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Patriarchal Family Standards And Rules Of Wisdom

PATRIARCHAL FAMILY STANDARDS and RULES of WISDOM of CELESTIAL MARRIAGE

PATRIARCHAL FAMILY STANDARDS and RULES of WISDOM
of CELESTIAL MARRIAGE


Table of Contents
Page
ZION"S STANDARDS - A Preamble ................................ 1

MALE"S STANDARDS - Rules for Males .......................... 2
First Rule - The Man's Part ................................. 2
Second Rule - The Groom's Part .............................. 2
Third Rule - The Husband's Part ............................. 3
Fourth Rule - The Father's Part ............................. 3
Fifth Rule - The Patriarch's Part ........................... 4
Sixth Rule - The Priest's Part .............................. 4
Seventh Rule - The King's Part .............................. 5
Eighth Rule - The Judge's Part .............................. 5

FEMALE"S STANDARDS - Rules for Females ...................... 6
Ninth Rule - The Woman's Part ............................... 6
Tenth Rule - The Bride's Part ............................... 6
Eleventh Rule - The Wife's Part ............................. 6
Twelfth Rule - The Mother's Part ............................ 7
Thirteenth Rule - The Matriarch's Part ...................... 7
Fourteenth Rule - The Priestess's Part ...................... 7
Fifteenth Rule - The Queen's Part ........................... 8
Sixteenth Rule - The Sisterhood's Part ...................... 8

FAMILY STANDARDS - Rules for Families ....................... 8
Seventeenth Rule - The Teacher's Part ....................... 8
Eighteenth Rule - The Counselor's Part ...................... 8
Nineteenth Rule - The Parent's Part ......................... 9
Twentieth Rule - A Small Child's Part ....................... 9
Twenty-First Rule - The Children's Part ..................... 10
Twenty-Second Rule - The Family's Part ...................... 11
Twenty-Third Rule - The Kingdom's Part ...................... 11
Twenty-Fourth Rule - The Judgeship's Part ................... 11

KINGDOM PRINCIPLES - Rules of Wisdom ........................ 12
Twenty-Fifth Rule - The Common Respect Part ................. 12
Twenty-Sixth Rule - The Work Ethic Part ..................... 12
Twenty-Seventh Rule - The Personal Instruction Part ......... 12
Twenty-Eighth Rule - The Eternal Part ....................... 13



ZION"S STANDARDS - A Preamble

One must believe that the Patriarchal Order of Family is the manner in which the Gods live and eternal Families are organized in order to adopt these Standards as your own. The Lord has laid down Laws and set Standards for us as part of His Family, not to oppress us nor deny us happiness, but to help us progress and to bring us joy. We, too, in turn should study the set types that the Lord God has provided for us in the Scriptures and commit to follow them and to emulate these Principles in our own Families in order to show unto the Lord that we seek to do his will and, in turn, hope to one day obtain the blessing from His hands by having our Families sealed together for eternity unto the Lord. You hereby promise to make these Standards and Rules, each and every principle, a matter of mighty Prayer.

Upholding these Standards in our Families is intended to promote righteousness, unity, peace, harmony, repentance, love and to give us common direction not only as a Family, but as a body of Saints striving to one day build the Kingdom of ZION. It is the foundation of personal, as well as, spiritual progression within families. By its nature, the word "Family" implies Posterity. So these Standards are not only for the intended benefit of Parents, but also for the Children both present and future. For though it is within our agency to choose, we cannot teach Children which choices we believe to be the correct ones, unless we ourselves are willing to live up to the Standards upon which lifetime and even eternal choices are made.

The foundational Standards are those which we know as the Laws of the Gospel. These include the Ten Commandments and all additional Commandments given through Jehoshuah, the Messiah, whether by Himself in His mortal ministry, or through His Prophets, both ancient and in these latter days. Upon these foundational Standards, the Lord has commissioned or called other Servants to dispense additional words through these "Rules of Wisdom." All of these Inspired Principles or Rules address certain Standards of behavior and attitude and are designed to provide further Rules pertaining to Family Loyalty, Personal Integrity and Respect, Personal Accountability, Industriousness, Testimony and an Eternal Commitment to Correct Principles as it applies to Family.

Wisdom Rules Standards Family Patriarchal

MALE"S STANDARDS - Rules for Males

First Rule - The Man's Part: You covenant to seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and to learn to govern yourself according to the laws of God before attempting to govern others. First, dedicate all your time, talents, and worldly possessions to the building up of the Kingdom of God, not withholding even your life to the service of God, as He shall direct you through the . Qadowsh Kowl (the Holy Spirit) and the counsel that He has or will ordain. Seek the Holy Anointed opinion and counsel, the one who holds the Sealing Keys of Elijah, that your future Bride-to-be might be sealed unto you for time and all eternity. For without first receiving this blessing by revelation, you may find that it was from the beginning never a possibility to obtain that Sealing unto the Lady in question.

