How im****tant that we teach our children self-control from their very
infancy, and learn them the lesson of submitting their wills to us. If
they
should be so unfortunate as to learn wrong habits, not knowing all the
evil
results, they can be reformed by appealing to their reason, and convincing
them that such habits ruin the constitution, and affect the mind. We
should
show them that whatever persuasions corrupt persons may use to quiet their
awakened fears, and lead them to still indulge this pernicious habit,
whatever may be their pretense, they are their enemies and the Devil's
agents. Virtue and purity are of great value. These precious traits are of
heavenly origin. They make God our friend, and unite us firmly to his
throne. Satan is controlling the minds of the young, and we must work
resolutely, and faithfully to save them. Very young children practice this
vice, and it grows upon them and strengthens with their years, until every
noble faculty of body and soul is being degraded. Many might have been
saved
if they had been carefully instructed in regard to the influence of this
practice upon their health. They were ignorant of the fact that they were
bringing much suffering upon themselves. Children who are experienced in
this vice, seem to be bewitched by the Devil until they can impart their
vile knowledge to others, even teaching very young children this practice.
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