Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 17, 1868

Testimony Regarding Brother Smith and Family

1868

Previously unpublished.

I was shown that Brother and Sister Smith have made a great mistake in the training of their children. They have not restrained them. Instead of managing them, the children have managed the parents. They have the example of the sons of Eli before them. They have not taken the burden upon them, the responsibility heaven has laid upon them. They have not taught their children to yield to their wishes and will. They have been indulged. They have not been educated to self-denial. Their pleasures have been consulted to the injury of their future and eternal good. As they have not honored their parents, the same lack will be seen in their religious experience. Reverence for God and for the truth they will have but little of. Self will appear in all their experience. To please self, to be seeking pleasure, to gratify self, will be prominent. They were allowed to be forward, and a thorn will be planted in the hearts of the parents for their wrong management. 1LtMs, Ms 17, 1868, par. 1

These children, all but the eldest, will be in danger of losing heaven because they have no just idea of what is required to become a Christian and the purifying, cleansing work to be carried on to fit them for the society of heavenly angels and to dwell in the presence of a pure and holy God. They do not discern sacred things, but the high, the sacred, the holy is placed upon the same level with common things. Religion is a common thing. Unless these children are converted and see the necessity of coming out from the world and being separate, [unless they] learn this lesson which their parents have failed to impress upon them, they can have no part with the redeemed in God’s everlasting kingdom. 1LtMs, Ms 17, 1868, par. 2

That family needs the health reform—to be thoroughly converted to it and to prepare their food in the simplest manner, placing upon their table a plain, unstimulating diet. Poor health has been brought on by your wrong course of action in a great degree. The appetite and taste have been consulted to the expense of the stomach. You want an entire change in the order of things. Rule your own house with firmness, love, and decision. With the spirit of Christ take hold of the work and undo as far as possible what you have done, and remedy the deficiency in the education of your children. 1LtMs, Ms 17, 1868, par. 3