GOOD EXAMPLES by M. L. H.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 21, 1879

GOOD EXAMPLES

By M. L. H.

A SISTER who is actively engaged in the missionary cause, writes thus respecting her little son:—

“My boy, aged twelve years, takes a great interest in the missionary work, sending out five copies of the Signs each week, and doing his own writing. He has received no answers as yet, but is still persevering.”

Few parents realize the importance of impressing upon the minds of their children the true object of life. The period when life-long impressions are being made is passed by unimproved in this most important work; and the soil, well fitted for the cultivation of Christian graces, is left to bring forth evil fruit. How much better to inspire in them a desire for usefulness in the work of God. A peculiar characteristic of the missionary work is that it is equally adapted to individuals of all ages and circumstances in life.

From another letter we take the following:—

“There is an aged brother living in ——, a city of about twelve thousand inhabitants. He is alone in the truth in that large place, but is not an idler. He is eighty-nine years of age, but is quite sprightly, and meets with us as often as he can, sometimes walking four miles to get to meeting. He scatters tracts and papers, and is so vigilant that the people have given him the name of ‘the old missionary.’ He says he has twelve interested readers. He is trying to prove faithful to the end. Remember him in your prayers.”

What a beautiful picture is here presented: a child in his freshness and vigor, untrammeled with toil and care, giving the first-fruits of his life to God; and an aged man, having nearly finished his course, eagerly improving the remnant of his days in the service of his Master. When the faithful receive their reward, may each find many stars in his crown of rejoicing. M. L. H.