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The Virtuous Woman
BY SISTER JANE ROBERTS
CHAPTER 1 - Early Days
Difficulties • Young Sisters • Dress • Reading • Companions
CHAPTER 2 - The Married
State
The ill-mated • Drawbacks of Unequal Yoking • Married in the Lord • Extravagant
Expectations • Wise Adjustments
CHAPTER 3 - At Home As A
Wife
In the Household • The Daily Reading • Attention to Health • The Morning Bath •
Out-door Exercise • Management of The Children
CHAPTER 4 - Deportment
Towards Husband and Children
Mistaken Husbands • The Assistance of Prayer • The Children • The Dressing of
Children
CHAPTER 5 - Life Towards
Others
"Our Works" • A Fine House and Wasted Time
CHAPTER 6 - The Goal of a
Woman's Life in Christ
"Pleasure" • Doing Good • "The Life That Now Is" • The Last
Answer
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Difficulties • Young Sisters • Dress • Reading • Companions
MUCH has been written concerning the
position of woman by those who look at her from a merely secular point of view,
from her advocates of the American school down to the latest London critic in
the Saturday Review. Her rights have been discussed: they have been advocated,
they have been vindicated, or they have been denied according to the temper of
the writers who have taken her case in hand.
But to the woman professing godliness, these
utterances amount to nothing for practical guidance. She may, sometimes, allow
herself to be entertained by them, but she will not take her cue from such
sources, lest she be led astray. To her there is but one standpoint from which
to view her own position, and from which to judge of what is becoming and
dutiful. To the Scriptures of truth she must turn for guidance. In them she
must find her "model," her manual for direction in all the affairs of
life, her book of fashion, and her instructor in true etiquette.
The world's etiquette is mostly the
beautiful form of emptiness, or worse. A godly woman's etiquette will be
without dissimulation. Her love will be genuine, springing from principle
rather than the impulse of partiality, which will render the service of her
hands more graceful, engaging, and acceptable than all the elegant posing of
her deluded sisters in the flesh. Having, by the belief of the glad tidings and
union with Christ in baptism, placed herself under law to him, the object of her
greatest solicitude will be, in all cases, to ascertain the will of Christ
concerning her ways. It matters little to her, and ought really to affect her
little, what any outside of his law may think of her; and, indeed, she must not
even allow the opinion of her brethren and sisters to unduly influence her
conduct. "Christ first, must be her motto, and the desire to please him
must be the guiding principle of her life. She must make up her mind to
encounter
DIFFICULTIES.
Her path through life will be beset by many
difficulties peculiar to her position. She is not at liberty to please herself
at all times, nor to follow the frivolous pursuits considered appropriate to
the world around her. Espoused to one who forbids the dissipation of her mind
with the vanities of a world lying in wickedness, she must act in faithfulness
of her adopted standard at the risk of unpopularity with her sex,
Christ requires her to be highly adorned,
but not with the quality of ornament in vogue with this present evil world. She
expects shortly to be called forth to the celebration of the nuptials; and as
the bridegroom she is to meet is none other than the King of kings and Lord of
lords, she should be supremely anxious to array herself according to his
expressed desire, that she may be wellpleasing in his sight in the day of his
appearing.
To accomplish this will take much of her
time. Her neighbours and acquaintances in the world require all their time for
the conducting of their affairs pertaining to this life, so the woman who has
for her aim the attainment of the world to come, must, at the onset, agree to
forfeit some of the world's respectability and esteem, her time and money being
devoted to other things than those the world considers all-important. She must
consider it a settled matter that she cannot serve God and mammon. She cannot
please the world and please him also who hath called her to his kingdom and
glory. Her absent Lord and Master has left this on record, and it is her peril
that she call his word in question.
YOUNG SISTERS.
To the young sister, who has been so
fortunate as to receive the truth in the morning of life, it will be of the
very highest importance that she begin at once to equip herself for the good
fight of faith. Upon no arm of flesh must she entirely lean. She has entered
upon a course of trial, though, at the first it will not, probably, appear so
to her. She has just received the truth with much gladness. All appears joyous
and bright, and her only desire is that the Lord would come and permit her to
realize the glowing visions of which she reads, when the saints will take the
kingdom and reign with Christ upon earth. This time will come, and is longed
for by every son and daughter of the Lord Almighty, but the young sister must
remember that this honour is reserved for saints. Her saintship will have to be
developed by her obedience in the truth, and it will all depend upon her
faithfulness to him who has called her to be a saint, whether in the day of
judgment she will pass into the ranks of that honourable company or not.
She will not have gone far in the straight
and narrow way before her difficulties begin. It is designed by God for every
one adopted into His family that they shall be tried. His people are to be
prepared people-like polished stones- like gold tried in the fire. As years
advance, cares and responsibilities and troubles increase, and the young sister
must not think that she will prove any exception to the rule. If she be a
faithful sister, she will not. In whatever position in life she may be placed,
she can labour for Christ, and she can suffer for his sake. His will and desire
concerning her is that she should do so, and continue to do so till he calls
her to the high destiny he has promised. His words are, "Whosoever taketh
not up his cross and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." The taking
up of the cross would imply a voluntary act-not merely the enduring of
something inevitable; but the deliberately doing of something that will bring
endurance in some shape or form, and that for Christ's sake. Each particular
condition of life will present opportunities for this cross-bearing.
DRESS.
An engrossing concern with young girls
naturally is their appearance and dress; and excess in mere outward adornment
is among their besetting sins. The young sister is at liberty to adorn herself;
but she must be careful to have her ornaments chosen and adjusted according to
the fashion book inscribed by the spirit. This requires that she be richly
adorned with good works, and modestly attired as regards dress. If she be rich
in good works, she will of necessity cripple her ability to gratify the fleshly
desire to be richly-apparelled outwardly-which desire, if indulged, would
cripple her ability to adorn herself spiritually. If she be moderate in her
expenditure upon herself, she will doubtless be able to have something to
expend in the service of Christ. He asks of her the first place in her
affections. If she loves him, and at all appreciates the high destiny to which
he has called her, she will make it a rule to let his claim have her first
consideration in all matters. To begin early in life thus to train herself,
will make many things easier of accomplishment in years to come, than if she
should live the best part of her life, and then begin to try to crucify the
natural desires.
READING.
Nothing will so much assist her in her
determination to consecrate herself to Christ, as the daily reading of the
scriptures. Other reading wisely selected may have a useful place, but the
reading of the scriptures she ought to regard, and practice as an imperative
duty. Let her at all hazards read some every day; this will to some extent be
keeping company with Christ himself, for he is the great theme of the sacred
book. He is the beginning and the ending of it. To him all the types and
shadows point. In him is centred all the hope of the future glory foretold by
the prophets. He is the burden of their theme. In the narratives concerning his
sayings and doings while on earth, there is the opportunity of making close
acquaintance with him whose meat and drink it was to do the will of Him who
sent him, and in the study of his gracious words, may she hope to be purified
and assimilated to his divine character, and greatly aided in her resolve to
devote herself to the knowing and doing the will of her Father who is in
Heaven.
She cannot keep him company personally like
the sisters who ministered to him in the days of his flesh; but she will know
that there are many ways in which she can keep him company so long as he has
brethren and sisters, and his own truth in the earth to be countenanced, and
encouraged, and served; and she will remember that he has said, that whatsoever
is done faithfully to one of the least of his disciples, he regards as done to
himself. She will therefore have plenty of ways in which to show her love to
her absent Lord, by the keeping of his commandments. She will want as much time
as ever she can command for gaining the knowledge of himself, and the Father's
glorious purposes concerning him, which the scriptures reveal in all the
manifold aspects in which he is therein represented, and to perform the duties
she owes to him.
The young sister should be on her guard
against indiscriminate reading. The torrent of books that pours in our day from
the press, exposes the young mind to a mental dissipation that is disastrous
spiritually. Specially would I mention novel-reading as a thing to be avoided.
Its effect is blighting in a spiritual sense, in depraving the mental appetite
and throwing a shade over spiritual things. A certain pleasure is connected
with it, but it is a hurtful pleasure which sisters are wise to deny
themselves. Its indulgence will hinder the work of the truth in their minds.
COMPANIONS.
In nothing is a young sister more exposed to
danger than in the choice of company. She will do well to be on her guard, and
choose only those whose aims are the same as she herself has chosen. Let her
avoid frivolous company, whether professedly in the truth or not. All are not
Israel who are of Israel, neither are all wise who profess the truth. She
should cultivate sobriety without being morose. Let her discourage levity and
light talk as spiritually hurtful, and when possible avail herself of the
society of soberminded brethren and sisters, with whom intercourse will be
profitable and instructive, remembering the words of Solomon, "He that
walketh with wise men shall be wise."
