God's Representative: Timothy
              Youth’s Instructor--May 5, 1898

         A noble, all-round manhood does not come by chance. It is the
         result of character-building in the early years of youth, a
         practise of the law of God in the home. The word of God must be
         studied, and this requires thought and prayerful research. While
         some passages are too plain to be misunderstood, others demand
         careful and patient study. Like the precious metal concealed in
         the hills and mountains, its gems of truth are to be searched
         out and stored in the mind. Only by a continual improvement of
         the intellectual as well as the moral powers, can we hope to
         answer the purpose of our Creator.

         We may learn precious lessons in this respect from the life and
         character of Timothy. From a child, Timothy had known the
         Scriptures. Religion was the atmosphere of his home. The piety
         of his home life was not of a cheap order, but pure, sensible,
         and uncorrupted by false sentiments. Its moral influence was
         substantial, not fitful, not impulsive, not changeable. The word
         of God was the rule which guided Timothy. He received his
         instruction, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a
         little, and there a little. And the spiritual power of these
         lessons kept him pure in speech, and free from all corrupting
         sentiments. His home instructors co-operated with God in
         educating this young man to bear the burdens that were to come
         upon him at an early age.

         Timothy was a mere youth when he was chosen by God as a teacher.
         But his principles had been so established by a correct education
         that he was fitted to be placed as a religious teacher, in
         connection with Paul,the great apostle to the Gentiles. And
         though young, he bore his great responsibilities with Christian
         meekness. He was faithful, steadfast, and true; and Paul made
         him his companion in labor and travel, that he might have the
         benefit of the apostle's experience in preaching the gospel and
         establishing churches.

         Paul loved Timothy because Timothy loved God. The great apostle
         often drew him out, and questioned him in regard to Scripture
         history. He taught him the necessity of shunning every evil way,
         and told him that blessing would surely attend all who were
         faithful and true, giving them a noble manhood.

         The lessons of the Bible have a moral and a religious influence
         upon the character as they are wrought into the practical life.
         Timothy learned and practised these lessons. He had no specially
         wonderful talents; but his work was valuable because he used his
         God-given abilities as consecrated gifts in the service of God.
         His intelligent knowledge of the truth and of experimental piety
         gave him distinction and influence. The Holy Spirit found in
         Timothy a mind that could be molded and fashioned to become a
         temple for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, because he
         submitted to be molded.

         The highest aim of our youth should not be to strain after
         something novel. There was none of this in the mind and work of
         Timothy. They should bear in mind that, in the hands of the
         enemy of all good, knowledge alone may be a power to destroy
         them. It was a very intellectual being, one who occupied a high
         position among the angelic throng, that finally became a rebel;
         and many a mind of superior intellectual attainments is now
         being led captive by his power. The youth should place
         themselves under the teaching of the Holy Scriptures, and weave
         them into their daily thoughts and practical life. Then they
         will possess the attributes classed as highest in the heavenly
         courts. They will hide themselves in God, and their lives will
         tell to his glory.
                                                                                   Mrs. E. G. White.