The Harvest

“Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Parents, your work is to win the confidence of your children, and in love patiently sow the precious seed. Do your work with contentment, never complaining of the hardship, care, and toil. If by patient, kindly, Christlike efforts, you may present one soul perfect in Christ Jesus, your life will not have been in vain. Keep your own soul hopeful and patient. Let no discouragement be traced in your features or attitude. You have in your hands the making of a character, through the help of God, that may work in the Master’s vineyard, and win many souls to Jesus. Ever encourage your children to reach a high standard in all their habits and tendencies. Be patient with their imperfections, as God is patient with you in your imperfections, bearing with you, watching over you, that you may bring forth fruit unto His glory. Encourage your children to strive to add to their attainments the virtues they lack. Let no cheap, frivolous conversation be indulged. Take your Bible, and read to your children the words of the inspired apostle. (Read Titus 2:6-8 and 1 Peter 1:13-16.)1NL 92.2

There is need of guarding the conversation, that the words shall be pure, chaste, elevated. If parents would strictly guard their words, they would by precept and example teach their children to be select in their words.1NL 92.3

The home may be a school where the children are indeed fashioned in character after the similitude of a palace. No coarseness or roughness is to be indulged; for it is entirely contrary to heaven’s custom.—Manuscript 136, 1898.1NL 92.4