Cause in Iowa
397
did not give them these faculties merely for their amusement, or to be
abused in working against His will and His providence, but that they
might use them to advance the knowledge of truth and holiness in the
world. He claims their gratitude, their veneration and love, for His
continued kindness and infinite mercies. He justly requires obedience
to His laws and to all wise regulations which will restrain and guard
the youth from Satan’s devices and lead them in paths of peace. If
youth could see that in complying with the laws and regulations of our
institutions they are only doing that which will improve their stand-
ing in society, elevate the character, ennoble the mind, and increase
their happiness, they would not rebel against just rules and wholesome
requirements, nor engage in creating suspicion and prejudice against
these institutions. Our youth should have a spirit of energy and fidelity
to meet the demands upon them, and this will be a guaranty of success.
[435]
The wild, reckless character of many of the youth in this age of the
world is heartsickening. Much of the blame lies upon their parents at
home. Without the fear of God no one can be truly happy.
Those students who have chafed under authority, and have returned
to their homes to cast reproach upon the college, will have to see their
sin and counteract the influence they have cast, before they can have
the approval of God. The believers in Iowa have displeased God in
their credulity in accepting the reports brought them. They should ever
be found on the side of order and discipline, instead of encouraging
lax government.
A youth is sent from a distant state to share the benefits of the
college at Battle Creek. He goes forth from his home with the blessing
of his parents upon his head. He has listened daily to the earnest
prayers offered at the family altar, and he is apparently well started in
a life of noble resolve and purity. His convictions and purposes when
he leaves home are right. In Battle Creek he will meet with associates
of all classes. He becomes acquainted with some whose example is a
blessing to all who come within the sphere of their influence. Again, he
meets with those who are apparently kind and interesting, and whose
intelligence charms him; but they have a low standard of morality and
no religious faith. For a time he resists every inducement to yield to
temptation; but as he observes that those who profess to be Christians
seem to enjoy the company of this irreligious class, his purposes and
high resolves begin to waver. He enjoys the lively sallies and jovial