Investing in Boys by Edmund C. Jaegar

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Dec 15, 1910

Investing in Boys

By Edmund C. Jaegar

EDMUND C. JAEGAR

If there is one thing in this world that I desire more than another, it is the friendship of boys and girls. Such friendships present many opportunities for molding the young mind.

“Delightful task! to rear the tender thought, To teach the young idea how to shoot; To pour the fresh instruction o’er the mind, To breathe the enlivening spirit, and to fix The generous purpose in the glowing breast.”

During the past year my lecture work in the public schools and elsewhere has given me a wide acquaintance among boys and young men. Many of these acquaintances have grown into friendships which are fast and genuine, and what counts most, mutual. Boys, especially during the period of adolescence, long for companionship. They are lonely, and need some one in whom to confide. Too often home is the most lonesome place in the world to them; and this because the parents do not understand the boys’ desire for trust and confidence. A realization of this need has led me to try to make myself an older brother to these boys; and surely they have not lacked in appreciation. Hardly a day passes that they do not come to me for counsel and advice. They tell me their trials,—of things their parents know nothing about; of their longings for better things,—longings of which their pastors and teachers do not hear. The tramps we take to the hills, and the long walks on pleasant afternoons, afford wonderful opportunities for friendly companionship.

I owe it to these boys to give to them the gospel, and I earnestly desire to do my utmost to set in their minds ideals that will eventually lead them to the city of God.

It is my custom to spend much time daily at the public library in study. Often these boys come to me with the question, “What shall I get to read?”

I recommend the best books in the library; but I always feel sorry that I am not able to give them books that, while interesting, will plant seeds of divine truth in their hearts. I have a few such books, and these I often lend; but the supply is limited. The boys seem eager to read the books, and with little trouble I could keep as many as two hundred in circulation all the time. It is surprising, the amount of reading that children do. Why not supply them with the best?

I desire to establish a permanent library of children’s books, to lend to these boys. Would you not like to co-operate in this missionary undertaking? I can promise you results.

There are in many homes a number of good, wholesome books lying useless and idle on the shelves,—their good words imprisoned in their wooden or leathern boxes, waiting to be opened up, and capable of teaching and helping and inspiring these dear children. I entreat those who have such books to consider this wonderful opportunity of serving the Master. Should any desire to co-operate in this work by mailing to my address suitable books for the loan library, I can assure them that their kindness will be appreciated. Good, clean copies of the Youth’s Instructor are also needed. As I often meet as many as five hundred children in a day, you will readily see that I can use many copies. Life and Health is also much appreciated by the young men.

Sweeter than the voices of angels would it be to you if, when the Master gathers his children, one of these boys should meet you and say,— “You guided my footsteps toward heaven; You told me of Jesus, the Way.”

Riverside, Cal.