SELF-CONTROL.
Mrs. Worthington was greatly encouraged when she saw what a blessing her
little girl had received from what appeared to be a sore trial. She felt
that the time was opportune to plant the seed of self-control within the
young heart. In a little while she found an opportunity to begin.
"Bessie," she began when ready for the talk, "I have some important
things to tell you today. I wish to speak of your future. There comes a
time in the life of every girl when she must change from childhood to
womanhood; she can not always remain a child. Until this time arrives,
she is very dependent and must lean entirely upon her parents' advice;
but as her mind begins to mature, she should be taught the necessity of
weighing matters well and of finding out God's will.
"Until the present time all you have done has been at the suggestion of
your parents, but it will be different in the future. With your
teaching, you are able to look to God for a part of your direction. I
shall continue to advise, and, if necessary, to punish you; but I want
you to take things to the Lord in prayer and become satisfied within
your heart that my advice is according to the Word of God. You must not
think you haven't needed the teaching and the guidance you've had thus
far in life; and you'll need more careful training than you've ever had.
The point I want to impress upon your mind is that there's an element
within you, called self, that you must learn to control. At times self
will arise and cause you to feel that you know some things even better
than Mama. That is the time to remember that Mama has had more
experience than you; that her judgment is better than yours; and that
you must rely upon it until God helps you to see a matter as she sees
it. That was the way you gained the blessing from that experience a few
days ago. In this way you will learn the lessons that are so important
to your future.
"There are many other things, my dear, that I want to talk to you about
soon, but you must be patient a little longer. In the meantime, however,
you may ask me any question you please, and I'll answer you. Don't go to
other girls with these things, but come to me. I'm always glad to
explain to you anything that seems strange. When you're old enough to
desire the knowledge and to form the questions, you're old enough to
receive an answer to your questions. Come to me often: what seems
strange to both of us we can take to God in prayer, and let him teach
us.
"Another thing you must do is to turn away from bad associates. Avoid
girls who say, 'I'll tell you something if you'll promise not to tell
your mother.' Remember that anything you could not tell me would not be
worth hearing; for it's sure to be something unclean or vulgar.
Conversing with such girls won't help you to draw close to the Lord nor
to know his will concerning you. Much less would it help you to meditate
upon the pure and holy things of God. To elevate your soul, Bessie, you
must become serious, and seek only those companions whose conversation
is kind, gentle, and modest. I believe your desire is to become more
like Jesus and to prepare for heaven. So, my child, meditate upon God,
and you will grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. Misspent moments
are so much of life and character thrown away; be careful to use them
all in God's service.
"Here's a little poem you may learn. It may help you to control self and
to value your moments as you should."
MY MOMENTS.
_Oh, my precious little moments,
Gliding now so swiftly by;
May I each one spend for Jesus
Ere I see them past me fly.
May I lade each one with something
To be borne to God above,
Fill each full of deeds worth counting,
That will prove my perfect love.
For I would not have them enter
Through those portals bright and fair
Bearing not a single token
For my Master waiting there.
Golden moments, as you carry
Trophies on your upward flight,
Take my character to Jesus;
For I've kept it clean and white._