To the Youth by A. P. Lawton

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 3, 1864

To the Youth.

By A. P. Lawton

I FEEL much for the dear youth. They have fallen indeed on an evil time. Satan would keep them from professing Christ, and if they do, he, if possible, will induce them to bring a reproach upon the cause by making them content with profession.

Your friends may tell you there is no harm in your former amusements and associates. Satan uses them to ruin you; but they do not know it. Treat your former associates with the greatest kindness; but seek not their company unless you are very sure that you can exert an influence over them for good. You will control them, or they you. Sit not in the seat of the scornor. The words, life, looks, dress and associates should be chaste, modest, refined and subdued.

The gaudy, worldly dress should not be worn. God cannot commune with a heart devoted to dress, vain company and vain amusements. There is no time for these things. There is little time enough to get our hearts subdued, and prepared to meet Jesus. He is surely coming, and there is great danger of our being like the foolish virgins. May the Lord save us from their fate. If sinners entice thee to sin, consent thou not. Be not ashamed of your profession. Be familiar with the Bible, with your own hearts, and our faith, that you may be able to give a reason of the hope that is within you with meekness and fear.

If we cherish a desire in our hearts for the world, we need not wonder if we are not blessed of the Lord, and happy. Go to God for yourselves. Your parents may do much for you, but you must be in earnest for yourselves, or you are lost. Time is closing. There is no time to dally.

If you do not possess sister White's testimonies to the youth, and the Appeal to the Youth, in which are her letters to her children, get them, if you do without something else you need. Nothing can be of more service to you. Make them a part of your library. Lay them with your Bible. Read a portion of them daily, and be familiar with their contents.

The sciences and civilities of life are desirable and innocent; but our closets, our intercourse with God, and our own hearts, must not be supplanted by any of these things. Simplicity dignifies the Christian character, and humility elevates it.

A. P. LAWTON.

West Winfield, N. Y.