Letter 17, 1897
(April 7, 1897).
[65]
Perverted Discipline—In dealing with the erring, harsh measures
should not be resorted to; milder means will effect far more. Make
use of the milder means most perseveringly, and even if they do not
succeed, wait patiently; never hurry the matter of cutting off a member
from the church. Pray for him, and see if God will not move upon
the heart of the erring. Discipline has been largely perverted. Those
who have had very defective characters themselves have been very