The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-10-08

froStS OF religious apathy, Will
stigmatlze every appearance of Christian
zeal as fanatcism.
But I ask for what objects is it rea-
sonable to be in earnest if not for the
salvation of men and the glory of God,
if not for Christ and the church? / ask
whether the lack of q widespread and
developing earnestness in these circum-
stances would not Indicate a fearful in
fatuation? The zeal of the Society of
Christian Endeavor is earnest, and that
is one of the reasons why 1t is rational. 1t
views things as they are and treats them
accordingly Thousands of our young
people are coming forward. as it were,
instinctively TO the work of the Lord,
and whether 1t be their substance, their
efforts, or their prayers that are de-
manded, the contribution is being made,
and that cheerfully. 1t is the same
spirit acted out in the lives of our mis-
sionaries, who have voluntarily surren-
dered the blessings of civilized society
and made their home in the wilderness
or heather land, and wear life away in
the most self-denying efforts for the sal
walton of their fellow creatures,
1t is true, indeed, that not many years
have elapsed since the church has begun
to be aroused to a sense of her obligation.
Within less than cenaury nearly the
whole of Protestant christendom seemed
TO be acting upon the conviction that the
evangelizing of the world, instead of be-
ing effected by the enlightened and per-
seVering activity of the church, was to
be reserved as the splendid subject for
some stupendous miracle. But for
some time after the sense of RESPONSE
bility began to be felt. and the church be-
gan to arise and shake herself from the
skumber of centuries, it was still a prob
lem in many minds as to who was to do
the work, and how It was to be done.
The problem is being more fully demon
strated to-day in the enlisting of the
young of our churches than ever before
The day is fast passing away in which
there were many who were kept from do
ing what they might and what they ought
by an apprehension, not unfrequently en-
couraged by their seniors in the church.
that If their activity is carried beyond a
very narrow sphere they expose them
selves TO the charge of being obtrusiVe
1t has been my own experience and OBJ
servation that this society of young peo-
pie, with to-day a worldwide reputation
for good and already a strong, and l
trust, enduring factor In the great work
of redeeming men from the thraldom of
iniquity, is yet in It's zeal humble and I'M
obtrusive, 1t does not shrink from pub
lcty where there is just occasion for
making itself public. It's fundamental
basis admits of no temporizing policy
which will sacrifice principle; nor a
timid policy which makes one walk so
softly that not only are his footsteps
never heard, but his influence never felt
II is watchful in respect to persons, cir
cumstances and reasons, while it endeav-
ors as far as possible to make evrything
subservient to the great end of doing
good. 1t breathes through it's teachings,
counsels and warnings the genuine spirit
of Christian tenderness into youthful
hearts and lives, and influencing by feel
ings of beneVolence and compassion the
a Il
liver the individual from the greatest
possible evil and to confer upon him the
greatest possible blessing.
And here let me say that this spirit Of
tender Christian solicitude does more to
render the work of this society efficient
than almost any other attribute. 1t is
this especially which opens a way into the
heart for the entrance of di-
vine truth; and which often gains a com
plete victory where the mere energy Of
zeal would accomplish nothing. Gods
blessings and guidance certainly will at
tend a society like this, that is exerting
such a widespread influence in raising
the tone of public morals and purifying
and elevating public sentiment. These
young people are they who in the COM
ing years are to be honored with the chief
fundamentally in the conversion of the
world.
These are they who will be greeted as
having done much for Christ when the
glories of the millennial dawn shall be
spread over the earth. May this soci-
ETY. long be composed of young men and
women who are not afraid of being bold
lest they should be accounted rash, or too
prudent lest they should be accounted
timid, or too earnest lest they should be
called fanatics-but may they their young
hearts and lives furnish a perpetual ex-
hibition of living, glowing, efficient zeal
for Christ and the church.