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The Duty of Parents

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Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · May 1, 1855

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 6, No. 28.

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The Duty of Parents

By M. S. Finch

From Sister Finch

DEAR BRO. WHITE: The duty of parents to their children and the example they should set before them, is a subject that has rested with much weight on my mind for some time past; and which I consider to be of vast importance in these last days, as children are forming characters for eternity; and impressions can be made easily upon their young and tender minds. Children will follow the example that is set before them, and we that have the care of them, in the first place, must be in possession of the meek and tender spirit of Jesus, and have our words well chosen and seasoned with grace. If we speak one improper word, how easily they retain it. If we manifest any feelings of impatience, how readily they imbibe the same spirit. We cannot correct our children for what we indulge in ourselves. We must get right ourselves, then we shall be in a condition to help them to get right. But who is sufficient for these things? We must go to Him for wisdom who has promised to give to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it will be given us.
But, says one, my children do not reform, but rather grow worse instead of better. I don't see it of any use to correct them. Say not so, but stop and consider upon your own ways, get your heart right before God, and meditate upon the example you have daily set before them. How unlike Christ! O seek the Lord with all your heart, fast and pray until you have gotten the victory; then the sad tale of disobedience will be changed. We must do our duty, then ask God to help us, and to temper their dispositions. He will hear us, for his ear is ever open to the cry of the righteous. Care should be taken to keep our children from the society of the unruly and disobedient, and those who use improper language. O that the spirit of meekness and patience may ever be ours to possess; and the example before the few committed to our trust, be upright, and one that is worthy of our imitation.
M. S. FINCH. Roosevelt, N. Y., Apr. 19th, 1855.