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The Adventist Home
expectations are not met, they are disappointed and discouraged. This
same disposition will be seen through their whole lives; they will be
helpless, leaning upon others for aid, expecting others to favor them
and yield to them. And if they are opposed, even after they have grown
to manhood and womanhood, they think themselves abused; and thus
they worry their way through the world, hardly able to bear their own
weight, often murmuring and fretting because everything does not suit
them
No Place in Heaven for Ungrateful Children—I saw that Satan
had blinded the minds of the youth that they could not comprehend
the truths of God’s word. Their sensibilities are so blunted that they
regard not the injunctions of the holy apostle:
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour
thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the [new]
earth.” “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well
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pleasing unto the Lord.” Children who dishonor and disobey their
parents, and disregard their advice and instructions, can have no part
in the earth made new. The purified new earth will be no place for
the rebellious, the disobedient, the ungrateful son or daughter. Unless
such learn obedience and submission here, they will never learn it;
the peace of the ransomed will not be marred by disobedient, unruly,
unsubmissive children. No commandment breaker can inherit the
kingdom of heaven
Love to Be Manifested—I have seen children who seemed to
have no affection to give to their parents, no expressions of love and
endearment, which are due them and which they would appreciate; but
they lavish an abundance of affection and caresses to select ones for
whom they show preference. Is this as God would have it? No, no.
Bring all the rays of sunshine, of love, and of affection into the home
circle. Your father and mother will appreciate these little attentions you
can give. Your efforts to lighten the burdens, and to repress every word
of fretfulness and ingratitude, show that you are not a thoughtless child,
and that you do appreciate the care and love that has been bestowed
upon you in the years of your helpless infancy and childhood
9
Testimonies For The Church 1, 392, 393
.
10
Ibid., 1:497, 498
.
11
The Youth’s Instructor, April 21, 1886
.