p. 13 | Religion in the Home by Mrs. Hattie R. Rumery

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Aug 17, 1911

Religion in the Home

By Mrs. Hattie R. Rumery

MRS. HATTIE R. RUMERY

The apostle Paul says, “Let them learn first to show piety at home.” Richard Baxter said: “Religion should begin in the family. The holiest sanctuary is home. The family altar is more venerable than that of the cathedral. The education of the soul should begin and be carried on at the fireside.” And we are told through the Testimonies that “whoever does not let the light of truth shine in his home dishonors his Saviour.” “Hearts that are filled with the love of Christ can never get very far apart. Religion is love; and a Christian home is one where love reigns, and finds expression in words and acts of thoughtful kindness and gentle courtesy.” Spurgeon once said: “When home is ruled according to God’s Word, angels might be asked to stay with us, and they would not find themselves out of their element.”

Then, to sum it all up, the Christian home, the home that is graced by true religion, should be the anteroom of heaven itself. The very atmosphere of such a home is fragrant with the aroma of paradise. Its silent influence is felt by all who come within its precincts. The light of true piety on the candlestick of home, shines, blessing and cheering all who behold its radiance. T. L. Cuyler said: “Let your religion be seen. Lamps do not talk, but they do shine. A lighthouse sounds no gong, it beats no drum, yet far over the waters its friendly light is seen by the mariner.” It is very true that “the light that shines the farthest shines the brightest nearest home.”

Fortunate are the children who are reared in such a home. Like Timothy of old, they partake of the “unfeigned faith” that dwells in the older members of the household.

Margaret Sangster says: “In a home sweet with piety, where God is loved and the atmosphere is fragrant with devotion, a child grows naturally into the acquaintance with God, which is every child’s birthright.”

Little can we estimate the value of the influence of family worship in the home. The reading of the Sacred Scriptures, the song of praise in which all the family unite, and the humble supplication of each to the Great Father of all, whose love is exalted and magnified before the children,—these seasons can never be forgotten, let the children in later years wander where they may.

It is in the home that first impressions—so lasting—are made, and the parents have the first duty as well as privilege to impress the child with the beauty and importance of sacred things. It is said of Christ that “his mother was his first human teacher, and from her lips and from the scrolls of the prophets he learned of heavenly things.” The mothers of to-day have great opportunities and great responsibilities in the home; but alas! how few appreciate them! The father also, the priest of the household, is largely responsible for the influence of the home, and for the training of his children.

Industry is a prime factor in a happy home, and all the members of the family should feel an interest in the work pertaining to the home, remembering the Scripture injunction, “If any would not work, neither should he eat.” The children should be taught early in life to share the burdens, by taking such duties as they are able to perform, and becoming responsible for them. The servant of the Lord tells us that “the approval of God rests with loving assurance upon the children and youth who cheerfully take their part in the duties of the household, sharing the burdens of father and mother. Such children will go out from the home to be useful members of society.”

Of Jesus it is said that “he carried into his labor cheerfulness and tact; and often he expressed the gladness of his heart by singing psalms and heavenly songs; and when his companions complained of weariness from labor, they were cheered by the sweet melody from his lips.” And again, “No child of humanity will ever be called to live a holy life amid so fierce a conflict with temptation as was our Saviour.” “Satan was unwearied in his efforts to overcome the child of Nazareth. The same power that sustained him is in store for every child of to-day, and the incense of prayer on the altar of the Christian home brings it near to every member, old and young.” In “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VII, we read: “If ever there was a time when every house should be a house of prayer, it is now.” “By sincere, earnest prayer, parents should make a hedge about their children.” “They should pray with full faith that God will abide with them, and that holy angels will guard them and their children from Satan’s cruel power.” This is our privilege.

If we expect the angels to honor our homes with their presence, we shall surely desire to have our homes in a proper condition for their reception. Cleanliness, order, and taste will be in evidence throughout our premises, indoors and out, for we expect company—holy guests.

Realizing the value of a sound body to present as a “living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,” we shall see to proper sanitary conditions around our homes, that no carelessness of ours may bring disease into them.

In the enlightened Christian home the kitchen will not be an ally to the saloon, by furnishing foods that create an abnormal appetite; but the family will “eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness.”

The home of which we are speaking is noted for its hospitality. Even though it be a cottage, with meager fare, it is shared alike by the needy stranger and the friend. There is an air of welcome and freedom, which is restful to all who enter, and often the Saviour, in the person of his brethren, is entertained, and a blessing shared by all.

The spirit of kindness is so evident in this home that the domestic animals share its influence. Rowland Hill said, “I would give nothing for that man’s religion whose very dog and cat are not the better-for it.” A man will sometimes show anger toward a dumb beast who would be ashamed of it in the presence of refined people; and often, could these animals speak with man’s voice, they would forbid the madness of the professor. Harsh words, slang words, vulgar or obscene language, should all be entirely eliminated from the converted person’s vocabulary. Never should they pass his lips.

Strict economy is practised in this home. The fragments are gathered up, and nothing is lost. Self-denial is encouraged, that others more needy may share their material blessings; and the Lord’s share of time and means is carefully rendered to him. From beginning to end, the Sabbath is the happiest, the most delightful day, the best of all the week. The family can enjoy its privileges together, and the children be taught to love it and its Author. It will call for some self-denial on the part of the older members to read to and entertain the children, but it is such a short time that they are children, and in after-years the memory recalls such occasions with the greatest satisfaction.

We hear much about “old-time religion,” but we need a present-time religion in our homes, in our business, in our social intercourse, and in our churches; and this religion must begin in the home—an every-day experience. Like Enoch of old, it is our privilege to walk with God. If we do not let him into our homes as an abiding Guest, we may rest assured that he will never

say to us, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you.” We must take him in all his fulness here if we would be fitted for his eternal home; we must learn in the secret of his presence here, if we would bask in the light of his glory by and by.

Let us open the doors of our hearts and homes to him who has been knocking so long, that he may come in and be with us even unto the end.

Hopkins, Mich.