God's Call to Our Youth by Chas. F. Ulrich

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 19, 1914

God's Call to Our Youth

By Chas. F. Ulrich

"The advent message to all the world in this generation," is the aim of this people. Many times I wonder how this work will be accomplished. Time and again the REVIEW comes to us with the sad news that another warrior has fallen on the field of battle. Who will catch up the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel, that is about to fall from the old warriors whose hands have been weakened from many years of labor in the Master's cause, and bear it in the thickest of the fray to a glorious victory? Whom shall we call to enlist in this most glorious warfare? We cannot call those upon whose heads Father Time has been weaving his white silken threads. While they would gladly go, time has made such inroads upon their strength that they are no longer able to endure hardships, and are thus unwillingly forced to stay at home.

As I go from city to city, I find attractive notices like this, "Young men wanted for the army and the navy." In many places an army officer is stationed by the poster encouraging young men to enter the service of Uncle Sam. I have thought of the greater call the Lord of hosts is making for our young people to enlist in the glorious work of giving to dying nations a message of life, joy, comfort, hope, and peace. Instead of becoming expert in the handling of devices for the destruction of our fellow men, we are to become efficient in the handling of the sword of the Spirit, to the salvation of men. There are no laurels distributed here for being valiant in battle for Prince Immanuel, nor may any tombstone of honor rest upon our graves, yet a much greater reward awaits us than nations can give, the crown of immortality.

I am writing to you, dear young people, to consider the call of the high and lofty One. The Lord has need of your services. Will you not begin to plan ways and means by which you may do efficient work in the Master's cause? Our recruits must come from the ranks of our young people. It is to them that we must look to fill up the gaps made by the death of our faithful laborers, and to enter new fields that are constantly crying, "Come over . . . and help us." How long, dear young people, shall we listen to this earnest, agonizing plea for help without making any effort to save them? God will hold us responsible if we fail to do our part.

While visiting the navy yard in Boston, I saw a drill master with about eight raw recruits, drilling them in the ways of a good soldier. He had them go through various maneuvers; and thus, by constant drilling, they became proficient. Our schools are the places where young men and women are being trained and drilled for the work that God has commissioned us to do. Will you not consecrate yourself to the work God has for you to do?

I am glad that many are heeding the call; but there are many more that ought to fit themselves for the work of saving souls. Heed the Master's call, and great will be your joy in service here and your reward in heaven at last.

CHAS. F. ULRICH.