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Youth to Be Burden Bearers
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ing 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 can 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.
Those who are older must educate the youth, by precept and
example, to discharge the claims that society and their Maker have
upon them. Upon these youth must be laid grave responsibilities.
The question is, Are they capable of governing themselves, and
standing forth in the purity of their God-given manhood, abhorring
everything that savors of wickedness?
Never before was there so much at stake; never were there results
so mighty depending upon a generation as upon these now coming
upon the stage of action. Not for one moment should the youth think
that they can acceptably fill any position of trust without possessing
a good character. Just as well might they expect to gather grapes of
thorns, or figs of thistles.
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A good character must be built up brick by brick. Those charac-
teristics which will enable the youth to labor successfully in God’s
cause must be obtained by the diligent exercise of their faculties, by
improving every advantage Providence gives them, and by connect-
ing with the Source of all wisdom. They must be satisfied with no
low standard. The characters of Joseph and Daniel are good models
for them to follow; and in the life of the Saviour they have a perfect
pattern.
All are given an opportunity to develop character. All may
fill their appointed places in God’s great plan. The Lord accepted
Samuel from his very childhood, because his heart was pure. He
was given to God, a consecrated offering, and the Lord made him a
channel of light. If the youth of today will consecrate themselves as
did Samuel, the Lord will accept them and use them in His work. Of
their life they may be able to say with the psalmist, “O God, Thou
hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy
wondrous works.”
Psalm 71:17
.