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Letter to the Young

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 2, 1863

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 22, No. 1.

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Letter to the Young.

By S. E. L.

“SEEING then that all these things shall be dissolved what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness?” 2 Pet. iii, 11.
DEAR YOUTHFUL FRIENDS: Are we not living in the most solemn and important period of this world’s history? In times truly perilous on account of the great power of the enemy and the numberless snares which he lays for our inexperienced feet. And while we profess to be numbered with God’s peculiar people, and expect his covering to be drawn over us in the day of his wrath. O do we realize what he requires of us?
Surely we must awake now and fully consecrate ourselves to the Lord, or we shall be shaken out. We who are not encumbered with houses and lands are not exempt from sacrifice.
O let us sweeten the bitter cup which is given to purify and cleanse us, with patience and resignation and let it have its designed effect upon our hearts; not by dwelling upon our trials thinking them hard and unnecessary, but by considering them “our light afflictions” which, if rightly borne, will “work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
When I have in some degree realized the sore conflicts and trying scenes of the future I have felt to shrink back and earnestly desire that it might be my lot to sleep in Jesus.
O for more faith, and a willingness to suffer for the sake of Christ, to be brought into straight places and with humble reliance on God to patiently wait for deliverance.
To deny myself of the so called pleasure of the world its fashions mirth and pride has never seemed hard to me, but rather they have looked disgusting. But there is one thing which though it may be right in itself, I feel has had too large a place in my heart and affections. It is a love for earthly learning and a desire to employ myself in teaching. This desire from childhood has been very strong in me. Circumstances not permitting I have tried to check this desire but I think it has hindered from fully submitting myself to the Lord as I ought. I feel to say,
“Perish every fond ambition All I’ve sought or hoped or known.”
Dear young brethren and sisters, let us delight in the cross bearing way. May we but be followers of that dear Saviour who died to purchase our salvation. O let us not be discouraged though we find repeatedly that our strength is nothing but weakness. It is in Jesus’ name that we hope for victory. How sweet to feel that he careth for us.
I have been much edified while reading the exhortations to the young through the Review. How thankful ought we to be for this medium through which we who are scattered and alone may hear of the prosperity of the cause, be instructed and encouraged by our more experienced Brn. and sisters and also through which we may ourselves exhort one another and so much the more as we see the day approaching. My heart responds to the exhortation in a late Review to appreciate and confide in our instructors in the Lord. Especially favored are those who frequently hear their admonitions as they hold forth the straitness of the way.
Dear messengers of heavenly truth And servants of the Lord, May their instructions guide our youth, While setting forth his word.
May we with gratitude receive Each admonition given, Behind, our errors gladly leave, And so prepare for heaven.
O may we never think too straight The testimony borne, But from our hearts may pride and hate And idols all be torn.
And when probation’s hours are fled, If then our hearts are pure By Israel’s God we shall be led, And rest in him secure.
New Haven, Oswego Co. N. Y.
S. E. L.