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

would counteract the pernicious influence of such
youth as J. But the young generally have no more
religion than those who have never named the
name of Christ. They do not depart from iniquity.
A smart, intelligent boy, like J, can have a
powerful influence for evil. If this intelligence
were controlled by virtue and rectitude, it would be
powerful for good; but if it is swayed by depravity,
its evil influence upon his associates cannot be
estimated, and it will assuredly sink him in
perdition. A good intellect corrupted makes a very
bad heart. A brilliant intellect sanctified by the
Spirit of God exerts a hidden power and diffuses
light and purity upon all with whom the happy
possessor associates.
If a boy of such mental abilities as J would
surrender his heart to Christ, it would be his
salvation. By means of pure religion his intellect
would be brought into a healthy channel; his
mental and moral powers would become vigorous
and harmonious; the conscience, illuminated by
divine grace, would be quick and pure, controlling
the will and desires, and leading to frankness and
727