SHOULD PARENTS ATTEND THE SABBATH-SCHOOL?
By J. O. Corliss
We say, Yes, by all means; and for important reasons: 1. Because the influence is better on the children, as they usually love the Sabbath-school and the truths it inculcates in the same degree that their parents do. 2. The parents, by studying the truth through this medium, become more firmly established in it, and better prepared for usefulness in the family and in society. Children look to their parents for examples, as they should do; and if the parents pass this important branch of education by as of little consequence, they need not be surprised to very soon find their children regarding it in the same light. If, on the other hand, the parents manifest an interest in the Sabbath-school, and labor for its prosperity, they may be rejoiced to see the children following in their footsteps. Some have regarded the Sabbath-school as a place for children alone to receive religious training, hence have clothed and sent them there, taking but very little, if any, interest in the lessons to be learned, much less in teaching them to their children; and they have then persuaded themselves that their duty in this direction was done. The result of such a course is painfully evident. The lessons are not learned, the school becomes uninteresting, and the children gladly seek an excuse to absent themselves from it. Finally, at an early age they graduate; one step after another in the wrong direction is taken; they are soon beyond the influence of their parents and of the church, and are lost to the cause of God. Do you ask, What more can I do for my children relative to the Sabbath-school? We answer, Take such an interest in the school as will lead you, not only to be there every Sabbath with your children, but to have your lesson thoroughly learned. As your interest in the lessons increases, you will see a decided improvement in the school; the children will learn to love it and will grow up in the truth, and you will have the satisfaction of seeing them gathered into the church and become fitted for a home in the kingdom of God. When parents shall see the importance of this work, and take hold of it in earnest, the children will readily drink into the same spirit; and while engaged in preparing their lessons each week, they will look forward to the approaching Sabbath-school with delight. It will add to their interest, if, when Sabbath morning comes, and all are ready for the Sabbath-school, the family is called together, and each rehearses the lesson for the last time before going to the class. Such a course would not only be pleasant and profitable to the children, but of advantage to many parents who would not otherwise study the word of God. Their minds can be drawn away from worldly cares to the great themes of the Bible, and thus in a measure they can be preserved in faithfulness to the duties God has enjoined upon them. Then for their own good, as well as their children's, it is essential that parents attend the Sabbath-school.