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Christian Service
Reserves to Fill Up the Ranks
The burden-bearers among us are falling in death. Many of those
who have been foremost in carrying out the reforms instituted by us
as a people, are now past the meridian of life, and are declining in
physical and mental strength. With the deepest concern the question
may be asked, Who will fill their places? To whom are to be committed
the vital interests of the church when the present standard-bearers fall?
We cannot but look anxiously upon the youth of today as those who
must take these burdens, and upon whom responsibilities must fall.
These must take up the work where others leave it, and their course
will determine whether morality, religion, and vital godliness shall
prevail, or whether immorality and infidelity shall corrupt and blight
all that is valuable.—
Gospel Workers, 68
.
Pioneers in Toil and Sacrifice
We must manifest confidence in our young men. They should
be pioneers in every enterprise involving toil and sacrifice, while the
overtaxed servants of Christ should be cherished as counselors, to
encourage and bless those who strike the heaviest blows for God.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 516, 517
.
Young men are wanted. God calls them to missionary fields.
Being comparatively free from care and responsibilities, they are more
favorably situated to engage in the work than are those who must
provide for the training and support of a large family. Furthermore,
young men can more readily adapt themselves to new climates and new
society, and can better endure inconveniences and hardships. By tact
and perseverance, they can reach the people where they are.—
Counsels
to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 517
.
Many young men who have had the right kind of education at home
are to be trained for service, and encouraged to lift the standard of truth
in new places by well-planned and faithful work. By associating with
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our ministers and experienced workers in city work, they will gain
the best kind of training. Acting under divine guidance, and sustained
by the prayers of their more experienced fellow workers, they may
do a good and blessed work. As they unite their labors with those
of the older workers, using their youthful energies to the very best