138
Child Guidance
the wily foe, and be prepared to raise a standard against him. Build
a fortification of prayer and faith about your children, and exercise
diligent watching thereunto. You are not secure a moment against the
attacks of Satan. You have no time to rest from watchful, earnest labor.
You should not sleep a moment at your post. This is a most important
warfare. Eternal consequences are involved. It is life or death with
you and your family
Take a Firm, Decided Stand—Parents generally put too much
confidence in their children; for often when the parents are confiding
in them, they are in concealed iniquity. Parents, watch your children
with a jealous care. Exhort, reprove, counsel them when you rise up,
and when you sit down; when you go out, and when you come in;
“line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little.”
Subdue your children when they are young. With many parents this is
sadly neglected. They do not take as firm and decided a stand as they
should in regard to their children
Patiently Sow Precious Seed—“Whatsoever a man soweth, that
shall he also reap.” Parents, your work is to win the confidence of
your children, and in love patiently sow the precious seed. Do your
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work with contentment, never complaining of the hardship, care, and
toil. If by patient, kindly, Christlike efforts you may present one soul
perfect in Christ Jesus, your life will not have been in vain. Keep
your own soul hopeful and patient. Let no discouragement be traced
in your features or attitude. You have in your hands the making of
a character, through the help of God, that may work in the Master’s
vineyard and win many souls to Jesus. Ever encourage your children to
reach a high standard in all their habits and tendencies. Be patient with
their imperfections, as God is patient with you in your imperfections,
bearing with you, watching over you, that you may bring forth fruit
unto His glory. Encourage your children to strive to add to their
attainments the virtues they lack
Teach Submission to Law—Fathers and mothers, be sensible.
Teach your children that they must be subordinate to law
4
Testimonies For The Church 2:397, 398
.
5
Testimonies For The Church 1:156
.
6
Manuscript 136, 1898
.
7
Manuscript 49, 1901
.