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Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

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Chapter 86—Address to <strong>the</strong> Young[497]Young Sabbathkeepers are given to pleasure seeking. I saw that<strong>the</strong>re is not one in twenty who knows what experimental religion is.They are constantly grasping after something to satisfy <strong>the</strong>ir desire<strong>for</strong> change, <strong>for</strong> amusement; and unless <strong>the</strong>y are undeceived and <strong>the</strong>irsensibilities aroused so that <strong>the</strong>y can say from <strong>the</strong> heart, “I count allthings but loss <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> excellency of <strong>the</strong> knowledge of Christ Jesus myLord,” <strong>the</strong>y are not worthy of Him and will come short of everlastinglife. The young, generally, are in a terrible deception, and yet <strong>the</strong>yprofess godliness. Their unconsecrated lives are a reproach to <strong>the</strong>Christian name; <strong>the</strong>ir example is a snare to o<strong>the</strong>rs. They hinder <strong>the</strong>sinner, <strong>for</strong> in nearly every respect <strong>the</strong>y are no better than unbelievers.They have <strong>the</strong> word of God, but its warnings, admonitions, reproofs,and corrections are unheeded, as are also <strong>the</strong> encouragements andpromises to <strong>the</strong> obedient and faithful. God’s promises are all oncondition of humble obedience. One pattern only is given to <strong>the</strong> young,but how do <strong>the</strong>ir lives compare with <strong>the</strong> life of Christ? I feel alarmedas I witness everywhere <strong>the</strong> frivolity of young men and young womenwho profess to believe <strong>the</strong> truth. God does not seem to be in <strong>the</strong>irthoughts. Their minds are filled with nonsense. Their conversationis only empty, vain talk. They have a keen ear <strong>for</strong> music, and Satanknows what organs to excite to animate, engross, and charm <strong>the</strong> mindso that Christ is not desired. The spiritual longings of <strong>the</strong> soul <strong>for</strong>divine knowledge, <strong>for</strong> a growth in grace, are wanting.I was shown that <strong>the</strong> youth must take a higher stand and make<strong>the</strong> word of God <strong>the</strong> man of <strong>the</strong>ir counsel and <strong>the</strong>ir guide. Solemnresponsibilities rest upon <strong>the</strong> young, which <strong>the</strong>y lightly regard. Theintroduction of music into <strong>the</strong>ir homes, instead of inciting to holinessand spirituality, has been <strong>the</strong> means of diverting <strong>the</strong>ir minds from <strong>the</strong>truth. Frivolous songs and <strong>the</strong> popular sheet music of <strong>the</strong> day seemcongenial to <strong>the</strong>ir taste. The instruments of music have taken timewhich should have been devoted to prayer. Music, when not abused,is a great blessing; but when put to a wrong use, it is a terrible curse.460

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