Basic HTML Version
Chapter 4—Diversion and Harmless Substitutes
Influence of Idleness, Lack of Aim, Evil Associations
—In or-
der to reach the root of intemperance we must go deeper than the
use of alcohol or tobacco. Idleness, lack of aim, or evil associations,
may be the predisposing cause.—
Education, 202, 203
.
Influence of an Attractive Home
—Have your home as attrac-
tive as you can have it. Put back the drapery and let heaven’s doctor
in, which is sunlight. You want peace and quiet in your homes.
You want your children to have beautiful characters. Make home so
attractive that they will not want to go to the saloon.—
Manuscript
27, 1893
.
The Holding Power of an Attractive Home
—How many par-
ents are lamenting the fact that they cannot keep their children at
home, that they have no love for home. At an early age they have
a desire for the company of strangers; and as soon as they are old
enough, they break away from that which appears to them to be
bondage and unreasonable restraint, and will neither heed a mother’s
[210]
prayers nor a father’s counsels. Investigation would generally reveal
that the sin lay at the door of the parents. They have not made home
what it ought to be,—attractive, pleasant, radiant with the sunshine
of kind words, pleasant looks, and true love.
The secret of saving your children lies in making your home
lovely and attractive. Indulgence in parents will not bind the children
to God nor to home; but a firm, godly influence to properly train
and educate the mind would save many children from ruin.—
The
Review and Herald, December 9, 1884
.
Let home be a place where cheerfulness, courtesy, and love
exist.... If the home life is what it should be, the habits formed there
will be a strong defense against the assaults of temptation when the
young shall leave the shelter of home for the world.—
Counsels on
Health, 100
.
Country Homes and Useful Labor
—One of the surest safe-
guards for the young is useful occupation. Had they been trained to
208