Even kindness must have its limits. Authority must be sustained by a firm severity, or it will be received by many with mockery and contempt. The so-called tenderness, the coaxing and the indulgence, used toward youth by parents and guardians is the worst evil which can come upon them. Firmness, decision, positive requirements, are essential in every family. Parents, take up your neglected responsibilities; educate your children after God’s plan, showing “forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” {5T 45.1}

Selv mildhed må have sine grænser. Myndighed må støttes af fast strenghed, ellers vil den modtages af latterliggørelse og foragt. Den såkaldte mildhed, forlokkelser og eftergivenhed, som forældre og formyndere udviser mod unge er det værste onde der kan komme over dem. Fasthed, beslutsomhed og tydelige krav er absolut nødvendige for enhver familie. Forældre, tag jeres forsømte ansvar op; uddan jeres børn efter Guds plan, vis » hans guddomskraft, som kaldte jer fra mørket til sit underfulde lys."