Will a Factor in Success
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not look upon his will as something that must be broken. There are
times when the determination of the mother meets the determination
of the child, when the firm, matured will of the mother meets the
unreasoning will of the child, and when either the mother rules because
of her advantage of age and experience, or there is a ruling of the older
will by the younger, undisciplined will of the child. At such times
there is need of great wisdom; for by unwise management, by stern
compulsion, the child may be spoiled for this life and the next. By a
lack of wisdom everything may be lost.
This is a crisis that should seldom be permitted to come, for both
mother and child will have a hard struggle. Great care should be shown
to avoid such an issue. But once such an issue is entered into, the
child must be led to yield to the superior wisdom of the parent. The
mother is to keep her words under perfect control. There are to be
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no loud-voiced commands. Nothing is to be done that will develop
a defiant spirit in the child. The mother must study how to deal with
him in such a way that he will be drawn to Jesus. She must pray in
faith that Satan shall not be victor over the child’s will. The heavenly
angels are watching the scene.
The mother must realize that God is her helper, that love is her
success, her power. If she is a wise Christian, she will not attempt to
force the child into submission. She will pray; and as she prays, she
will be conscious of a renewal of spiritual life within herself. And
she will see that at the same time the power that is working in her
is working also in the child. And the child, in the place of being
compelled, is led and grows gentler; and the battle is gained. Each
kindly thought, each patient action, each word of wise restraint, is like
apples of gold in pictures of silver. The mother has gained a victory
more precious than language can express. She has renewed light and
increased experience. The “true Light, which lighteth every man that
cometh into the world,” has subdued her will. There is peace after the
storm, like the shining of the sun after rain
Parents Should Retain Youthful Feelings—Too few realize the
importance of retaining, as far as possible, their own youthful feelings,
and not becoming harsh and unsympathizing in their nature. God
would be pleased to have parents mingle the graceful simplicity of a
9
Letter 55, 1902
.