p. 503 | LOVE IN THE HOME by Minnie Hoyt Philpott

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 6, 1901

LOVE IN THE HOME.

By Minnie Hoyt Philpott

MRS. MINNIE HOYT PHILPOTT.

(Dillon, Tenn.)

It has been said that “love has greater power than anything else on earth.” If this be true, is there any one place where love should be manifested for one another more than in the home? We think not.

Let us teach our little ones by precept and example the happiness that will come to them from cultivating a spirit of love, not only for those outside our home, but for those who are nearest and dearest to us. How often those who are dear to us are spoken to harshly and unkindly! And is it any wonder that many are desirous of finding a home elsewhere than under the parental roof?

Some time ago, while living in part of a house occupied by a family consisting of a mother, three boys, and a little girl ten years of age, my heart was pained as I often heard harsh, bitter words spoken which were enough almost to crush out the spirit of love entirely. My heart ached to manifest affection and love toward the little girl when she occasionally came into my room; but she had been brought up under such a cold, chilly influence that I could do but little with her. I heard the mother say to her one day, “I have a notion to knock you in the head with a stick of wood,” and then between the sobs of the poor child I heard her say, “I don't care, I wish I was dead.” What a pity that a mother should speak so harshly to her own dear child whom she should love most tenderly.

Love begets love; and if we would have children be kind and lovable, let us show love to them in kindly words and actions. Even though it may make us a little extra work and take some of our time, let us live with our children, and do all we can to make them happy while they are with us. And in most cases they will be glad to make our hearts happy. Encourage them to assist in the little duties of the home; for if we can keep their busy hands employed in some good way, Satan will not have as much advantage over them.

If we show our appreciation of what they try to do, they will love to be helpful. Even if they make mistakes, which all children will do, let us see if we cannot find something for which we may commend them. Let us make our homes bright and cheerful, not by costly furniture and gorgeous display; but by order, neatness, and little acts of love one for another. These habits cultivated in the children will help them to develop a Christian character; and when they are grown to manhood and womanhood, they will be better qualified to go as missionaries into other homes, and so scatter the seeds of sunshine and loving-kindness which have blossomed out in their own characters.

May God help us as mothers to sense the solemn responsibility that is resting upon us, and so to train up our children that they may be vessels of honor fit for the Master's use, ready at any time to go and labor in His vineyard at His bidding. And when our work is over, and we are laid away to rest, it may be said of us, as has been said of others, “She hath done what she could.”