Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

and ornaments for display. The mind is narrowed and the intellect dwarfed
that can be gratified with these frivolous things to the neglect of high
responsibilities.
The youth in our day may be workers with Christ if they will; and in
working, their faith will strengthen and their knowledge of the divine will
will increase. Every true purpose and every act of right doing will be
recorded in the book of life. I wish I could arouse the youth to see and feel
the sinfulness of living for their own gratification and dwarfing their
intellects to the cheap, vain things of this life. If they would elevate their
thoughts and words above the frivolous attractions of this world and make it
their aim to glorify God, His peace, which passeth all understanding, would
be theirs.
God wants the youth to become men of earnest mind, to be prepared for
action in His noble work, and fitted to bear responsibilities. God calls for
young men with hearts uncorrupted, strong and brave, and determined to
fight manfully in the struggle before them, that they may glorify God, and
bless humanity. If the youth would but make the Bible their study, would but
calm their impetuous desires, and listen to the voice of their Creator and
Redeemer, they would not only be at peace with God, but would find
themselves ennobled and elevated.
Carry light wherever you go; show that you have strength of purpose,
that you are not a person of indecision, easily swayed by the persuasions of
evil associates. Do not yield a ready assent to the suggestions of those who
dishonor God, but rather seek to reform, reclaim, and rescue souls from evil.
Resort to prayer, persuade in meekness and lowliness of spirit those who
oppose themselves. One soul saved from error, and brought under the banner
of Christ, will cause joy in heaven, and place a star in your crown of
rejoicing. A soul saved will, through his godly influence, bring other souls to
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