“GENTLE JESUS, MEEK AND MILD.”
I THOUGHT I was singing my boy to sleep with this little ballad of which he was very fond; but the blue eyes opened, and the quiet voice said, “Mamma, you ain’t always gentle.” In self-justification I replied, “But you know, darling, mamma has to scold you when you’re naughty.” “Yes’m.” The argument dropped; so did the little head upon my bosom. I did not finish the song, nor have I sung it since. Tenderly tucking in the little truth-teller, I reproached myself for deserving his remark, and gently questioned the truth of my answer. Do mothers have to scold? Has scolding any legitimate place in the family government? How is the word defined? “Railing with clamor, uttering rebuke in rude and boisterous language.” Is this a helpful adjunct to parental authority? Why do Christian parents sometimes scold? For two reasons, it seems to us. First, for lack of self-control; second, from habit. Children are often terribly trying, and loud and angry tones seem a safety-valve for our stirred tempers. Besides we feel that gentleness alone can never safely steer the family bark over137life’s troublous sea. Force, firmness, decision, sternness, even severity, are necessary. A suitable degree of these is not incompatible with gentleness. It is not a synonym of weakness. The gentleness that makes one great comes from subdued strength. This lovely fruit of the Spirit proves an element of power. The “soft answer” often costs the answerer dearly. Sweetness of spirit is the outgrowth of self-control. Serenity of soul, whatever be the constitutional characteristics, comes most frequently from self-discipline and prayerful struggles.—Good Words.