Preparation is Needed
45
fashion the character of each dear human treasure that it may at last
lay hold of eternal life
The Bible, a volume rich in instruction, should be their textbook.
If they train their children according to its precepts, they not only set
their young feet in the right path, but they educate themselves in their
most holy duties
The work of parents is an important, a solemn, work; the duties
devolving upon them are great. But if they will study the Word of
God carefully, they will find in it full instructions and many precious
promises made to them on condition that they perform their work
faithfully and well
Rules for Parents and Children—God has given rules for the
guidance of parents and children. These rules are to be strictly obeyed.
The children are not to be indulged and allowed to think that they can
[66]
follow their own desires without asking the advice of their parents....
From the rules that God has given for the guidance of parents and
children, there can be no sinless swerving. God expects parents to
give their children a training that is in accordance with the principles
of His Word. Faith and works are to be combined. Everything that is
done in the home life and in the school life must be done decently and
in order
To the Law and the Testimony—The work of education in the
home, if it is to accomplish all that God designs it shall, demands that
parents be diligent students of the Scriptures. They must be learners
of the great Teacher. Day by day the law of love and kindness must
be upon their lips. Their lives must reveal the grace and truth that was
seen in the life of their Example. Then a sanctified love will bind the
hearts of parents and children together, and the youth will grow up
established in the faith and rooted and grounded in the love of God.
When the will and ways of God become the will and ways of
Seventh-day Adventist parents, their children will grow up to love and
honor and obey God. Satan will not be able to gain control of their
minds, for they have been educated to regard the Word of the Lord as
7
Manuscript 84, 1897
.
8
Testimonies For The Church 4:198
.
9
The Signs of the Times, April 8, 1886
.
10
Letter 9, 1904
.