Testimony for the Church — No. 27

Testimony Given Jan. 5, 1875.

The following testimony, given in my last vision, I wrote in my tent between the services of the Vermont Camp-Meeting, August, 1875. It sets forth the condition of things at B—— C—— in January, 1875. Developments during the following summer fully justified the apparent severity of the testimony. In September I read portions of it to that church, and a great work commenced under our labors, yet, for the benefit of that church and others, I give the testimony in this humble work. T27 65.1

Darkness is getting the control where only the Spirit of God should rule. But few who were engaged in the work realized the necessity of personal effort and individual responsibility in whatever department they occupied. Few felt the sacredness of the work in which they were engaged. They regarded it as upon a common level with ordinary enterprises. T27 65.2

Selfishness predominated with many, who should know that a life of self-sacrificing love is a life of peace and liberty. Those who seek happiness by gratifying themselves and looking out mainly for their own interests are on the wrong track to secure happiness even upon earth. Whoever is unfaithful in the least of his duties, is unfaithful in much. If he neglects to faithfully perform the small tasks devolving upon him, he proves himself incapable of bearing weightier responsibilities, and indicates that he is not wholehearted in the work, and does not have an eye single to the glory of God. T27 65.3

Some are ready to define the duties that belong to others, and realize the full importance of their responsibilities, but fail to readily perceive their own. Personal fidelity and individual responsibility is needed in the Health Institute especially, and in the Office, the church and school. If each one connected with these institutions were listening eagerly to hear what Jesus directed them to do, instead of turning to ask what this man or that man shall do, we should witness a great change in every department of the work. If the language of each heart was, I must listen to Christ's teachings and obey his voice, no one can do my work for me, the attention of others can never repair my negligence, then we might see the cause of God advancing as it has never done before. T27 66.1

It is this holding back, waiting for others to do, that brings spiritual feebleness. To reserve one's energies is a sure way to lessen them. Jesus requires implicit obedience and willing submission from all his servants. There must be no halting or self-indulgence in the service of Christ. There is no concord between Christ and Belial. What a lack of devotion to the work of God, what a want of care-taking has there been at B—— C——. T27 66.2

The heart of W—— B—— has not been devoted to God. He has capabilities and talents for which he must render an account to the great Giver of all. His heart has been unconsecrated and his life unworthy of his profession. Yet he has been closely connected with the sacred work of God for more than a score of years. What light he has had, what privileges! He has enjoyed the rarest opportunities to develop a substantial Christian character. The words of Christ when he wept over Jerusalem, are applicable to him: “Oh, that thou hadst known, even thou, the things that belong unto thy peace, but now they are hidden from thine eyes.” W——, the retribution of God hangs over you, because “thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.” T27 66.3

B—— S—— is of the same cast of mind, but not so thoroughly selfish. Both are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. Their course is entirely inconsistent with the Christian life. They lack stability, sobriety, and devotion to God. With B—— S—— the work of grace is altogether too superficial. He desires to be a Christian but does not strive to maintain the victory over self and act up to his convictions of right and wrong. Deeds, not idle words and empty intentions, are acceptable to God. T27 67.1

W—— B——, you have heard the Word of God in reproofs, in counsels, in warnings, as well a sin the entreaties of love. But hearing is not enough. “Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” It is easy to be borne along by the current, and to cry, Hosannah! with the multitude; but in the calm of every-day life, when there is no special excitement or exaltation, then comes the test of true Christianity. It is then that your heart becomes cold, and your zeal abates, and religious exercises become distasteful to you. T27 67.2

You positively neglect to do the will of God. “Ye are,” says Christ, “my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. This is the condition imposed, this is the test that proves men's characters. Feelings are often deceiving, emotions are no sure safe-guard, for they are variable and subject to external circumstances. Many are deluded by relying on sensational impressions. What are you doing for Christ, that is the question? What sacrifices are you making? What victories are you gaining? A selfish spirit overcome, a temptation to neglect duty resisted, passion subdued, and willing, cheerful obedience rendered to the will of Christ, is far greater evidence that you are a child of God than spasmodic piety and emotional religion. T27 68.1

You have both been averse to reproof; it has ever awakened disaffection and murmuring in your hearts against your best friend, who has ever sought to do you good, and whom you have every reason to respect. You have separated yourselves from him, and thereby vexed the Spirit of God, by rising up against the words he has given his servants to speak in regard to your course. You have not listened to those admonitions, and have thus rejected the Spirit of God and turned it from your hearts, and have become careless and indifferent in your deportment. T27 68.2

Bro. W——, you should have gained a valuable experience during the many years you have been blessed by the great light God has permitted to shine upon your pathway. I heard a voice saying in reference to you, “It is an unfruitful tree, why should its fruitless branches shadow the space that a fruitful tree might occupy? Cut it down, for why cumbereth it the ground?” Then I heard the pleading tones of Mercy's sweet voice, saying, “Spare it a little longer; I will dig about its roots, I will prune it. Give it one more trial; if it fails to be fruitful then, you may cut it down.” So a little longer probation is granted the unproductive tree, a little longer time for the barren life to blossom and bear fruit. Will the opportunity given be improved? Will the warnings of God's Spirit be heeded? The words of Jesus in regard to Jerusalem, after she had slighted the salvation graciously offered by her Redeemer, are also, in substance, spoken unto you: “Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem! how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen gathereth her brood under her wings, and ye would not.” Christ plead, he invited, but his love was unrequited by the people he came to save. You have done no better in your day than did the poor, self-deceived and blinded Jews in theirs. You might have improved your blessed privileges and opportunities, and perfected Christian character, but your heart has been rebellious and you “would not” humble yourself to be properly converted and live in obedience to God's requirements. T27 69.1

