YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETIES.
By S. M. Butler
“There is no other class that can do as much good as young men and young women who are consecrated to God. The youth, if right, could sway a mighty influence. Preachers, or laymen advanced in years, can not have one half the influence upon the young that the youth, devoted to God, can have upon their associates. They ought to feel that a responsibility rests upon them to do all they can to save their fellow mortals, even at the sacrifice of their pleasure and natural desires. Time, and even means if required, should be consecrated to God. All who profess godliness should feel the danger of those who are out of Christ. . . . The young have a wide sphere of usefulness, but they see it not. Oh, that they would now exert their powers of mind in seeking ways to approach perishing sinners, that they might make known to them the paths of holiness! . . . Young men and young women, I saw that God has a work for you to do; take up your cross and follow Christ, or you are unworthy of him. . . . Young men and young women, God calls upon you to work, work for him. Make an entire change in your course of action. You can do a work that those who minister in word and doctrine can not do. You can reach a class whom the minister can not affect.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. I, pages 511–513. “Young men and young women, can not you form companies, and as soldiers of Christ enlist in the work, putting all your tact and skill and talent into the Master's service, that you may save souls from ruin? Let there be companies organized in every church to do this work. . . . Will the young men and young women who really love Jesus organize themselves as workers, not only for those who profess to be Sabbath-keepers, but for those who are not of our faith?”—Mrs. E. G. White, in Signs of the Times, May 29, 1893. “Let young men and women and children go to work in the name of Jesus. Let them unite together upon some plan and order of action. Can not you form a band of workers, and have set times to pray together, and ask the Lord to give you his grace, and put forth united action? You should consult with men who love and fear God, who have an experience in the work, that under the movings of the Spirit of God, you may form plans and develop methods by which you may work in earnest and for certain results.”—Mrs. E. G. White, in Youth's Instructor, Aug. 9, 1894. “Let there be a company formed somewhat after the plan of the Christian Endeavor order, and see what can be done by each accountable human agent in watching for and improving opportunities to do work for the Master.”—Mrs. E. G. White, Letter on Medical Missionary Work, Oct. 2, 1893. The preceding may be summarized as follows:—- God makes a special call to the young.
- No other class can do as much good as consecrated young men and women.
- The young have a wide sphere of usefulness.
- They can “reach a class whom the minister can not affect.”
- God calls upon them to form companies in “every church” to save the lost.
- They should have regular times to meet together for prayer and study.
should consult with men who love and fear God, and who have an experience in the work.”- Thus, “under the movings of the Spirit of God,” plans may be formed that will enable them to “work in earnest and for certain results.”
- The form of the organization should be “somewhat after the plan of the Christian Endeavor order.”
This instruction is too explicit to be misunderstood. God is calling upon the young to enlist as soldiers of Christ. The first call was made in 1867, thirty-three years ago. Again in 1893 and 1894 the call was repeated in more definite form. Had we heeded this call, to-day there might have been a strong and well-equipped force doing service in both home and foreign fields. It is marvelous that we have been so slow to appreciate the advantages of such a movement. Others have been keen to perceive the importance of utilizing the talents of the young. This is emphatically an age of young men and women. They are crowding into the front ranks in business, in the professions, and in the church. Long ago other churches saw the necessity of organizations for their young people. This lack has been met by the Christian Endeavor Society, the Baptist Young People's Union, the Epworth League, etc. These organizations have been, and will continue to be, a powerful factor in the lives of the young men and women composing them. Already the practical results are beginning to appear. Some of the young men are entering actively into political life, and are even now filling responsible positions. They bring to their work all the zeal and fire of youth. No one is so intensely partisan, or more irrevocably committed to the principles of enforced religion than the young men who have received their training in these societies. Those who are endeavoring to turn this government into a theocracy are making use of these young people's societies. We can not meet these people on their own ground. Our young people will not enter politics. But they might, if properly organized and trained, be a strong defense against these invading forces. By living godly lives, and by earnest missionary efforts, such as they are now called upon to make, they could flash the rays of light upon the pathway of many who would thereby be undeceived. Who among the young will respond to the call of God? When our country's flag is imperiled, thousands of young men in the vigor of strength, and with the most flattering prospects before them, rally in defense of their fatherland, shall God's servants be less loyal to the banner of Prince Immanuel? Will there be difficulties to encounter?—Certainly. There never was a good cause that escaped violent opposition. This work is no exception. “The enemy of souls is filled with intense hatred against every endeavor to influence the youth in the right direction.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IV, page 421. We may be sure that he will leave untried nothing that promises to defeat this movement. Nevertheless God has spoken, and now let all, young and old, show their faith and loyalty by prompt and earnest action, and the work will be a success.
S. M. BUTLER.