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The Adventist Home
pattern in design, material, or upholstery; but, on the contrary, it is
more pleasing to the eye that there should be a harmonious variety.
But whether the home be humble or elegant, its appointments
costly or the reverse, there will be no happiness within its walls unless
the spirit of its inmates is in harmony with the divine will. Contentment
should reign within the household
The very best part of the house, the sunniest and most inviting
rooms, and the most comfortable furniture should be in a daily use
by those who really live in the house. This will make home attractive
to the inmates and also to that class of friends who really care for us,
whom we could benefit, and by whom we could be benefited
Consider the Children’s Comfort and Welfare—It does not re-
quire costly surroundings and expensive furniture to make children
contented and happy in their homes, but it is necessary that the parents
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give them tender love and careful attention
Four walls and costly furniture, velvet carpets, elegant mirrors, and
fine pictures do not make a “home” if sympathy and love are wanting.
That sacred word does not belong to the glittering mansion where the
joys of domestic life are unknown....
In fact the comfort and welfare of the children are the last things
thought of in such a home. They are neglected by the mother, whose
whole time is devoted to keeping up appearances and meeting the
claims of fashionable society. Their minds are untrained; they acquire
bad habits and become restless and dissatisfied. Finding no pleasure
in their own homes, but only uncomfortable restrictions, they break
away from the family circle as soon as possible. They launch out into
the great world with little reluctance, unrestrained by home influence
and the tender counsel of the hearthstone
Don’t say to them as I have heard many mothers say, “There is no
room for you here in the parlor. Don’t sit on that sofa that is covered
with satin damask. We don’t want you to sit down on that sofa.” And
when they go into another room, “We don’t want your noise here.”
And they go into the kitchen, and the cook says, “I cannot be bothered
with you here. Go out from here with your noise; you pester me so,
10
The Signs of the Times, August 23, 1877
.
11
The Signs of the Times, October 2, 1884
.
12
The Signs of the Times, October 2, 1884
.
13
The Signs of the Times, October 2, 1884
.