Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene - Ellen G. White

complaints. It would be the worst thing you could
possibly do for them. It would remove almost the
only barrier against Satan’s free access to their
weakened minds. The weariness attending useful
labor lessens the inclination to indulge in vice.
Active hands and minds do not find time to heed
every temptation which the enemy suggests; but
idle hands and brains are all ready for him to
control. The mind, when not occupied, is inclined
to dwell upon improper things. “Behold, this was
the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of
bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in
her daughters.” (Ezekiel 16:49)
Children tend naturally to evil. Unless parents
keep their children under firm control, with the fear
of God before them, Satan will take possession of
their young minds, and corrupt them. As they
increase in years, the lustful passions grow with
their growth and strengthen with their strength.
And they cannot rest until their guilty secret is
imparted to those with whom they associate.
Curiosity is aroused, and the knowledge of vice is
passed from youth to youth, from child to child,
243