Words to the Young

Immediately after his baptism, Jesus went into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by Satan. He endured the fiercest temptation, in order to break the power of the tempter over the human race. As man’s surety and substitute, he engaged in a conflict with the prince of darkness, and though enduring most terrible temptation, Christ did not fail or become discouraged. He was fighting the battle in our behalf, and had he faltered, had he yielded to temptation, the human family would have been lost.

The Bible gives but a bare mention of the conflict with Satan in the wilderness of temptation, but it was a terrible ordeal. Christ came off conqueror, bearing the test and trial in our behalf. How little is man able to comprehend the strength of the temptation of Christ! How little does he understand of that ordeal upon which hung the destiny of a lost world! The world’s Redeemer was not warring against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. All heaven was interested in this conflict, and what joy, what rejoicing there was in heaven because help had been laid upon One who is mighty to overcome, mighty to save!

What an event was this when Christ placed himself in the position of Adam, and endured the test where Adam had failed, and by this act placed man on a vantage ground, in favor with God, where he might overcome on his own account through the merits of Jesus. In his name, through his grace, man may be an overcomer, even as Christ was an overcomer. In Christ divinity and humanity were united, and the only way in which man may be an overcomer is through becoming a partaker of the divine nature having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Divinity and humanity are blended in him who has the spirit of Christ. The apostle Paul writes, «In all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.» «We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.»

Then, children, come to Jesus. Give to God the most precious offering that it is possible for you to make; give him your heart. He speaks to you saying, «My son, my daughter, give me thine heart. Though your sins be as scarlet, I will make them white as snow; for I will cleanse you with my own blood. I will make you members of my family—children of the heavenly King. Take my forgiveness, my peace which I freely give you. I will clothe you with my own righteousness,—the wedding garment,—and make you fit for the marriage supper of the Lamb. When clothed in my righteousness, through prayer, through watchfulness, through diligent study of my word, you will be able to reach a high standard. You will understand the truth, and your character will be moulded by a divine influence; for this is the will of God, even your sanctification.» Mrs. E. G. White. —

He who calls upon the Lord in humble, fervent prayer will receive the strength and grace which he needs to battle with temptation and to endure trials. In coming to God, the petitioner must present Christ as his authority, Christ’s merit as his plea; and the pledged word of God is given that when these conditions are fulfilled, heaven is open unto the cries of the penitent and humble soul. Jesus taught that it was essential that all his children should pray; because they are needy and sinful and dependent, and because there is a malignant foe who is ever seeking the ruin of souls. Satan and his angels are ever upon the track of those who would do the will of God, tempting them to do evil, that they may be unhappy in this life, and lose also the life eternal which Jesus died to purchase for his followers. Satan ever seeks to lead men to do evil themselves, and to lead others into the snare of the enemy, in order that he may ruin souls, and lead men to do those things which are not pleasing to Christ. It is through leading us to yield to his temptations that Satan robs us of happiness here and eternal life at last.

It is very necessary that we should pray in order that we may have strength from above to see and resist the temptations of the enemy; but Satan ever seeks to prevent men from praying, by filling up their time with business or pleasure, or by leading them into such wickedness that they will have no desire to pray. The Lord Jesus has made heaven accessible to all who will come unto him, and he invites the children and the youth to come. He said, «Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.» Jesus would have the children and the youth come to him with the same confidence with which they go to their parents. As a child asks his mother or father for bread when he is hungry, so the Lord would have you ask him for the things which you need. If your sins are heavy upon your heart, you are to come to God and say, «For Christ’s sake, forgive my sins.» Every sincere prayer will be heard in heaven, and every earnest petition for grace and strength will be answered.

Jesus knows the needs of children, and he loves to listen to their prayers. Let the children shut out the world and everything that would attract the thoughts from God, and let them feel that they are alone with God, that his eye looks into the inmost heart, and reads the desire of the soul, and that they may talk with God. In humble faith you may claim his promises, and feel that although you have nothing in yourself whereby you may claim the favor of God, because of the merits and righteousness of Christ, you may come boldly to the throne of grace, and find help in time of need. There is nothing that can make the soul so strong to resist the temptations of Satan in the great conflict of life, as to seek God is humility laying before him your soul in all its helplessness expecting that he will be your helper and your defender.

Then, children ask God to do for you those things that you cannot do for yourselves. Tell Jesus everything. Lay open before him the secrets of your heart; for his eye searches the inmost recesses of the soul, and he reads your thoughts as an open book. When you have asked for the things that are necessary for your soul’s good, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them. Accept his gifts with your whole heart; for Jesus has died that you might have the precious things of heaven as your own, and at last find a home with the heavenly angels in the kingdom of God. Mrs. E. G. White.