Let her be specially mindful of the
allegiance she owes to Christ in the choice of a companion for life. It is
natural and right that her thoughts turn in this direction, and a truly holy
relationship may come of it, but let her be sure to encourage no advances
outside of the truth, nor be won over by promises to consider the truth when a
union has been effected. The snares that encircle a union of this sort (which
would be a virtual allying of herself with the world) are more dreadful and
numerous and intricate than a young girl dreams of. "Be not unequally
yoked together with unbelievers" is an apostolic injunction, and uttered
for our benefit, as the mind of Christ. Even in the truth, let her be careful
that the brother with whom she would keep company in view of a life-long
relationship, is thoroughly in love with the truth, and bent upon a faithful
obedience to it, and let them together beware of the tendency of the young mind
to overlook the obligations which the possession of the truth imposes, and to
make the profession of it a mere garb or occasion for serving the flesh.
I have known cases in which the truth has
been thus associated, with the result of the flesh triumphing to the
suppression of the things of the Spirit. As she prizes the successful issue of
her earthly career, let the young sister take all heed in the beginning of the
journey, that in this matter she take no false step. She ought in this, as in
all matters that affect her well-being, to seek and earnestly desire guidance
and direction from God. He has caused the promise to be placed on record:
"In all thy ways acknowledge the Lord, and he will direct thy path."
Let her confide her cause to Him, and go forward in trustful confidence.
When she enters the married relation, her
duties and her dangers are to some extent different, and will form the subject
of another chapter.
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The
Ill-mated • Drawbacks of Unequal Yoking • Married In The Lord
Extravagant Expectations • Wise Adjustments
The relations of the married state are very
different from those considered in the last chapter. Paul recognises this difference
in saying "the unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord that she
may be holy both in body and spirit; but she that is married careth for the
things of the world how she may please her husband." This may have had
special applicability in Paul's day, when the outward circumstances connected
with the profession of the truth (with regard to persecution) were of a kind to
gender greater consecratedness in those unburdened by social ties. It would
also be specially applicable where sisters were fettered by union with
unbelieving husbands. Doubtless it is on all cases more or less true that the
single have advantages peculiar to unmarried life. Still, single life is not
always necessarily spiritual in its tendency.
That the married state is such is not
incompatible with faithful service to Christ, Paul allows in his advice to
young widows (1 Tim. v. 14), also in many other allusions to the same matter in
several of his epistles, Peter also acknowledges the same in his exhortation to
husband and wife in the truth to walk together according to knowledge, "as
being heirs together of the grace of life." The married state doubtless
entails "trouble in the flesh;" but with double sorrows, we may count
upon double joys where there is union and fellowship in the truth. It is the
natural relation of man and woman and does much to broaden the sympathies and
break down artificial views of life.
To the married woman, the possession of the
truth is an inestimable boon; not that the knowledge of it merely will benefit
her; but the possession of it in the sense of an indwelling principle, will be
of incalculable value in guiding her affections and sustaining her in the
trying and difficult circumstances that are sometimes the peculiar experiences
of a wife.
THE ILL-MATED.
In the ordinary walks of life, and outside
of the truth, it not unfrequently happens that a wife fails to constitute a
companion to her husband. He may have tastes in certain directions, scientific,
literary, or otherwise, in which she cannot keep him company; either because
her tastes do not lie in the same direction or because her more limited
opportunities prevent her keeping pace with her husband's attainments. She may
be possessed of ability, and excel in her own sphere of labour; but the duties connected
with this may be so numerous and urgent as to engage her attention, to the
exclusion of those matters which especially interest her husband.
Through the effect of this on her mind, she
may come to regard his particular bias as a weakness, which will only help to
widen the gap which he feels to exist between himself and his wife, because she
cannot or does not take any interest in that which to him is the source of the
highest pleasure.
Now, in the truth, the chances of such a
hitch are greatly lessened. The possession of the truth furnishes a basis upon
which, if husband and wife have embraced it from the heart, both may be firmly
joined together in one mind. It may be that the sister has not been fortunate
enough to be united to a companion in this respect. Married in ignorance, she
may have received the truth since entering wedlock, her husband not bearing her
company in the matter. Even in this case, the truth will be to her a great
advantage. It will prove a solace to her amid the troubles and cares incident
to her position. And she can indulge the hope that she may be some day cheered
by her husband's acceptance of it.
To this end let her labour, ever mindful of
her own deportment, as one professing godliness, and encouraged in her labour
of hope by the words of Peter, whose advice is in this direction to those
having unbelieving husbands, so that they (the unbelieving husbands), may even
"without the word, be won by the conversation of their wives."
DRAWBACKS OF UNEQUAL YOKING.
There are, doubtless, many drawbacks to a
sister who finds herself in this position. She is thereby deprived of much
encouragement and help, and experiences many obstacles which would not exist
with her husband's hearty co-operation in and identification with the truth. Still,
even this form of evil may not exist without advantage to the sister so
circumstanced, though such advantage will, doubtless, rank among the
"forced benefits" of her experience. One of them will be that she
will be thrown upon her own resources for spiritual sustenance, and her
profiting will, doubtless, appear in her individual intelligence and
spontaneity in the truth.
At the same time, there is much danger. Her
connection with an unbelieving husband may exclude the atmosphere of the truth,
and surround her with adverse influences which she may be unable to resist. She
may, if not on her guard, be insensibly and gradually robbed of her enthusiasm
for the truth, and having a name to live, may become dead. The simple principle
of placing "Christ first," her Lord, in all her course through life,
would prove a guiding star out of many a dangerous path into which she might
otherwise be led. Better brave the disfavour of husband and friends than
imperil a favourable reception from the King of kings, when he comes forth to
judge his household.
Of course, she will require to use
discretion in such a matter, and not unnecessarily cause trouble; still, if she
cannot comply with the commands of Christ without giving offence to her
husband, she has no alternative. But let her see to it that it is really the
offence of the truth, and not the flesh in some form taking advantage of the
liberty wherewith the truth has made us free.
If she have brought herself into this
condition of unequal yoking subsequent to her acceptance of the truth, she will
have ample reason to repent her folly and her sin, and will, probably, find
sufficient retribution in the increased difficulties which she will find around
her, in the good fight of faith. If she have arrived at a knowledge of the
truth after her union with an unbeliever, she can, at least, rejoice that she
has done so, and will make the best of her surroundings, hoping by her faithful
endeavours to bring about a better and more harmonious state of things.
MARRIED IN THE LORD.
To those who know by happy experience the
blessedness of union and fellowship in the truth, nothing need be said. Their
joint labours will show the sweet advantage of being of one accord, and of one
mind: fellow helpers into the Kingdom of God, and heirs together of the grace
of life; growing up into Christ who is the head-being rooted and grounded in
the love of him. To such the truth is a never-failing source of interest. It
furnishes them with occupation for all their spare time, and more, and so great
is the variety of ways in which it will claim their attention, help and
sympathy, that, whether occupying the highest or the lowest or the middle place
in society, they will find enough to fill their hands, and will certainly have
no time for the genteel frivolities with which it is customary in
"society" to fill up the time. Their private studies can hardly be
placed on the list of labour. These are to them as resting places where they
drink and are refreshed, and strengthened to resume the journey, in which they
are firmly united as fellow pilgrims, toiling together with strong purpose for
a common end.
But this happy experience does not fall to
the lot of all who profess the truth. There are cases in which husband and
wife, both professedly in the truth, do not run smoothly together. There are
many reasons for this unfortunate state of things, some of which cannot
entirely be done away with, though most of them may be modified. The great bulk
of the brethren and sisters belong to the class who have to toil most of the
time in secular matters-each in their own department, and each having to endure
much fatigue and weariedness, which unfits for that cordial manifestation of
appreciation which under more easy circumstances would flow from each to the
other, rendering daily intercourse a source of mutual happiness and comfort.
Still, the fact that some hard working couples get along without strife or
jarring, shows that fatigue alone does not constitute a barrier to conjugal
felicity in the truth. The probability is that shortcomings on both sides are
the direct or indirect cause of the difficulty; or it may be that a high sense
of the obligations of the truth on one side is not reciprocated on the other.
Now as a life of continual jarring, whatever the cause, must be prejudicial to
progress of the truth, it would be well for the sister who finds herself thus
placed, to try to discover if she possibly can, how she may by any modification
of her own behaviour, bring about a happier and more becoming state of things. It
would be better for her to forego even what she might legitimately claim as her
right, if the truth would be thereby served, than stand out for it at the cost
of a perpetual unpleasantness, which interferes with the work of the Spirit.
She will always have the consolation that whatever she loses by the service of
the truth now (if incurred willingly) will be repaid her an hundredfold when
the Lord returns.
This is taking for granted that she is a
true sister-one of Sarah's daughters, willing in all things to be subject to
the will of her Lord. Indeed unless she be this, there is no chance for her at
all in the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit. "Christ first"
means self last, or rather, self crucified, and therefore, in a suffering and humble
condition. The consecration of self to Christ and his truth, needs daily
renewing amid the daily occupations in which we engage, and only in this daily
renewal of service and sacrifice, may the true sister hope to attain that
spirit of ready obedience in all things to the will of Christ, which will
enable her to endure patiently, and avoid the rock upon which others split and
flounder who do not endure, but who murmur and dispute about what they ought to
endure, as seeing Him who is invisible. If the love of Christ were paramount in
each, the troubles that disturb in this manner could not arise. This love of
Christ needs continual strengthening by intercourse with him in the word and in
prayer. Yesterday's supply will not entirely suffice for today. And in this matter
we should be careful not to deceive ourselves. A sister may imagine that she
loves Christ supremely; but let her test herself by what she is willing to
endure for his sake. She may find that she has overrated her affection; that
many things dispute the pre-eminence with him in her mind and affections. She
will find it a work of time to gain the mastery over her own natural desires,
and to readily and willingly give the first and best consideration to him who
alone is worthy of it. Yet let her not lose heart because she finds herself
defective. She will, in the end, overcome and conquer, if her faith fail not;
and never forget that "faith cometh by hearing," and bearing by
"the Word of God." She has special need to fortify herself.
