An Opportunity for Young People by Mrs. Carrie R. King

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 25, 1909

An Opportunity for Young People

By Mrs. Carrie R. King

“LET all take hold to give this Temperance number a wide circulation. . . . Our work for temperance is to be more spirited, more decided. Here is an opportunity to labor for those who have truth on some points, but who on other points are not safely anchored.” This was written by Mrs. E. G. White concerning the Temperance number of the Watchman. Does it not apply with equal force to the Temperance number of the Youth's Instructor?

Many young people have longed to do something to show their loyalty to the cause of God, and to help in scattering light, but they did not know what or how. The plans for this effort are made so definite and so plain that no one need fail who trusts to the guidance of our great Leader.

Of course all are planning for a temperance rally. You will find suggestions for this in the Instructor of March 9. With the help of the series of temperance lessons just completed and the Special number, adding plenty of stirring temperance songs, recitations, etc., you can make your rally so interesting that all your friends and neighbors will be glad to come. Then make appointments in neighboring towns where there is no Missionary Volunteer Society, and repeat the program. You have no idea what an interest can thus be aroused.

All this is only the first step in the campaign which is before us. This number of the Instructor is of permanent value. The matter which it contains has been gathered with much labor and care, and we should spare no effort in getting it before the people. We sometimes find it hard to interest people in strictly religious literature, but everywhere we find those who are interested in temperance.

Hardly a home can be found which does not hide some heartache resulting from the curse of intemperance. Even those who are in sympathy with the liquor traffic are anxious to read what is written against it in order to be better able to meet the opposition.

Each society should at once lay plans to place a copy of this special number in every home in your territory, and to invite every man, woman, and child (who is old enough to understand), to sign the temperance pledge. And remember that your territory does not end till it touches the borders of another society.

We have the privilege of knowing the principles of true temperance as no other people do, and we ought to be leaders in the temperance work. If we follow the Lord’s plan, we shall not be left to failure and defeat. Here is the promise: “As the human agent submits his will to the will of God, the Holy Spirit will make the impression upon the hearts of those to whom he ministers.”

We must not feel that our responsibility ceases with the work that has been outlined for this special effort. The temperance work will serve as an entering wedge, opening doors and hearts for the reception of other truths. Much will be lost if we fail to follow up this work with other literature. Search out the interested ones, and carefully cultivate the seeds of truth already dropped into their hearts. “Precious light will be given in the publications you scatter through the towns and cities. Your humble prayers, your unselfish activity, will be blessed by God, and the truth as it is in Jesus will come to those who need it.”

Mordecai said to Esther, “Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” A bitter curse was pronounced upon Meroz because, in a time of special need, “they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” Surely the time has come when our young people must arise to the help of the Lord against the mighty forces of evil. If we realize the awful need of the hour, and the blessing of being used for such a work, we shall rise to our privilege and do our very best in the cause of temperance and reform.

MRS. CARRIE R. KING, Miss. Vol. Sec. of California.