The
Sabbath in the Home
Before the setting of the sun let
the members of the family assemble to read God’s word, to sing and pray. There
is need of reform here, for many have been remiss. We need to confess to God
and to one another.
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We should begin anew to make
special arrangements that every member of the family may be prepared to honor
the day which God has blessed and sanctified. Let not the precious hours of the
Sabbath be wasted in bed. On Sabbath morning the family should be astir early.
If they rise late, there is confusion
and bustle in preparing for
breakfast and Sabbath school. There is hurrying, jostling, and impatience. Thus
unholy feelings come into the home. The Sabbath, thus desecrated, becomes a
weariness, and its coming is dreaded rather than loved. We should not provide
for the Sabbath a more liberal supply or a greater variety of food than for
other days. Instead of this the food should be more simple, and less should be
eaten, in order that the mind may be clear and vigorous to comprehend spiritual
things. Overeating befogs the brain. The most precious words may be heard and
not appreciated, because the mind is confused by an improper diet. By
overeating on the Sabbath, many have done more than they think to dishonor God.
While cooking upon the Sabbath should be avoided, it is not necessary to eat
cold food. In cold weather let the food prepared the day before be
heated. And let the meals, though
simple, be palatable and attractive. Provide something that will be regarded as
a treat, something the family do not have every day.
At family worship let the
children take a part. Let all bring their Bibles and each read a verse or two.
Then let some familiar hymn be sung, followed by
prayer. For this, Christ has
given a model. The Lord’s Prayer was not intended to be repeated merely as a
form, but it is an illustration of what our prayers should be—simple, earnest,
and comprehensive. In a simple petition tell the Lord your needs and express
gratitude for His mercies. Thus you invite Jesus as a welcome guest into your
home
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and heart. In the family long
prayers concerning remote objects are not in place. They make the hour of
prayer a weariness, when it should be regarded as a privilege and blessing.
Make the season one of interest and joy. The Sabbath school and the meeting for
worship occupy only a part of the Sabbath. The portion remaining to the family
may be made the most sacred
and precious season of all the
Sabbath hours. Much of this time parents should spend with their children. In many
families the younger children are left to themselves to find entertainment as
best they can. Left alone, the children soon be come restless and begin to play
or engage in some kind of mischief. Thus the Sabbath has to them no sacred
significance. In pleasant weather let parents walk with their children in the
fields and groves. Amid the beautiful things of nature tell them the reason for
the
institution of the Sabbath.
Describe to them God’s great work of creation. Tell them that when the earth
came from His hand, it was holy and beautiful. Every flower, every shrub, every
tree, answered the purpose of its Creator. Everything upon which the eye rested
was lovely and filled the mind with thoughts of the love of God. Every sound
was music in harmony with the voice
of God. Show that it was sin
which marred God’s perfect work; that thorns and thistles, sorrow and pain and
death, are all the result of disobedience to God. Bid them see how the earth,
though marred with the curse of sin, still
reveals God’s goodness. The green
fields, the lofty trees, the glad sunshine, the clouds, the dew, the solemn
stillness of the night, the glory of the starry heavens, and the moon in its
beauty all bear witness of the Creator. Not a drop of rain falls, not a ray of
light is shed on our unthankful world, but it testifies
to the forbearance and love of
God. Tell them of the way of salvation; how “God so loved
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the world, that He gave His
only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have
everlasting life.” John 3:16. Let the sweet story of Bethlehem be repeated.
Present before the children Jesus, as a child obedient to His parents, as a
youth faithful and industrious, helping to support the family. Thus you can
teach them that the Saviour knows the trials, perplexities, and temptations,
the hopes and joys, of the young, and that He can give them sympathy and help.
From time to time read with them the interesting stories in Bible history.
Question as to what they have learned in the Sabbath school, and study with
them the next Sabbath’s lesson. As the sun goes down, let the voice of prayer
and the hymn of praise mark
the close of the sacred hours and
invite God’s presence through the cares of the week of labor. Thus parents can
make the Sabbath, as it should be, the most joyful day of the week. They can
lead their children to regard it as a delight, the day of
days, the holy of the Lord,
honorable. I counsel you, my brethren and sisters: “Remember the Sabbath day,
to keep it holy.” If you desire your children to observe the Sabbath according to
the commandment, you must teach them by both precept and example. The deep
engraving of truth in the heart is never wholly effaced. It may be obscured,
but can never be obliterated. The impressions made in early life
will be seen in afteryears.
Circumstances may occur to separate the children from their parents and their
home, but as long as they live the instruction given in childhood and youth
will be a blessing.
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