52
A Solemn Appeal
He may be a member of the family, whom she makes a confidant,
and to whom she relates her troubles, and, perhaps, her private family
matters. She shows a preference for his society.
Satan is at the bottom of this; and unless she can be alarmed, and
stopped just where she is, he will lead her to ruin. My sisters, you
cannot observe too great caution in this matter. If you have tender,
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loving words and kindly attentions to bestow, let them be given him
you have promised before God and angels to love, honor and respect,
while you both shall live. Oh! how many lives are made bitter by the
walls being broken down which inclose the privacies of every family,
calculated to preserve purity and sanctity. A third person is taken into
the confidence of the wife, and her private family matters are laid open
before the special friend. This is the device of Satan to estrange the
hearts of the husband and wife. Oh! that this would cease. What
a world of trouble would be saved! Lock the faults of one another
within your own hearts. Tell your troubles alone to God. He can give
you right counsel and sure consolation, which will be pure, having no
bitterness in it. E. G. W.