The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1897-05-01

der, April 81 and is published by vi
to the INTEILIGESCER. II is
of Elmwo
In my opinion, the first requisite tc
success in country league or any
other league for that matter, is a rea
live, wide-awake, energetic, up-to-datt
pastor. One who feels and show:
that he feels an abiding interest in the
work OF his young people by al
attendance, as far as lies within hi:
power, upon all their meetings, evel
ready 10 help over difficult places anC
TO encourage by words of sympathy
and approval. One who never relaXe!
his vigilance, but by constant
cautious watch-care protests agains
wicked agencies of every kind that ar,
at work 10 lead the young aslray. A
pastor in every sense leader; WHIT
will not do the work of the league, bu
places upon his workers duties anC
responsibilities which call forth thei
best thoughts and efforts-who lead
not only in instruction IN thing
spiritual, but endeavors to create al
enthusiasm for general literary culture
thus guiding into ways of pleasantnes'
and paths of peace.
The quiet interest and modest piet!
of such u pastor cannot fail to be al
inspiration and an uplift to any league
Naturally it will follow him as b,
follows Christ, and the beneficial
results will be mutual. 1t does no
take wise pastor long to find ou
that a good working league Is one o.
the greatest aids TO his own work.
1t is well known from reports o.
state officers, district chairmen anC
others, through eur church papers,
that here and there (outside Lexington
districD are negligent, disinterestet
ministers. Elmwood leaguers have nc
acquaintance with such ministers and,
of course, you fellow-leaguers have
not; but in the event of the experience
ever coming 10 you, we extend, now.
our heartfelt sympathy and offer q
suggestion-not original, but good
"be patient, be kind, pray for your
pastor if peradventure the Lord will
lead him to repentance,
Next to the ideal pastor comes the
Jealous, consistent church member
Not the one whose presence IS ever
known TO be found in the ballroom
because the scene it presents is sc
brilliant and so fascinating and only
old fogies see any harm in 1t: or at the
card-table beguiling precious hours,
because card playing is so very, very
fashionable and such lovely, lovely
pastime; or who takes other such
diversions as cannot be used in the
name of the Lord Jesus.
But that other one-the example OF
whose life may be emulated and fol
lowed-whose whole influence Is fol
good. The more of such members the
better; a few will answer, and, in an
emergency, one could be made to do.
And emergencies frequently arise,
especially in small country organiza-
tions All the reasons usually urged
as against success in country work are
familiar. Fewness of efficient workers,
distance apart. cold winter weather,
hot summer weather, rainy days, sun
less days, bad roads, etc., etc. They
apply TO missionary societies and fire.
quently cause them to disband, to
Sunday schools and cause them to go
into winter quarters, and it is truly
wonderful that they do not sometimes
cause preaching in the country to be
suspended for a season. Country
people, as a rule, are little inclined
to underestimate themselves, their
privileges and their opportunities for
doing good. They seem 10 think that
all the intelligent people and the good
people and the poor people live in the
cities and larger towns. Either this or
simply being in the country Is held as
an excuse for much remissness IN duty
1t is true that in all country work
there are features more or less dis
couraging. One most formidable
condition to be met Just now is the
gradual depletion IN the ranks of
Christian workers by the increasing
tendency of the country population
to move to town. Foreigners come in
who live unto themselves alone, and
whose sole ambition seems to be to
gather the fruits of the soil and lay up
treasures upon earth without ever look
ing to the ''source of every good and
perfect gift
Those who are left can only renew
their faith and courage and effort !;
assume new responsibilities and simply
live up TO opportunity in all things.
Nothing beyond is expected or required
and there is rarely much found that
cannot be overcome, to an extent, by
perseverance in well doing. A spirit
of work is very essential, as we'll as a
spirit of faith. To run even a small
league, with any degree of success,
requires a great deal of work and a
great deal of prayer. But it can be
done.
For "Again l say unto you that
if two of you shall agree on earth as
nHRn ~ W