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Testimonies for the Church Volume 6
meaning. It means repentance for sin, and the entrance upon a new
life in Christ Jesus. There should be no undue haste to receive the
ordinance. Let both parents and children count the cost. In consenting
to the baptism of their children, parents sacredly pledge themselves to
be faithful stewards over these children, to guide them in their character
building. They pledge themselves to guard with special interest these
lambs of the flock, that they may not dishonor the faith they profess.
Religious instruction should be given to children from their ear-
liest years. It should be given, not in a condemnatory spirit, but in a
cheerful, happy spirit. Mothers need to be on the watch constantly,
lest temptation shall come to the children in such a form as not to be
recognized by them. The parents are to guard their children with wise,
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pleasant instruction. As the very best friends of these inexperienced
ones, they should help them in the work of overcoming, for it means
everything to them to be victorious. They should consider that their
own dear children who are seeking to do right are younger members
of the Lord’s family, and they should feel an intense interest in helping
them to make straight paths in the King’s highway of obedience. With
loving interest they should teach them day by day what it means to be
children of God and to yield the will in obedience to Him. Teach them
that obedience to God involves obedience to their parents. This must
be a daily, hourly work. Parents, watch, watch and pray, and make
your children your companions.
When the happiest period of their life has come, and they in their
hearts love Jesus and wish to be baptized, then deal faithfully with
them. Before they receive the ordinance, ask them if it is to be their
first purpose in life to work for God. Then tell them how to begin. It is
the first lessons that mean so much. In simplicity teach them how to
do their first service for God. Make the work as easy to be understood
as possible. Explain what it means to give up self to the Lord, to do
just as His word directs, under the counsel of Christian parents.
After faithful labor, if you are satisfied that your children under-
stand the meaning of conversion and baptism, and are truly converted,
let them be baptized. But, I repeat, first of all prepare yourselves to act
as faithful shepherds in guiding their inexperienced feet in the narrow
way of obedience. God must work in the parents that they may give to
their children a right example, in love, courtesy, and Christian humility,
and in an entire giving up of self to Christ. If you consent to the bap-