p. 216 | YOUNG DISCIPLES by Editor

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 12, 1881

YOUNG DISCIPLES.

By Editor

WE have received an interesting letter from John W. Ross, of Nevada City, Cal. He says he is ten years old; signed the pledge last January, and keeps the Sabbath with his father, mother, and sister.

It always gives us pleasure to see the young take hold of the truth and walk in obedience to God. It is too often the case that children are looked upon with distrust if they offer to walk in wisdom's ways of peace; or, if accepted by the church, it is expected that they shall lay aside the ways of youth and act like old people,—which is to say that they are expected to show a more radical change of life than is expected of old people. This is a sad mistake. It is a mistake, because children do not need to show such a decided change of life as old sinners who have long been fighting against God. And it is an unfortunate mistake, because it serves to discourage the little hearts which are often anxious to grow up into the ways of God. Religion never was designed to make old people of children. Time is required for that. But it is designed to make them good children; and it is the duty of parents, teachers, pastors, and all who can, to assist them in learning the way of truth and walking in it. God bless the little ones who "fear God and keep his commandments," and give their hearts to Jesus, the children's Friend and Saviour.