Many who profess to be followers of Christ are weak in moral power. They have never been heroes of the cross, and are easily attracted from their allegiance to God by selfish pleasures or amusements. These persons should be helped. They should not be left to chance in choosing their companions and roommates. Those who love and fear God should bear the burden of these cases upon their souls, and should move discreetly in changing unfavorable associations. Christian youth who are inclined to be influenced by irreligious associates should have for companions those who will strengthen good resolutions and religious inclinations. A well-disposed, religiously inclined youth, and even a professor of religion, may lose his religious impressions by association with one who speaks lightly of sacred and religious things, and perhaps ridicules them, and who lacks reverence and conscientiousness. A little leaven may leaven the lump. Some are weak in faith; but if placed with proper roommates, whose influence is strong for the right, they may be balanced in the right direction, obtain a valuable religious experience, and be successful in the formation of Christian character. (FE 55.1) MC VC

I would that our brethren and sisters would watch for souls as they that must give an account. My mind has been deeply exercised upon this subject. I would urge upon those who profess Christ the necessity of putting on the whole armor; then work for our youth who attend Battle Creek College. They may not need sermons and long censorious lectures as much as they need genuine interest. Let them know by your works that you love them and have a care for their souls. If you would manifest for the tender youth now coming to Battle Creek, who are thrown into the very arms of the church, one half the care you have for your temporal interests, you might bind them to you by the strongest bonds of sympathy; and your influence over them would be a power for good.—The Review and Herald, February 21, 1878. (FE 55.2) MC VC

For Additional Reading VC

Joseph in Egypt, Signs of the Times, January 8, 1880-February 5, 1880
Cultivation of the Voice, The Review and Herald, February 5, 1880
Early Life and Call of Moses, Signs of the Times, February 4, 1880-March 4, 1880
Our College Test, Testimonies for the Church, 4: 418-429
College Students, Idem, 4: 430-437
Improvement of Talents, Idem, 4: 519-522
Warning and Admonition, Idem, 4: 537-544
Moral and Intellectual Culture, Idem, 4: 545-549
Influence of Associates, Idem, 4: 587-591
Simplicity in Dress, Idem, 4: 628-648
Proper Education, Idem, 4: 648-653
Literary Societies, The Review and Herald, January 4, 1881
Bible Study, The Review and Herald, January 11, 1881
The Life of Daniel, The Review and Herald, January 25, 1881-February 15, 1881 (FE 56) MC VC