Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 - A New You Ministry

the children. They come to feel that they are of considerable consequence and thatcertain privileges belong to them, and if these are not granted, they think themselvesabused. They refer to children who go and come, and have many privileges, while theyhave so few.And the mother, fearing that her children will think her unjust, gratifies theirwishes, which in the end proves a great injury to them. Young visitors, who havenot a parent’s watchful eye over them to see and correct their faults, often receiveimpressions which it will take months to remove. I was referred to cases of parentswho had good, obedient children, and who, having the utmost confidence in certainfamilies, trusted their children to go from them at a distance to visit these friends.From that time there was an entire change in the deportment and character of theirchildren. Formerly they were contented and happy at home, and had no great desireto be much in the company of other young persons. When they return to their parents,restraint seems unjust, and home is like a prison to them. Such unwise movements ofparents decide the character of their children.By thus visiting, some children form attachments which prove their ruin in theend. Parents, keep your children with you if you can, and watch them with the deepestsolicitude. When you let them visit at a distance from you, they feel that they are oldenough to take care of and choose for themselves. When the young are thus left tothemselves, their conversation is often upon subjects which will not refine or elevatethem, or increase their love for the things of religion. The more they are permitted tovisit, the greater will be their desire to go, and the less attractive will home seem tothem.Children, God has seen fit to entrust you to the care of your parents for them toinstruct and discipline, and thus act their part in forming your character for heaven.And yet it rests with you to say whether you will develop a good Christian characterby making the best of the advantages you have had402