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Divine Counsel for Parents, August 26
I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is
from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are
strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the
wicked one.
1 John 2:14
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Parents may understand that as they follow God’s directions in the training
of their children, they will receive help from on high. They receive much
benefit; for as they teach, they learn. Their children will achieve victories
through the knowledge that they have acquired in keeping the way of the
Lord. They are enabled to overcome natural and hereditary tendencies to evil.
By setting an example of kindness and patience, by molding the characters of
their children after the divine Pattern, fathers and mothers become qualified
to help the youth outside of their homes.
Parents, it is your work to develop in your children patience, constancy,
and genuine love. In dealing aright with the children God has given you, you
are helping them lay the foundation for pure, well-balanced characters. You
are instilling into their minds principles which they will one day follow in
their own families. The effect of your well-directed efforts will be seen as
they conduct their households in the way of the Lord.
Blessed is the family where father and mother have surrendered them-
selves to God to do His will! One well-ordered, well-disciplined family tells
more in behalf of Christianity than all the sermons that can be preached. Such
a family gives evidence that the parents have been successful in following
God’s directions, and that their children will serve Him in the church. Their
influence grows; for as they impart, they receive to impart again. The father
and mother find helpers in their children, who give to others the instruction
received in the home. The neighborhood in which they live is helped, for in
it they have become enriched for time and for eternity. The whole family is
engaged in the service of the Master; and by their godly example, others are
inspired to be faithful and true to God in dealing with His flock, His beautiful
flock.—
The Review and Herald, June 6, 1899
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