The unreconciled feelings and murmurings which have been expressed by some, have also been festering in your soul, although you have not dared to speak out plainly to the same effect. It would have been better for the Office and all concerned, had you been separated from it years ago. The more light you have had, the more privileges you have enjoyed, the less sincerity and righteousness have you manifested. Your heart has been carnal, and you have neglected the expressed Word of God. Although you have been hedged about with warnings and counsels, and have had the strongest evidence that God was in this work and that his voice was speaking to you, yet you have slighted and rejected solemn reproofs, and gone on your own selfish, willful way. T27 70.1

Sometimes your fears have been aroused, but still you have never realized your wretched spiritual condition, and absolute danger. You have repeatedly fallen back again into the same state of indifference and selfishness. Your repentance has never gone deep enough to perfect a thorough reformation. You have had a surface work, but not the entire transformation necessary to bring you into acceptance with God. “He that followeth me,” says Christ, “shall not walk in darkness.” Through the greater part of your professed Christian life you have walked in darkness because you failed to connect with Heaven and receive the pure light of God's Spirit. T27 70.2

If you were in daily communion with the Lord, and cultivated a love for souls, you would grow out of self and become an earnest worker in the vineyard of the Lord. You would perceive how the faithful performance of the duties of life would preserve you from self-love and gratification. You have not been diligent and sought to gain an advanced experience every day. You should be at this time a trusty man in any position of responsibility, but selfishness has marked the performance of everything you have set your hand to do. You have been wise in your own conceit, but have failed to gain wisdom from many years’ experience. T27 71.1

B—— S—— has been vain. He might have moved steadily forward, growing in grace, but the external appearance has seemed to him more important than the inward adorning, even the garment of a meek and quiet spirit, which God accounts of great value. Unbelievers, who have been engaged in the Office, but have not had the light of present truth as you have had, nevertheless have been far more faithful and conscientious than either of you whom I am addressing. T27 71.2

If you had been diligently gathering with Christ, some of these would now be with us in the truth. But your lives were a stumbling-block to them. God looks upon those unbelievers with greater pity and favor than upon those who believe the truth yet deny him in their works. That belief that is laid aside when convenient, put on and off like a garment, is not the religion of Christ, but a spurious article that will not bear the tests even of this world. T27 71.3

True religion is ever distinctly seen in our words and deportment and in every act of life. Religion should never be divorced from business with the followers of Christ. They should go hand in hand, and God's commandments should be strictly regarded in all the details of worldly matters. The knowledge that we are children of God should give a high tone of character even to the every-day duties of life, making us not slothful in business, but fervent in spirit. Such a religion as this bears the scrutiny of a critical world with a grand consciousness of integrity. T27 72.1

Every workman in the Office should consider himself as God's steward, and should do his work with exactness and faithful vigilance. The constant inquiry should be, “Is this in accordance with the will of God? Will this please my Redeemer?” Bible religion elevates the reason until Christ is blended with all the thoughts. Every action, every word and every moment of our lives should bear the impress of our holy faith. The end of all things is at hand and we have no time to be idle or to live in pleasure, at cross-purposes with God. T27 72.2

The Lord will not be trifled with. Those who neglect his mercies and blessings in this day of opportunities will bring impenetrable darkness upon themselves, and be candidates for the wrath of God. Sodom and Gomorrah were visited with the curse of the Almighty, for their sins and iniquities. There are those in our day who have equally abused the mercies of God and slighted his warnings. It will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgment, than for those who bear the name of Christ yet dishonor him by living unconsecrated lives. This class are laying up for themselves a fearful retribution, when God in his wrath shall visit them with his judgments. T27 73.1

Sinners who have not had the light and privileges of Seventh-day Adventists, will be in a more favorable position before God, in their ignorance, than those who have been unfaithful while in close connection with his work, professing to love and serve him. The tears of Christ upon the mount came from an anguished, breaking heart because of his unrequited love and the ingratitude of his chosen people. He had labored untiringly to save them from the fate that they seemed determined to bring upon themselves. But they refused his mercy, and knew not the time of their visitation. Their day of privilege was ending, yet they were so blinded by sin that they knew it not. T27 73.2

Jesus looked down through the centuries, even to the close of time, and, taking in the cases of all who had and would repay his love and admonitions with selfishness and neglect, addressed to them those solemn words declaring that they knew not the time of their visitation. The Jews were gathering over them the dark clouds of retribution, and many today, in like manner, are drawing upon themselves the wrath of God, because of opportunities unheeded, the counsels and love of Jesus scorned, and his servants despised and hated for speaking the truth. T27 73.3

