Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Young Sabbathkeepers 151fault in this respect with some parents—a lack of union. The faultis sometimes with the father, but oftener with the mother. The fondmother pets and indulges her children. The father’s labor calls himfrom home often, and from the society of his children. The mother’sinfluence tells. Her example does much toward forming the characterof the children.Some fond mothers suffer wrongs in their children which shouldnot be allowed in them for a moment. The wrongs of the childrenare sometimes concealed from the father. Articles of dress or some [157]other indulgence is granted by the mother with the understanding thatthe father is to know nothing about it, for he would reprove for thesethings.Here a lesson of deception is effectually taught the children. Thenif the father discovers these wrongs, excuses are made and but half thetruth told. The mother is not openhearted. She does not consider as sheshould that the father has the same interest in the children as herself,and that he should not be kept ignorant of the wrongs or besetmentsthat ought to be corrected in them while young. Things have beencovered. The children know the lack of union in their parents, andit has its effect. The children begin young to deceive, cover up, tellthings in a different light from what they are to their mother, as well astheir father. Exaggeration becomes habit, and blunt falsehoods cometo be told with but little conviction or reproof of conscience.These wrongs commenced by the mother’s concealing things fromthe father, who has an equal interest with her in the character theirchildren are forming. The father should have been consulted freely.All should have been laid open to him. But the opposite course, takento conceal the wrongs of the children, encourages in them a dispositionto deceive, a lack of truthfulness and honesty.The only hope of these children, whether they profess religion ornot, is to be thoroughly converted. Their whole character must bechanged. Thoughtless mother, do you know, as you teach your children,that their whole religious experience is affected by their teachingwhen young? Subdue them young; teach them to submit to you, andthe more readily will they learn to yield obedience to the requirementsof God. Encourage in them a truthful, honest disposition. Let themnever have occasion to doubt your sincerity and exact truthfulness.