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True Education
employed in the training of children, makes them little more than
automatons. Mind, will, conscience, are under the control of another.
It is not God’s purpose that any human mind should be thus
dominated. Those who weaken or destroy individuality assume a
responsibility that can result only in evil. While under authority,
children may appear like well-drilled soldiers, but when the control
ceases, the character will be found to lack strength and steadfastness.
Having never learned self-government, the young recognize no re-
straint except the requirement of parents or teacher. This removed,
they do not know how to use their liberty, and often give themselves
up to indulgence that proves their ruin.
Since the surrender of the will is much more difficult for some
students than for others, teachers should make obedience to their
requirements as easy as possible. The will should be guided and
molded but not ignored or crushed. Save the strength of the will; in
the battle of life it will be needed.
Children should understand the true force of the will. They
should be led to see what a great responsibility is involved in this
gift. The will is the governing power in a person, the power of
decision, or choice. Every human being possessed of reason has
power to choose the right. In every experience of life, God’s word to
us is, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.”
Joshua
24:15
. Everyone may place his or her will on the side of the will of
God. All may choose to obey Him, and by thus linking themselves
with divine agencies may stand where nothing can force them to
do evil. In every young person, every child, lies the power, by the
help of God, to form a character of integrity and to live a life of
usefulness.
Parents and teachers, who by such instruction train children to
selfcontrol, will be the most useful and permanently successful. To
superficial observers their work may not be valued so highly as that
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of those who hold the mind and will of children under absolute
authority, but in later years the result of the better method of training
will be seen.
Wise educators, in dealing with students, will seek to encourage
confidence and strengthen the sense of honor. Children and youth
are benefitted by being trusted. Many—even little children—have
a high sense of honor. All desire to be treated with confidence and