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Messages to Young People
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Messages to Young People

by Ellen G. White

Southern Publishing Association · Nashville, Tennessee · 1930

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Pages
455
Illustrations
1

Contents

  1. Preface7
  2. Introduction15
  3. BUILDING CHARACTER FOR ETERNITY15
  4. *A Faithful Friend*17
  5. SECTION I19
  6. God’s Purpose for the Youth19
  7. A CALL TO THE YOUTH—221
  8. *Called to A High Destiny*22
  9. *Be Light Bearers*23
  10. *Cherish Broad Ideas*24
  11. *The Call to Enlist*24
  12. *Essential Elements of Character*25
  13. SEEKING TO PLEASE HIM—326
  14. STANDARDS OF SUCCESS—427
  15. *Faithful Integrity*27
  16. *Complete Consecration*28
  17. *Assert Your Liberty*29
  18. *Complete Surrender*30
  19. *Choosing Your Destiny*31
  20. *Heart-Searching Questions*32
  21. OUR DAY OF OPPORTUNITY—533
  22. *The Kind of Workers Needed*33
  23. *Our Source of Efficiency*34
  24. *Righteousness Within*35
  25. HEIGHTS THAT MAY BE ATTAINED—636
  26. *Religion the Basis of Life*36
  27. *High Responsibilities*37
  28. *Influence of Religion*38
  29. *Our Stewardship of Talents*39
  30. *A High Ideal to Reach*40
  31. *Channels of God’s Grace*40
  32. STANDARDS OF EFFICIENCY — 741
  33. *Qualifying for Service*41
  34. *Cleverness not Piety*43
  35. *The Chosen Agency*44
  36. CLIMBING THE HEIGHTS—845
  37. *Daily Advancement*45
  38. *Meeting Obstacles*46
  39. PARTNERSHIP WITH GOD—947
  40. *Reaching Higher and Higher*48
  41. SECTION II49
  42. The Conflict with Sin49
  43. SATAN, A MIGHTY FOE—1051
  44. *Satan in Disguise*51
  45. *The Battle for Each Soul*52
  46. THE CHARACTER OF THE CONFLICT — 1154
  47. *Call to Oppose Powers of Evil*54
  48. *Aid of the Holy Spirit*55
  49. *The Price of Victory*56
  50. SATAN’S SPECIAL EFFORT—1257
  51. *Confidence in Self Fatal*58
  52. *Destroying Confidence*58
  53. *Control of the Mind*60
  54. *The Curtain Lifted*60
  55. TEMPTATION NO EXCUSE FOR SIN — 1362
  56. FORTITUDE — 1463
  57. *In the Strength of the Lord*63
  58. THE SOUL TEMPLE—1565
  59. *God’s Ideal*65
  60. *Desecrated Shrines*66
  61. *Degradation Through Sensual Indulgence*66
  62. *Help in Temptation*67
  63. YE ARE NOT YOUR OWN—1668
  64. *Results of Complete Consecration*68
  65. *All Our Powers Belong to Him*69
  66. *The Price of a Soul*69
  67. *Decision Called For*70
  68. TRUE CONVERSION — 1771
  69. *Not Feeling but a Changed Life*71
  70. *Practicality of Genuine Religion*72
  71. *The Sanctified Life*73
  72. *The Cords of Satan*74
  73. COUNSEL TO AN INDULGED DAUGHTER — 1875
  74. *Controlling the Imagination*75
  75. *Subduing Passions and Affections*76
  76. STRENGTH OF CHARACTER THROUGH CONFLICT — 1978
  77. *Purity Not Dependent on Circumstances*79
  78. *Death Before Dishonor*80
  79. RESISTING TEMPTATION — 2081
  80. *Needless Temptations to Be Shunned*81
  81. *Duty Above Inclination*82
  82. THE DECEITFULNESS OF SIN—2183
  83. *Self-Examination*83
  84. A WARNING AGAINST SKEPTICISM — 2285
  85. *Danger of Association with Skeptics*85
