Reverence
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Do not have so little reverence for the house and worship of God
as to communicate with one another during the sermon. If those who
commit this fault could see the angels of God looking upon them and
marking their doings, they would be filled with shame and abhorrence
of themselves. God wants attentive hearers. It was while men slept,
that the enemy sowed tares.
Nothing that is sacred, nothing that pertains to the worship of God,
should be treated with carelessness and indifference. When the word
of life is spoken, you should remember that you are listening to the
voice of God through His delegated servant. Do not lose these words
through inattention; if heeded, they may keep your feet from straying
into wrong paths.
Trifling Regarding Religious Things
I am sorry to see that many youth who profess religion do not
have any knowledge of a change of heart. There is no transformation
of character. They do not realize that it is a solemn thing to profess
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to be a Christian. Their life is entirely inconsistent with a religious
frame of mind. If they were of that number who are indeed the sons
and daughters of God, they would not be filled with nonsense and
pleasantry and trifling; neither would the foolish remarks and conduct
of others awaken the same in them. A mind that is intent upon having
the prize, upon securing heaven, will reject with firm, determined
purpose every attempt at wit and jest concerning religious things.
There is great danger in indifference upon this subject; no folly is
so subtle as thoughtlessness and levity. On every hand we see youth of
a frivolous character. All young people of this class should be avoided;
for they are dangerous. If they profess to be Christians, they are the
more to be dreaded. Their minds have been cast in an inferior mold;
and it will be far easier for them to bring you down to their level than
for you to bring them up to elevated and ennobling thoughts and a
correct course of action. Let your companions be those who observe
decorum in words and deportment.
In order to do your best in showing forth the praises of God, your
associations must be such as to keep in your minds the sacred distinct
from the common. If you would have broad views, noble thoughts and
aspirations, choose associations that will strengthen right principles.