Mind, Character and Personality, Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

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?—The Gospel
Herald, Jaunuary, 1880. (Child Guidance, 199,
200.)
How Character Is Formed.—It is very
delicate work to deal with human minds. The
discipline necessary for one would crush another;
therefore let parents study the characters of their
children. Never be abrupt and act from impulse.
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 stop its crying, gave it a sharp
chastisement, and as far as outward appearances
were concerned, the battle was over. But that battle
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