Second Rule - The Groom's Part: You covenant next to seek for wisdom to be directed by the . Qadowsh Kowl (Holy Spirit) in the choice of Wives. Seek for those who will bring joy into your home. Look not upon their temporal beauty or build, their popularity or affluence, or even wealth; for all these, without the genuine virtues of character or spirit, are like the blossom of youth which remains but for a moment or are just happenstance. Look for kind, amiable dispositions, virtuous modesty and industrious habits. Look for sincere honesty and integrity. Look for cleanliness and orderliness in persons, home, or industry. Seek after cheerfulness, patience, and stability of character. And above all, seek for genuine religious testimony and application of those beliefs. When you have found those possessing these qualifications, seek to obtain them lawfully through the proper order of Courtship. You shall go unto Heavenly Father in mighty Prayer first, seeking His counsel and
consents. If given and if you are already married, you must then
seek to have your Wife or Wives fulfill the Law of Sarah by receiving the same revelation and to be willing to give her unto you. The Wife or Wives may also receive this revelation first, and she or they should seek to counsel with you concerning this other Women that she or they feel belongs in your Family and Kingdom. And in this case, you would then seek Heavenly Father in mighty Prayer for the same revelation. This is done that all things be done in righteousness. But if the Lord should command you, you shall seek to take her to Wife. You should next
go to your own Father or Family Patriarch, if possible and reasonable,
that you may honor thy Father and Mother that they might have the opportunity to receive the same revelation and to receive their counsel. Then it is time that you should go to the Father, or guardian of the lady, that you are interested in courting (again only if possible and reasonable) to make your interest and intentions known. You shall do this to show honor to her Father and Mother that they might have the opportunity to receive the same revelation and that you might be able to receive their counsel as well. It is only after everything has been done most proper, having righteously sought the Lord's will first, and having paid proper respect, that you would then even approach the Women to make your interest known. Remember that it is not accounted unto righteousness for a man having a Wife or Wives to spend his time chasing around for new Wives. For it is a man's obligation to set his own house in order with his many stewardships, Wife or Wives and Children. Rather, let a single women that sees his good works, seek and ask to enter into his Family, or as God may inspire and command the man. If you seek to one day have this marriage sealed for Time and all Eternity, you must seek the counsel of him who holds the keys of the everlasting Priesthood that by the revelation and permission of the one who holds the keys, she may be married to you by the authority of Heaven eventually be secured to you for time and all eternity in the Temple of our God. Lastly, these Marriages should be solemnized by one of the Priesthood Patriarchal Fathers (or another if desired) who possesses the proper Priesthood authority.

Third Rule - The Husband's Part: When you have obtained your Wives, do not suppose that they are already perfect in all things. For this cannot be expected of most Telestial Beings here whether a male or female, young in age or old, never married before or not, the very old and, of course, the relatively young in spirit. For those who are young and inexperienced in the cares and vicissitudes of a married life, only make different and more mistakes. They, as weaker vessels, are given to you as the stronger in order to nurture, cherish, and protect. You are to be their head, their Patriarch, and their Savior. You are to teach, instruct, and counsel them in all things relating to Family Government and the welfare and happiness of themselves and their Children. Therefore, realize the weighty responsibility now placed upon you as the head of a Family. Also study diligently the disposition of your Wives that you may know how to instruct them in wisdom for their good.

Fourth Rule - The Father's Part: Do not be so stern and rigid in your Family Government as to render yourself an object of fear and dread. There are Parents who only render themselves conspicuous in the attribute of justice, while mercy and love are scarcely known in their Families. Justice should be tempered with mercy, and love should be the great moving principle interweaving itself in all your Family administrations. When justice alone sits upon the throne, your Children approach you with dread or, peradventure, hide themselves from your presence and long for your absence that they may be relieved from their fear; at the sound of your approaching footsteps, they flee as from an enemy, tremble at your voice, and shrink from the gaze of your countenance as though they expected some terrible punishment to be inflicted upon them. Be familiar with your Children that they may delight themselves in your society and look upon you as a kind and tender parent whom they delight to obey. Obedience, inspired by love versus obedience inspired by fear, is entirely different in its nature; the former will be permanent and enduring, while the latter only waits to have the object of fear removed, and it vanishes like a dream. Govern Children as Parents, and not as tyrants. For they will be Parents in their turn and will very likely adopt that form of government in which they have been educated. If you have been tyrants, they may be influenced to pattern after your example. If you are fretful and continually scolding, they will be very apt to be scolds too. If you are loving, kind, and merciful, these benign influences will be certain to infuse themselves into their order of Family Government, because good and evil influences frequently extend themselves down unto the third and fourth generation. How great, then, are the responsibilities of Parents to their Children! And how fearful the consequences of bad examples! Let love, therefore, predominate and control you, and your Children will be sure to discover it and will love you in return.

