Warnings and Reproofs
111
temperance societies. The solemnity of the work is all covered up with
the superficial, and a continual temptation is placed before the youth
whom we wish to save.
The facts are before us. The burden bearers among us are drop-
ping off into the silent grave. The active members of the church, the
true workers in all reforms, are mostly past the meridian of life, and
are declining in physical and mental strength. We should anxiously
contemplate who are to rise up and fill their places. To whom are to be
committed the vital interests of the church? The question may be asked
by us with the deepest concern, Who will bear the responsibilities of
the cause of God when a few more standard-bearers fall? We can
but look anxiously upon the youth of today as those who must take
these burdens, and upon whom responsibilities must fall. They must
take the work where others leave it; and their course will determine
whether morality, religion, and vital godliness shall prevail, or whether
immorality and infidelity shall corrupt and blight all that is valuable.
It is the way the standard is carried now that will determine the future.
Parents, will you now show by your course of action that whole-
some restraint, good order, harmony, and peace shall be the ruling
principle? or, shall those whose course of life shows that they have
frivolous minds and are low in the scale of moral worth have a molding,
controlling influence? God calls upon His believing people to connect
with Him, to purify their souls by humbly walking in the footsteps of
Jesus. God calls upon you to put away pride of opinion, pride of dress,
and self-exaltation, and let the good and noble faculties of the mind
strengthen with use.
Will men and women professing the most solemn truths ever borne
to mortals be true to principle? If they would have an influence to
lead the world to serious reflection they must be; their dress and
conversation must be in strict accordance with their peculiar faith.
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Those who are older must educate the young, by precept and example,
how to discharge those claims which society and their Maker have
upon them. Upon these youth must be laid grave responsibilities. The
question is whether they are capable of governing themselves and
standing forth in the purity of their God-given manhood, abhorring
anything which savors of licentiousness and discord.
Can I say anything that will make an impression upon the young?
Never before was there so much at stake; never were there such weighty