Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen White emphasized that home education is of primary importance, stating that it "occupies the first place in all true education" (CG 18.2). She believed that a child's "first school should be his home" and that the . In her writings, she explained that the home school is the foundational environment where character is shaped and the destiny of souls is influenced. She noted that . This period of instruction is intended to prepare children for later stages of education, as "in the home school our boys and girls are being prepared to attend a church school when they reach a proper age to associate more intimately with other children" (PCP 42). Ellen White also highlighted the spiritual responsibility of the parents, urging that "the father and the mother, as teachers in the home school, should consecrate hands, tongue, brain, and every power of the being to God" (8MR 5.1). She taught that children should be made aware that "the eye of God is upon them," a thought that makes the work of governing much easier for parents (SpM 264.1). For families in isolated areas, she even suggested the establishment of "home church schools" where several families might unite to employ a teacher, noting this is often "a plan more pleasing to the Lord" than sending young children away to larger schools (CG 307.5). For practical application, Ellen White encouraged parents to . She pointed out that as parents work for the salvation of their children in the home school, their "own spiritual growth will be more rapid" and their faith will increase (PH140 15). In conclusion, homeschooling is viewed as a "high and holy mission" where children are trained not just for this life, but "for lives of usefulness in the Master's service and for a home in the future, eternal world" (PCP 42). --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What specific character traits did Ellen White say should be taught first in the home? • How does the "home church school" model differ from individual home schooling? • What are the spiritual benefits for parents who take on the role of teacher in the home?

Based on your previous question about homeschooling, Ellen White specifically addressed the age until which parents should be the primary teachers of their children. She stated that . This counsel aligns with her broader guidance on child development. She explained that "during the first six or seven years of a child's life, special attention should be given to its physical training, rather than the intellect" (SA 133.1). During this period, she recommended that children should be allowed to develop naturally, "like little lambs, to roam around the house and in the yards, skipping and jumping in the buoyancy of their spirits, free from care and trouble" (SA 133.1). She noted that "infancy extends to the age of six or seven years" and that "after this period, if the physical constitution is good, the education of both should receive attention" (SA 133.1). For practical application, this means that the home should be the primary educational environment through ages 8-10, with parents serving as the main teachers. This foundational period focuses on character development, physical health, and basic instruction before children are ready for more formal schooling or interaction with other students in a church school setting. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What specific subjects or skills did Ellen White recommend teaching children during these early home school years? • What counsel did she give about the balance between physical activity and mental training for young children? • How did she advise parents to prepare their children spiritually during these formative years at home?

Ellen White did not specify a mandatory number of children for every family, but she emphasized that the decision should be guided by the parents' ability to properly train, educate, and provide a godly environment for them. She herself "had four children" (CCh 18.4), and later in life, she also felt it her duty to take in and train "three or four children" from other families to ensure they received proper discipline and care (PC 182.5). In her writings, Ellen White highlighted that the primary concern should be the spiritual and physical welfare of the children. She once encountered a mother of eleven children and noted that providing such a large family with "plenty of land and work" was "not a bad idea," as "there is nothing so beneficial as plenty to do to keep children from being ruined with the temptations and allurements of evil" (20MR 300.2). This suggests that the capacity to keep children occupied with useful labor and away from corrupting influences is a significant factor in determining family size. However, she also offered a solemn perspective regarding the challenges of the end times, stating that "the many children brought into the world will in mercy be taken away before the time of trouble comes" (3SM 419). This indicates a deep concern for the difficulties children might face in the future. Regardless of the number of children, she maintained that the home must be "a school of instruction, rather than a place of monotonous drudgery" (TSS 101). For practical application, the focus should be on whether parents can make the home "attractive, pleasant, radiant with the sunshine of kind words, pleasant looks, and true love" (Te 210.1). Parents are encouraged to ensure they can "patiently instruct" their children so they "understand the laws that govern them" and are "fitted to join the society of the angels" (CSW 48.2). Ultimately, Ellen White’s counsel suggests that the number of children a family has should be balanced with the parents' ability to provide a firm, godly influence and a "harmonious development of all the physical powers and the mental faculties" (SpTEd 47). --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What specific responsibilities did Ellen White outline for fathers and mothers in the home? • How did Ellen White describe the ideal environment for raising children? • What counsel did she give regarding the discipline and character building of children? --- 📚 **thousands of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=how+many+children)

