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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
down. Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, says: “I keep under my body,
and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have
preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
Those who do not overcome in little things will have no moral
power to withstand greater temptations. All who seek to make honesty
the ruling principle in the daily business of life will need to be on their
guard that they covet “no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.” While they
are content with convenient food and clothing, it will be found an easy
matter to keep the heart and hands from the defilement of covetousness
and dishonesty.
The habits formed in childhood and youth have more influence than
any natural endowment in making men and women intellectually great
or dwarfed and crippled; for the very best talents may, through wrong
habits, become warped and enfeebled. To a great extent the character
is determined in early years. Correct, virtuous habits formed in youth
will generally mark the course of the individual through life. In most
cases those who reverence God and honor the right will be found to
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have learned this lesson before the world could stamp its images of
sin upon the soul. Men and women of mature age are generally as
insensible to new impressions as is the hardened rock; but youth is
impressible, and a right character may then be easily formed.
Those who are employed in our institutions have, in many respects,
the best advantages for the formation of correct habits. None will be
placed beyond the reach of temptation, for in every character there
are weak points that are in danger when assailed. Those who profess
the name of Christ should not, like the self-righteous Pharisee, find
great pleasure in recounting their good deeds, but all should feel the
necessity of keeping the moral nature braced by constant watchfulness.
Like faithful sentinels they should guard the citadel of the soul, never
feeling that they may relax their vigilance for a moment. In earnest
prayer and living faith is their only safety.
Those who begin to be careless of their steps will find that, before
they are aware of it, their feet are entangled in a web from which it
is impossible for them to extricate themselves. It should be a fixed
principle with all to be truthful and honest. Whether they are rich
or poor, whether they have friends or are left alone, come what will,
they should resolve in the strength of God that no influence shall lead
them to commit the least wrong act. One and all should realize that