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Child’s First School
97
Often we do more to provoke than to win. I have seen a mother
snatch from the hand of her child something that was giving it special
pleasure. The child did not know the reason of this, and naturally
felt abused. Then followed a quarrel between parent and child, and
a sharp chastisement ended the scene as far as outward appearance
was concerned; but that battle left an impression on the tender mind
that would not be easily effaced. This mother acted unwisely. She
did not reason from cause to effect. Her harsh, injudicious action
stirred the worst passions in the heart of her child, and on every
similar occasion these passions would be aroused and strengthened.
Think you that God takes no cognizance of the way such children
are corrected? He knows, and He also knows what might be the
blessed results if the work of correction were done in a way to win
rather than to repel.
Never correct your child in anger. An exhibition of passion on
your part will not cure your child’s evil temper. That is the time
of all times when you should act with humility and patience and
prayer. Then is the time to kneel down with the children and ask the
Lord for pardon. Before you cause your child physical pain, you
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will, if you are a Christian father or mother, reveal the love you have
for your erring little one. As you bow before God with your child
you will present before the sympathizing Redeemer His own words,
“Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for
of such is the kingdom of God.”
Mark 10:14
. That prayer will bring
angels to your side. Your child will not forget these experiences, and
the blessing of God will rest upon such instruction, leading him to
Christ.
When children realize that their parents are trying to help them,
they will bend their energies in the right direction. And to the
children who have right instruction in the home, the advantages of
our schools will be greater than to those who are allowed to grow up
without spiritual help at home.
* * * * *
Children who have not experienced the cleansing power of Jesus
are the lawful prey of the enemy, and the evil angels have easy access
to them. Some parents are careless and suffer their children to grow