Patriarchal Family Standards And Rules Of Wisdom Studies Doctrine Mormon

Fifth Rule - The Patriarch's Part: You shalt always remember that you are the role model for all your Wives, your Children, your Children's Children, and even their Children. A Patriarch is not just a church calling but is the reverse: a calling from God to administer to one's Family as well as the orphans and widows, if and when asked. This Order is the order of heaven and will be how Zion is organized and brought forth. Patriarchal blessings are a blessing of a Father upon his posterity, at their request, when they have arrived to the age of manhood or womanhood. Within such blessings, lineage or tribe in Israel is declared. Blessings are given by the spirit. However, they should be recorded for memory and posterity sake. When the time comes (as received by revelation that it is time when the Patriarch is nearing his time of passing from this world), he shall call his sons unto him for a final Patriarchal Priesthood Blessing. Let it be understood, though, that healings and many other priesthood blessings can be performed by anyone available that holds the proper Priesthood, as desired by the recipient. Whenever possible, however, the righteous Patriarch should be sought after for such blessings that his posterity might show proper respect and honor to one's elders or Parent. When a Family gathers, it is the presiding eldest Patriarch that will preside at such gatherings. For ultimately, the Patriarch is responsible to the Lord for all his posterity. And whether performed by the Patriarch assigned, or another Priesthood holder is chosen, it is the Patriarch's responsibility to see that all required Ordinances are performed properly and timely.

Sixth Rule - The Priest's Part: You covenant to not betray the confidences of your Wives. There are many ideas in an affectionate confiding Wife which she would wish to communicate to you as her Husband, and yet she would be very unwilling to have them communicated to others. Wherefore, you covenant to keep each of your Wives' secrets from all the others (and from anyone else as well) except in the rarest of occasions when the keeping of this confidence would result in a greater harm. You also covenant to speak not of the faults of your Wives to others; for in so doing, you speak against yourself. If you speak to one of your Wives of the imperfections of the others who may be absent, you not only injure them in her estimation, but she will expect that you will speak against her under like circumstances: this is calculated to weaken their confidence in you and sow division in the Family. Tell each one of your Wives her faults, in private, in a spirit of kindness and love. And though she may resist your counsel at first, she will later respect you for it and will hopefully endeavor to do better in the future. By this method, the others will not, because of public reproof, take occasion to speak reproachfully of her. There may be rare circumstances when reproof, given in the presence of the others, will produce a salutary influence upon all. However, wisdom is always profitable, and the Lord's will should be sought for earnestly before ever considering the violation of this sacred Family principle. You should always remember that harsh expressions against one of your Wives, used in the hearing of the others, will more deeply wound her feelings, than if she alone heard them. Reproofs that are timely, and otherwise good, may lose their good effect by being administered in a wrong spirit. Indeed, they will most probably increase the evils which they were intended to remedy.

Seventh Rule - The King's Part: You covenant to avoid anger, a contentious spirit, or any self-exalting disposition with your Family. A haughty spirit, accompanied with harsh words, will most generally beget its own likeness or, at least, it will eventually sour the feelings of your Wives and Children and greatly weaken their affections for you. You agree to not find fault with every trifling error that you may see, for this will discourage your Family, and they will begin to think that it is impossible to please you. After awhile, they will become indifferent as to whether they please you or not. How unhappy and extremely wretched is that Family where nothing pleases and where scolding has become almost as natural as breathing. He who would be the greatest in any kingdom, must be the Servant of that kingdom. In the same spirit of humility, consider honestly the wise reproach of your Wives when it is found that it is you who is in error. In admitting your error, you will gain the further respect of your Family by showing that you hold yourself to the self same standards.

