Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

authority in a cold, unsympathizing manner which cannot win the hearts of
their children and pupils. If they would gather the children close to them, and
show that they love them, and would manifest an interest in all their efforts
and even in their sports, sometimes even being a child among children, they
would make the children very happy and would gain their love and win their
confidence. And the children would sooner respect and love the authority of
their parents and teachers.
On the other hand, the young should not be left to think and act
independently of the judgment of their parents and teachers. Children should
be taught to respect experienced judgment and to be guided by their parents
and teachers. They should be so educated that their minds will be united with
the minds of their parents and teachers, and so instructed that they can see
the propriety of heeding their counsel. Then when they go forth from the
guiding hand of their parents and teachers, their characters will not be like
the reed trembling in the wind.
To Allow Children to Grow Up in Ignorance Is a Sin
Some parents have failed to give their children a religious education and
have also neglected their school education. Neither should have been
neglected. Children's minds will be active, and if not engaged in physical
labor, or occupied with study, they will be exposed to evil influences. It is a
sin for parents to allow their children to grow up in ignorance. They should
supply them with useful and interesting books, and should teach them to
work, to have hours for physical labor, and hours to devote to study and
reading. Parents should seek to elevate the minds of their children and to
improve their mental faculties. The mind left to itself, uncultivated, is
generally low, sensual, and corrupt. Satan improves his opportunity and
educates idle minds.
The mother's work commences with the infant. She should subdue the
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