A Word to Parents by Carrie R. Moon

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 8, 1912

A Word to Parents

By Carrie R. Moon

Just around the corner from my home is a fire-engine house. Although I have never visited it, it has given me much food for thought.

Sometimes I hear a quick sound of a gong. Without an instant's delay there follows the sound of the horses springing into action, and in less time than it takes to tell it, the engine is dashing through the street. Every nerve of the horses, every fiber in the men who are guiding them, is on the stretch. Their eyes turn neither to the right nor to the left, and a glance at them reveals intensity. Only one thought and one purpose is controlling them, and nothing can turn them from it.

And what is the cause of this? Some one's property is in danger, perhaps some one's home, and possibly human life is at stake. Bravely these noble men work, without a thought of the hardship or the danger to themselves.

What comparison can there be between the value of property or of temporal life and that of souls? Jesus said, “What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” And yet, when the souls of our own children are in danger, many of us are asleep. We are told, “The world is full of snares for the feet of the young. . . . Parents should remember that their children must encounter these temptations.” “Parents, help your children. Arouse from the lethargy which has been upon you. Watch continually to cut off the current, and roll back the weight of evil which Satan is pressing in upon your children.”

Here is an earnest message from the Lord: “Work as if working for your life to save the children from being drowned in the polluting, corrupting influences of the world.”

“The Bible contains the searching maxims which God has given to guide men and women, youth and children, through the conflicts of this life to heaven.” There is nothing that can so fortify the mind against evil, or that can so strengthen the character, as the study of the Bible.

Over and over the Lord has, through his servant, sent special messages to this people, urging parents to take time to study the Sabbath-school lessons with their children. The opportunity for this has never been better than is presented by the series of lessons that we are just beginning, nor has the need ever been greater. The Sabbath-school lessons, the Morning Watch texts, and the study of Bible doctrines for the Standard of Attainment, are all running in parallel lines. This gives the best of opportunity for daily, family study.

Will you not begin at once, if you have not already done so? Read the following earnest words from “Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work:” “Observe system in the study of the Scriptures in your families. Neglect anything of a temporal nature, . . . but be sure that the soul is fed with the bread of life.” Encourage the young people to learn these Sabbath-school lessons so thoroughly that they can not be forgotten, then to take the test for the Standard of Attainment in Bible doctrines when these are finished. Write to, or talk with, your Missionary Volunteer secretary, and together plan for the accomplishing of a definite work for your children this winter.

Sometime each one of us will have to meet the question, “Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?” May the Lord help us to arouse to the situation, and show as much zeal for the salvation of souls as in saving human life, that our answer may be, Here am I and the children thou hast given me.

MRS. CARRIE R. MOON,

M. V. Sec. Lake Union Conf.