Young Sabbathkeepers
151
fault in this respect with some parents—a lack of union. The fault
is sometimes with the father, but oftener with the mother. The fond
mother pets and indulges her children. The father’s labor calls him
from home often, and from the society of his children. The mother’s
influence tells. Her example does much toward forming the character
of the children.
Some fond mothers suffer wrongs in their children which should
not be allowed in them for a moment. The wrongs of the children
are sometimes concealed from the father. Articles of dress or some
[157]
other indulgence is granted by the mother with the understanding that
the father is to know nothing about it, for he would reprove for these
things.
Here a lesson of deception is effectually taught the children. Then
if the father discovers these wrongs, excuses are made and but half the
truth told. The mother is not openhearted. She does not consider as she
should that the father has the same interest in the children as herself,
and that he should not be kept ignorant of the wrongs or besetments
that ought to be corrected in them while young. Things have been
covered. The children know the lack of union in their parents, and
it has its effect. The children begin young to deceive, cover up, tell
things in a different light from what they are to their mother, as well as
their father. Exaggeration becomes habit, and blunt falsehoods come
to be told with but little conviction or reproof of conscience.
These wrongs commenced by the mother’s concealing things from
the father, who has an equal interest with her in the character their
children are forming. The father should have been consulted freely.
All should have been laid open to him. But the opposite course, taken
to conceal the wrongs of the children, encourages in them a disposition
to deceive, a lack of truthfulness and honesty.
The only hope of these children, whether they profess religion or
not, is to be thoroughly converted. Their whole character must be
changed. Thoughtless mother, do you know, as you teach your chil-
dren, that their whole religious experience is affected by their teaching
when young? Subdue them young; teach them to submit to you, and
the more readily will they learn to yield obedience to the requirements
of God. Encourage in them a truthful, honest disposition. Let them
never have occasion to doubt your sincerity and exact truthfulness.