The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1899-05-16
HOW FAR SHOULD THE LIVES OF
PARENTS BE SUBORDINATE
TO THE LIVES OF THEIR
CHILDREN

AS % others let us consider this ques-
tlon more particularly from our point
ofsview.
Much, and probably all, of the know
ledge regarding this peculiar question
has come to US through years of ex-
perience and by grievous mistakes, /
judge, as l have never seen comments
upon it in literature. Much of this
knowledge is yet to be gained in this
way, except we profit from the wise
counsel of others, and in earnest dis
cussion of the subject among faithful
mothers.
The first thought arising in my mind
as | seek to solve the problem is, why
should such question arrest our atten
ton? 1t is too apparent, however, that
in this age of the world, the children
do, to a great extent, control the affairs
of the home.
Upon second consideration the ans
wer reached is only so far as for the
best interests for the child.
Finally am led to question, should
a parent ever yield to a subordinate po-
sitiOn in respect to the child?
OF our great exemplar it is written,
He was subject unto His parents.
Idesire to call your attention particu.
larly to the early training of children.
1t is during this first period of their
little helpless dependent lives that sac
rifces are demanded of the parents, and
their lives, in a measure, made second
airy to that Of the child consigned to
their special care and protection.
Let us consider for a moment the re-
sponsibility of the parent to God and to
their children, then realize that we have
not the exclusive right to our children.
That they are but committed to our
guardianship until they come to years
of maturity.
Yet God has trusted to us their all in
life as it were.
Wonderful opportunities he has given
the parents. Theirs to mould the
mind that shall influence other minds
continuing on through countless ages.
The mothers especial charge is one
for eternity. What responsibility is
hers? When she renders up her account
before God, will it stand accepted?
The little tenements of clay, expand
ing minds, and never dying souls are
intrusted to the mothers care, and
tender love, from God of Love. This
three-fold nature is to be watched over,
cultivated and protected from the evils
of this life, yes, infinitely more pre-
pared for the life BEYOND.
"a mothers sacred trust!
ADM ting that its first right and
privilege from the parents should be, to
be well born, health should follow.
Then the first demand upon parents
is to look after the frail tenement the
little one inhabits; keep in perfect re.
pair so far as possible, guarding against
the impurities, for ty a great extent
health controls the powers of the mind.
The mind must then be educated.
Education comprehends much more
than the knowledge contained in books
merely.
Among the first lessons usually learn
ed by the little one is that crying,
which at the first is the only way to
make known its needs desired and the
wrongs carelessly inflicted upon it, will
secure the attention of the parent. In
short time crying becomes an annoy
ing habit. We we'll know that habit
becomes chain too strong to break
easily, and before aware of it the par
ents lives begin to be subordinate to
that of the child.
Judicious care should be exercised to