Power of Association
429
they are content with deficiencies of character, the building is doomed
to ruin. Let all take heed how they build. The storm of temptation
will sweep over the building, and unless it is firmly and faithfully
constructed it will not stand the test.
A good name is more precious than gold. There is an inclination
with the youth to associate with those who are inferior in mind and
morals. What real happiness can a young person expect from a vol-
untary connection with persons who have a low standard of thoughts,
feelings, and deportment? Some are debased in taste and depraved in
habits, and all who choose such companions will follow their exam-
ple. We are living in times of peril that should cause the hearts of all
to fear. We see the minds of many wandering through the mazes of
skepticism. The causes of this are ignorance, pride, and a defective
character. Humility is a hard lesson for fallen man to learn. There is
something in the human heart which rises in opposition to revealed
truth on subjects connected with God and sinners, the transgression of
the divine law and pardon through Christ.
Study the Scriptures
My brethren and sisters, old and young, when you have an hour
of leisure open the Bible and store the mind with its precious truths.
When engaged in labor, guard the mind, keep it stayed upon God,
talk less and meditate more. Remember, “Every idle word that men
shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
[416]
Matthew 12:36
. Let your words be select; this will close a door against
the adversary of souls. Let your day be entered upon with prayer; work
as in God’s sight. His angels are ever by your side, making a record of
your words, your deportment, and the manner in which your work is
done.
If you turn from good counsel and choose to associate with those
who you have reason to suspect are not religiously inclined, although
they profess to be Christians, you will soon become like them. You
place yourself in the way of temptation, on Satan’s battleground, and
will, unless constantly guarded, be overcome by his devices. There are
persons who have for some time made a profession of religion, who
are, to all intents and purposes, without God and without a sensitive
conscience. They are vain and trifling; their conversation is of a low