Chapter 5—A Visit to College City
A few weeks since, I visited College City (California), to speak, by
invitation, upon the subject of temperance. The church was tendered
for the occasion, and there was a good attendance. The people of
this place have already taken a praiseworthy stand upon temperance
principles. In fact, it was upon this condition that a college was
established here. The land upon which the college building stands,
with a large tract surrounding it, was donated to the Christian Church
for educational purposes, with the stipulation that no saloon should
ever be opened within three miles of the college. This agreement
seems to have been faithfully kept. We would feel that the youth were
much safer in attending school in such a town than where there are
saloons open day and night on every street corner.
The rules of this college strictly guard the association of young men
and young women during the school term. It is only when these rules
are temporarily suspended, as is sometimes the case, that gentlemen
are permitted to accompany ladies to and from public gatherings. Our
own College at Battle Creek has similar regulations, though not so
stringent. Such rules are indispensable to guard the youth from the
danger of premature courtship and unwise marriage. Young people are
sent to school by their parents to obtain an education, not to flirt with
the opposite sex. The good of society, as well as the highest interest
of the students, demands that they shall not attempt to select a life
partner while their own character is yet undeveloped, their judgment
immature, and while they are at the same time deprived of parental
care and guidance.
It is because the home training is defective that the youth are
so unwilling to submit to proper authority. I am a mother; I know
whereof I speak, when I say that youth and children are not only
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safer but happier under wholesome restraint than when following their
own inclination. Parents, your sons and daughters are not properly
guarded. They should never be permitted to go and come when they
please, without your knowledge and consent. The unbounded freedom
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