  86. *Self-Confidence and Blindness*86
  87. *Moral Courage Needed*88
  88. *The Tempest Is Coming*89
  89. *Daily Dependence on God*90
  90. ONE WEAK POINT—2391
  91. *Thought Control*92
  92. SECTION III93
  93. Gaining Victories93
  94. ONWARD AND UPWARD—2495
  95. God Not Unreasonable96
  96. *Develop Confidence*97
  97. *Cost of Victory*98
  98. PERFECTING CHARACTER — 2599
  99. *Set Your Mark High*99
  100. *Cultivate Every Grace of Character*100
  101. *His Biddings Are Enablings*101
  102. *Our Constant Dependence*101
  103. THE FIGHT OF FAITH — 26102
  104. *Living Faith*102
  105. *A Lifelong Conflict*103
  106. VICTORY APPROPRIATED — 27105
  107. *Faith and Duty*106
  108. HOW TO BE STRONG—28107
  109. *Behold His Glory*107
  110. *Joy Through Repentance*108
  111. THE VICTORIOUS LIFE—29109
  112. *The Dominating Influence*110
  113. LIVING FAITH — 30111
  114. *Do Not Depend on Feeling*111
  115. *Contemplation of Christ*112
  116. *Contemplation of Christ*113
  117. *Changing the Habits of Thought*113
  118. *Sanctification a Daily Work*114
  119. *Make Religion a Business*115
  120. *Sanctification, a Progressive Experience*116
  121. *Value of Trials*117
  122. *Secret Place of Power*117
  123. UNION WITH CHRIST — 31118
  124. SECTION IV119
  125. Walking in the Light119
  126. GROWING IN GRACE — 32121
  127. *Growth Necessary to Steadfastness*121
  128. *Heart Examination*122
  129. *Watch and Pray*122
  130. *Limitless Possibilities for Good*124
  131. *Self-Surrender*125
  132. CONFORMITY TO THE WORLD — 33126
  133. *The Broad Way*126
  134. *Preparation for Jesus’ Coming*128
  135. *What Shall It Profit?*130
  136. GENUINE CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE — 34131
  137. *Saving Grace*131
  138. *The First Steps.*132
  139. *Opening the Way for God’s Blessing*133
  140. SELF-DISCIPLINE — 35134
  141. *Power of Self-Control*134
  142. *Ruling the Spirit*135
  143. *No Excuse for Sinning*136
  144. A LIVING EXPERIENCE — 36137
  145. *Power of the Cross*137
  146. *Loyalty to Christ*138
  147. *Experimental Knowledge Needed*139
  148. *Christian Fellowship*140
  149. *Religion Not a Sentiment*142
  150. FAITHFUL IN THAT WHICH IS LEAST—37143
  151. *A Well-Balanced Character*143
  152. *Faithfulness in Everyday Life*144
  153. ACCOUNTABILITY FOR LIGHT — 38146
  154. EARNESTNESS OF PURPOSE — 39147
  155. *Co-operation with God*147
  156. *Whole-hearted Service*148
  157. *The Value of Concentration*149
  158. *The Highest Motive*149
  159. *Abiding Joy*150
  160. EXERCISE OF THE WILL—40151
  161. *Instability and Doubt*151
  162. *Strength Through Yielding the Will*151
  163. *God’s Will and Man’s Will United*153
  164. *Special Effort Essential*155
  165. DIVINE GUIDANCE — 41156
  166. SILENT WORKING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT — 42157
  167. *Evidence of Divine Aid*158
  168. THE INDWELLING CHRIST — 43159
  169. *His Response to Our Faith*159
  170. *Molded by His Love*160
  171. *The Pearl of Great Price*161
  172. SELF-DENIAL — 44162
  173. THE CHARACTER THAT GOD APPROVES — 45163
  174. *Persevering Effort Required*163
