Are you a saved father, mother, guardian, or teacher? If so, it may startle you perhaps, and make you a little incredulous when I say that if the little ones committed to your care are not converted in youth, it is most probable that they never will be converted at all! I use the term conversion in its full sense, and in proof of the foregoing solemn and alarming statement I quote from other pens, wielded by those whose life-work has been among the young.
“The importance of the conversion of children cannot be over-estimated. Modern life is like a hot-house, producing early moral development, either for good or evil. Most people are converted young, or never.”
At a large meeting, more than 1300 Christians were asked as to the period when they were saved. 1100 indicated that they were converted under twenty years of age; 180 were converted between twenty and thirty; 35 between thirty and forty; 14 between forty and fifty; eight between fifty and sixty; over sixty, only two.
On another occasion, at a great gathering of Christians in America, one of the large audiences was tested. It was found that more than 2000 were converted under twenty years of age; 105 between twenty and twenty-five; 41 between twenty-five and thirty; 23 between thirty and forty; two between forty and fifty; and over fifty years old, two.
Only 171 were over twenty years of age at conversion out of at least 2200 Christians!
Mothers and fathers, think of that!
Such facts teach their solemn lesson to all parents, teachers, and Christian workers. The great harvest is to be gained among the young; and with multitudes it is— “Be converted early, or never.”
One other quotation, which I give from memory. A preacher I know told me that recently eighteen of them were together for supper, and the question went around, “When were you converted?” Ten testified that God met with them ere they reached their teens, four before they were sixteen years old, and the remainder before they were twenty!
In view of the momentous issues at stake, I ask you, my fellow Christian, will you aid, by prayer and word and deed, to bring the gospel into the hearts and homes of the little ones?
And what will you say, unconverted reader? Have you passed the age of childhood and youth without being converted? Oh! then hasten to Christ now. Did you read the solemn words applied to such as you, “It is most probable they never will be converted at all”? You may still come to Christ. Will you? Delay no longer, but come NOW.
ML 11/26/1961