Battle for Reform
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upon every unsuspecting youth.... Satan tells the young that there is
time enough yet, that they may indulge in sin and vice this once and
never again; but that one indulgence will poison their whole life. Do
not once venture on forbidden ground. In this perilous day of evil,
when allurements to vice and corruption are on every hand, let the
earnest, heartfelt cry of the young be raised to heaven: “Wherewithal
shall a young man cleanse his way?” And may his ears be open and his
heart inclined to obey the instruction given in the answer, “By taking
heed thereto, according to thy word.
All are accountable for their actions while in this world upon
probation. All have power to control their actions if they will. If they
are weak in virtue and purity of thoughts and acts, they can obtain
help from the Friend of the helpless. Jesus is acquainted with all the
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weaknesses of human nature, and, if entreated, will give strength to
overcome the most powerful temptations. All can obtain this strength
if they seek for it in humility
The only safety for the youth in this age of pollution is to make
God their trust. Without divine help they will be unable to control
human passions and appetites. In Christ is the very help needed, but
how few will come to Him for that help. Said Jesus when upon the
earth, “Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” In Christ all
can conquer. You can say with the apostle, “Nay, in all these things
we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Again, “But
I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection.
In Him True Pleasure May Be Found—The only sure safety for
our children against every vicious practice is to seek to be admitted
into the fold of Christ and to be taken under the watch care of the
faithful and true Shepherd. He will save them from every evil, shield
them from all dangers, if they will heed His voice. He says, “My
sheep hear my voice, ... and they follow me.” In Christ they will find
pasture, obtain strength and hope, and will not be troubled with restless
longings for something to divert the mind and satisfy the heart. They
have found the pearl of great price, and the mind is at peaceful rest.
Their pleasures are of a pure, peaceful, elevated, heavenly character.
8
Testimonies For The Church 2:408, 409
.
9
An Appeal to Mothers, 31
.
10
Testimonies For The Church 2:409
.