Necessity of Rules and Discipline

6. But I will write more upon this point in the future. Now, those who occupy responsible positions should have the most strict rules, rules that will guard young men and young women from foolish attachments, which will spoil them for their work, spoil all their future prospects in this life. When this state of things commences, young men waiting upon the girls, pairing off, making everything of one and neglecting all others, the first step is to counsel them, then write to their parents to call them from the office to the home roof. This must be done. This spirit of courtship and marriage with those in the office ought not to have been permitted, for the influence on others is not wholesome, but demoralizing. I was shown that God is in no way honored or glorified in these marriages, and rules must be made to remove this influence from the office. Our youth must take a more elevated standard in the office if they would perfect Christian character. They should be present at the hour of prayer, at the prayer-meeting, ready and zealous to do service for God. They want to understand the high claims of God upon them. Great learning is not required, genius or eloquence, but a pure, humble heart, longing for righteousness. If these young men and young women were one-tenth as interested in refining the life and in elevating and ennobling the character, that they may do better and holier service for God, as in pleasing and gratifying self, a great and good work would be done by their noble efforts. These youth must habituate themselves to think of something more noble and elevating than themselves. They do not pray, do not watch unto prayer; they are unacquainted with Jesus. They have much to learn and but little time to learn it in; no time to spend in frivolity and gratification of self. It they will see the need of thorough conversion, if they will pray, and watch unto prayer, God will make them wholly his, and they may do much for his cause. But God is dishonored by the thoughts and behavior of many of the young in the office. Those who come to the office with good purposes are spoiled by the unconsecrated influence of some employed there. This must not longer exist. Plain talk and plain action must be taken in these cases.PH152 16.1

E. G. White

Portland, Or., Steamer S. G. Reed,

May 10, 1880.