“As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 1

“Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 2

“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming, and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Verses 42-51.]20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 3

In view of these warnings, can anyone seek to quiet the mind with false science regarding what it means to be a follower of Christ? Now is the time to form characters after the divine similitude. If all Seventh-day Adventists were doing this, there would be a decided reformation in our churches. We must arouse and make ready to meet our Lord. But God has instructed me that many professing Christians are cherishing the thought, “My Lord delayeth His coming.” [Verse 48.] They are becoming careless and are eating and drinking with the drunken. They are following worldly policy. Eagerness to buy and sell and get gain is beclouding the spiritual vision of men who know the truth, but are not sanctified through the truth. This is bringing into our churches a spirit which, put into words, would say, “My Lord delayeth His coming.”20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 4

We need now to be diligently searching the book of Revelation—the history that Christ revealed to John on the Isle of Patmos, bidding him write it in a book, that the churches might know what was to take place on this earth just before the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 5

Those whose work makes it necessary for them to mix and mingle with worldly men in commerce should stand constantly on guard, keeping strict watch over themselves, and praying always, lest Satan take them unawares. To those of His followers who are of necessity obliged to deal with worldlings, God gives grace according to their need. If they stand ever on guard, special wisdom will be given them when they are obliged to be in the company of those who do not respect the Lord Jesus Christ. They are to show their faith by their words and works. Their every transaction is to reveal that they are Christians. They are to speak words in season. They are to maintain true courtesy, and all that they say and do is to reveal that they are under the control and discipline of God, being educated for His kingdom; that they are serving the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of heaven, and representing the principles of God’s holy law.20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 6

“Ye are the salt of the earth,” Christ declared; “but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden underfoot of men.” [Matthew 5:13.]20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 7

Following the instruction of Christ brings the sanctification of the Holy Spirit, and this enables men and women to reveal in spirit and word and deed the fragrance and the saving grace of the truth. If this transformation is not seen in the life, the words and acts will make of no effect the principles of truth, which, if practiced, exert a saving influence upon unbelievers.20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 8

Those who study the Word of God, and day by day receive instruction from Christ, bear the stamp of the principles of heaven. A high, holy influence goes forth from them. A helpful atmosphere surrounds their souls. The pure, elevated, ennobling principles that they follow enable them to bear a living testimony to the saving fragrance of divine grace. They are to unbelievers as salt that has not lost its savor.20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 9

“Ye are the light of the world; a city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.” [Verses 14, 15.] Fathers and mothers, let the light of Bible truth shine forth in clear, distinct rays from your home. Do not forget that your home is the school in which you and your children are to gain a preparation for the home above. Let your children have the help that comes from the saving qualities of Christian practice. Let your words be kind and helpful. Let your home be imbued with the influence of the Holy Spirit.20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 10

The one who has such a home takes its holy influence with him into the church. But the beginning must be made in the home. Fathers and mothers should learn how to exercise a restraining influence over the mind, the tongue, and the voice. The kindness of a truly converted heart should be revealed in the subdued voice, the wise judgment, and in the respect which those who have bound themselves by a solemn covenant to love, honor, and cherish each other show to one another. The sanctification of the truth, beginning in the lives of the parents, will be seen in the lives of the children.20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 11

Father, mother, stop! Do not utter that hasty word. Do not let anger and sharpness come into your voice. Have you set the children whom you are tempted to scold an example of patience and gentleness? Never show anger when you are correcting your children. Show sorrow and pity, but never hardness of heart. Never be cruel in your punishment of them. You have the power to do unjust things, but the Lord would have you show true religion in your home. Then you will be able to take your children with you into the fellowship of the church. These children are the Lord’s property. Seek to make them kind and gentle and loving. If you follow Christ’s directions, you will not find this a hard task. You will have to enjoin and require obedience. But you cannot do this successfully unless you remember that you yourselves are under the discipline of God. If you work with sanctified hearts, you will find it much easier to gain love and respect from your children than if you are harsh and unreasonable and severe in your treatment of them.20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 12

May God help you to take the candle out from under the bushel or the bed and place it where its bright rays will shine forth in pleasant looks and kind, loving words. Praise the children when they do well; for judicious commendation is as great a help to them as it is to those older in years and understanding. Never be cross-grained in the sanctuary of the home. Be kind and tenderhearted, showing Christian politeness, thanking and commending your children for the help they give you.20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 13

Take time to train your children from babyhood to be what God desires them to be. Never neglect this work. And be cheerful and happy as you do it. Much depends on the father and mother. They are to be firm and kind in their discipline, and they are to work most earnestly to have an orderly, correct household, that the heavenly angels may be attracted to it, to impart peace and a fragrant influence. Be very careful how you speak and act in the home and in the church. In the strength of the grace of Christ you may develop characters that will qualify you to become members of the royal family in the heavenly courts.20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 14

Allow nothing like strife or dissension to come into the home. Speak gently. Never raise your voice to harshness. Keep yourselves calm. Put away faultfinding and all untruthfulness. Tell the children that you want to help them to prepare for a holy heaven, where all is peace, where not one jarring note is heard. Be patient with them in their trials, which may look small to you, but which are large to them.20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 15

Carry the saving grace of heaven into the church, and be a blessing there by showing the same Christian spirit that you show in the home. Cheerfulness in the service of God is the richest grace that you can cherish. Teach your children to offer thanksgiving to God. This will be to them an invaluable education.20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 16

Your influence for good is to be far-reaching. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Verse 16.] We may live lives that will be ever sending forth the fragrance of goodness and righteousness. We may speak words that strengthen and bless, or words that will stir up strife, arousing hatred and dissension.20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 17

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” [Verse 48.] Christ will give the grace if you will give the obedience. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom is his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?” [Matthew 7:7-11.]20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 18

Ms 12, 1905

Ms 16, 1905