Issue 25, April 2012

Pilgrim Youth

Issue 25, April 2012

Pilgrim Youth

Issue 25, April 2012

Pilgrim Youth

Divine Grace in Temptation

By Mrs. E. G. White My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. . . . But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. The followers of Christ must aim to reach a high standard, and God has promised them help in this work. In his word are many promises of his love and care. The youth who desire to be faithful followers of Christ will not place themselves on doubtful ground. They will not associate with those of a trifling character, but, daily depending on God for strength, watching unto prayer, they will keep their morals pure. They will withdraw from every circle that

would lead them to be careless and dishonor God. They will write forbidden against the temptation to indulge in the use of tobacco in any form, to take the wine-cup, or to use any kind of intoxicating beverage. Such youth will stand as under the shield of Omnipotence; they will be secure, defended as by an impregnable wall. Because they thus co-operate with the will of God, and obey the thus saith the Lord, the Holy Spirit is their constant safeguard. They are partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. In the books of heaven it will be recorded of them that they are overcomers through the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. When a youth thus arms himself with the high resolve to take the Bible as his guide, to form a pure and holy character, temptations will come. But if his mind is stored with the instruction that God's word affords, if he will take heed to the lessons that fell from the lips of Christ, he will not be overcome. When he asks for the aid of the Holy Spirit, he will not seek in vain. It will take of the things of God and show them unto him. It is the holy endeavor, the
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persevering resistance of the powers of evil, through faith in the Redeemer, that will cause our names to be retained in the book of life. The Lord would have us seek him with the whole heart, always placing ourselves on his side. In so doing we shall overcome, and shall sit down with Christ on his throne. Your companions may sneer at you for being so particular. They may refuse to see any danger in indulgence in eating and drinking. They may term your strict temperance cowardice, and pride themselves on their own manliness, which will not permit them to sign away their liberty by putting their name to a temperance pledge. These do not know the dangers that lie before them. They boast that they have strength of will, and know just how far to go; but they have one over them who is stronger than they,one who is armed with deceptions of every kind. They do not realize their weakness; and when temptations come, they fall into the net which Satan has laid for their unwary feet. In their own strength, these poor souls attempt to gather up their abused forces; but it is only to go over the same ground again, until drunkard is written upon every feature. These things are daily transacted around
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us, and it behooves the followers of Christ to make every effort in their power, with the help which God supplies, to watch for souls as they that must give an account. Every effort made to break away from the power of a bad habit is manly. It is Gods will that we should, by determined effort, rise to the dignity of a pure life, gaining in spiritual strength, and obtaining moral power through the exercise of the faculties which God has given us. There is joy in the presence of the heavenly angels when the youth gain decided victories in the name of Jesus. It is not the will of the Lord that any of his children should spend their time of probation in idleness. When he placed Adam and Eve in the beautiful garden of Eden, he told them to dress it and keep it. He did this for their good, deeming employment essential to their happiness. And in all the heavenly universe there is no such thing as an indolent being. Each one has his special work to do. The angels are commissioned of God to guard, to encourage, and to bless humanity, to help us in every way possible to resist the temptations of Satan. They cannot but rejoice when they see the youth respond to their care,

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Pilgrim Youth

and work in harmony with them in the struggle against Satanic agencies; when they permit themselves to be uplifted from the depths of sin into which they have fallen. Yet there are some who, in spite of all this loving ministration, resolve that they will not change their course of action. They slight all these offers of mercy. There is sadness with the angels as they return to heaven with the record, They will not come to Christ that they might have life. The youth can learn from the book of nature wonderful things in regard to God's law in the natural world. God would have a comparison drawn between spiritual and earthly things, and the youth can grasp these things by studying the works of his hand. The tares have a lesson to impart. If the mind will be impressed, lessons may be learned as to the daily life of these objects in nature, that will be of more benefit than any discourse from human lips. If the heart and mind are not perverted by depraved associations, light from heaven will illuminate the mind, and there imprint its lessons of instruction concerning divine things. Who made the seed to spring up? Who tends it day and night, that it may not die? Who

gives it strength to develop and grow? It is the Author of our being, the King of heaven. And he exercises still greater care and interest in behalf of his children. taken from The Youths Instructor, November 12, 1896

I have written unto you young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 1John 2:14