EXTRAVAGANT EXPECTATIONS.
She may find much more to contend with than
she had expected on entering the married state. She may have pictured to
herself the delightful times she would have when united to one in the truth,
who would be to her a continued help and instructor. Perhaps she expected too
much from him, and forgot that she would also have to do her part, as having at
last to give an account of herself. Perhaps she had pictured to herself the
delightful evenings they would spend together when her husband could read aloud
to her, as she busied herself with her needle, and how the heavenly dews of
spiritual refreshing would continually descend, as the result of her husband's
ministrations in things divine.
Her actual experience in married life will
greatly disappoint her. She overlooked the fact that her husband also would be
in need of ministration; that his arduous struggle with an evil world outside
would unfit him in some degree for positive attention, and lead him to look to
home as a haven of rest, when each day's toil was ended.
Must not his disappointment be great if he
finds his partner more an additional weight than a relief, and not by any means
the fellow helper he had fondly anticipated? If there is not great care to
exercise forbearance here, a rupture of the happy experience of first-wedded
days will take place. It will above all things be necessary first, that both
husband and wife be thoroughly in love with the truth, having the fear and hope
and love of God richly dwelling in each, independently, inducing in each a
willingness to submit to whatever the truth requires at their hands.
It must be remembered that the faithful
profession of the truth entails trial in some form or other. It brings many
advantages; but that does not render inapplicable to us the intimation of Paul
to the believers of his age, that all who will live godly must suffer,
according to the circumstances in which they are placed. If the husband is a
faithful son of God, the claims of the truth will occupy much of his time, and
his sister-wife may be deprived of much of his company in consequence.
WISE ADJUSTMENTS.
She may also in many ways be called upon to
forego much that she might legitimately claim as her right and privilege. Her
husband's faithfulness to the truth, may decide him on courses that will
deprive himself in many respects, and in this he expects, and is entitled to
realise, that his wife as a daughter of the same Father will be able to join
him. It will be well for her, and for her husband, if this is the case. It may
bring deprivations and bitterness in some directions, but let her remember for
whose sake she is called upon thus to suffer, not forgetting his promise and
abundant reward in the future, if the cross is willingly borne now.
Even if she thinks her husband extreme in his
actions, and finds sometimes that his readiness to serve, and liberality in the
truth, deprives her of the opportunities she might wish of showing spontaneity
in the same direction, let her be comforted with the thought that in his
labours and service and sacrifice for the truth, she is a sharer and co-
labourer if she readily and unmurmuringly bear the share of disadvantage such
service may bring to her, and that in the end she will share the reward of
faithful stewardship which her husband seeks to earn by his devotion now.
It is very necessary that a sister-wife
should cultivate the powers of self-sustenance in the truth. When she has
attained this, she will find herself in the possession of a powerful protection
against the disappointments incident to a husband's absence from home, or his
occupation when at home to her apparent neglect. It will enable her to bear up
with cheerful countenance and hopeful heart, when her immediate surroundings
are not such as might inspire that frame of mind. It will be a great help to
herself and an aid to her husband, and often supply the first links in the
chain that will lead to profitable and happy re-union at the end of a day's
toil on both sides.
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In
The Household • The Daily Reading • Attention to Health
The Morning Bath • Out-door Exercise • Management of the Children
Why should the sister-wife acquire the power
of self-sustenance in the truth? Not that she may shake herself free from her
husband's influence and set up on her own behalf: but that she may realize in
the privations incident to her position, that help, encouragement and
happiness, which it was designed the conjugal relation should yield, but which
it may fail at all times to give.
To attain the necessary degree of
self-sustenance, we must remember that the highest object of life is to please
Him who has called us to be saints: perfecting holiness in ourselves through
the fear and love and obedience of Him. The sister married in the Lord, has her
part to perform, and frequently an arduous and onerous one. She requires to be
strengthened inwardly to sustain her in the discharge of it.
If she depends too much upon her husband,
she runs the risk of disappointment; and whatever disappoints, is a hindrance
and source of weakness, that must, if possible, be avoided. She loves her
husband, and desires his company. He loves his wife, and desires her welfare in
all things. It would be his choice to spend his leisure time with her; but, the
claims of duty he cannot disregard: and these frequently call him from her
side. The necessity of growing in the truth also requires him to withdraw
himself sometimes for study. Now, let not the sister who has to forego ordinary
home pleasure for the truth's sake, imagine that she is in a special degree
aggrieved. The experience of the sisterhood generally in this respect, will be
in many instances similar to her own. The problem to be solved is, how so to
deport herself in the evil inevitably attendant upon this state of trial, as to
secure the blessing of the age to come.
IN THE HOUSEHOLD.
That the sister-wife should be able to
sustain her part is highly necessary. Her position in the household is an all-
important and influential one. Her influence for good or evil is great. If she
will but rise to the dignity of her calling in the truth, and to the honour,
responsibility and power attaching to it; as the helpmeet of one of like
precious faith, to whom she may prove a true helper unto the kingdom of God,
and as being herself a candidate for eternal life; her labour will be ennobled
in her own estimation, and she will be greatly encouraged in the work of
overcoming the evil in herself and around her. Should she be tempted to think
her position too obscure, and her sphere of action too limited to be of any
account; let her remember, that it is only in proportion to the means at our
disposal that we shall have to render account. It was the servant with only one
talent who failed through not using it. Let us take warning, and make the best
of even small opportunities, lest by any means we should fail of the grace of
God.
THE DAILY READING.
On no account should a sister permit a day
to pass without her daily Bible reading. The mind is so liable to be affected
by what is passing around, that the things of the Spirit grow dim if not
continually presented in a direct form. There is nothing in the world, to
remind us of the more enduring, but as yet unseen, things of the Spirit, and
the only means we have of retaining and deepening our impressions of them, is
by contact with what has been left on record for our special benefit in this
respect.
Let it not be said by any, that they have
not time to read every day. It is possible for the busiest hand or head to
spare ten minutes, at least, every day for receiving into the mind the
refreshing ideas preserved for our instruction and comfort, which in being
transferred to the mental tablet, become a stimulating power in the performance
of duty; and though small, this daily dropping from the pure fountain will
sustain spiritual life; when without it, the mind would of necessity become
parched and dry.
In the endeavour to secure this most
necessary daily bread, the Bible Companion will be found of great service,
especially where the time for reading is limited. Being provided in it with an
indicated portion, there is no time wasted in the consideration of what would
be best to read, and there is also this advantage, that the reader is conducted
through the whole of the Bible in a given time; whereas in adopting other modes
of reading, in all probability some parts never would come under notice at all.
The reading with the Bible Companion need not in any way interfere with the
more extended study of the word or the reading of other books where time permits;
but it will at all events secure, in the midst of a busy life, that refreshment
of spirit, and growth in knowledge, without which we cannot hope to progress in
spiritual life.
THE BEST TIME FOR READING.
The morning, or at least early in the day,
is the most suitable time, so far as profitableness is concerned. The mind is
more free to receive impressions then than when the business of the day is in
full swing. At a later period, the mind is generally too much occupied to give
that close attention which is necessary to give the reading of the word that
power that is desirable. And again there is this advantage in reading early in
the day, that the mind is sustained throughout the day's occupation by the
impetus received from the reading.
The duties of some may not admit of morning
reading Each must wisely determine for herself at what time of the day she can
best secure the benefit; and once the practice is begun, it is necessary to
persevere. For this some determination is necessary. Put not off your reading
to a time when, from pre-occupation or weariedness, your mind is unfitted to
profit by the exercise. It may not be always practicable for the married sister
to secure her reading at the same time or hour of the day; still, if she
persevere in the attempt, even in spite of hindrances-the presence of little
ones not excepted-she will be astonished at what she can accomplish, and will
surely secure the prize, and reap enduring benefit.
Apparently unfavourable circumstances may be
turned to excellent account in this way. It has not unfrequently happened that
a mother with a young infant has secured more opportunities for reading, than
under ordinary circumstances; because she has snatched her book whenever she
sat down to suckle her baby, and so availed herself of an opportunity to
increase her knowledge which might not otherwise have presented itself; and
which yet is overlooked or thought impossible by many. As her family increases,
her ingenuity in this matter will be brought into play. She will devise ways
and means for continuing this most indispensable aid to sustenance in the path
of life. Persevering in it, she will the more and more easily continue to
secure the privilege of reading, because, as time goes on, she will learn to
prize it above all price, and to regard it as a thing as necessary as daily
food. She will find herself trained at last, rather to forego something else
than lose her reading.
