Family Religion
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that class invest their means who care not for the advancement of the
cause of God.
I was shown the necessity of opening the doors of our houses and
hearts to the Lord. When we begin to work in earnest for ourselves and
for our families, then we shall have help from God. I was shown that
merely observing the Sabbath and praying morning and evening are not
positive evidences that we are Christians. These outward forms may
all be strictly observed, and yet true godliness be lacking.
Titus 2:14
:
“Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity,
and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” All
who profess to be Christ’s followers should have command of their
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own spirit, not allowing themselves to speak fretfully or impatiently.
The husband and father should check that impatient word he is about
to utter. He should study the effect of his words, lest they leave sadness
and a blight.
Infirmities and disease especially affect women. The happiness of
the family depends much upon the wife and mother. If she is weak and
nervous, and is suffered to be overtaxed with labor, the mind becomes
depressed, for it sympathizes with the weariness of the body; and then
she too often meets with cold reserve from the husband. If everything
does not move off just as pleasantly as he could wish, he blames the
wife and mother. He is almost wholly unacquainted with her cares
and burdens, and does not always know how to sympathize with her.
He does not realize that he is aiding the great enemy in his work of
tearing down. He should by faith in God lift up a standard against
Satan; but he seems blinded to his own interest and hers. He treats
her with indifference. He knows not what he is doing. He is working
directly against his own happiness and is destroying the happiness of
his family. The wife becomes desponding and discouraged. Hope
and cheerfulness are gone. She goes her daily rounds mechanically
because she sees that her work must be done. Her lack of cheerfulness
and courage is felt throughout the family circle. There are many such
miserable families all through the ranks of Sabbathkeepers. Angels
bear the shameful tidings to heaven, and the recording angel makes a
record of it all.
The husband should manifest great interest in his family. Especially
should he be very tender of the feelings of a feeble wife. He can shut
the door against much disease. Kind, cheerful, and encouraging words