  175. *Influence of Associates*164
  176. *Christ Our Only Hope*165
  177. ABIDING PRESENCE OF CHRIST — 46166
  178. SECTION V167
  179. Preparation for the Life Work167
  180. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION — 47169
  181. *Christ the Great Educator*169
  182. TRUE EDUCATION—48171
  183. *The Essential in Education*172
  184. *The Highest Education*172
  185. THE NEED OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION — 49173
  186. *Training for Higher Service*173
  187. *An All-Round Education*174
  188. *Knowledge and Self-discipline*175
  189. *Meeting Expectations of Parents*175
  190. EDUCATION FOR ETERNITY — 50176
  191. A PRACTICAL TRAINING—51177
  192. *Symmetrical Education*177
  193. *Benefit of Useful Work*178
  194. *Learn How to Cook*179
  195. *In the Mission Field*180
  196. STUDENT LOYALTY — 52181
  197. *Character and Deportment*181
  198. *Value of School Discipline*182
  199. STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES — 53183
  200. *Helping Others*183
  201. *Thorough Mastery of Fundamentals*184
  202. TRAINING FOR SERVICE — 54185
  203. *Consecrate Ability to God*185
  204. *Preparation for Future Contingencies*186
  205. *Balanced by Right Principles*187
  206. ASPIRATION FOR IMPROVEMENT — 55188
  207. TRUE WISDOM — 56189
  208. *The Bible and Science*189
  209. *Taught of God*190
  210. SET A HIGH STANDARD — 57192
  211. *Maintain Personality*192
  212. *Whole-hearted Service*193
  213. *Making the Most of Life*194
  214. SECTION VI195
  215. Service195
  216. THE YOUTH CALLED TO BE LABORERS—58197
  217. *Work in Faith*197
  218. *Call for Volunteers*198
  219. RESPONSIBILITY FOR SOUL WINNING—59199
  220. WITNESSING FOR CHRIST — 60200
  221. *Our Conversation*200
  222. *Winning Loved Ones*201
  223. *Earnestness*202
  224. PERSONAL WORK—61203
  225. YOUNG PEOPLE AS SOUL WINNERS — 62204
  226. *Solicitude for Others*205
  227. A *Work* to Do206
  228. *Where to Begin*207
  229. *The Most Successful Way*207
  230. SERVICE IN DIFFERENT LINES — 63208
  231. *Gaining Efficiency*208
  232. UNSELFISH SERVICE — 64209
  233. THE REWARD OF DILIGENCE—65210
  234. *The Blessing of Labor*210
  235. *Helping in the Home*211
  236. *The Web of Destiny*212
  237. THE DIGNITY OF LABOR—66213
  238. *Manual Labor Versus Games*213
  239. *Christ’s Example*214
  240. *The Lesson of Contented Industry*215
  241. SOWING BESIDE ALL WATERS—67217
  242. *The Gift of Song*217
  243. *Medical Missionary Work*218
  244. MANY LINES OF WORK—68219
  245. *Each Has His Place*219
  246. *The Sabbath School Work*219
  247. *Bible Work*220
  248. *Canvassing*220
  249. *Teaching*221
  250. *Business*222
  251. *Medical Work*222
  252. *The Ministry*224
  253. *Foreign Mission Work*224
  254. *Youthful Service*225
  255. ACCEPTABLE SERVICE — 69226
  256. *Our Relation to Mistakes*226
  257. *The Highest Work*227
  258. FAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE—70228
  259. *Unfaithfulness Recorded*228
  260. *True Motives in Service*229
  261. SECTION VII231
  262. Health and Efficiency231
  263. THE SCIENCE OF LIVING—71233
  264. *Health and Self-Control*233