In this age we are pained to see that children and youth look upon themselves as too far advanced to submit themselves to the control of their parents. When they reach the age of ten or twelve, they seem to imagine that to yield to parental authority would be an evidence of weakness, a sacrifice of their rightful independence. But instead of being capable of governing themselves, they are vacillating and weak in purpose. Their moral powers are feeble, and they have but little spiritual power. The reason why they are thus weak and easily led away by temptation, is that they do not imitate the life of Christ. They get above the simplicity of Jesus.

Instead of following in the footsteps of the divine Redeemer, they are filled with pride and self-esteem. They study inclination, and follow the bent of their unconsecrated minds instead of the teaching of the loving Saviour. They devote their time and the powers of the mind to that which will make a display, instead of seeking for the acquirement of a solid education. They think much more of sight-seeing, of exciting amusement, of having what they call a good time with their associates, than of following the advice of their parents, whose knowledge and experience make them wise in advising their children.

I present Jesus before you as the true pattern. He was the creator of the worlds, yet he consented to humble himself, to take upon himself man’s nature, to live as a child, as a youth, in order that he might give them a perfect example. He was subject to his parents, obeying the commandment of the Lord which says, «Honor thy father and thy mother.»

There are many children and youth who see no attraction in Christ’s life of humble toil and loving obedience; but it was for our sake, for our good, that he thus lived; for if he had chosen, he might have enjoyed the riches of glory.

Even after he had proclaimed his divine relation to the Father, saying to his mother, «Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?» he was still obedient to the claims of Mary and Joseph. For eighteen years after he had declared himself the Son of God, he submitted to a life of toil, of restraint, yielding submission to the authority of his parents. He practiced self-denial, and worked with Joseph at the humble trade of a carpenter, thus forever dignifying toil. When we look upon his patient self-denial, his shrinking from all notoriety, devoting himself to his daily labor in a humble sphere, what a beautiful light is shed about his life! How clearly is pointed out the path in which children and youth should walk. If the youth would become strong in mind, pure in morals, firm in spiritual power, let them follow the example of Jesus in his simplicity, in his submission to parental restraint. For thirty years his life was veiled in obscurity; yet Jesus was no less the Son of God in his lowly home, in his submission to his parents, than when God spoke from his eternal throne,saying, «This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.» Mrs. E. G. White. —

«Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.»

The time is coming when it will be too late to seek God, and I have been thinking how we shall feel when probation is closed, and all our life-work ended. With what feelings shall we review the past? Shall we then wish that our efforts to serve God had been more earnest? Shall we wish that we had lived more in harmony with his revealed will? Shall we then be accounted as faithful servants? What if at this moment we should hear the voice of Christ saying, «It is done»?

I had a dream once in which I saw a large company gathered together, and suddenly the heavens gathered blackness, the thunder rolled, the lightning flashed, and a voice louder than the heaviest peals of thunder, sounded through the heavens and the earth, saying, «It is done.» Part of the company, with pallid faces, sprang forward with a wail of agony, crying out, «O, I am not ready.» The question was asked, «Why are you not ready? Why have you not improved the opportunities I graciously gave you?» I awoke with the cry ringing in my ears, «I am not ready; I am unsaved—lost! lost! eternally lost!»

In view of the solemn responsibilities that rest upon us, let us contemplate the future, that we may understand what we must do in order to meet it. In that day shall we be confronted with neglect and contempt of God and his mercy, with rejection of his truth and love? In the solemn assembly of the last day, in the hearing of the universe, will be read the reason of the condemnation of the sinner. For the first time parents will learn what has been the secret life of their children. Children will see how many wrongs they have committed against their parents. There will be a general revealing of the secrets and motives of the heart; for that which is hid will be made manifest. Those who have made sport of solemn things connected with the judgment, will be sobered as they face its terrible reality.

Those who have despised the word of God, will then face the Author of the inspired oracles. We cannot afford to live with no reference to the day of judgment; for though long delayed, it is now near, even at the door, and hasteth greatly. The trumpet of the archangel will soon startle the living, and wake the dead. At that day the wicked will be separated from the just, as the shepherd divides the goats from the sheep.

