It is a terrible fact, and one that should make the hearts of parents tremble, that in so many schools and colleges to which the youth are sent for mental culture and discipline, influences prevail which misshape the character, divert the mind from life’s true aims, and debase the morals. Through contact with the irreligious, the pleasure loving, and the corrupt, many, many youth lose the simplicity and purity, the faith in God, and the spirit of self-sacrifice that Christian fathers and mothers have cherished and guarded by careful instruction and earnest prayer.
(MH 403.1)
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Many who enter school with the purpose of fitting themselves for some line of unselfish ministry become absorbed in secular studies. An ambition is aroused to win distinction in scholarship and to gain position and honor in the world. The purpose for which they entered school is lost sight of, and the life is given up to selfish and worldly pursuits. And often habits are formed that ruin the life both for this world and for the world to come.
(MH 403.2)
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As a rule, men and women who have broad ideas, unselfish purposes, noble aspirations, are those in whom these characteristics were developed by their associations in early years. In all His dealings with Israel, God urged upon them the importance of guarding the associations of their children. All the arrangements of civil, religious, and social life were made with a view to preserving the children from harmful companionship and making them, from their earliest years, familiar with the precepts and principles of the law of God. The object lesson given at the birth of the nation was of a nature deeply to impress all hearts. Before the last terrible judgment came upon the Egyptians in the death of the first-born, God commanded His people to gather their children into their own homes. The doorpost of every house was marked with blood, and within the protection assured by this token all were to abide. So today parents who love and fear God are to keep their children under “the bond of the covenant” —within the protection of those sacred influences made possible through Christ’s redeeming blood.
(MH 403.3)
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Of His disciples Christ said, “I have given them Thy word; and ... they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”John 17:14
(MH 404.1)
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“Be not conformed to this world,” God bids us; “but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”Romans 12:2
(MH 404.2)
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“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? ... and what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore”2 Corinthians 6:14~16.
(MH 404.3)
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“Come out from among them, and be ye separate, ...
And touch not the unclean; ...
And I will receive you,
And will be a Father unto you,
And ye shall be My sons and daughters,
Saith the Lord Almighty.”2 Corinthians 6:14-18
(MH 404.4)
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“Put My name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.”Numbers 6:27.
(MH 404.6)
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“And all the peoples of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of Jehovah.”Deuteronomy 28:10, A.R.V.
(MH 404.7)
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“The remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people
As a dew from the Lord,
As the showers upon the grass,
That tarrieth not for man,
Nor waiteth for the sons of men.”Micah 5:7.
(MH 404.8)
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