Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

e for their salvation. Act as though they were placed in your care to be fitted
as precious jewels to shine in the kingdom of God. Beware how you lull
them to sleep over the pit of destruction with the mistaken thought that they
are not old enough to be accountable, not old enough to repent of their sins
and profess Christ.
Parents should explain and simplify the plan of salvation to their
children that their young minds may comprehend it. Children of eight, ten, or
twelve years are old enough to be addressed on the subject of personal
religion. Do not teach your children with reference to some future period
when they shall be old enough to repent and believe the truth. If properly
instructed, very young children may have correct views of their state as
sinners and of the way of salvation through Christ. Ministers are generally
too indifferent to the salvation of children and are not as personal as they
should be. Golden opportunities to impress the minds of children frequently
pass unimproved.
Fathers and mothers, do you realize the importance of the responsibility
resting upon you? Do you realize the necessity of guarding your children
from careless, demoralizing habits? Allow your children to form only such
associations as will have a right influence upon their characters. Do not
allow them to be out in the evening unless you know where they are and
what they are doing. Instruct them in the principles of moral purity. If you
have neglected to teach them line upon line, precept upon precept, here a
little and there a little, begin at once to do your duty. Take up your
responsibilities and work for time and for eternity. Let not another day pass
without confessing your neglect to your children. Tell them that you mean
now to do your God-appointed work. Ask them to take hold with you in the
reform. Make diligent efforts to redeem the past. No longer remain in the
condition of the Laodicean church. In the name of the Lord I call upon every
family to show its true colors. Reform the church in your own home.
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