There is a period for training children, and a time for educating
youth. And it is essential that both of these be combined in a great
degree in the schools. Children may be trained for the service
of sin or for the service of righteousness. The early education of
youth shapes their character in this life, and in their religious life.
Solomon says: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and
when he is old, he will not depart from it.” [Proverbs 22:6.] This
language is positive. The training which Solomon enjoins is to
direct, educate, and develop. In order for parents and teachers to
do this work, they must themselves understand the way the child
should go. This embraces more than merely having a knowledge
of books. It takes in everything that is good, virtuous, righteous, [6]
and holy. It comprehends the practice of temperance, godliness,
brotherly kindness, and love to God, and to each other. In order
to attain to this object, the physical, mental, moral, and religious
education of children must have attention.