ATTENTION TO HEALTH.
Next in importance to keeping the mind
invigorated by the things of the spirit, is the duty of attention to the laws
that govern physical well-being. If we can maintain a fair degree of health
(and this is about all we can hope to do in this evil state), we shall greatly
increase the possibility of cheerfulness and vigour in the performance of the
daily duties. It is astonishing how much is in peoples' power in this matter,
and it is lamentable that so much neglect should prevail with the consequent
reaping of much needless debility and languor, and unfitness for spiritual
hardihood. The bulk of sisters, it is true, have little time to study or
opportunity to put in practice the laws that govern our physical economy. But
there are certain simple aids to health which are within the reach of all more
or less, which, if persistently practised, would tend much to lighten the evils
that most easily beset this mortal frame, and interfere with the earnest desire
to triumph over difficulties. It is to these simple aids that I wish to refer.
They have a decided spiritual bearing, though it may not appear so on the
surface.
THE MORNING BATH.
The morning bath ought to be a standing
institution in every household. The benefits of it can only be estimated by
those who enjoy its daily use. In this as with the daily reading, none need say
they cannot spare time. It takes far less time than most people waste in
bedside dawdle, and it is one of those things that the more quickly it is
performed, the better. Nor can it be objected to as a luxury which many cannot
afford. It is not necessary to go to any expense at all. A properly constructed
bath is, of course, best if procurable, but the benefit of morning ablution can
be secured with no other appliance than a closed door and an ordinary wash hand
basin. With this, a sponge, piece of flannel or wet towel, the whole body may
be quickly wetted (bit by bit, if one is delicate), and then briskly dried with
a good rough towel. The action produces a healthful glow, and diffuses general
vigour through all the faculties.
The muscular exercise which this process compels
morning by morning, is no insignificant part of the benefit; and will greatly
tend to promote bodily strength and general health, without which the finest
accomplishments are useless tinsel. The courageous performance of this duty,
make one feel impervious to the discomfort usually experienced in beginning a
new day.
In many instances where a mother feels in a
morning more like going to bed than getting up, through a disturbed night with
her baby, this simple performance wipes off her weariness wonderfully, and
enables her to grapple with the morning's duties much more comfortably to
herself than she could otherwise have done. Persevered in, it would certainly
tell beneficially on the health, and would prove in this respect a valuable aid
in the battle of life.
OUTDOOR EXERCISE.
A state of robust health is impossible if a
sister is within doors the whole time. Consider that the life is in the blood,
and that the blood depends upon the air for its purity and vigour: and it will
be seen why so many are pining and weakly, who never stir out of doors days and
days at a time. If sisters were aware of the advantage which results from a
walk in the open air (and they ought with their enlightenment, to be aware of
it), they surely would make greater efforts in this direction. It is painfully
evident that many droop and suffer in various ways, from staying all the time
within doors. Let them try the experiment of a run out every day. Even a
quarter of an hour every day will do them more good than a whole month once a
year by the seaside, if all the rest of the time is spent in the house.
Domestic purchases will always give abundant
occasion for daily walks; and if these are out of her way, let her make a visit
where she may be of service-say to an invalid (just for a few minutes) her walk
will do her a double benefit. She will bring back with her the pleasant
reflection that someone besides herself has benefited by her outing; and the
healthful stimulus of both will be felt afterwards.
Where no such errand presents itself, and
she has nothing specially calling her out, don't let her yield to the
temptation of staying in the house. Let her take her walk by any means; it will
give her the opportunity of inhaling the invigorating air outside, and if she
be within reach of green fields and shady lanes, let her enjoy the sweet season
of contact with the soothing quietude so conducive to meditation. She will
return greatly renewed in her purpose, and increased in her ability to pursue
the steady way of life, in preference to the empty pursuits of the world around
her. She will, in this matter of going out, have to be very determined; for she
will frequently have to encounter obstacles, in disinclination, and in the many
claims of household matters requiring her attention; and if she give in, she
will soon find herself in the weary valley again.
Let her determine, as in the case of
reading, at all hazards, to secure this great boon-this almost indispensable
condition to a successful walk in this Spirit. How much better is she able to
meet the demands of her family cares after she has had a run out for a short
time, than after a day's stewing in the house over some troublesome piece of
work, upon which she has exhausted nearly all her patience. And how much better
able she is to bear her husband company at the close of her day's work, if she
has thus healthfully varied her occupation during the day.
Let her try the experiment, and she will
find growing upon her the power to minister to and to bless others, instead of
being a sufferer in want of being ministered unto. Even if her husband be
faulty, and remiss in his profession of the truth and practice thereof, she
will by this power of self- sustenance, be able to maintain her own position in
the truth; and by her exemplary behaviour, may assist her husband into a more
excellent way. It will also be of very great service to her in the training of
her children. If she first be able to rule herself, she will be the more able
wisely to rule those under her.
MANAGEMENT OF THE CHILDREN.
This is a matter in which unanimity with her
husband will be more precious than rubies. When husband and wife are divided in
opinion as to the treatment of their children, it is an unhappy thing for the
children and for themselves also. Such a difference, besides making a proper
government of the children impossible, will probably result in their loss of
respect for one, or perhaps both of their parents.
It too often happens that the mother is
guided solely by her maternal instincts, instead of allowing her judgment to
decide what is best for the child. When punishment is really called for, and
the father would judiciously administer it, her sympathetic interference
entirely spoils the wholesome effect of the punishment, making the child feel
that by the infliction of the chastisement, it has been aggrieved, instead of
merely receiving the merited penalty of transgression.
Then the father is naturally irritated at
the lack of wisdom in his wife. It will be well if he be able to bear with her
in this weakness, and endeavour to show her how injurious to the best interests
of their children her interference will prove. If she allows her judgment to
rule, she will have gained a victory over herself, and a new source of
thankfulness; for if husband and wife are united in the hallowed work of
bringing up their little ones in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, they
may look forward in hope to a full reward of their joint labour in this
respect, in the age to come, when father and son, mother and daughter, shall rejoice
together in the kingdom of God. Even now, there will be a reward in the
up-growing of tractable and intelligent sons and daughters, interested in all
that concerns the household.
It will be well for the sister to remember
that while it is quite true that our maternal instincts are implanted by an
All- wise Creator (and most wisely, too, for without them how could a mother
endure the toil and incessant unrest which attend the rearing of her little
treasures), the natural instincts-every one of them, have to be brought into
subjection to, and regulated by the truth. Crucified is the word Paul uses, and
if we consider what that means, we can understand how it is that we cannot
follow in safety the dictates of the merely natural impulses.
Of course, the same rule applies to the
father equally with the mother, only, in such a matter, it is more likely that
the father would be guided by his judgment, simply for this reason, that men as
a rule more readily act from reason than women. The instincts of the latter are
much more quick, and where the sympathies are fully engaged, they are liable to
act from impulse, where men would more coolly reflect before acting. Still,
both will require to exercise in themselves that control which the truth
inculcates, and to extend to each other that forbearance and consideration
which must ever be needed while we remain in this imperfect state, entailing
upon us as it does, in spite of higher aspirations, much weakness and failing
by the way.
It is an enjoyable sight (it has been called
the most beautiful picture on earth), to see husband and wife united in mutual
love and respect (as heirs of immortality), with their children growing up
around them, taught by precept and example the fear of the Lord. Such a home is
a true haven of rest for the wearied spirit, and a well of continual refreshing
in the journey through the dry and parched land of a world lying in wickedness.
Such it is intended to be; for the apostle Paul could use no more fitting
simile to represent the close and endearing union existing between Christ and
his faithful brethren. I have something more to say of the ways and means by
which the married sister may be aided in successfully fulfilling her part.
Back to Index
Deportment Towards Husband and
Children
Mistaken
Husbands • The Assistance of Prayer • The Children
The Dressing of the Children
PAUL tells us that in Christ "there is
neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3: 28).
But this truth is misapplied if it is allowed to interfere with the social
relations of the present state. Whilst we are all called to the kingdom of God,
our positions in life, meanwhile, may be widely different. Paul, for instance,
acknowledges the relationship of master and servant among the saints. He does
not direct a man when he receives the truth to cease being a master, neither is
he who is called, being a servant, to cease his service on that account. They
who have believing masters are to count them worthy of more honour because they
are brethren; and a brother who finds himself in the position of a master, has
it enjoined upon him to give his servants that which is just and equal, dealing
considerately with them, always remembering that he himself has a master in
heaven.
So is it with the relation of husband and
wife. As candidates for eternal life on the same principle of faith and
obedience to him, they are upon an equal footing; but in relation to each
other, Paul informs us that the husband is the head, and that the wife ought to
be subject to him. Their union in the truth does not obliterate the natural
relation established at the beginning, in which the woman, as the weaker
vessel, is to accept a subordinate relation to the man.
If I were writing for the husbands, I would
stay to point out that, with his special privileges, greater responsibilities
are proportionately his. He is entrusted with the headship in the family, on
the supposition that he is capable of exercising it with wisdom and kindness.
