Notebook Leaflets from the Elmshaven Library, vol. 1

Educate for the Master

The family should be a school where the father and mother, under the control of Christ, seek to educate their children for the Master. They should not try to evade the responsibilities of this work. They should not give their time to visiting, to the entertainment of visitors, neglecting their children to do this. If parents neglect to teach their children to be useful and helpful, Satan takes them and instructs them in his school, and those who learn in this school show who has been their instructor. 1NL 95.2

Parents lose much when they are only half converted. Of Abraham Christ said, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord.” 1NL 95.3

By the combined influence of love and authority, Abraham was to rule his home. He was to walk before his household without hypocrisy or deception. He would do nothing to betray the truth. The rule for master and servant, parent and child, is obedience to the great standard of righteousness. But how few bring religion into the home life! Parents, what course are you pursuing? Are you acting on the theory that in things concerning the religious life your children shall be left free from restraint, that all you have to do is to counsel with them, and then leave them to do as they please? If so, you are neglecting your duty, neglecting the souls for whom God holds you responsible.—Manuscript 7, 1899. 1NL 95.4

*****

So great is the value of the human soul that Christ paid an infinite price for the redemption of the race. God gave His Son up to shame and reproach and to an ignominious death that man might have eternal life. In view of this, why are we not working more earnestly to save sinners? Why are we so indifferent, so careless? Where is our faith, where our works?—Manuscript 24, 1903. 1NL 95.5

*****