Lax Discipline and its Fruitage
211
them in singleness of purpose, are led by their children in questionable
and uncertain paths
Indulging the Older Children—Fathers and mothers who should
understand the responsibility which rests upon them relax their disci-
pline to meet the inclinations of their growing sons and daughters. The
will of the child is the law recognized. Mothers who have been firm,
consistent, and unbending in their adherence to principle, maintaining
simplicity and fidelity, become indulgent as their children merge into
manhood and womanhood. In their love of display they give their
children to Satan with their own hands, like the apostate Jews making
them pass through the fire to Molech
Dishonoring God to Gain Child’s Favor—Fathers and mothers
are giving way to the inclination of godless children, and assisting
them with money and facilities to make an appearance in the world.
[278]
Oh, what an account such parents will have to render to God! They
dishonor God and show all honor to their wayward children, opening
their doors to amusements which they have in the past condemned from
principle. They have allowed card playing, dancing parties, and balls
to win their children to the world. At the time when their influence
over their children should be strongest, bearing a testimony of what
true Christianity means, like Eli they bring themselves under the curse
of God by dishonoring Him and disregarding His requirements, in
order to gain the favor of their children. But a fashionable piety will
not be of much value in the hour of death. Although some ministers of
the gospel may approve this kind of religion, parents will find that they
are leaving the crown of glory to obtain laurels that are of no value.
God help fathers and mothers to arouse to their duty
Be What You Wish Your Children to Be—Be what you wish
your children to be. Parents have perpetuated by precept and example
their own stamp of character to their posterity. The fitful, coarse,
uncourteous tempers and words are impressed upon children, and
children’s children, and thus the defects in the management of parents
testify against them from generation to generation
[279]
7
The Review and Herald, April 13, 1897
.
8
Manuscript 119, 1899
.
9
The Review and Herald, April 13, 1897
.
10
The Signs of the Times, September 17, 1894
.