In fulfilling the responsibilities of his privileged position, he has set
before him an exalted and perfect pattern by which to be guided, even that of
our Lord himself, in the love and solicitude manifested by him for those who
are called out by the gospel to be his bride- elect. Even to the giving of
himself for her, he showed his care and anxiety for her welfare, and desire
that she might appear without spot and blameless. So, says Paul, ought men to
love their wives, and to nourish and cherish them, "even as the Lord the church
[ecclesia]." Then Paul as one of the Bride-elect, says, "The love of
Christ constraineth us." This shows how it is between husband and wife,
when they are in the right relation to each other. The husband loves his wife
and his love constrains her. It is positive pleasure to her when constrained by
his love, to be subject to him. This subjection brings no trial; it imposes no
burden upon her. Love, as the moving spring of her actions, prevents all chafe.
She instinctively takes her place by his side, a true help-meet, and yet the
weaker vessel requiring his protective care and sympathetic love.
MISTAKEN HUSBANDS.
But all husbands do not come up to this
standard. We must not expect perfection yet. It sometimes happens that the
husband is overbearing, and forgets the conditions which engender a loving and
ready service on the part of his wife. He neglects the working out of his
pattern, and takes to admonishing his wife about some flaw in her attitude,
instead of acting the part that would remove the flaw.
Paul nowhere enjoins upon the husband to
assert his headship over his wife; but exhorts him to meet his wife's loving
and spontaneous subjection by following the example of Christ, with the great
love with which he loved the church [ecclesia]. However, to follow this, would
lead me out of my province. I must leave him to think it up for himself, hoping
he may, as the result, approve the more excellent way. I direct my thoughts and
counsel to the sister- wife who finds herself mated with such a one.
Her task will be a difficult one, but let
her not quail before it. Let her by all means endeavour to fulfil in a becoming
manner the duties and responsibilities of her position. Let the dignity and
patience of her meek and quiet spirit, be the means of heaping coals of fire
upon the head of her faulty companion, if such she have. Let her remember that
a "soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievious words stir up
anger." If she has a Nabal to deal with, she can at least, like Abigail of
old, shew herself to be a woman of good understanding; and by her wisdom may,
like her, avert much evil that would otherwise come upon her household.
THE ASSISTANCE OF PRAYER.
One very important element of success in
fighting with these and all other difficulties, she will find in prayer. There
are many instances on record of women who feared God, and whose prayers were
heard and answered according to their request. Their lives were like our own,
made up of the common places and ordinary occurrences of daily duty in the
household. The desires and aspirations that animated their breasts were the
same as animate ourselves. They were subject to like passions as we are; were
like ourselves encompassed with weakness; yet their prayers were heard, because
they put their trust in God. When we call to remembrance the examples on record
where help was visibly vouchsafed to those who prayed to God in the hour of
need, we do well to consider whether we individually take full advantage of
this blessed privilege. True it is that the promises of God belong specially to
the nation of Israel; but are we less Israel than the Israel of old? Do we not
know that by our obedience to the truth, we are adopted into the family of him
to whom the promises were made, and are therefore no longer aliens; but of the
household of faith? This we do know, and ought therefore to live up to the fact
that God is to us the hearer and answerer of prayer.
We cannot come to the door of the tabernacle
or the temple, like the women of old, with our offerings. We have a new way of
approach, even Jesus who lives at the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens,
our high priest and intercessor. We are assured by those whom Jesus sent to
spread his name, that all who come unto God in this new and living way, will
obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. This we have on the
authority of Paul (Heb. 4:16). How often we feel that this is just what we
want-a refuge in the time of trouble, "help in the time of need!"
Surely, amid the accumulating cares of life, feeling oftentimes the need of
wisdom to guide, of courage and strength to pursue the steady path of duty amid
conflicting elements, we shall do unwisely if we neglect to retire to our
closets and make our requests known unto God. He will hear us when we pray, for
He cannot lie, and He has said, "Call upon me in the day of trouble, I
will deliver thee and thou shalt glorify me" (Psalm 50:15). Paul also
encourages the same attitude of mind toward God. He says, "in everything
by prayer and supplicaton, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known
unto God." "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with
thanksgiving."
Many songs of thanksgiving are on record, of
those who have tasted that the Lord is gracious and full of compassion. How
delightful to rejoice before the Lord with such a song of thanksgiving upon our
lips as this: "The Lord is my strength and my shield: my heart trusted in
Him and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth, and with my song
will I praise Him" (Psalm 28:7). Let the adopted daughters of the house of
Israel, in these latter days, follow the example of the holy women of old, in
supplicating the Most High in whatever matters they have need; let them be
helped, and let their songs of thanksgiving ascend. The name of the Lord is a
strong tower, the righteous runneth into it and are safe. With such a strong
refuge, they may trust to be sustained.
The work to be accomplished in all the
travail of life is one: that of being found worthy at last for the Master's
use. The dignity and honour of the position to which we are called, explain the
amount of preparedness required of each one. This preparedness requires all our
diligence and will give us continually something upon which to occupy our
thoughts. It is a preparedness having many elements. The grand result is to
bring our sympathies and affections into entire harmony with the things that
are of God.
THE CHILDREN.
After herself, a mother's spiritual
solicitude will be for her children. The question has sometimes been raised
whether we ought to teach our children to pray. I am persuaded that with a
thorough acquaintance with the Scriptures, such a question never could be
raised. We have the apostolic injunction to bring the children up in the
nurture and admonition of the Lord. Now, in what way are we to carry out this
injunction? What shape shall our instructions take? Shall we not tell our
children of God's wonderful works in the days of old, of His goodness to those
who trusted and obeyed Him, of His wrath and power manifested upon wicked men
who feared Him not; of His goodness to us- that everything we have and enjoy
comes from Him; that He makes the sun to shine and the rain to fall that we may
be supplied with food from the good things which the field and garden yield;
and telling them of these which come on the just and unjust alike, shall we
omit to tell them of the time, close at hand, when He will send Jesus to
establish a glorious state of things upon earth, in which only those will share
His love who obey and trust Him now? Surely not. If there be any preference, it
will be shown for the unsearchable riches to which our children, equally with
ourselves, may attain. Such daily instruction will not fail to provoke within
them a desire to be among those whom God will love and bless in the day of the
manifestation of His sons. This desire will find expression in their talk. We
delight to hear them express such desires to ourselves, and shall we restrain
them, if they wish to express them to God? We teach them to thank an earthly
friend who bestows upon them a gift, and consider it a breach of good manners
if they omit the ceremonial, and shall we teach them to be less respectful to
the Heavenly Giver of every good thing? To this it is said by some "but
the children are not in a position to approach God; none but those who believe
the truth and have been immersed, can acceptably pray to God." As regards
the eternal relationship of sons, this is true, but shall we shut them out of
the relation that is actually theirs? Are they not creatures of His hand? May
they not thank Him for their being as such? Are they not possible candidates
for sonship? May they not, like Cornelius, present their aspirations in prayer
to be guided into that relation? Shall we forbid a child to say, "0 Lord,
I am a poor child of the dust. I desire to be an heir of life everlasting,
through Christ, Lead me into the way." If a sinner's "Lord be
merciful to me a sinner," was heard, who shall shut the mouth of an
instructed child who is daily progressing to maturer knowledge of divine things?
Much hurtful neglect has come from wrong views on this question: or rather the
mis-application of a right view.
We know that God heareth not sinners, and
that the prayers of the wicked are an abomination to Him; but the children of
believers are not of that class. The "sinner" and the
"wicked" of these statements are of that class that are given over to
transgression, and it is with reason that they should not be heard; but our
children are the seed of the righteous, whom the Lord has promised to bless.
They are the children of the household, and are under training for becoming
acceptable worshippers when their understandings are sufficiently developed to
comprehend what is required of them. Meanwhile, when their hearts are stirred
to thank Him for the good things they enjoy, for the food they eat, and for the
comforts of home and the beautiful world outside, let us not restrain their
thanksgiving; but rather teach and encourage them to acknowledge God in all
these things. Christ took an interest in the children when he was upon earth,
contrary to the expectations of his disciples, who sought to prevent the
mothers intruding their children upon his attention. He took them up in his
arms and blessed them, and surely he would not be less pleased now with the
effort to develop their minds in a direction pleasing to him. God himself, we
are told, hears the ravens whey they cry (Psalm 147:9) and the young lions roar
after their prey and seek their meat from God (Psalm 104:21). If He is not
unmindful of the inferior creatures of His power, doubtless He is not
regardless of those to whom a higher destiny is offered.
We have much to encourage us in the
prosecution of our arduous toil in the rearing of children. We have great
encouragement in the hope of their ultimately attaining to immortality, either
at the coming of the Lord, or should that glorious event take place before they
attain to the obedience of faith, then at a future period. Apart from this, our
efforts are without object or recompense. To accomplish this object, an
enlightened daughter of Sarah will make every effort.