There is no place on the face of the earth where so great a light has been granted, as at B—— C——. Even Jerusalem of old was not more greatly favored with the beams of Heaven's light shining upon the way that her people should tread. Yet they have failed to walk in the full radiance of the light, by faithful obedience, serving God night and day. A sickly, dwarfed religion is the result of neglecting to follow the revealed light of the Spirit of the Lord. Energy and love increase as we exercise them, and the Christian graces can only develop by careful cultivation. T27 74.1

The state of many in B—— C—— is truly alarming, especially is this the case with a majority of the youth. Families have moved to the place with the understanding that they were not to burden the church, but to be a help to it. With a considerable number the result has been quite the contrary. The neglect of parents to properly discipline their children, has been a fruitful source of evil in many families. The youth have not been restrained, as they should have been. Parents have neglected to follow the directions of the Word of God in this matter, and the children have taken the reins of government in their own hands. The consequence has been that they have generally succeeded in ruling their parents, instead of being under their authority. T27 74.2

The parents are blind to the true state of their children, who have entirely succeeded in deceiving them. But those who have lost the control of their children are not pleased when others seek to control them, or point out their defects for the purpose of correcting them. The cause of God has been retarded in B—— C——, by parents bringing their unruly and undisciplined children into this large church. Many are living in constant neglect of their duty to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, yet these very ones have most to say concerning the wickedness of the youth in B—— C——, when it is the wrong example and evil influence of their own children that has demoralized the young people with whom they have associated. T27 75.1

Such families have brought upon this church its heaviest burdens. They come with false ideas. They seem to expect the church to be faultless, and that it will take the responsibility of making their children Christians, those very children whom they, as parents, are unable to control or keep within bounds. They throw themselves upon the church, a terrible and crushing weight. They might be of some help if they would yield their selfishness and strive to honor God, and try to repair the mistakes they have made in their lives. T27 75.2

But they do no such thing, they hold themselves aloof, ready to criticize the lack of spirituality in the church, whose greatest calamity is the numbering among its members too many like themselves, dead weights, persons whose hearts and lives are unconsecrated and whose course is all wrong. The institutions located at B—— C—— have carried along too many diseased and lifeless bodies for their own prosperity and spiritual vitality. T27 76.1

The church is suffering for want of unselfish Christian workers. If all those who are, as a rule, unable to resist temptation, and are too weak to stand alone, would remain away from B—— C——, there would be a much purer spiritual atmosphere in that place. Those who live upon the husks of others failings and deficiencies, and who gather to themselves the unwholesome miasma of their neighbor's neglects and shortcomings, making themselves church scavengers, are no advantage to the society of which they form a part, but are an actual burden to the community upon which they inflict themselves. T27 76.2

The church is in need, not of burdens, but earnest workers, not fault-finders, but builders in Zion. Missionaries are really needed at the great heart of the work. Men who will keep the fort, men who will be true as steel to preserve the honor of those whom God has placed at the head of his work, men who will do their utmost to sustain the cause in all its departments, even at the sacrifice of their own interests and lives if need be. T27 76.3

But I was shown that there are but few who have the truth wrought in their very souls, who can bear the searching test of God. There are many who have taken hold of the truth, but the truth has not taken hold of them, to transform their hearts and cleanse them from all selfishness. There are those who come to B—— C—— to help in the work, as well as many of the old members, who have a fearful account to render to God for the hindrance they have been to the work through their self-love and unconsecrated lives. T27 77.1

Religion has no saving virtue if the characters of those professing it do not correspond with their profession. God has graciously given great light to his people in B—— C——, but Satan has his work to accomplish, and he brings his power to bear strongest at the great heart of the work. He seizes men and women who are selfish and unconsecrated, and makes of them sentinels to watch the faithful servants of God, and question their words, their actions and their motives, to find fault and murmur at their reproofs and warnings. Through them he creates suspicion and jealousy and seeks to weaken the courage of the faithful, to please the unsanctified and turn to naught the labors of God's servants. T27 77.2

Satan has had great power over the minds of parents through their undisciplined children. The sin of parental neglect stands marked against many Sabbath-keeping parents. The spirit of gossip and tale-bearing is one of Satan's special agents to sow discord and strife, to separate friends and undermine the faith of many in the truthfulness of our position. Brethren and sisters are too ready to talk of the faults and errors that they think exist in others, and especially those who have borne unflinchingly the messages of reproof and warning given them of God. T27 78.1

The children of these complainers listen with open ears, and receive the poison of disaffection. Parents are thus blindly closing the avenues through which the hearts of their children might be reached. How many families season their daily meals with doubt and questionings? They dissect the characters of their friends and serve them up as a dainty dessert. A precious bit of slander is passed around the board, to be commented upon, not only by adults but by children. In this God is dishonored. Jesus has said, “Inasmuch as ye have done this to the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Therefore Christ is slighted and abused by those who slander his servants. T27 78.2

The names of God's chosen servants have been handled with disrespect, and in some cases with absolute contempt, by certain persons whose duty it should be to uphold them. What a work are these parents doing in making infidels of their children even in their childhood! These children have not failed to hear the disrespectful remarks of their parents in reference to the solemn reproofs and warnings of God's servants. They have understood the scornful jests and deprecatory speeches that from time to time have met their ears and tended to bring sacred and eternal interests on a level with the common affairs of the world in their minds. T27 78.3

