Appeal to Mothers
19
to be led astray, and learn vile habits, will suffer for their sin, yet those
guilty of instructing them will also suffer for their own sins, and the
sins they led others to commit. It were better for such if they had never
been born.
Those who would have that wisdom which is from God, must
become fools in the sinful knowledge of this age, in order to be wise.
They should shut their eyes, that they may see and learn no evil. They
should close their ears, lest they hear that which is evil, and obtain that
knowledge which would stain their purity of thoughts and acts. And
they should guard their tongues, lest they utter corrupt communications,
and guile be found in their mouths.
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All are accountable for their actions while upon probation in this
world. All have power to control their actions. If they are weak in
virtue and purity of thoughts and acts, they can obtain help from the
Friend of the helpless. Jesus is acquainted with all the weaknesses of
human nature, and, if entreated, will give strength to overcome the
most powerful temptations. All can obtain this strength if they seek
for it in humility. Jesus gives all a blessed invitation who are burdened,
and laden with sin, to come to him, the sinner’s friend. “Come unto
me, all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in
heart; and ye shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my
burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
.
Here the most inquisitive may safely learn in the school of Christ
that which will prove for their present and everlasting good. The
uneasy and dissatisfied will here find rest. With their thoughts and
affections centered in Christ, they will obtain true wisdom, which will
be worth more to them than the richest earthly treasures.
Many professed Christians do not labor perseveringly. They make
too little effort, and are not ready and willing to deny self. The prayer
of the living Christian will be to “be filled with the knowledge of
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His will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that ye may walk
worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work,
and increasing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with all might,
according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering
with joyfulness.”
Colossians 1:9-11
. “In whom are hid all the treasures
of wisdom and knowledge.”
Colossians 2:3
.