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Ministry of the Home
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entertainment. You will need to make no effort at display. The
warmth of a genial welcome, a place at your fireside, a seat at your
home table, the privilege of sharing the blessing of the hour of prayer,
would to many of these be like a glimpse of heaven.
Our sympathies are to overflow the boundaries of self and the
enclosure of family walls. There are precious opportunities for those
who will make their homes a blessing to others. Social influence is
a wonderful power. We can use it if we will as a means of helping
those about us.
Our homes should be a place of refuge for the tempted youth.
Many there are who stand at the parting of the ways. Every influence,
every impression, is determining the choice that shapes their destiny
both here and hereafter. Evil invites them. Its resorts are made bright
and attractive. They have a welcome for every comer. All about
us are youth who have no home, and many whose homes have no
helpful, uplifting power, and the youth drift into evil. They are going
down to ruin within the very shadow of our own doors.
These youth need a hand stretched out to them in sympathy. Kind
words simply spoken, little attentions simply bestowed, will sweep
away the clouds of temptation which gather over the soul. The true
expression of heaven-born sympathy has power to open the door of
hearts that need the fragrance of Christlike words, and the simple,
delicate touch of the spirit of Christ’s love. If we would show an
interest in the youth, invite them to our homes, and surround them
with cheering, helpful influences, there are many who would gladly
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turn their steps into the upward path.
Life’s Opportunities
Our time here is short. We can pass through this world but once;
as we pass along, let us make the most of life. The work to which we
are called does not require wealth or social position or great ability.
It requires a kindly, self-sacrificing spirit and a steadfast purpose.
A lamp, however small, if kept steadily burning, may be the means
of lighting many other lamps. Our sphere of influence may seem
narrow, our ability small, our opportunities few, our acquirements
limited; yet wonderful possibilities are ours through a faithful use
of the opportunities of our own homes. If we will open our hearts