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Chapter 32—The Child
Not only the habits of the mother, but the training of the child
were included in the angel’s instruction to the Hebrew parents. It
was not enough that Samson, the child who was to deliver Israel,
should have a good legacy at his birth. This was to be followed by
careful training. From infancy he was to be trained to habits of strict
temperance.
Similar instruction was given in regard to John the Baptist. Be-
fore the birth of the child, the message sent from heaven to the father
was:
“Thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his
birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and he shall
drink no wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy
Spirit.”
Luke 1:14, 15
, A.R.V.
On heaven’s record of noble men the Saviour declared that there
stood not one greater than John the Baptist. The work committed to
him was one demanding not only physical energy and endurance,
but the highest qualities of mind and soul. So important was right
physical training as a preparation for this work that the highest angel
in heaven was sent with a message of instruction to the parents of
the child.
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The directions given concerning the Hebrew children teach us
that nothing which affects the child’s physical well-being is to be
neglected. Nothing is unimportant. Every influence that affects the
health of the body has its bearing upon mind and character.
Too much importance cannot be placed upon the early training
of children. The lessons learned, the habits formed, during the years
of infancy and childhood, have more to do with the formation of the
character and the direction of the life than have all the instruction
and training of after years.
Parents need to consider this. They should understand the prin-
ciples that underlie the care and training of children. They should be
capable of rearing them in physical, mental, and moral health. Par-
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