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and have not cultivated their powers of mind and body, so that they
may fill positions of trust in the Master’s work. Individually we are
here as probationers, and the Lord is testing and proving our fidelity
to Him.
He would employ us as agents to communicate the light of His
word to the world. If we improved the light given us of God by
diffusing it to others, we shall have increased light; for to him “that
hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that
hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.” It is at our own
option as to what we shall do with the light God has given. We may
walk in it, or refuse to follow in the steps of Christ, and thus extinguish
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our light.
Considering the light that God has given, it is marvelous that there
are not scores of young men and women inquiring, “Lord, what wilt
Thou have me to do?” It is a perilous mistake to imagine that unless
a young man has decided to give himself to the ministry, no special
effort is required to fit him for the work of God. Whatever may be your
calling, it is essential that you improve your abilities by diligent study.
Young men and women should be urged to appreciate the heaven-sent
blessings of opportunities to become well disciplined and intelligent.
They should take advantage of the schools that have been established
for the purpose of imparting the best of knowledge. It is sinful to be
indolent and negligent in regard to obtaining an education. Time is
short, and therefore because the Lord is soon to come to close the
scenes of earth’s history, there is all the greater necessity of improving
present opportunities and privileges.
Young men and young women should place themselves in our
schools, in the channel where knowledge and discipline may be ob-
tained. They should consecrate their ability to God, become diligent
Bible students, that they may be fortified against erroneous doctrine,
and not be led away by the error of the wicked; for it is by diligent
searching of the Bible that we obtain a knowledge of what is truth. By
the practice of the truth we already know, increased light will shine
upon us from the holy Scriptures. As we surrender our will to the
will of God, as we humble our hearts before Him, we shall earnestly
desire to become colaborers with Him, going forth to save those who
perish. Those who are truly consecrated to God will not enter the work
prompted by the same motive which leads men to engage in worldly