Admonition to Walter’s Second Mother-in-law
57
this matter. He must seek wisdom from God. I do not desire Walter
to bestow one dollar in this destitute field unwillingly, for unwilling
offerings are not accompanied with the blessing of God. I have no
urging to do and do not wish to force money from anyone even for the
work of God.
God has a work to do, and I am using all the means that I can spare,
and provide myself with home, livelihood, and common conveniences.
There are others who gladly and willingly help me in this part of the
Lord’s vineyard. If all do their duty according to the measure of their
responsibilities, the amount entrusted to them will be doubled. He
who gives back to God His own will be honored for his fidelity and
will hear the Master say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
But it is not proper for persons to give just as the notion may strike
them. Christ has a right to all that we have.
You must not be surprised that Walter does not feel free to help your
son. If your son has not appreciated the opportunities and privileges
he has had, if he has misapplied his own powers, and wasted his God-
given talents, the question is, will he do better upon a second trial?
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Has he learned the lesson that God wills he should learn? There are
many precious souls who would be so glad of a chance to obtain an
education, who will not sow wild oats, but will use every capability in
obtaining knowledge with which to do good.
I am surprised that Walter did not at once accede to your request,
as you were the mother of his wife whom he loves. It may be that he
is learning caution, and is taking the lesson of the past to heart. He
has helped many whom it was not his duty to help. You should take
his refusal to give you money as an evidence of his sincerity in that he
will not compromise himself to win your favor. I am sure that Walter
means to do his duty. The mistakes he made in bestowing his money
on his first wife’s family have probably taught him not to repeat the
experiment. I hope that his refusal to give you means to enable your
son to go to Battle Creek or to Union College will not cause you to
become prejudiced against him. It should have no such influence.
If your daughter loves Walter C, I see nothing in the Word of God
that would require her to separate from him. As you have asked my
advice, I will freely give it to you. If Walter had given you the money
you asked for, would it not have been something like trying to buy
your favor? Would it not be much more fitting for your son to go to