A Lesson to Parents by Phena Morey

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 5, 1914

A Lesson to Parents

By Phena Morey

If it is our children who must carry the third angel's message in the last days, what are we as parents doing to help them prepare for their work? What kind of character are we helping them to form? Surely the present Sabbath school lessons from the Old Testament, as found in Our Little Friend and the Youth's Instructor, with "Patriarchs and Prophets" as a help, should show us our duty toward our children.

Joseph was only a boy when taken to Egypt, a wicked, idolatrous country. Under the severest trial and insult, he stood firm for principle. The training of his early years had been pure and simple. He had been taught to be faithful in every duty of life, whether high or low. He let duty rather than inclination control him. God gives opportunities for developing character, and it depends upon the use made of them whether or not we succeed.

The training of Moses is a very striking and stirring example for mothers. When the decree to kill all the male babies born to the Hebrews was being most rigidly enforced, Moses was born. Jochebed, his mother, believing that Israel was soon to be delivered, could not allow her son to be slain. Instead of complaining or finding fault when she could no longer conceal him at home, she studied to know what to do. The plan at last was completed. Miriam was but a girl, but notice her shrewdness in caring for her brother. Ex. 2:4. She had no doubt been taught the danger and evil of the dreaded decree, and how tactfully she asked, "Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?"

The happy work begun by the mother was not neglected, and she daily taught Moses of the true God and the sin of worshiping idols. She had only twelve years in which to train her son in the true faith. Her family and housework required time, and I think I can see Jochebed laying aside all fancy work, all unnecessary cooking, all gossiping, and attendance at places of amusement, giving her entire time and strength to the training of her children, especially Moses, for God. I can almost see her lying awake at night pleading for divine aid in her work. Her labors were not in vain. Although Moses made mistakes, still he kept close to God, participating not in the worship of idols, nor even allowing himself to become attached to his foster mother, even though she educated him in all the learning of the Egyptians, and expected him some day to occupy the throne. The honor was great, the wages high, but his dear mother's training held him true to God. He was determined to let the Heavenly Father lead him, and chose "rather to suffer affliction with the people of God" than to receive the honor of being king.

Miriam was a prophetess, and led the women in singing praises to God for their deliverance. Aaron was a close companion to Moses, and held the position of high priest. The three children had different dispositions, but the wise mother was used of God to train each of them for his or her special place in the Lord's work.

"Let every mother feel that her moments are priceless; her work will be tested in the solemn day of accounts. Then will it be found that many of the failures and crimes of men and women have resulted from the ignorance and neglect of those whose duty it was to guide their childish feet in the right way."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 244.

Wichita, Kans.