Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1893-12-28
OF CHRISTIAN ENpEAvOR INTEREST.

" NihhS'H IhGLnfOH lNlINLOis
The Christian Endeavor Movement--Its
Present Membership--Its Three Prin-
cipal misunderstanding Pledge.-The
Lookout Committee--The Conservation
Meeiing--A Calendar of Christian En-
deavor Events for the Ensuing Week.
For twelve and-a-half years the
Christian Endeavor movement has been
in existence, and has, up to date, at
tanned membership of 1917, 900 mem.
bers, representing more than $4,000
societies, and over % different evangcli-
cal denominations and their sub-divi-
sions, and finds its home in almost every
nation on the face of the earth.
This phenomenal growth, in such
short space of time, of movement
which was the outcome of revival in
church in Portland, Me-, leads the
curious to marvel at its success and
prompts the question sin what re-
spect does the Christian Endeavor
movement differ from other societies, in
that it should so outstrip them and its
success become the wonder of the
world 7" Because it has divine sanction
and help; because it is inter.denomina-
tional; and because it is an organization
OF live, active young people.
The movement hinges particularly on
three characteristics, which are, from
their long service in the society, since
Its conception, (having been originated
In Its organization), incorporated into
the very name of Christian Endeavor,
so that the mere suggestion of the name
implies these special features. They
are; the pledge, the lookout committee,
and the conservation meeting.
The Christian Endeavor movement is
strictly pledged one, its hosts of mem
bers having solemnly vowed that
Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for
strength, promise Him thut will strive
to do whatever He would like to have me
do; that will make it the rule of my life
to pray and TO read the Bible every day,
and to support my own church in every
way, especially by attending all her regular
Sunday and midweek services, unless pre-
vented by some reason which l can con.
scentiously give to my Saviour; and that,
just SO far as | know how, throughout my
whole life, | will endeavor to lead Chris
tian life.
As all active member, / promise to be
true to all my duties, to be present at, and
to take some part aside from singing, in
every Christian Endeavor prayer meeting.
unless hindered by some reason which /
can conscientiously give to my Lord and
Master. If Obliged to be absent from the
monthly conservation meeting of the so.
ciety, ! will, if possible, send at least a
verse of Scripture to be read in response to
my name at the roll call.
AS can be seen, this pledge is val.
liable one, and though at first it was
violently opposed by some, it is steadily
gaining the day, and is righttully called
the backbone Of the Christian Endeayor
movement.
The lookout committee is the most
important one in the society, and more
care is required in the selection of
members to serve on it than on any
other committee. The duties are to
bring new members into the society, to
introduce them To the work and to the
other members, and TO affectionately
look after and reclaim any that seem
Indifferent to their duties, as outlined
in the pledge. This committee shall
also, by personal investigation, satisfy
itself of the fitness of young persons to
become members of this society, and
shall propose their names at least one
week before their election to member
ship.
Following are the rules which govern
the conservation meeting, one Of the
mentioned special characteristics. The
training received b. young Christian
in this mectin- is apparent, and its
value cannot be over-estimated
Once each month conservation or ex-
perience meeting shall be held, at which
each active member may speak concerning
his progress in the Christian life, or renew
his VOWS Of conservation. If any one
chooses, he can express his feelings by
an appropriate verse of Scripture or other
quotation.
At each conservation or experience meet.
ing the roll shall be called, and the re.
sponses OF the active members who are
present shall be considered as q renewed
expression of allegiance to Christ. It is
expected that, II any one is obliged to be
absent from this meeting, he will send a
request to be excused by some one who at
tends.
If any active member of this society is
absent from this monthly meeting. aud
fails to send an excuse, the lookout COM
mittee is expected to take the name of
such one, and in a kind and brotherly
spirit ascertain the reason for the absence.
If any active member of the society is alb
sent and unexcused from three consecu-
tive monthly meetings, such one ceases
to be member of the society, and his
name shall be stricken from the list of
members.
Upon these features is based the won.
derful success of the movement. In
company with them, inter-denomina.
tional fellowship is enjoyed, the church
in which the society exists receives a
rich blessing because of the earnest
band of young Christians, pastors are
encouraged and receive invaluable help
in their duties, and the great inter
national conventions held annually en-
thuse the young delegates who attend
to such an extent that when they arrive
home they bring the inspiration with
them, which is quickly impaired to the
whole society and church.
This is faint idea of what Christian
Endeavor is, and what the name implies.
COMING CHRISTIAN ENDEAvoR EVENTS.
December 31st-1he societies con.
nected with the Church of the Covenant
First Presbyterian and Delaware Avenue
Baptist Churches will conduct watch
meetings. Other societies are likely to
follow suit.
January 5th-Monthly business meet.
ing Of the Y. p. S. G. Z. of Delaware
Avenue Baptist Church after the
church prayer meeting. j. H.C.
H1NnSn1 q ~ THn