EGW Books
〉 Messages to Young People
〈 〉
   Preface ( 7 )
Introduction ( 15 )
   Chapter 1—Building Character for Eternity ( 15 )
     A Faithful Friend ( 17 )
Section 1—God’s Purpose for the Youth ( 19 )
   Chapter 2—A Call to the Youth ( 21 )
     Called to a High Destiny ( 22 )
     Be Light Bearers ( 23 )
     Cherished Broad Ideas ( 24 )
     The Call to Enlist ( 24 )
     Essential Elements of Character ( 25 )
   Chapter 3—Seeking to Please Him ( 26 )
   Chapter 4—Standards of Success ( 27 )
     Faithful Integrity ( 27 )
     Complete Consecration ( 28 )
     Assert Your Liberty ( 29 )
     Complete Surrender ( 30 )
     Choosing Your Destiny ( 31 )
     Heart-Searching Questions ( 32 )
   Chapter 5—Our Day of Opportunity ( 33 )
     The Kind of Workers Needed ( 33 )
     Our Source of Efficiency ( 34 )
     Righteousness Within ( 35 )
   Chapter 6—Heights that May be Attained ( 36 )
     Religion the Basis of Life ( 36 )
     High Responsibilities ( 37 )
     Influence of Religion ( 38 )
     Our Stewardship of Talents ( 39 )
     A High Ideal to Reach ( 40 )
     Channels of God’s Grace ( 40 )
   Chapter 7—Standards of Efficiency ( 41 )
     Qualifying for Service ( 41 )
     Cleverness not Piety ( 43 )
     The Chosen Agency ( 44 )
   Chapter 8—Climbing the Heights ( 45 )
     Daily Advancement ( 45 )
     Meeting Obstacles ( 46 )
   Chapter 9—Partnership With God ( 47 )
     Reaching Higher and Higher ( 48 )
Section 2—The Conflict with Sin ( 49 )
   Chapter 10—Satan, a Mighty Foe ( 51 )
     Satan in Disguise ( 51 )
     The Battle for Each Soul ( 52 )
   Chapter 11—The Character of the Conflict ( 54 )
     Call to Oppose Powers of Evil ( 54 )
     Aid of the Holy Spirit ( 55 )
     The Price of Victory ( 56 )
   Chapter 12—Satan’s Special Effort ( 57 )
     Confidence in Self Fatal ( 58 )
     Destroying Confidence ( 58 )
     Control of the Mind ( 60 )
     The Curtain Lifted ( 60 )
   Chapter 13—Temptation No Excuse for Sin ( 62 )
   Chapter 14—Fortitude ( 63 )
     In the Strength of the Lord ( 63 )
   Chapter 15—The Soul Temple ( 65 )
     God’s Ideal ( 65 )
     Desecrated Shrines ( 66 )
     Degradation Through Sensual Indulgence ( 66 )
     Help in Temptation ( 67 )
   Chapter 16—Ye Are Not Your Own ( 68 )
     Results of Complete Consecration ( 68 )
     All Our Powers Belong to Him ( 69 )
     The Price of a Soul ( 69 )
     Decision Called For ( 70 )
   Chapter 17—True Conversion ( 71 )
     Not Feeling but a Changed Life ( 71 )
     Practicality of Genuine Religion ( 72 )
     The Sanctified Life ( 73 )
     The Cords of Satan ( 74 )
   Chapter 18—Counsel to an Indulged Daughter ( 75 )
     Controlling the Imagination ( 75 )
     Subduing Passions and Affections ( 76 )
   Chapter 19—Strength of Character Through Conflict ( 78 )
     Purity Not Dependent on Circumstances ( 79 )
     Death Before Dishonor ( 80 )
   Chapter 20—Resisting Temptation ( 81 )
     Needless Temptations to Be Shunned ( 81 )
     Duty Above Inclination ( 82 )
   Chapter 21—The Deceitfulness of Sin ( 83 )
     Self-Examination ( 83 )
   Chapter 22—A Warning Against Skepticism ( 85 )
     Danger of Association with Skeptics ( 85 )
     Self-Confidence and Blindness ( 86 )
     Moral Courage Needed ( 88 )
     The Tempest Is Coming ( 89 )
