A YOUNG man came to an old pressor at one of the universities in Europe, his face beaming with delight. The professor was the head of the Law School and the young man had come to tell him of his intention to register there as a student. He told how he was determined to study as hard as he could in order to get through the course of study as quickly as possible.
The old gentleman listened patiently as the youth continued his enthusiastic conversation. At last there was a pause and the professor quietly said, “Well! And when you have finished your studies, what do you plan to do then?”
“Then I shall take my examination and be admitted to the Bar as a practicing attorney,” answered the young man.
“And then?” asked his friend.
“And then,” continued the youth, “I shall have a number of difficult cases. I shall attract attention by my arguments before the judges and by my wit and my keen mind. With all this I shall win a great reputation.”
“And then?” repeated the professor.
“Why, then there cannot be any question but that I shall be appointed to some high office in the government. And I shall become rich.”
“And then?”
“And then,” the young man went on, “I shall live comfortably and honorably in wealth and respect, and look forward to a quiet and happy old age.”
“And then?”
“And then,” said the youth, “and then — and then — and then I shall die.”
Here his aged listener raised his voice and again asked with solemnity and emphasis,
“And then?”
There was no answer. The young man hung his head, not willing to face up to the last question. In silence and in deep thought he turned and walked away. The last “And then?” had pierced his conscience like a flash of lightning.
Happily for that young man he gave heed to the warning that his old friend had given. He realized that all his plans, all his hopes and great expectations were worth nothing in the light of eternity. Then he took his place as a lost sinner, turned to the Saviour of sinners, the Lord Jesus Christ, and was saved.
It is good for young people to train and educate themselves for a useful occupation but do not make the dreadful mistake of leaving God out of your life. King Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived and the book of Proverbs records hundreds of his wise sayings. In Proverbs 4:77Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7) we read, “Wisdom is the principal thing: therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
That same book also says, “The fear of the LORD is the binning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding.” Prov. 9:1010The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10).
“Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.” Eccl. 11:99Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. (Ecclesiastes 11:9).
Passing onward, quickly passing,
Many in the downward road:
Careless of their souls immortal,
Heeding not the call of God.
Passing onward—
Yes, but whither, whither bound?
ML-08/11/1963