Two Examples by E. R. Allen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 1, 1912

Two Examples

By E. R. Allen

E. R. ALLEN

As showing that the salvation of our children depends very largely upon the influences with which they are surrounded in the home, the following incidents have come to our notice:—

The third angel's message came to a farmer and his wife who were living in a new and prosperous section of the country, where the soil was rich and the land cheap. They secured possession of a good tract, and by hard work and economy brought it to a high state of cultivation. Their home was a beautiful one, with all they could wish to make them happy. Two children, a boy and a girl, were entrusted to their care. The father and mother seemed to love the truth, and left a popular church to cast in their lot with the remnant people.

About the time the children were ready for an intermediate school, such an institution was established within a few miles of this home. The children begged to be allowed to attend; but their help was needed to do the farm work and to keep up the work about the house. So the privilege was denied them. The result was that when but a mere girl the daughter married a worthless man who soon left her. She married again in a short time, in each instance out of the truth. The parents were required to spend for her in her troubles much more than it would have cost them to have educated her. The boy also married into an unbelieving family in the neighborhood. Finally the father and mother found the way too strait, and gave up their faith in the message for this time. They became hard, cynical, and avaricious.

But we turn to another scene. Some thirty years ago two faithful brethren pitched a tent in a certain neighborhood, and organized a small church of Sabbath-keepers. In a few years, through death, apostasy, and removals, one family only was left to hold up the light of truth in the community. The father in this family soon fell ill, and after a lingering illness, died, leaving the mother and five children to fight the battles of life alone. The eldest son was an invalid, and the youngest but five years of age.

Part of the farm was sold to pay debts, part was rented, and the boys worked the rest as best they could. Four months each winter at the district school constituted their educational advantages. But in spite of droughts, losses, and hard times, the mother managed to provide the family with the REVIEW AND HERALD and Youth's Instructor, and occasionally to buy a good book. A home Sabbath-school was maintained, in which for a number of years the mother was superintendent, secretary, and teacher. Great stress was laid on the preparation of the lessons. Family worship was maintained morning and evening. The Testimonies were carefully studied by all, and were often read aloud at the worship hour. Each year some, if not all, of the family were at the camp-meeting. No matter what sacrifice this cost, it was arranged for.

As a result, every member of this family is to-day rejoicing in the truth, and all are bearing heavy responsibilities in connection with the work of the message. Each of these young people married in the truth. The mother has been allowed to live to see the results of her faithfulness, and is joyfully waiting for the coming of the Saviour.

Port Hope, Ontario.