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"To Parents," The Gospel Messenger vol. 6 no. 5 (May 1884)
AUTHOR: | Mitchell, William M. |
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Children are generally easily governed, so as to be a blessing to themselves and others when parents exercise their rights and duties toward them, at the right time and in a proper manner. There is no necessity of being tyrannical or brutal toward them. Indeed it is wrong to treat them in that manner, and would be assuming a responsibility which God has not laid upon us.
Children are a great comfort and blessing which God has given to parents. But like every other blessing it is turned into a curse to us when not used and arranged according to the standard of right which the Lord has given in his Holy word. In that divine standard it is written that “A child left unto himself bringeth his mother to shame.”—Prov. xxix. 15. How often have we seen a mother’s cheek mantled with the blush of shame at the disobedience and conduct of even very little children, when company was present? But if children when little, are then allowed to rule and have their own way, without restraint upon any of their unbridled whims or passions, there is a far greater degree of shame that awaits the parents than a mere blush upon a mother’s face. A shame that will come like a dagger to the heart, because it is attended with guilt, remorse and disgrace that never can be removed. Parental neglect brings these results. We reap a crop according to the seed sown.
It has no doubt been observed by you as parents that this Nineteenth Century is noted for great changes and improvements in laws, arts, science, habits, customs, manners and the general business of the country. But while some of these changes may be for the better to society generally, and it may be that we should as speedily as possible adapt ourselves to them where there is no principle of wrong involved in them, yet, let us beware of being “carried about with divers and strange doctrines,” as to the government of children. The standard fixing the relative and natural duties of parents and children admits of no change. It is an eternal principle of right, and like its Divine Author, it is the same “Yesterday, today, and forever”—”Without variableness or shadow of turning.” It cannot he improved upon. Instead, therefore, of listening to any suggestions for an improved system of moral training for children, let us prayerfully seek to abide, and conform to that which we already have in the Bible. Parents as well as children have great need to consult this divine oracle for their duty, and let the modern systems of pretended improvements alone. |
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