p. 198 | Teach the Children by L. D. Santee

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 6, 1871

Teach the Children.

By L. D. Santee

The old adage is undoubtedly true, “Just as the twig is bent, the tree’s inclined,” yet one would suppose from the conduct of many parents, that time spent in instructing children in the truth, before they come to years of maturity, is wasted. It is true that we meet with more success while teaching children than when teaching those of riper years. Their hearts are quick to receive impressions, and when the truth is presented in love, those whose hearts are not hardened by repeated refusals, and whose feelings are not calloused by sin, are the ones to embrace it. Parents; be sure and keep the love of your children. When your harshness or indifference has closed against you the heart of your little one, you have erected an adamantine barrier that even your tears can never melt down. On the other hand, if your teachings and examples

are holy and pure, your influence will act like chemical re-agents, bringing out colors rare and beautiful.

Perhaps some would ask, How shall we teach them? I answer, Before they are able to read, procure pictures of sacred scenes, and prepare yourselves to answer, in a simple way, your child’s eager inquiries. A writer has justly said, “Good pictures are angels in the house.” When you walk with them, show them the beauty of surrounding objects, and impress upon their minds the kindness and love of the Great Being who has created so much to please the eye and delight the senses. In this way their thoughts are led upward. To them all nature, both animate and inanimate, is praising God. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork. This do, and while the years of eternity roll, the children shall rise up and call you blessed.

One word to teachers: You have a solemn work to perform. You are molding and shaping characters for eternity. Watch carefully. Try earnestly to encourage the good, and repress the evil. I would earnestly advise you to procure a chart, containing the Ten Commandments, and hang it in your school-room. The expense is trifling, and the good is incalculable. Let your conduct show that you have a reverence for that law, law, and are trying to yield obedience to its just requirements. Get your scholars to love it and obey it. Thus you will sow precious seed that the tempests of earth will never wash away. Pray for your scholars, and for all the Israel of God. So shall you lay up treasure in Heaven.

L. D. SANTEE.