Sermons and Talks, vol. 2

Chapter 38—Address to Young People

Manuscript 61, 1907

[By Mrs. E. G. White, St. Helena Camp Meeting, June 27, 1907.]

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” [Hebrews 12:1]. 2SAT 285.1

The weights that are here referred to are the evil habits and practices we have formed by following our own natural dispositions. Who are the witnesses? They are those spoken of in the previous chapter, those who have breasted the evils and difficulties in their way, and who in the name of the Lord have braced themselves successfully against the opposing forces of evil. They were sustained and strengthened, and the Lord held them by His hand. 2SAT 285.2

There are other witnesses. All about us are those who are watching us closely, to see how we who profess a belief in the truth conduct ourselves. At all times and in all places, so far as possible, we must magnify the truth before the world. 2SAT 285.3

Now “let us lay aside every weight.” Let us divorce ourselves from our own evil dispositions. “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” We are not to stand still. We must advance, advance, and still advance. 2SAT 285.4

“Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.” Thank the Lord that He is both the Author and also the Finisher of our faith. “Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” [Hebrews 12:2]. 2SAT 285.5

There is a joy and a cross set before each one of you. You may think the cross is hard to bear, but remember that there is a joy before you. You need not feel, if a little cloud passes before your mind, that God has forsaken you. Take your Bible, turn right to the Psalm, and read of how we are to praise the Lord at all times. “I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth” [Psalm 34:1]. God is full of mercy. All He wants for you is that you will open the door of your heart and let Him come in and sanctify your heart and your mind. 2SAT 285.6

Christ is presented before us as our example. He “endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him: for whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” [Hebrews 12:2-7]. 2SAT 285.7

There is a great work before us, and each individual has a special part to act. We shall not all have the very same line of service, but if we will commit our ways fully unto the Lord, He will direct our paths. Oh, that there were hundreds more of consecrated young people! God wants a large army of earnest, consecrated youth to gird on the armor, and to fight manfully the battles of the Lord. There is a work for each one to do. 2SAT 286.1

If you will only follow on to know the Lord, and do His bidding, you will know by your experience that God will suggest thoughts to you as you attempt to speak words to those who are around you, to restrain them from doing wrong, and to point out to them the way of life. It is your privilege to tell them of the Word of the living God, and to counsel them in kindness and in love. Never get impatient, even if their requirements may seem unreasonable, but thank the Lord with heart and soul and voice that you have the privilege of becoming a child of God, and heir of heaven. “Rejoice in the Lord always,” and through His grace you may overcome one difficulty after another. Such an experience will strengthen your faith, that you may believe that it is possible for you to be an overcomer. 2SAT 286.2

There are young people in this place for whom I have felt a great burden. I have talked with them. I have said to them, “God has designed that you should become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. In the name of the Lord you may perfect Christian characters. You are members of Christ's body. He died for you, and He has in heaven a crown laid up for you, if you will be an overcomer.” 2SAT 286.3

But some for whom I have been burdened have placed themselves in positions where it was difficult for them to keep the love of the truth. They formed associations with other youth who in their words and actions manifested objectionable traits of character. They lost a sense of what God requires of them, and what He longs to do for them. Oh, if they had but followed on to know the Lord, they might have known that His going forth was prepared as the morning. I tried to encourage them. But when such ones form companionship with others who give themselves up to cheap conversation, and who indulge in smoking and in liquor drinking, they are lost unless they repent and become converted. 2SAT 286.4

“Make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way” [Hebrews 12:13]. We cannot realize how powerful for good or for evil is our influence upon those with whom we associate. Let us be careful that there be not found on our garments in the day of judgment the blood of precious souls. 2SAT 287.1

We hope that there are some here in this congregation who will believe in Jesus Christ, who will be buried with Him in the watery grave. Let them remember that their baptism is a semblance of death to the world, to its fashions, its customs, and its evil practices. They are to be dead to the world, but alive unto God. In Him there is for us the power of life. 2SAT 287.2

In whose name are we baptized? In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost—the three highest powers in the heavenly courts. They pledge themselves in our behalf. We may claim the strength and the victory that they may give us as we stand before the world, not to ape its fashions, not to study the fashion books, but to walk humbly with our God. “Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory” [Colossians 3:3]. Then do not dishonor your Saviour by lightness, or trifling, or by seeking for the things of the world. 2SAT 287.3

My dear young friends, you may maintain the simplicity of true Godliness. You may follow on to know the Lord, that His going forth is prepared as the morning. You may know that He is your Helper. You will have an increase of light and joy and hope and consolation in Jesus Christ, as you commit the keeping of your souls to the heavenly powers, and become separated from corrupt worldly influences. 2SAT 287.4

To make straight paths for our feet, this is our work. “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.” He will be with us every day as we advance in the narrow path, and through the straight gate that leads to life everlasting. He will be your Helper and your Strength. Let us praise Him more. We all have received very much for which to praise Him. Then let us talk much of Him, and let us love Him. 2SAT 287.5

Here are younger children. Christ loves you. When the mothers brought the little children to Jesus that He might place His hands on them in blessing, the disciples were going to send them away. The Master was giving important lessons to the people, and the disciples thought He should not be disturbed. Jesus heard their words. Said He, “Forbid them not.” “Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” [Luke 18:16]. 2SAT 287.6

I feel a deep interest in every one of these little children, and we hope that you will all treat them very tenderly. In the family, let those who are older be patient and kind to their younger brothers and sisters. They may help to educate the little ones in a knowledge of the Bible. Do not put the vim into your voice when you speak to them. Put in the blessedness that comes from doing right, from pleasing the Lord. 2SAT 288.1

Young ladies, you may greatly lighten the burdens and prolong the life of your mother, if you will relieve her from the care of many of the home duties. This will be more profitable than merely to be able to play the piano, or to dress in the latest fashion, that you may “act the lady.” 2SAT 288.2

If you will continually seek help of the Lord, you will not, when you come to the evening season of prayer, feel that you must repent of harsh or discouraging words, and unkind actions during the day. Take right hold of Christ by a living faith, and then encourage the younger children. They will do wrong sometimes, and they may get into mischief, but do not become discouraged. Shield them so far as possible from temptation, and encourage them to obey the Lord. 2SAT 288.3

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name,” that there are so many youth before me. Let us plead with the Lord in the home, and in the church, that we may be of good courage, and may go forward step by step, onward and upward toward heaven. 2SAT 288.4

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” [Hebrews 13:20, 21].—Ms. 61, 1907. 2SAT 288.5