This is the way that children are taught to be irreverent and to rebel against Heaven's reproof of sin. Spiritual declension can but prevail where such evils exist. These very fathers and mothers are blinded by the enemy to marvel why their children are so inclined to unbelief and to doubt the truth of the Bible. They wonder that they are so difficult to reach by moral and religious influences. Had they spiritual eye-sight they would at once discover that this deplorable condition of things is the result of their own home influence, the offspring of their jealousy and distrust. Thus many infidels are educated in the family circle of professed Christians. T27 79.1

There are many who find a special enjoyment in discoursing and dwelling upon the defects, whether real or imaginary, of those who bear the heavy responsibilities in connection with the institutions of God. They overlook the good that has been accomplished, the benefits that have resulted from arduous labor and unflinching devotion to the cause; and fasten their attention upon some apparent mistake, some matter that, after it has been done and the consequences have followed, they fancy could have been done in a better manner with fairer results. When the truth is, had they been left to do the work, they would either have refused to move at all under the attending discouragements of the case, or would have managed more indiscreetly than those who did the work, following the opening of God's providence. T27 79.2

But these unruly talkers will fasten upon the more disagreeable features of the work, even as the lichen clings to the roughness of the rock. These persons are spiritually dwarfed by continually dwelling upon the failings and faults of others. They are morally incapable of discerning good and noble actions, unselfish endeavors, true heroism and self-sacrifice. They are not becoming nobler and loftier in their lives and hopes, more generous and broad in their ideas and plans. They are not cultivating that charity that should characterize the Christian's life. They are degenerating every day, they are becoming narrower in their prejudices and views. Littleness is their element, and the atmosphere that surrounds them is poisonous to peace and happiness. T27 80.1

The great sin of B—— C—— is neglecting to cherish the light which God has given them through his servants. Said Christ to his apostles, “He that receiveth whomsoever I send, receiveth me; and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me.” Here it is made plain that those who reject the messages of God's servants, reject not only the Son but also the Father. T27 81.1

Again he says, “But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you; notwithstanding, be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the Judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. He that heareth you heareth me, and he that despiseth you despiseth me, and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.” T27 81.2

How awfully solemn are these words! How important that we should not be found rejecting the warnings and admonitions that God delivers through his humble instruments; for in slighting the light brought by his messengers, we slight the Saviour of the world and the King of Glory. Many are running this terrible risk and bringing upon themselves the condemnation of God. The Almighty will not be trifled with nor allow his voice to be disregarded with impunity. T27 81.3

Brn. L—— and G—— did not bring that relief to the cause at B—— C—— that they should have brought. Had they both taken hold humbly, in the fear of God, and persevered in well-doing both in the church and Office, they would have been a great blessing to the work of God. Had they felt their accountability to God for the training and discipline of their children, they would have been worthy examples to others. These children needed not only the education acquired at school, but they needed home training that their mental and moral powers should be developed in due proportion, each having its required exercise. The physical, mental and spiritual capabilities should be developed in order to form a properly balanced character. T27 82.1

Children should be watched, guarded, and disciplined in order to successfully accomplish this. It requires skill and patient effort to mould the young in the right manner. Certain evil tendencies are to be carefully restrained and tenderly rebuked, the mind is to be stimulated in favor of the right. The child should be encouraged in attempting to govern self, and all this is to be done judiciously, or the very purpose desired is frustrated. T27 82.2

Parents may well inquire, “Who is sufficient for these things?” God alone is the sufficiency, and if they leave him out of the question, seeking not his aid and counsel, hopeless indeed is the task of the parents. T27 83.1

But, by prayer, and study of the Bible, by earnest zeal on their part, they may succeed nobly in this important duty, and be repaid an hundred-fold for all their time and care. But gossiping and anxiety for the external appearance has taken the precious time that should have been devoted to prayer and the seeking of wisdom and strength from God to fulfill their most sacred trusts. Parents who are wise unto salvation, will so order their surroundings that they will be favorable to the formation of correct characters in their children, This is almost always in their power. The source of wisdom is open from which they may draw all necessary knowledge in this direction. T27 83.2

The Bible should be their text-book, a volume rich in instruction. If they train their children according to its precepts, they not only set their young feet in the right path, but they educate themselves in their most holy duties. Impressions made upon the minds of the young are hard to efface. How important then that these impressions should be of the right sort, bending the elastic faculties of youth in the right direction. T27 83.3

Certain parents have come to B—— C—— with their children and dropped them into the church, as if they resigned from thenceforth all responsibility of their moral and religious training. Brother and sister L. and brother and sister G. have made a decided failure in disciplining their children, as well as in properly regulating themselves. Their children have gloried in their freedom to do as they pleased. They have been released from home responsibilities and have despised restraint. T27 84.1

A life of usefulness appears to them like a life of drudgery. Lax government at home has unfitted them for any position, and, as a natural consequence, they have rebelled against school discipline. Their complaints have been received and credited by their parents, who, in sympathizing with their imaginary troubles, have encouraged their children in wrong-doing. These parents have in many instances believed positive untruths that have been foisted upon them by their deceiving children. A few such cases of unruly and dissembling children would do much towards breaking down all authority in the school and demoralizing the young people of our church. T27 84.2

