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Gospel Workers 1915
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.
Those who are older must educate the youth, by precept and ex-
ample, to discharge the claims that society and their Maker have upon
them. Upon these youth must be laid grave responsibilities. The ques-
tion 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
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a good character. Just as well might they expect to gather grapes of
thorns, or figs of thistles.
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
.]