216
The Adventist Home
Assures Mental Balance—In the fulfillment of their apportioned
tasks strength of memory and a right balance of mind may be gained,
as well as stability of character and dispatch. The day, with its round of
[287]
little duties, calls for thought, calculation, and a plan of action. As the
children become older, still more can be required of them. It should
not be exhaustive labor, nor should their work be so protracted as to
fatigue and discourage them; but it should be judiciously selected with
reference to the physical development most desirable and the proper
cultivation of the mind and character
Links With Workers in Heaven—If children were taught to re-
gard the humble round of everyday duties as the course marked out
for them by the Lord, as a school in which they were to be trained
to render faithful and efficient service, how much more pleasant and
honorable would their work appear! To perform every duty as unto the
Lord throws a charm around the humblest employment and links the
workers on earth with the holy beings who do God’s will in heaven
Work is constantly being done in heaven. There are no idlers
there. “My Father worketh hitherto,” said Christ, “and I work.” We
cannot suppose that when the final triumph shall come, and we have
the mansions prepared for us, that idleness will be our portion, that we
shall rest in a blissful, do-nothing state
Strengthens Home Ties—In the home training of the youth the
principle of co-operation is invaluable.... The older ones should be
their parents’ assistants, entering into their plans and sharing their
responsibilities and burdens. Let fathers and mothers take time to
teach their children; let them show that they value their help, desire
their confidence, and enjoy their companionship; and the children will
not be slow to respond. Not only will the parents’ burden be lightened,
and the children receive a practical training of inestimable worth, but
[288]
there will be a strengthening of the home ties and a deepening of the
very foundations of character
Makes for Growth in Mental, Moral, Spiritual Excellence—
Children and youth should take pleasure in making lighter the cares of
father and mother, showing an unselfish interest in the home. As they
17
Ibid
.
18
Patriarchs and Prophets, 574
.
19
Manuscript 126, 1897
.
20
Education, 285
.