Chapter 115—The Hour of Worship

In arousing and strengthening a love for Bible study, much depends
on the use of the hour of worship. The hours of morning
and evening worship should be the sweetest and most helpful of the
day. Let it be understood that into these hours no troubled, unkind
thoughts are to intrude; that parents and children assemble to meet
with Jesus, and to invite into the home the presence of holy angels.
Let the services be brief and full of life, adapted to the occasion, and
varied from time to time. Let all join in the Bible reading, and learn
and often repeat God’s law. It will add to the interest of the children
if they are sometimes permitted to select the reading. Question them
upon it, and let them ask questions. Mention anything that will serve
to illustrate its meaning. When the service is not thus made too
lengthy, let the little ones take part in prayer, and let them join in
song, if it be but a single verse.
To make such a service what it should be, thought should be
given to preparation. And parents should take time daily for Bible
study with their children. No doubt it will require effort and planning
and some sacrifice to accomplish this; but the effort will be richly
repaid.—Education, 186. [342]
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Chapter 116—Religious Hospitality
We would be much happier and more useful if our home life and
social intercourse were governed by the meekness and simplicity of
Christ. Instead of toiling for display, to excite the admiration or the
envy of visitors, we should endeavor to make all around us happy
by our cheerfulness, sympathy, and love. Let visitors see that we are
striving to conform to the will of Christ. Let them see in us, even
though our lot is humble, a spirit of content and gratitude. The very
atmosphere of a truly Christian home is that of peace and restfulness.
Such an example will not be without effect....
In our efforts for the comfort and happiness of guests, let us not
overlook our obligations to God. The hour of prayer should not be
neglected for any consideration. Do not talk and amuse yourselves
till all are too weary to enjoy the season of devotion. To do this is to
present to God a lame offering. At an early hour of the evening, when
we can pray unhurriedly and understandingly, we should present our
supplications, and raise our voices in happy, grateful praise.
Let all who visit Christians see that the hour of prayer is the most
precious, the most sacred, and the happiest hour of the day. These
seasons of devotion exert a refining, elevating influence upon all
who participate in them. They bring a peace and rest grateful to the
[343] spirit.—The Review and Herald, November 29, 1887.
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Section 12—Dress and Adornment
[344]
A person’s character is judged by his style of dress. A refined taste,
a cultivated mind, will be revealed in the choice of simple and
appropriate attire. Chaste simplicity in dress, when united with
modesty of demeanor, will go far toward surrounding a young
woman with that atmosphere of sacred reserve which will be to her
a shield from a thousand perils.—Education, 248.
[345] Chapter 117—Elements in Character Building
It is important that children and youth should be trained to guard
their words and deeds; for their course of action causes sunshine or
shadow, not only in their own home, but also with all with whom
they come in contact. But before the youth can be careful and
thoughtful and refrain from every appearance of evil, they must have
that wisdom which comes from above, and the strength which Jesus
alone can impart....
True Adornment
Many deceive themselves in thinking that good looks and a
gay attire will gain for them consideration in the world. But the
charms that consist only in the outward apparel are shallow and
changeable; no dependence can be placed upon them. The adorning
with Christ enjoins upon His followers will never fade. He says:
“Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the
hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be
the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even
the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God
of great price.”
If half the time spent by the youth in making themselves attractive
in outward appearances were given to soul-culture, to the
inward adorning, what a difference would be seen in their deport-
[346] ment, words, and actions. Those who are truly seeking to follow
Christ will have conscientious scruples in regard to the dress they
wear; they will strive to meet the requirements of this injunction
so plainly given by the Lord. The money now expended in extravagances
in dress will be used for the advancement of the cause of
God and in storing their minds with useful knowledge, thus qualifying
themselves for positions of trust. They will seek to meet the
expectations of Jesus, who has bought them at an infinite price.
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Elements in Character Building 313
Dear children and youth, Jesus has done all in His power to give
you a home in the mansions that are prepared for them that love and
serve Him here. He left His heavenly home, and came to a world
marred by sin,—came to a people who did not appreciate Him, who
did not love His purity and holiness, who slighted His teachings, and
finally put Him to a most cruel death. “God so loved the world, that
He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him
should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Outward Appearance
God wants something in return for this great sacrifice He has
made in your behalf. He wants you to be Christians, not in name
alone, but also in dress and conversation. He would have you be
content to dress in modest apparel, not in ruffles and feathers and unnecessary
trimmings. He wants you to make your manners attractive,
such as Heaven can approve. Will you disappoint his expectations,
dear youth?
The outside appearance is frequently an index to the mind, and [347]
we should be careful what signs we hang out for the world to judge
of our faith. We want you to follow Jesus as dear children, obedient
to His expressed will in all things. We want you to please your
Redeemer by seeking earnestly that inward adorning. Thus day by
day, with the help of Jesus, you may overcome self. Pride and love of
display will be discarded from your hearts and lives. Meekness and
love of simplicity will be encouraged. Thus the youth may become
an army of faithful soldiers for Christ.
We are living in perilous times, when those who profess to love
and obey God deny Him in their daily lives. “For men shall be
lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers,
disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection,
trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those
that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more
than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the
power thereof.” God does not want you to be found among this class,
dear youth. In His word you may learn how to shun these evils, and
in the end be overcomers....