A WORD TO THE YOUNG by Eliza H. Morton

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, May 6, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 19

A WORD TO THE YOUNG.

By Eliza H. Morton

BY ELIZA H. MORTON.

MY DEAR YOUNG FRIENDS: Upon this “one life” hangs a future which is dark, gloomy, rayless and hopeless, or bright, radiant, happy and glorious; yet its golden hours are madly flung away by multitudes of deceived mortals.

Bonar expresses this fact in the following beautiful language:—

“How many noble hearts that might have blessed the world and found rich blessings for themselves, sweep o’er life’s surging sea without an aim. Some dream all day long of noble work, yet leave that noble work undone; some sleep their years away as if becalmed, and others rush before the gale and wreck themselves upon an unknown coast.”

Too often life is half spent before we perceive the importance of self-culture, understand the necessity of active labor, comprehend the need of mental and moral discipline, or realize the object of existence.

This dullness of perception, lack of energy, and deficiency of real worth, is due in a great measure to improper education. The powers of the human mind are limitless, and the capabilities of the human soul beyond thought. Youth is the seed-time of life; and habits of stability, purity, and perseverance should be formed while character is being established. There are higher levels for us all, and the full measure of a noble life may be ours. Tenderness, sympathy, gentleness, and love must be cultivated, or work will prove of no avail. The “beauty of holiness” is an “inner calm which repels the outer tempest.”

All cannot do great deeds, speak eloquent words, or pen thoughts that will live through the ages; but “’tis not always the din of hammers that proclaims the rising temple,” and oft in silence life’s noblest work is performed.

The dew falls gently to the ground; The gleaming sunshine makes no sound, The eagle wings a noiseless flight; And softly droop the shades of night.

The “ministry of holy feet” Is all unheard in crowded street, Unheralded the kindly deed Of man to man in hour of need.

The inner life is all revealed; From God no act can be concealed. Oh! better far than noisy din Is gentleness and peace within.

Then ne’er despair, tho’ work may seem As useless as an empty dream, But labor on till day shall break,— Ay, labor on “for Jesus’ sake.”

O youth in the morning of life, be not weary of work and tired of self! Do not sink among the shadows of doubt and the quicksands of unbelief! If you are dissatisfied with your present condition, arise and begin anew. If you have made mistakes in the past, resolve to redeem the time and live a nobler, truer, and better life. Remember that it is a sad thing “to leave the world no richer than you found it, and pass away unmissed.”

The reward of those who by loving, unselfish deeds of kindness pour light into troubled souls, cannot be estimated by mortal mind, cannot be portrayed with human language; it is enough for us to know that it will be soul-satisfying and glorious.

Battle Creek College.