The Crowning Treasure of the Home, September 12

Founded on Love

Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Psalm 128:3.FLB 261.1

Children and youth are God's peculiar treasure.^{53The Adventist Home, 280.}FLB 261.2

When two compose a family, ... 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 center, and you require attention, care, and interest, which you feel under no obligation to bestow upon others.^{54Testimonies for the Church 2:231.}FLB 261.3

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.^{55Testimonies for the Church 2:647.}FLB 261.4

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.^{56Patriarchs and Prophets, 84.}FLB 261.5

I have a very tender interest in all children.... 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....FLB 261.6

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....FLB 261.7

Your sons and daughters are younger members of God's family. He has committed them to your care, to train and educate for heaven.^{57The Adventist Home, 160, 161.}FLB 261.8

The soul of the little child that believes in Christ is as precious in His sight as are the angels about His throne.^{58The Adventist Home, 279.}FLB 261.9