When you consider these solemn things, do you not realize, dear youth, that you must cease from your selfish, sinful course, — cease to do evil, and learn to do good? It is your own course of action that will mold your character for destruction or for the bliss of the ceaseless ages of eternity. Should not the young,and those of mature age, forsake every practice that will weaken moral power, and retard spiritual growth?

The Lord declares, «He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.» The despisers of God and his truth may seem to prosper for a time; but their day of adversity is sure to come. The indifferent, the irreverent, those who are robbing God of their service, spread themselves in pride, and boast of their independence. They intrench themselves in resistance of every appeal that God sends to them; but erelong his hand will be laid upon them. Their dishonesty, their irreverence, their defiance of heaven, will all be revealed, and it will be seen that an exact record has been kept, and the hour of their retribution has come.

The all-seeing eye of God is upon us; the secret thoughts of our hearts are not hidden. Every one of us will be judged according to the deeds done in the body. I inquire of you to-day, How do you stand before God? How does he who can understand every motive, see every thought, hear every word, behold every action of your life, regard your case? Will you consider these solemn questions before every case shall be irrevocably fixed before it shall be everlastingly too late for wrongs to be righted? Will you heed the injunction, «Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.»? Mrs. E. G. White.

«Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.»

It becomes us to seek God with all the heart in the days of youth, health, and prosperity, when the evil days draw not nigh when we shall say, «I have no pleasure in them.» God and his cause should hold the first place in our regard; and in order that this may be so, we should observe regular seasons for prayer. The youth who would serve God, should go away by himself, seeking some retired place to pray, or, if he cannot do this, he should pray while he labors, coming often to the throne of grace, asking the Lord to breathe upon him the spirit of prayer, and teach him how to ask for the things that he needs. The child-like, humble spirit, the living faith that should animate the heart of the Christian, will lead him to make earnest supplication at a throne of mercy, and he will appreciate the intercession of Jesus, his advocate.

Jesus knows our weakness; he is acquainted with our besetments and our infirmities; and he loves to help us. There is a great advantage in beginning to love and serve God in early youth; for the earlier in life you begin the service of God, the more distinctly you will reveal the impression of the heavenly Spirit. Let the youth who would serve God remember that only one day at a time is his own. Let him begin his day as if it were the last day he should pass upon earth, and let him close it in earnest prayer that God will bless his efforts and influence.

While your hands are engaged in labor, if you desire to become intelligent in spiritual things, if you desire to have your mind directed heavenward, you might commit to memory texts or portions of the Scriptures, and thus train your mind to dwell upon things that are pure and lovely. The heart that is stored with the precious truths of God’s word, is fortified against the temptation of Satan, against impure thoughts and unholy actions. It is essential that we search the Scriptures for ourselves; for we want to understand what is truth. The youth should read the Bible thoughtfully and prayerfully, and to some purpose, earnestly desiring to understand the sacred instruction of Christ. Whoever comes to the Bible with such a spirit, will receive the pure light of truth, full of inspiration; and the soft, subduing power of the Holy Spirit will cleanse and sanctify the heart of the honest seeker. The angels of God will be near to instruct him who is of a teachable spirit. Then read the precious utterances of God’s word slowly, patiently, reverently.

In searching the word of God, do not be content with superficial work. Many of the gems of truth lie deep, and one who looks only on the surface will not discover them. You must dig deep in the mine of truth if you would find its richest treasures. Comparing scripture with scripture, you may find the true meaning of the text; but if you do not make the sacred teachings of God’s word the rule and guide of your life, the truth will be nothing to you. The efficiency of truth is discovered only when it is carried out in practical life. If any part of God’s word condemns any habit you have cherished, any feeling you have indulged, any spirit you have manifested, turn not from the word of God; but turn away from the evil of your doings, and let Jesus cleanse and sanctify your heart. Confess your faults, and forsake them wholly and determinedly, believing the promise of God, and showing your faith by your works. Mrs. E. G. White.

Jesus has said, «In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.»

Do you wish to enter the mansions Jesus has gone to prepare? Is heaven desirable? Then why not bring as much of heaven as possible into your daily life? Day by day you receive Heaven’s blessings; but do you make a grateful recognition of the same by offering thanksgiving and praise to your heavenly Father? Is it a proper course for you to pursue to rise in the morning and go without prayer to your duties and responsibilities, to the dangers and temptations of the day? Is it not essential that you seek for guidance and protection, for help and grace from God? Let the youth who profess to love God make it a rule of their lives to engage in regular seasons of prayer. If two or three of you are together, who are servants of Christ, you may claim the promise of his presence.

