To the Young by M. L. H. Huntley

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 16, 1872

To the Young.

By M. L. H. Huntley

THE object of the late fast appointed by our people has led me to some serious reflections. And as I fear we do not all realize the great responsibility under which we are placed, and the strict account which we shall be called to render when the time of reckoning comes, I feel desirous of expressing a few thoughts. Many of us have professed to give all for Christ, and to unite our interests with the cause of present truth. Are we doing all that we can do for its advancement? Are our devotion and consecration such as to lead us to choose a rough and thorny path, if, by thus doing, we may become more useful in this work?

What do we make the object of our lives? For what do we bend our energies, and put forth our most effective efforts? Is it to honor God, and exert a saving influence on those around us? or is it to please ourselves? While the voice of supplication is ascending to the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth more laborers into the great harvest-field, do our hearts respond, Here, Lord, am I; if thou canst, send me? There is work enough to do, and that also which is adapted to the ability of every one whose desire to do the will of God is stronger than any earthly desire.

God in mercy has given us light, precious light, through obedience to which, we may secure eternal life, and to some of us innumerable privileges which have cost a sacrifice on the part of others; and now we may have the privilege of making some little sacrifice, of bearing some small burden in the cause of our Master, and shall we excuse ourselves?

Precious souls are in danger of perishing for want of the light which we have received; and as they present their petitions for help, shall our hearts be unfeeling? Who can and will engage in the sacred work of warning people of their danger during the short time which remains before the great day of the Lord is ushered in? Some of the great Shepherd’s sheep are wandering upon the cold mountains, being chilled by the influence of the world and straying further and further from the fold of Christ. Who, with hearts full of love, will go and seek the wanderers? Who, with a deep sense of their dependence upon God, will engage in the missionary work? There are lonely hearts to cheer, grieved and wounded ones to comfort, the tear of sympathy to shed with those who mourn, the silent messengers of light and truth to scatter, and, finally, the great and pure principles of the religion we profess to exemplify in the daily life. In this sphere, all can be laborers.

Dear young friends, we may think that we can do nothing, but is it not because of a lack of consecration? And, unless we turn more fully from seeking our own pleasure, will not the following language apply to us? “Ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered”—hindered by our light and trifling words, by professing to follow Christ while living a life devoted to selfish interests. If it is so with us, will not the blood of souls be found upon our garments? May we be wise in improving the present and also the future, that when the time of labor is past, we may welcome the heavenly rest with those who have spent their lives in the Master’s cause. M. L. H. HUNTLEY.

S. Lancaster, Mass., Feb. 1872.