Eighth Rule - The Judge's Part: You covenant to use impartiality in your Family as far as circumstances will allow, and let your kindness and love abound towards them all. And with a most sacred covenant to the Lord, as well as your Family, you promise to seek the Lord's wisdom and revelations for all your judgments, as the head of the Family, in regard to your duties and stewardship in relation to them. You covenant to be not swayed from that which is right, by your own feelings, nor by the feelings of others. Suffer not your judgment to be biased against any one of your Wives, by the accusations of the others, unless you have good grounds to believe that those accusations are just. Decide not hastily upon partial evidence, but weigh well all things in order that your mind may not become unjustly prejudiced. When one of your Wives complains of the imperfections of the others and endeavors to set your mind against them, teach her that everyone has imperfections. Also teach her of the necessity of bearing one with another in love and patience, and counsel her to pray mightily for one another.

Wisdom Rules Standards Family Patriarchal

FEMALE"S STANDARDS - Rules for Females

Ninth Rule - The Woman's Part: You covenant to first dedicate all your time and talents to the building up of the Kingdom of God. You further covenant that you will not withhold even your hearts desire, as He shall direct you through the . Qadowsh Kowl (the Holy Spirit) and the counsel that He has or will ordain. Next seek to develop those talents He has blessed you with that you might prepare all needful skills in order to make a good Wife and Mother to your future Children, as God may bless you. Now remember, no woman should unite herself in marriage with any man unless she has first received personal revelation to do so. You must be fully resolved to submit yourself wholly to his counsel and to covenant unto the Lord to let him govern as your eternal, temporal and spiritual head. It is far better for you to not be united with him, in the sacred bonds of eternal union, than to rebel against the divine order of Family Government instituted for a higher salvation. For if you altogether turn therefrom, you will receive a greater condemnation. However, when the time has fully come, and it is time for you to join your eternal Family, seek the Holy Anointed opinion and counsel from the one who holds the Sealing Keys of Elijah. By this method, you might be better able to have it revealed that this union is to be sealed for time and all eternity. For without first receiving this blessing, by revelation, you may find that you were not his, nor available and that obtaining a Sealing to this Man was never a possibility.

Tenth Rule - The Bride's Part: When you have obtained your eternal King, Lord, and Husband, do not suppose that he must already be perfect in all things. For this cannot be expected of most Telestial Beings here whether a male or female, young in age or old, never married before or not, already with more than one Wife, the very old and, of course, the relatively young in spirit. If you are young and inexperienced in the cares and vicissitudes of a married life, this will only make different and other challenges. It should be remembered that, as the weaker vessel, you are given to him who is the stronger. He is to nurture, cherish, and protect you, as you are to nurture, cherish, and sustain him. He is to be your head, your Patriarch, and your Savior. You are to be taught, receive instruction, and counsel with your Husband in all things relating to Family Government and the welfare and happiness of you and your Children. Therefore, realize the weighty responsibility now placed upon you as a Help Meet unto your Husband. Also study diligently the disposition of your Husband that you may know how to counsel him in wisdom for his good and the good of the Family.

Eleventh Rule - The Wife's Part: The Wife's first responsibility is to sustain her Husband, in righteousness. This does not mean that she has the right to judge whether it is a righteous course that he has chosen to lead. But this responsibility does not remove her agency to not follow his counsel when she knows that the path he has chosen is contrary to the written word of God in defining evil acts. When she removes herself from obedience, she then unveils herself from the responsibility of carrying her Husband's sins regarding this one instance. However, she will ultimately be judged, by the Lord, as to whether she keeps her covenants or not. She is also responsible for sustaining her Husband when he is commanded, through revelation, to take another Wife or Wives. It is also your responsibility to help your Husband find a sister Wife for you. When that is accomplished, you are to be a loving, kind Sister Wife unto her. Always be respectful to all your Husband's other Wives, as they are your Sister's in the Gospel.

Twelfth Rule - The Mother's Part: Let each Mother teach her Children to honor and love their Father and to respect his teachings and counsels. How frequently it is the case when Fathers undertake to correct their Children, Mothers will interfere in the presence of the Children. This has a very evil tendency in many respects. First, it destroys the oneness of feeling which should exist between Husband and Wife. Secondly, it weakens the confidence of the Children in the Father and emboldens them to disobedience. Thirdly, it creates strife and discord. And lastly, it is rebelling against the Order of Family Government established by divine wisdom. If the Mother supposes the Father too severe, let her not mention this in the presence of the Children, but she can express her feelings to him while alone by themselves. Thus the Children will not see any division between them. For Husband and Wives to be disagreeable, to contend and quarrel, is a great evil. And to do these things in the presence of their Children, is a still greater evil. Therefore, if a Husband and his Wives will quarrel and destroy their own happiness, let them have pity upon their Children and not destroy them by their pernicious examples.

