The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1899-05-16

overcome this tendency at very early
age for the best good OF both parent
and child.
The mothers strength, and even
health, are often sacrificed to meet the
demands of the children, and worry is
even more wearing than labor, and unfit
for duty.
When restraining influences, for the
health of the child, protection of its
body, right cultivation of the mind,
purity of the heart, and preservation of
the soul are neglected, serious results
follow. How far shall parents be held
accountable to God for these influences
over the child?
The first lesson after reaching the
age of understanding should be obedi-
ence. early training along this line
will lay the foundation principles, of
utmost Importance.
Much of the success of the parents
future control of the child depends
upon it. INSTRUMENTATION often begins
before we realize that discipline is
necessary.
A child with strong will, continual
ly strengthened by injudicious indulg-
ence, in yielding to its persistent coax
ings, will force the, parent to be suhor-
dinate to its will; and that very early in
life; it will give vent to an uncontrol-
able passion, which, if unsubdued, must
inevitably bring sorrow to the parent in
after years.
How early should parents begin to
insist upon obedience? How far carry
discipline? When begins the religious
training and instill truth into the minds
of little children?
These are questions of grave import
ance.
Parents should remember they are
building the foundations for life. God
gives to the mother this one period in
which best to impress the young mind
and tender heart. The very best seed
time. IT parents neglect duty what can
be expected but that the weeds of self
ishness, carelessness, pride and passion
will take root and grow?
If the mind is properly instructed
the heart will be right.
On the precepts, counsel and example
of parents the success in life and future
happiness Of the child depends.
Religious truth should be impressed
upon the mind of child as soon as il
begins to learn other lessons of child
hood. We have for our example, the
history of the child Samuel who was
given to the Lord at an early period in
life.
We have no nobler character present,
ed to us, of one with like sinful nature
Mothers should not forget that a SOU
as well as a body, an immortal spirit, is
that intrusted to their especial protec
ton.
| Mothers are weak and erring mortals
they need to seek divine wisdom to en-
able them to Judge wisely in the govern
ment of children. and in regard to theil
home influences; to enable them tt
''train up child in the nurture and ad
monition of the Lord" Thus they will
insure obedience and respect for par
ents.
The devine injunction, Children
obey your parents in all things for this
is we'll pleasing unto the Lord,', we
may not ignore.
| Again it is written. ''Honor thy ia
ther and thy mother, p the command
ment with promise, but lest the com.
mand should be disregarded, he further
ommanded-"A he that smiteth his
father or his mother shall be sure put
to death, and he that cusseth his father
or his mother shall be put to death. .
Thus we learn that He sought to guard
the child from insubordination to the
parent by stern laws.