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The Youth’s Instructor

271/477

September 1, 1898

Take Heed How You Hear

EGW

It is essential for the students of our schools to have a penetrating spirit in searching the word of God. You need, dear youth, to study most diligently, that you may understand the truths there revealed. You must bear in mind that your education is not a matter of merely human knowledge. Impressions must be made upon the mind and heart by the Spirit of God. The truth addresses itself to the heart and to the conscience. There must be a drawing nigh to the light of Christ, that you may catch his heavenly beams. YI September 1, 1898, par. 1

The truths for these times claim our especial attention; therefore take heed how you hear. You can not afford to be dull scholars in the study of the greatest and most important truths that have ever been presented to human understanding. The heart must be diligently guarded. When the precious opportunities presented to you in your school life end, you will be exposed to temptations from which you are now very largely excluded. Therefore a surface work in searching the Scriptures can be of no value to you. YI September 1, 1898, par. 2

Satan will put everything possible in operation to divert the mind, and occupy it with erring thoughts; but if your hearts are cleansed from all defilement, the word you hear will be mixed with faith. “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” “Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which can not be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” YI September 1, 1898, par. 3

Students, you can not serve God, and yet retain your selfishness, your own ways, and your ambitious projects. Your ways must change, and God's ways must become your choice. You must fall upon the Rock and be broken, or the Rock will fall upon you, and grind you to powder. Self can not have the supremacy. You have been bought with a price. Will you search diligently the word of God, to see if you are indeed receiving Christ? “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” All who have this genuine faith will practise the works of Christ, will reveal his Spirit. YI September 1, 1898, par. 4

The Lord would have the students who attend our schools influenced by the truth that is kept before them. He would have them make a most diligent use of the light that shines from his word to them, and pursue no half-way course. Come out of self, away from self, and accept Jesus Christ. Be decided, be firm, be whole-hearted. Life and death are before you. Which will you choose? This matter calls for prompt and decided action. There should be no delay; for on this question, delays are dangerous. YI September 1, 1898, par. 5

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” That law aims to convert mind and heart to correct principles of action. It will give reality to your works by making Christ your Redeemer, your stronghold. You will lay hold of his righteousness because he died to give you all the power and riches of his grace, that your practise might show your conversion. Believe in Jesus Christ as your complete Saviour. Change your way to God's way. Choose the new path, the narrow path of holiness, which will lead to perfect freedom in Christ. You may follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. YI September 1, 1898, par. 6

As line upon line and precept upon precept of the divine Word are opened before you, take heed how you hear. If the principles of our faith are accepted, new impressions will be made, new lines of work will be seen in our practise. If we give to the searching of the Scriptures a divided heart, we shall receive superficial impressions, which will quickly pass away. If we listen to the Word without giving it entrance to the heart, we shall be classed among the forgetful hearers. Only he remembers to do God's will who makes a decided confession of faith, showing to all that his faith is an active, working agency,—a faith that works by love and purifies the soul. YI September 1, 1898, par. 7

Students, take heed how you hear. The messages of God's word will not return to him void. They are to each a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. After hearing the word, we are no longer in the same position before God as before the light came. If we receive the light, and act upon it, we shall understand the scripture: “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” YI September 1, 1898, par. 8

There are those who will go forth from the place of opportunity and privilege, having heard to a purpose. Some eagerly gather up the precious gems of truth; and as they gather, their souls long for more. These will continually dig for the truth as for hidden treasure. They have anointed eyes to see, and sanctified ears to hear. They have not closed their eyes, lest they should see, nor their ears, lest they should hear. They have not barred the door of the heart, lest Jesus should find entrance. They have not stifled the conscience, nor prevented the work of the Holy Spirit upon the soul. YI September 1, 1898, par. 9

Now is the time when all should choose whom they will serve. You have been instructed abundantly in the truth: and if you now follow your own natural inclinations, it is because you reject light, and truth, and evidence. In refusing to be transformed and sanctified through the truth, you add to your past transgressions. After these opportunities and privileges, in having the truth kept before you day after day, after you have come in contact with truth and evidence and yet have made no change, your condemnation will stand written in the books of heaven. Your punishment will be just in proportion to the light you have slighted. How shall you escape if you neglect so great salvation? It would have been better for you to have been left in midnight darkness than to have had all the privileges and benefits you have received, and yet refuse to be obedient to the light given, refuse to be brought to the feet of Jesus to receive his pardon, and become witnesses for him. YI September 1, 1898, par. 10

Mrs. E. G. White