Old Times

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 30, 1907

CHILDREN are greatly interested in the events of their parents' early lives. “Distance,” in such cases, “lends enchantment to the view.” The grandmother often renders important service to the children by telling stories of old times. Those early days have romantic fascination to the little ones whose life has but recently begun. If the story be one of pioneer life in the olden time, children appreciate it intensely. They become linked to the past by weaving the chain of memory for them, and they gain a sense of solidarity with their ancestors. The family traditions, ideals, and sentiment are conveyed to them, and perpetuated in their thoughts and actions. It uplifts children to be brought into the line of heroic men and women, who stand out on the distant horizon in ideal and beautiful figure. We can not estimate the effect on the character and standards of children when their ancestors are exalted before them. It is true that such may have been ordinary men and women, but when idealized, they become in a certain sense the “saints” by whose deeds children are impressed and elevated for life's struggle.—The Watchman.