The Godly Mother | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 7, 1872

The Godly Mother.

In a class prayer-meeting in one of the prominent theological seminaries of our land, the members related to each other the history of their conversion, and the steps by which they were led to prepare for the ministry. In these statements the remark, “I owe all under God to a pious mother,” so often occurred that the writer was induced to make more particular inquiry which led to some very interesting results.

All but two had pious mothers, and most of them pious fathers. All were converted when young; some at the age of ten, none over twenty. All attended Sabbath-school. All remembered with gratitude the instructions of their parents. Many spoke with touching interest of the happy influence which the teachings and prayers of their mothers exerted upon them. Some of these mothers have fallen asleep, but others remain to the present, and rejoice in this result of their efforts.

These facts furnish matter for reflection. Suppose these parents had not consecrated their sons to God, where would have been this class of young men now active in the ministry; and if other classes and other seminaries furnish similar statistics, where would have been the theological students of the land? Our seminaries would be empty, many of our pulpits empty, and the harvest would perish for want of laborers.

Christian mothers, these facts show how much the world's salvation, under God, depends on you. Will you realize it and act accordingly? You may not through the agency of the press leave a name and an influence like Hannah Moore, or Charlotte Elizabeth, but you may transmit a fragrant remembrance; you may exert an undying influence through that little boy now by your side, and now under your control.

In daily prayer and faith dedicate him to God. Store his mind with useful knowledge. Aim to fire his soul with zeal for the Saviour’s cause. Mothers, do this, and though your sons come not to eminence, and it be not written of you, “Mothers of the wise,” yet it will be recorded of you, “Mothers of the good.”

Sir Benjamin West attributed his eminence to the sweet kiss of encouragement his mother gave him when he showed her his first rude attempt at drawing; and it is said that John Quincy Adams, through his long and eventful life, never omitted that beautiful little prayer his mother taught him, “Now I lay me down to sleep.”

What an influence God has intrusted to you. But little of it will find a record on the page of history; but eternity will reveal it. Sons and daughters then will call you blessed.—Sel.