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Letter to an Orphan Boy
279
you desire to have all imperfections removed from your character,
that you may be found without fault before the throne of God? If so,
you have a work to do for yourself which no one else can do for you.
You have an individual responsibility before God. You can walk in
the light, and daily receive strength from God to overcome every
imperfection, and finally be among the faithful, true, and holy in the
kingdom of God. Yield not to temptation. Satan will annoy you and
seek to control your mind, that he may lead you into sin. “Resist
the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will
draw nigh to you.”
Remember that the eye of God is ever upon you. When you
answer disrespectfully, God sees and hears you. The time is coming
when all shall be judged according to the deeds done in the body.
You will have a part to act in the judgment. Jesus will either receive
or reject you. Flee to Him for strength and grace. He desires to help
you, to be the guide of your youth, and to so strengthen you that
you can bless others with your influence. God loves you and will
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save you if you come in His appointed way; but if you rebel and
choose your own course, it will be to your eternal loss. Pray much,
for prayer is one of the most essential duties. Without it you cannot
maintain a Christian walk. It elevates, strengthens, and ennobles; it
is the soul talking with God.
Do not think you can cease your efforts or vigilance for a mo-
ment; you cannot. Study God’s word diligently, that you may not
be ignorant of Satan’s devices, and that you may learn the way of
salvation more perfectly. Your will must be submerged in God’s
will. Seek not your own pleasure, but that of those around you; and
in so doing you cannot but be happy. Come to Jesus with all your
needs and wants, and in simple confidence crave His blessing. Trust
in God, and seek to move from principle, strengthened and ennobled
by high resolves and a determination of purpose found only in God.
You should not be easily provoked. Let not your heart become
selfish, but let it expand with love. You have a work to do which
you must not neglect. Endure hardship as a good soldier. Jesus is
acquainted with every conflict, every trial, and every pang of anguish.
He will help you; for He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet
He sinned not. Go to Him, dear boy, with your burdens. Take no one
into your confidence, and tell no one your difficulties, but us. Make