Issue 20, January 2011

Pilgrim Youth

Issue 20, January 2011

Pilgrim Youth

Issue 20, January 2011

Pilgrim Youth

Importance of Bible Study

By Mrs. E. G. White The admonition to search the Scriptures was never more appropriate than at the present time. This is an age of unrest, and the youth drink deeply of its spirit. Would that they could be made to realize the importance and the peril of the position they occupy! Would that parents and Sabbath-school teachers could be led to see their duty to guide them wisely! Never before have there been so many important interests at stake. Never were such momentous issues before any generation as await the one now coming upon the stage of action. Never were the youth of any age or country so earnestly observed by the angels of God as are the youth of today. All Heaven is watching with intense interest for every indication of the characters they are forming,whether, when brought to the test, they will stand firmly for God and the right, or be swayed by worldly influences. There are many who profess Christ, but are unacquainted with

him. They do not serve Jesus, do not love his requirements. Satan is well pleased with such, for he can use them to decoy others from the right path. But those who are truly converted, whose hearts are fully set to do right and to press against the strong current of selfindulgence and pleasure-seeking, are objects of his bitter hatred, and he will bring to bear against them all the opposing influences within his reach. God has a great work to be done in a short time. He has committed to the young talents of intellect, time, and means, and he holds them responsible for the use they make of these good gifts. He calls upon them to come to the front, to resist the corrupting, bewitching influences of this fast age, and to become qualified to labor in his cause. They cannot become fitted for usefulness without putting heart and energy into the work of preparation. Christian principle must be developed by being cherished and brought into active exercise. Self-control must be gained by earnest effort aided by the grace of God. The influence of the home and the Sabbath-school should combine to aid in this work.

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Pilgrim Youth

When the young choose the service of Christ, and prove that through divine aid they have the moral principle to govern self, they are a power for good, and an influence goes out from them that leads others to glorify God. Satan knows this, and he seeks to gain control of the talents of the young, that he may use them in his service. His bewitching snares are ever around them. He excites the natural tendency to selfishness, selfindulgence, and impatience of restraint. He allures them to ruin by absorbing their time and taking their attention, so that there is neither time nor inclination for prayer and the study of the Scriptures. He tries to make them believe that the requirements of Christ restrict their liberty and hinder their enjoyment. Is it not well to become wise as to his devices? The service of Christ is not so hard as Satan would make it appear. It is true that liberty to sin is restricted, and we must learn to suffer reproach for Christs sake. But the requirements of God are made in wisdom and goodness. In obeying them, the mind enlarges, the character improves, and the soul finds a peace and rest that the world can neither give nor take
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away. When the heart is fully surrendered to Jesus, his ways will be found to be ways of pleasantness and peace. It is a divine law that blessings come at some cost to the receiver. Those who would become wise in the sciences must study; and those who would become wise in regard to Bible truth, that they may impart that knowledge to others, must be diligent students of Gods holy word. There is no other way; they must search the Scriptures diligently, interestedly, prayerfully. Precious words of promise and encouragement, of warning, reproof, and instruction, are there found. They will learn of Christs love, the value of his blood, and the wonderful privileges afforded by his grace. Oh that parents and Sabbathschool workers would realize their responsibility to train the dear youth to love and understand the Bible! The knowledge of Gods revealed will, in which men need make no mistake, and the faithful performance of the duties therein enjoined, would tax their mental powers to the fullest extent, and develop the moral power necessary to meet the demands of the time with energy and fidelity; and after

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Pilgrim Youth

all their research, there is beyond an infinity of wisdom, love, and power. The Bible should ever be the Christians text-book; of all books it should be made the most attractive to the young. If they drink deep of its spirit, they will be prepared to withstand the wiles of Satan, and to resist the temptations of this infidel age. By its simple beauty of language, its elevated sentiment, its unerring truthfulness, its tenderness and pathos, the word of God is well calculated to impress the mind and impart rich lessons; and if teachers are wise in giving instruction, they can make its sacred truths of continual interest. taken from The Youths Instructor, May 7, 1884

Always the Bible

Always the Bible! said Horace Cooper to his sister. Arent you tired of it? Almost, said Marian, laughing; but still not quite as indignant as a boy not far off. Here we came down into the country to enjoy ourselves for the holidays, and instead of that Now, Horace, interrupted his sister, I am sure you have had lots of fun. There were rides and uncles amusing stories of his travels. There were luncheons in the arbor and walks with Charles and Fanny. Come, now, I cant let you find fault with everything. Perhaps not; but remember that on the excursion we had to sing a hymn under the trees, and to listen to a psalm. Yes, Marian. the sixty-fifth, said