There is perfect order in Heaven, perfect concord and agreement. If parents so neglect to bring their children under proper authority here, how can they hope that they will be considered fit companions for the holy angels in a world of peace and harmony. Indulgent parents who justify their children in their wrong-doing are thereby creating an element that will bring discord into society and subvert the authority of both school and church. T27 84.3

Children need watchful care and guidance as never before, for Satan is striving to gain the control of their minds and hearts, and driving out the Spirit of God. The fearful state of the youth of this age constitutes one of the strongest signs that we are living in the last days. But the ruin of many may be traced directly to the wrong management of the parents. The spirit of murmuring against reproof has been taking root and is bearing its fruit of insubordination. While the parents are not pleased with the characters their children are developing, they fail to see the errors that make them what they are. T27 85.1

Eli remonstrated with his sons, but did not act promptly in restraining them. The ease-loving, affectionate father was warned of God that retribution would follow his neglect, but even then he did not feel the importance of at once putting the disgusting evil away from Israel. He should have taken prompt measures himself, but instead of this he, with remarkable submission, says, “Let the Lord do as seemeth him good.” If he had been aroused to the full guilt of his neglect, Israel might have been saved from the humility of defeat, and the ark of God would not have fallen into the enemy's hands. T27 85.2

God condemns the negligence that dallies with sin and crime, and the insensibility that is slow to detect its baleful presence in the families of professed Christians. He holds parents accountable, in a great degree, for the faults and follies of their offspring. God visited with his curse, not only the sons of Eli, but Eli himself, and this fearful example should be a warning to the parents of this time. T27 86.1

As I looked upon the perilous situation of our youth, and was shown how indifferent the parents were to their welfare, my heart was sick and faint, angels were troubled and wept with grief. The youth are passing into the world and into the hands of Satan. They are becoming less susceptible to the sweet influences of the grace of God, bolder and more defiant, with increasing disrespect for eternal interests. I saw Satan planting his banner in the households of those who profess to be God's chosen ones; but they who are walking in the light should be able to discern the difference between the black banner of the adversary and the bloodstained standard of Jesus Christ. T27 86.2

Children should be taught by precept and example. Parents should meet this grave responsibility with fear and trembling. Fervent prayers should be offered by them for divine strength and guidance in this task. In many families the seeds of vanity and selfishness are sown in the hearts of the children almost during babyhood. Their little cunning sayings and doings are commented upon and praised in their presence, and repeated with exaggerations to others. The little ones take note of this and swell with self-importance, they presume to interrupt conversation and become forward and impudent. Flattery and indulgence fosters their vanity and willfulness, until the youngest not unfrequently rules the whole family, father and mother included. T27 86.3

The disposition formed by this sort of training cannot be laid aside as the child matures to riper judgment. It grows with his growth, and what might have appeared cunning in the baby, becomes contemptible and wicked in the man or woman. They seek to rule over their associates, and if any refuse to yield to their wishes, they consider themselves aggrieved and insulted. This is because they have been indulged to their injury in youth instead of being taught the self-denial necessary to bear the hardships and toils of life. T27 87.1

Parents frequently pet and indulge their young children because it appears easier to manage them in that way. It is smoother work to let them have their own way than to check the unruly inclinations that rise so strongly in their breasts. Yet this course is cowardly, it is a wicked thing thus to shirk responsibility, for the time will come when these children, whose inclinations, unchecked, have strengthened into absolute vices, will bring reproach and disgrace upon themselves and their families. They go out into busy life, unprepared for its temptations, not strong enough to endure perplexities and troubles, passionate, overbearing, undisciplined, they seek to bend others to their will, and, failing in this, consider themselves ill-used by the world, and turn against it. T27 87.2

The lessons of childhood, good or bad, are not learned in vain. Character is developed in youth for good or evil. At home there may be praise and false flattery. In the world each stands on his own merits. The pampered ones, to whom all home authority has yielded, are there daily subjected to mortification by being obliged to yield to others. Many are even then taught their true places by these practical lessons of life. By rebuffs and disappointments and plain language from their superiors, they often find their true level, and are humbled to understand and accept their proper places. But this is a severe and unnecessary ordeal for them to pass, and could be prevented by proper training in their youth. T27 88.1

The majority of these ill-disciplined ones go through life at cross-purposes with the world, making a failure where they should have succeeded^*. They grow to feel that the world owes them a grudge, because it does not flatter and caress them, and they take revenge by holding a grudge against the world, and bidding it defiance. Circumstances sometimes oblige them to affect a humility they do not feel, but it does not fit them with a natural grace, and their true characters are sure to be exposed sooner or later. T27 88.2

If such persons have families of their own, they become arbitrary rulers at home, and display there the selfish and unreasonable disposition they are forced to partially conceal from the outside world. Their dependents feel to the utmost all the faults of their early training. Why will parents educate their children in such a manner as to be at war with those who are brought in contact with them. T27 89.1

