The Signs of the Times
September 16, 1903
Words to Parents
The home is a training-school, in which children are to learn from their parents the meaning of self-discipline and self-control. Let parents remember that in the authority of God they are to do the work that He has laid upon them. In the sanctuary of the home His work for their children is to begin. They are to co-operate with Him by doing all in their power to make themselves fit teachers for their children. They are to acquaint themselves with the duties devolving upon them, and by a faithful performance of these duties prove themselves true to God and to their children. ST September 16, 1903, par. 1
Parents, remember that the training of your children is your life-work. You are under obligation to make yourselves examples of what you desire your children to become. In the home you are to be the Lord's physicians,—healers of physical, mental, and spiritual afflictions. Keep in touch with your sons and daughters as they grow from childhood to manhood and womanhood. Be sure that their physical habits are such as will help them to build up strong, symmetrical characters. Allow in the home nothing that savors of cheapness or commonness. You are preparing your children for entrance into the City of God, and nothing that defiles can enter there. ST September 16, 1903, par. 2
Be pleasant and cheerful. Remember that love is the power that binds your children to you. Keep your words and actions free from anger. Do nothing that will destroy the harmony of the home. Let the sharp words that you are tempted to speak die unspoken. Such words wound and bruise the hearts of the hearers. ST September 16, 1903, par. 3
It is not the Lord's will that parents shall be so fully engrossed in other things that they neglect their children. It should be the constant study of both father and mother to train their children in such a way that they will be qualified to act well their part in the service of God. Patiently, wisely, tenderly, parents are to teach their little ones, in their lives showing that strength is gained by obedience. ST September 16, 1903, par. 4
It is the mother's privilege to bless the world by the faithfulness with which she works for her children; and, in doing this, she will bring joy to her own heart. She may make straight paths for the feet of her children, through sunshine and shadow, to the glorious heights above. But it is only as she herself seeks to follow the teaching of Christ that she can hope to form the characters of her children after the divine similitude. Let every mother go often to God with the prayer, “How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him?” Let her heed the instruction that God has given, and, as she has need, wisdom will be given to her. ST September 16, 1903, par. 5
But all the burden is not to rest on the mother. The father is to share it with her. Never is his interest in his children to flag. The father who has a family of restless boys should not leave them wholly to the care of the mother. This is too heavy a burden for her. He should make himself their companion and friend, doing all in his power to keep them from evil associates. ST September 16, 1903, par. 6
Fathers and mothers, think earnestly of the importance of your work. It rests with you to decide whether good or evil thoughts shall occupy the minds of your children. Daily sanctify yourselves to God. In all your plans and purposes, let your first question be, How can I best minister to the present and future good of my children. To prepare them to inherit eternal life requires patient, untiring effort. Let not your perseverance fail. Study with your children. Remember that you yourselves are God's little children, and that you must first learn of Him before you can teach your children aright. ST September 16, 1903, par. 7
Guard the hearts of your children against evil. Forget not the subtlety of the enemy who seeks to gain entrance into the heart, that he may take possession of the whole being. Once firmly seated on the throne of the heart, no human power can cast him from his stronghold. ST September 16, 1903, par. 8
The Heart-searcher knows the cruel power of the enemy, and the weakness of human beings. He knows how untiringly Satan seeks to gain control of the children and youth, and how often he is aided in his efforts by the neglect of fathers and mothers. O, how many families there are where the children, their temporal needs abundantly supplied, are allowed to grow up without a knowledge of the Saviour! Their spiritual needs are neglected. God is not in the home. His place is filled by the enemy. ST September 16, 1903, par. 9
O parents, give your children wise care, that they may grow up to be noble men and women, and that, should death call them before the Saviour comes, they may lie down to rest, knowing that in the morning of the resurrection they will rise to newness of life. ST September 16, 1903, par. 10