Influence of the Mother
179
fact. Thus many have received as a birthright almost unconquerable
tendencies to evil. The enemy of souls understands this matter much
better than do many parents. He will bring his temptations to bear upon
the mother, knowing that if she does not resist him, he can through her
affect her child. The mother’s only hope is in God. She may flee to
Him for strength and grace; and she will not seek in vain
A Christian mother will ever be wide awake to discern the dangers
that surround her children. She will keep her own soul in a pure, holy
atmosphere; she will regulate her temper and principles by the word of
God and will faithfully do her duty, living above the petty temptations
which will always assail her
The Wholesome Influence of a Patient Mother—Many times
in the day is the cry of, Mother, mother, heard, first from one little
troubled voice and then another. In answer to the cry, mother must turn
here and there to attend to their demands. One is in trouble and needs
the wise head of the mother to free him from his perplexity. Another
is so pleased with some of his devices he must have his mother see
them, thinking she will be as pleased as he is. A word of approval will
bring sunshine to the heart for hours. Many precious beams of light
and gladness can the mother shed here and there among her precious
little ones. How closely can she bind these dear ones to her heart, that
her presence will be to them the sunniest place in the world.
[242]
But frequently the patience of the mother is taxed with these nu-
merous little trials that seem scarcely worth attention. Mischievous
hands and restless feet create a great amount of labor and perplexity for
the mother. She has to hold fast the reins of self-control, or impatient
words will slip from her tongue. She almost forgets herself time and
again, but a silent prayer to her pitying Redeemer calms her nerves,
and she is enabled to hold the reins of self-control with quiet dignity.
She speaks with calm voice, but it has cost her an effort to restrain
harsh words and subdue angry feelings which, if expressed, would
have destroyed her influence, which it would have taken time to regain.
The perception of children is quick, and they discern patient, loving
tones from the impatient, passionate command, which dries up the
moisture of love and affection in the hearts of children. The true
5
The Signs of the Times, September 13, 1910
.
6
Letter 69, 1896
.