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Pilgrim Youth

The Vision of the Missing Hairnet

Arthur L. White It all happened many, many years ago in Northern California. Mrs. Ellen G. White, the Lords messenger, was living at Healdsburg only a few blocks from our new college. Since her husband, Elder James White, was now dead, Sister White invited several young ladies to live in her home as they attended school. Among these was one young lady of considerable ability who did some teaching at the school. How this young lady enjoyed living in Sister Whites home! It was a large, white, two-story, frame house, surrounded with garden and orchard. Sister White was a big-hearted, understanding mother to the girls who lived with her. All went well for a few months. Then it happened. As this girl went through Sister Whites bedroom on some errand, she saw something on the dresser she wanted very much. She stopped
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and looked at it. The longer she lingered, the more she felt she just had to have it. She looked this way and that, and seeing no one around she reached out her hand and took it. And what was it? A watch, or something valuable, you think? No. It was just a hairnet. The women at that time often wore a net over their hair. True, it was a well-made, silk hairnet. Sister White would not miss it, she thought, and it was just what she so much wanted. Leaving Sister Whites bedroom, with the hairnet in her closed hand, the young lady went to her bedroom and opening her trunk, put the net in the corner of the tray. She closed the trunk and went about her duties. But there was no song in her heart now. You know why. A few hours later in the day, Sister White was preparing to go out, and entering her bedroom to get ready, she brushed her hair, and thought to put on the net, as was the custom of that day. But she could not find the net anywhere. It was not on the top of the dresser. She looked back of it, she looked under it, but could not find the missing article anywhere. Giving

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Pilgrim Youth

up, she did without it. That evening at worship time the girls gathered with Sister White around the open fireplace. Often Sister White, in connection with the worship, told a story of the early days. How they did enjoy these stories! But this evening, Sister White had a question to ask the girls. Have any of you seen my hairnet? she asked. Continuing, she said, It was right there on my dresser in the bedroom. When I went to get it, it was gone. It must be found. It could not go away by itself. But no one seemed to know about the hairnet, for no one responded. There was one girl there however, who wished Mrs. White would not say anything about a hairnet. The matter was dropped. A day or two later, as Sister White was passing through this girls room, a voice spoke to her as she passed the trunk, Lift the lid of that trunk! But it was not Sister Whites trunk and she would not think of looking into someone elses trunk. Again the voice spoke to her,

Lift the lid of that trunk. Now she recognized the voice to be that of an angel, and she obeyed and opened the trunk. In the tray was the missing hairnet. She left it there, closed the trunk, and went about her tasks. That evening, as the family came together again for worship, the hairnet question came up. Does anyone know where the hairnet is? Sister White asked. I am sure it can be found. It could not go away by itself. But there was no response, and no one seemed to know anything about the hairnet, Sister White did not press the matter further. One girl was worried and in her heart she determined to destroy the hairnet, lest Sister White should discover that she had taken it. How ungrateful this would seem! A few days after this, Sister White was seated in the living room in front of the fire in the fireplace, busy with her writing. It may have been a personal testimony she was writing to someone, or she may have been working on some of the last chapters of Great Controversy. For several hours she had been busy with her pen and her hand was
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tired, her mind was tired, and her eyes were tired. She laid her pen down and looked into the fireplace, and then just for a moment she was in vision. This was one of the shortest visions ever given to Sister White. In this vision she saw the hand and arm of a girl. In the hand was a hairnet. She also saw on the table a kerosene lamp which was burning. She saw the hairnet held over the lamp and then lowered until the net touched the flame. In a flash of light, the silk net burned, and it was gone. The vision was over, and Sister White found herself in the living room by the open fire. Now she knew what had happened to the missing hairnet. That evening when the family was together around the fireplace, Sister White again asked about the hairnet. Did not someone know what had happened to it? Someone must know about it. But nothing was said; no one seemed to know. Sister White dropped the matter. A little later Sister White called aside the girl in whose trunk she had seen the hairnet. She told her about the voice that spoke to her. She told her what she saw when she opened the trunk. Then she told
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her about the short vision and of how she saw the hairnet burn up over the lamp. The girl broke down in tears. Yes, Sister White, I took it, she confessed. I wanted it so much, and I did not think you would miss it, but when you began to press the matter I feared you would find out that I had taken it, so I held the net over a lamp and burned it up, just as you saw in the vision, and I said to myself, Now no one will ever know about the hairnet. But someone was watching from up in heaven. The angels made a record of what took place, and God sent His angel down to this world with a vision for Sister White just about the hairnet. It was such a small thing for the Lord to bother about. God who created the earth and guides the planets, sent His angel down to this world with a vision for Sister White just about a hairnet a girl had taken. But it was a matter much more important than the value of the hairnet. Here was the soul of a young lady at stake. She was a member of the church. She went to Sabbath School and to church. She was a Seventh-day Adventist, and she felt

