There is in the Old Testament, in II Chronicles, a most encouraging account of the consistent, persistent achievements of a youth. Josiah was but eight years of age when he became king of Judah. By the time he was sixteen, we read, "he began to seek after the God of David his father" (II Chron. 34:3). This seeking was so consistent and fruitful that by the time Josiah was twenty he began a campaign to rid Judah and Jerusalem of the idolatrous practices which had grown up during the reign of a king who had strayed from the Mosaic teachings.
Josiah's example many centuries ago sets a splendid precedent for anyone, young or more advanced in years, who comes into a position where much that has been done in the past is wrong, and where a thorough purging is required. Reading and pondering the chronicler's account, one feels that its study would help all, especially those in public life who may be discouraged over conditions brought about by corruption of various sorts.
Josiah at twenty, in the strength of his God, not only was able to start a political and religious reformation of great magnitude, but was given the strength to stay with his work untiringly. He chose competent assistants. Among them Hilkiah, the priest, who found the book of the law, which had been lost sight of for many years, and Huldah, the prophetess, who was of great assistance.
