Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

September 29, 1881
The Mother a Missionary
An important missionary field is opened before the mother. The humble
round of duties which women have learned to regard as a wearisome task,
should be looked upon as a grand and noble work. It is the mother's privilege
to bless the world by her influence; and in doing this, she will bring joy to
her own heart. She may make straight paths for the feet of her children,
through sunshine and shadow, to the glorious heights above. Let the mother
go often to her Saviour, with the prayer, Teach us, how shall we order the
child, and what shall we do unto him? This simple petition, breathed from
the heart of the finite, will find its way to the heart of the Infinite. If the
mother will but heed with care the instructions already given in the sacred
word, she will receive further light and knowledge as she shall have need.
It is only when she seeks in her own life to follow the teachings of
Christ that the mother can hope to form the characters of her children after
the divine pattern. In every generation there have been corrupting influences
to blight and contaminate. Fashion and custom exert a strong power over the
young. If the mother fails in her duty to instruct, counsel, and restrain, her
children will naturally accept the evil and turn from the good. God would
have parents enter upon their work with energy and courage, and prosecute it
with fidelity. Whatever he has made it their duty to do, he will give them
wisdom and strength to accomplish.
While they should, above all else, train their children for the future life,
parents should by no means neglect to prepare them for the present life. The
mother should study how she may best train her sons and daughters to
become useful and happy members of society. She should remember that
every habit formed, every thought or feeling cherished, every act performed,
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