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House-Band of the Family, September 16
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring
them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4
.
Great as is the work of the mother, it should never be forgotten that
the father also has a part to act in the education and training of his
children.... Especially as the children advance in years is the father’s
influence needed, in union with that of the mother, to restrain, control,
and guide.
A Christian father is the house-band of his family, binding them
close to the throne of God. Never is his interest in his children to flag.
The father who has a family of boys should not leave these restless
boys wholly to the care of the mother.... He should make himself their
companion and friend. He should exert himself to keep them from evil
associates.... He should take more of the burden upon himself, doing all
in his power to lead his boys to God.
When children lose their self-control and speak passionate words,
the parents should for a time keep silent.... Silence is golden, and will
do more to bring repentance than any words that can be uttered. Satan
is well pleased when parents irritate their children by speaking harsh,
angry words.... “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they
be discouraged.”
Colossians 3:21
.... Let your calmness help to restore
them to a proper frame of mind.
By kind and judicious management, fathers as well as mothers
should bind their children to them by the strong ties of reverence, grati-
tude, and love, and should kindle in their young hearts an earnest longing
for righteousness and truth. While the mother seeks to implant good
principles, the father should see that the precious seed is not choked by
the growth of evil. His sterner discipline is needed that his children may
learn firmness and self-control....
Christian father, labor kindly, patiently, for the welfare of your
children. Seek to turn their hearts to the bright beams of the Sun of
Righteousness. Teach them by precept and example that the spirit of
Christ is the spirit of doing good.
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