Chapter 38—Study Age, Disposition, and
Temperament
Do Not Hurry Children Out of Childhood—Parents should
never hurry their children out of their childhood. Let the lessons
given them be of that character which will inspire their hearts with
noble purposes; but let them be children and grow up with that simple
trust, candor, and truthfulness which will prepare them to enter the
kingdom of heaven
There Is a Beauty Appropriate to Each Period—Parents and
teachers should aim so to cultivate the tendencies of the youth that at
each stage of life they may represent the beauty appropriate to that
period, unfolding naturally, as do the plants in the garden
One of Christ’s most beautiful and impressive parables is that of
the sower and the seed.... The truths which this parable teaches were
made a living reality in Christ’s own life. In both His physical and His
spiritual nature He followed the divine order of growth, illustrated by
the plant, as He wishes all youth to do. Although He was the Majesty
of heaven, the King of glory, He became a babe in Bethlehem, and for
a time represented the helpless infant in its mother’s care.
In childhood Jesus did the works of an obedient child. He spoke
and acted with the wisdom of a child, and not of a man, honoring His
parents and carrying out their wishes in helpful ways, according to
the ability of a child. But at each stage of His development He was
perfect, with the simple, natural grace of a sinless life. The Sacred
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Record says of His childhood, “The child grew, and waxed strong in
spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” And
of His youth it is recorded, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature,
and in favour with God and man.”
Luke 2:40, 52
Diversity of Disposition in Family Members—Marked diversi-
ties of disposition and character frequently exist in the same family,
1
Good Health, March, 1880 par. 2
.
2
Education, 107
.
3
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 140, 141
.
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