Mind, Character, and Personality Vol. 2 - Second Advent Revival

Defects of character which a right training would have corrected are left to strengthen
with years, to mar and perhaps destroy the usefulness of their possessor.--RH, Mar 21,
1882. (FE 65.) {2MCP 550.2}
Indulgence Unsettles Character.--In some families the wishes of the child are law.
Everything he desires is given him. Everything he dislikes he is encouraged to dislike.
These indulgences are supposed to make the child happy, but it is these very things
that make him restless, discontented, and satisfied with nothing. Indulgence has spoiled
his appetite for plain, healthful
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food, for the plain, healthful use of his time; gratification has done the work of unsettling
that character for time and for eternity.--MS 126, 1897. (CG 272.) {2MCP 550.3}
Mind and Heart to Be Disciplined.--Children who are allowed to have their own
way are not happy. The unsubdued heart has not within itself the elements of rest and
contentment. The mind and heart must be disciplined and brought under proper
restraint in order for the character to harmonize with the wise laws that govern our
being. Restlessness and discontent are the fruits of indulgence and selfishness. The
soil of the heart, like that of a garden, will produce weeds and brambles unless the
seeds of precious flowers are planted there and receive care and cultivation. As in
visible nature, so is it with the human soul.--4T 202, 203 (1876). {2MCP 551.1}
Habits Formed in Youth Mark the Life Course.-- By the thoughts and feelings
cherished in early years, every youth is determining his own life history. Correct,
virtuous, manly habits formed in youth will become a part of the character and will
usually mark the course of the individual through life. The youth may become vicious or
virtuous, as they choose. They may as well be distinguished for true and noble deeds
as for great crime and wickedness.--ST, Oct 11, 1910. (CG 196.) {2MCP 551.2}
A Day-by-Day Experience.--The intellect is continually receiving its mold from
opportunities and advantages, ill or well improved. Day by day we form characters
which place the students as well-disciplined soldiers under the banner of Prince
Emmanuel, or rebels under the banner of the prince of darkness. Which shall it
be?--GH, Jan, 1880. (CG 199, 200.) {2MCP 551.3}
How Character Is Formed.--It is very delicate work to deal with human minds. The
discipline necessary for
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one would crush another; therefore let parents study the characters of their children.
Never be abrupt and act from impulse. {2MCP 551.4}
I have seen a mother snatch something from the hand of her child which was giving
it special pleasure, and the child would not understand what to make of the deprivation.
The little one burst forth into a cry, for it felt abused and injured. Then the parent, to