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Diversion and Harmless Substitutes
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industrious habits, so that all their hours were usefully employed,
they would have no time for repining at their lot or for idle day-
dreaming. They would be in little danger of forming vicious habits
or associations. Let the youth be taught from childhood that there is
no excellence without great labor....
Every youth should make the most of his talents, by improving
to the utmost present opportunities. He who will do this, may reach
almost any height in moral and intellectual attainments. But he must
possess a brave and resolute spirit. He will need to close his ears to
the voice of pleasure; he must often refuse the solicitations of young
companions. He must stand on guard continually, lest he be diverted
from his purpose.
Many parents remove from their country homes to the city, re-
garding it as a more desirable or profitable location. But by making
this change they expose their children to many and great temptations.
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The boys have no employment, and they obtain a street education,
and go on from one step in depravity to another, until they lose all
interest in anything that is good and pure and holy. How much better
had the parents remained with their families in the country, where
the influences are most favorable for physical and mental strength
Through the neglect of parents, the youth in our cities are corrupt-
ing their ways and polluting their souls before God. This will ever
be the fruit of idleness. The almshouses, the prisons, and the gallows
publish the sorrowful tale of the neglected duties of parents.—
The
Review and Herald, September 13, 1881
.
Substitute Innocent Pleasures for Sinful Amusements
—
Youth cannot be made as sedate and grave as old age, the child
as sober as the sire. While sinful amusements are condemned, as
they should be, let parents, teachers, and guardians of youth provide
in their stead innocent pleasures, which shall not taint or corrupt the
morals. Do not bind down the young to rigid rules and restraints
that will lead them to feel themselves oppressed and to break over
and rush into paths of folly and destruction. With a firm, kindly,
considerate hand, hold the lines of government, guiding and control-
ling their minds and purposes, yet so gently, so wisely, so lovingly,
that they still will know that you have their best good in view.—
The
Review and Herald, December 9, 1884
.