Our College
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his sharp criticisms and censures are given on the right hand and on
the left.
Perhaps one or more commit errors, or are unruly. The case is
exaggerated in his mind, and he becomes unjust, and is severe and
cutting in reproof, even taunting the one whom he considers at fault.
This same injustice afterward prevents him from admitting that he has
not taken the proper course. To maintain the dignity of his position he
has lost a precious, golden opportunity to manifest the spirit of Christ,
perhaps to gain a soul for heaven.
Men and women of experience should understand that this is a time
of especial danger for the young. Temptations surround them on every
hand; and while it is easy work to float with the current, the strongest
effort is required to press against the tide of evil. It is Satan’s studied
effort to secure the youth in sin, for then he is more sure of the man.
The enemy of souls is filled with intense hatred against every endeavor
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to influence the youth in the right direction. He hates everything which
will give correct views of God and our Saviour, and his efforts are
especially directed against all who are placed in a favorable position
to receive light from heaven. He knows that any movement on their
part to come in connection with God, will give them power to resist
his devices. Those who are at ease in their sins, are safe under his
banner. But as soon as efforts are made to break his power, his wrath is
aroused, and he commences in earnest his work to thwart the purpose
of God, if possible.
If the influence in our College is what it should be, the youth who
are educated there will be enabled to discern God, and glorify him in
all his works. And while engaged in cultivating the faculties which
God has given them, they will be preparing to render to him more
efficient service. The intellect, sanctified, will unlock the treasures of
God’s word, and gather its precious gems to present to other minds,
and lead them also to search for the deep things of God. A knowledge
of the riches of this grace, will ennoble and elevate the human soul,
and through connection with Christ, it will become a partaker of the
divine nature, and obtain power to resist the advances of Satan.
Students must be impressed with the fact that knowledge alone may
be, in the hands of the enemy of all good, a power to destroy them. It
was a very intellectual being, one who occupied a high position among
the angelic throng, that finally became a rebel; and many a mind of