Suppose there are those around you who do not respond to the claims of God, who offer no grateful praise for his mercy, and who ridicule your faith, should you not seek protection from the only Source of strength, and plead with God to quicken those who ridicule his name, and bring them to repentance? How can you expect God’s blessing if you have not moral courage to go to him, and ask him for his help before those who do not love God, or reverence his name?

Many who profess the name of Christ are very poor soldiers of the cross. They profess to be seeking heaven as their home; but they do not bring heaven into their practical lives. Their thoughts and conversation are not upon heavenly things. Their conversation is vain and trifling, and their souls are as destitute of the grace of Christ as were the hills of Gilboa of dew or rain. Let the youth who are called to associate together in family life be true to principle concerning the hour of prayer. Let them read tender words from the blessed Bible, and with humble, contrite hearts, let them bow before God, and pray for his blessing. Angels of God will be round about you. To this scene Jesus will be a witness. God will hearken to your petitions, and will be your helper, your strength when temptation comes upon you. Suppose in your company there are those who do not pray, who do not answer to the claims that God has upon them, should you be weakened by their presence, and be found unfaithful to your trust?—No; you should be all the more earnest, faithful, and steadfast, gathering zeal for God because others utterly fail to do their duty.

Those who refuse to be guided by the Spirit of God are always a hindrance to their companions. They are bodies of darkness, agents of Satan. The more pleasing their manners, and the greater their ability, the greater harm they can do through their influence upon others, and the greater will be their condemnation at last, unless they repent and forsake their sins.

The young disciples of Christ should show faithfulness in cross-bearing, in rendering vigorous service, manifesting unfaltering fidelity to the cause of their Master. They should let their light so shine that their young companions may be led to glorify God. You cannot let your light shine unless you have light, and there is only one source of light. In order to meet the mind of God, and exert a saving influence upon those around you, you must avail yourself of every help Jesus has made available to you, that you may daily grow in grace. Your faith must grow by exercise. Your love for Christ must increase more and more, and your lips will be prepared to express the love that is glowing in your heart. Your conversation will then be upon heavenly things,—upon Christ, the Christian’s hope, and the incorruptible inheritance. Mrs. E. G. White. —

There are many young men who pride themselves on their good behavior, and who think that their morality is all they need. They are self-righteous, as was Cain, who thought he could bring his offering to God without the blood of Jesus; but God refused to accept his sacrifice. He could offer only that which had been made his through the blood and merit of Jesus. The infinite offering was prefigured in the sacrifice required at his hand; but he came to God as though presenting that which he had obtained through his own merits and righteousness. He was not accepted of God, because he did not offer the merit of Christ with humble and contrite heart. The self-righteous youth need a Saviour to-day as much as did Cain when he came to God in the garments of his own righteousness. «Without me,» Christ says, «ye can do nothing.» We either gather with Christ, or we scatter abroad. The youth who glory in their independence apart from Christ should not have an influence to lure any of you away from your Saviour. Their self-righteous robes are stained with sin, and will not cover them in the day of God.

The youth may receive grace from Christ daily, and find their light growing brighter and brighter as they follow in the path of holiness. The psalmist says, «The path of the just is as a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.»

Growth in grace will not lead you to be proud, self-confident, and boastful, but will make you more conscious of your own nothingness, of your entire dependence upon the Lord. He who is growing in grace will be ever reaching heavenward, obtaining clearer views of the fullness of the provisions of the gospel.

The youth may be free in Christ; they may be the children of light, and not of darkness. God calls upon every young man and young woman to renounce every evil habit, to be diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Jesus will help you, so that you need not remain in indolence, making no effort to correct your wrongs or improve your conduct. The sincerity of your prayers will be proved by the vigor of the effort you make to obey all of God’s commandments. You may move intelligently, and at every step renounce evil habits and associations, believing that the Lord will renovate your heart by the power of his Spirit.

Some have said that God pardons only the penitent. This is true; but whom he pardons, he first makes penitent. God calls upon every young man and woman who reads these words to put forth every effort to become all that it is possible through the grace and strength of Christ to become. If you meet the mind of God, you cannot be idle, you cannot be indifferent. Not one of you will be saved in indolence; you must learn in the school of Christ.

Do not excuse your defects of character, but in the grace of Christ overcome them. Wrestle with the evil passions which the word of God condemns; for in yielding to them, you abase yourself. Repent of sin while Mercy’s sweet voice invites you; for it is the first step in the noblest work you can do. Strive for the mastery with all the powers God hath given you and make straight paths for your feet. Heaven is worth every effort you can make. The angels of God are interested for your salvation, and Jesus is waiting to be to you a very present help in every time of need. He would have you gird up the loins of your mind, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought to you by the revelation of Christ. Mrs. E. G. White.

«Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ; according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love; having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved: in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.»

Through the plan of salvation, abundant provision has been made for all. Those who choose to accept the invitation of Christ to come unto him may find grace through his divine merit to perfect a character for the future, immortal life. Christ is calling that souls may come to him; and it is for the present and eternal interest of each one of us to hear and obey the call. Jesus says, «Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.» Then let all who would be children of God respond to the invitation of Christ, and place themselves where the light of heaven will shine upon them, where they will realize that it is their privilege to be hearers and doers of the words of Christ, follow the Light of the world, and be accepted in the Beloved.

It has been at an infinite cost that the salvation of man has been provided. The world may refuse the gift, but this will not lessen its value, or relieve men of responsibility. When he was here upon earth, Jesus said to those who refused him, «Ye will not come to me that ye might have life.» There are many who are pursuing the same course to-day. Jesus calls, but those who avail themselves of the privilege, coming in humility and faith, know by experimental knowledge that his goings forth are prepared as the morning. Jesus will not be satisfied until he leads his followers into the realms of perfect joy and glory.

Christ is the beginning and the end, the author and the finisher of our faith. He is our sacrifice, our substitute, our surety and advocate. We have a risen Saviour, and our completeness is in him; for he who entered upon the work of our salvation, humbling himself even to the death of the cross that we might be exalted, will complete that which he hath begun. «According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.»

The plans of God cannot fail. Men make great plans, but often fail to execute them. They begin to build, and are not able to finish. They do not count the cost; but Jesus counted the cost of the salvation of every son and daughter of Adam. He provided abundant means that, if they would but comply with the conditions, none need perish, but might have everlasting life. He has unfailing resources from which to draw to complete the great work of restoring fallen man. He took man’s sin upon him, that he might impute his righteousness to the repenting soul. Every heavenly intelligence works as his agent to win man to God. Ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of angels wait to do his bidding, seeking to draw souls to Christ. When men respond to the love of Christ, they unite with the heavenly angels in seeking to win souls; for in accepting Christ they become the sons of God, and are entitled to the privileges of sons, becoming laborers together with God. Mrs. E. G. White. —

I do not find where Jesus was ever bidden to a feast and refused. If he ate with sinners, he converted them; with the poor, he fed them; with the rich in substance, he made them richer in grace.— Hall.

«For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.» The spirit of bondage is engendered by seeking to live in accordance with legal religion, through striving to fulfill the claims of the law in our own strength. There is hope for us only as we come under the Abrahamic covenant, which is the covenant of grace by faith in Christ Jesus. The gospel preached to Abraham, through which he had hope, was the same gospel that is preached to us to-day, through which we have hope. Abraham looked unto Jesus, who is also the Author and the Finisher of our faith.

In viewing the holiness and glory of the God of the universe, we are terrified; for we know that his justice will not permit him to clear the guilty. But we need not remain in terror; for Christ came to the world to reveal the character of God, to make plain to us his paternal love toward his adopted children. We are not to estimate the character of God by the stupendous works of nature alone, but by the simple, lovely life of Jesus, who presented Jehovah as more merciful, more compassionate, more tender, than our earthly parents. Jesus presented the Father as one to whom we could give our confidence and present our wants. When we are in terror of God, and overwhelmed with the thought of his glory and majesty, the Father points us to Christ as his representative. What you see revealed in Jesus of tenderness, compassion, and love, is the reflection of the attributes of the Father. The cross of Calvary reveals to man the love of God. Christ represents the Sovereign of the universe as a God of love. By the mouth of the prophet he said, «I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.»

We have access to God through the merits of the name of Christ, and God invites us to bring to him our trials and temptations; for he understands them all. He would not have us pour out our woes to human ears. Through the blood of Christ we may come to the throne of grace, and find grace to help in time of need. We may come with assurance, saying, «My acceptance is in the Beloved.» «For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.» «In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.» As an earthly parent encourages his child to come to him at all times, so the Lord encourages us to lay before him our wants and perplexities, our gratitude and love. Every promise is sure. Jesus is our Surety and Mediator, and has placed at our command every resource, that we may have a perfect character. The blood of Christ in ever-abiding efficacy is our only hope; for through his merits alone we have pardon and peace. When the efficiency of the blood of Christ becomes a reality to the soul through faith in Christ, the believer will let his light shine forth in good works, in bringing forth fruits unto righteousness.

