The Sabbath Among the Children.
By H. C. Miller
I HAVE often marked, and sometimes with pain, the different ways in which parents teach their children to observe the Sabbath. While visiting some of the brethren, last spring, I chanced to read an article in the Youth's Instructor about a little girl who was always so sorry when the Sabbath was past, and the reason was given by the writer why such was the case. This story was in such strong contrast with what I have seen enacted, that the impression then made upon my mind of the importance of rightly teaching young children to love and keep the holy Sabbath will never be removed. This little girl's mother, if I remember the story right, was very careful not to have the little one feel that the Sabbath was an unpleasant thing; but by having some interesting stories to read to her on that day; by furnishing some new toy, or other things to keep her mind occupied, to make it a delight, and something which she would look forward to with joyful anticipation, and regret when passed. I thought the plan a good one for the time being, and as the child grew older how easy to teach it the history of that day, and to impress upon its mind the true nature, and importance of observing, that day. But how have I seen it? As the Sabbath drew on work was stopped, prayers were said, and after they were over, the children were much against their wishes, sent to bed earlier than usual, with no loving "good night," no folding of the little hands while the mother taught them to pray to God; but in their place, heavy hearts and tears. In the morning the little ones were "up with the lark," and, as on other days, were eager to commence their noisy playing, not being of an age to understand why one day was different from another. But their childish glee, instead of being properly directed, was smothered by the mother's harsh "Hush! now, 'tis the Sabbath to-day." No telling the child why it was so, nor giving it one other reason why it should keep quiet. But the little ones were too merry-hearted to remain quiet long, and soon their noisy mirth would break out again only to be quelled in the same harsh manner, with the added threat of a whipping in case any more noise was heard from them; which threat was not executed, on the offence being repeated, as it was many times done that day; the result of which will surely be disrespect of all parental authority. Toward night the youngest, tired of being shut up so close in the house and curbed in its efforts to amuse himself began to ask; "Isn't the Sabbath over? Isn't the sun down? Oh, I wish the Sabbath was gone." And does any one wonder at the little one's anxiety to have that past and gone which was only pain to him? Older persons would have been as anxious as he, under similar circumstances. And when the day was passed, what a heavy load seemed to be lifted from their hearts. They shouted, laughed, and tore around like caged animals broken loose. Seriously I asked myself what the result of such training would be. And in fancy I saw those children in years to come, should time continue, leaving the home they disliked, and going out into the world to do battle in its busy walks, without those truths of Scripture firmly impressed upon their minds which would make them honest, virtuous, and righteous men; but on the contrary, with an intense hatred for that which they have been falsely led to believe was Christianity as taught in the Holy Bible. Then, parents, how important that you should heed the injunction of the wise man, to train up your children, not in a way for them to go; but in the way they should go, that they may be a blessing to you in your after years, instead of a thorn to torment you. Then, ere it is too late give the child such a regard for holy things as that he shall always obey the voice of God and walk in all His ways. Then let parents examine themselves in regard to the example they are giving to their children, that they may not be sorry God gave them into their charge. How can we claim to love God if we love not our own? And how can we say we love our own while we neglect their best interest? Then "if ye love me, keep my commandments." Feed my lambs, says the great Shepherd. And to feed the lambs with proper food, we must be ourselves fed by that bread which cometh from above.
H. C. MILLER.