Wisdom Rules Standards Family Patriarchal

Thirteenth Rule - The Matriarch's Part: You shalt always remember that you are the role model for all your Husband's other Wives (if any), all Children (if any), as well as your Children's Children to the third and fourth generation. A Matriarch is not just a church calling but is the reverse: a calling from God to administer to one's Family or personal Kingdom. Patriarchal Order is the Order of Heaven and will be how Zion is organized and brought forth. The Matriarchal Order has its place and is an integral part of a proper functioning Family or Kingdom. When a Family gathers, it is the Matriarch, or Matriarchal Mothers, who will organize and gather the members of the Family. The Matriarch of each Family is responsible to the Lord for all their posterity only in as far as the Patriarch has delegated responsibilities to her. These responsibilities could include education, health, welfare or other obligations to her posterity. Matriarchs are the role model for all female children, specifically, but they are also role models for male Children as well. Matriarchs should exemplify the heart and soul of the Family. They make a house a home and should work towards developing a refuge of peace and tranquility within that home.

Fourteenth Rule - The Priestess's Part: You covenant to not speak critical or in disrespect of your Husband unto anyone else within the Family for the purpose of prejudicing their minds against him. You also covenant to not speak critical, or in disrespect, of any other members of the Family to anyone outside the Family for the purpose of prejudicing their minds against the Family. Avoid all hypocrisy; for if you pretend to love your Husband and to honor and respect his Wives, when present, but speak disrespectfully of them when absent, you will be looked upon as a hypocrite, as a tattler, and as a mischief﷓making woman. You will be shunned as being more dangerous than an open enemy. And what is still more detestable is to tattle out of the Family and endeavor to create enemies against those with whom you are connected. Such persons should not only be considered hypocrites, but traitors. Their conduct should be despised by every lover of righteousness. Also remember that there are more ways than one to tattle. It is not always the case that those persons, who are the boldest in their accusations, are the most dangerous slanderers and manipulators. But, rather, more dangerous are such as hypocritically pretend that they do not wish to injure their friends while, at the same time, very piously insinuate (in dark) indirect sayings something that is calculated to leave a very unfavorable prejudice against them. Shun such a spirit as you would the very gates of hell.

Fifteenth Rule - The Queen's Part: Never seek to prejudice the mind of your Husband against any of his other Wives for the purpose of exalting yourself in his estimation, lest the evil which you unjustly try to bring upon them, fall with double weight upon your own head. Strive to rise in favor and influence with your Husband by your own merits, and not by magnifying the faults of others. Seek to be a peacemaker in the Family with whom you are associated. If you see the least appearance of division arising, use your utmost efforts to restore union and soothe the feelings of all. Soft and gentle words, spoken in season, will allay contention and strife; whereas, a hasty spirit and harsh language add fuel to the fire already kindled by in sighting rage and increasing violence.

Sixteenth Rule - The Sisterhood's Part: If you see any of your Husband's Wives sick or in trouble, use every effort to relieve them and administer kindness and consolations. Remember that you, yourself, might come under the same circumstances and would be thankful for their assistance. Endeavor to share each other's burdens according to the health, ability, and strength which God has given you. Do not be afraid that you will do more than your share of the domestic labor or that you will be more kind to them than they are to you. A Family whose time is occupied in the useful and lawful avocations of life, will find no time to go from house to house tattling and injuring one another and their neighbors; neither will they be so apt to quarrel among themselves. You covenant to avoid all forms of Gossip whether about your Husband, his other Wife or Wives, or his Children. Gossip is for personal gratification, titillation and entertainment. It is done to create drama where there is boredom. This is evil and not of God and is particularly found in the characteristics of Women. And, in as much as you are able or allowed to, you also covenant to be an emotional, spiritual and encouraging support to your Husband's Wife or Wives who may be struggling with their relationship in the Family.

Patriarchal Family Standards And Rules Of Wisdom

FAMILY STANDARDS - Rules for Families

Seventeenth Rule - The Teacher's Part: Let each Mother correct her own Children and see that they do not dispute and quarrel with each other, nor with any others. Let you not correct the Children of the others without liberty to do so, lest it give offence. The Husband should see that each Mother maintains a wise and proper discipline over her Children, especially in their younger years. It is the Husband's duty to see that all of his Children are obedient to himself and to their respective Mothers. It is also his duty to see that the Children of one Wife are not allowed to quarrel and abuse those of the others, neither to be disrespectful or impudent to any branch of his Family.

