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Counsels for the Church
Making God’s Cause First
Would it not be well for us to observe holidays unto God, when
we could revive in our minds the memory of His dealing with us?
Would it not be well to consider His past blessings, to remember the
impressive warnings that have come home to our souls so that we shall
not forget God?
The world has many holidays, and men become engrossed with
games, with horse races, with gambling, smoking, and drunkenness.
Shall not the people of God more frequently have holy convoca-
tions in which to thank God for His rich blessings? We want men in
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the church who have ability to develop in the line of organizing and
giving practical work to young men and women in the line of relieving
the wants of humanity and working for the salvation of the souls of
men, women, youth, and children. It will not be possible for all to give
their whole time to the work because of the labor they must do to earn
their daily living. Yet these have their holidays and times that they can
devote to Christian work and do good in this way if they cannot give
much of their means.
When you have a holiday, make it a pleasant and happy day for
your children, and make it also a pleasant day for the poor and the
afflicted. Do not let the day pass without bringing thanksgiving and
thank offerings to Jesus.
Birthdays—A Time to Praise God
Under the Jewish economy on the birth of children an offering was
made to God, by His own appointment. Now we see parents taking
special pains to present gifts to their children upon their birthdays;
they make this an occasion of honoring the child, as though honor
were due to the human being. Satan has had his own way in these
things; he has diverted the minds and the gifts to human beings; thus
the thoughts of the children are turned to themselves, as if they were
to be made the objects of special favor.
On birthday occasions the children should be taught that they have
reason for gratitude to God for His loving-kindness in preserving their
lives for another year. Precious lessons might thus be given. For life,
health, food, and clothing, no less than for the hope of eternal life,