Need of Counsel and Guidance
385
soul upward. It will elevate the mind, improve the character, and give
peace and joy to the heart. But many of the young have chosen to be
their own counselor and guide, and have taken their cases in their own
hands. Such need to study more closely the teachings of the Bible.
In its pages they will find revealed their duty to their parents and to
their brethren in the faith. The fifth commandment reads, “Honor thy
father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which
the Lord thy God giveth thee.” Again we read, “Children, obey your
parents in the Lord; for this is right.”
One of the signs that we are living in the last days is that children
are disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. The word of God
abounds in precepts and counsels enjoining respect for parents. It
impresses upon the young the sacred duty of loving and cherishing
those who have guided them through infancy childhood, and youth,
up to manhood and womanhood, and who are now in a great degree
[445]
dependent upon them for peace and happiness. The Bible gives no
uncertain sound on this subject; nevertheless, its teachings have been
greatly disregarded.
The young have many lessons to learn, and the most important
one is to learn to know themselves. They should have correct ideas of
their obligations and duties to their parents, and should be constantly
learning in the school of Christ to be meek and lowly of heart. While
they are to love and honor their parents, they are also to respect the
judgment of men of experience with whom they are connected in the
church.
Honorable Conduct
A young man who enjoys the society and wins the friendship of a
young lady unknown to her parents, does not act a noble Christian part
toward her or toward her parents. Through secret communications and
meetings he may gain an influence over her mind; but in so doing he
fails to manifest that nobility and integrity of soul which every child
of God will possess. In order to accomplish their ends, they act a part
that is not frank and open and according to the Bible standard, and
prove themselves untrue to those who love them and try to be faithful
guardians over them. Marriages contracted under such influences are
not according to the word of God. He who would lead a daughter away