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Mother
263
whatever would lessen physical or mental strength. By the command
of God Himself she is placed under the most solemn obligation to
exercise self-control.
Overwork
The strength of the mother should be tenderly cherished. In-
stead of spending her precious strength in exhausting labor, her care
and burdens should be lessened. Often the husband and father is
unacquainted with the physical laws which the well-being of his
family requires him to understand. Absorbed in the struggle for a
livelihood, or bent on acquiring wealth and pressed with cares and
perplexities, he allows to rest upon the wife and mother burdens that
overtax her strength at the most critical period and cause feebleness
and disease.
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Many a husband and father might learn a helpful lesson from the
carefulness of the faithful shepherd. Jacob, when urged to undertake
a rapid and difficult journey, made answer:
“The children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young
are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock
will die.... I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth
before me and the children be able to endure.”
Genesis 33:13, 14
.
In life’s toilsome way let the husband and father “lead on softly,”
as the companion of his journey is able to endure. Amidst the world’s
eager rush for wealth and power, let him learn to stay his steps, to
comfort and support the one who is called to walk by his side.
Cheerfulness
The mother should cultivate a cheerful, contented, happy dis-
position. Every effort in this direction will be abundantly repaid in
both the physical well-being and the moral character of her children.
A cheerful spirit will promote the happiness of her family and in a
very great degree improve her own health.
Let the husband aid his wife by his sympathy and unfailing af-
fection. If he wishes to keep her fresh and gladsome, so that she will
be as sunshine in the home, let him help her bear her burdens. His
kindness and loving courtesy will be to her a precious encourage-