     Daily Dependence on God ( 90 )
   Chapter 23—One Weak Point ( 91 )
     Thought Control ( 92 )
Section 3—Gaining Victories ( 93 )
   Chapter 24—Onward and Upward ( 95 )
     God Not Unreasonable ( 96 )
     Develop Confidence ( 97 )
     Cost of Victory ( 98 )
   Chapter 25—Perfecting Character ( 99 )
     Set Your Mark High ( 99 )
     Cultivate Every Grace of Character ( 100 )
     His Biddings Are Enablings ( 101 )
     Our Constant Dependence ( 101 )
   Chapter 26—The Fight of Faith ( 102 )
     Living Faith ( 102 )
     A Lifelong Conflict ( 103 )
   Chapter 27—Victory Appropriated ( 105 )
     Faith and Duty ( 106 )
   Chapter 28—How to be Strong ( 107 )
     Behold His Glory ( 107 )
     Joy Through Repentance ( 108 )
   Chapter 29—The Victorious Life ( 109 )
     The Dominating Influence ( 110 )
   Chapter 30—Living Faith ( 111 )
     Do Not Depend on Feeling ( 111 )
     Be Not Discouraged ( 112 )
     Contemplation of Christ ( 113 )
     Changing the Habits of Thought ( 113 )
     Sanctification a Daily Work ( 114 )
     Make Religion a Business ( 115 )
     Sanctification, a Progressive Experience ( 116 )
     Value of Trials ( 117 )
     Secret Place of Power ( 117 )
   Chapter 31—Union With Christ ( 118 )
Section 4—Walking in the Light ( 119 )
   Chapter 32—Growing in Grace ( 121 )
     Growth Necessary to Steadfastness ( 121 )
     Heart Examination ( 122 )
     Watch and Pray ( 122 )
     Limitless Possibilities for Good ( 124 )
     Self-Surrender ( 125 )
   Chapter 33—Conformity to the World ( 126 )
     The Broad Way ( 126 )
     Preparation for Jesus’ Coming ( 128 )
     What Shall It Profit? ( 130 )
   Chapter 34—Genuine Christian Experience ( 131 )
     Saving Grace ( 131 )
     The First Steps ( 132 )
     Opening the Way for God’s Blessing ( 133 )
   Chapter 35—Self-Discipline ( 134 )
     Power of Self-Control ( 134 )
     Ruling the Spirit ( 135 )
     No Excuse for Sinning ( 136 )
   Chapter 36—A Living Experience ( 137 )
     Power of the Cross ( 137 )
     Loyalty to Christ ( 138 )
     Experimental Knowledge Needed ( 139 )
     Christian Fellowship ( 140 )
     Religion Not a Sentiment ( 142 )
   Chapter 37—Faithful in that which is Least ( 143 )
     A Well-Balanced Character ( 143 )
     Faithfulness in Everyday Life ( 144 )
   Chapter 38—Accountability for Light ( 146 )
   Chapter 39—Earnestness of Purpose ( 147 )
     Co-operation with God ( 147 )
     Whole-hearted Service ( 148 )
     The Value of Concentration ( 149 )
     The Highest Motive ( 149 )
     Abiding Joy ( 150 )
   Chapter 40—Exercise of the Will ( 151 )
     Instability and Doubt ( 151 )
     Strength Through Yielding the Will ( 151 )
     God’s Will and Man’s Will United ( 153 )
     Special Effort Essential ( 155 )
   Chapter 41—Divine Guidance ( 156 )
   Chapter 42—Silent Working of the Holy Spirit ( 157 )
     Evidence of Divine Aid ( 158 )
   Chapter 43—The Indwelling Christ ( 159 )
     His Response to Our Faith ( 159 )
     Molded by His Love ( 160 )
     The Pearl of Great Price ( 161 )
   Chapter 44—Self-Denial ( 162 )
   Chapter 45—The Character that God Approves ( 163 )
     Persevering Effort Required ( 163 )
     Influence of Associates ( 164 )
     Christ Our Only Hope ( 165 )
   Chapter 46—Abiding Presence of Christ ( 166 )
