It is a matter of great joy that so many young people have been led not only to accept the Lord Jesus as their Saviour and to confess Him as such, but definitely to accept the responsibilities which go with this. They have identified themselves with the testimony of the Lord as to Church fellowship; they have thrown themselves into Sunday-school, tract, and gospel work. We bless God for every dear young Christian of whom this is true.
Young people do not relish fault-finding, nor do they wish always to be hearing advice. Indeed, constant criticism and advice may fail, from their repetition, to secure the very result desired. We trust that these few words may not be looked upon as criticism nor taken as mere exhortation. In the language of the Apostle, we may say:
"Rejoice in the Lord alway. " God has made every provision to make His children happy. A sour visage misrepresents the very grace of God :" Let us eat, and be merry." If anything interferes with our happiness in the Lord, we may be sure that something is wrong.
"Watch and be sober." Life is an intensely sober thing. Who that thinks of the destiny of the world, the condition of the professing church, the needs and sorrows all about us, can spend his days in empty levity ? Youthful spirits are one thing; trifling, worldliness, folly, should have no place in the Christian's life, however young.
" Be strong in the Lord." It takes a good deal of courage to say "No" to a tempting invitation; to confess Christ publicly; to bear witness against sin, or to invite an unconverted person to the Saviour. If we are to be of any service, however, to Him who humbled Himself to serve our need, we must be ready to endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ.
" Search the Scriptures." No one can rejoice in the Lord who is ignorant of His Word; no one will be truly sober whose thoughts are not filled with that Word; nor can one be strong unless the word of God dwells in him. A daily, regular reading and study of the Bible consecutively is therefore indispensable.
"Continue in prayer." Prayer always accompanies a true feeding upon the word of God. We feel our dependence and helplessness and turn to Him who alone can meet it. There are dear ones whose salvation we desire:Christians whose blessing we wish; guidance, wisdom, grace-thousands of things to pray for. Dear young Christian, do you pray-perseveringly ? S. R.