Religion in the Family
241
special field, and no excuse is accepted by God for neglecting this
field
Where religion is a practical thing in the home, great good is
accomplished. Religion will lead the parents to do the very work God
designed should be done in the home. Children will be brought up in
the fear and admonition of the Lord
The reason why the youth of the present age are not more reli-
giously inclined is that their education is defective. True love is not
exercised toward children when they are allowed to indulge passion,
or when disobedience of your laws is permitted to go unpunished. As
the twig is bent, the tree is inclined
If religion is to influence society, it must first influence the home
circle. If children were trained to love and fear God at home, when
they go forth into the world, they would be prepared to train their
own families for God, and thus the principles of truth would become
implanted in society and would exert a telling influence in the world.
Religion should not be divorced from home education
Home Religion Precedes That in the Church—In the home the
foundation is laid for the prosperity of the church. The influences that
rule in the home life are carried into the church life; therefore church
duties should first begin in the home
[319]
When we have good home religion, we will have excellent meeting
religion. Hold the fort at home. Consecrate your family to God, and
then speak and act at home as a Christian. Be kind and forbearing
and patient at home, knowing that you are teachers. Every mother is a
teacher, and every mother should be a learner in the school of Christ
that she may know how to teach, that she may give the right mold, the
right form of character to her children
Where there is a lack of home religion, a profession of faith is
valueless.... Many are deceiving themselves by thinking that the char-
acter will be transformed at the coming of Christ, but there will be no
conversion of heart at His appearing. Our defects of character must
4
The Signs of the Times, August 23, 1899
.
5
The Review and Herald, March 13, 1894
.
6
Testimonies For The Church 2, 701
.
7
The Signs of the Times, April 8, 1886
.
8
The Signs of the Times, September 1, 1898
.
9
Manuscript 70
, Undated.