2108.—Associations for Children.
What kind of companionship should nearly grown children have, and who should choose their companions? Suppose relatives feel insulted if a father or mother refuses to let children associate with uncles, aunts, or cousins, because of character; what is the best course to pursue? Inquirer. The matter of companions should be regulated by the strength of character of the child; any companionship that is dragging a person down morally should be broken. If a young man or young woman is strong enough to mold the minds and hearts and morals of those associated with, there is no harm in letting them do such missionary work for those whose morals may not be the best and ideals the highest. In such cases, however, it should not be intimate companionship, for intimate companionship would unconsciously corrupt the pure minded. It is well to remember the scripture, "Be not deceived; evil companionships corrupt good morals." 1 Cor. 15:33, A.R.V. If our children are corrupted by relatives, we know no reason why we should not guard them just as sacredly from such influences as we should from those who are not relatives. The eternal interests, the building of the characters of our children, should be first. What is the best course to pursue?—We can only say, the Christian course. It is utterly impossible to answer a question of this kind in detail. We know nothing of the dispositions of the people, of the surroundings, and other matters which enter into the question. Those things must rest between the individuals affected and God. Take just such a course in such things as you will wish you had taken in the great judgment day. The great and wise Counselor is always willing to guide us aright if we seek Him earnestly and unselfishly. After we have done that leave results with Him.