Eighteenth Rule - The Counselor's Part: You covenant to frequently call your Wives and Children (individually and together) to you in order to instruct them in their duties and stewardships towards God, towards themselves, and towards one another. Pray with them and for them often. Teach them how to pray frequently themselves that the . Qadowsh Kowl (Holy Spirit) may dwell in their midst. For without which, it is impossible to maintain that union, love, and oneness which are so necessary to happiness and salvation. Remember that notwithstanding written rules will be of service in teaching you your stewardship, as the head of a Family, without the . Qadowsh Gava (Holy Ghost) to teach and instruct you, it is impossible for you to govern a Family in righteousness. Therefore, seek after the . Qadowsh Gava and He shall teach you all things, sanctify you and your Family, and make you one.

Nineteenth Rule - The Parent's Part: It is the duty of Parents to instruct their Children according to their capacities, in every principle of the gospel, and as revealed in the Book of Mormon and in the revelations which God has given. Do this so that they may grow up in righteousness, in the fear of the Lord, and have faith in Him. Suffer no wickedness to have place among them. Teach them the right way, and see that they walk therein. And let the Husband and his Wife or Wives and all of his Children, that have come to the years of understanding, bow often before the Lord around the Family altar. Let them pray vocally and unitedly for whatever blessings they stand in need of. Let them also remember that where there is union and peace, there will also be faith, hope, the love of God, and every good work. May they also remember the multiplicity of blessings, imparting health and comfort to the body, and joy and life to the soul. Yet they cannot claim the honor of having restored it in the full sense of Isaiah's prediction. This honor is reserved for a people who should be called Zion, where all should eventually be called beautiful, glorious, and holy. The pure and virtuous Daughters of Zion will consider it a great reproach to remain single and have no posterity: hence their exceedingly great anxiety for Husbands that their reproach may be taken away. They will learn that a woman cannot, through her own carelessness or neglect, fail to fulfill the end of her creation without bringing upon herself everlasting reproach and condemnation for disobeying the Lord's great and first commandment to multiply and replenish the earth. This they will do, if they are able. Oh, how different will be their feelings from those now manifested by females recognized by tradition under papist and protestant superstitions! Surely there must be some mighty changes and revolutions when all things, that the ancient prophets have predicted, shall be restored! Polygamy will then be honored by all the nations of the righteous upon the earth, and there will not be so much as a dog to move his tongue against any of the institutions of the Bible.

Twentieth Rule - A Small Child's Part: A Child between one and two years of age is capable of being made to understand many things. Then is the time to begin with them. How often we see Children of that age manifest much anger. Frequently by crying through anger, they that are otherwise healthy, injure themselves. So it is far better, in such instances, for a Mother to correct her child in a gentle manner, with thoughtful decision and firmness, until she conquers the child and causes the child to cease than to suffer that habit to increase. When the child, by gentle punishment, has learned this one lesson from their Mother, that child is much more easily conquered and brought into subjection in other things until finally, by a little perseverance on the part of the Mother, that child learns to be obedient to her voice in all things. Obedience, then, becomes confirmed into a permanent habit. On the other hand, such a child, trained by a negligent or overindulgent Mother, might have become confirmed in habits of stubbornness and disobedience. It is not so much in the original constitution of Children as in their training that causes such wide differences in their dispositions. It cannot be denied that there is a difference in the constitution of Children even from their birth, but as previously mentioned, this difference is mostly owing to the proper or improper conduct of Parents. Therefore, even for this difference, Parents are more or less responsible. If Parents, through their own evil, instill hereditary dispositions upon their Children which are calculated to ruin them (unless properly curtailed and overcome), they should realize that for that evil, they must render an account. If Parents have been guilty of instilling in their offspring unhappy dispositions, let them repent by using all diligence to save them from the evil consequences which will naturally result by giving way to those dispositions. The greater the derangement, the greater must be the remedy, the more skilful and thorough should be its application, until that which is sown in evil, is overcome and completely subdued. In this way, Parents may save themselves and their Children. Otherwise, there is condemnation. Therefore, we repeat again, let Mothers begin to discipline their Children when young.

