Chapter 40—Duty to Children
I have been shown that parents generally have not taken a proper
course with their children. They have not restrained them as they
should, but have left them to indulge in pride, and follow their own
inclinations. Anciently, parental authority was regarded; children were
then in subjection to their parents, and feared and reverenced them; but
in these last days the order is reversed. Some parents are in subjection
to their children. They fear to cross the will of their children, and
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therefore yield to them. But just as long as children are under the roof
of the parents, dependent upon them, they should be subject to their
control. Parents should move with decision, requiring that their views
of right be followed out.
Eli might have restrained his wicked sons, but he feared their
displeasure. He suffered them to go on in their rebellion, until they
became a curse to Israel. Parents are required to restrain their children.
The salvation of children depends very much upon the course pursued
by the parents. In their mistaken love and fondness for their children,
many parents indulge them to their hurt, nourish their pride, and put
upon them trimmings and ornaments which make them vain, and
lead them to think that dress makes the lady or gentleman. But a
short acquaintance convinces those with whom they associate that an
outside appearance is not sufficient to hide the deformity of a heart
void of the Christian graces, but filled with self-love, haughtiness, and
uncontrolled passions. Those who love meekness, humility, and virtue,
should shun such society, even if it be Sabbathkeepers’ children. Their
company is poisonous; their influence leads to death. Parents realize
not the destructive influence of the seed which they are sowing. It
will spring up and bear fruit which will make their children despise
parental authority.
Even after they are of age, children are required to respect their
parents, and to look after their comfort. They should listen to the
counsel of godly parents, and not feel that because a few more years
are added to their life, they have grown out of their duty to them.
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