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Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce
but looking unto Jesus who is the author and finisher of your faith.
Strive to run the Christian race with patience, keeping the crown of
life in view, seeking to have a knowledge of the will of God, striving
for precedence in His acquaintance and affections.
You will, I know, when convinced of the right way, act resolutely,
not as a child, but according to your convictions and not according
to your feelings. Give yourself to God without reserve, soul, body,
and spirit. Go to work in the cause of God, doing good, and the Lord
will bless you. Do not become self-centered. Think of someone’s
soul; think of the self-denying, self-sacrificing life of Jesus. Turn your
attention away from yourself to Jesus and His life and His character.—
Letter 57, 1888
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Acceptance of the Facts—August 29, 1888. I cannot see what
more can be done in this case, and I think that the only thing that you
[Walter C] can do is to give up your wife. If she is thus determined not
to live with you, both she and you would be most miserable to attempt
it. And as she has fully and determinedly set her stakes, you can only
shoulder your cross and show yourself a man....
I hope you will be a man. Lay aside this matter, go to your labor,
do your duty irrespective of everyone else on the earth, self-forgetting,
self-denying, self-sacrificing. In this will be your power. Jesus our
Redeemer comes to men and says, I love you; I want to make you
happy. He shows His hands and His feet and says, I have suffered for
your sake; I bear the shafts that are aimed at you; I will carry your
burdens; I will shelter you. Trust in My surety and you shall have the
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great reward of life forevermore.
No Time for Self-pity—I say, put your trust in God. Your mind
has been perplexed and occupied with this matter regarding your wife.
Now in the name of Jesus lay this matter down; leave your case with
the Lord. Let your experience humble you. Christ is with the weak and
the tempted and forsaken, to give them His divine sympathy and rest.
You need rest of mind. Give up Laura and fasten your affections on
God. He will give you relief. Time is short; you have no time to stop
and pity yourself; go to work for the Master. Do your duty to the very
best of your ability; do not give up to discouragement; walk humbly
with God; seek communion with God. Do not let your disappointment
make you self-centered, to think of yourself, talk of yourself.... Live
for God. Be kind, be courteous. Let not this disappointment ruin you.