Child Training by Mrs. H. E. Sawyer-Hopkins

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Feb 2, 1915

Child Training

By Mrs. H. E. Sawyer-Hopkins

“ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of God,” and in it we are instructed to “train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Did the Author make a mistake when He inspired the prophet to indite these words? Says one, “Evil traits of character are born in a child, and it is impossible to get them out.” Maybe they were not born in it. They may have come through the parents’ ignorance of proper training. From the very beginning, some humor the children in every little whim. “The little dears must not have their wishes crossed. O, no! When they get older, they will learn better.”

Such need to be reminded of the fate of Eli’s sons, because he “restrained them not.” “As the twig is bent, so the tree is inclined.” “Habits grow with the growth, and strengthen with the strength.”

But few seem to realize the importance of gaining knowledge of child training. This is as necessary as any education one can obtain.

If the Lord says a child can be taught the way he should go, why not take Him at His word—seek Him for wisdom?

Mrs. H. E. Sawyer-Hopkins.