Beware of the Little Foxes
By F. W. Johnson
My heart goes out to all the young in our ranks, who, because of their youth and inexperience, are special targets for the temptations of the evil one. So often, through yielding to appetite, or some other selfish indulgence,—perhaps before they are aware of the seriousness of their mistake,—they are bound by Satan with the cords of a habit which results in the undermining of health of body and mind. And thus early the temple of God is impaired. That temple, which he intended to be pure and sacred, and in all things to glorify its Maker, is broken down, and it will take true repentance and years of right “seed sowing” to undo the effects of these “little sins,” as they are often considered. “For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” And God’s record only will show the power and opportunities for good that were wasted in those lost years. But sadder still is it when the shattered temple early decays, and the grave swallows the promising young life which might have been filled with good influences as far-reaching as eternity. I have in mind a talented young man, a student in one of our schools. He was a sincere Christian, and had been educated for the ministry. But too late the knowledge came that early habits of impurity, though repented of and denounced, had laid the foundation for disease; and the God-given abilities for good were cut short. Our young friend fell a victim to consumption. He died a triumphant death, falling peacefully asleep in Jesus. But he suffered greatly, and lost his life; his friends deeply mourned, and the world lost one of God’s messengers. I have before me the picture of another,—a bright, kind-hearted youth, one generally loved. He was also a student of our schools. His sin was no uncommon one—indulgence of appetite. Too late he saw his mistake, regretted his disregard of counsel, and strove to correct his errors. Already the relentless hand of disease was upon him; and with unavailing attention and aching hearts, we watched him rapidly fail, and laid his still form in the grave; but not—I rejoice to say—until he had made his peace with God. “For in bright hope he died.” But the possibilities that were before him, the good he might have accomplished, the stars his crown might have borne, God only knows. One more picture, yet sadder, but too true. A talented, conscientious boy,—but impure thoughts entered, and were harbored in that once spiritual mind, and the good Spirit was driven out. Evil practices deadened his conscience. He renounced God, and took to drink. Later, these evils all cast their blight over his fair young wife. His stony heart was now without natural affection, and he soon deserted her whom he had vowed to cherish, and indulged more deeply in vice and lust. And the end?—I know not. With his mind unbalanced, his constitution shattered, the termination must be speedy and terrible. O! will our dear youth banish the first impure thought, and shun the beginning of evil as they would the leprosy? “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God,” remembering that “he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption.” But “blessed are the pure in heart [or thought]: for they shall see God.”