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Selected Messages Book 1
“I am saved,” and disregard the commandments of God, you will be
eternally lost. There is truth in Jesus that is terrible to the ease-loving,
do-nothing ones. There is truth in Jesus that is full of soothing joy to
the obedient. It is the joy of the Holy Ghost. Be persuaded, then, to
open the mind and heart, that you may see every ray of light shining
from the throne of God.
This is no time to be indifferent and careless and pleasure loving.
Christ is coming with power and great glory. Are you ready? Are you
putting away your sins? Are you becoming sanctified through the truth
in answer to the prayer of Christ? He prayed concerning His disciples,
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (
John 17:17
).
Parents should bring up their children in the nurture and admo-
nition of the Lord, educating them to love to do the will of God. It
is impossible for us to overestimate the advantages of youthful piety.
The impressions received in youth are to many as enduring as eternity.
It is in youth that the statutes and commandments of God are most
easily inscribed on the tablets of the soul. The instruction of children
has been greatly neglected; the righteousness of Christ has not been
presented to them as it should have been.
The time of probation is given us that we may perfect a character
fit for eternity. How solemn is the thought, parents, that your children
are in your hands to educate and train that they may develop characters
which God will approve, or characters which Satan and his angels can
play upon as they choose! Jesus spoke from the pillar of cloud and of
fire, and bade His people instruct their children diligently concerning
the commandments of God. Who are obeying this instruction? Who
are seeking to make their children such as God will approve? Who
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keep the thought in mind that all the talents and gifts of their children
belong to God, and should be wholly consecrated to His service?
Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord, and God revealed Himself
to Him in his childhood and youth. We must labor far more for our
children and for the youth; for God will accept them to do great things
in His name in teaching the truth to those in foreign lands, to those
who are in the darkness of error and superstition. If you indulge your
children, gratifying their selfish wishes; if you encourage in them the
love of dress, and develop vanity and pride, you will do a work that will
disappoint Jesus, who has paid an infinite price for their redemption.
He desires that the children shall serve Him with undivided affection.