Association of Young With Old
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be found in our schools men and women who can take the standard
and raise it in new places.
While the aged standard-bearers are in the field, let those who
have been benefited by their labors care for and respect them. Do not
load them down with burdens. Appreciate their advice, their words of
counsel. Treat them as fathers and mothers who have borne the burden
of the work. The workers who have in the past anticipated the needs
of the cause do a noble work when, in the place of carrying all the
burdens themselves, they lay them upon the shoulders of younger men
and women, and educate them as Elijah educated Elisha.
David offered to God a tribute of gratitude for the divine teaching
and guidance he had received. “O God, Thou hast taught me from my
youth” (
Psalm 71:17
), he declared. Those who in the history of the
message have borne the burden and heat of the day, are to remember
that the same Lord who taught them from their youth, inviting them,
[46]
“Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me” (
Matthew 11:29
), and
giving them the light of truth, is just as willing to teach young men
and women today as He was to teach them.
It is wisdom for those who have borne heavy loads to come apart
and rest awhile. These faithful workers should be relieved of every tax-
ing burden. The work they can do as educators should be appreciated.
The Lord Himself will cooperate with them in their efforts to teach
others. They should leave the wrestling to those who are younger; the
future work must be done by strong young men. The work is under the
control of the Author and Finisher of our faith. He can and will give
fitness to men of opportunity. He will raise up those who can fight His
battles. He never leaves His work to chance. This work is a great and
solemn one, and it is to go forward.
It is not God’s will that the fathers in His cause should use up
their remaining vitality in bearing heavy loads. Let the young men
shoulder every responsibility they can, and fight manfully the good
fight of faith. The Lord knows better whom to select to do His work
than do the wisest men, however interested they may be. It is God
who implants His Spirit in the hearts of young men, leading them to
fight for Him against great odds. Thus He inspired Paul of Tarsus, who
fought with all his entrusted capabilities for Heaven’s revealed truth,
against apostates who ought to have upheld him. God’s servants will
have today to meet the same difficulties that Paul met. This experience