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Seek to Excel, November 22
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that
ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
1 Corinthians 14:12
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Let the youth be taught from childhood that there is no excellence
without great labor. Aspirations for eminence will not avail. Young
friends, the mountain-top cannot be reached by standing still, and wishing
yourselves there. You can gain your object only by taking one step at a
time, advancing slowly perhaps, but holding every step gained. It is the
energetic, persevering worker that will scale the Alps. Every youth should
make the most of his talents, improving to the utmost present opportunities.
He who will do this, may reach almost any height in moral and intellectual
attainments. But he must possess a brave and resolute spirit. He will
need to close his ears to the voice of pleasure; he must often refuse the
solicitations of young companions. He must stand on guard continually,
lest he be diverted from his purpose....
Leave a field uncultivated, and it will grow up to thorns and briers.
You will never see a lovely flower or a choice shrub peering above the
unsightly, poisonous weeds. The worthless bramble will grow luxuriantly
without thought or care, while plants that are valued for use or beauty
require thorough culture. Thus it is with our youth. If right habits are
formed, and right principles established, there is earnest work to be done.
If wrong habits are corrected, diligence and perseverance are required to
accomplish the task.... It is far easier to yield to evil influences than to
resist them
Unless they feel the importance of making the improvement that is
essential in their characters in order to be better men every day, and thus
be enabled to carry the responsibilities that rest upon them, they will be
found on the losing side
Grow in grace, in self-reliance, in self-control. Let every day find
you more nearly prepared to unite with the royal family in the heavenly
courts
[334]
46
The Review and Herald, September 13, 1881
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47
The General Conference Bulletin, March 20, 1891
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48
Manuscript 99, 1902
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345