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THE CHILDREN

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 7, 1861

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 17, No. 25.

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THE CHILDREN.

By A. C. Hudson

My mind is burdened for the children. I have taught school so much, and studied their characters and seen their needs, that I feel their want of order and industry, to say nothing of heart-felt principle. Selfishness and all the evil passions are in the germ, ready to burst forth in the wildest luxuriance. I see the evils pouring forth from Pandora's box, and not even hope left behind. I have seen the lack of home training; impertinence treated as if becoming. But the parents see it not. One is to his farm, another to his merchandise, while the mother is looking after other wants. They do not dream of the power of habit. They hear it said and believe it, that when the children are older they will be ashamed of their waywardness and will reform themselves.
Again, other parents correct their children in anger, or without judgment. I know that parental affection is a God-given principle. But it should be cultivated and enlightened like every other faculty we possess. I think sometimes had I the voice and tongue of an angel I would use them to their utmost to ward off evils and bring blessings to both parents and children. Yet I will try to bear all the burdens I can, and when that is not enough I will ask the Lord for more of his strength and more of his good Spirit. Give wholesome rules culled from the Bible or from any other book.
Inasmuch as children differ nothing from servants, "not answering again" applies to them. Let each child do cheerfully and promptly what he is told without desiring some one else to perform his labor. Inasmuch as "no laborer of any race, color or nation, or age, labors without a stimulant," give them a stimulant. Some value to be received, some object of desire looming up in the distance stimulates the energies of every individual. Present that stimulant to the mind of the child. It may be a kiss, smile, pleasant word, or something useful. Fear, though not the most desirable stimulant, must sometimes be appealed to. The rod, or something withheld, will act sometimes when all others fail. When there is a scene, and the child sets his will in opposition to that of the parent, the child should not be permitted to dictate the terms of agreement. If he does thus dictate, parental government will become much like the present condition of the government of the United States. A. C. HUDSON. Allegan, Mich.