120
Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 1
shapes the destiny either for eternal life or eternal death! Children
are susceptible to moral and spiritual impressions, and those who are
wisely trained in childhood may be erring at times, but they will not go
far astray.—
The Signs of the Times, April 16, 1896
. (
Child Guidance,
198
.)
Parents Responsible in a Great Degree—Parents are in a great
degree responsible for the mold given to the characters of their children.
They should aim at symmetry and proportion. There are few well-
balanced minds because parents are wickedly negligent of their duty to
stimulate weak traits and repress wrong ones. They do not remember
that they are under the most solemn obligation to watch the tendencies
of each child, that it is their duty to train their children to right habits
and right ways of thinking.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:319
(1885).
[149]
Begin in Infancy—The parents’ work must begin with the child
in its infancy, that it may receive the right impress of character ere
the world shall place its stamp on mind and heart.—
The Review and
Herald, August 30, 1881
.(
Child Guidance, 193
.)
The Importance of the First Three Years of Life—Mothers, be
sure that you properly discipline your children during the first three
years of their lives. Do not allow them to form their wishes and desires.
The mother must be mind for her child. The first three years is the
time in which to bend the tiny twig. Mothers should understand the
importance attaching to this period. It is then that the foundation is
laid.—
Manuscript 64, 1899.
(
Child Guidance, 194
.)
The First Seven Years Have Much to Do With Character For-
mation—Too much importance cannot be placed on the early training
of children. The lessons that the child learns during the first seven
years of life have more to do with forming his character than all that it
learns in future years.—
Manuscript 2, 1903.
(
Child Guidance, 193
.)
First Lessons Are Seldom Forgotten—Neither infants, children,
or youth should hear an impatient word from father, mother, or any
member of the household; for they receive impressions very early in
life, and what parents make them today, they will be tomorrow, and
the next day, and the next. The first lessons impressed upon the child
are seldom forgotten....
The impressions made on the heart early in life are seen in af-
teryears. They may be buried, but they will seldom be obliterated.—
Manuscript 57, 1897.
(
Child Guidance, 193, 194
.)