situation?—has not found that human passions in their [1]

reaction have misjudged motives?

Throughout our experience since undertaking the

labor of uplifting the race, we have been made the re-

pository of little else than the troubles, indiscretions, [5]

and errors of others; until thought has shrunk from

contact with family difficulties, and become weary with

study to counsel wisely whenever giving advice on per-

sonal topics.

To the child complaining of his parents we have said, [10]

them in all that is right; but you have the rights of con-

science, as we all have, and must follow God in all your

When yielding to constant solicitations of husband or [15]

wife to give, to one or the other, advice concerning diffi-

culties and the best way to overcome them, we have done

this to the best of our ability,—and always with the pur-

pose to restore harmony and prevent dishonor. In such

cases we have said, “Take no counsel of a mortal, even [20]

though it be your best friend; but be guided by God

alone;” meaning by this, Be not estranged from each

other by anything that is said to you, but seek in divine

Love the remedy for all human discord.

Yet, notwithstanding one's good intentions, in some [25]

way or at some step in one's efforts to help another, as

a general rule, one will be blamed for all that is not right:

but this must not deter us from doing our duty, whatever

else may appear, and at whatever cost.