Section 5—Preparation for the Life Work ( 167 )
   Chapter 47—Christian Education ( 169 )
     Christ the Great Educator ( 169 )
   Chapter 48—True Education ( 171 )
     The Essential in Education ( 172 )
     The Highest Education ( 172 )
   Chapter 49—The Need of Christian Education ( 173 )
     Training for Higher Service ( 173 )
     An All-Round Education ( 174 )
     Knowledge and Self-discipline ( 175 )
     Meeting Expectations of Parents ( 175 )
   Chapter 50—Education for Eternity ( 176 )
   Chapter 51—A Practical Training ( 177 )
     Symmetrical Education ( 177 )
     Benefit of Useful Work ( 178 )
     Learn How to Cook ( 179 )
     In the Mission Field ( 180 )
   Chapter 52—Student Loyalty ( 181 )
     Character and Deportment ( 181 )
     Value of School Discipline ( 182 )
   Chapter 53—Student Opportunities ( 183 )
     Helping Others ( 183 )
     Thorough Mastery of Fundamentals ( 184 )
   Chapter 54—Training for Service ( 185 )
     Consecrate Ability to God ( 185 )
     Preparation for Future Contingencies ( 186 )
     Balanced by Right Principles ( 187 )
   Chapter 55—Aspiration for Improvement ( 188 )
   Chapter 56—True Wisdom ( 189 )
     The Bible and Science ( 189 )
     Taught of God ( 190 )
   Chapter 57—Set a High Standard ( 192 )
     Maintain Personality ( 192 )
     Whole-hearted Service ( 193 )
     Making the Most of Life ( 194 )
Section 6—Service ( 195 )
   Chapter 58—The Youth Called to Be Laborers ( 197 )
     Work in Faith ( 197 )
     Call for Volunteers ( 198 )
   Chapter 59—Responsibility for Soul Winning ( 199 )
   Chapter 60—Witnessing for Christ ( 200 )
     Our Conversation ( 200 )
     Winning Loved Ones ( 201 )
     Earnestness ( 202 )
   Chapter 61—Personal Work ( 203 )
   Chapter 62—Young People as Soul Winners ( 204 )
     Solicitude for Others ( 205 )
     A Work to Do ( 206 )
     Where to Begin ( 207 )
     The Most Successful Way ( 207 )
   Chapter 63—Service in Different Lines ( 208 )
     Gaining Efficiency ( 208 )
   Chapter 64—Unselfish Service ( 209 )
   Chapter 65—The Reward of Diligence ( 210 )
     The Blessing of Labor ( 210 )
     Helping in the Home ( 211 )
     The Web of Destiny ( 212 )
   Chapter 66—The Dignity of Labor ( 213 )
     Manual Labor Versus Games ( 213 )
     Christ’s Example ( 214 )
     The Lesson of Contented Industry ( 215 )
   Chapter 67—Sowing Beside all Waters ( 217 )
     The Gift of Song ( 217 )
     Medical Missionary Work ( 218 )
   Chapter 68—Many Lines of Work ( 219 )
     Each Has His Place ( 219 )
     The Sabbath School Work ( 219 )
     Bible Work ( 220 )
     Canvassing ( 220 )
     Teaching ( 221 )
     Business ( 222 )
     Medical Work ( 222 )
     The Ministry ( 224 )
     Foreign Mission Work ( 224 )
     Youthful Service ( 225 )
   Chapter 69—Acceptable Service ( 226 )
     Our Relation to Mistakes ( 226 )
     The Highest Work ( 227 )
   Chapter 70—Faithfulness in Service ( 228 )
     Unfaithfulness Recorded ( 228 )
     True Motives in Service ( 229 )
Section 7—Health and Efficiency ( 231 )
   Chapter 71—The Science of Living ( 233 )
     Health and Self-Control ( 233 )
     Life a Trust ( 234 )
   Chapter 72—Safeguarding the Health ( 235 )
   Chapter 73—Sacredness of Health ( 236 )
     Relation of Health to Character Building ( 236 )
     Intemperance Degrading ( 237 )
