Controversy—Positive and Negative
105
sponsibilities. Together they should work for the highest good of their
children Never should they in the presence of the children criticize
each other’s plan or question each other’s judgment. Let the wife be
careful not to make the husband’s work for the children more diffi-
cult. Let the husband hold up the hands of his wife, giving her wise
counsel and loving encouragement.—
The Ministry of Healing, 393,
394
(1905).
No Variance—If fathers and mothers are at variance, one working
against the other to counteract each other’s influence, the family will
be in a demoralized condition, and neither the father nor the mother
will receive the respect and confidence that are essential to a well-
governed family.... Children are quick to discern anything that will cast
a reflection upon the rules and regulations of a household, especially
those regulations that restrict their actions.—
The Review and Herald,
March 13, 1894
. (
The Adventist Home, 312
.)
Positive Guidance in the Home—You have no right to bring a
gloomy cloud over the happiness of your children by faultfinding or
severe censure for trifling mistakes. Actual wrong should be made
to appear just as sinful as it is, and a firm, decided course should be
pursued to prevent its recurrence; yet children should not be left in
a hopeless state of mind, but with a degree of courage that they can
improve and gain your confidence and approval. Children may wish to
do right, they may purpose in their hearts to be obedient; but they need
help and encouragement.—
The Signs of the Times, April 10, 1884
.
(
Child Guidance, 279
.)
[503]
Peace in the Church—Let there be peace in the home, and there
will be peace in the church. This precious experience brought into
the church will be the means of creating a kindly affection one for
another. Quarrels will cease. True Christian courtesy will be seen
among church members. The world will take knowledge of them
that they have been with Jesus and have learned of Him. What an
impression the church would make upon the world if all the members
would live Christian lives!—MS 60, 1903. (
Child Guidance, 549
.)
Death Erases Feelings of Variance—When death closes the eyes,
when the hands are folded upon the silent breast, how quickly feelings
of variance change! There is no grudging, no bitterness; slights and
wrongs are forgiven, forgotten. How many loving words are spoken
of the dead! How many good things in their life are brought to mind!