p. 66 | Counsel from Paul by James Sawyer

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 26, 1864

Counsel from Paul.

By James Sawyer

THESE things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the unbelievers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Meditate on these things. 1 Tim iv, 12, 15.

It appears that these words were spoken to a young man who had been ordained to the work of the ministry.

Paul had besought Timothy to remain at Ephesus to charge some to teach faith unfeigned, charity out of a pure heart, not to give heed to fables, &c.

It seems also that he gave him an outline of a general apostasy, which had already begun to arise in the church and that may be more definitely noticed in the case of the first state of the church as recorded in the second chapter of Revelation second verse, where the message was to separate the false apostles.

Timothy was charged to put the brethren in mind of these things, in order that they might have godliness which is profitable unto all things; having promise of the life that now is, and that which is to come.

Says Paul, The Spirit expressly speaketh that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith. Has not this apostasy more fully manifested itself in these last days? And may not the above instructions be applicable to the young who have embraced the truth in the third angel's message?

Let no man despise thy youth. Notwithstanding Timothy's youthfulness, a dignity of character was to be maintained. And should not the young who have made a profession of religion be willing to be known as believers? Certain signs are to follow those who believe. Is this true in their case? What are they doing by way of reform? Do they still indulge in trifling words and unprofitable conversation which are slowly eating away the life of their religion? Do they think that because they are young, God will excuse them for not acting? Are they laying up their mites for the treasury of the Lord? Should not all who have sense and judgment to believe on the Lord and take a stand with his people, sustain a dignity of character? Why should the young let their youth be despised then? Although they may not be called to preach as Timothy, yet may they not by being an example to unbelievers lead others to Christ? May not this be done in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity?

Timothy was told to give attendance to reading (probably the scriptures.) Is not this a good way for the young to gain strength—give attendance to the reading of books which can furnish a store of useful knowledge? Are they doing this? How many pages of religious matter does each one peruse in one week? Are they impressed by what they read to take hold with renewed courage and try to overcome faster? If the mind is not developed by the good, will not evil creep in, just as weeds fill a garden that is not cultivated by the hoe?

Can they not give some attendance to exhortation? Calamities are coming: the dissolution of all things is approaching; even nature is said to be groaning to be delivered from the curse, and many are yet in their sins. Who does not feel thankful that he was warned of his evil ways and exhorted to repent? Have believing youth the same interest for others that God had for them, when his Holy Spirit entreated them to come and taste of the living waters?

They may not be publicly called to exhort like Timothy, but is there no way to persuade their companions and associates? Do they carry their cases before the Lord? Does a life of upright and holy living testify to others that their eternal welfare is near and dear to the heart? Do they ever weep because so many of the youth are going down the road to ruin, while the way of life is made open to all? Do they ever think they will be held responsible for the blood of souls unless they in some way warn the sinner to flee the wrath to come? Are they burdened for the salvation of others?

Can they not give attendance to doctrine? They may not be teachers like Timothy, but have they not a doctrine to inculcate? If they have, are they not responsible for an influence however young or weak in the faith?

Says Jesus, My doctrine is not mine but his that sent me, and if any man will do his will he shall know of his doctrine whether it be of God. Are they doing God's will? Are they keeping all of his commandments in the spirit? Do they love this doctrine?

The next verse says, Meditate on these things. How often has the writer come short in this part of the admonition. He has let the cares of this world engross too much of his time. He agrees with one, who has said "He that never thinks, never can be wise," and desires to meditate more. Is it not the privilege of God's chosen ones to be wise like serpents, yet harmless as doves? Let wisdom be sought from God. Let me seek it, for it is the pearl of great price. Let the youth seek it; for it is their guide; and let us all meditate more on the importance of setting good examples in word and conversation, the interest we should have for others, our manner of deportment before them, and the high estimation to be placed on purity of character. Let us accept Paul's advice, and pay attention to these things.

JAMES SAWYER.

Crockery, Mich.