For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. (1 Samuel 3:13)
God will work with children and youth who give themselves to Him. Samuel was educated for the Lord in his youth, and God passed by the hoary-headed Eli, and conversed with the child Samuel (Manuscript 99, 1899).
11-14
See EGW comment on 1 Samuel 2:12.
11-14 Lord Will Pass By Fathers Who Neglect Home Life
By this we see that the Lord will pass by old, experienced fathers connected with His work if they neglect their duty in their home life (Letter 33, 1897).
11-14 God’s Thorough Work Contrasted With Eli’s Carelessness
Eli was a believer in God and in His Word; but he did not, like Abraham, “command” his children and his household after him. Let us hear what God says about Eli’s neglect: “Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone that heareth it shall tingle.” The Lord had borne long with Eli. He had been warned and instructed; but, like the parents of today, he had not heeded the warning. But when the Lord took hold of the case, He ceased not till He had made thorough work (The Review and Herald, May 4, 1886).