COUNSEL TOGETHER by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 26, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 17.

COUNSEL TOGETHER.

By Editor

FATHERS and mothers, counsel together. The father is at the head of the family, if he is a true father, for God placed him there. His wife, if she be a true wife, is "an help meet for him." The children which they have should be considered God's gifts, to train for him, not only for this life, but for eternity.

Let there be union in the home government. To attain this there should be frequent counsels, not so much with respect to the details of the management and guidance of the household, but as regards the general principles to be followed. If there is complete union in these respects, praise the Lord and go on. But be careful that this union is not the result of indifference on the part of one or both to the eternal interests of your children.

If you cannot see alike, seek God together. Come without accusation or recrimination, and together seek God and study his word. Let each be willing to yield to the other everything which does not involve moral principle, and, with respect to that principle, be sure that it is in harmony with God's word both in its nature and manner of exercise. The apostle Peter gives valuable instruction on this point: "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands. . . . Whose adorning . . . let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them [the wives] according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered." Let the wife take that part of the instruction which belongs to her; let the husband take that part which belongs to him; let each consider his or her own duty, seeking God for a "knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding," and God will hear the united prayers of husband and wife, father and mother.

Now do not let the husband say: "There, Mary, there's your duty. If you will do that, there will be no trouble." No; let him attend to his own part. Do not let the wife say: "There, Henry, the SIGNS has pointed out your duty. If you will do it hereafter, we shall get along better." No; let the husband learn his own duty; let the wife learn her own duty; let Christ rule and reign in the hearts of both. But more, perhaps, hereafter.