Speech
333
thereby creating disagreeable feelings and unhappiness in the family.
The other members of the family lose their respect for the one who
speaks thus, when if he would restrain his feelings, he might win the
confidence and affection of all
Pleasant Words to Children; Respectful Words to Parents—
Let only pleasant words be spoken by parents to their children, and
respectful words by children to their parents. Attention must be given
to these things in the home life; for if, in their character building,
children form right habits, it will be much easier for them to be taught
by God and to be obedient to His requirements
Shun Vulgarity in Every Form—Fathers and mothers, husbands
and wives, brothers and sisters, do not educate yourselves in the line
[438]
of vulgarity of action, word, or thought. Coarse sayings, low jests,
lack of politeness and true courtesy in the home life, will become as
second nature to you and will unfit you for the society of those who
are becoming sanctified through the truth. The home is too sacred
a place to be polluted by vulgarity, sensuality, recrimination, and
scandal. Silence the evil word; put away the unholy thought, for the
True Witness weighs every word, sets a value on every action, and
declares, “I know thy works.
Low, cheap, common talk should find no place in the family. When
the heart is pure, rich treasures of wisdom will flow forth
Indulge in no foolish talking in your house. Even very young
children will be benefited by “the form of sound words.” But idle and
foolish words exchanged between father and mother will lead to the
same kind of words among the children; while right, candid, truthful,
and serious words will lead to the same in all the household and will
lead to right actions also
The Evils of Angry, Hasty Words—When you speak angry
words to your children, you are helping the cause of the enemy of all
righteousness. Let every child have a fair chance from babyhood up.
The work of teaching should begin in childhood, not accompanied
by harshness and fretting, but in kindness and patience; and this in-
16
Manuscript 60, 1903
.
17
The Review and Herald, November 17, 1896
.
18
The Signs of the Times, November 14, 1892
.
19
The Review and Herald, May 17, 1898
.
20
The Review and Herald, April 14, 1885
.