Brothers and Sisters

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 12, 1882

Brothers and Sisters.

We have noticed, sometimes, that brothers and sisters, while kind and polite to others, are, to one another, as snappish and disagreeable as they can be. The boy who takes off his hat to the girl across the street and is ready to rush to her help when she drops her books or fan or has some trouble in opening the gate, would not think of treating his sister in the same way. To her, he is as rude as a bear. And so, on the other hand, the young lady, who in society, is all smiles and sweetness, is oftentimes, at home, as surly and sour to her own brother as she can make herself. Of their comfort and happiness, she scarcely ever has a thought.

Now this ought not so to be. We should be as careful and loving and attentive towards our brothers and sisters, as toward other people. Politeness is as binding on us at our own home, as at other people’s homes. That brother who neglects his sister, and that sister who tyrannizes over her brother, are both acting an unworthy part. Brothers, be gentle. Sisters, be considerate. Thus you will make home what it ought to be: the sweetest place on earth. Thus will you save yourselves from bitter memories which sometimes, when it is too late, gnaw the heart.—Ex.