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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
If such persons have families of their own, they become arbitrary
rulers at home and display there the selfish and unreasonable disposi-
tion they are forced to partially conceal from the outside world. Their
dependents feel to the utmost all the faults of their early training. Why
will parents educate their children in such a manner that they will be
at war with those who are brought in contact with them?
Their religious experience is molded by the education received in
childhood. The sad trials, which prove so dangerous to the prosperity
of a church, and which cause the unbelieving to stumble and turn away
with doubt and dissatisfaction, usually arise from an unsubdued and
rebellious spirit, the offspring of parental indulgence in early youth.
How many lives are wrecked, how many crimes are committed, under
the influence of a quick-rising passion that might have been checked
in childhood, when the mind was impressible, when the heart was
easily influenced for right, and was subject to a fond mother’s will.
Inefficient training of children lies at the foundation of a vast amount
of moral wretchedness.
Children who are allowed to have their own way are not happy.
The unsubdued heart has not within itself the elements of rest and
contentment. The mind and heart must be disciplined and brought
under proper restraint in order for the character to harmonize with the
wise laws that govern our being. Restlessness and discontent are the
fruits of indulgence and selfishness. The soil of the heart, like that of a
garden, will produce weeds and brambles unless the seeds of precious
flowers are planted there and receive care and cultivation. As in visible
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nature, so is it with the human soul.
The youth of-----are in a startling condition. While some in the
church have been burdened in regard to those occupying responsible
positions, and have been finding fault and murmuring against reproof,
insinuating their doubts, and gossiping of the affairs of others, their
own souls have been enshrouded in darkness, and their children have
been leavened with the spirit that was working upon their parents. This
disposition is calculated to break down all restraint and authority. God
holds these parents responsible for the malice and rebellion of the
youth under their care.
Satan has succeeded wonderfully in his plans. Men of experi-
ence, fathers of families, who manifest a headstrong defiance when
their track is crossed, show plainly that they cannot or do not control