Ellen White taught that parents should determine their family size based on their ability to provide proper care, education, and a healthy inheritance, stating that "parents should not increase their families any faster than they know that their children can be well cared for, and educated" (SA 110.1). In her counsel, she emphasized that parents must use their "reasoning powers" rather than becoming "slaves to passion" (2SM 424.2). She warned that increasing the number of children when parents know that is a transgression of God's law, specifically the precepts regarding our duty to our fellow man (SA 110.1). She believed that bringing children into the world who are destined to suffer due to inherited disease or extreme poverty is a "great cause of the degeneracy of the race" (SA 104.2). Furthermore, Ellen White highlighted the impact of frequent childbearing on the mother and the existing children. She noted that having as it often "destroys social enjoyment, and increases domestic wretchedness" (2SM 424.2). When a family grows beyond the parents' capacity to manage, it which is their right to receive (SA 110.1). For practical application, this means that so they are "fitted to educate their offspring" (7MR 2.1). Parents are encouraged to consider whether they have the time, strength, and resources to "train them, and instruct them" for God's service, rather than leaving them a "portion but poverty" and a "wretched inheritance" (2SM 424.2). Ultimately, the decision to have more children should be a matter of prayerful reason, ensuring that every child brought into the world can be "carefully tended" as a "heritage of the Lord" (SpTEd 72.1). --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What specific responsibilities did Ellen White say parents have toward their children's physical health? • How did Ellen White describe the spiritual duty of a mother in the home? • What counsel did she provide regarding the inheritance of character traits from parents to children? --- 📚 **hundreds of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=%22children%22+%22offspring)

Ellen White strongly advocated for country living, stating that "God's people are not to crowd into the cities" (12MR 30.3) but should instead seek rural environments to better prepare for eternal life and avoid the increasing wickedness and social conflicts of urban areas. In her writings, she explained that the country provides a spiritual atmosphere more in harmony with God's original plan for humanity. She viewed nature as a reflection of Eden, noting that flowers are "an expression of God's love for us" and provide "a little taste of Eden" (12MR 30.3). She emphasized that it was never God's purpose for people to be "huddled together in terraces and tenements," but rather to live where they have "elbow room" and can rejoice in the "beautiful sights and sounds of nature" (12MR 29). This environment is particularly beneficial for the "recovery and the preservation of health" (12MR 29) and serves as a retreat where there is not "so strong an influence to corrupt the morals of the young" (CL 16). Beyond the spiritual benefits, Ellen White provided practical and prophetic reasons for moving to rural districts. She warned that and that "in the future the problem of buying and selling will be a very serious one" (2SM 141). Consequently, she urged families to move where they can "raise their own provisions" and be "free from the interference of enemies" (19MR 229.3). She advised that even if a dwelling is small, . For practical application, Ellen White counseled that while the move is important, families should move and should "move carefully and guardedly in choosing a new location" (2SM 310.3). This transition is seen as a necessary preparation for "serious times" ahead, as cities become increasingly filled with "wickedness of every kind—with strikes and murders and suicides" (12MR 30.3). In summary, country living is presented as a safeguard for physical health, a protection for the character of children, and a practical necessity for economic independence in the closing scenes of earth's history. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What specific warnings did Ellen White give regarding labor unions in the cities? • How does living in the country specifically benefit the education and character of children? • What counsel did she provide for those who feel a burden for city evangelism while living in the country?

Ellen White taught that the true meaning of life is found in being "true to God," a commitment that "embraces health reform" and requires that . She emphasized that seeking "heavenly truth" results in securing the . In her writings, she explained that a meaningful life involves gaining a "knowledge of the will of God" and becoming "successful workers in His cause" (MYP 422). This journey includes "educating the mind and manners" so that believers may "grow up to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus" (MYP 422). She pointed to the example of John the Baptist, who accepted his "mission" as a "holy trust" and sought surroundings "favorable to habits of simplicity and self-denial" (8T 221.1). Furthermore, Ellen White noted that many people are "blinded to the true meaning" of spiritual realities because of pride and unbelief (SS 308). To truly understand life's purpose, she encouraged individuals to and "study with earnestness," as this allows "heavenly angels" to direct the search (SW April 4, 1905, par. 7). She cautioned that those who cannot will find their understanding of "justice, mercy, and the love of God" to be . For practical application, this means that to fulfill one's divine responsibilities (PH068 16.2). It also involves cultivating "true courteousness which savors of heaven," which is a natural result of being a "partaker of the divine nature" (MYP 422). In conclusion, the true meaning of life is found in a consecrated relationship with God, where one's physical health, character development, and mission are all dedicated to His service. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the connection between physical health and spiritual understanding? • How can we distinguish between "pure principles of righteousness" and the "principles of evil"? • What specific habits did she recommend for developing "Christian refinement" and "true courtesy"? --- 📚 **68 passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=%22true+meaning)