50
Fundamentals of Christian Education
granted to children at this age has proved the ruin of thousands. How
many are allowed to be in the streets at night, and parents are content to
be ignorant of the associates of their children. Too often, companions
are chosen whose influence tends only to demoralize.
Under the cover of darkness, boys collect in groups to learn their
first lessons in card-playing, gambling, smoking, and wine or beer
sipping. The sons of religious parents venture into the saloons for an
oyster supper, or some similar indulgence, and thus place themselves
in the way of temptation. The very atmosphere of these resorts is
redolent with blasphemy and pollution. No one can long remain in it
without becoming corrupted. It is by such associations that promising
youth are becoming inebriates and criminals. The very beginnings of
the evil should be guarded against. Parents, unless you know that their
surroundings are unexceptionable, do not permit your children to go
into the streets after nightfall to engage in out-door sports, or to meet
other boys for amusement. If this rule be rigidly enforced, obedience
to it will become habitual, and the desire to transgress will soon cease.
Those who are seeking to shield the youth from temptation and
to prepare them for a life of usefulness, are engaged in a good work.
We are glad to see in any institution of learning a recognition of the
importance of proper restraint and discipline for the young. May the
efforts of all such instructors be crowned with success.—
The Signs of
the Times, March 2, 1882
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