In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy poses a deeply significant question: "Is not the propagation of the human species a greater responsibility, a more solemn charge, than the culture of your garden or the raising of stock to increase your flocks and herds?" She adds, "Nothing unworthy of perpetuity should be transmitted to children."Science and Health, p. 61;
Parents' responsibility surely begins with the motive for making the decision to raise a family. The story of the human race as recorded in the Bible and history books includes many instances of offspring eagerly longed and prayed for. Often a question of handing down positions of power, or property, and so forth has motivated the desire for children. There has been, too, the desire to bless the race with children who might possess some grand talent or great wisdom.
"Nothing unworthy of perpetuity should be transmitted to children." This may seem an impossibly idealistic goal to aim for. But with the teachings of Christian Science to help them, parents can find the way to make a responsible contribution to mankind's advance by preparing and firmly establishing worthy and lasting inheritance for their children.