Well, and then in those stories of travel, uncle brings the same Book forward constantly. In the arbor dont we sing hymns and
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Issue 20, January 2011

Pilgrim Youth

read verse by verse. In our walks, Charles and Fanny learn memory verses and ask us to do the same. So it is, returned the sister. I confess that at first the reading and prayers, morning and evening, appeared strange; but now I begin to like it. Anyway, I do not wish myself back at Uncle Herberts as I did the first day or two. Horace and Marian Cooper were orphans under the guardianship of the Uncle Herbert of whom we have heard them speak. When about ten years of age, they had been sent to boarding schools in the city. A few summers after this we find them spending a vacation with Uncle Loxley down in Cornwall, as Horace always called him. A beautiful place was Fernley, as Mr. Loxleys place was called. The house had ivied walls, surrounded by gardens. That evening in the cheerful drawing room at Fernley, Mrs. Loxley, Marian, Fanny, Charles, and Horace awaited the arrival of Mr. Loxley. Charles has discovered that there is a particularly interesting story for this evening, and even Master Horace was ready to listen and
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applaud. At length Mr. Loxley entered and took his armchair. Bertha, he said, addressing his wife, I have a long letter to read to you. What is the matter, Fanny? How crestfallen you look, my child! and Marian, too! O father, its our story; we thought you would begin now. Oh, I see,there was a merry twinkle in Mr. Loxleys eye as Charles explained the downcast looks. I see, continued the man with assumed gravity, the letter will have the goodness to wait awhile. Everyone smiled assent. Mr. Loxley cleared his throat and the story began. When I was a boy Everyone looked up. Well, then, I will choose some less antiquated beginning. The snow lay thick on Salisbury Plain as I rode home from school on the top of a stagecoach. Dark and dismal was the night, not a star to be seen. It was such a night as would suit the adventurous Master Horace yonder. The coach was heavily laden, and the horseswe

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Pilgrim Youth

had six of themcould scarcely drag us over the road. Presently the guard whispered to a gentleman at his side: Shant get through this without some mishap; and, at the same instant, down went the coach in the deep snow. The passengers dismounted, the horses struggled nobly, still it was evident that, without more horses, the coach could not move. A conference was held, and it was resolved that the larger number of the passengers, with the guard, should proceed to the nearest village and send help immediately. But how could they find the way? Hush, I am going to tell you, There was one man on the coach who knew every step of the road, and, with a lantern in his hand, this man, looking at the waymarks which he so well knew, was to guide us to the village. That was great, said Horace, who was all attention. This man was called Guidewell, and an honest guide he was. In our company, hastening with us over Salisbury Plain, was a

self-conceited man, Mr. Careless I shall call him, who never appealed to our guide. As for the rest of us, we followed Mr. Guidewell carefully. By and by Mr. Careless said: Why do you trust to this man? I believe I know the best way after all. Have you ever been on this road before? I asked, with schoolboy forwardness. Why, not exactly; but Im tired of hearing your constant appeals to Mr. Guidewell. I wonder if you will join me to strike off to the left and find the way as best we can. Oh, how foolish! cried Fanny. Thats silly, cried Horace. When one has a guide who knows the way, surely no one would go off alone and be lost! Mr. Loxley looked grave. In vain we argued with him; in vain we called our guide and questioned him as to the safety of such a course. Mr. Guidewell asserted that the path which he pointed out was the only safe course; but Mr. Careless shook himself away, saying, Always this Guidewell, Im tired of him.
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Pilgrim Youth

Uncle, the man must have been mad. Was he ever heard again? asked Charles. from

Marian came to the other side. Their uncle took a hand of each. This morning, said Mr. Loxley, I accidentally heard these words in my garden: Always the Bible; arent you tired of it? I stayed to hear no more; but I told you this story to help you. If a man refuse to be guided by the Bible, if he choose his own path, what shall be said of him? Will not the words uttered a moment ago express it: How foolish? The brother and sister chose Gods word for their guide, and the motto of their lives was: Always the Bible. taken from Choice Readings for Children

Mr. Loxley still looked grave. You are wrong, he said; for, happily, some of the words which Mr. Guidewell uttered made a deep impression on the mind of Careless, and before he had walked a hundred yards, he returned and acknowledged his mistakes. All brightened at this unexpected conclusion, and during the next five minutes the children expressed their opinions of the story. But father hasnt finished, suggested Fanny presently. Well, perhaps I should tell you that we reached the village in safety, and that the coach was soon out of the hole. The part of my story I want to impress on your memories is the adventure of Mr. Careless. There was a pause, and then Mr. Loxley, in his kindest manner, said: Horace, my boy, come here. Horace obeyed. And Marian.

