Principles of Family Finance
285
and they borrow and borrow again and again and become overwhelmed
in debt, and consequently they become discouraged and disheartened
Keep a Record of Expenditures—Habits of self-indulgence or
a want of tact and skill on the part of the wife and mother may be a
constant drain upon the treasury; and yet that mother may think she is
doing her best because she has never been taught to restrict her wants
or the wants of her children and has never acquired skill and tact in
household matters. Hence one family may require for its support twice
the amount that would suffice for another family of the same size.
All should learn how to keep accounts. Some neglect this work
as nonessential, but this is wrong. All expenses should be accurately
stated
The Evils of Spendthrift Habits—The Lord has been pleased to
present before me the evils which result from spendthrift habits, that I
[375]
might admonish parents to teach their children strict economy. Teach
them that money spent for that which they do not need is perverted
from its proper use
If you have extravagant habits, cut them away from your life at
once. Unless you do this, you will be bankrupt for eternity. Habits of
economy, industry, and sobriety are a better portion for your children
than a rich dowry.
We are pilgrims and strangers on the earth. Let us not spend our
means in gratifying desires that God would have us repress. Let us
fitly represent our faith by restricting our wants
A Parent Reproved for Extravagance—You do not know how
to use money economically and do not learn to bring your wants within
your income.... You have an eager desire to get money, that you may
freely use it as your inclination shall dictate, and your teaching and
example have proved a curse to your children. How little they care for
principle! They are more and more forgetful of God, less fearful of
His displeasure, more impatient of restraint. The more easily money
is obtained, the less thankfulness is felt
7
The Review and Herald, December 19, 1983
.
8
Gospel Workers, 460
.
9
Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 63
.
10
The Review and Herald, December 24, 1903
.
11
Letter 8, 1889
.