Our position in the matter is peculiar in
living at a time when we may expect the immediate return of the Lord. With
some, this is an anxiety. It need not be. If the Lord come before our children
have attained the years of responsibility, they will doubtless be incorporated
in the great work to be accomplished among the seed of Abraham according to the
flesh, with whom they are upon a level, as the children of those who have been
adopted into the family of faithful Abraham. What a great incentive this is to
have the children well instructed in the truth. In this relation, the Sunday
school appears in its true light, as an aid in the work of making the children
acquainted with the things of God. With their heads and hearts full of these
things, looking, like ourselves, with intense longing for the time when all
families of the earth shall be blessed in Abraham and his seed, can we refrain
from entertaining the hope that they shall live through the time of trouble
incident to the setting up of the kingdom, and be gathered with the Israel
according to the flesh, to be a blessing in their midst, and that ultimately
upon the same principle as all others who have attained to immortality, namely,
that of faith and obedience during a life of probation, they shall obtain life
in the perfect state, which lies beyond the aion of the kingdom? The hope and
aspiration that she may be fitting her children for such a destiny, fills the
mother's hands with noble work, and the remembrance that she is entrusted with
the training of those, who by early lessons may be led into the way of life
from which they will not afterwards depart, will be to her an incentive, a
solace, and a stay when strength and patience may be sorely tried.
THE DRESSING OF THE CHILDREN.
Then in the dressing of her children, the
effects of the blessed hope will be seen. The sister-wife and mother will no
more accept the popular standing in the outward adorning of her children, than
in the formation of her hope. She will regulate this like her own attire, by
the maxims of the high calling. She will not be anxious that her little ones
shall appear in full feather as exponents of the newest fashion. She will
appreciate a due attention to health and cleanliness in their attire, but she
will teach them, as she has come to be instructed herself, that the vanities
and follies attendant upon gay dressing are forms of the evil which everywhere
prevails; and that though beautiful and attractive to the youthful eye, they
are to be eschewed as something calculated to engender forgetfulness of God and
the coming of Christ for which we are all preparing.
Moderation in all that pertains to the
things of the present is the rule Paul gives, and it is well that he has given
us that rule, for if blessed with abundance, we might think we were at liberty
to please ourselves as to how we appropriated His bounty. The rich are
responsible to the Master for the use of what they have. One of the Master's
most continual instructions is that the rich are to share with the less favored
who may be in need, the abundance which they enjoy. He will be their judge as
to whether this is bountifully or sparingly done. The poor are exalted by the
hope of the gospel, but still made stewards of their smaller things. The sense
of duty performed, whether high or low, brings with it the highest
satisfaction, and is about the truest pleasure we can enjoy now, apart from the
contemplation of the truth in its height and depth and communion with the
Deity, than which no higher enjoyment can be conceived. The patient continuance
in well-doing, does ever and anon bring a sense of satisfaction to the mind
which nothing else can, because, in no other path can we hope for the blessing
of God, either now or hereafter. So then let us not weary in the well doing,
knowing that in due season we shall reap if we faint not.
Back to Index
"Our
Works" • A Fine House and Wasted Time
The "holy women of old" were wont
to illustrate their faith by their works outside their own home. They sought
and found a variety of ways in which to forward the work of the Lord, each in
her own generation. The fear of the Lord was the moving spring of action with
all of them, prompting the service which the surroundings of each required. We
may be thankful for the record of their deeds. They are recorded for our
instruction and encouragement, that we also in our own later days may emulate
them in their love and service.
Our manner of life is different from theirs
in some respects. The usages of the countries in which we live are widely
different from those of our Eastern sisters of old. Yet there are many points
of resemblance to be traced between our experiences and theirs. We stand related
to the many present things, in the same way as they did. We have the same
natural sympathy with things seen and temporal which they had. We also have
their hope of something gloriously better in the days yet to come. They endured
as seeing Him who is invisible, because of their hope in his word of promise;
we also are called upon to do the same. They experienced the faithfulness of
"a faithful Creator" when they cried unto Him, and obediently walked
in His ways. It will be our fault if we do not the same. We may share the
blessings they enjoyed if we share their faith, and toil for the same noble
end.
We may not be called, like Miriam or Jael,
to sing the song of victory over the proud foe slain and vanquished, and the
hosts of the Lord triumphant; but we may bring their spirit into play in
vanquishing other foes, who, if not met in the name of the Lord and His
strength, will be too much for us. There were those who laboured privately,
whose work was approved when brought to the priest for the service of the
tabernacle. God gave them wisdom, and the wisdom they received they devoted to
His service with acceptance. The spreading of the table for the prophet, or the
refreshing water hospitality brought for the feet of the stranger, were simple
acts, but accepted; and that is all the greatest among those born of women can
hope to attain unto- acceptance before the Lord.
When we consider what the equivalent in our
own country and mode of life would be to the many simple but loving services
rendered by the God-fearing women of old, we can see that the difference
between their mode of service and ours is only a difference of form. Had we
been in their circumstances, we should have done as they did. Had they been in
our surroundings, they would have found our way to serve the Lord. The
impelling motive in the saints of all ages is the same. The aim is one; the
triumph the same except in form: the triumph is one of faith and obedience over
unfriendly circumstances. When the company of the redeemed is completed and
mustered, they will be of one heart and one mind, in this, that they will have
been all tried and purified, and perfected by the discipline to which their
faithful service subjected them.
We are, in a sense, permitted to come nearer
to God-the great object of our fear and love-than they were. This approach is
through Christ, of whom they had not heard except in promise. His manifestation
of the Father has drawn us, as it were, more closely into the attitude of
children; and with Christ as our elder brother, occupying the position of
high-priest and advocate at God's right hand, our confidence is greatly
sustained. He knows what our difficulties are as "daughters of the Lord
God Almighty," living in an evil world. He has experienced them. He has
gone through the preparatory ordeal of trial and endured it as we are called
upon to endure it, in view of the joy awaiting victory. In Him we have a helper
such as those in the days of old knew not of, for he lives, having been
tempted, to succour them that are tempted (Heb. 2:18). We are even better off
than those who lived contemporarily with Him, and companied about with him; for
they were not able to appreciate Him as we are enabled to do in the full light
of apostolic revelation. They did not understand His mission as we can now,
looking back upon the fulfilment of much that was inexplicable to them. In the
study of His sayings and doings, we have much of the love of God to contemplate
that was before hidden. Thus, though we have no visible manifestation of His power
in the earth, nor of His presence among us personally, yet by the exercise of
faith in what He has caused to be written of His mind and will, we can steadily
pursue our way, toiling on in a hope well founded, that at the time appointed,
He will reveal His son to bring about that glorious state of things so long
promised, and the hope of which has animated the saints in all generations.
"OUR WORKS"
Having, then, the hope that inspired the
holy women of old, let our works be of the same character. In the days of the
tabernacle, the wise-hearted women busied themselves in weaving the variegated
and significantly-designed curtains to enclose it, and the various coverings
required, internally and externally, for the hallowed place. They worked
skilfully and with willing hands, and their service was accepted. It must have
been a delightful occupation, so directly identifying the workers with the
service of the Most High, and yet we know from Paul's teaching that whatever
service is undertaken as unto God, is accepted, however obscure.
"Whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall be received of the
Lord, whether he be bond or free" (Eph. 6:8).
There is much for us to do that will
identify us with God's work in His sight (and it is enough that He recognise
our work). Wherever there are brethren and sisters, there ought to be (and if
they are true, there will be) a light stand in the midst of the surrounding
darkness, and the service of this light-bearing will afford interest and work
for each one that bears not the name of Christ in vain. There is first the duty
of assembling together on the first day of the week, to break bread in
remembrance of him.
If this memorial is celebrated in true love
and remembrance of an absent one whose return is greatly longed for, it will be
truly a "time of refreshing." To none will it prove more so than to
the sister whose toil during the week interferes, to some extent, with the
realisation to her own mind of the joy which lies hidden in the comforting
words of promise to all the faithful who are in Christ Jesus. Her toil, and
labour, and anxieties are known above and provided for; but she requires a
little quiet to recall the blessings which are hers. She forgets sometimes, in
the multiplicity of her duties as a wife, as a mother, as a sister, and as a
friend, that there is cause for joy even now amidst the toil and the darkness.
This is brought anew to her mind in the quietude of the morning meeting-the
silent communing, the word of brotherly exhortation, the song of praise and
thanksgivings, the united prayer. Her mind is tranquilized and once more
reassured of the good hope, and she is made to realise more vividly the
connection between present toil and future glory. She will not be true to
herself, if she allows trifles to detain her at home; she will rather plan her
arrangements with the view of securing this season of soul-reviving, that she
may, by its aid, renew her journey like the weary traveller, after he has
rested and partaken of the brook by the way. Christ has indicated the manner in
which he wishes us to manifest our love to him. He says, "If ye love me,
keep my commandments." In his absence, if we love him, we shall delight to
think about him, and call to remembrance what he did and said when he was here,
and shall be most anxious to comply with his own prescribed mode of remembering
him.