Issue 20, January 2011

Pilgrim Youth

A Letter from Ellen White to Her Boys

MY DEAR CHILDREN, HENRY, EDSON, AND WILLIE: We feel somewhat anxious in regard to you. We know that you are with one of the best of families, and we wish you to act in a manner to be esteemed by them. Cultivate habits of refinement. Be elevated in your conversation and all your acts. Be constantly fitting for the society of the good and holy here, and the pure and heavenly in the kingdom of God. Be ever striving to fill some position where you can be of use and do good. Dont chat and talk merely for the sake of saying something. Never talk unless you have something to say something which will add to the general information of those with whom you converse. Children, let your aim be to be right, just right. Let not others who love not God be your patterns, but imitate the life of Christ. Cause the family with whom you live as little trouble as you can. Be very guarded on the Sabbath. Henry, you must try to interest your brothers in scriptural and moral reading. I think it your duty to study the Bible more on the Sabbath. Says the Saviour, Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life. You will have a conflict to be right. I dont command you to read the BibleI never shall. I want you to read the Bible because you love it, not because you are driven to it, for then it will be an unpleasant task. But if you neglect the reading of the Bible, you will lose your love for it. Those who love the word of God are those who read it most. By reading and searching out scripture references, you will see the chain of truth, and will see new beauties in the word of God. While you make the Scriptures more your study, and become more familiar with them, you will be better fortified against the temptations of Satan. When inclined to speak, or act, wrong, some scripture will come to arrest you, and turn you right. It is not natural for the heart to love the Bible; but when it is renewed by grace, then the mind will feast upon the rich truths and promises contained in the word of God. Watch and pray, children, lest you be overcome by the enemy. Make persevering efforts for everlasting life. Live Christians lives, and ever keep the glory of God in view. Much love to you, my dear children. Your affectionate Mother
Newport, N.H., Oct. 23, 1863

Issue 20, January 2011

Pilgrim Youth

The Life of Christ No. 5

By Mrs. E. G. White Some may think that Christ, because he was the Son of God, did not have temptations as children now have. The Scriptures say he was tempted in all points like as we are tempted. And Satan made stronger attacks upon Christ than he will ever make upon us. There was much at stake with him, whether Christ or himself should be conqueror. If Christ resisted his most powerful temptations, and Satan did not succeed in leading him to sin, he knew that he must lose his power, and finally be punished with everlasting destruction. Therefore Satan worked with mighty power to lead Christ to do a wrong action, for then he would gain advantage over him. No, children, you can never be tempted in so determined and cruel a manner as was our Saviour. Satan was upon his path every moment. The strength of Christ was in prayer. He had taken humanity, and he bore our infirmities and became
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sin for us. Christ retired to the groves or mountains with the world and everything else shut out. He was alone with his Father. With intense earnestness, he poured out his supplications, and put forth all the strength of his soul in grasping the hand of the Infinite. When new and great trials were before him, he would steal away to the solitude of the mountains, and pass the entire night in prayer to his Heavenly Father. As Christ is our example in all things, if we imitate his example in earnest, importunate prayer to God that we may have strength in his name who never yielded to the temptations of Satan to resist the devices of the wily foe, we shall not be overcome by him. Children and youth, if you would be kept from the paths of sin, as you are not experienced in discerning the devices of Satan, your only safety is in prayer. Lay open all the secrets of the heart to the search of the infinite Eye, and plead with God to make you pure and strong, and to arm you completely for the great conflicts of life. Faith grows by conflicts with doubt; virtue gathers strength by the resistance of temptation. taken from The Youths Instructor, April 1, 1873

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Pilgrim Youth

Sails of a Vessel
One fine Sunday afternoon, Clara and her father were seated on the balcony of a hotel overlooking the sea, where they had come to spend a few weeks, and they enjoyed watching the great ocean, the waves of which broke at their feet. Vessels of all shapes and sizes were sailing before themsome going north, some southsome lighted up by the sun, others under the shadows of the clouds, but all in movement. Father, said Clara, I never could understand how the wind should drive the vessels in more than one direction at the same time. Look, there are two with their sails filled, and yet one is coming nearer to us, while the other is going away from us. Everything depends upon the way in which the sails are set, said her father, and he explained the various ways of setting the sails. It is just the same with men and their lives, continued he, the same cause operates differently

upon different individuals. To become rich makes one man generous and another mean. Sorrow hardens some and softens others. I have been thinking of poor Fred Merrill, who appeared to learn so much that is bad in the same school in which our Edmund was only taught good. I understand now, said Clara. I remember going to church with one of my friends, and I was much interested in the sermon. I came out of church full of what I had heard and resolved to practice it. I was astonished when my companion said, What a stupid sermon! I thought it would never end! Yes, my dear, said her father, the gospel itself saves some and condemns others. It is a solemn thought that every good we refuse is no good to us. Every warning that we attend to is a benefit, but if it is neglected we only grow hardened in evil. Every gift of God is good if we use it without abusing it. We ought to try to get some good out of every experience we have, and then we shall grow and be strong. taken from Toms Revenge