Their religious experience is moulded by the education of their childhood. The sad trials, which prove so dangerous to the prosperity of a church, and which cause the unbelieving to stumble and turn away with doubt and dissatisfaction, usually arise from an unsubdued and rebellious spirit, the offspring of parental indulgence in early youth. T27 89.2

How many lives are wrecked, how many crimes are committed under the influence of a quick-rising passion, that might have been checked in childhood, when the mind was impressible, and the heart easily influenced for right and was subject to a fond mother's will. Inefficient training of children lies at the foundation of a vast amount of moral wretchedness. T27 89.3

Children who are allowed to have their own way are not happy. The unsubdued heart has not within itself the elements of rest and contentment. The mind and heart must be disciplined and brought under proper restraint, in order for the character to harmonize with the wise laws that govern our being. Restlessness and discontent are the fruits of indulgence and selfishness. The soil of the heart, like a garden, will produce weeds and brambles unless the seeds of precious flowers are planted there and receive care and cultivation. As in visible nature, so is it with the human soul. T27 89.4

The youth of B—— C—— are in a startling condition. While some of the church have been burdened in regard to those occupying responsible positions, and have been finding fault and murmuring against reproof, insinuating their doubts, and gossiping of the affairs of others, their own souls have been enshrouded in darkness, and their children have been leavened with the spirit that was working upon their parents. This disposition is calculated to break down all restraint and authority. God holds these parents responsible for the malice and rebellion of the youth in their midst. T27 90.1

Satan has succeeded wonderfully in his plans. Men of experience, fathers of families, who manifest a headstrong defiance when their track is crossed, show plainly that they cannot or do not control themselves. Then how can they succeed in controlling their children, who follow in their steps, and rebel against their authority and all other restraint, even as they themselves rebel against the authority of the church, and the institutions with which they are connected. Some of these professed Christians have yielded themselves into the hands of Satan and have become his instruments. They influence souls against the truth, by exhibiting their insubordination and restless discontent. While professing righteousness, they are flying into the face of the Almighty, and before they are aware of the enormity of their sin, they have accomplished the object of the adversary. The impression has been made, the shadow of darkness has been cast, the arrows of Satan have found then mark. Verily, a little leaven has leavened the entire lump. Unbelief creeps in, takes hold, fastens its grasp upon minds that would have wholly accepted the truth. T27 90.2

Meanwhile these spasmodic workers for Satan, look innocently upon those who have drifted into skepticism, who stand unmoved under reproof or entreaty, and go farther in unbelief than even they had dared to venture, and flatter themselves that they are, in comparison with these persons, virtuous and righteous. They fail to understand that these sad cases are the result of their own unbridled tongues and wicked rebellion, that these tempted ones have fallen through their evil influence. They started the difficulty, they sowed the seeds of anarchy and unbelief. T27 91.1

No family is justified in bringing children to B—— C—— who are not under the control of their parents. If their parents have disregarded the Word of God in the matter of instructing and training their children, B—— C—— is no place for them. They will only be the means of demoralizing the young people of that place, and bringing discord where peace and prosperity should reign. Let such parents take up the neglected work of restraining and disciplining their children before they venture to impose them upon the church at B—— C——. T27 91.2

Many are as guilty of neglect towards their children as was Eli, and the punishment of God will as surely rest upon them as upon him. The case of Bro. Ingraham was a marked one. God's hand was stretched out in the wrath of his retribution, not only over his children, but himself. The Word of God was plain, but its admonitions had been trampled underfoot; warnings had been given unto him, reproofs administered, but all were unheeded and the curse fell upon him. It is a terrible thing to neglect the education of children. Not only will they be lost in consequence, but the parents themselves, who have so far departed from God as to lose all sense of their sacred responsibility, stand in a very perilous position as regards eternal life. T27 92.1

Fond and indulgent parents, let me present the case of a rebellious son as recorded in Bible history for your instruction. “If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them, then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place; and they shall say unto the elders of his city, this our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard. And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die. So shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.” T27 92.2

Both the young and old who are connected with the Office should be looked after closely, lest their influence should be such as to work directly against the object designed by the Office. If there are any employees whose influence is of a character to lead away from God and the truth, there should not be a moment's question as to the disposal of their cases. They should be separated from the Office at once, for they are scattering from Christ instead of gathering with him. They are virtually servants of Satan. T27 93.1

If there are young people connected with the Office who do not respect the authority of parents, and are ungovernable at home, despising counsel and restraint, the curse of God will fall upon them, and not only upon them, but upon the Office, should they retain their services, and give them farther opportunity to pervert the young with whom they are brought in contact there. Those who occupy responsible positions in the Office are accountable for the prevailing influence there. And if they are indifferent to the course of the insubordinate and impenitent in their employ, they become partakers of their sin. T27 93.2

There has been a covering up of iniquity in B—— C——. God calls for a different order of things. The youth connected with his work should be select, those who will be improved, refined and ennobled by being associated with the cause of God. Faithful minute-men are needed at every post of duty, especially at the great heart of the work. Those who profess the truth should guard, like sleepless sentinels, the interest of the cause at the Office, and sacredly guard themselves and each other from spiritual contamination. T27 94.1

