Chapter 86—Address to the Young
Young Sabbathkeepers are given to pleasure seeking. I saw that
there is not one in twenty who knows what experimental religion is.
They are constantly grasping after something to satisfy their desire
for change, for amusement; and unless they are undeceived and their
sensibilities aroused so that they can say from the heart, “I count all
things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my
Lord,” they are not worthy of Him and will come short of everlasting
life. The young, generally, are in a terrible deception, and yet they
profess godliness. Their unconsecrated lives are a reproach to the
Christian name; their example is a snare to others. They hinder the
sinner, for in nearly every respect they are no better than unbelievers.
They have the word of God, but its warnings, admonitions, reproofs,
and corrections are unheeded, as are also the encouragements and
promises to the obedient and faithful. God’s promises are all on
condition of humble obedience. One pattern only is given to the young,
but how do their lives compare with the life of Christ? I feel alarmed
as I witness everywhere the frivolity of young men and young women
who profess to believe the truth. God does not seem to be in their
thoughts. Their minds are filled with nonsense. Their conversation
is only empty, vain talk. They have a keen ear for music, and Satan
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knows what organs to excite to animate, engross, and charm the mind
so that Christ is not desired. The spiritual longings of the soul for
divine knowledge, for a growth in grace, are wanting.
I was shown that the youth must take a higher stand and make
the word of God the man of their counsel and their guide. Solemn
responsibilities rest upon the young, which they lightly regard. The
introduction of music into their homes, instead of inciting to holiness
and spirituality, has been the means of diverting their minds from the
truth. Frivolous songs and the popular sheet music of the day seem
congenial to their taste. The instruments of music have taken time
which should have been devoted to prayer. Music, when not abused,
is a great blessing; but when put to a wrong use, it is a terrible curse.
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