OUR PARENTS by Mrs. M. C. DuBois

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 25, 1901

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 27, No. 39.

OUR PARENTS.

By Mrs. M. C. DuBois

NOT long since I read the following:—

In the school-room of the little princes of Germany occurred an incident that shows the blood of kings and peasants to be one. The teacher was declaring that all mankind are sinners. Up spoke the little crown prince and inquired whether it applied to the noble as well as the humble. “Certainly,” said the teacher. “Well,” said the prince, “my father may be a sinner; but my mother is not.” God pity the boy who does not think his mother the best woman in the world.

How is it with you, young reader? Do you hold your parents, and especially your mother, in heartfelt respect? or are you careless and neglectful in your deportment toward them? Disobedience to parents is one of the prevailing sins of the last days.

To me there are few sadder sights than a saucy, disobedient child. When I hear a boy or girl speak disrespectfully to father or mother, it always brings to my mind a sad incident of my own early life—the only time I ever spoke thus to my dear mother, who was then in poor health. I was sorry as soon as the words were spoken, but too proud to tell her so, and ask her forgiveness. Not many months after this my mother was taken ill, and the third day she died. I can not tell you how deep was the sorrow I felt as, looking upon her cold, still form, those unkind words came to my mind. I have never forgotten them, tho many years have passed, and I never will forget them while I have anything in memory.

Be careful, young readers, how you treat the dear old father and mother. I doubt not they have watched beside your sick-bed many, many hours in your helpless infancy. They have worked hard that you may have a pleasant, comfortable home. They have denied themselves many comforts, perhaps, to give you an education. How are you repaying their love and care? Are you doing all you can to make the sunset of their lives bright and peaceful? or are you still adding to their care and burdens? Be thoughtful and tender toward father and mother.

It is true, young woman, that at times your mother may be fretful; but do not do anything to make her more fretful. Think seriously. When mother grows fretful, there is a cause. She is probably worn out, and needs rest. Are you doing all you can to make her life less toilsome? Perhaps she is sick. Then turn doctor for a week or two; prescribe rest and quiet. Coax her to play visitor; invite her to take the cosiest nook in the house, and then wait upon her as you would upon an honored guest.

She may not want to take your medicine at first; but if you can not persuade her to yield to you, do the next best thing. Watch for chances to save her steps wherever it is possible; do all in your power to lighten her work; and I think it won't be long before she will become your willing patient, and gladly submit to being treated. It is worth a trial anyway.

Perhaps, boys, father is sharp and severe with you at times; but don't be saucy in turn. You do not know the burdens he is bearing. He may be passing through a financial pressure or some other trial. Then be careful not to add to his burdens; rather seek to lighten his load of care.

You may feel, young people, that your parents are too strict with you; but you will see by and by that they were right in restraining you, and keeping you from wholly choosing your own company. You will thank them for it in after years.

Never think it a hardship to deny yourself some coveted pleasure for the sake of the “old folks.” Each year that passes over their heads lessens their hold upon life. Soon father and mother will be sleeping in death, and their places will be vacant. Now, while you have them with you, do all you can to make them happy. Then when called to stand at their grave, you will not have to grieve over neglect. It will lighten the loss in this sad hour to feel that you did all you could to make their last days pleasant.

God bless the youth who may read this, and help them to honor their father and mother.

MRS. M. C. DuBois.

Grand Lodge, Mich.