PARENTAL CONTROL.
Mrs. Worthington was not only a prayerful mother, but a mother wise in
home government. Her wisdom, however, came from God. Many a time she
felt incapable of giving the advice her young daughter needed; but she
always remembered the scripture which reads, "If any of you lack wisdom,
let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth
not; and it shall be given." After she had spent a season in prayerful
meditation, God would supply the words and understanding. Thus she could
say with the apostle Paul, that her strength was made perfect in
weakness, because her dependence was in Christ.
O mothers, let us learn that God, the Author of home and families, is
always interested in the quality and the training of the children. He
does not create to cast aside. Neither does anything come by chance. He
wills that each tender human plant be nourished and cherished until
well fitted to fill its place and calling in life. In childhood's
dependent days, the parents should be all to the children that they can
not be to themselves. It is not enough that your child be well fed and
clothed; its young mind must be guided into proper channels. What work
is more noble, more elevating than the teaching of the undeveloped mind?
Let not the duties of life nor the claims of society so press upon you
as to cause you to neglect your child's character or its education in
either temporal or spiritual matters.
As Solomon says, "Take away the little foxes that destroy the vines." It
is the little things passed carelessly by that grow larger and larger,
and stronger and stronger, within the young heart until at last the
unsuspecting parents awake in alarm to behold their child in dreadful
bondage. Beware! Guard your child every moment it is under your care.
You can not go as companion to your child upon the street or to school,
but your influence may attend his every path through life. Do not be
discouraged should you hear him use a slang word, but take him at once
and tenderly tell him what slang phrases will lead to. Do not speak
harshly, but explain in the most loving manner possible. In this way you
will cultivate in him a distaste for impure language. A pure, refined
nature will be the result. Moreover, as that child realizes through your
faithful instruction, the true meaning of sin, he will make you his
confidant and will come to you rather than seek the counsel of younger
companions. Thus you will be able to control his mind and to instil
within his mind pure and upright desires.
Within your home is the place to shine for God. There is no greater
field of labor. A Christian mother's influence among the young can not
be too highly valued. No one can fill your place in the hearts of your
children. Another can provide their temporal needs, but nobody can take
the place of Mother. No one else can enter into the daily trials as you
can. Nothing else can soothe the wounded feelings as well as a tender
embrace or a word from mother. Be liberal, dear mothers, with these
tokens of sympathy, so sweet to your child; and think not for one moment
that you are not fulfilling God's plan concerning you or that moments
thus spent are wasted. It is only a short time at best that we can be
blessed with the privilege of instructing our children.