10
The Adventist Home
God would have our families symbols of the family in heaven. Let
parents and children bear this in mind every day, relating themselves
to one another as members of the family of God. Then their lives will
be of such a character as to give to the world an object lesson of what
families who love God and keep His commandments may be. Christ
will be glorified; His peace and grace and love will pervade the family
circle like a precious perfume
Much depends on the father and mother. They are to be firm and
kind in their discipline, and they are to work most earnestly to have an
orderly, correct household, that the heavenly angels may be attracted
to it to impart peace and a fragrant influence
Make Home Bright and Happy—Never forget that you are to
make the home bright and happy for yourselves and your children by
cherishing the Saviour’s attributes. If you bring Christ into the home,
you will know good from evil. You will be able to help your children
to be trees of righteousness, bearing the fruit of the Spirit
[18]
Troubles may invade, but these are the lot of humanity. Let pa-
tience, gratitude, and love keep sunshine in the heart though the day
may be ever so cloudy
The home may be plain, but it can always be a place where cheerful
words are spoken and kindly deeds are done, where courtesy and love
are abiding guests
Administer the rules of the home in wisdom and love, not with
a rod of iron. Children will respond with willing obedience to the
rule of love. Commend your children whenever you can. Make their
lives as happy as possible.... Keep the soil of the heart mellow by the
manifestation of love and affection, thus preparing it for the seed of
truth. Remember that the Lord gives the earth not only clouds and rain,
but the beautiful, smiling sunshine, causing the seed to germinate and
the blossom to appear. Remember that children need not only reproof
and correction, but encouragement and commendation, the pleasant
sunshine of kind words
8
The Review and Herald, November 17, 1896
.
9
Manuscript 14, 1905
.
10
Letter 29, 1902
.
11
The Ministry of Healing, 393
.
12
The Review and Herald, July 9, 1901
.
13
Counsels to Teachers, Parents, and Students, 114
.