MH page 379

Not only the habits of the mother, but the training of the child were included in the angel's instruction to the Hebrew parents. It was not enough that Samson, the child who was to deliver Israel, should have a good legacy at his birth. This was to be followed by careful training. From infancy he was to be trained to habits of strict temperance.

Parents should guide children in strict temperance from infancy onward. The paragraph recounts biblical instruction regarding Samson's upbringing and temperance.

Similar instruction was given in regard to John the Baptist. Before the birth of the child, the message sent from heaven to the father was:

Divine instruction was given to parents regarding the upbringing of John the Baptist. This is a narrative introduction to a biblical quotation.

“Thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Luke 1:14, 15 , A.R.V.

A divinely sent message foretold the greatness, abstinence from strong drink, and spiritual filling of John the Baptist. The paragraph consists of a direct biblical quotation regarding John the Baptist.

On heaven's record of noble men the Saviour declared that there stood not one greater than John the Baptist. The work committed to him was one demanding not only physical energy and endurance, but the highest qualities of mind and soul. So important was right physical training as a preparation for this work that the highest angel in heaven was sent with a message of instruction to the parents of the child.

Physical training and health are foundational for high mental and spiritual capability. It combines a narrative reference to biblical history with a principle about the importance of physical training.