44
Child Guidance
Parents should study the laws of nature. They should become
acquainted with the organism of the human body. They need to un-
derstand the functions of the various organs, and their relation and
dependence. They should study the relation of the mental to the physi-
cal powers, and the conditions required for the healthy action of each.
To assume the responsibilities of parenthood without such preparation
is a sin
“Who Is Sufficient?”—Parents may well inquire, “Who is suffi-
cient for these things?” God alone is their sufficiency, and if they leave
Him out of the question, seeking not His aid and counsel, hopeless
indeed is their task. But by prayer, by study of the Bible, and by
earnest zeal on their part, they may succeed nobly in this important
duty, and be repaid a hundredfold for all their time and care.... The
source of wisdom is open, from which they may draw all necessary
knowledge in this direction
At times the heart may be ready to faint; but a living sense of the
dangers threatening the present and future happiness of their loved
ones should lead Christian parents to seek more earnestly for help
from the source of strength and wisdom. It should make them more
circumspect, more decided, more calm yet firm, while they watch for
these souls, as they that must give account
[65]
Child Training Calls for Understanding God’s Will—Parents
are without excuse if they fail to obtain a clear understanding of God’s
will, that they may obey the laws of His kingdom. Only thus can they
lead their children to heaven. My brethren and sisters, it is your duty
to understand God’s requirements. How can you educate your children
in the things of God unless you first know yourselves what is right and
what is wrong, unless you realize that obedience means eternal life
and disobedience eternal death?
We must make it our lifework to understand the will of God. Only
as we do this can we train our children aright
God’s Manual With Full Instructions—Parents cannot properly
fulfill their responsibilities unless they take the Word of God as the
rule of their life, unless they realize that they are to so educate and
3
The Ministry of Healing, 380
.
4
Testimonies For The Church 4:198
.
5
The Review and Herald, August 30, 1881
.
6
Manuscript 103, 1902
.