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Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

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Chapter 34<br />

Responsibilities of <strong>the</strong> Young<br />

If <strong>the</strong> youth could only see how much good it is<br />

in <strong>the</strong>ir power to accomplish, if <strong>the</strong>y would make<br />

God <strong>the</strong>ir strength and wisdom, <strong>the</strong>y would no<br />

longer pursue a course of careless indifference<br />

toward Him; <strong>the</strong>y would no longer be swayed by<br />

<strong>the</strong> influence of those who are unconsecrated.<br />

Instead of feeling that an individual responsibility<br />

rests upon <strong>the</strong>m to put <strong>for</strong>th ef<strong>for</strong>ts to do o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />

good, and lead o<strong>the</strong>rs to righteousness, <strong>the</strong>y give<br />

<strong>the</strong>mselves up to seek <strong>the</strong>ir own amusement. They<br />

are useless members of society, and live as aimless<br />

lives as do <strong>the</strong> butterflies. The young may have a<br />

knowledge of <strong>the</strong> truth, and believe it, but not live<br />

it. Such possess a dead faith. Their hearts are not<br />

reached so as to affect <strong>the</strong>ir conduct and character<br />

in <strong>the</strong> sight of God, and <strong>the</strong>y are no nearer doing<br />

His will than are unbelievers. Their hearts do not<br />

con<strong>for</strong>m to <strong>the</strong> will of God; <strong>the</strong>y are at enmity with<br />

Him. Those who are devoted to amusements, and<br />

416

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