p. 150 | TO THE YOUNG by M. H. LYON.

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 25, 1860

TO THE YOUNG.

By M. H. LYON.

THERE is a question I would like to ask the youthful readers of the Review: Are you as much engaged in the cause of present truth as it is your duty and privilege to be? In imagination I hear the ready response in the negative. I beg leave to ask, Why are you not? Do you think to drift along on a smooth sea to the harbor of everlasting repose,

While others fought to win the prize And sailed through bloody seas?

Oh! no; but we do not like to be too forward, we would rather see young persons too backward. We have heard of elder brethren and sisters being tried with the forwardness of those younger than themselves, either in years or in knowledge of the truth; therefore we prefer to behave with becoming modesty in the house of God, which according to our ideas is—to be seen—not heard.

My dear young friends, do you think that such excuses can avail anything with the heart-searching God, who seeth not as man seeth? Can you really think that the true, honest Christian, whose heart burns with zeal for the honor and glory of his Master's cause, who mourns over the lack of faithfulness in God's house, could possibly be tried if his dear children, for instance, for whom he has prayed with strong crying and tears, should in some of our social meetings by the grace of God break loose from the shackles with which the great enemy of souls would fain bind them down from rising with his people, and cry aloud to God for help from the sanctuary to rise above the powers of darkness without waiting for all those who usually take part in the public services?

God is emphatically the God of order, and has commanded that all things pertaining to his public service, should be done with decency and in order, and has set us the example of appointing holy men, approved of God, to have the charge and oversight of his spiritual house. So it is proper that there should be certain ones upon whom should rest the responsibility of conducting, even a social meeting, appointed for prayer and praise; but after it is thus opened all are invited by the great Master of assemblies to partake of its rich privileges, the young as well as the old, children as well as the parents. Now can you not, dear young friends, be persuaded to arouse yourself from the fatal sleep of the enchanted ground by exhorting each other and so much the more as you see the day approaching?

Oh! what an impetus it would give to the cause of the third angel's message if all the youth in our midst would commence with one heart and voice to cry aloud and spare not, showing each other their sins and transgressions. Depend upon it, none would be "tried" but those who will not stand the trial of their faith, but will be spued out of the mouth of Him who warns us to be zealous and repent, for he cometh quickly.

M. H. LYON.

Battle Creek, Mich.