God Planned for Families. --He who gave Eve to Adam as a helpmeet . . .
ordained that men and women should be united in holy wedlock, to rear families
whose members, crowned with honour, should be recognised as members of the
family above.
Children are the heritage of the Lord, and we are answerable to Him for our
management of His property. . . . In love, faith, and prayer let parents work
for their households, until with joy they can come to God saying, "Behold,
I and the children whom the Lord hath given me."
A childless house is a desolate place. The hearts of the inmates are in
danger of becoming selfish, of cherishing a love for their own ease, and
consulting their own desires and conveniences. They gather sympathy to
themselves, but have little to bestow upon others.
Counsel to a Childless Couple. --Selfishness, which manifests itself in a
variety of ways according to circumstances and the peculiar organisation of
individuals, must die. If you had children, and your mind were compelled to be
called away from yourself to care for them, to instruct them, and be an example
to them, it would be an advantage to you. . . . When two compose a family, as in
your case, and there are no children to call into exercise patience,
forbearance, and true love, there is need of constant watchfulness lest
selfishness obtain the supremacy, lest you yourselves become the centre, and you
require attention, care, and interest, which you feel under no obligation to
bestow upon others.
Many are diseased physically, mentally, and morally because their attention
is turned almost exclusively to themselves. They might be saved from stagnation
by the healthy vitality of younger and varying minds and the restless energy of
children.
Noble Traits Are Developed in Caring for Children. -- I have a very tender
interest in all children, for I became a sufferer at a very early age. I have
taken many children to care for, and I have always felt that association with
the simplicity of childhood was a great blessing to me. . . .
The sympathy, forbearance, and love required in dealing with children would
be a blessing in any household. They would soften and subdue set traits of
character in those who need to be more cheerful and restful. The presence of a
child in a home sweetens and refines. A child brought up in the fear of the Lord
is a blessing.
Care and affection for dependent children removes the roughness from our
natures, makes us tender and sympathetic, and has an influence to develop the
nobler elements of our character.
A Child's Influence on Enoch. --After the birth of his first son, Enoch
reached a higher experience; he was drawn into a closer relationship with God.
He realized more fully his own obligations and responsibility as a son of God.
And as he saw the child's love for its father, its simple trust in his
protection; as he felt the deep, yearning tenderness of his own heart for that
first-born son, he learned a precious lesson of the wonderful love of God to men
in the gift of His Son, and the confidence which the children of God may repose
in their heavenly Father.
A Precious Trust. --Children are committed to their parents as a precious
trust, which God will one day require at their hands. We should give to their
training more time, more care, and more prayer. They need more of the right kind
of instruction. . . .
Remember that your sons and daughters are younger members of God's family. He
has committed them to your care, to train and educate for heaven. You must
render an account to Him for the manner in which you discharge your sacred
trust.