A Catechism for Parents
By Mrs. V. J. Farnsworth
1. WHAT caution has the Lord given to parents? “Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life.” Deut. 4:9, first part. 2. What other duty is enjoined on them in the same verse? “But teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons.” 3. Where should the word of God be found? “And these words which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart.” Deut. 6:6. 4. How should God’s Word be taught to the children? “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children.” Deut. 6:7, first part. 5. When should they be taught? “And shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deut. 6:7, last part. 6. What caused King David to trust in God? “We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old. How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out. For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them; but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favor unto them. Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob. Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.” Ps. 44:1-6. 7. What did God especially enjoin to be taught to the children? “For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children.” Ps. 78:5. 8. If the Word of God is taught as he commanded, what will be the result to the children? “That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: and might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God.” Ps. 78:7, 8. 9. What example have we in the New Testament as the result of teaching the Word of God to children? The life of Timothy. 10. In what had Timothy been instructed from his childhood? “And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim. 3:15. 11. From whom did he receive his first lessons in faith? “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.” 2 Tim. 1:5. 12. What is said of Timothy’s father and mother? “Then came he [Paul] to Derbe and Lystra; and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek.” Acts 16:1. The fact is stated that Timothy’s mother was a believer, “but his father was a Greek,” from which we may conclude that he had not embraced the Christian religion. What a testimony is the life of this young man, so full of faith and courage, to the faith and teachings of a Christian mother! What an encouragement to those mothers who do not have the help of the husband and father in training their children for the Lord!