Chapter 42—The Time to Begin Discipline
Disobedient Children a Sign of the Last Days—One of the signs
of the “last days” is the disobedience of children to their parents. And
do parents realize their responsibility? Many seem to lose sight of the
watch care they should ever have over their children, and suffer them
to indulge in evil passions and to disobey them
Children are the heritage of the Lord, and unless parents give them
such a training as will enable them to keep the way of the Lord, they
neglect solemn duty. It is not the will or purpose of God that children
shall become coarse, rough, uncourteous, disobedient, unthankful,
unholy, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of
God. The Scriptures state that this condition of society shall be a sign
of the last days
Indulgent Parents Disqualify for Heaven’s Order—There is
perfect order in heaven, perfect concord and agreement. If parents
so neglect to bring their children under proper authority here, how
can they hope that they will be considered fit companions for the holy
angels in a world of peace and harmony
Those who have had no respect for order or discipline in this life
would have no respect for the order which is observed in heaven. They
can never be admitted into heaven, for all worthy of an entrance there
will love order and respect discipline. The characters formed in this
life will determine the future destiny. When Christ shall come, He will
not change the character of any individual.... Parents should neglect no
duty on their part to benefit their children. They should so train them
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that they may be a blessing to society here and may reap the reward of
eternal life hereafter
When Discipline Should Begin—The moment that the child be-
gins to choose his own will and way, that moment his education in
1
The Review and Herald, September 19, 1854
.
2
The Signs of the Times, September 17, 1894
.
3
Testimonies For The Church 4:199
.
4
Testimonies For The Church 4:429
.
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