Patriarchal Family Standards Rules Wisdom

Twenty-First Rule - The Children's Part: Let each Mother commence with her Children when young to not only to teach and instruct them in education, but to chasten and bring them into the most perfect subjection. For then is the time that they are the most easily conquered, and their tender minds are the most susceptible to good influences and Family Government. Some Mothers, from carelessness, neglect their Children and only attempt to govern them at long intervals apart, so they most generally find their efforts of no lasting benefit. Because the Children have been accustomed to having their own way, they do not easily yield. And if, peradventure, they do yield, it is only for the time being, until the Mother relaxes again into carelessness. It is at this point that they return again to their accustomed habits. Thus by habit, they become more and more confirmed in disobedience, waxing worse and worse, until the Mother becomes discouraged, relinquishes all discipline, and complains that she cannot make her Children mind. The fault is not so much in the Children as in the carelessness and neglect of the Mother when the Children were young. For it is she that must answer, in a great degree, for the evil habits and disobedience of the Children. She is more directly responsible than the Father. For it cannot be expected that the Father can always find time, apart from the laborious duties required of him, to correct and manage his little Children who are at home with their Mothers. It is frequently the case that the Father is called to attend to duties in public life and may be absent from home much of his time. So, for the most part, the duty of Family Government necessarily rests upon the respective Mothers of his Children. So if they, through carelessness, suffer their Children to grow up in disobedience and ruin themselves, they must bear the shame and disgrace thereof. In some instances, some Mothers feel anxiety for the welfare of their Children (through a mistaken notion of love for them), so they forbear to discipline and punish them when the situation arises. In some instances, Mothers undertake to conquer their Children but because their tenderness and pity are so great, Children prevail over judgment and are left unconquered. These Children are thereafter more determined than ever to resist all future efforts of their Mothers until, at length, these Mothers conclude that their Children have a more stubborn disposition than others and that it is impossible to subject them in obedience. In this case, as in that of neglect, the fault is the Mother's. The stubbornness of the Children, for the most part, is the effect of the Mother's indulgence which arises from her mistaken idea of love. By that which she calls love, she ruins her Children. Fighting among Children of the same Mother, as well as Children of other Wives, should never be tolerated nor go unpunished. This holds true for teasing or all other forms of disrespect. Children should be taught to respect the possessions of others in the Family as well as to respect their Elders and Parents. Children are to be taught good work ethics, to be industrious, and be assigned chores according to their ability. Habits of cleanliness, in person as well as possession, should be fostered. Children should possess a good self image and self worth through positive role models and constant encouragement.

Twenty-Second Rule - The Family's Part: Use economy and avoid wastefulness. How discouraging it would be to a Husband, who has a large Family that is depending mostly upon his labor for a support, to see his Wives and Children carelessly, thoughtlessly, and unnecessarily, waste his hard earnings. Let not one Wife, for fear that she shall not obtain her share of the income, destroy, give away, or otherwise foolishly dispose of what is given to her by thinking that her Husband will furnish her with more. Those who economize and wisely use that which is given to them, should be counted worthy to receive more abundantly than those who pursue a contrary course. Each Wife should feel interested in saving and preserving that with which the Lord has entrusted her. She should also rejoice, not only in her prosperity, but in the prosperity of all the others. Her eyes should not be full of greediness or envy to grasp everything herself. But she should feel equally interested in the welfare of the whole Family. By pursuing this course, she will be beloved; by taking a contrary course, she will be considered selfish and little minded.

Twenty-Third Rule - The Kingdom's Part: Do not correct Children in anger; an angry parent is not as well prepared to judge of the amount of punishment which should be inflicted upon a child as one that is more cool and exercised with reflection, reason, and judgment. Let your Children see that you punish them, not to gratify an angry disposition, but to reform them for their good. This will have a salutary influence. They will not look upon you as a tyrant, swayed to and fro by turbulent and furious passions; they will, however, regard you as one that seeks their welfare and that you only chasten them because you love them and wish them to do well. Be deliberate and calm in your counsels and reproofs while using earnestness and calm decision. Let your Children know that your words must be respected and obeyed.

Twenty-Fourth Rule - The Judgeship's Part: Never deceive your Children by threatenings or promises, unless it is followed by consistency and genuineness. Be careful not to threaten them with a punishment which you have no intention of inflicting. For this will cause them to lose confidence in your word. Besides, it will cause them to contract the habit of lying. When they perceive that their Parents do not fulfill their threatening or promises, they will consider that there is no harm in forfeiting their word. Think not that your precepts, concerning truthfulness, will have much weight upon the minds of your Children, when they are contradicted by your examples. Be careful to fulfill your word in all things in righteousness, and your Children will not only learn to be truthful from your example, but they will fear to disobey your word knowing that you never fail to punish or reward according to your threatenings and promises. Let your laws, penalties, and rewards be founded upon the principles of justice and mercy and adapted to the capacities of your Children; for this is the way that our heavenly Father governs His Children. He gives to some a Celestial, to others a Terrestrial, and to others still a Telestial law. For it is upon these laws of governance that penalties and promises are annexed, according to the conditions, circumstances, and capacities of the individuals to be governed. Seek for wisdom and pattern after the heavenly order of government.

