p. 15 | Youthful Kings by MRS. D. A. FITCH

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jul 22, 1915

Youthful Kings

By MRS. D. A. FITCH

MRS. D. A. FITCH

As one reads the record of the kings of Judah, he may well be surprised at the youthful, even childish age at which some of them began to reign. Four of them, Jehoash, Josiah, Manasseh, and Jehoiachin, were made kings at ages ranging from seven to twelve years. As to the fitness of a boy of that age to guide the ship of state we are not to decide. If the Lord did not so order it, he certainly permitted it, and evidently for some good purpose.

There are some things he now permits which he fain would change for the good of all concerned. In many families infantile kings are reigning with a degree of rigor equaled only by that of Rehoboam, son of Solomon. From the age of a few days to the time of the maturity of their children many parents are in complete subjection to their sons and daughters. One wise and aged woman said of the present time: "You need not tell me there is no family government in these days. I say there is; but it is in the hands of the children." One has no need to observe very closely to be convinced of the truthfulness of this statement. It is too sadly true.

* For this state of affairs the parents are at fault. The child, being pampered, petted, and then again threatened with a punishment never administered, learns he can usually have his own way in almost everything, and therefore soon avails himself of the privilege. To keep peace in the home the parent submits once, twice, and thrice, until the whole place is thoroughly ruled by the children.

Much might be written concerning the importance of parents' having a high standard regulating the affairs and behavior of their family, so that there shall be happiness in the home, no friction in the neighborhood, no wrong example in the church, and finally the entire family in the dwelling place where Jesus reigns.