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To the Young

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 24, 1863

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 21, No. 13.

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To the Young.

By M. J. Cottrell

SWIFTLY the over-rolling wheels of time have borne us along, and brought before us the unsullied pages of another year. It now remains for us to decide for ourselves what shall be the record that these pages shall bear; and as our decision is made, let us remember that the record is faithfully borne to heaven's court, to witness for or against our right to enter into the coming kingdom. We are told that those only who have clean hands and pure hearts, shall inherit that never-fading land. Perfect acts and holy thoughts must reign, if we would be prepared to meet our Jesus and receive from his hand the sweet-toned harp, and shining crown.
Another year is before us, in which to prepare; and shall we spend its hours in idle talk? Will the record of a day spent thus, tell that we are striving for victory over our besetments, when we are well aware that one great besetment is trifling talk? Shall its record tell of hours spent among the pleasure-loving youth of our acquaintance, when we know that such society tempts to levity? Nay, let us pray, Lead us not into temptation, and then live our prayer by shunning those who would tempt us. Let us each so act that the record of this year will tell that we have indeed striven for victory in its full sense. Many are the temptations surrounding us; but, dear brother, or sister, let us arouse, gird on the whole armor, and in Jesus' strength disappoint Satan of his prey.
Oh, I fear and tremble when I look at the young, myself included. Shall you and I, dear reader, be found among those who will hear the awful word, "Depart?" and that from the lips of our Jesus? Oh, this would be "anguish which no measure knows." Let us awake, and so strive that the record of our remaining days may be such that instead we may hear his lovely voice say, "Come, ye blessed of my Father."
Your sister, hoping to wear the victor's crown. M. J. COTTRELL. Mill Grove, N. Y.