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Children First

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 11, 1915

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 92, No. 56.

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“Children First”

By VESTA J. FARNSWORTH

VESTA J. FARNSWORTH
Again the week of prayer! In every time of danger it is an unwritten law that children have first claim, and other lives are sacrificed, if necessary, that they may be rescued.
No argument is needed to show that Seventh-day Adventist children are in peril. The world, the flesh, and the devil seek their eternal destruction. It seems fitting, therefore, that during this week of humiliation and seeking God the younger members of the Lord’s family should receive special care and labor.
This work may be most effectively done in each home where there are children. The time has come when the hearts of fathers and mothers should turn to their own children. Set apart some portion of each day to study with them the lessons prepared for them. After secret prayer in their behalf, lovingly and faithfully study and pray with them. Be not discouraged if they seem hard and impenitent. Confess to them your own impatience and faults in dealing with them, and ask their forgiveness. This will melt the heart as nothing else can.
Leaders should be appointed in the churches to work for the children, and time set apart for their meetings. Our space forbids giving long lessons or illustrations, so the outlines prepared are simply suggestive.
Do not hold long meetings. Sing the songs the children love. Let every exercise be short, spirited, spiritual. Encourage all the children to take part in the meetings, especially in prayer. This week should begin a real revival in their hearts, and lead to earnest seeking for a new and better Christian experience.
The children now living must meet and overcome temptations and tests such as those of no other age have experienced. If they learn to gain victories now, they will be better prepared to stand the greater trials of the future.
Name special objects for prayer each day for which prayer may be offered at home, then let all unite in the meetings in seeking God for the same things. Let all not simply talk about praying, but earnestly pray.