Two Profitable Meetings

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 6, 1914

Two Profitable Meetings

The Parent-Teacher Association of the Washington Missionary College met at the home of Mrs. Law, on the afternoon of July 16. After the opening exercises, which consisted of song and prayer, Mrs. Finn led in a profitable Bible study on faith. This seemed especially applicable; for who needs to exercise faith more than parents? First of all, we need faith in God, who has promised to be our wisdom and righteousness; then, faith in one another, for parents must stand loyal to each other if their united labors for their children are to be crowned with success. Faith in their children is also necessary; for nothing withers the aspirations of children and youth more than to feel that their parents have lost faith in them.

Mrs. J. L. Shaw conducted an interesting study on discipline, after which the subject was thrown open for general discussion. There were grandparents as well as parents present. Many helpful thoughts were brought out. One point that was emphasized was the importance of beginning the work of training early in life. One conscientious mother with tears in her eyes asked, “What are you going to do with a strong-willed child before he is old enough to reason?” The answer was: “He reasons long before you think he can. And by regularity of the daily activities, such as eating, sleeping, and dressing, you can establish habits of obedience. By the laws of association the infant can be taught to expect certain events at stated intervals.”

“The work of the mother begins with the babe in her arms. She should subdue the will and temper of her child, and bring it into subjection, and teach it to obey.”

Mrs. Shaw’s study on discipline will appear in this department later.

A similar meeting was held by the ladies of the Takoma Park church, July 22. The principal topics at this meeting were: “Vegetable Canning,” by Mrs. A. J. S. Bourdeau, and “How to Spend Sabbath Afternoon With Our Children,” led by Mrs. E. R. Palmer. Mrs. Bourdeau said any one could obtain a bulletin giving full instructions regarding vegetable canning by addressing the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D. C., and asking for Farmers’ Bulletin No. 203.

“How to Spend Sabbath Afternoon With Our Children” was presented in a practical manner, and called forth a very interesting and profitable discussion. Amid the cares of life and the pressure of business, parents spend too little time with their children.

There is a growing carelessness among all classes in regard to the sacred hours of the Sabbath, and we need to have our minds often stirred up by way of remembrance. This study will also appear in this department at an early date.