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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
and should He come crowned with majesty, millions would do Him
homage. All would vie with one another in bestowing honors upon
Him; all would plead to be found in His presence. An opportunity
is now granted us to receive Christ in the person of His saints. God
wants you to appreciate His gifts and use them to His glory. I entreat
you to open your hearts to true and disinterested benevolence.
Dear brethren, as a church you have sadly neglected your duty
toward the children and youth. While rules and restrictions are laid
upon them, great care should be taken to show them the Christlike
side of your character and not the satanic side. Children need constant
watchcare and tender love. Bind them to your hearts, and keep the
love as well as the fear of God before them. Fathers and mothers do
not control their own spirit and therefore are not fit to govern others.
To restrain and caution your children is not all that is required. You
have yet to learn to do justly and love mercy, as well as to walk
humbly with God. Everything leaves its impress upon the youthful
mind. The countenance is studied, the voice has its influence, and the
deportment is closely imitated by them. Fretful and peevish fathers
and mothers are giving their children lessons which at some period
in their lives they would give all the world, were it theirs, could they
unlearn. Children must see in the lives of their parents that consistency
which is in accordance with their faith. By leading a consistent life
and exercising self-control, parents may mold the characters of their
children.
Too many cares and burdens are brought into our families, and
too little of natural simplicity and peace and happiness is cherished.
There should be less care for what the outside world will say and more
thoughtful attention to the members of the family circle. There should
be less display and affectation of worldly politeness, and much more
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tenderness and love, cheerfulness and Christian courtesy, among the
members of the household. Many need to learn how to make home
attractive, a place of enjoyment. Thankful hearts and kind looks are
more valuable than wealth and luxury, and contentment with simple
things will make home happy if love be there.
Jesus, our Redeemer, walked the earth with the dignity of a king;
yet He was meek and lowly of heart. He was a light and blessing
in every home because He carried cheerfulness, hope, and courage
with Him. Oh, that we could be satisfied with less heart longings,