p. 6 | Wanted-Young Men by E. K. SLADE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 8, 1910

Wanted—Young Men

By E. K. SLADE

E. K. SLADE

This is a time in which young men are in demand throughout the world. Great inducements are offered to every ambitious youth. Very high bids are offered to enlist the vigor and youthful fervor of early manhood. At the same time facilities surpassing those of any other age are provided for gaining the highly efficient training required for a successful business career. Everywhere the appealing proposition is made to all well-preserved and well-trained young men: “Come! your chances are good; your success is certain; you may attain to the height of your ambition.” Some are held back by indolence and a love of ease and pleasure; others choose lives of dissipation; but a vast army of young men are constantly entering upon the careers offered to them by the world.

While in the commercial and industrial worlds we are living in a decidedly prosperous and progressive age, it should ever be kept before the minds of our young people—and their parents—that we are living in the most important epoch of all time and eternity, as related to the eternal interests of humanity. The gospel age is nearly ended. The kingdom of grace has been in existence nearly six thousand years, and for over sixty years the Author and Finisher of the plan of salvation has been engaged in the finishing of the gospel work. He entered upon this work in 1844. And we read that “in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound,” the mystery of God shall be finished.

In view of the great work that is yet to be accomplished in proclaiming the last gospel call, a decided appeal must be made to the young men and women in every home and every church in our ranks. The eternal interests of all concerned are involved in this call, the inducements offered are far more appealing than anything it is possible for the world to hold out to a young man to-day. The urgency of this call, as well as the reward to those who respond, should bring in many youth who as yet know not the truth. It should hold all the boys and girls in our ranks, and enlist their entire time and youthful talents in the Lord’s work.

That this is not the case, is a cause for alarm. Altogether too many of our strong, talented young men and women are hearing and heeding the call to a worldly career. That any of our young people do heed such a call should cause parents, ministers, and church workers carefully to consider their attitude toward the young. Such a situation indicates that there has been a failure somewhere, on the part of some one, to do all that should be done to enlist the time and the talents of our young people in this glorious cause.

There are many young men of Seventh-day Adventist parentage who should be in the work to-day. There are parents who, even at this present time, are so relating themselves to their boys and girls regarding the matter of an education, that they may not hope to see them enlist in this cause. Many of us have failed properly to comprehend the significance of the call for our young men and young women. Some have even looked upon promising young men and young women who were evidently drifting, and dropping out of our ranks, without any great concern, and without realizing the urgency of the call made for our youth. Our denominational plan of education has not been as highly esteemed as it should be. So much is involved in the proper education of our boys and girls, that they may become strong factors in this closing work, that it is well worth while to make a sacrifice, and move out by faith, if need be, to give the education required.

Young men, you are wanted. You are needed to help give the last warning message. You are called to a work that is sublime and glorious, and that offers most glowing prospects as compared with anything that the world may offer; but it will call for sacrifice and surrender. You are called upon to qualify yourselves

to become skilful and efficient workers in this cause. If you have not already done so, why not heed the call now, and enter one of our schools to prepare for your part in this work?

Holly, Mich.