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Pilgrim Youth

that she was all right. She did not realize that there were little sins in her lifesins which led her to steal and to deceive. But when she saw that God loved her so much that He sent His angel down to this world with a vision for Sister White just about the hairnet, then she began to see some things differently. Some of the seemingly little things now seemed much more important. How much the Lord must love her! How important the little things were! Not only did this girl confess her sin of stealing and make the matter right with Sister White and with the Lord, but this experience became the turning point in her life. This young lady gave her heart anew to God, and she lived a sweet, consistent Christian life. And that was why the vision was given to Sister White. It was to help men and women, and boys and girls to live sweet, consistent Christian lives that so many visions were given to Sister White. And the counsels were written out in the Spirit of Prophecy books to help every one live good lives, and to get ready to meet Jesus.
taken from Junior Campfire Stories from the Days of the S.D.A. Pioneers

Still It Purifies
A STUDENT once went for advice to a pious old man, and said to him: Father, I love much to hear about God and spiritual things, but all the good I hear seems to go in at one ear, and out at the other, I forget it so soon; and this grieves me. Then the old father said: My son, take this basket, and bring it to me full of water. The student obeyed; he took the basket and went to a wide brook, and worked hard for a long time, but be could get no water to stay in the basket; as soon as it was full, it became empty again. At last he got tired, for he saw that all his labor was in vain; true it is, indeed, that no water had remained in the basket, but it had washed it clean and pure. So it is with you, and with every one who hears and reads Gods word with diligence and prayer; he may not retain everything, but still it purifies his mind, and makes him more fit for heaven. taken from The Youths Instructor, June 23, 1892
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Story based on account as given by W. C. White.

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A Good Character
By Mrs. E. G. White A good character is of slow but steady growth. Mental ability and genius are not character; for these are often possessed by those who have the very opposite of a good character. Reputation is not character. True character is a quality of the soul, revealing itself in the conduct. If the youth rightly appreciate this important matter of characterbuilding, they will see the necessity of doing their work so that it will stand the test of investigation before God. The humblest and weakest, by persevering effort in resisting temptation and seeking wisdom from above, may reach heights that now seem impossible. These attainments cannot come without a determined purpose to be faithful in the fulfillment of little duties. It requires constant watchfulness that crooked traits shall not be left to strengthen. The young may have moral power; for Jesus came into the world that he might be our example, and give to all youth and those of every age divine help.
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God has been very merciful in giving you reasoning faculties, which he has not bestowed on the brute creation. But if with these God-given endowments, man is not faithful in his sphere, God will call him to account for the abuse of those gifts which place him above the beasts. The lowest of the brute creation, in making the best use of their instinct, sometimes do far better than many men who are never grateful to God for their reasoning faculties. If man, by sinful practices[,] lessens the power God has given him, he must render an account to God for this. Let young men and young women conscientiously study how they can meet the expectations of God, and there will be far less weakness and indecision, and far greater strength of purpose to attain a symmetrical character. If they will place themselves in connection with Jesus, they will become like him. The inspired record concerning Christ is: And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Of John the record says: For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall

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drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his birth. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest; for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet in the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel. The record concerning Samuel is: And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favor both with the Lord and also with men. These examples are given for the young to imitate. If they make this their aim, they will see the necessity of a close connection with the Source of power and grace. Christ has said, Without me ye can do nothing.