We feel the dying wish of a dear friend to
be imperative and sacred, and is not this the dying wish of our best friend and
brother, that we should break bread and drink wine in remembrance of him, till
he come again? It is. And in the observance of this dying request, we are
reminded of the depth of his love, which culminated in the shedding of his
blood for us; and we have also in it a pledge of his return-a link that binds us
to him "till he come." Who then would be absent, when this ordinance
of his own appointment is being observed? The very engagement itself reminds us
that he really lives, that though unseen by us, he is cognisant of all our
thoughts and deeds. It is worth considerable sacrifice to be there. We should
think so, if he were personally and visibly present, and it is, doubtless, well
pleasing to him that we show our faith in him, by thus recognising him, and
doing him honour in his absence.
If it is difficult for a sister to attend
the meeting, the more will she please him in overcoming difficulties for his
sake. Then, in the gathering together of brethren and sisters, there is the
opportunity afforded of shewing our mutual interest in each other's welfare,
and, by this means, increasing our love and sympathy as members of the same
family. This knowledge of each other, and the circumstances to which each
stands related, will furnish us with a clue to the best means of serving the
Lord in the persons of His representatives-His brethren and sisters. He has
given us to understand that whatever is done to them, He will consider as
having been done to Himself. Some stand in need of comfort and encouragement in
difficult surroundings: some want to be helped out of the snares by which they
may be entangled; some want a little sunshine thrown upon their solitary path;
and others stand in need of the practical aid that goes further than saying,
"Be warmed; be filled." In all these phases of life, we discern the opportunity
providentially afforded to all that exercise themselves unto Godliness,
according to the ability which God his given them. One is gifted after this
manner, another after that. Let us all be fully persuaded that we have
something to account for, and, from this point of view, let us do whatever is
within reach, however small, whether direct or indirect, that will minister to
the profit of the brotherhood, or further the work of the truth.
There are many claims upon the loving heart
and hands of a married sister with a family. Yet, let her use the situation
wisely. Let her not make her household duties a reason for neglecting spiritual
duties, but rather a reason why she should strive and contrive to avail herself
of all opportunities of improvement such as are presented in meetings of the
brethren, whether for the proclamation of the truth to the public, or for
mutual edification in the word.
We cannot sustain vigorous spiritual life
without spiritual sustenance. The things of the spirit must be brought under our
especial and frequent notice. They will not come to us spontaneously. We,
therefore, ought to give the more earnest heed, availing ourselves of every
help. Therefore, in addition to private study of the word, the busy sister-wife
will once a week be glad to spare an hour from the work which would otherwise
engage her attention at home, for the exclusive contemplation of those things
which are at present unseen, but more real than domestic realities, and the
true appreciation of which requires the concentration of our thoughts upon
them.
She will be glad of such an opportunity to
aid the inmost desire of her heart, which is that she may do honour to Christ
now, and render herself worthy of his acceptance when he comes. In this
condition of mind, how well will she fit herself for the many duties required
of her in filling up the measure of her days. In the pleasant duty of visiting
among her brethren and sisters, her influence will be healthful. She will be a
blessing. She will present a contrast to the tattler and the busy-body, who
forgetful of the spirit of her calling- -if she was ever brought under its
power delights to go and rehearse the latest gossip, or to pull her neighbour
to pieces; for whom the Master has in reserve no word of commendation.
The visit of a true sister will turn to good
account in those mutual visitations and rejoicings in the truth, which are
natural among those of like precious faith. Such interchange of hope in the
things promised, and shortly to be realized, will greatly quicken faith and
courage in both visited and visitor. Specially will this be the case in
visiting the sick and afflicted. The sister who knows experimentally the
sweetness of the promises, both as regards His paternal care of us in this
life, and of what He has in store for us in the future, can from the treasury
of the Spirit created within her by the word, follow the apostolic example of
ministering the same comfort wherewith she herself is comforted of God. Where
material help is needed, she will be ready, and if not sufficient of herself
for the occasion, she will seek the co-operation of others like- minded, and be
able to relieve the immediate wants of the afflicted. The poor among us we
shall always have. Our Lord has told us so, perhaps to test our loyalty to him
who deigns to acknowledge, in every poor brother who is rich in faith, a
representative of himself. The people of the Lord, in the days of old, were
required to give so much of their substance to Him according as He prospered
them. The claims of the cause of Christ, at present entrusted to the Saints,
require a similar sacrifice and service. We are not called upon to bring it
openly to the tabernacle or temple. We live under a different dispensation,
when we are called upon to do good continually, as we have opportunity. And
this gooddoing, a true woman will do privately as the Lord has commanded. She
will avoid the publicity of "subscription lists," which are on a par
with the ostentatious almsgiving of the Pharisees in our Lord's day. His
exhortation to his disciples, in contradistinction to such practices is,
"Let not your right hand know what your left hand doeth."
In this spirit much service will be
performed which only the judgment seat will reveal, and, it may be, that such
service may often be misinterpreted by contemporaries. To this we must be
indifferent. They are unaware of the secret motives which would explain all.
They may suspect a lack of taste where the surroundings are due to a decision
to avoid spiritual hindrances. Ornaments for person and house might be not less
gratifying to the obedient sister than to her carnally-minded critics, but she,
refrains from the purchase, believing she will better do her part as a steward,
by using her lord's property in some other way than merely pleasing the eye.
There is great danger in "the lust of
the eye and the pride of life." These lusts which are followed so entirely
in the world, we are to crucify. They are not conducive to the development of
the mind Godwards, but the reverse. A wise sister will not make it an object to
acquire the gewgaws which, as a rule, are only used by their possessors to
excite, by their exhibition, the admiration of her visitors. Visitors who can
be entertained in this way are dangerous, and their commendation a snare. Rather
let us, by the absence of such ornaments be set down as boors by those who
don't know the truth, than endanger our standing with the King, who esteems
"of great price" the ornaments of a meek and quiet spirit. Let us be
misunderstood by our fellows, but not by Him who has written our name in His
book of remembrance.
A FINE HOUSE AND WASTED TIME
Let us choose to deny ourselves the
questionable pleasure of surrounding ourselves with household ornaments, which
consume such an amount of precious time in the taking care of them. We can
spend the time to better purpose. We need not seek to please our neighbours in
the keeping of our houses. Our standard differs from their's. A sister's
calling requires her to regard her house as a convenience in this wilderness
state, and not as a thing she is to live for. It is not with her a principal
object of attention. She will be careful to keep a clean house and a
comfortable house, but a stylish house she has neither time nor taste for. What
God requires of her will demand the time, and the skill, and the means, which a
fine house would consume at her hands. The will of Christ has the first place
in her affection. She looks at some women who profess to be Christ's, and yet
have no time for anything beyond the demands of the house; things of God find
no place with them. Bright furniture and spotless carpets seem more to them
than Christ fellowshipped in deeds of kindness to comfortless hearts, and the
gospel preached to the perishing. The true daughters of Sarah reverse all this,
and dispense with much that is considered indispensable in worldly households,
because they find that to give such things the attention considered genteel,
they must neglect the claims of higher things, Their principle is pre-eminence
to the things that belong to God. This, indeed, is the only safe rule to
follow. It may separate us oftentimes from the "respectable" people
so called, but it will place us in the company of apostles and prophets, who
were at a discount in their day, because they esteemed the reproach of Christ
greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. And we have the joy of knowing that
if it gives us their company in the present bitterness, it will ensure for us
their glorious society in the day of the manifestation of the sons of God. If
we have now the answer of a good conscience, we may indulge in the glorious
hope of sharing the honour which awaits all who have in like manner laboured
and not fainted. Where then will be the plans and patience bestowed upon the
frivolties of fashionable life?
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The Goal of A Woman's Life In Christ
"Pleasure"
• Doing Good • "The Life That Now Is" • The Last Answer
By our works we shall be judged. The
remembrance of this will greatly influence the management of our affairs. Those
affairs are somewhat different from a brother's; but faithfulness in them is,
on the part of the sister, of equal importance in God's sight with his. As he
will not be called to account for not acting a sister's part, so will she not be
accountable for that which does not come within her sphere; but an account she
will have to render as a faithful sister-steward.
The bearing of this will be very visible in
a sister's life. She looks around on the busy world, and beholds her sisters in
the flesh, engrossed in the concerns of the present moment only. In scarcely
any does she discover a recognition of a future life or a present over-ruling
Diety. All press eagerly forward as if no other than the present time could
have a possible bearing on human existence. Worrying and wearying, and
beguiling themselves with the passing day, the joys they devise for themselves
are of the fleeting and unsatisfactory order if realized at all. Too often
there is entire failure, and as years advance, the failure is written in
countenances made expressionless or deeply furrowed by care.
Now, the tendencies of human nature are
somewhat similar in all generations. The sister who has entered the race-course
for eternal life is no exception, and if not on her guard, those tendencies
will get the better of her, as life advances. It is important she should
remember that she has just once to go through this life. She cannot have a
second chance, and the missing of her way in this sweeps away all blessedness
beyond. The claims of the present have a legitimate place. The difficulty lies
in discerning this place, and strictly keeping those claims there. To succeed
in this will indeed be to secure the object and aim of our high calling in the
truth.