Those who have imbibed the spirit of independence, and come to B—— C—— as students in our schools, thinking to do as they please in all matters, should be quickly undeceived and brought under proper discipline. But especially should the youth residing at B—— C——, be brought under the strictest rules, to guard their integrity and morality. If they refuse to submit to these regulations, they should be expelled from the school, and cut off from association with those whom they are demoralizing by their wrong example. T27 94.2

Parents living at a distance send their children to B—— C—— to educate them, feeling perfect confidence that they will there receive the proper moral training and not be exposed to wrong influences. It is due these patrons of our school, to purify the moral atmosphere there. A lack of propriety and a laxness of strict virtue has been developing among a certain class of young men and women in B—— C——. Some of these are low in the scale of morality, and are influencing the young students, who have been sent there from a distance, and have not the advantages of parental advice and protection. This should be attended to at once for it is a matter of grave importance. T27 94.3

The influence of some youth in B—— C—— is demoralizing. They seem to think it praise-worthy to appear independent and to disrespect the authority of their parents. Timothy gives a faithful description of this class of youth in these words, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come; for men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” T27 95.1

The influence of this class upon the youth of B—— C—— is doing much harm. Their conversation and example is contemptibly low. The young whose morals are established, and whose minds are of an elevated character, would find no attraction in their society and would therefore be beyond the reach of their influence. But there are young men and women who find pleasure in the company of just such persons. Satan has marked success in benumbing the spiritual sensibilities of certain minds who have believed the truth, and clouding them with false ideas until they are unable to discern right from wrong. Then suggestions are made to undermine their confidence in the chosen servants of God, and they are led into positive unbelief. T27 95.2

If the young would choose the company of those whose lives are an honor to their profession, they would escape many serious dangers. Satan is constantly seeking the ruin of those who are ignorant concerning his devices, yet feel not their special need of the prayers and counsel of experienced and godly friends. Many of the youth who come to B—— C—— with good resolutions to live Christian lives, fall in with a class of young people who take them by the hand, under the guise of friendship, and lead them directly into Satan's snare. The enemy does not always come as a roaring lion, he frequently appears as an angel of light, assuming friendly airs, presenting peculiar temptations, difficult for the inexperienced to withstand. Sometimes he accomplishes his purpose of deluding the unwary, by exciting the pity of their sympathetic natures, when he presents himself before them as a righteous being who has been persecuted without a cause. T27 96.1

Satan finds willing instruments to do his work. He exercises a skill in this direction that years of experience has perfected. He uses the accumulated knowledge of ages to execute his malicious designs. Ignorant youth play themselves into the hands of Satan for him to use as instruments to lead souls to ruin. Those who yield to Satan's power gain no happiness thereby. They are never contented or at rest. They are dissatisfied, querulous and irritable, unthankful and rebellious. Such an one is the young man now under review. But God will have mercy upon him, if he sincerely repents, and becomes converted. His sins may be washed away by the atoning blood of Jesus. T27 96.2

The Saviour of the world offers to the erring the gift of eternal life. He watches for a response to his offers of love and forgiveness with a more tender compassion than that which moves the heart of an earthly parent to forgive a wayward, repenting, suffering son. He cries after the wanderer, Return unto me and I will return unto you. If the sinner still refuses to heed the voice of mercy which calls after him with tender, pitying love, his soul will be left in darkness. T27 97.1

But if he neglects the opportunity presented him and goes on in his evil course, the wrath of God will, in an unexpected moment, break forth upon him. Those who, being often reproved, harden their hearts, shall be suddenly destroyed, and that without remedy. This young man has made light of his father's authority, and despised restraint. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It lays at the foundation of a proper education. Those who, having a favorable opportunity, have failed to learn this first great lesson, are not only disqualified for service in the cause of God, but are a positive injury to the community in which they live. T27 97.2

Solomon exhorts the youth, “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother, for they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets; she crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the opening of the gates; in the city she uttereth her words, saying, how long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at my reproof; behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Because I have called and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand and no man regarded; but ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof. I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me. For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord. They would none of my counsel; they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” T27 98.1

Order should be maintained in the different institutions of our church at B—— C——. Insubordination should be overruled. None should be retained in the Office who have been instructed by Sabbath-keeping parents, and have been privileged to hear the truth, yet rebel against its teachings. No persons should be connected with the sacred work of God who speak lightly of it, or treat our holy faith with disrespect. Those who have been connected with the Office for quite a length of time, and have had ample opportunity to become acquainted with our faith, yet manifest opposition to the truth, should not longer be retained in the Office. T27 99.1

Their influence is against the truth if they continue to neglect the light, and slight salvation. This very indifference has a chilling influence upon the faith of others, to draw them away from God. These impenitent, unimpressible ones should not occupy positions that might be filled by persons who will respect the truth and yield to the influence of the Spirit of God by being so closely connected with this sacred work. T27 99.2

The influence of our young people in the Office is not what it should be. W—— and B—— have virtually worked against the cause. The influence of their conversation and deportment has been such as to disgust unbelievers and turn them from our faith and from Christ. The young who heed not the warnings of the Word of God, and slight the testimonies of the Spirit of God can only be a living curse to the Office, and should be separated from it. T27 99.3

