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To the Young

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 3, 1863

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 22, No. 23.

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To the Young.

By Mary F. Maxson

DEAR YOUNG BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have many times thought I would like to say a few words to you through the Review. I think we ought to speak often one to another, and should exhort and encourage each other, and so much the more as we see the day approaching. I fear we do not realize the time in which we are living, and the responsibilities resting upon us. We believe the end of all things earthly is at hand; but do we realize as we should that the perils of the last days surround us?
Do we realize that probation is nearly ended, and soon the decree, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still," will go forth? Oh! I fear that we are not half awake. Do we realize as we should the value of precious souls? and are we doing all in our power to save them from death? Do not let us excuse ourselves, and say that it is not our duty to try to win souls to the truth because we are not messengers. We should all be "little messengers," and though our sphere may be limited, and our field of action small, yet we can do something in the vineyard of the Lord? And when he shall come to claim the talent entrusted to us, we can return it to him with usury.
Dear young friends, let us not be weary in well doing, but press onward, onward, until
"The King in his beauty for us shall appear."
I know we have many trials peculiar to the young, but
"Shall earth's bitter strife appall us, While contending for the prize?"
O no! but rather let us thank God that we can suffer for Jesus' sake. Remember that it is through suffering that we are to be purified, made white, and tried.
O, rejoice! Sorrow and anguish cannot always last. What though friends forsake us! What though the finger of scorn is pointed at us, and we are despised of all men? Remember that the blessed Saviour was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He will never leave nor forsake us, but will sympathise with us in our afflictions, and share all our sorrows. O, we want to be among the number that suffer with Christ, that we may also reign with him. We want to be among the great, victorious army that shall walk the golden streets of the New Jerusalem. What an army that will be! They will make heaven's arches ring with their song of triumph. And that song will be as the voice of many waters, and the voice of a great thunder.
Oh! how light and trifling the sorrows of earth appear when compared with the glorious joys of heaven. Then, weary ones, take courage. Be faithful, for soon its joys will be ours. We shall drink the water of life, clear as crystal, which proceedeth out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. We shall partake of the fruit from the tree of life, and Jesus himself will come forth and serve us. O, glorious, happy thought! Well may we exclaim,
"Worldly honors, hopes, and gain, All I resign; Welcome sorrow, grief, and pain, If heaven be mine."
What is of any real value but heaven, and Jesus' love? Your heart answers, Nothing. Then live for Jesus. Live for him entirely. Strive to rise above earth and earthly things. Crucify self and exalt Jesus. Place your affections wholly upon him, and strive to bring every thought into subjection to him. Then when he shall come to take the redeemed to those beautiful mansions he is preparing for them, we shall be among the number. Victors' crowns will be placed upon our heads, and harps of gold in our hands, and we shall sing praises through all eternity to him who hath redeemed us from among men, and hath made us kings and priests unto God.
God bless you, my dear young friends. Prove faithful. Be in earnest. And may God grant that at last you may be among the jewels that shall shine forever in the Saviour's crown.
Very affectionately your young sister.
MARY F. MAXSON.
Adams' Center, N. Y.