"PLEASURE."
The fascination of the present evil world
are usually powerful with the weaker sex. There is a present relish about them
which pleases the inexperienced mind. Those who have learnt to be wise will let
them pass. They are pleasures too short for those who long for immortality, and
too dearly bought when enjoyed at the risk of God's displeasure and our own
hurt. The danger is greater than the simple know. It is not the immediate
effect of an individual act of participation in the world's pleasures that is
to be considered; it is what it may easily lead to in associations formed, and
the fostering of an inferior taste to the weakening of such as the truth
creates within us.
Then there is that social rivalry which
still more easily draws even wise women into its coils, in which the foolish
votaries of fashion put themselves to immense trouble to commend themselves to
their equally-foolish contemporaries. This is great vanity, the victims of
which at last get wearied and disgusted. For one professing godliness to get
entrapped in this mistake (living in the world as of the world), is sadder than
the case of even an out-and-out-worldling, who, at least, never having aspired
to a crown of immortality, does not lose it. It were better not to embrace the
glad tidings of the good time coming, and for a time rejoice in the prospect of
that untold goodness of God, and set herself to the attainment thereof, than
for a woman to lay hold of these things, and engraft upon them "the lust
of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life."
We are required, while the Lord is away, to
honour him by a faithful compliance with all his commandments, whether spoken
by his own lips or delivered by his servants, whom he commissioned to speak for
him; and we cannot expect to attain this faithfulness, otherwise than by the
constant study and remembrance of these things.
This brings to mind again the thought that,
apart from the daily study of the word, there is little chance of success. How,
otherwise, in the absence of voice and sign, are we to continue in harmony with
the expressed mind of our Master who is in heaven? Familiar acquaintance with
the word enables us to realise that it is not according to his will that we
should coquette with the world, or keep it secret that we are espoused to him;
neither is it his will, when we have withdrawn from the world, that we should
plan how nearly we may conform to its foolish and faithless ways, and yet
retain his favour. He desires that abundant love which he has shown for us, and
which should constrain us readily and lovingly to be content to be as he was in
this evil world. We may have him continually before us in memory as our
pattern; the example which we shall be alone safe to follow.
DOING GOOD.
A strong feature in that example is that he
gave his whole life for the benefit of others, telling his disciples that he
came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. It is his expressed wish that
the disciple should be as his Master. In this matter, the sister will find the
world against her; for although womanly instincts of kindness find expression
in many ways in society, yet the doctrine of the world is against the policy of
doing good. We must be content to obey our Superior, and in the service of
others, we shall feel in some measure walking in his footsteps, for he came to
serve others, even to the laying down of his life.
Often times, when hope has well-nigh fled,
and the remembrance of Christ's loving interest in us has almost faded from our
thoughts, could we but hear his audible voice as in the days of old, would he
not say, "0 ye of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" Surely
it is feebleness of faith that causes us to withhold our hand sometimes; that
makes the servant refrain from trading with his Master's goods.
Let us eschew the folly that feverishly
spends all time, energy, health and means in securing a comfortable old age
that we may never see, while the work of the Lord languishes for just the help
that otherwise might be given. Let us not forget the gracious and assuring
promises to those who lend to the Lord, in the manner in which he has been
graciously pleased to intimate his willingness to accept a loan: though who can
lend to him who is the possessor of all things? Let us never miss the chance of
such a bountiful repayer as Yahweh.
In this matter, and in this manner, the
sister may secure the blessing or the blank. It will be a mistake on her part
to suppose that she cannot devote somewhat of her substance to the Lord. Be she
ever so poor, zeal will contrive a portion for the Lord. A married sister
having, as a rule, only so much at her disposal as the guide of the house, will
not have so much in her power as others with a control of their own; but even
she, be her allowance weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly, will always arrange
to set apart the Lord's share, even at the price of self-denial. Poorer than
she may command the blessing. Our Lord approved of the widow's mite eighteen
hundred years ago, and he will do so now. The spirit that dictates the deed, is
the thing that is prized in his sight. Given from a desire to serve him, in
whatever shape, it is well pleasing to him. The act on our part is an
acknowledgment of him, and known to him if to none others, and we know that if
during our brief sojourn we confess him, and do him honour in the obedience of
his commandments, he will acknowledge us in the day of his appearing. Let none
imagine that the little they do is without worth. The very desire to
acknowledge Christ in the smallest service or gift, constitutes its value in his
sight, and is by him noted in that book of remembrance, from which no record of
hidden deeds shall ever fade. What a comforting thought that to God and the
daysman betwixt us, all our actions and motives are known. Let us indeed make
the God of Jacob our fear and our dread, that we may also rely upon Him as our
shield and supporter, our hope and our trust. With such a high object of fear
enshrined in our hearts, we are safe from the multitude of evil things that
harass and affect those who have no such strength within. We know in whom we
have believed, and we know what He has promised, and that He is able to
perform. If we have only little of this world's goods, let us never forget the
Lord's portion. If we refrain because we have only a little to give, we may
lose the opportunity altogether. If we live in the hope of having more, we may
have grown selfish by the time such hope is realized, and blinded by the
possession of much; whereas if we train ourselves to give according to what we
have, there will be a guarantee that we shall do more if more be given to us.
God is able to make all grace abound toward us, and we know that if not now,
most assuredly in the day when He shall reward everyone according to their
work, they who have sown liberally will also reap liberally.
"THE LIFE THAT NOW IS."
Even in this life a trusting, loving
service, while health and strength and means are at our disposal, lays up a
good foundation against the time to come. The consciousness of pursuing a
dutiful line of conduct gives the answer of a good conscience, and tranquilizes
the mind, where otherwise fear and apprehension might take possession and
distract the thoughts. We have no assurance that we shall escape trouble.
Indeed, we may make up our minds that we shall be tried, for in the trial of
our faith and patience are we to be perfected; but then as dutiful and
confiding children, how different is our position when trials do come, than if
we were of those who are without God and without hope in the world; of those,
who, having a name to live, are dead; and who until roused by some unexpected
calamity, do not realise the glorious position to which the truth has
introduced them.
The daughter of the Almighty who has made
His acquaintance by giving heed to His testimonies, making their study and
meditation her delight, will be much better able to meet calamity than her
sisters, who allow domestic, or any considerations to rob them of this true
wealth. It matters not, after all, how much we are called upon to bear, if only
we can be supported in it. Let us then in health and when things go with
tolerable smoothness, keep close acquaintance with God, through the revelation
He has given of Himself in His past dealings with men, in the recognition He
has been pleased to vouchsafe to those who feared Him in days gone by, and in
the reiterated promises of blessing to all in all ages who truly fear and serve
Him. Great sorrows He may permit to overtake us, even as He spared not His own
son; but His favour is sufficient to sustain us, and raise us up when greatly
bowed down.
Earthly consolations necessarily fluctuate.
The most robust, the most buoyant, the most loving and the most gifted may fail
through the weakness inherent to the perishable framework of this present
nature, but we can rely upon God as the Unchangeable One. Through all
generations, He abides the same. Any change we may experience has its origin in
ourselves and our surroundings. We may feel out of joint or at a distance from
Him but He changeth never. Let us, then, draw nigh to Him, and we will be
restored to our wonted resting-place.
The time is near-even at the door-when we
shall all meet around the Son of His love, who for ages has been the hope of
all who have looked for redemption in Israel- the cloud of witnesses by whom we
are surrounded, and who will shortly arise! to the glory, honour, and
immortality they have won through faith in God. Their faith was equal to the
requirements of the day, and shall ours be less? Shall we meet those saints of
old with shame or joy, and shall Abraham and Sarah acknowledge us or look upon
us with pity as those who have neither part nor lot in the matter? Yea, rather,
shall Abraham's God receive us in Abraham's seed, filling us with a joy
unspeakable and full of glory, or shall we hear the death-knell, "I know
you not?"
THE LAST ANSWER.
Sisters, we are determining the answer to
these mighty questions now in our life and conversation; and the answer that
great day will reveal, if we never knew it before. Let us look neither to the
right hand nor the left, but be diligent to make our calling and election sure.
If we are striving (agonising, as translators tell us it ought to be) to
realise a joyful standing in that day, we have reason to be of good cheer,
though sorrowing because of the manifold temptations which for a season
surround us. The world weeps and laments when it's sorrows come, for it has no
hope; but the daughter of Sarah, while wetting the pillow with her tears,
sorrows not as these. The truth is to her a healing balm even now. The
afflicting visitations of this time of sojourn destroy her not; she accepts
them as the incidents of her pilgrimage.
Unknown to her contemporaries, who would
think her crazy if she told them what she looks for, she is one of a band who
shared the same fate before her; godly women, daughters of Sarah, all who have
faithfully testified to the truth, by word and deed, in their day and
generation. Denied, by circumstances, the society which she longs to enjoy, she
takes comfort in knowing that there will shortly be an end to her travail, in
the day when those who have hungered and thirsted after righteousness shall be
filled; and when all the nobler faculties of her nature, feeble and abortive
now, will be made perfect in change from flesh to spirit.
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