Parental Responsibility
67
its wickedness. His parents were among the lowly poor. His trade
was that of a carpenter, and he labored with his hands to do his part in
sustaining the family. For thirty years he was subject to his parents.
The life of Christ points out our duty to be diligent in labor, and to
provide for those intrusted to our care.
In his lessons of instruction to his disciples, Jesus taught them that
his kingdom is not a worldly kingdom, where all are striving for the
highest position; but he gave them lessons in humility and self-sacrifice
for the good of others. His humility did not consist in a low estimate of
his own character and qualifications, but in adapting himself to fallen
humanity, in order to raise them up with him to a higher life. Yet how
few see anything attractive in the humility of Christ! Worldlings are
constantly striving to exalt themselves one above another; but Jesus,
the Son of God, humbled himself in order to uplift man. The true
disciple of Christ will follow his example.
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Would that the mothers of this generation might feel the sacredness
of their mission, not trying to vie with their wealthy neighbors in
appearance, but seeking to honor God by the faithful performance
of duty. If right principles in regard to temperance were implanted
in the youth who are to form and mould society, there would be
little necessity for temperance crusades. Firmness of character, moral
control, would prevail, and in the strength of Jesus the temptations of
these last days would be resisted.
It is a most difficult matter to unlearn the habits which have been
indulged through life. The demon of intemperance is of giant strength,
and is not easily conquered. But let parents begin the crusade against
it at their own firesides, in their own families, in the principles they
teach their children from their very infancy, and then they may hope
for success. It will pay you, mothers, to use the precious hours which
are given you by God in forming the character of your children, and
in teaching them to adhere strictly to the principles of temperance in
eating and drinking.
A sacred trust is committed to parents, to guard the physical and
moral constitution of their children, so that the nervous system may
be well balanced, and the soul not endangered. Fathers and mothers
should understand the laws of life, that they may not, through igno-
rance, allow wrong tendencies to develop in their children. The diet
affects both physical and moral health. How carefully, then, should