  265. *Life a Trust*234
  266. SAFEGUARDING THE HEALTH—72235
  267. SACREDNESS OF HEALTH—73236
  268. *Relation of Health to Character Building*236
  269. *Intemperance Degrading*237
  270. *Self-Mastery a Duty*238
  271. A BALANCED EDUCATION—74239
  272. EDUCATION OBTAINED AT EXPENSE OF HEALTH — 75240
  273. THE INSIGNIA OF NOBILITY — 76241
  274. *Effect of Physical Habits on the Mind*241
  275. *Shaping Our Own Destiny*242
  276. *Temperance Richly Rewarded*243
  277. *Religion and Health*244
  278. SECTION VIII245
  279. The Devotional Life245
  280. PRAYER OUR STRONGHOLD—77247
  281. *How to Pray*247
  282. *Prayer Brings Power*248
  283. THE POWER OF PRAYER—78249
  284. *In Touch with the Infinite*249
  285. *Every Sincere Prayer Answered*250
  286. OUR ATTITUDE IN PRAYER—79251
  287. FAITH AND PRAYER—80252
  288. THE VALUE OF BIBLE STUDY — 81253
  289. *The Mediatorial Work of Christ*253
  290. *Intellectual Development*254
  291. *The Highest Culture*255
  292. *The Bible the Greatest Teacher*257
  293. SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES FOR YOURSELF — 82258
  294. PERSEVERING EFFORT IN BIBLE STUDY — 83259
  295. *Open-Mindedness*260
  296. *The Knowledge of God’s Will*260
  297. *Reverence in Bible Study*261
  298. THE REWARD OF DILIGENT BIBLE STUDY — 84262
  299. *The Bible a Guide*262
  300. THE BIBLE AS AN EDUCATOR — 85263
  301. *The Voice of the Eternal*263
  302. *True Philosophy of Life*264
  303. REVERENCE — 86265
  304. *Conduct in the House of God*265
  305. *Trifling Regarding Religious Things*266
  306. A WELL-GROUNDED HOPE—87268
  307. SECTION IX269
  308. Reading and Music269
  309. CHOICE OF READING — 88271
  310. *Influence of Unwholesome Reading*271
  311. *Enemies to Spirituality*272
  312. *The Book of Books*273
  313. EXAMPLE OF THE EPHESIANS — 89275
  314. *The Magic Books of Today*275
  315. *Mind Unfitted for Solemn Thought*276
  316. *Misleading Books*277
  317. *Breaking the Spell of Satan’s Sorcery*278
  318. PROPER MENTAL FOOD—90279
  319. *Results of Reading Fiction*279
  320. *Mental Inebriates*281
  321. *The Remedy*282
  322. *First Steps in Sin*282
  323. THE BIBLE THE MOST INTERESTING BOOK—91283
  324. *The Portrayal of Sin*284
  325. GUARD WELL THE AVENUES OF THE SOUL—92285
  326. *The Chaff and the Wheat*286
  327. BUILDING CHRISTIAN CHARACTER—93*287
  328. *Selected Course of Reading Recommended*288
  329. THE EFFECT OF FICTION — 94290
  330. THE BENEFITS OF MUSIC—95291
  331. *Music a Precious Gift*291
  332. USES OF MUSIC — 96293
  333. *A Talent of Influence*293
  334. *In Tune with Heavenly Musicians*294
  335. *God Glorified by Songs*294
  336. A WRONG USE OF MUSIC — 97295
  337. *Music a Power for Good*296
  338. SECTION X297
  339. Stewardship297
  340. LESSONS IN ECONOMY—98299
  341. *Saving for Missions*299
  342. *Self-Denial*300
  343. *Proper Use of Talents*300
  344. *No Time to Lose*301
  345. *The Reward of Sacrifice*302
  346. SPIRIT OF SACRIFICE—99303
  347. *Signs of Grace in the Heart*303
  348. THE TITHE — 100304
  349. *Recognition of God’s Ownership*305
  350. *Belongs to God*305
  351. “HONOR THE LORD WITH THY SUBSTANCE”—101306
