Address to the Young
473
I saw that many souls might be saved if the young were where they
ought to be, devoted to God and to the truth; but they generally occupy
a position where constant labor must be bestowed upon them, or they
will become of the world themselves. They are a source of constant
anxiety and heartache. Tears flow on their account, and agonizing
prayers are wrung from the hearts of parents in their behalf. Yet they
move on, reckless of the pain which their course of action causes.
They plant thorns in the breasts of those who would die to save them
and have them become what God designed they should through the
merits of the blood of Christ.
The youth exercise their ability to execute this or that nice piece
[513]
of art, but do not feel that God requires them to turn their talents to a
better account, that of adorning their profession and seeking to save
souls for whom Christ died. One such soul saved is of more value
than worlds. Gold and earthly treasure can bear no comparison to the
salvation of even one poor soul.
Young men and young women, I saw that God has a work for you
to do; take up your cross and follow Christ, or you are unworthy of
Him. While you remain in listless indifference, how can you tell what
is the will of God concerning you? and how do you expect to be saved,
unless as faithful servants you do your Lord’s will? Those who possess
eternal life will all have done well. The King of glory will exalt them
to His right hand while He says to them: “Well done, good and faithful
servants.” How can you tell how many souls you might save from ruin
if, instead of studying your own pleasure, you were seeking what work
you could do in the vineyard of your Master? How many souls have
these gatherings for conversation and the practice of music been the
means of saving? If you cannot point to one soul thus saved, turn, oh,
turn to a new course of action. Begin to pray for souls; come near to
Christ, close to His bleeding side. Let a meek and quiet spirit adorn
your lives, and let your earnest, broken, humble petitions ascend to
Him for wisdom that you may have success in saving not only your
own soul, but the souls of others. Pray more than you sing. Do you
not stand in greater need of prayer than of singing? Young men and
women, God calls upon you to work, work for Him. Make an entire
change in your course of action. You can do work that those who
minister in word and doctrine cannot do. You can reach a class whom
the minister cannot affect.
[514]