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Testimonies for the Church Volume 1
God. The youth, if right, could sway a mighty influence. Preachers, or
laymen advanced in years, cannot have one half the influence upon the
young that the youth, devoted to God, can have upon their associates.
They ought to feel that a responsibility rests upon them to do all they
can to save their fellow mortals, even at a sacrifice of their pleasure
and natural desires. Time, and even means, if required, should be
consecrated to God. All who profess godliness should feel the danger
of those who are out of Christ. Soon their probation will close. Those
who might have exerted an influence to save souls had they stood in
the counsel of God, yet failed to do their duty through selfishness,
indolence, or because they were ashamed of the cross of Christ, will
not only lose their own souls, but will have the blood of poor sinners
upon their garments. Such will be required to render an account for
the good that they could have done had they been consecrated to God,
but did not do because of their unfaithfulness. Those who have really
tasted the sweets of redeeming love will not, cannot, rest until all with
whom they associate are made acquainted with the plan of salvation.
The young should inquire: “‘Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?’
How can I honor and glorify Thy name upon the earth?” Souls are
perishing all around us, and yet what burden do the youth bear to win
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souls to Christ? Those who attend school could have an influence for
the Saviour; but who name the name of Christ? and who are seen
pleading with tender earnestness with their companions to forsake the
ways of sin and choose the path of holiness?
I was shown that this is the course which the believing young
should take, but they do not; it is more congenial to their feelings to
unite with the sinner in sport and pleasure. The young have a wide
sphere of usefulness, but they see it not. Oh, that they would now exert
their powers of mind in seeking ways to approach perishing sinners,
that they might make known to them the path of holiness, and by prayer
and entreaty win even one soul to Christ! What a noble enterprise!
One soul to praise God through eternity! One soul to enjoy happiness
and everlasting life! One gem in their crown to shine as a star for ever
and ever! But even more than one can be brought to turn from error to
truth, from sin to holiness. Says the Lord by the prophet: “And they
that turn many to righteousness [shall shine] as the stars for ever and
ever.” Then those who engage with Christ and angels in the work of
saving perishing souls are richly rewarded in the kingdom of heaven.