214
The Adventist Home
Perils of Idleness—I have been shown that much sin has resulted
from idleness. Active hands and minds do not find time to heed every
temptation which the enemy suggests, but idle hands and brains are
all ready for Satan to control. The mind, when not properly occupied,
dwells upon improper things. Parents should teach their children that
idleness is sin
There is nothing which more surely leads to evil than to lift all
burdens from children, leaving them to an idle, aimless life, to do
nothing, or to occupy themselves as they please. The minds of children
are active, and if not occupied with that which is good and useful, they
will inevitably turn to what is bad. While it is right and necessary for
them to have recreation, they should be taught to work, to have regular
hours for physical labor and also for reading and study. See that they
have employment suited to their years and are supplied with useful
and interesting books
The Surest Safeguard Is Useful Occupation—One of the surest
safeguards for the young is useful occupation. Had they been trained to
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industrious habits, so that all their hours were usefully employed, they
would have no time for repining at their lot or for idle daydreaming.
They would be in little danger of forming vicious habits or associa-
tions
If parents are so occupied with other things that they cannot keep
their children usefully employed, Satan will keep them busy
Children Should Learn to Bear Burdens—Parents should
awaken to the fact that the most important lesson for their children
to learn is that they must act their part in bearing the burdens of the
home.... Parents should teach their children to take a common-sense
view of life, to realize that they are to be useful in the world. In the
home, under the supervision of a wise mother, boys and girls should
receive their first instruction in bearing the burdens of life
The education of the child for good or for evil begins in its earliest
years.... As the older children grow up, they should help to care for the
9
Ibid., 1:395
.
10
Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 134, 135
.
11
The Review and Herald, September 13, 1881
.
12
The Signs of the Times, April 3, 1901
.
13
Letter 106, 1901
.