The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1898-01-04

! ly contribute to the beauty and sym
metry of the spiritual temple.
But in our work, like the Jews of
old, we are often and too easily dis
couraged. History repeats itself. We
meet with opposition. 1t frequently
takes the form of the cynical sheer
the contemptuous laugh, and the super
cilious taunt. Unfavorabe COMPARE
sons are drawn between what we at
tempt and what we achieve, between
our profession and our conduct of life
And we are thus depressed and dis
couraged. We are conscious of I'M
worthiness-thata at the best we are
but improbable servants, and that our
achievements are altogether incom-
mensurate with our opportunities.
But do not let us be unduly discour-
aged or lose heart. Let us rather pro-
fit from adverse criticism, even though
it comes from unfriendly onlookers
Discouragment is fatal to progress. 1t
is the weapon the Devil uses to defeat
our good endeavors The reason he
uses it is because he finds it so effec-
tive, and one under which we so easily
| fall.
Brethren, suffer the word of gentle
rebuke and exhortation. As Associa-
tons, let us give Encouragement no
place in our midst. There is no room
for it. The building of the temple
may not proceed as quickly as we de-
sire, but it shall be completed. The
topmost stone shall be laid amid the
triumphant shouts of victory. We
must not permit obstacles or opposi-
ton to hinder u.s. Rather let us tram
pie them under our feet, and in a spirit
of courageous, enthusiastic determine
ton proceed with our work.
BE strong and work, for l am with
you, saith the Lord of Hosts"
This is a rousing, stirring call to
action. My supreme desire is that it
may be regarded as such by all our
Y. M. C. AS throughout the world.
1t was originally addressed to Zerub-
babel the governor, to Joshua the high
priest, and to all the remnant of the
people. Not one was excluded So
now 1 would have every president,
treasurer, secretary and individual
member realize that it is a personal
and definite call to duty. We need to
press upon each other the recognition
of personal obligation and responsible
ity, and to realize that the growth and
usefulness of the work depend upon
the individual effort put forth by each
member.
The pressing cry of the hour is for
strong men. They are wanted in all
our Associations. We do not refer to
physical strength merely, although
this is an acquisition. The strength
of active limbs and firms muscles is
much to be desired. We believe in
muscular and robust Christianity, and
make provision for the upbuilding and
development of healthy, vigorous
body. But our present appeal is for
strength of a higher and nobier order
strength of intellect, strength of will,
strength of purpose. We need to be
strong in our principles. strong in the
eternal verities of our Christian faith, |
strong in those essential elements of |
Christian character which compose the |
highest form of manhood. This |
strength embodies all those qualities |
and properties of mind and heart which |
constitute our fitness for work. Being |
thus possessed, we shall be fortified for |
those critical conflicts which have to |
be fought out upon the battlefield of /
our own hearts, and shall also be |
equipped faithfully to labor on for
Him, whose name we bear and whose
kingdom and glory we are pledged to
promote. ~"Be strong" We may. The
Divine call carries with it the POSSIBLE
ity and promise of complete fulfil,ment. |
Then we are to be strong and work.
Work for God is worthy of our enthu
siastic devotion and whole-hearted |
energy. 1t is the natural condition of |
healthy, vigorous Christian life. God |
calls at His servants to work for Him. !
Our Y. NJ. c. AS recognize this. 1t is
involved in our membership. No
member lacks opportunities for work.
They abound in the position where
God has placed him, We who are
members pledge ourselves to seek to
bring to Christ those with whom we
daily associate. And here it is that
Strength" is needed. 1t is not easy
to speak on spiritual matters to those
with whom we are familiar. Familiar
ity creates barrier, to surmount.
I warmly commend the English
year Book" of Y. M. c. AS to the
careful perusal of every member. 1t |
is full of thrilling interest and en-
couraging information, and sets forth
most comprehensively the far-reaching
extent of our operations and the growth
of our work. Facts and figures afford |
evidence that just as
certainly as the Lord was with His an
cient people in the building of the |
Temple, so he has been with us from /
the inception of the Association, and |
all its history until the present |
hour
1t is under the inspiration of His
promised presence that we enter upon |
another year of service. Herein is the |
source and secret of all our hope.
For l am with you, saith the Lord |
of Hosts" This is His word of cheer
through me to all the Associations the |
world over He is with us, not as
name out of book, not as a character
out of history, but by the power of His
holy Spirit, blessed living Personal
ity. He is working, and acting, and
speaking through us.
Our strength is His strength, our
work is His work