Address to the Young by J. E. Grems

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Jun 12, 1855

Address to the Young.

By J. E. Grems

As there are many besides myself in the bloom of life who profess the Advent faith, I would say a few words to them through the Review.

Dear friends, you have enlisted in a glorious cause, and under the banner of Prince Immanuel. Ere you enlisted you counted the cost; you considered you must leave the world with its vanity, and your worldly minded friends, all behind; you realized that you were exposing yourself to the ridicule of the enemies of the cross, as well as to the fiery darts of Satan, that are never hurled at any, until they resolve to tread the rough path that Jesus trod; you realized all this, and resolved in the strength of the mighty One, you would "fight the good fight," and strive to obtain eternal life. This was well. But what are you doing for God? Are you at your post day and night working for the Lord? Are you striving to win some precious soul to Christ, that you may have one gem, at least, in your diadem? Are you denying yourself daily of some luxury that you may aid in speeding the third angel's message? Do you think you are so young, so unlearned in the knowledge of the Lord, that you can do nothing for him, and therefore it is better to leave the work to your elders? Lull not yourself to sleep in this way. Why are you permitted to rank among the living ones of earth? Why are you called to know the truth if it be not that you may aid in the great work of disseminating religious knowledge? Think not that because you have said you would serve the Lord, that it is all that is required of you. Oh, no! for your having so said is the very reason why you ought to work for Christ; for "better is it that thou shouldst not vow, than that thou shouldst vow and not pay." Do you think your faith will save you? "Faith if it hath not works is dead, being alone." O then go to work to-day. Look around you, see who there is among your friends, your neighbors, who know not the truth. Go to them, tell them the present message is the last one of mercy to them, and plead with them, to live for Jesus. Do it in meekness and the Lord will reward you.

You are in the bloom of life, with health and strength. Can you not manage some way to give a little for the support of your brethren, who are working and toiling for the salvation of souls with broken constitutions, and have forsaken all that they may work for the Lord? Can you not assist them in their labor of love? Remember that while in times past you have been enjoying yourselves, they have been sacrificing for you, they have deprived themselves of the society of loved ones, and of (perhaps) many of the comforts and necessaries of life that they might benefit you, and will you not now do all in your power for them? Give of your abundance to aid them, give them your prayers and your love. Let them know they have your sympathies and gratitude and it may serve to lighten many dark hours.

Are you living soberly . . . in Christ Jesus. O what can you see in this fleeting earth to excite your mirth? There is nothing but sin and sorrow. Many of you are in the slippery paths of youth, and will find many things to divert you from your purpose; that of serving God; but "watch and pray." You must needs be more watchful and prayerful than if you had long trod the thorny path. "Be sober, be vigilant, for your adversary the Devil as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour." Many times you are thrown into the company of those who pay no regard to religion, and they continually strive to excite your mirth, and, by degrees, to get you interested, so that at length you will join them; but do not be guilty of countenancing their folly, and perhaps your sobriety will be a check upon their frivolity. Strive, oh strive, to overcome the enemy, girding on the whole armor; for it is no light thing to start on the Christian journey; and then turn and join the opposite party. "But the end of all things is at hand, be ye therefore sober and watch unto prayer."

I have written thus advisingly, not because I think myself wiser or better than you; but I feel it a duty to work for the Lord, and if these few lines should excite any one to a new engagement in his service, I shall be doubly rewarded. I am but young and have lately commenced to travel the road to Canaan, and oft-times make to myself crooked paths; but I desire to prove faithful and at last meet you all in the New Earth. J. E. GREMS. Minnesota, 1855.