Geriatrics
295
helped by the wisdom and experience of the old. Above all they need
to learn the lesson of unselfish ministry. The presence of one in need
of sympathy and forbearance and self-sacrificing love would be to
many a household a priceless blessing. It would sweeten and refine the
homelife and call forth in old and young those Christlike graces that
would make them beautiful with a divine beauty and rich in heaven’s
imperishable treasure.—
The Ministry of Healing, 204, 205
(1905).
Youth and Age Uniting Forces—How touching to see youth and
old age relying one upon the other: the youth looking up to the aged
for counsel and wisdom, the aged looking to the youth for help and
sympathy. This is as it should be. God would have the young pos-
sess such qualification of character that they shall find delight in the
friendship of the old, that they may be united in the endearing bonds of
affection to those who are approaching the borders of the grave.—
The
Signs of the Times, October 19, 1888
. (
Sons and Daughters of God,
161
.)
[747]
The Care of Aged Parents—Parents are entitled to a degree of
love and respect which is due to no other person. God Himself, who
has placed upon them a responsibility for the souls committed to
their charge, has ordained that during the earlier years of life, parents
shall stand in the place of God to their children. And he who rejects
the rightful authority of his parents is rejecting the authority of God.
The fifth commandment requires children not only to yield respect,
submission, and obedience to their parents but also to give them love
and tenderness, to lighten their cares, to guard their reputation, and
to succor and comfort them in old age. It also enjoins respect for
ministers and rulers and for all others to whom God has delegated
authority.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 308
(1890).
Vigor Declines as Years Advance—Those who have the aged to
provide for should remember that these especially need warm, com-
fortable rooms. Vigor declines as years advance, leaving less vitality
with which to resist unhealthful influences; hence the greater neces-
sity for the aged to have plenty of sunlight and fresh, pure air.—
The
Ministry of Healing, 275
(1905).
Adjusting to Declining Mental Strength—It is frequently the
case that aged persons are unwilling to realize and acknowledge that
their mental strength is failing. They shorten their days by taking
care which belongs to their children. Satan often plays upon their