Heredity and Environment
117
cravings are transmitted as a legacy from parents to children. And the
same practices, continued by the children, are increasing and perpet-
uating the evil results. To this cause in no small degree is owing the
physical, mental, and moral deterioration which is becoming such a
cause of alarm.—
The Ministry of Healing, 328, 329
(1905).
Children Inherit Inclinations—Children inherit inclinations to
wrong, but they also have many lovely traits of character. These should
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be strengthened and developed, while the tendencies to evil should
be carefully guarded against and repressed. Children should never
be flattered, for flattery is poison to them; but parents should show a
sanctified, tender regard for them, thus gaining their confidence and
love.—
The Review and Herald, January 24, 1907
.
Proper Words of Commendation—Whenever the mother can
speak a word of commendation for the good conduct of her children,
she should do so. She should encourage them by words of approval
and looks of love. These will be as sunshine to the heart of a child
and will lead to the cultivation of self-respect and pride of character.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:532
(1889).
Quick Tempers Sometimes Inherited—Some have had a quick
temper transmitted to them, and their education in childhood has not
taught them self-control. With this fiery temper, envy and jealousy are
frequently united.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:74
(1868).
Satan Takes Advantage of Inherited Weakness—In our own
strength it is impossible for us to deny the clamors of our fallen nature.
Through this channel Satan will bring temptation upon us. Christ knew
that the enemy would come to every human being to take advantage of
hereditary weakness and by his false insinuations to ensnare all whose
trust is not in God. And by passing over the ground which man must
travel, our Lord has prepared the way for us to overcome. It is not His
will that we should be placed at a disadvantage in the conflict with
Satan.... “Be of good cheer,” He says; “I have overcome the world”
(
John 16:33
).—
The Desire of Ages, 122, 123
(1898).
Conversion Changes Inherited Tendencies—A genuine conver-
sion changes hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong. The
religion of God is a firm fabric, composed of innumerable threads and
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woven together with tact and skill. Only the wisdom which comes
from God can make this fabric complete. There are a great many kinds
of cloth which at first have a fine appearance, but they cannot endure