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

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individuality assume a responsibility that can result<br />

only in evil. While under authority, the children<br />

may appear like well-drilled soldiers; but when the<br />

control ceases, the character will be found to lack<br />

strength <strong>and</strong> steadfastness. Having never learned to<br />

govern himself, the youth recognizes no restraint<br />

except the requirement of parents or teacher. This<br />

removed, he knows not how to use his liberty <strong>and</strong><br />

often gives himself up to indulgence that proves his<br />

ruin.—Education, 288 (1903).<br />

Conscience <strong>and</strong> Individuality to Be<br />

Untrammeled.—In matters of conscience the soul<br />

must be left untrammeled. No one is to control<br />

another’s mind, to judge for another, or to<br />

prescribe his duty. God gives to every soul freedom<br />

to think <strong>and</strong> to follow his own convictions. “Every<br />

one of us shall give account of himself to God”<br />

(Romans 14:12). No one has a right to merge his<br />

own individuality in that of another. In all matters<br />

where principle is involved, “let every man be fully<br />

persuaded in his own mind” (verse 5). In Christ’s<br />

kingdom there is no lordly oppression, no<br />

compulsion of manner. The angels of heaven do<br />

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