To the Youth by M. D. A.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 29, 1864

To the Youth.

By M. D. A.

How slippery and dangerous are the ways spread before the young in these days of peril and sin.

As of late I have looked around upon them, the inquiry has often arisen will they turn their steps homeward or will they be fascinated by the allurements of the world and charmed by its pleasures? In thus meditating how I have trembled for them. I look upon my own experience and think of the warfare needful to be kept up between the powers of darkness and my own soul, and then realize there is but one safe way, which is to watch, fight and pray. Then I think of them as just starting out from the world in the way to Heaven without experience, and all the evils of this world to contend with, and again I ask, Will they stem the tide and be true overcomers, true Christians?

When I started to serve God I had the same dangers which I see now surrounding the young. I had the same evil nature, the same enemy to meet at every advancing step, and like influences from worldly unconverted schoolmates. All this I had with only here and there one of my own age who had courage to go with God's people. I often thought the way rough. Many a night after school would I go to my room and my pillow with sad unhappy reflections that I had been so unfaithful, so unguarded of my words, and example, and then a discouragement would press upon me, that I never could become good. Now and then could I hear some one of experience tell of hopes and fears corresponding with my own, and that gave me courage to try. Had it not been for my closet then, I know as I look back upon it now, that I should have gone back to worldly hopes and companions. But then would I bow before God and exclaim, Oh Lord, I'll try. Often this simple sentence would compose my prayer, when I could spend from fifteen to thirty minutes before God. Oh what strength came to my heart then and there.

I was young, had never seen the beauties or worth of religion. Had heard of the coming of Christ but it was only attended with a dread. I knew God's people were few and despised and not till, through God's chosen servants in this work, I heard of the truth and the future inheritance of the saints, the new earth and learned to love my Bible and the testimonies of the spirit of God, could I forsake all for Christ's sake.

Oh well do I remember that decisive day. But as I formed such resolutions in the strength of grace what courage possessed my heart and I could go forth and prove that grace sufficient for me. I can now think back upon experiences then with satisfaction and delight, and since I have tried to bear a humble part with God's people they are to me a source of happiness. Then no care oppressed my mind.

How glad am I to-day that I sought the favor and blessing of God in the days of my youth. How sweet the place where I bowed to seek it. More pleasant are such memories than all others of bygone days. But it was not all sunlight there. Assailed and beset by temptations, often overcome in some evil net, with all my inward foes to lead me astray, I found the way stormy and tempestuous to my little bark. So fierce at times was the conflict that to sink into a final repose would have seemed sweet. But these temptations led me to search my heart diligently. How fearful I was that I should be deceived. Also it led me to read my Bible daily. Hardly did I dare to enter upon my secret devotions without first preparing my mind by reading some select portion of the word of God and meditating upon it. I found this profitable and of great benefit to me. And then as I would urge my case, which often seemed hopeless to me, to the throne of grace how blessed were the answers given. How precious thus to commune with God, how sacred were those sweet hours of prayer. It often seemed that some heavenly presence was near, and my closet where I bowed in prayer a paradise.

I prized such hours above any when I was to meet some earthly friend. Oh how good has the Lord been to me. And my dear youthful brethren and sisters he awaits to do all this and more for you. Your best days are passing. Your characters are forming for this life and are they becoming holy and pure and fitted for the world to come. Will you devote yourselves to God to serve him? He bids you give him your heart and offers his love in return. Precious is that love. You may experience it. It is not like the fleeting excitement of earthly pleasures: but with one of old you can say, "As the apple tree among the trees of the wood so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight and his fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house and his banner over me was love."

Dear youth do not stay away from God, but while his Spirit is calling you, and his people inviting you, while Heaven, sweet Heaven is interested for you, come oh come without delay to Jesus. Lay your all at the foot of the cross and resolve to serve him, to follow him. Then when the great shepherd calls from his mansion above you may follow him still to fountains of living waters. Soon the cup of his fury will be poured out upon this earth. It may seem fair to you now. It may look beautiful. You may see in it pleasures. But turn oh, turn from its fleeting joys and seek more enduring happiness. Oh the verdant plains and green fields of the new earth. Will you forego earth's pleasures here for life, eternal life?

Oh may we still see the young coming into the field and securing a shelter against the day of God's wrath.

Come to life's fountain, open and free, Come, for the Saviour is waiting for thee.