Chapter 56—Academy and College Training
Many Losing the Way in Worldly Institutions—It is a terrible
fact, and one that should make the hearts of parents tremble, that in
so many schools and colleges to which the youth are sent for mental
culture and discipline, influences prevail which misshape the character,
divert the mind from life’s true aims, and debase the morals. Through
contact with the irreligious, the pleasure loving, and the corrupt, many,
many youth lose the simplicity and purity, the faith in God, and the
spirit of self-sacrifice that Christian fathers and mothers have cherished
and guarded by careful instruction and earnest prayer.
Many who enter school with the purpose of fitting themselves for
some line of unselfish ministry become absorbed in secular studies.
An ambition is aroused to win distinction in scholarship and to gain
position and honor in the world. The purpose for which they entered
school is lost sight of, and the life is given up to selfish and worldly
pursuits. And often habits are formed that ruin the life both for this
world and for the world to come
Religious Home Influences Are Effaced—You pray, “Lead us
not into temptation.” Then do not consent for your children to be
placed where they will meet unnecessary temptation. Do not send
them away to schools where they will be associated with influences
that will be as tares sown in the field of their heart.
In the home school, during their early years, train and discipline
your children in the fear of God. And then be careful lest you place
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them where the religious impressions they have received will be ef-
faced, and the love of God taken out of their hearts. Let no inducement
of high wages or of apparently great educational advantages lead you
to send your children away from your influence, to places where they
will be exposed to great temptations. “What shall it profit a man, if
he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a
man give in exchange for his soul?”
Mark 8:36, 37
1
The Ministry of Healing, 403
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2
Manuscript 30.1904
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250