Workers in our College
75
subject himself to so great inconvenience as the minister who gives
himself wholly to the work. These things have been presented before
the youth, and they have been encouraged to distrust God and dis-
believe His promises. Many have chosen the easier course and have
prepared themselves to teach the sciences or to engage in some other
employment instead of preaching the truth.
Thus God’s work has been hindered by unconsecrated teachers,
who profess to believe the truth but who have not the love of it in
their hearts. The educated young man is taught to look upon his
abilities as too precious to be devoted to the service of Christ. But
has God no claims upon him? Who gave the power to obtain this
mental discipline and these accomplishments? Are they held on terms
altogether independent of Jehovah?
[86]
Many a youth who is ignorant of the world, ignorant of his weak-
ness, ignorant of the future, feels no need of a divine hand to point
out his course. He considers himself fully competent to guide his own
bark amid the breakers. Let such youth remember that, wherever they
may go, they are not beyond the domain of God. They are not free to
choose what they will without consulting the will of their Creator.
Talent is ever best developed and best appreciated where it is most
needed. But this truth is overlooked by many eager aspirants for
distinction. Though superficial in religious experience and mental at-
tainments, their shortsighted ambition covets a higher sphere of action
than that in which Providence has placed them. The Lord does not
call them, as He did Joseph and Daniel, to withstand the temptations
of worldly honor and high station. But they force themselves into
positions of danger and desert the only post of duty for which they are
fitted.
The Macedonian cry is coming to us from all directions. “Send us
laborers,” is the urgent appeal from East and West. All around us are
fields “white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages,
and gathereth fruit unto life eternal.” Is it not folly to turn from these
fields to engage in a business that can yield only pecuniary gain? Christ
wants no selfish workers who are seeking only for the highest wages.
He calls for those who are willing to become poor for His sake, as He
became poor for them. What were the inducements presented before
Christ in this world? Insults, mockery, poverty, shame, rejection,