Slackness Reproved
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trimmings and fixings 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 passion.
Those who love meekness, humility, and virtue, should shun such
society, even if it be Sabbath-keepers’ children. Their company is
poisonous, their influence leads to death. Parents realize not the de-
structive influence of the seed which they are sowing. It will spring up
and bear fruit which will make their children despise parental authority.
Children, even after they are of age, are required to respect, and
look after the comforts of their parents. They should listen to the
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counsel of godly parents, and not feel because a few years are added
to their life, that they have grown out of their duty to them. There is a
commandment with promise to those who honor their father and their
mother.
Children in these last days are so noted for their disobedience and
disrespect, that God has especially noticed it, and it constitutes a sign
that the end is near. It shows the power of Satan upon minds, and
the almost complete control he has of the minds of the young. By
many, age is no more respected. It is considered too old-fashioned to
respect the aged, for it dates back as far as the days of Abraham. Says
God, “I know him, that he will command his children and household
after him.” Anciently, children were not permitted to marry without
the consent of their parents. Parents chose for their children. It was
considered a crime for children to contract marriage upon their own
responsibility. The matter was first laid before the parents, and they
were to consider whether the person to be brought into a close relation
to them was worthy, and whether the parties could provide for a family.
It was considered by them of the greatest importance that they, the
worshipers of the true God, should not intermarry with an idolatrous
people, lest they lead their families away from God.
Even after their children were married, the most solemn obligation
rested upon them. Their judgment then was not considered sufficient
without the counsel of their parents, and they were required to respect
and obey their wishes, unless they should conflict with their duty to
God.