He will tell the sinner that Christ’s love extends to him. He will present before him the merits of the blood of Christ, bidding him renounce all self-dependence, pointing him to the cross of Calvary, and encouraging him to say,—

«In my hand no price I bring;

Simply to thy cross I cling.»

This is the story that the laborer together with God will repeat in earnest love to those who are the purchase of Christ’s Blood. Mrs. E. G. White. —

«Dearly beloved, I beseech you, as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.»

Christians are to surrender their will to God’s will, that they may maintain good works. They will be brought into circumstances where strong temptations will solicit them to indulge in evil. They will be brought into the society of those whose influence will tend to lead them to the indulgence of self in pleasure-seeking, and in gratification of natural inclination. This influence will be dangerous to the spiritual health of the soul. The Christian should withdraw himself from the company of those who are as a snare to his soul.

When you come in contact with those whom you cannot lift into a pure and holy atmosphere, because their moral tastes are wholly perverted, you must shun their society. Persons of this class have generally a strong will and positive temperament, and when wrought upon by the enemy of God, they become efficient agents in leading souls from the path of righteousness to paths that are false and dangerous. The moral atmosphere surrounding these souls is tainted with evil, and exerts only a defiling influence.

Youthful Christian, let your mind be stayed upon Christ; look to him for guidance, and live with an eye single to the glory of God. If you put your entire trust in Jesus, he will give you power to control the motives which actuate you. The Lord designs that the mind of the youthful Christian should be trained and developed, that the young soldier may be capable of the highest effort; but this can be done only as you cooperate with the heavenly intelligences, appropriating to yourself every opportunity and privilege for your training and culture. The Lord desires that you should be faithful in little things, that you do the every-day duties which appear small and unimportant, thoroughly, and to the best of your ability. You are in danger the moment you are satisfied in doing carelessly the work committed to your hands. Remember that what is worth doing at all, is worth doing well. Satan is ever near to tempt him who would be a worker for God, suggesting to him that it will matter little if the work is slighted, for no one will know that it has been done negligently. Let none of you be deceived with this suggestion; for you will know yourself that you have not done your duty, and will lose respect for yourself, and confidence in yourself. You will know that you are not doing your best for God, and you will realize that God understands all your neglect. Do not be slack; for the habit will grow upon you, and be made manifest not only in your outward affairs, but in your spiritual life.

In doing superficial work you will receive a training that will wholly unfit you for the duties of this life, or the enjoyment of the next; for unless you train yourself to do thorough work, you cannot have a symmetrical character, or be found worthy to be intrusted with heavenly riches.

Your reason and imagination should be touched with the life-giving power of Christ, that forms of beauty and truth may be impressed thereon. There are great and precious truths that demand your contemplation, in order that you may have a sound foundation for your faith by having a correct knowledge of God. O that the superficial, vain seeker for truth, would learn that the world by wisdom, however much acquired, knew not God. It is proper to seek to learn all that is possible from nature, but do not fail to look from nature to Christ for the complete representation of the character of the living God. By contemplation of Christ, by conformity to the divine likeness, your conceptions of the divine character will expand, and your mind and heart will be elevated, refined, and ennobled. Let the youth aim high, not relying upon human wisdom, but living day by day as seeing him who is invisible, doing their work as in the sight of the intelligences of heaven. In to-day will work to-morrow.

He who constantly depends upon God through simple trust and prayerful confidence, will be surrounded by the angels of heaven. He who lives by faith in Christ, will be strengthened and upheld, able to fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold upon eternal life. There are souls who are trembling in unbelief. They ask, «How can I know that God is reconciled to me? How can I be assured that he loves and pardons me?» It is not for you, dear youth, to make yourselves just with God. Jesus invites you to come to him with all your burdens and perplexities. Abandon the hope you have held that a legal religion can save you; and do just as Jesus has told you. He says, «Come unto me, learn of me, believe in me.» Accept the promise and the provision that God has made. «For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.»

You need not be lost in seeking your way to heaven. Jesus said to Thomas, «I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.» Then look away from self to Jesus; for in Christ the character of the Father is revealed. Paul says, «God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.» The character of God as revealed by Christ invites our faith and love; for we have a Father whose mercy and compassion fail not. At every step of our journey heavenward he will be with us to guide in every perplexity, to give us help in every temptation. Then be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might, and render praise unto him who is the light and health of your countenance. Mrs. E. G. White. —