The Law of Heredity. --The physical and mental condition of the parents is
perpetuated in their offspring. This is a matter that is not duly considered.
Wherever the habits of the parents are contrary to physical law, the injury done
to themselves will be repeated in the future generations. . . .
By physical, mental, and moral culture all may become co-workers with Christ.
Very much depends upon the parents. It lies with them whether they shall bring
into the world children who will prove a blessing or a curse.
The nobler the aims, the higher the mental and spiritual endowments, and the
better developed the physical powers of the parents, the better will be the life
equipment they give their children. In cultivating that which is best in
themselves, parents are exerting an influence to mould society and to uplift
future generations.
Many Parents Are Lamentably Ignorant. --Those who have charge of God's
property in the souls and bodies of the children formed in His image should
erect barriers against the sensual indulgence of this age which is ruining the
physical and moral health of thousands. If the many crimes of this time were
traced to their true cause, it would be seen that they are chargeable to the
ignorance of fathers and mothers who are indifferent on this subject. Health and
life itself is being sacrificed to this lamentable ignorance. Parents, if you
fail to give your children the education that God makes it your duty to give
them, both by precept and example, you must answer to your God for the results. These results will not be confined merely to your children.
They will reach through generations. Just as the one thistle permitted to grow
in the field produces a harvest of its kind, the sins resulting from your
neglect will work to ruin all who come within the sphere of their influence.
Evils of Intemperance Are Perpetuated. --Luxurious living and the use of wine
corrupt the blood, inflame the passions, and produce diseases of every kind. But
the evil does not end here. Parents leave maladies as a legacy to their
children. As a rule, every intemperate man who rears children transmits his
inclinations and evil tendencies to his offspring; he gives them disease from
his own inflamed and corrupted blood. Licentiousness, disease, and imbecility
are transmitted as an inheritance of woe from father to son and from generation
to generation, and this brings anguish and suffering into the world and is no
less than a repetition of the fall of man. . . .
And yet with scarcely a thought or care, men and women of the present
generation indulge intemperance by surfeiting and drunkenness and thereby leave,
as a legacy for the next generation, disease, enfeebled intellects, and polluted
morals.
There Is Reason for Double Understanding and Patience. --Fathers and mothers
may study their own character in their children. They may often read humiliating
lessons as they see their own imperfections reproduced in their sons and
daughters. While seeking to repress and correct in their children hereditary
tendencies to evil, parents should call to their aid double patience,
perseverance, and love.
When a child reveals the wrong traits which it has inherited from its
parents, shall they storm over this reproduction of their own defects? No, no!
Let parents keep a careful watch over themselves, guarding against all
coarseness and roughness, lest these defects be seen once more in their
children.
Manifest the meekness and gentleness of Christ in dealing with the wayward
little ones. Always bear in mind that they have received their perversity as an
inheritance from the father or mother. Then bear with the children who have
inherited your own trait of character.
Parents must trust implicitly in the power of Christ to transform the
tendencies to wrong which have been transmitted to their children.
Have patience, fathers and mothers. Often your past neglect will make your
work hard. But God will give you strength if you will trust in Him. Deal wisely
and tenderly with your children.