Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

however unimportant, will either promote or hinder the accomplishment of
this object. The Lord desires that we should enjoy the blessings with which
he has surrounded us, and that in all the acts of our lives we should express
our continual gratitude. We can do this, not by neglecting and abusing his
gifts, but by putting them to a wise and noble use, by exerting a right
influence over our fellow-men, by reforming wrong customs, instead of
following them. "Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the
upright in heart." It is only in pursuing a right course that light and gladness
attend our path.
Society is molded by the influence of the mother. She may be wholly
occupied within the narrow limits of her home, apparently engaged in life's
humblest duties; yet if she does her work as well as she may do it, in the fear
of God, she is gaining greater victories than the leader of armed hosts. She
may send forth from her home young men and young women strong in right
habits and firm principles. The upright deportment and unblemished morals
of her children will be a blessing to the church and to society.
God brought the Israelites from Egypt that he might establish them in
the land of Canaan, a pure, holy, and happy people. In the accomplishment
of this object he subjected them to a course of discipline, both for their own
good and for the good of posterity. Had they been willing to deny appetite, in
obedience to his wise restrictions, there would have been no feeble ones in
all their tribes. Their descendants would have possessed both physical and
mental strength. They would have had clear perceptions of truth and duty,
keen discrimination, and sound judgment. But the requirements of God were
disregarded then as they are disregarded now. The people were dissatisfied
with the simple, wholesome food which had been provided by their Creator.
Habits of self-indulgence brought the sure result,--degeneracy and decay.
God's commands are never designed to make men unhappy. They are the
dictates of infinite wisdom, goodness, and love. While they secure the glory
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