Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students - Ellen G. White

countenance is stamped by the sunbeam on the
polished plate of the artist, so are thoughts and
impressions stamped on the mind of the child; and
whether these impressions are of the earth earthy,
or moral and religious, they are well-nigh
ineffaceable. When reason is awakening, the mind
is most susceptible; and so the very first lessons are
of great importance. These lessons have a powerful
influence in the formation of character. If they are
of the right stamp, and if, as the child advances in
years, they are followed up with patient
perseverance, the earthly and the eternal destiny
will be shaped for good. This is the word of the
Lord: “Train up a child in the way he should go:
and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
(Proverbs 22:6)
Parents, give your children to the Lord, and
ever keep before their minds that they belong to
Him, that they are the lambs of Christ’s flock,
watched over by the True Shepherd. Hannah
dedicated Samuel to the Lord; and it is said of him,
“Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did
let none of his words [the Lord’s words through
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