WHEN Jesus found Simon and Andrew with their nets by the Sea of Galilee, it is recorded that he said, "Follow me," and that they left their nets and followed him. He issued the same command to Matthew, as he sat at the receipt of custom; and he arose and followed him. The same instructions were given to Philip, to the disciple who was about to bury his father, to the rich young man who wished to gain eternal life, and at another time to anyone who would come after him. The varying responses to our Master's command revealed the states and stages of spiritual growth among the men whose attention his instructions had engaged.
To-day we may, perhaps, look back with pitying thought upon those who were unwilling or unready to heed the call when it came to them, for we have learned something of the wonderful import of that call and of the blessings which follow obedience to its summons. While regretting the lost opportunities of those who might have become loyal laborers in the vineyard of Truth, yet we rejoice in the many records of those who were faithful to their trust. Especially is thought inspired by the example of youth consecrated to the work of God.
The child Samuel, listening to the voice of God in the temple; the youthful David, ruddy and of a fair countenance, going forth in the name of the Lord of hosts to accept the challenge of Goliath; the child Jesus, "sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions"—these and many other examples illustrate the tremendous appeal of Truth to mankind, and especially to youth, eager and devoted to the service of God and humanity.