Solomon spake to the youth in Gods stead: My son, forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my commandments; for length of days and long life and peace shall they add unto thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee; bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart, so shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. In these words of inspiration the youth have encouragement and counsel. Children and youth should begin early to seek God; for early habits and impressions will frequently exert a powerful influence upon the life and character. Therefore the youth who would be like Samuel, John, and especially like Christ, must be faithful in the things which are least, turning away from the companions who plan evil, and who think that their life in the world is to be one of pleasure and selfish indulgence. Many of the little home duties are overlooked as of no consequence; but if the small things are neglected, the larger duties will be also. You want to be whole men and women, with pure,
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sound, noble characters. Begin the work at home; take up the little duties and do them with thoroughness and exactness. When the Lord sees you are faithful in that which is least, he will intrust you with larger responsibilities. Be careful how you build, and what kind of material you put into the building. The characters you are now forming will be lasting as eternity. Let Jesus take possession of your mind, your heart, and your affections, and work as Christ worked, doing conscientiously the home duties, little acts of selfdenial, and deeds of kindness, employing the moments diligently, keeping a careful watch against little sins, and a grateful heart for little blessings, and you will have at last such a testimony for yourself as was given of John and Samuel, and especially of Christ: And he increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with man. from The Youths Instructor, November 3, 1886
taken

Cowardice, Inspire Me to Loyalty!

A solemn state exists right now, As those with standards fall somehow. I watch with mingled shock and pain, That many make Christs death in vain. Will strict and liberal fall the same, Unmindful of the Saviours claim? What cowardice seems all around! Can uncorrupted ones be found? But deep inside me stirs anew, To be a Christian through and through; To raise the standard all the more; To bring joy to Whom I adore. For if with pain I watch it all, As one by one those round me fall, What aching deep must fill His heart, Of Christ, as pierced with every dart. But Im determined to be one, Of whom His lips will say, Well done! To bring His sad Heart joy somehow, To falter not be faithful now! The banner, let it higher be! The standards higher let all see! More modesty; more purity; More steadfastness, dear Lord, to Thee!

Liesl Scheman

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A Note From Us to You

Have you ever felt discouraged that you were so weak in the moment of temptation? Have you ever longed for greater strength? About two thousand years ago, a helpless cripple lay beside the pool of Bethesda. The poor man had been afflicted for thirty-eight years. Suddenly his attention was arrested by a compassionate face bent over him, saying, Wilt thou be made whole? Yes, Jesus was offering him healing. He answered that there was no man who could help him. Then Jesus commanded, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. The mans faith takes hold upon that word. Every nerve and muscle thrills with new life, and healthful action comes to his crippled limbs. Without question he sets his will to obey the command of Christ, and all his muscles respond to his will. Springing to his

feet, he finds himself an active man (DA 202). Yes, as by faith the sick man grasped the Saviours words, he is restored to perfect health and strength. Through the same faith we may receive spiritual healing. By sin we have been severed from the life of God. Our souls are palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of living a holy life than was the impotent man capable of walking. There are many who realize their helplessness, and who long for that spiritual life which will bring them into harmony with God; they are vainly striving to obtain it. In despair they cry, O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death? Romans 7:24, margin. Let these desponding, struggling ones look up. The Saviour is bending over the purchase of His blood, saying with inexpressible tenderness and pity, Wilt thou be made whole? He bids you arise in health and peace. Do not wait to feel that you are made whole. Believe His word, and it will be fulfilled. Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive strength. Whatever may be
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the evil practice, the master passion which through long indulgence binds both soul and body, Christ is able and longs to deliver. He will impart life to the soul that is dead in trespasses. Ephesians 2:1. He will set free the captive that is held by weakness and misfortune and the chains of sin (DA 203). What a wonderful promise! Each one of us is offered spiritual restoration and strength. In Christs strength we can overcome! I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil. 4:13). Like the impotent man, without Christ we are weak and helpless. When Satan comes along with his subtle temptations, we are powerless to stand for the right, but help is at hand for every soul. Christ is asking each one of us, Wilt thou be made whole? He offers each one of us grace and spiritual strength if we will only have faith in His word and act upon it. Nothing is apparently more helpless, yet really more invincible, than the soul that feels its nothingness, and relies wholly on the merits of the Saviour. God
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would send every angel in heaven to the aid of such a one, rather than allow him to be overcome (7T 17). We have no need to remain helpless on our spiritual bed. With faith in Gods mighty power and relying wholly upon His strength we can rise and walk and overcome. The heavenly intelligences will work with the human agent who seeks with determined faith that perfection of character which will reach out to perfection in action. To every one engaged in this work Christ says, I am at your right hand to help you. As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command, may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings (MYP 101). None of us has any excuse for remaining weak and helpless Christians. May each one of us take told of the strength the Christ is so graciously offering!

Chanel Scheman

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