Chapter XIX: The Firm Mother

I. To obey is a child’s duty.

Exod. xx. 12. Eph. vi. 1. Col. iii. 20.

II. This obedience should be—

1. Implicit.

2. Unquestioning.

3. Immediate.

4. In manner, and spirit.

5. From love.

6. In absence, as well as presence.

7. To the _mother_ as well as the _father_.

Prov. i. 8; vi. 20; xv. 20. Lev. xix. 3. _e.g._ Luke, ii. 51.

This is most important. In the Bible no difference is drawn between
the authority of the father and mother.

III. A promise attached to obedience.

Exod. xx. 12. Eph. vi. 2. Jer. xxxv. 18, 19.

IV. To disobey is sin.

Deut. xxi. 18, 21. Ezek. xxii. 7. Rom. i. 30. 2 Tim. iii. 2. 1 Sam.
ii. 25.

V. A punishment attached to disobedience.

Deut. xxvii. 16. Prov. xxx. 17.

VI. It is a parent’s _duty_ to enforce obedience. Allowed disobedience brings misery into the home. 1 Tim. iii. 4; v. 4.

Eli. 1 Sam. ii. 23.

David. 1 Kings, i. 6.

How solemn then, Mothers, is your responsibility.

How earnest should be your prayers that _your_ commands may agree with _God’s_. Gen. xviii. 19. Deut. xxxii. 46. Eph. vi. 1.

* * * * *

Seek for wisdom in commanding.

Firmness in insisting.