176
The Adventist Home
as she tries to educate her children to resist the influence of evil. No
other work can equal hers in importance. She has not, like the artist, to
paint a form of beauty upon canvas; nor, like the sculptor, to chisel it
from marble. She has not, like the author, to embody a noble thought in
words of power; nor, like the musician, to express a beautiful sentiment
in melody. It is hers, with the help of God, to develop in a human soul
the likeness of the divine.
The mother who appreciates this will regard her opportunities as
priceless. Earnestly will she seek, in her own character and by her
methods of training, to present before her children the highest ideal.
Earnestly, patiently, courageously, she will endeavor to improve her
own abilities, that she may use aright the highest powers of the mind
in the training of her children. Earnestly will she inquire at every step,
“What hath God spoken?” Diligently she will study His word. She
will keep her eyes fixed upon Christ, that her own daily experience, in
the lowly round of care and duty, may be a true reflection of the one
true Life
[238]
The Faithful Mother Enrolled in Book of Immortal Fame—
Self-denial and the cross are our portion. Will we accept it? None
of us need expect that when the last great trials come upon us, a self-
sacrificing, patriotic spirit will be developed in a moment because
needed. No, indeed, this spirit must be blended with our daily expe-
rience and infused into the minds and hearts of our children, both by
precept and example. Mothers in Israel may not be warriors them-
selves, but they may raise up warriors who shall gird on the whole
armor and fight manfully the battles of the Lord
Mothers, to a great degree the destiny of your children rests in
your hands. If you fail in duty, you may place them in the ranks of the
enemy and make them his agents to ruin souls; but by a godly example
and faithful discipline you may lead them to Christ and make them the
instruments in His hands of saving many souls
Her work [the Christian mother’s], if done faithfully in God, will
be immortalized. The votaries of fashion will never see or understand
the immortal beauty of that Christian mother’s work, and will sneer at
her old-fashioned notions and her plain, unadorned dress; while the
20
The Ministry of Healing, 377, 378
.
21
Testimonies For The Church 5, 135
.
22
The Signs of the Times, March 11, 1886
.