The Call to the Youth by O. O. Farnsworth

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 6, 1906

The Call to the Youth

By O. O. Farnsworth

“And he gave to every man his work.” These words, spoken by Christ, were given to make plain the thought that every servant of God has something to do.

Now who are they who are usually called to service in this world? They are not the aged, the crippled, or the infirm. They are the young people, many times quite young, and the strong.

Whom does God call into service? While he may not refuse the aged or the infirm, for he has something each may do, yet when he says, “Go ye into all the world,” he must in a special manner call for the young and strong. But strength in the Christian does not mean simply physical force. The Word says, “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

There must therefore be spiritual strength. But the Lord does not leave the qualifications there even. He says, “Study.” But why does he say “Study”? — That as workmen they need not be ashamed, but may rightly divide the word of truth. Here comes in one of the greatest reasons why one needs to obtain an education. How can one who does not understand language divide the word of God so as to bring the greatest light to himself? How can he intelligently impart the saving truths to others?

We are now in a time when God is calling for the young and strong to take his truth into every land and to many people of strange tongues. The mind needs to be trained and disciplined. Our young people need just what the Bible calls for — study.

First there needs to be a personal consecration to God. Then he will open the way for a training in the schools he has caused to be established. He has shown his approval of this work by taking many from these schools and placing them in positions of trust in his cause in all parts of the world.

Are there not many among our young people who should now be in training for the Master’s service? The way is being opened so that many can now prepare for a part in the closing work. God will surely open the way that he who gives himself to the work may have the necessary training.

O. O. FARNSWORTH.