116
The Adventist Home
Noble Traits Are Developed in Caring for Children—I have a
very tender interest in all children, for I became a sufferer at a very
early age. I have taken many children to care for, and I have always felt
that association with the simplicity of childhood was a great blessing
to me....
The sympathy, forbearance, and love required in dealing with
children would be a blessing in any household. They would soften and
subdue set traits of character in those who need to be more cheerful
and restful. The presence of a child in a home sweetens and refines. A
child brought up in the fear of the Lord is a blessing
Care and affection for dependent children removes the roughness
from our natures, makes us tender and sympathetic, and has an influ-
ence to develop the nobler elements of our character
A Child’s Influence on Enoch—After the birth of his first son,
Enoch reached a higher experience; he was drawn into a closer rela-
tionship with God. He realized more fully his own obligations and
responsibility as a son of God. And as he saw the child’s love for its
father, its simple trust in his protection; as he felt the deep, yearning
tenderness of his own heart for that first-born son, he learned a pre-
cious lesson of the wonderful love of God to men in the gift of His
Son, and the confidence which the children of God may repose in their
heavenly Father
[161]
A Precious Trust—Children are committed to their parents as a
precious trust, which God will one day require at their hands. We
should give to their training more time, more care, and more prayer.
They need more of the right kind of instruction....
Remember that your sons and daughters are younger members
of God’s family. He has committed them to your care, to train and
educate for heaven. You must render an account to Him for the manner
in which you discharge your sacred trust
[162]
6
Letter 329, 1904
.
7
Testimonies For The Church 2:647
.
8
Patriarchs and Prophets, 84
.
9
The Review and Herald, June 13, 1882
.