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Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work
the way of righteousness. But how many children are sadly neglected!
They are not educated in the home, that they may comprehend the truth
of God, and are not trained to love justice and to do judgment. They
should be patiently instructed, that they may understand the laws that
govern them, and that they may know the springs of their actions. They
are to be brought into harmony with the laws of heaven, to cherish the
truth as it is in Jesus. In this way they may be fitted to join the society
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of the angels, and to stand in the presence of the adorable Redeemer.
There may be implanted in every human soul hopes and aspira-
tions that will be of a right character, and youth may see beauty in
the way of holiness. In every case it may be necessary to employ
decided measures in dealing with the young, that they may be trained,
cultivated, and perfected for the highest usefulness in life. How few
appreciate the value of the talents that God has bestowed upon them!
How few parents and educators realize the fact that there can be a full
development of mind and heart only by having a living connection
with the Source of all wisdom, power, and holiness! Truth is infinite,
and he whose mind is enlightened and led by the Spirit of God, will
go from strength to strength, finding his path growing brighter and
brighter unto the perfect day.
But while we are capable of advancing in knowledge and truth, let
us not lose sight of the fact that we can go backward as well as forward.
We may go earthward as well as heavenward. There are many souls
who are balancing between the heavenward and the hellward course.
There are influences, subtle and deceiving, drawing souls away from
God and heavenly things. It is necessary that every one should be
looked after from his earliest years to youth and maturity. Especially
should those who know the danger of evil, and who know the love
and interest that God feels for every soul, make it their business to
watch for souls as they that must give an account. Parents should
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command their households after them, as did Abraham, to keep the
way of the Lord. If this is not done, Satan will gladly undertake the
work of the parent, and train the child as it pleases him; and, oh, how
much this work is left to him! Let parents do their duty to those who
are dependent upon them, and fashion their characters after the divine
Pattern. Let parents, with living faith and entire reliance upon God,
do the part assigned them, and God will do His part, and thousands