     Self-Mastery a Duty ( 238 )
   Chapter 74—A Balanced Education ( 239 )
   Chapter 75—Education Obtained at Expense of Health ( 240 )
   Chapter 76—The Insignia of Nobility ( 241 )
     Effect of Physical Habits on the Mind ( 241 )
     Shaping Our Own Destiny ( 242 )
     Temperance Richly Rewarded ( 243 )
     Religion and Health ( 244 )
Section 8—The Devotional Life ( 245 )
   Chapter 77—Prayer Our Stronghold ( 247 )
     How to Pray ( 247 )
     Prayer Brings Power ( 248 )
   Chapter 78—The Power of Prayer ( 249 )
     In Touch with the Infinite ( 249 )
     Every Sincere Prayer Answered ( 250 )
   Chapter 79—Our Attitude in Prayer ( 251 )
   Chapter 80—Faith and Prayer ( 252 )
   Chapter 81—The Value of Bible Study ( 253 )
     The Mediatorial Work of Christ ( 253 )
     Intellectual Development ( 254 )
     The Highest Culture ( 255 )
     The Bible the Greatest Teacher ( 257 )
   Chapter 82—Search the Scriptures for Yourself ( 258 )
   Chapter 83—Persevering Effort in Bible Study ( 259 )
     Open-Mindedness ( 260 )
     The Knowledge of God’s Will ( 260 )
     Reverence in Bible Study ( 261 )
   Chapter 84—The Reward of Diligent Bible Study ( 262 )
     The Bible a Guide ( 262 )
   Chapter 85—The Bible as an Educator ( 263 )
     The Voice of the Eternal ( 263 )
     True Philosophy of Life ( 264 )
   Chapter 86—Reverence ( 265 )
     Conduct in the House of God ( 265 )
     Trifling Regarding Religious Things ( 266 )
   Chapter 87—A Well-Grounded Hope ( 268 )
Section 9—Reading and Music ( 269 )
   Chapter 88—Choice of Reading ( 271 )
     Influence of Unwholesome Reading ( 271 )
     Enemies to Spirituality ( 272 )
     The Book of Books ( 273 )
   Chapter 89—Example of the Ephesians ( 275 )
     The Magic Books of Today ( 275 )
     Mind Unfitted for Solemn Thought ( 276 )
     Misleading Books ( 277 )
     Breaking the Spell of Satan’s Sorcery ( 278 )
   Chapter 90—Proper Mental Food ( 279 )
     Results of Reading Fiction ( 279 )
     Mental Inebriates ( 281 )
     The Remedy ( 282 )
     First Steps in Sin ( 282 )
   Chapter 91—The Bible the Most Interesting Book ( 283 )
     The Portrayal of Sin ( 284 )
   Chapter 92—Guard Well the Avenues of the Soul ( 285 )
     The Chaff and the Wheat ( 286 )
   Chapter 93—Building Christian Character ( 287 )
     Selected Course of Reading Recommended ( 288 )
   Chapter 94—The Effect of Fiction ( 290 )
   Chapter 95—The Benefits of Music ( 291 )
     Music a Precious Gift ( 291 )
   Chapter 96—Uses of Music ( 293 )
     A Talent of Influence ( 293 )
     In Tune with Heavenly Musicians ( 294 )
     God Glorified by Songs ( 294 )
   Chapter 97—A Wrong Use of Music ( 295 )
     Music a Power for Good ( 296 )
Section 10—Stewardship ( 297 )
   Chapter 98—Lessons in Economy ( 299 )
     Saving for Missions ( 299 )
     Self-Denial ( 300 )
     Proper Use of Talents ( 300 )
     No Time to Lose ( 301 )
     The Reward of Sacrifice ( 302 )
   Chapter 99—Spirit of Sacrifice ( 303 )
     Signs of Grace in the Heart ( 303 )
   Chapter 100—The Tithe ( 304 )
     Recognition of God’s Ownership ( 305 )
     Belongs to God ( 305 )
   Chapter 101—“Honor the Lord With Thy Substance” ( 306 )
     Treasures in Heaven ( 306 )
     Without Excuse ( 307 )
     The Tithe ( 308 )
   Chapter 102—Individual Responsibility ( 309 )
