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Fundamentals of Christian Education
The associations of our students is an important matter, and should
not be neglected. Many who come to our College are professed Chris-
tians. Especial interest should be manifested in these, and they should
be encouraged in their endeavors to live a Christian life. They should
be guarded, as far as possible, from the temptations that meet the
youth whichever way they may turn. To those who have had years of
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experience, the temptations which overcome these young people may
seem so light and trivial that they will withdraw their sympathies from
the tempted and tried ones. This is wrong. Their own life and early
experience may have been even more varying than those of the youth
they would censure for their weakness.
Many who profess to be followers of Christ are weak in moral
power. They have never been heroes of the cross, and are easily
attracted from their allegiance to God by selfish pleasures or amuse-
ments. These persons should be helped. They should not be left to
chance in choosing their companions and roommates. Those who
love and fear God should bear the burden of these cases upon their
souls, and should move discreetly in changing unfavorable associa-
tions. Christian youth who are inclined to be influenced by irreligious
associates should have for companions those who will strengthen good
resolutions and religious inclinations. A well-disposed, religiously
inclined youth, and even a professor of religion, may lose his religious
impressions by association with one who speaks lightly of sacred and
religious things, and perhaps ridicules them, and who lacks reverence
and conscientiousness. A little leaven may leaven the lump. Some are
weak in faith; but if placed with proper roommates, whose influence is
strong for the right, they may be balanced in the right direction, obtain
a valuable religious experience, and be successful in the formation of
Christian character.
I would that our brethren and sisters would watch for souls as they
that must give an account. My mind has been deeply exercised upon
this subject. I would urge upon those who profess Christ the necessity
of putting on the whole armor; then work for our youth who attend
Battle Creek College. They may not need sermons and long censorious
lectures as much as they need genuine interest. Let them know by your
works that you love them and have a care for their souls. If you would
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manifest for the tender youth now coming to Battle Creek, who are
thrown into the very arms of the church, one half the care you have for