Chapter 18—Parental Responsibility
I saw that great responsibility rests upon parents. They must not be
led by their children, but must lead them. I was referred to Abraham.
He was faithful in his house. He commanded his household after him,
and it was remembered of God.
[119]
I was then referred to the case of Eli. He restrained not his children,
and they became wicked and vile, and by their wickedness led Israel
astray. When God had made known to Samuel their sins, and the heavy
curse that was to follow because Eli restrained them not, He said that
their sins should not be purged with sacrifice nor offering forever.
When told by Samuel what the Lord had shown him, Eli submitted,
saying: “It is the Lord: let Him do what seemeth Him good.” The
curse of God soon followed. Those wicked priests were slain, and
thirty thousand of Israel were also slain, and the ark of God was taken
by their enemies. And when Eli heard that the ark of God was taken,
he fell backward and died. All this evil resulted from Eli’s neglect to
restrain his sons. I saw that if God was so particular as to notice such
things anciently, He will be no less particular in these last days.
Parents must govern their children, correct their passions, and
subdue them, or God will surely destroy the children in the day of His
fierce anger, and the parents who have not controlled their children
will not be blameless. Especially should the servants of God govern
their own families and have them in good subjection. I saw that they
are not prepared to judge or decide in matters of the church, unless
they can rule well their own house. They must first have order at home,
and then their judgment and influence will tell in the church.
I saw that the reason why visions have not been more frequent of
late, is, they have not been appreciated by the church. The church have
nearly lost their spirituality and faith, and the reproofs and warnings
have had but little effect upon them. Many of those who have professed
faith in them have not heeded them.
Some have taken an injudicious course; when they have talked
their faith to unbelievers, and the proof has been asked for, they have
113