What Should Be the Attitude of the Church and Its Officers to the Young People's Society? *
IN order to answer this question properly, it may be well for us to inquire, What is the aim of the Young People's Missionary Volunteer Society, and is it accomplishing the object of its organization? The purpose, or aim, of this society is, as I understand it, the salvation of our young people, both church members and non church members, and the training of them for the service of God. If the young people's society has before it such an aim as this, then certainly it is worthy of the most hearty and cordial support of every member of the church. As officers, as parents, as church members, such a work must appeal to us. What a wonderful and important work is this saving and training of our young people,—the saving of your boy and my boy, and the training of these young people so they will catch a soul burden for the lost, and will give their lives to earnest, consecrated work for God. Who would not encourage and build up such a work? Sometimes we become self-centered and do not take so much interest as we ought in the sorrows and troubles of those about us; but when it comes to a matter which vitally affects one of our own dear ones, we become greatly interested. It is right, no doubt, that we should be thus interested even in the temporal affairs of our loved ones, but we ought to be much more concerned about their spiritual condition. When statistics show that nearly fifty per cent of our young people are not even church members, we begin to realize what a great need there is for soul-saving work among Seventh-day Adventist children. And the object of the Missionary Volunteer Society is to lay hold of these young people, and by prayer and entreaty, by precept and example, win them for God. What is our attitude as church officers and members to such a work? We must favor it, we must work for it, we must help it to the extent of our ability. Is the society accomplishing the object of its organization? Is it bringing our young people into the church and into the work of God? Has this been done in our church? If not, is there any responsibility with the older members of the church for the failure? Have we been planning and praying and working for the success of the society? Perhaps you say, This is a young people's society; it is not intended for the older members of the church. But does the object for which this society was organized interest you? Does it matter to you whether or not the young people of this church are saved to this cause? If it does, then the work of this society must make a continuous appeal to you for your cooperation and prayers, to the end that the aim of the society may be attained. It seems to me as I study the matter now, that my influence and help to make the society what it ought to be and to enable it to attain its aim, must be stronger, more definite, than it has been in the past. Shall we not unite our prayers and our efforts with those of our young people in their good work? The attitude of the church members and its officers to the young people's society ought to be and must be that of cordial, hearty, active interest, encouragement, and support; and together let us seek God daily that the young men and young women of this church, every one of them, may be brought to Christ and enlisted in the work of God before this year shall close.