Chapter 60—Advice to the Young
To the students of South Lancaster Academy I would say: “Draw
nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.” Never be ashamed of your
faith; never be found on the side of the enemy. “Ye are the light of the
world.” Your faith is to be revealed as precious truth, truth which all
should have and all must have if they are saved. As a people, we are
in the minority. We are not popular. Our enemies will be watching us
for evil, to betray us and to ruin our souls. They will not appreciate
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our motives. They will misinterpret our earnest zeal and our intense
desire to have others see and understand the truth, that they may do the
will of God by obeying all His commandments. But we should fight
the good fight of faith, and be found “steadfast, unmovable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord.”
It is with feelings of inexpressible sadness, and sometimes almost
with despair, that I contemplate the condition of the young and see
how difficult it is to encourage those to obtain an education to whom
I know God has liberally entrusted capabilities. Without education
they will be crippled and inefficient in any position. Yet in gaining this
education they will be exposed to dangers and temptations. Satan will
try to employ their cultivated abilities in his service.
Some employ their powers to evil purposes. The subtle poison of
sensuality courses through their veins, and it finds little obstruction in
its way. It is fascinating, bewitching. The mind, which, with due regard
for moral integrity, is capable of the highest degree of cultivation and
literary excellence, is often degraded to administer to lust. Elevated
morals and practical godliness have no charms for these deluded souls;
and it is almost impossible to bring to bear upon them any influence,
either by precept or example, that shall counteract the efforts of Satan
to corrupt and ruin their souls. Unless these young men and women
are willing to learn, willing to be counseled by those of experience,
they will surely be led astray by the wiles of Satan. And unless those
who teach them are steadily growing in grace and in a knowledge of
the truth, and in real spiritual discernment, they will be in danger, by
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