Chapter 128—Establishing Right Principles in the
Youth
The young should be controlled by firm principle, that they may
rightly improve the powers which God has given them. But youth
follow impulse so much and so blindly, without reference to principle,
that they are constantly in danger. Since they cannot always have the
guidance and protection of parents and guardians, they need to be
trained to self-reliance and self-control. They must be taught to think
and act from conscientious principle.
Relaxation and Amusement
Those who are engaged in study should have relaxation. The
mind must not be constantly confined to close thought, for the delicate
mental machinery becomes worn. The body as well as the mind must
have exercise. But there is great need of temperance in amusements,
as in every other pursuit. And the character of these amusements
should be carefully and thoroughly considered. Every youth should
ask himself, What influence will these amusements have on physical,
mental, and moral health? Will my mind become so infatuated as to
forget God? Shall I cease to have His glory before me?
Card-playing should be prohibited. The associations and tenden-
cies are dangerous.... There is nothing in such amusements beneficial
to soul or body. There is nothing to strengthen the intellect, nothing to
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store it with valuable ideas for future use. The conversation is often
upon trivial and degrading subjects....
Expertness in handling cards often leads to a desire to put this
knowledge and tact to some use for personal benefit. A small sum is
staked, and then a larger, until a thirst for gaming is acquired, which
leads to certain ruin. How many has this pernicious amusement led
to every sinful practice, to poverty, to prison, to murder, and to the
gallows! And yet many parents do not see the terrible gulf of ruin that
is yawning for our youth.
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