Chapter 29—A Work That Cannot Be Transferred
Parental Responsibilities Which No One Else Can Bear—
Parents, you carry responsibilities that no one can bear for you. As
long as you live, you are accountable to God to keep His way.... Par-
ents who make the word of God their guide, and who realize how
much their children depend upon them for the characters they form,
will set an example that it will be safe for their children to follow
Fathers and mothers are responsible for the health, the constitution,
the development of the character of their children. No one else should
be left to see to this work. In becoming the parents of children, it
devolves upon you to co-operate with the Lord in educating them in
sound principles
How sad it is that many parents have cast off their God-given
responsibility to their children, and are willing that strangers should
bear it for them! They are willing that others should labor for their
children and relieve them of all burden in the matter
Many who are now bemoaning the waywardness of their children
have only themselves to blame. Let these look to their Bibles and see
what God enjoins upon them as parents and guardians. Let them take
up their long-neglected duties. They need to humble themselves and
to repent before God for their neglect to follow His directions in the
training of their children. They need to change their own course of
action and to follow the Bible strictly and carefully as their guide and
counselor
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The Church Alone Cannot Assume These Responsibilities—
Oh, that the youth and children would give their hearts to Christ! What
an army might then be raised up to win others to righteousness! But
parents should not leave this work for the church to do alone
1
Letter 356, 1907
.
2
Manuscript 126, 1897
.
3
The Review and Herald, October 25, 1892
.
4
Manuscript 57, 1897
.
5
The Signs of the Times, August 13, 1896
.
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