“Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.”
Little friends, wherever you are and whatever you do, remember, “Thou God seest me.” You cannot hide your ways from the Most High. The deepest midnight is no cover to the guilty one. Consider that the Judge of all the earth, who is to decide your destiny for eternity, has an accurate knowledge of44your daily life. Angels of God are watching the children with the deepest interest, to see what characters they develop. The lessons of childhood, good or bad, are not learned in vain. Character is developed in youth for good or evil. At home there may be praise and flattery, but in the world each stands on his own merits. Children who are allowed to have their own way are not happy. The unsubdued heart has not within itself the elements of rest and contentment. Restlessness and discontent are the fruits of indulgence and selfishness. The soil of the heart, like a garden, will produce weeds and brambles unless the seeds of precious flowers are planted there, and receive care and cultivation.
Much sin results from idleness. Active hands and minds do not find time to heed every temptation the enemy suggests; but idle hands and brains are all ready for Satan to control. Idleness is sin. The satisfaction children will have in being useful, in denying themselves to help others, will be the most healthful pleasure they ever enjoyed. The physical being should be cultivated and properly developed, as well as the mental; but physical labor will not prevent the cultivation of the intellect.
The reading of novels and story-books is one of the greatest evils youth can indulge in. Novel and love-story readers are air-castle builders, living in an unreal and imaginary world.
Children would be saved from many evils if they would be more familiar with their parents. Who are so well calculated to see and point out their dangers, as godly parents? Who can understand the peculiar temperaments of their children as well as they? The mother who has watched every turn of the mind from infancy, and is acquainted with the natural disposition, is best prepared to counsel. Who can tell as well what traits of character to check and restrain as the mother and the father? Christian children will prize the love and approbation of their God-fearing parents above every earthly blessing. They will love and honor their parents. This should be one of the principal studies of their lives, “How can I make my parents happy?”
Says the wise man, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” But do not for a moment suppose that religion will make you sad and gloomy, and will block the way to success. The religion of Christ is not designed to lessen your interest in life, or to make you indifferent to the claims of friends and society. It does not mantle the life in sackcloth; it is not expressed in deep-drawn sighs and groans. No, no; those who in everything make God first and last and best, are the happiest people in the world. Smiles and sunshine are not banished from their faces. Religion does not make one coarse and rough, untidy and uncourteous; but it elevates and ennobles him, refines his taste, sanctifies his judgment, and fits him for the society of heavenly angels, and for the home that Jesus has gone to prepare. E. G. W.