276
The Adventist Home
against father and mother! How can a daughter professing the name
of Christ cherish hatred against her mother, especially if that mother is
sick and old? Let kindness and love, the sweetest fruits of Christian
life, find a place in the heart of children toward their parents
Be Patient With Infirmities—Especially dreadful is the thought
of a child turning in hatred upon a mother who has become old and
feeble, upon whom has come those infirmities of disposition attendant
upon second childhood. How patiently, how tenderly, should children
bear with such a mother! Tender words which will not irritate the
spirit should be spoken. A true Christian will never be unkind, never
under any circumstances be neglectful of his father or mother, but will
heed the command, “Honour thy father and thy mother.” God has said,
[363]
“Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the
old man.” ...
Children, let your parents, infirm and unable to care for themselves,
find their last days filled with contentment, peace, and love. For
Christ’s sake let them go down to the grave receiving from you only
words of kindness, love, mercy, and forgiveness. You desire the Lord
to love and pity and forgive you, and to make all your bed in your
sickness, and will you not treat others as you would wish to be treated
yourself
God’s Plan of Caring for the Aged—The matter of caring for
our aged brethren and sisters who have no homes is constantly being
urged. What can be done for them? The light which the Lord has given
me has been repeated: It is not best to establish institutions for the care
of the aged, that they may be in a company together. Nor should they
be sent away from home to receive care. Let the members of every
family minister to their own relatives. When this is not possible, the
work belongs to the church, and it should be accepted both as a duty
and as a privilege. All who have Christ’s spirit will regard the feeble
and aged with special respect and tenderness
A Privilege That Brings Satisfaction and Joy—The thought that
children have ministered to the comfort of their parents is a thought
of satisfaction all through the life, and will especially bring them joy
when they themselves are in need of sympathy and love. Those whose
7
Ibid
.
8
Ibid
.
9
Testimonies For The Church 6, 272
.