Chapter 30—Self-Reliance and Sense of Honor
Train Every Child to Be Self-reliant—So far as possible, every
child should be trained to self-reliance. By calling into exercise the
various faculties, he will learn where he is strongest, and in what
he is deficient. A wise instructor will give special attention to the
development of the weaker traits, that the child may form a well-
balanced, harmonious character
Too Much Ease Will Develop Weaklings—If parents, while they
live, would assist their children to help themselves, it would be better
than to leave them a large amount at death. Children who are left to rely
principally upon their own exertions make better men and women and
are better fitted for practical life than those children who have depended
upon their father’s estate. The children left to depend upon their own
resources generally prize their abilities, improve their privileges, and
cultivate and direct their faculties to accomplish a purpose in life. They
frequently develop characters of industry, frugality, and moral worth,
which lie at the foundation of success in the Christian life. Those
children for whom parents do the most, frequently feel under the least
obligation toward them
Obstacles Develop Strength—It is obstacles that make men
strong. It is not helps, but difficulties, conflicts, rebuffs, that make men
of moral sinew. Too much ease and avoiding responsibility have made
weaklings and dwarfs of those who ought to be responsible men of
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moral power and strong spiritual muscle
From the earliest years it is necessary to weave into the character
principles of stern integrity, that the youth may reach the highest
standard of manhood and womanhood. They should ever keep the fact
before their eyes that they have been bought with a price and should
glorify God in their bodies and spirits, which are His. The youth
should seriously consider what shall be their purpose and lifework,
1
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 57
.
2
Testimonies For The Church 3:122, 123
.
3
Testimonies For The Church 3:495
.
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