     Value of Money ( 310 )
   Chapter 103—Holiday Presents ( 311 )
     Evils of Self-Indulgence ( 311 )
     Gifts to God ( 312 )
   Chapter 104—Economy in Dress ( 313 )
     Self-Denial Pleasing to God ( 314 )
     The Love of Display ( 315 )
     Puritan Plainness ( 315 )
   Chapter 105—Self-Gratification ( 316 )
     A Species of Idolatry ( 316 )
     First Things First ( 317 )
     Duty of Self-Denial ( 318 )
     Repeated Taking of Pictures ( 319 )
   Chapter 106—Economy and Benevolence ( 320 )
     Open Doors of Usefulness ( 320 )
     Saving the Fragments ( 321 )
     Guide to Economy ( 322 )
Section 11—The Home Life ( 323 )
   Chapter 107—A Christian Household ( 325 )
   Chapter 108—Faithfulness in Home Duties ( 326 )
   Chapter 109—Home Religion ( 327 )
     Unkind Speech in the Home ( 327 )
     The Home an Object Lesson ( 328 )
   Chapter 110—The Home a Training School ( 329 )
     Everyday Duties ( 329 )
     The Mother’s Reward ( 330 )
     Possibilities of Home Training ( 330 )
   Chapter 111—Respect and Love for Parents ( 331 )
     A Destiny in Obedience ( 332 )
   Chapter 112—A Blessing in the Home ( 333 )
     Obedience to Parents ( 333 )
   Chapter 113—Building Character at Home ( 335 )
     Making Parents Happy ( 335 )
     Strength for the Conflict ( 337 )
     Impatience at Restraint ( 337 )
     Individual Responsibility ( 338 )
     Clothed with Christ’s Righteousness ( 338 )
   Chapter 114—Youth to Bear Responsibilities ( 339 )
     Making Home Happy ( 339 )
   Chapter 115—The Hour of Worship ( 341 )
   Chapter 116—Religious Hospitality ( 342 )
Section 12—Dress and Adornment ( 343 )
   Chapter 117—Elements in Character Building ( 345 )
     True Adornment ( 345 )
     Outward Appearance ( 346 )
     Witnessing ( 348 )
     Religion Judged by Dress ( 348 )
   Chapter 118—Dress and Character ( 349 )
     Relation to Fashions ( 350 )
   Chapter 119—Proper Dress ( 351 )
     Economy in Dress ( 351 )
     Quality and Taste ( 351 )
     Health and Cleanliness ( 352 )
     Grace and Natural Beauty ( 352 )
   Chapter 120—Influence of Dress ( 353 )
   Chapter 121—Simplicity in Dress ( 354 )
     A Snare to God’s People ( 354 )
     Reformation Needed ( 355 )
     The Inward Adorning ( 356 )
   Chapter 122—Idolatry of Dress ( 358 )
   Chapter 123—True Adornment ( 359 )
     Following the World ( 359 )
Section 13—Recreation and Amusement ( 361 )
   Chapter 124—The Value of Recreation ( 363 )
     Christian Recreation ( 364 )
     Love of the Beautiful ( 364 )
     The Master Artist ( 365 )
     Unfitted to Resist Temptation ( 366 )
   Chapter 125—The Love of Worldly Pleasure ( 367 )
     The Way of Wisdom ( 368 )
     Faithfulness in Little Things ( 369 )
     Unsatisfied Longings ( 370 )
     Opportunities for Witnessing ( 370 )
   Chapter 126—Words of Counsel ( 371 )
   Chapter 127—Dangerous Amusements for the Young ( 373 )
     An Unfortunate Age ( 373 )
     A Time of Trial Before the Young ( 375 )
     Separation from the World ( 376 )
     Promises to the Young ( 378 )
   Chapter 128—Establishing Right Principles in the Youth ( 379 )
     Relaxation and Amusement ( 379 )
     Provide Innocent Pleasures ( 381 )
     Recreation in Missionary Work ( 381 )
   Chapter 129—Unholy Influences at Work ( 382 )
