Property Rights by Worthie Harris Holden

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 23, 1913

Property Rights

By Worthie Harris Holden

WORTHIE HARRIS HOLDEN

Two little tots are at play. One seizes the ball that belongs to the other, and immediately a tussle ensues. There is an inherent idea of rightful possession in the mind of the tiny owner, though we might question his method of recovering what belongs to him.

Property rights is a subject parents must consider carefully, that they may instruct their children according to God’s plan for them. Have you never seen fathers and mothers who freely gave cattle, articles of furniture, or other possessions to their children, and afterward disposed of them without even consulting the owners? Give only when you are justified in so doing, and then maintain the right of possession.

Grandparents, uncles, and aunts had occasionally given the small members of one family sums of money. The mother persuaded them to put their capital into a toy bank. By and by the father was short of cash. He held up the bank, looted it, and made away with his plunder. The children never heard from their fund again. They became suspicious, and afterward hid their gain “where father could not find it.” Gladly would they have lent him their all, had he requested it and assured them that he would replace it within a certain time.

A mother insisted on entering her grown daughter’s bedroom without knocking, as the house belonged to her. Is it at all a matter of surprise that the daughter, when she goes away to boarding-school, feels free to array herself in her roommate’s apparel without asking the privilege?

These are actual occurrences in homes where the parents profess Christianity. They need enlightenment in regard to true principles. The younger ones are keen observers, and quickly acquire wrong habits of conduct, or else a feeling of resentment is cherished, which will mar the character.

Closely allied to this is the matter of teaching the children concerning tithing and free-will offerings.

The children in Sabbath-school are passing to their respective rooms and classes. A fond parent rushes up, breaks into the line, and hastily distributes some coins to his little ones to put into the collection box. Forthwith the march is resumed. Happy the child who brings his coin from his own little store.

If preferred, some arrangement can be made whereby the children can earn money regularly, though the habit of paying children for duties done should be eliminated. If you give them money, let them have it regularly, by the week or month, no matter how small the sum.

Occasional, irregular gifts from parents should be avoided.

Teach the children that one tenth belongs to the Lord,—that it is his rightful possession. You can instruct them from the time they are little tots so that they may put by their penny or two of tithe and lay aside their pennies for offerings, before they feel free to spend the remainder on themselves.

As the child advances in years and his allowance increases, this habit of practical godliness will be a continual source of blessing in the development of Christian character. When he has acquired the ability of maintaining himself, it will be natural to render to God his dues, and he will have naught but gratitude for the parents who tenderly guided his feet into paths of righteousness.

Portland, Oregon.