156
Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce
Now, my brother, it would be folly for you to think that you have
wisdom to discern spiritual things while you have been growing weaker
and weaker for years in moral power, and separating from the God of
wisdom. The letters written to your wife are harsh and unfeeling. The
withdrawing of your support in a large degree is not wisdom or right
on your part. And had she not a cause when she was at Oakland to be
jealous of you? Did not she see in you the interest, sympathy, and love
you gave to Sister S?
Now, for Christ’s sake, save your harsh condemnation of others,
for this shows that you are not Christlike, that you have another spirit.
I write thus plainly because I feel deeply that you need to make a more
determined effort than you have done before you stand free in the sight
of God. All your sharpness and overbearing comes from you with an
ill grace. Do humble yourself under the hand of God. Do make sure
of the favor of God, and put sin away from you.
There are but few who know to what extent this intimacy has gone,
and God forbid it shall be known and your influence lost to God’s cause
and your soul lost. I beg of you not to take it upon you to pronounce
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judgment against anyone but yourself.—
Letter 10, 1885
.
For the Good of the Cause—Dear Brother Butler: ... I have
spoken quite freely upon some things. I thought I had to do this. Am
inclined to say I will hold my peace henceforth, but as I am not my
own and as I am mightily wrought upon at times to write, I dare not
say this. I have but one object in view—not only the present but future
good of the cause and work of God. Should I resist these impressions
to write, when I am so burdened? I cannot now promise. I must
ponder these things in my heart. I must pray about them, and obey
the movings of the Spirit of God or withdraw myself from having any
connection with the work.
The Lord knows I am not pleased with this kind of work. I love
and respect my brethren, and would not in the slightest manner demerit
them, cause them pain; but I have tried to move with an eye single to
the glory of God. I feel a sadness now upon me and confusion that I
cannot see clearly my duty.
God’s Answer to Prayer for Victory—I wrote some things to
H. He wrote me that it was just as I had stated the matter. I was so
burdened with a dream I had that I arose at three o’clock and wrote to
Elder H that he had not kept his promise, that while he was engaged