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

dangerous associate. He is a subject of this vice.
His influence is bad. The grace of God has no
influence upon his heart. He has a good intellect,
and his father has trusted much to this to balance
him; but mental power alone is not a guarantee of
virtuous superiority. The absence of religious
principle makes him corrupt at heart and sly in his
wrongdoing. His influence is pernicious
everywhere. He is infidel in his principles and
glories in his skepticism. When with those of his
own age, or those younger than himself, he talks
knowingly of religious things and jests and sneers
at truth and the Bible. This pretended knowledge
has an influence to corrupt minds and lead young
men to feel ashamed of the truth. Such companions
should be wholly avoided, for this is the only sure
course of safety. Young girls are enamored with
the society of this young man; even some who
profess to be Christians prefer such society.
K is a boy who can be molded if surrounded by
correct influences. He needs a right example. If the
young who profess Christ would honor Him in
their lives, they could exert an influence which
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