Patriarchal Family Standards Rules Wisdom Mormon Doctrine Studies

KINGDOM PRINCIPLES - Rules of Wisdom

Twenty-Fifth Rule - The Common Respect Part: Suffer not Children of different Mothers to be haughty and abusive to each other, for they are brothers and sisters the same as the Children of the Patriarch Jacob. For one has no claim above another only as his conduct merits it. Should you discover contentions or differences arising, do not justify your own Children and condemn the others in their presence. For this will encourage them in their quarrels. Even if you consider that your Children are not so much in the fault as the others, it is far better to teach them of the evils of strife than to speak against the others. To speak against them not only alienates their affections, but has a tendency to offend their Mothers. It also creates unpleasant feelings between you and them. Always speak well of each of your Husband's Wives in the presence of your Children, for Children generally form their judgment, concerning others, by the sayings of their Parents. They are very apt to also respect those whom their Parents respect and hate those whom they hate. If you consider that some of the Mothers are too lenient with their Children or are too negligent in correcting them, do not be offended. Strive, by the wise and prudent management of your own, to set a worthy example before them that they, by seeing your judicious and wise course, may be led to go and do likewise. Examples will sometimes reform, when precepts fail.

Twenty-Sixth Rule - The Work Ethic Part: Be industrious in your habits. This is just as important as fulfilling the law of God. It is also important for those who are in low circumstances so that they may acquire food, raiment, and the necessary comforts of life. It is also important for the rich, as well as the poor, so that they may be able to more abundantly supply the wants of the needy, help the unfortunate, and administer to the sick and afflicted. For in this way, if he sufficiently administers to his fellow man, it might be possible for the rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. For without such extreme measures, it is impossible for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God. Larger Plural Marriage Families require a much more organized effort for one man to support. This industrious work ethic is not just meant for the man, but it is the responsibility of the entire Family.

Twenty-Seventh Rule - The Personal Instruction Part: When your Children are from three to five years of age, begin schooling them. Continue year after year, until they receive a thorough education in all the rudiments of useful sciences, needful language skills, basic mathematics, and in their personal manners and morals. Do not expect that you may simply hand your Children over to strangers, or any institutions, to be taught. For it is your responsibility and stewardship to see that they are educated in all things. In this manner, they will avoid many evils arising from indolence. They will form habits that will render them beneficial to society in adult life. Let Mothers educate their Daughters in all kinds of domestic labor. Teach them to wash and iron, to bake and do all kinds of cooking, to knit and sew, to spin and weave, and to do all other things that will qualify them to be good and efficient housewives. Let Fathers educate their sons in whatever branch, or branches, of business they intend them respectively to follow. Despise that false delicacy which is exhibited by the Sons and Daughters of the privileged, who consider it a dishonor to labor at the common avocations of life. Such notions of high﷓life should be frowned upon, within your Family, as too contemptible to be harbored for one moment. Some of these bogus gentlemen and ladies have such grand ideas concerning gentility that they would let their poor old Father and Mother slave themselves to death in order to support them in their idleness or some other useless, fanciful employment. The Daughter will sit down in the parlor at her painting or music, arrayed in silks and fineries, and let her Mother wash and cook until, through fatigue, she is ready to fall into her grave. This they call gentility, and the distinctions between the low and the high. But such Daughters are not worthy of Husbands and should not be admitted into any respectable society. They are contemptible drones that would be a curse to any Husband who should be so unfortunate as to be connected with such nuisances. Painting, music, and all the fine arts should be cherished and cultivated as accomplishments which serve to adorn and embellish an enlightened civilized people and render life agreeable and happy. But when these are cultivated, to the exclusion of the more necessary duties and qualifications, it is like adorning swine with costly jewels and pearls to make them appear more respectable. These embellishments only render such characters a hundred-fold more odious and disgustful than they would otherwise appear.

Twenty-Eighth Rule - The Eternal Part: Let Husbands, Wives, Sons, and to some degree Daughters, continually realize that their relationships do not end with this short life, but they will continue in eternity without end. Every qualification and disposition, which will render them happy here, should be nourished, cherished, enlarged, and perfected that their union may be indissoluble and their happiness secured, both for this world, and for that which is to come. Teaching the basic of Gospel principles to the Children is done by commandment, but the need for developing deep close relationships and testimonies of the Higher Laws and Mysteries of God, should start in the home. Being able to openly speak with your Children about all aspects of life is needed in order to earn their respect and trust in those life decisions that they would be most blessed. Children should be blessed with homes where they feel confident in seeking after the counsel and advise of the Parents. Love should abound in your Families, for the world is always against you. Within your homes, you should find solace from the cares of the world, and a place where you can rest in peace.