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Counsels for the Church
are thus brought into subjection by force or through fear. These are
[193]
almost wholly unprepared to share in the stern responsibilities of life.
When these youth are no longer under their parents and teachers, and
are compelled to think and act for themselves, they are almost sure to
take a wrong course and yield to the power of temptation. They do not
make this life a success, and the same deficiencies are seen in their
religious life. Could the instructors of children and youth have the
future result of their mistaken discipline mapped out before them, they
would change their plan of education. That class of teachers who are
gratified that they have almost complete control of the wills of their
scholars are not the most successful teachers, although the appearance
for the time being may be flattering.
They often hold themselves too much reserved, and exercise their
authority in a cold, unsympathizing manner which cannot win the
hearts of their children and pupils. If they would gather the children
close to them, and show that they love them, and would manifest an
interest in all their efforts and even in their sports, sometimes even
being a child among children, they would make the children very
happy and would gain their love and win their confidence. And the
children would sooner respect and love the authority of their parents
and teachers.
On the other hand, the young should not be left to think and act
independently of the judgment of their parents and teachers. Children
should be taught to respect experienced judgment and to be guided
by their parents and teachers. They should be so educated that their
minds will be united with the minds of their parents and teachers, and
so instructed that they can see the propriety of heeding their counsel.
Then when they go forth from the guiding hand of their parents and
teachers, their characters will not be like the reed trembling in the
wind
To Allow Children to Grow Up in Ignorance Is a Sin
Some parents have failed to give their children a religious education
and have also neglected their school education. Neither should have
been neglected. Children’s minds will be active, and if not engaged
in physical labor, or occupied with study, they will be exposed to evil
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Testimonies for the Church 3:132-135