Dangers of the Young
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feelings of their children and draw out what is in their hearts, it would
have a beneficial influence upon them.
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Parents should deal faithfully with the souls committed to their
trust. They should not encourage in their children pride, extravagance,
or love of show. They should not teach them, or suffer them to learn,
little pranks which appear cunning in small children, but which they
will have to unlearn, and for which they must be corrected, when they
are older. The habits first formed are not easily forgotten. Parents, you
should commence to discipline the minds of your children while very
young, to the end that they may be Christians. Let all your efforts be
for their salvation. Act as though they were placed in your care to be
fitted as precious jewels to shine in the kingdom of God. Beware how
you lull them to sleep over the pit of destruction with the mistaken
thought that they are not old enough to be accountable, not old enough
to repent of their sins and profess Christ.
I was referred to the many precious promises on record for those
who seek their Saviour early.
Ecclesiastes 12:1
: “Remember now thy
Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor
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the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.”
Proverbs 8:17
: “I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early
shall find Me.” The Great Shepherd of Israel is still saying: “Suffer
little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the
kingdom of God.” Teach your children that youth is the best time to
seek the Lord. Then the burdens of life are not heavy upon them, and
their young minds are not harassed with care, and while so free they
should devote the best of their strength to God.
We are living in an unfortunate age for children. A heavy current is
setting downward to perdition, and more than childhood’s experience
and strength is needed to press against this current and not be borne
down by it. The youth generally seem to be Satan’s captives, and he
and his angels are leading them to certain destruction. Satan and his
hosts are warring against the government of God, and all who have a
desire to yield their hearts to him and obey his requirements, Satan
will try to perplex and overcome with his temptations, that they may
become discouraged and give up the warfare.
Parents, help your children. Arouse from the lethargy which has
been upon you. Watch continually to cut off the current and roll back
the weight of evil which Satan is pressing in upon your children. The