Chapter 22—A Warning Against Skepticism
I feel the most intense anguish for our youth. I warn you, as one
who knows the danger, not to be entrapped by Satan through the little
knowledge of science which you may have acquired. It is better to
have a pure and humble heart than all the knowledge you can possibly
gain without the fear of the Lord.
The youth of today will be likely to meet skeptics and infidels
wherever they may go, and how necessary that they be equipped, so
that they may be able to give a reason of their hope with meekness
and fear. Thomas Paine has passed into his grave, but his works live to
curse the world, and those who doubt the truth of God’s word will place
these infidel productions in the hands of the young and inexperienced,
to fill their hearts with the poisonous atmosphere of doubt. The spirit
of Satan works through wicked men to carry on his schemes for the
ruin of souls.
Danger of Association with Skeptics
We are living in an age of licentiousness, and men and youth
are bold in sin. Unless our youth are sacredly guarded, unless they
are fortified with firm principles, unless greater care is manifested in
choosing their associates and the literature which feeds the mind, they
will be exposed to a society whose morals are as corrupt as were the
morals of the inhabitants of Sodom. The appearance of the people of
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the world may be very attractive, but if they are continually throwing
out suggestions against the Bible, they are dangerous companions,
for they will ever seek to undermine the foundations of your faith, to
corrupt the conscientiousness of old-fashioned, gospel religion.
The youth often come in contact with those of skeptical tendencies,
and their parents are in ignorance of the fact until the terrible work
of evil is consummated and the youth are ruined. The young should
be instructed diligently, that they may not be deceived in regard to
the true character of these persons, and not form friendships with this
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