116
Testimonies for the Church Volume 3
break away from the company of those who were leading them on
to ruin, and seek for the things which make for their peace. While
pleading for these young men, my heart was drawn out after them,
and I longed to see them submit to God. I prayed for them, and urged
them to pray for themselves. We were gaining the victory; they were
yielding. The voice of each was heard in humble, penitential prayer,
and I felt that indeed the peace of God rested upon us. Angels seemed
to be all around us, and I was shut up in a vision of God’s glory. The
state of the cause at-----was again shown me. I saw that some had
backslidden far from God. The youth were in a state of backsliding.
I was shown that the two younger sons of Brother X were naturally
goodhearted, conscientious young men, but that Satan had blinded their
perception. Their companions were not all of that class which would
strengthen and improve their morals or increase their understanding
and love for the truth and heavenly things. “One sinner destroyeth
much good.” The ridicule and corrupt conversation of these compan-
ions had had its effect to dispel serious and religious impressions.
It is wrong for Christians to associate with those whose morals
are loose. An intimate, daily intercourse which occupies time without
contributing in any degree to the strength of the intellect or morals is
dangerous. If the moral atmosphere surrounding persons is not pure
and sanctified, but is tainted with corruption, those who breathe this
atmosphere will find that it operates almost insensibly upon the intel-
lect and heart to poison and to ruin. It is dangerous to be conversant
with those whose minds naturally take a low level. Gradually and
imperceptibly those who are naturally conscientious and love purity
will come to the same level and partake of and sympathize with the
imbecility and moral barrenness with which they are so constantly
brought in contact.
It was important that the associations of these young men should
change. “Evil communications corrupt good manners.” Satan has
[126]
worked through agents to ruin these young men. Nothing can more
effectually prevent or banish serious impressions and good desires than
association with vain, careless, and corrupt-minded persons. Whatever
attractions such persons may possess by their wit, sarcasm, and fun,
the fact that they treat religion with levity and indifference is sufficient
reason why they should not be associated with. The more engaging
they are in other respects, the more should their influence be dreaded