Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1897-03-25
CHRISTIAN F.NDFANOkERS.
What should il Mean to b. au Assoc
e ate MrfHhrrn
BY a Member OF RIysrNisw Local Union.l

NJ en- per>hip III any orgst, Ia luu INA
poses certain otl cations, ana the loyal
member cheerfully discharges the obliga-
tiUns and oheys I he ruie- of he society or
order OF which be has iecome member
Hence. to he sn associate member Of a
Christ ian Enoeavor society should mean
o fu fiji the requirements OF the >,tclet Y
set forth in be plec &c. Let u bear i :
A All associate m.mhe l promise to
attend he Try TT NEE fngs OF tie society
Ia bliually sHG declare my " Il iHEie-~ t.
do " hat ! may he called upon to 90 rs an
associate member to advance the inter
e>ts of the society
The first clause of the pleCge exscts a
simple promise il language that i ca pa ble
of 10 mlsiuterpre stion. Hs bitusi attend
ance upon the Christ ian Enceayor meet
lngs is the PLAIN outy of every associate
mem Der. While the power of the Holy
Spirit in our meeting Is not limited by
the size of the congregation, yet there i,
inspiration i'll large gatherings. Not
only tue pastor and leader hut all the
active mem bers are encouraged by tie
presence of the associate member, and
by his reverent demesnor aid thought
full attention TO the service.
But who should receive the greatest
good from he faithful observance of this
part of the pledges Not the pastor, not
the leader or other active members, but
the associate mem Der himself.
1t is The desire and endesvor of every
Christian Endeayor society that its asso
ciate membe shall become active men,
/ Christian Endeavor services may be one
OF the many means to accomplish this re-
suit. Hsbitusl attendance upon any
truly religious service must have some
good effect, provided the heart be not
steeled against its influence; and We
believe that our associate mem bers come
to the meetings with hearts receptive to
the work Of divinity, and TO all that
is true in the words of tailible humanity.
But shall he associate mem Der relation
to the meetings end with his attendance
and attention? We are quite sure that i'll
all OF our societies he associate mem bers
cheerfu!ly render valuable help in fur
nishing the music for the meetings. In
many Instances, indeed, the burden of he
work in this line falls upon the associate
mem Der, and We believe that this ser
wee for the Master has It's influence upon
the doer. Music msy become pos
force to lead q soul to Christ.
Again the associate mem Der may show
his interest in the meetings, and his com
neetion With the society, by repeating
scripture verses in the meeting. THIS
method OF particIi ation i, OF course, OPP
tiopai. Yet We see 10 reason why il
should not be helpful to all. No con-
scientlous person would repeat those
bible passages expressive OF acCepjan OF
Christ as a Saviour, and trust in Him,
unless he were a Christian. Yet there are
innumerable scripture verses that may
truthfully express the belief and desires
OF those who constitute our associate
mem bership, and The memorlZipg and re-
peating of such passages may strengthen
the desires, and Lead to increased faith.
In the second clause of the pledge under
our consideration, the member promises
to do " hat is asked OF him or her ito ad
vance the interests OF the society. In
accordance with this pledge, we find our
associate mem bers rendering efficient aid
in the various branches of committee
work, or, perhaps, holding he responsible
position of secretary or treasurer of the
society, and we believe that they are glad
to serve the society in this way, knowi ing
that ''Inasmuch as ye have done it unto
one of the least of these my brethren, We
have done it unto Me-.
But the privileges OF the associate MEM
Der are not confined to he meeting or TO
committee work. The phrase ''to advance
the interests of the society" is broad and
compre hensive, and includes living
well doing. The associate me her has
the right to say "our society, and with
the use OF this possessive pronoun should
come a feeling of ownership. This sense
of ownership, fully realized, will arouse
lively interest in the society. AS the
sociate memb Der has right to look to the
active member for all exemplification of
those principles of Christian conduct
taught by our Saviour, SO the active mem
Der and those outside of the society have
right to look to the associate member for
high degree OF that morality COM
mended by Jesus, when lie SAID TO the
young man in tones OF loving pity, Zone
thing thou lackest'.
1t is the privilege of the associate
member iito advance the interests of the
society" by inviting someone to attend
the meeting Tho is seldom seen there.
AS human beings we like to feel that we
are of some use in the world, and l know
of no stronger inducement that can be
presented to the person thus invited than
the assurance that his help is needed in
the singing, or that his presence will en-
courage all.
/ In many Christ ian Endeavor societies,
especially during the winter months,
socia bles are held occasionally, or perhap,
regularly. If the associate member be a