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Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 1
right thinking. As a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he” (
Proverbs
23:7
). The power of self-restraint strengthens by exercise. That which
at first seems difficult, by constant repetition grows easy, until right
thoughts and actions become habitual. If we will, we may turn away
from all that is cheap and inferior and rise to a high standard; we may
be respected by men and beloved of God.—
The Ministry of Healing,
491
(1905).
Sad Examples From History—The character of Napoleon Bona-
parte was greatly influenced by his training in childhood. Unwise
instructors inspired him with a love for conquest, forming mimic
armies and placing him at their head as commander. Here was laid
the foundation for his career of strife and bloodshed. Had the same
care and effort been directed to making him a good man, imbuing his
young heart with the spirit of the gospel, how widely different might
have been his history.
It is said that Hume, the skeptic, was in early life a conscientious
believer in the Word of God. Being connected with a debating society,
he was appointed to present the arguments in favor of infidelity. He
studied with earnestness and perseverance, and his keen and active
mind became imbued with the sophistry of skepticism. Erelong he
came to believe its delusive teachings, and his whole afterlife bore the
dark impress of infidelity.—
The Signs of the Times, October 11, 1910
.
(
Child Guidance, 196
.)
The Influence of Reading [
See Chapter 13, Food for the Mind.
]—
Many youth are eager for books. They read anything that they can
obtain. I appeal to the parents of such children to control their desire
for reading. Do not permit upon your tables the magazines and news-
papers in which are found love stories. Supply their place with books
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that will help the youth to put into their character building the very best
material—the love and fear of God, the knowledge of Christ. Encour-
age your children to store the mind with valuable knowledge, to let
that which is good occupy the soul and control its powers, leaving no
place for low, debasing thoughts. Restrict the desire for reading matter
that does not furnish good food for the mind. The money expended for
story magazines may not seem much, but it is too much to spend for
that which gives so much that is misleading and so little that is good
in return.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 133
(1913).