The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-02-20

culcated in childhood.
But be that as it may-let each
young man or woman who feels in
terested here, who looks upon this as
church home, say: cit depends
upon me, in some measure, how mat
tiers go. 1t depends upon me, how
the services are kept up, how the
Sunday-school hourishes, how bust
ness affairs are conducted" Let each
one resolve, 81 will do what lies in
my power to help. The church's
business shall be my business also;
and l will not delegate my share
even to my father and mother. |
will work with them; but they shall
not carry my responsibilities" Let
them say, IF there is anythingfto be
done, if they have any enterprise on
hand for strengthening the church
or extending its influence, count up
on me-" And let the older members
of the church and congregation meet
such advances with heartiDess and
sympathy that shall bind all ele-
ments forever unto one.
(2) But not only the general
work. The young people in our
churches ought to know something
of the temporal affairs of church,
and how they are conducted.
They ought to begin at once to
cultivate financial interest in the
organization. Tney ought to ask:
"How are funds provided? What
are the expenses, and for what? What
is my own duty in the premises?" If
you are going to be generous in after
life, you must cultivate the spirit of
generosity in youth. If you are
going to be benevolent when you
have thousands, you must begin when
you have only dollars or pennies.
The child is father of the man. The
habits of early life dominate when
wealth has been obtained and posi-
ton reached. He who is faithful in
few things becomes lord of many
things. Besides, you may not live to-
grow old; and your plans for future
benevolence may all come to naught.
Cultivate the spirit to-day, and do
what you are able now. Work as you
go along Do not let your duties ac-
cumulate. Do not postpone what
you ought to accomplish at once.
Jesus himself said, II must work the
works of him that sent me while it is
day. the night cometh when no man
can work."
A missionary in the West Indies
having called upon the people for
help in his work, an aged negro
came hobblingto the front. and gave
what seemed very large sum. When
asked whether he was not giving too
much, he replied: Goods work. must
be done, Massa5 and | may be deadw
Conclusion.
These. then, are some of the things
we expect from the young people in
the church,. Progress in thought,
enthusiasm. in spirit, aggression in
work. The beloved disciple writes to
the young because they are STRONG"
vigorous in intellect, energetic in
heart, willing in labor. Put these
qualities into action, and there Is no
computing what may be accom-
plished. Pdt these qualities into &C
ton, and many church that now
seems on the verge of the grave
would rise to newness of life- Put
these qualities into action, and many
a cause that now languishes would
be clothed with power and efficiency.
Rise up, then, young people, and
help bear the burdens of to'daw Rise
up, and secure the future. In the
hands of the generation that now is,
and in the hands of the young people
Of that generation, lie the unshaped
centuries. to come: Your action, your
faithfulness or unfaithfulness, may
help to make or mar the ages. Be
brave and true, be strong and will
ing. Take your share of responsible
ity. Do the duty of the hour. Stand
shoulder to shoulder with all who are
trying to do something in the church
and also in society. And in that day
when you are summoned from your
task, when the sword is laid aside
and the banner forever folded, upon
your ears Will fall the benedietion,
the welcome sxeeter than bird
songs after the teEapestS-"Wsll done,
good and faithful servant, enter
thoHinto the joy of thy Lord. "