   Chapter 130—Joy in Religion ( 383 )
     The Example of Jesus ( 384 )
   Chapter 131—Christian Recreation ( 385 )
     Principles Contrasted ( 385 )
   Chapter 132—Social Gatherings ( 387 )
     Lack of Spirituality Revealed ( 387 )
     Subtle Influences ( 388 )
     The Antidote for Frivolity ( 389 )
     Acceptable Social Gatherings ( 391 )
   Chapter 133—How to Spend Holidays ( 392 )
     Christian Sources of Pleasure ( 393 )
   Chapter 134—Literary Societies ( 394 )
   Chapter 135—Dancing ( 398 )
     In the Path of Dissipation ( 399 )
     The Danger of Amusements ( 400 )
     Guided by Principle ( 400 )
Section 14—Social Relations ( 401 )
   Chapter 136—Social to Save ( 403 )
     Association Influences Destiny ( 404 )
   Chapter 137—Christian Sociability and Courtesy ( 405 )
   Chapter 138—Guiding Principles ( 407 )
     The Prodigal ( 408 )
     God’s Gracious Invitation ( 408 )
     Surrounded by God’s Mercies ( 409 )
   Chapter 139—The Influence of Association ( 411 )
     The Measure of Strength ( 412 )
     Trustworthy and Faithful ( 415 )
   Chapter 140—Influence ( 417 )
     Our Responsibility ( 417 )
   Chapter 141—The Choice of Companions ( 419 )
   Chapter 142—The Golden Rule ( 420 )
   Chapter 143—True Refinement ( 421 )
     True Courtesy Needed ( 422 )
     Choice of Companions ( 422 )
   Chapter 144—Rejecting Worldly Associations ( 423 )
     Our Words a Source of Help ( 424 )
     Our Influence ( 424 )
   Chapter 145—Exalted Conversation ( 425 )
     The Reason for Low Standards ( 425 )
     Need of Heavenly-Mindedness ( 426 )
     A Vigorous Process of Sanctification ( 427 )
   Chapter 146——Sowing Wild Oats ( 429 )
     Temptation ( 429 )
     Vain Amusement Not True Happiness ( 430 )
   Chapter 147—Irreligious Visitors ( 432 )
Section 15—Courtship and Marriage ( 433 )
   Chapter 148—True Love ( 435 )
     Seeking Counsel ( 435 )
     Choice of Companions ( 436 )
   Chapter 149—Wrong Forms of Courtship ( 437 )
     Influence on Religious Experience ( 437 )
     Early Marriages ( 438 )
   Chapter 150—Engagement With Unbelievers ( 439 )
     Tests of Love ( 439 )
     Results of Disobedience ( 440 )
     A Broken Engagement ( 441 )
     Mature Judgment Essential ( 442 )
   Chapter 151—Need of Counsel and Guidance ( 443 )
     A Perfect Guide ( 444 )
     Honorable Conduct ( 445 )
     Need of Sound Judgment ( 447 )
     Parents to Be Consulted ( 448 )
     Treatment of Mother an Index ( 450 )
     Impulse Not Reliable ( 450 )
     Divine Love ( 451 )
   Chapter 152—Premature Marriage ( 452 )
     The Danger of Early Attachments ( 452 )
   Chapter 153—Marriages, Wise and Unwise ( 453 )
     Unequally Yoked ( 453 )
     Proper Association ( 454 )
     Hasty Marriages ( 455 )
     Influenced to Marriage by Satan ( 455 )
   Chapter 154—Marrying and Giving in Marriage ( 456 )
     Unholy Infatuation ( 456 )
     Violating the Laws of Health and Modesty ( 457 )
     Disregard for Counsel ( 458 )
     Characteristics of True Love ( 459 )
     Seeking Divine Guidance ( 460 )
   Chapter 155—Responsibilities of Marriage ( 461 )
   Chapter 156—Good Judgment and Self-Control in Marriage ( 462 )
     Looking Ahead ( 462 )
     The Domination of Passion ( 462 )
     Necessity of Self-Control ( 463 )
   Chapter 157—The Example of Isaac ( 464 )