The youth whose influence is demoralizing, should have no connection with our college. Those who are possessed of a love-sick sentimentalism, and make their attendance at school an opportunity for courting and exchanging improper attentions, should be brought under the closest restrictions. Authority must be maintained. Justice and Mercy are twin sisters standing side by side. T27 100.1

If no efforts are made to correct the state of things existing at B—— C——, it will soon be a place for the encouragement of immorality and dissipation. Will parents and those in charge of our institutions sleep while Satan is taking possession of the mind of the children? God abhors the sins that are fostered and concealed by the church, cherished in the Office, and sheltered under the paternal roof. Let parents, and those in authority, earnestly take hold of the work and purge this evil from their midst. T27 100.2

We are living in the last days. John exclaims: “Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Jesus Christ is the only refuge in these perilous times. Satan is at work in secrecy and darkness. Cunningly he draws away the followers of Christ from the cross, and brings them into self-indulgence and wickedness. T27 100.3

Vital interests are located at B—— C——, and Satan is opposed to everything that will strengthen the cause of Christ and weaken his own power. He is diligently laying plans to undermine the work of God. He never rests for a moment when he sees that the right is gaining the ascendency. He has legions of evil angels that he sends to every point where light from Heaven is shining upon the people. Here he stations his pickets to seize every unguarded man, woman, or child, and pass them over to his service. T27 101.1

B—— C—— is the great heart of the work, and, as the human heart throws out its living current of blood into the body, so does the management of this headquarters of our church affect the whole body of believers. If the physical heart is healthy, the blood that is sent from it through the system is also healthy; but if this fountain is impure, the whole organism becomes diseased by the poison of the vital fluid. So it is with us. If the heart of the work becomes corrupt, the whole church, in its various branches and interests, scattered abroad over the face of the earth, suffers in consequence. T27 101.2

Satan's chief work is at the headquarters of our faith. He spares no pains to corrupt men in responsible positions, and persuade them to be unfaithful to their trusts. He insinuates his suspicions and jealousies in the minds of those whose business it is to do God's work faithfully. While God is testing and proving these helpers, and fitting them for their posts, Satan is doing his utmost to deceive and allure them, that they may not only be destroyed but influence others to do wrong and injure the great work. He seeks by all the means in his power to shake the confidence of God's people in the voice of warning and reproof, by which God designs to purify the church and prosper his cause. T27 101.3

It is Satan's plan to weaken the faith of God's people in the testimonies. Next follows skepticism in regard to the vital points of our faith, the pillars of our position, then doubt as to the Holy Scriptures, and then the downward march to perdition. When the testimonies, once believed, are doubted, and given up, Satan knows the deceived ones will not stop at this, but he redoubles his efforts till he launches them into open rebellion, which becomes incurable and ends in destruction. T27 102.1

Satan has gained marked advantage in B—— C——, because the people of God have not guarded the outposts. The very men whose labors God has signified he would accept if they were fully consecrated, have been the ones to be deceived, to fail in their duties, and to prove a terrible burden and discouragement, instead of the help and blessing that they should have been. These men who were trusted to keep the fort, have well nigh betrayed it into the hands of the enemy. They have opened the gates to a wily foe who sought to destroy them. T27 102.2

Men of experience have seen stealthy hands slipping the bolts that Satan might enter, yet they have held their peace with apparent indifference as to the results. Some have been glad to see this, as it seemed an extenuation of their past neglect, which made it a necessity to call for others to fill the posts of responsibility that they had abused or neglected. This lack of watchfulness on the part of these newer incumbents seemed to excuse the former for their own want of faithfulness, pointing the fact that others were fully as derelict in their duty. T27 103.1

These persons do not realize that God holds them responsible for every advantage gained by the foe who is admitted to the fort. The desolation and ruin following lays at the door of the unfaithful sentinels, who, by their neglect, become agents in the hands of the adversary to win souls to destruction. Men in responsible positions should seek wisdom and guidance of God and not trust in their own judgment and knowledge. They should, like Solomon, earnestly pray for faith and light, and he will give them freely of his abundant supply. T27 103.2

God would have his work done intelligently, not in a hap-hazard manner. He would have it done with faith and careful exactitude, that he may place the sign of his approval upon it. Those who love him and walk with fear and humility before him, he will bless, and guide, and connect them with Heaven. If the workers rely upon him he will give them wisdom and correct their infirmities, so that they will be able to do the work of the Lord with perfection. T27 103.3

We must put on the armor and be prepared to successfully resist all the attacks of Satan. His malignity and cruel power is not sufficiently estimated. When he finds himself foiled upon one point, he assumes new ground and fresh tactics, and tries again, working wonders in order to deceive and destroy the children of men. The youth should be carefully warned against his power, and patiently and prayerfully directed how to endure the trials sure to come upon them in this life. They should be led to cling to the Word of God and give attention to counsel and advice. T27 104.1

Living faith in the merits of a crucified Redeemer will carry them through the fiery furnace of affliction and trial. The form of the Fourth will be with them in the fierce heat of the furnace, which will not leave even the smell of fire upon their garments. Children should be encouraged to become Bible students and have firm religious principles that will stand the test of the perils sure to be experienced by all those who live upon earth during the last days, in the closing history of the world. T27 104.2