Chapter 39—Influence of the Mother
Mother’s Influence Reaches Into Eternity—The sphere of the
mother may be humble; but her influence, united with the father’s, is
as abiding as eternity. Next to God, the mother’s power for good is the
strongest known on earth
The mother’s influence is an unceasing influence; and if it is always
on the side of right, her children’s characters will testify to her moral
earnestness and worth. Her smile, her encouragement, may be an
inspiring force. She may bring sunshine to the heart of her child by a
word of love, a smile of approval....
When her influence is for truth, for virtue, when she is guided by
divine wisdom, what a power for Christ will be her life! Her influence
will reach on through time into eternity. What a thought is this—that
the mother’s looks and words and actions bear fruit in eternity, and the
salvation or ruin of many will be the result of her influence
Little does the mother realize that her influence in the judicious
training of her children reaches with such power through the vicissi-
tudes of this life, stretching forward into the future, immortal life. To
fashion a character after the heavenly Model requires much faithful,
earnest, persevering labor; but it will pay, for God is a rewarder of all
well-directed labor in securing the salvation of souls
Like Mother—Like Children—The tenderest earthly tie is that
between the mother and her child. The child is more readily impressed
by the life and example of the mother than by that of the father, for a
stronger and more tender bond of union unites them
[241]
The thoughts and feelings of the mother will have a powerful
influence upon the legacy she gives her child. If she allows her mind
to dwell upon her own feelings, if she indulges in selfishness, if she
is peevish and exacting, the disposition of her child will testify to the
1
Good Health, March 1, 1880, par. 12
.
2
The Signs of the Times, March 16, 1891
.
3
Good Health, July, 1880
.
4
Testimonies For The Church 2, 536
.
178