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THE Y. P. S. C. V

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 15, 1901

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 78, No. 3.

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THE Y. P. S. C. V.

By GEO. THOMASON

Several months ago there appeared in the columns of this paper an article with reference to the organization of the Young People's Society of Christian Volunteers, of Battle Creek. Since the appearance of this article many letters have come from nearly all parts of the country, announcing the formation of similar societies among the young people of our churches. In most of these letters were inquiries as to the basis upon which to organize, plans for work, nature of the meetings to be held, etc. It is practically impossible to answer all these inquiries individually, and it seems best again to utilize our church paper to outline something further with reference to the Battle Creek society, in the hope that it may prove helpful.
First of all, the Battle Creek society wishes to send greeting to all the young people of our churches who have taken hold of this plan, and to bid God-speed in the noble work.
From the first inception of our society, the young people have taken hold with a spirit of earnestness, and as a result of personal effort new faces are seen every Sabbath at the regular service. On one occasion twenty-eight new members were admitted to the society.
The regular service is held Sabbath afternoon, and consists usually of a short talk upon some topic concerning practical Christian living, occupying never more than twenty minutes, followed by a social service, in which as many as possible take part during the time allotted. The entire service is usually brought within the limit of one hour. An occasional song service, of ten or fifteen minutes at the beginning of the hour, adds greatly to the interest of the meetings.
For a short time past, the Berean studies have been used as the topic for consideration at the meetings, and great interest has been awakened among the members for a better knowledge of these most important lessons.
Occasionally almost the entire hour is devoted to a song and testimony service in order to give an opportunity for all to speak, which is practically impossible with so large an attendance when a portion of the hour is given to other phases of worship.
The principles upon which the society is founded, and the policy which governs the organization, as set forth in the constitution and the by-laws, are yet under consideration. It is hoped that at the General Conference soon to be held, time will be devoted to consider in detail the work of these societies, and still further to perfect the organization.
It might not be out of place for the writer to add a few suggestions that have occurred to him as being ways in which we as young people may devote our time to being helpful:—
1. In personal work for those with whom we associate. It adds a wonderful seriousness to life when we consider that we are daily meeting persons whom we see for the first and last time, perhaps; but it is possible to be in such close touch with Heaven that this single personal contact with them may change the whole course of their lives. This necessitates walking very softly, that we shall never fail to hear the “still small voice” when it shall tell us exactly which way to go, and just what to say.
2. Helping the poor and needy. We may often be the connecting link between those in distress from hunger, cold, or insufficient clothing, and those having much to spare of food, fuel, and wearing apparel. “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.”
3. Sickness is increasing on every hand; hence what a wonderful opportunity to relieve pain and distress, in many cases by the application of a few of the simple principles God has given us with which to bless mankind. Most of this suffering is due to ignorance of the laws of life, hence in this there lies a beautiful possibility for teaching such how properly to care for their bodies. No better way presents itself for reaching the souls of men and women than by relieving their physical ailments.
4. Taking an active part in all phases of Church work in the prayer and social meetings; in the sending out of literature; in carrying out the injunction of Paul to Timothy: “Be thou an example of the believers.”
5. An excellent opportunity is afforded in enthusiastically taking hold of the sale of “Christ's Object Lessons,” and in introducing into families the special editions of the Signs of the Times and the Midwinter and Midsummer editions of Good Health.
6. There are many isolated and lonely ones who would most heartily appreciate a word of encouragement and good cheer by way of a letter.
These are only a few of the many ways in which it is possible to accomplish much for our Master. If not already, God will soon look to the young people to bear the heavier burdens in the great cause of truth, and the best possible preparation for the work is the development of strong spiritual bone, sinew, and muscle, which can only come gradually, by the improvement of opportunities daily offered us by God himself according to our several ability.
GEO. THOMASON, Pres. Battle Creek Y. P. S. C. V.