Don’t, Pray Don’t

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 8, 1875

Don’t, Pray Don’t.

Don’t tell the little one, who may be slightly willful, that “the black man will come out of the dark cellar and carry it off if it does not mind.” Don’t create a needless fear to go with the child through all the stages of its existence.

Don’t tell the little five-year-old Jimmy “the school ma’am will cut off his ears” “pull out his teeth,” “tie him up,” or any of the horrible stories that are commonly presented to the childish imagination. Think you the little one will believe anything you tell him after he becomes acquainted with the gentle teacher who has not the least idea of putting those threats into execution.

Don’t tell the children they must not drink tea because it will make them black, while you continue the use of it daily. Your example is more to them than precept; and while your face is as fair as a June morning, they will scarcely credit the oft-told tale. Either give up drinking the pleasant beverage, or give your children a much better reason for its non-use.

Don’t tell the sick one that the medicine is not bad to take, when you can hardly keep your own stomach from turning “inside out” at the smell of it. Better by far tell him that it is disagreeable, but necessary for his health, and you desire him to take it at once. Ten to one he will swallow it with half the trouble of coaxing and worry of words, and love you better for it.

Don’t teach the children by example to tell white lies to each other, and to their neighbors. Guard your lips and bridle your tongue, if you desire to have the coming generation truthful. Truthfulness is one of the foundation stones of Heaven. Remember the old, old book says, “no liar” shall enter within the gates of the beautiful city. There is nothing false there, and no distinction between white lies and those of a darker hue. A falsehood is an untruth, whether the matter be great or small.