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Necessity of Self-Cultivation, August 1
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil
days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have
no pleasure in them.
Ecclesiastes 12:1
.
How can I best present before the youth the necessity of self-
cultivation, is my constant inquiry. I would urge upon our youth to regard
every moment of time as golden. Do not waste it in indolence; do not
spend it in folly; but grasp the higher treasures. Cultivate the thoughts
and expand the soul by girding about the mind, not allowing it to be filled
with unimportant matters. Secure every advantage within your reach for
strengthening the intellect. Do not be satisfied with a low standard. Do not
rest content until by faithful endeavor, watchfulness, and earnest prayer,
you have secured the wisdom that is from above. Thus you may rise in
character, and gain an influence over other minds, enabling you to lead
them in the path of uprightness and holiness. This is your privilege.
Cherish every ray of light that you can obtain by searching the Word
of God. Take up your God-given work today, and see how much good
you can accomplish in the strength of Christ. Make God your Counselor.
Discipline and control the mental faculties. Self-control is a power that all
may possess. It is gained by placing the will wholly on the side of God,
taking the will of God for your will.
Christ ... can and will, if we submit to Him, fill the chambers of the
mind and the recesses of the soul with His Spirit. Then our will will be
in perfect harmony with the Divine will. Our spirit and will may be so
identified with His Spirit and will that in thought and aim we shall be one
with Him. Then Satan will no longer control us. Christ is our Leader, and
His followers love to keep step and step with Him. He speaks, and they
obey His voice as one mind and one soul.
Dear youth, the very best thing you can do is to enlist freely and
decidedly in the army of the Lord. Surrender yourself into the hands of
God, that your will and ways may be guided by the One who is unerring
in wisdom and infinite in goodness.... Let your name be enrolled in the
heavenly records as one of the chosen and elect of God.
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