A Poor Mother

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jul 16, 1914

SHE was sitting in the yard with her children, apparently without any purpose only to kill time and indulge in gossipy conversation, for which she evidently had a relish. To be sure, she said nothing very bad, merely chit-chat, in which the tall lad and half-grown girls joined for want of something better. The mother seemingly had no true conception that the aimless, listless habits of her children were owing to her failure to give their thoughts and purposes proper cultivation and direction; that her own undecided life had no strength of character for herself or them. She was content if she could be pleased, and relieved of responsibility. Yes, she would be glad to have her children take the right course, which idea was a very vague one in her mind, except to be thought honorable in the eyes of the world. She had no thought that it took stern necessity and constant discipline to make strong character, and that a mother's training would build it. Having no right conception of her work, she loved selfishly and devotedly; her children were her toys to be enjoyed as a child does a doll. She kept them on the same plane as herself, and judged that selfish indulgence would satisfy their God-given longings after something nobler.

She belongs to the church, and when the so-called revival came and swept in so many young people, she was glad that her children were induced to rise for prayer, and join the church with the rest. It was a satisfaction that they had “made a start.” Now she must do what she could to make it pleasant for the young people that they might not “give up.”

This Christless mother had never prayed with her children nor spoken to them about personal salvation. She knew nothing of their convictions or the longing of their hearts for help. The church had done the work, and they were in its communion, and that satisfied.

She does no differently than before, but studies how to dress them fashionably, and fit them for society, and hopes that they will marry ’well and relieve her of future responsibility.

Poor, deceived mother! How you will wake up some day to see your fatal mistake! How these petted, neglected children will charge you with their loss of a life of usefulness, and it may be their eternal loss. Why not rally at once and ask God to help you comprehend the trust committed to your charge of training souls for life and eternity? These important, susceptible days of childhood and youth, how fast they are going from you, and with them these God-given opportunities! Whether you will or not, the responsibility is upon you. Your children are your work. They mirror your character. Take up this work gladly, determinedly, and prayerfully, and many mistakes may yet be corrected, and the world blessed and God honored by your faithful efforts.—Selected.