TO THE CHILDREN by J. W. Gardner

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 18, 1880

TO THE CHILDREN.

By J. W. Gardner

"REMEMBER now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say I have no pleasure in them."

Children, what are we here for? to grow up to manhood and womanhood, have lots of care and trouble, make a little money, perhaps, and then die? Is that it? No, indeed. The Lord has placed us here on probation, and if we pass the final test he will give us positions in his kingdom, but not otherwise.

Suppose I want to become a doctor. I must first go through a long course of study, practice and attend lectures, and then, at the end of the allotted time, pass an examination to show that I am fit for the position, or I cannot get a certificate.

But suppose I should go all through the time required at a medical college, doing everything except studying my medical books, attending lectures, etc., and then when examination comes at last say, "Well, I truly want to become a physician, and thought that if I only lived aright, and attended to other duties, even if I did not study and prepare for examination, it would be all that would be required of me." Do you suppose the Board of Examiners would pass me? What would you think of them if they did?

Children, if you want a place in the Lord's kingdom, you must study the books he has given you. They will teach you how to pass the final examination, and get a certificate which will entitle you to eternal life with him in his beautiful city,—Jerusalem, the golden. Attend the Sabbath-school, and there you will soon learn to love the study of these books.

J. W. GARDNER.