  352. *Treasures in Heaven*306
  353. *Without Excuse*307
  354. *The Tithe*308
  355. INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY — 102309
  356. *Value of Money*310
  357. HOLIDAY PRESENTS — 103311
  358. *Evils of Self-Indulgence*311
  359. *Gifts to God*312
  360. ECONOMY IN DRESS—104313
  361. *Self-Denial Pleasing to God*314
  362. *The Love of Display*315
  363. *Puritan Plainness*315
  364. SELF-GRATIFICATION — 105316
  365. A *Species of Idolatry*316
  366. *First Things First*317
  367. *Duty of Self-Denial*318
  368. *Repeated Taking of Pictures*319
  369. ECONOMY AND BENEVOLENCE — 106320
  370. *Open Doors of Usefulness*320
  371. *Saving the Fragments*321
  372. *Guide to Economy*322
  373. SECTION XI323
  374. The Home Life323
  375. A CHRISTIAN HOUSEHOLD — 107325
  376. FAITHFULNESS IN HOME DUTIES — 108326
  377. HOME RELIGION — 109327
  378. *Unkind Speech in the Home*327
  379. *The Home an Object Lesson*328
  380. THE HOME A TRAINING SCHOOL—110329
  381. *Everyday Duties*329
  382. *The Mother’s Reward*330
  383. *Possibilities of Home Training*330
  384. RESPECT AND LOVE FOR PARENTS—111331
  385. *A Destiny in Obedience*332
  386. A BLESSING IN THE HOME—112333
  387. *Obedience to Parents*333
  388. BUILDING CHARACTER AT HOME—113335
  389. *Making Parents Happy*335
  390. *Strength for the Conflict*337
  391. *Impatience at Restraint*337
  392. *Individual Responsibility*338
  393. *Clothed with Christ’s Righteousness*338
  394. YOUTH TO BEAR RESPONSIBILITIES — 114[^*]339
  395. *Making Home Happy*339
  396. THE HOUR OF WORSHIP—115341
  397. RELIGIOUS HOSPITALITY — 116342
  398. SECTION XII343
  399. Dress and Adornment343
  400. ELEMENTS IN CHARACTER BUILDING—117345
  401. *True Adornment*345
  402. *Outward Appearance*346
  403. *Witnessing*348
  404. *Religion Judged by Dress*348
  405. DRESS AND CHARACTER—118349
  406. *Relation to Fashions*350
  407. PROPER DRESS — 119351
  408. *Economy in Dress*351
  409. *Quality and Taste*351
  410. *Health and Cleanliness*352
  411. *Grace and Natural Beauty*352
  412. INFLUENCE OF DRESS — 120353
  413. SIMPLICITY IN DRESS — 121354
  414. *A Snare to God’s People*354
  415. *Reformation Needed*355
  416. *The Inward Adorning*356
  417. IDOLATRY OF DRESS — 122358
  418. TRUE ADORNMENT — 123359
  419. *Following the World*359
  420. SECTION XIII361
  421. Recreation and Amusement361
  422. THE VALUE OF RECREATION — 124363
  423. *Christian Recreation*364
  424. *Love of the Beautiful*364
  425. *The Master Artist*365
  426. *Unfitted to Resist Temptation*366
  427. THE LOVE OF WORLDLY PLEASURE—125367
  428. *The Way of Wisdom*368
  429. *Faithfulness in Little Things*369
  430. *Unsatisfied Longings*370
  431. *Opportunities for Witnessing*370
  432. WORDS OF COUNSEL—126371
  433. DANGEROUS AMUSEMENTS FOR THE YOUNG — 127373
  434. *An Unfortunate Age*373
  435. *A Time of Trial Before the Young*375
  436. *Separation from the World*376
  437. *Promises to the Young*378
  438. ESTABLISHING RIGHT PRINCIPLES IN THE YOUTH — 128379
  439. *Relaxation and Amusement*379
  440. *Provide Innocent Pleasures*381
