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C. E. RENTFRO

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Dec 27, 1906

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 83, No. 52.

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C. E. RENTFRO

By C. E. RENTFRO

Obedience

C. E. RENTFRO

“AND the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. . . . And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; . . . and Samuel was laid down to sleep; that the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me.” 1 Sam. 3: 1-4.
In these words we have unfolded a secret that is really not a secret. We see the result of proper training and education on the part of parents. And what is it?—Prompt obedience.
When a child learns early in life that it is as necessary to obey the parents as it is to partake of the daily food, later when God calls him, he will answer, “Here am I; for thou calledst me.”
The habit of prompt obedience or of wilful disobedience clings to one all through life. How plainly this may be seen by the gospel worker, who, when presenting the claims of God’s holy law and Sabbath, hears the questioning and caviling, many times, instead of, “Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.”
This may be seen in families where one child has been accustomed to prompt obedience, while another presents excuses in order to evade acquiescence to the parents’ requirements. When the minister presents the demands of God’s law, the disobedient child or person of mature years begins to present the same excuses that he has made all through life. The other responds, “Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.” “Here am I; send me.”
Parents, how important it is to train our children in habits of strict obedience. This education may result in their eternal salvation. They will not begin to say: “O what difference does it make which day I keep, just so I do right in other things?” Listen to Samuel:—
“And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” 1 Sam. 15: 22, 23.
Carcavellos, Portugal.