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The Adventist Home
all that is required. You have yet to learn to do justly and love mercy,
as well as to walk humbly with God
Counsel to the Mother of a Strong-willed Child—Your child
is not your own; you cannot do with her as you like, for she is the
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property of the Lord. Exercise a steady persevering control over her;
teach her that she belongs to God. With such a training she will grow
up to be a blessing to those around her. But clear, sharp discernment
will be necessary in order that you may repress her inclination to rule
you both, to have her own will and way, and to do as she pleases
Even, Steady Management—I have seen many families ship-
wrecked through overmanagement on the part of their head, whereas
through consultation and agreement all might have moved off harmo-
niously and well
Unsteadiness in family government is productive of great harm,
in fact is nearly as bad as no government at all. The question is often
asked, Why are the children of religious parents so often headstrong,
defiant, and rebellious? The reason is to be found in the home training.
Too often the parents are not united in their family government
A fitful government—at one time holding the lines firmly, and at
another allowing that which has been condemned—is ruination to a
child
Mutual Law for Parents and Children—God is our Lawgiver
and King, and parents are to place themselves under His rule. This
rule forbids all oppression from parents and all disobedience from
children. The Lord is full of lovingkindness, mercy, and truth. His law
is holy, just, and good, and must be obeyed by parents and children.
The rules which should regulate the lives of parents and children flow
from a heart of infinite love, and God’s rich blessing will rest upon
those parents who administer His law in their homes, and upon the
children who obey this law. The combined influence of mercy and
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justice is to be felt. “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness
17
Ibid., 4:621
.
18
Letter 69, 1896
.
19
Testimonies For The Church 4, 127.1
.
20
The Signs of the Times, February 9, 1882
.
21
Letter 69, 1896
.