Young Men and Women Wanted
By Florence M. Kern
WHEN the existence of this nation was threatened during the Civil War, and call after call came for men to go to the front, many a family gave up the one upon whom the home depended for food and shelter, proud of the fact that they had, by so doing, helped save the Union. God is calling for volunteers for the greatest campaign ever fought on this earth. The work of the Lord is languishing for the lack of strong, well-trained young men and women. The Seventh-day Adventist young people of this land are numbered by the thousands. What are they doing to prepare themselves to take part in this closing campaign? Some have enlisted to stay by until the work is finished, but many are planning to make themselves comfortable, and live after the manner of those who do not recognize the claims of God upon them. The desire for luxury and ease is contagious, and unless our young people are carefully taught, they will take for their standard of success that which the world has ever held—the gratification of self. There are scores—even hundreds—of young people in the Central Union Conference who should be actively engaged in the work of the Master, or preparing themselves for usefulness. A large number of these ought to be in Union College or some one of the industrial schools. Fathers and mothers should examine themselves to see if they have wholly dedicated their children to God's service wherever he may call them. It must be remembered that lives that are not dedicated to the Lord will be appropriated by the Prince of this world. Young people should examine their own hearts to know why they are not looking forward to taking up the Master's work soon. Is it because you would find some worldly avocation more congenial? Do you feel that you can not afford to choose a small salary with Christ in preference to a larger one in some honorable worldly employment? Do you shrink from separation from home and friends, or the little comforts or luxuries to which you have become attached? Do you imagine the change in surroundings might not be wholly agreeable? Many young people imagine they would be glad to obtain an education, and enter upon missionary work if some one would open the way for them. It is sometimes the case that through no fault of their own, young men and women are handicapped in their efforts for an education to such an extent that they should be assisted in this way, but for the average young man or woman that which is gained by personal effort is far more valuable. It is an essential part of the education of our young people that they should learn to make entrances where no openings are apparent. It is well to recognize opportunities for success when they present themselves to us; it is better to recognize them when they must be sought and captured. One of our camp-meeting speakers recently presented to us the thought that God veils his providences in presenting them to us, in order that we may choose from principle, and walk out by faith in the path that leads to victory. I have felt that this applies to many of our young people who sincerely desire an education. They have not the means to attend school unless they can obtain work to help meet expenses. I would say to you, dear young people, those who really desire work, and are capable of doing it acceptably, need not fear that the Lord will neglect to send them employment. It frequently requires patience and determination and the putting away of false pride, but I have never known a student with sufficient courage to keep up the effort for a month who was obliged to acknowledge defeat. It is necessary, however, that there should be ability to do some kind of useful work well and cheerfully. The student who looks upon manual labor as menial and not worthy of thorough performance will be apt to feel that fate is against him, and some one else gets all the luck. Consider well why you desire an education. Is it to bring you into closer connection with God, and better fit you to bring souls to him? Then can you not trust him to help you obtain it, even though it may mean plain clothing, sacrifice of little luxuries, and hard work? Not all education is obtained from books, and it may be that you need just the discipline that a little hardship will give you. Rejoice in your ability to overcome obstacles, rather than in their absence. I should be pleased to correspond with any young people who have an earnest desire to obtain an education, especially those who are looking toward Union College. Union College, College View, Neb.