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

lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if
there be any praise, think on these things." If we would have our children
practice kindness, courtesy, and love, we ourselves must set them the
example.
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind." It "thinketh no evil,"--another fruit
borne on the tree of love. Our souls must be stayed upon God, imbued with
his Spirit, if we learn these sacred lessons. Said the apostle, "Gird up the
loins of your mind." If the thoughts are rightly disciplined, it will be a far
less difficult task to control the feelings. Looking unto Jesus, the author and
finisher of our faith, will give us courage, hope and constancy. Shall we not
obey the teachings of God's word? Shall we not make it our guide and
counselor? Shall we not devote time and thought to its perusal? How can
Christians neglect the book in which God has revealed his will to men? Our
children need help to understand the Scriptures. They should become
acquainted with the life and character of Jesus, that they may love him, and
choose to obey him.
Parents and guardians must themselves maintain purity of heart and life,
if they would have their children pure. They must give the needed
instruction, and in addition to this, they must exercise unceasing
watchfulness. Every day new thoughts are awakened in the minds of the
young, new impressions made upon their hearts. The associations they form,
the books they read, the habits they cherish--all must be guarded. The
interests of your children, for this life and the next, are at stake.
"What now you do, you know not, But shall hereafter know, When the
seeds your hands are sowing, To a ripened harvest grow."
When you stand before the great white throne, then your work will
appear as it is. The books are opened, the record of every life made known.
Many in that vast company are unprepared for the revelations made. Upon
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