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

He who will observe simplicity in all his habits, restricting the appetite
and controlling the passions, may preserve his mental powers strong, active,
and vigorous, quick to perceive everything which demands thought or action,
keen to discriminate between the holy and the unholy, and ready to engage in
every enterprise for the glory of God and the benefit of humanity.
It is the mother's work to train, to educate, and to discipline. While she
seeks to store the mind of her child with useful knowledge, let her fortify the
young heart with good principles. There is missionary work to be done at
home by the fireside. This important field is neglected because of the
difficulties to be met; because the work requires labor and self-denial. But
will not the result compensate for the sacrifices made, the efforts put forth?
Are souls in heathen lands more precious than souls at home? It is indeed a
matter which should concern us, that in foreign lands young girls are
growing up to wifehood and motherhood knowing nothing of their duties to
themselves, to their children, or to God. But should we not at the same time
give some thought to the fact that the girls of America are almost wholly
destitute of that knowledge and training which would make them useful and
honored as wives and mothers? Would that we could lead mothers who are
now worshiping at fashion's shrine to become missionaries at home, training
their children to become an honor to God and a blessing to humanity. Would
not our Maker look upon such a work with approval?
There is a wide field of labor opened before every mother. If her work is
wrought faithfully, in the fear of God, it will bring forth fruit unto eternal
life. The mother's work should begin at home. This is the fountain-head from
which her influence and usefulness should flow. If her duties here are
discharged with fidelity, she will see all around her fields where she may
work with the best results. And by-and-by those words from her Master will
fall as sweetest music upon her ear--"Well done, thou good and faithful
servant. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."
1042