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True Education
children or youth is to allow them to become fastened in the bondage
of evil habit.
Young people have an inborn love of liberty; they desire freedom;
and they need to understand that these inestimable blessings are to
be enjoyed only in obedience to the law of God. This law is the
preserver of true freedom and liberty. It points out and prohibits
those things that degrade and enslave, and to the obedient it affords
protection from the power of evil.
The psalmist says: “I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your pre-
cepts.” “Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.”
Psalm 119:45, 24
.
In our efforts to correct evil we should guard against a tendency
to faultfinding or censure. Continual censure bewilders but does not
reform. With many minds, and often those of the finest susceptibility,
an atmosphere of unsympathetic criticism is fatal to effort. Flowers
do not unfold under the breath of a blighting wind.
A child frequently censured for some special fault comes to
regard that fault as his or her peculiarity, something it is useless to
strive against. Thus are created discouragement and hopelessness,
often concealed under an appearance of indifference or bravado.
The true object of reproof is gained only when wrongdoers are
led to see their fault and the will is enlisted for its correction. When
this is accomplished, point them to the source of pardon and power.
Seek to preserve their self-respect and to inspire them with courage
and hope.
This work is the nicest*, the most difficult, the most important
ever committed to human beings. It requires the most delicate tact,
the finest susceptibility, a knowledge of human nature, and a heaven-
born faith and patience, willing to work, watch, and wait.
Self-control and Discipline
Those who desire to control others must first control themselves.
To deal passionately with a child or youth will only arouse resent-
ment. When parents or teachers become impatient and are in danger
of speaking unwisely, let them remain silent. There is wonderful
power in silence.