408
Child Guidance
comprehend spiritual things. Overeating befogs the brain. The most
precious words may be heard and not appreciated, because the mind
is confused by an improper diet. By overeating on the Sabbath, many
have done more than they think to dishonor God.
While cooking upon the Sabbath should be avoided, it is not nec-
essary to eat cold food. In cold weather let the food prepared the
day before be heated. And let the meals, though simple, be palatable
and attractive. Provide something that will be regarded as a treat,
something the family do not have every day
The Rest of the Day Is Precious—The Sabbath school and the
meeting for worship occupy only a part of the Sabbath. The portion
remaining to the family may be made the most sacred and precious
season of all the Sabbath hours. Much of this time parents should
spend with their children
Plan Suitable Reading and Conversation—The Sabbath—oh!—
make it the sweetest, the most blessed day of the week....
Parents can and should give attention to their children, reading to
them the most attractive portions of Bible history, educating them to
reverence the Sabbath day, keeping it according to the commandment.
This cannot be done if the parents feel no burden to interest their
children. But they can make the Sabbath a delight if they will take
the proper course. The children can be interested in good reading or
[533]
in conversation about the salvation of their souls. But they will have
to be educated and trained. The natural heart does not love to think
of God, of heaven, or of heavenly things. There must be a continual
pressing back of the current of worldliness and inclination to evil and
a letting in of heavenly light
Not Indifferent to Children’s Activities—I have found that on
the Sabbath day many are indifferent and do not know where their
children are or what they are doing
Parents, above everything take care of your children upon the
Sabbath. Do not suffer them to violate God’s holy day by playing in
the house or out-of-doors. You may just as well break the Sabbath
yourselves as to let your children do it, and when you suffer your
16
Testimonies For The Church 6:357
.
17
Testimonies For The Church 6:358
.
18
The Review and Herald, April 14, 1885
.
19
The Review and Herald, April 14, 1885
.