Discipline in the Home
183
unwise mother will plead for them and conceal their transgressions.
Many a rebellious son exults because his parents have not the courage
to restrain him.... They do not enforce obedience. Such parents are
encouraging their children in dissipation and are dishonoring God by
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their unwise indulgence. It is these rebellious, corrupt youth that form
the most difficult element to control in schools and colleges
Be Not Weary in Well-doing—The work of parents is continuous.
It should not be laid hold of vigorously for one day and neglected
the next. Many are ready to begin the work, but are not willing to
persevere in it. They are eager to do some great thing, to make some
great sacrifice; but they shrink from the unceasing care and effort
in the little things of everyday life, the hourly pruning and training
of the wayward tendencies, the work of giving instruction, reproof,
or encouragement, little by little, as it is needed. They wish to see
children correct their faults and form right characters at once, reaching
the mountaintop at a bound, and not by successive steps; and because
their hopes are not immediately realized, they become disheartened.
Let all such persons take courage as they remember the words of the
apostle, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall
reap, if we faint not.
Sabbathkeeping children may become impatient of restraint and
think their parents too strict; hard feelings may even arise in their
hearts and discontented, unhappy thoughts may be cherished by them
against those who are working for their present and their future and
eternal good. But if life shall be spared a few years, they will bless
their parents for that strict care and faithful watchfulness over them in
their years of inexperience
Read Admonitions From God’s Word—When children err, par-
ents should take time to read to them tenderly from the Word of God
such admonitions as are particularly applicable to their case. When
they are tried, tempted, or discouraged, cite them to its precious words
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of comfort, and gently lead them to put their trust in Jesus. Thus
the young mind may be directed to that which is pure and ennobling.
And as the great problems of life, and the dealings of God with the
human race, are unfolded to the understanding, the reasoning powers
26
The Review and Herald, June 13, 1882
.
27
The Signs of the Times, November 24, 1881
.
28
Testimonies For The Church 1:400
.