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Prayer
Oh that more would taste and see Prayerthat precious gift so sweet! Kneeling at our Fathers feet! Gladly telling Him our love; Pouring thanks to Him above! Bless us, Lord, and let us be, Thought of wonderthought of awe: That the Lord Whom we adore; Though so GREAT, doth count each hair, And He listens to our prayer! May with greater zeal we stand; Time with God: a time I love Gleaning strength from God above. Talking to that precious Friend; On Whom we can eer depend. Seeking eer that better land. More deep let devotions be; Through us may Christs love all see. Filled with deeper zeal for Thee. May our love for Thee increase; May Thy work we never cease! How sweet this dear time can be! What a privilege to be, Kneelingdrawing strength from Thee!

Liesl Scheman

May we love to pray much more; May this time we eer adore. Well find that the more we pray More well love this time of day!

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Issue 20, January 2011

Pilgrim Youth

A Note From Us to You

Have you ever felt that your Christian standards make you a spectacle? Have you ever been tempted to compromise these standards so that you would not appear to be quite so peculiar? In 1 Peter 2:9, we are told that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people. God is calling us to be His special, peculiar people. Today, as we look around us, we see that darkness is covering the earth and gross darkness the people (Isaiah 60:2). We are called to be bright lights in this dark world. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16). On a dark night, a lighthouse stands out and shows the sailors the way of safety. This is just what our lives must be in this sin-darkened world. All around us are lives that have been shipwrecked on the shores of infidelity, selfishness, crime and sin. Christ abiding in our hearts and shining out of our lives makes us lighthouses in this world. But a

lighthouse has to stand out. A lighthouse that blended in with its surroundings would fail of its mission. How often, though, do we as Christians cringe from standing out, being peculiar and fulfilling our God-given mission! How often do we fail of glorifying our Heavenly Father by trying to blend in with this world instead of being lights! But Jesus did not bid the disciples, Strive to make your light shine; He said, Let it shine. If Christ is dwelling in the heart, it is impossible to conceal the light of His presence. If those who profess to be followers of Christ are not the light of the world, it is because the vital power has left them; if they have no light to give, it is because they have no connection with the Source of light (MB 41). What a solemn thought! In order to be a light in this world, we must preserve a constant connection with Christ through Bible study, prayer and meditation on Him and His Word. Have you ever seen a hot glass of water through a thermal imaging camera, which visually displays heat rather than light? The heated water, removed from the heat source, first appears white through the camera, while its cooler surroundings appear blue. First, the camera shows that the heat from the glass is conducted
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Pilgrim Youth

to its surroundings, changing their colour. As the water in the glass slowly cools to the temperature of its surroundings, though, it changes colour from white to yellow, orange, red, purple and eventually blue. Soon, its blue colour blends in so well with its surroundings that it becomes almost invisible. We too are in danger of the same fate. Separated from Christ, our influence for good does not last long. Gradually our lives become more and more like the world and less and less like Christ until our lives are indistinguishable from the world. Those who separate from God and lose their spirituality, do not fall back all at once into a state which the true Witness calls lukewarm. They conform to the world little by little. As its influence steals upon them, they fail to resist it and maintain the warfare. After the first step is taken to have friendship with the world, darkness follows and they are prepared for the next. At every step they take in the downward course darkness gathers about them, until they are enshrouded. As they conform to the world they lose the transforming influence of the Spirit of God. They do not realize their distance from God. They think themselves in good case because they profess to believe the truth. They grow weaker and weaker, until
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the Spirit of God is withdrawn, and God bids his angels, Let them alone! Jesus spues them out of his mouth. He has borne their names to his Father; he has interceded for them, but he ceases his pleadings. Their names are dropped, and they are left with the world. They realize no change. Their profession is the same. There has not been so glaring a departure from the appearance of right. They had become so assimilated to the world that when heavens light was withdrawn they did not miss it (RH, November 26, 1861). Oh that we may never be in such a position! As the fresh pages of 2011 open before us, let us determine to glorify our Heavenly Father by being lights in this world. As we spend time filling our minds with the Bible and drawing strength from prayer, we will be enabled to reflect beams of light from the Source of all light to this sin-darkened world. As we do so, our lives will indeed glorify our precious Saviour who has called us out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9).

Chanel Scheman

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Pilgrim Youth

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