160
Messages to Young People
Value of School Discipline
The wild, reckless character of many of the youth in this age of
the world is heart-sickening. If the youth could see that in complying
with the laws and regulations of our institutions they are only doing
that which will improve their standing in society, elevate the character,
ennoble the mind, and increase their happiness, they would not rebel
against just rules and wholesome requirements, nor engage in creating
suspicion and prejudice against these institutions.
With energy and fidelity our youth should meet the demands upon
them; and this will be a guarantee of success. Young men who have
never made a success in the temporal duties of life will be equally
unprepared to engage in the higher duties. A religious experience is
gained only through conflict, through disappointment, through severe
discipline of self, through earnest prayer. The steps to heaven must
be taken one at a time; and every advance step gives strength for the
next.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 98-100
.
[183]