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Young Men to the Front

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 4, 1907

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 84, No. 27.

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Young Men to the Front

By John Lipke

(Concluded)
Those persons who wish to have an easy time, to live in ease and comfort, we can not use in foreign fields. Students who do not amount to much at home, who waver from one thing to another, who are not deeply in earnest about their missionary work, had better stay at home. If in your school you build daily the character of Jesus, and decide to go out to foreign fields, you will be a power, and in the power of God go from victory to victory, and nothing can hinder your progress in the work. I have read of the bravery of soldiers in battle, and tears came into my eyes when I thought how ready they were to sacrifice their lives for their country. How much more willing we ought to be to lay down our lives to work for the salvation of our fellow men.
I bring to your mind again the words of Livingstone, found at the beginning of this article. He was a valiant soldier of the cross. He worked alone in dark Africa, and no one was with him to encourage or praise him. Faithfully he labored until he fell at his post. So you, my brother, my sister, may have to face everything alone, save that you have the Lord Jesus with you.
Another thing: Are you striving while in school to overcome all selfishness? Hear what the Lord says through his servant: “God’s plan of life has a place for every human being. . . . In God’s plan there is no place for selfish rivalry. Those who ‘measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves among themselves, are not wise.’ Whatever we do is to be done ‘as of the ability which God giveth.’ It is to be done ‘heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve the Lord Christ.’ Precious the service done and the education gained in carrying out these principles.”—“Education,” page 226. If you have not overcome this spirit of rivalry in school, it will be a very hard thing for you to be a true, faithful, and good missionary.
“God’s working is limited by men’s capacity.” Therefore the more a man has learned, the better the Lord can use him if he is consecrated.
Study your Bible well. Learn your own language well, as this will be a help in learning quickly other languages. Improve yourself in learning vocal and instrumental music, because singing exerts a great influence, and makes the soul ready for the hearing of the truth.
Besides the study of books, learn as many trades as you can, to be an all-round man. We have one minister in this State of Rio Grande do Sul who is an influential preacher; he knows also how to shoe his animals, and to do some blacksmithing; he can do carpenter and mason work; he knows about agriculture; he can treat the sick, extract and fill teeth. You can imagine that he is a useful man, and that the people respect him as well as the truth he preaches. My dear young brother, use your spare moments and learn all you can in order to become a good servant of your heavenly Master.
The ambition of many girls is to get as much book knowledge as possible, to learn to play the organ and piano, and in spare time to do fine needlework. This is all well. But another important thing must not be forgotten. A young woman ought to know how to cut and make her own dresses, etc. She ought to learn to keep house in the most economical way; she ought to learn to work in the garden, so she can take care of it herself. To learn to train and educate children is very important. Such knowledge is of great value in foreign fields. It is also necessary to know how to take care of the body, and know what to do in case of sickness, else we shall find ourselves in serious situations many times.
The preparation of a missionary ought to be a thorough one. We who have labored here for years know the needs; we had to learn many things here which we could have learned much more easily at home.
It is a precious thing to give up ease and comfort, and live and work with your whole heart for your fellow men. Manifold are the blessings that one receivesin doing good to others. The Lord calls to you, my brother and sister. “Come over . . . and help us.”
JOHN LIPKE.