The Father's Part by The Congregationalist

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Sep 23, 1913

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 40, No. 37.

The Father's Part

By The Congregationalist

WE would not for a moment underrate the great, noble influence exercised by the true mother; but the father also has a peculiar province in the guiding and educating of the child. The word of God lays more rather than less responsibility on the father than on the mother.

Until children reach the age of seven or perhaps ten years, they are usually more under the mother's influence and guidance; and if she be wise, she can hold them with ease. But when boys begin to associate more with older boys, it takes considerable manliness to keep them above heeding the sneer, 'Tied to his mother's apron strings!' If a lad can say with emphasis, 'My father says thus,' and if that father commands his respect, much weight is gained on the side of right. Even tho there may be, in the heart of every boy, a latent chivalry to women, yet with lads of a certain age it is not so easy to arouse as an ideal of manliness.

When girls reach the age of fourteen and upwards, tho their mother may be to them the type of love and goodness, the companionship and advice of their father will prove of still greater power over them. If he can walk, drive, or read with them, and discuss their studies and amusements, his society may be a lifelong stimulus and benefit. Fathers, be not so engrossed in amassing wealth to leave to children, that the child himself is lost to you and to the world.— The Congregationalist.