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Testimonies for the Church Volume 1
have an injurious effect upon their children. It is their duty to select the
society for them and not suffer them to choose for themselves. Who
will attend to this work if the parents do not? Can others have that
interest for your children which you should have? Can they have that
constant care and deep love that parents have?
Sabbathkeeping children may become impatient of restraint, and
think their parents too strict; hard feelings may even arise in their
hearts, and discontented, unhappy thoughts may be cherished by them
against those who are working for their present and their future and
eternal good. But if life shall be spared a few years, they will bless
their parents for that strict care and faithful watchfulness over them
in their years of inexperience. Parents should explain and simplify
the plan of salvation to their children that their young minds may
comprehend it. Children of eight, ten, or twelve years are old enough
to be addressed on the subject of personal religion. Do not teach your
children with reference to some future period when they shall be old
enough to repent and believe the truth. If properly instructed, very
young children may have correct views of their state as sinners and
of the way of salvation through Christ. Ministers are generally too
indifferent to the salvation of children and are not as personal as they
should be. Golden opportunities to impress the minds of children
frequently pass unimproved.
The evil influence around our children is almost overpowering; it is
corrupting their minds and leading them down to perdition. The minds
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of youth are naturally given to folly; and at an early age, before their
characters are formed, and their judgment matured, they frequently
manifest a preference for associates who will have an injurious influ-
ence over them. Some form attachments for the other sex, contrary to
the wishes and entreaties of their parents, and break the fifth command-
ment by thus dishonoring them. It is the duty of parents to watch the
going out and the coming in of their children. They should encourage
them, and present inducements before them which will attract them at
home, and lead them to see that their parents are interested for them.
They should make home pleasant and cheerful.
Fathers and mothers, speak kindly to your children; remember how
sensitive you are, how little you can bear to be blamed; reflect, and
know that your children are like you. That which you cannot bear,
do not lay upon them. If you cannot bear censure and blame, neither