Responsibilities of Parenthood
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training of children. They should be capable of rearing them in physi-
cal, mental, and moral health. Parents should study the laws of nature.
They should become acquainted with the organism of the human body.
They need to understand the functions of the various organs, and their
relation and dependence. They should study the relation of the mental
to the physical powers, and the conditions required for the healthy
action of each. To assume the responsibilities of parenthood without
such preparation is a sin.—
The Ministry of Healing, 380 (1905)
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Women to Use God-given Abilities in His Work—Letters have
come to me from several, asking my advice upon the question, Should
ministers’ wives adopt infant children? Would I advise them to do this
kind of work? To some who were regarding this matter favorably, I
answered, No; God would have you help your husband in his work.
The Lord has not given you children of your own; His wisdom is not
to be questioned. He knows what is best. Consecrate your powers to
God as a Christian worker. You can help your husband in many ways.
You can support him in his work by working for him, by keeping
your intellect improved. By using the ability God has given you, you
can be a homekeeper. And more than this, you can help to give the
message.
There are women who should labor in the gospel ministry. In many
respects they would do more good than the ministers who neglect to
visit the flock of God. Husband and wife may unite in this work, and
when it is possible, they should. The way is open for consecrated
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women. But the enemy would be pleased to have the women whom
God could use to help hundreds, binding up their time and strength on
one helpless little mortal, that requires constant care and attention.—
Manuscript Releases 5:325, 326 (1898)
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Traits of Character Are Passed Along in Children
The following counsel was given to elder and Mrs. E. P. Daniels
in 1888 regarding the training of their children. Elder Daniels was a
prominent minister and his children were an item for discussion. Ellen
White felt it her duty to again remind Elder and Mrs. Daniels that they
were not bringing up their children in the fear of God. E. P. Daniels is
not to be confused with A. G. Daniells
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