  441. *Recreation in Missionary Work*381
  442. UNHOLY INFLUENCES AT WORK — 129382
  443. JOY IN RELIGION — 130383
  444. *The Example of Jesus*384
  445. CHRISTIAN RECREATION — 131385
  446. *Principles Contrasted*385
  447. SOCIAL GATHERINGS — 132387
  448. *Lack of Spirituality Revealed*387
  449. *Subtle Influences*388
  450. *The Antidote for Frivolity*389
  451. *Acceptable Social Gatherings*391
  452. HOW TO SPEND HOLIDAYS — 133392
  453. *Christian Sources of Pleasure*393
  454. LITERARY SOCIETIES — 134394
  455. DANCING — 135398
  456. *In the Path of Dissipation*399
  457. *The Danger of Amusements*400
  458. *Guided by Principle*400
  459. SECTION XIV401
  460. Social Relations401
  461. SOCIAL TO SAVE—136403
  462. *Association Influences Destiny*404
  463. CHRISTIAN SOCIABILITY AND COURTESY — 137405
  464. GUIDING PRINCIPLES — 138407
  465. *The Prodigal*408
  466. *God’s Gracious Invitation*408
  467. *Surrounded by God’s Mercies*409
  468. THE INFLUENCE OF ASSOCIATION—139411
  469. *The Measure of Strength*412
  470. *Trustworthy and Faithful*415
  471. INFLUENCE — 140417
  472. *Our Responsibility*417
  473. THE CHOICE OF COMPANIONS—141419
  474. THE GOLDEN RULE — 142420
  475. TRUE REFINEMENT — 143421
  476. *True Courtesy Needed*422
  477. *Choice of Companions*422
  478. REJECTING WORLDLY ASSOCIATIONS—144423
  479. *Our Words a Source of Help*424
  480. *Our Influence*424
  481. EXALTED CONVERSATION — 145425
  482. *The Reason for Low Standards*425
  483. *Need of Heavenly-Mindedness*426
  484. *A Vigorous Process of Sanctification*427
  485. SOWING WILD OATS—146429
  486. *Temptation*429
  487. *Vain Amusement Not True Happiness*430
  488. IRRELIGIOUS VISITORS — 147432
  489. SECTION XV433
  490. Courtship and Marriage433
  491. TRUE LOVE—148435
  492. *Seeking Counsel*435
  493. *Choice of Companions*436
  494. WRONG FORMS OF COURTSHIP—149[^*]437
  495. *Influence on Religious Experience*437
  496. *Early Marriages*438
  497. ENGAGEMENT WITH UNBELIEVERS—150439
  498. *Tests of Love*439
  499. *Results of Disobedience*440
  500. *A Broken Engagement*441
  501. *Mature Judgment Essential*442
  502. NEED OF COUNSEL AND GUIDANCE—151443
  503. *A Perfect Guide*444
  504. *Honorable Conduct*445
  505. *Need of Sound Judgment*447
  506. *Parents to Be Consulted*448
  507. *Treatment of Mother an Index*450
  508. *Impulse Not Reliable*450
  509. *Divine Love*451
  510. PREMATURE MARRIAGE—152452
  511. *The Danger of Early Attachments*452
  512. MARRIAGES, WISE AND UNWISE—153453
  513. *Unequally Yoked*453
  514. *Proper Association*454
  515. *Hasty Marriages*455
  516. *Influenced to Marriage by Satan*455
  517. MARRYING AND GIVING IN MARRIAGE — 154456
  518. *Unholy Infatuation*456
  519. *Violating the Laws of Health and Modesty*457
  520. *Disregard for Counsel*458
  521. *Characteristics of True Love*459
  522. *Seeking Divine Guidance*460
  523. RESPONSIBILITIES OF MARRIAGE—155461
  524. GOOD JUDGMENT AND SELF-CONTROL462
  525. *Looking Ahead*462
  526. *The Domination of Passion*462
  527. *Necessity of Self-Control*463
  528. THE EXAMPLE OF ISAAC—157464

Illustrations

Ellen G. White.Ellen G. White.