The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-04-07

and that just so far as I know how.
throughout my whole life, I Will en-
deavor to lead & Christian life. As an
active member, I promise to be true 10
all my duties, to be present at, and
take some part. aside from singing, IN
every Christian Enueavor prayer
meeting. unless hindered by some rea-
son which I can cO-nscientiously give
to my Lord and Master IF obliged to
be absent from the monthly consecra-
ton meeting OF the society, 1 viii, II
possible, send at leasta verse of Scrip
ture to be read in response to my name
at the roIl-calI."
If we are altogether Christ's his
whole will must be our only law.
= 3
Whatever is right for US to do, is
right for US to promise to do. The de-
termination is as proper as the deed.
Our warrant for our pledge lies in the
worth of the objects to which we are
pledged
To make a hard pledge is proof Of
We promise much because we love
much.
The pledge is not a crutch- but a
chart. It is not SO much a support
for limping Christians. as a guide to
determined Christians. 1t helps US to
keep the straight road of duty.
The pledge has stood the test of
years The former extreme views that
We're held concerning 1t have been
modified on both sides The pledge is
now generally considered a good thing,
when seriously observed When it is
lightly regarded, and no honest at
tempt is made to ulh its require
n4anf= nf 10T4rGa II vrOrLc f1i1rxy IN the
individual and to the society.
The pledge is a plumb-line of prac-
tice.
While pledges are right and proper.
they are not trivial. It is a grave mat
ter to enter into a covenant with our
w conscience; it Is Il still graver mat
ter to enter into a covenant with the
Most High. Both of these engage
ments are made by one who signs the
Christian Endeavor pledge. To break
this vow is to incur a disaster in our
character. Failure to observe what
we have promised to do is a sin. Once
made, the pledge should be kept at all
costs, if we are to preserve our self
respect and if we are to preserve faith
with God
Even in heaven we cannot do more
for Christ than is promised in the
whatever"
What would Jesus do ?'' is a phrase
which has been given wide currency
during recent years. Now no man can
wha Jesus would do in a given situa-
ton. Moreover, there is danger of
cheapening the force of that sacred
Example by treating 1t commonly and
lightly; not all hands touch this com-
mon phrase with reverence. The
clause from the Christian Endeavor
pledge is really more ScripturaI and
practical. For our aim should not be
SO much to find out what Jesus would
do, as to discover what He would have
US do. Therefore the Christian En-
deavOr pledge is better than that other
pledge to do VIA we think Jesus
would do. We are obeying the letter
and h spirit of both the law and the
gospel when we promise, Il Will strive
to do whatever He would like to have
me do"
A pure purpose is permitted to make
a profound pledge.
The point of the whole pledge is thi:
whatever" All its other definite
promises are but amplfdcations of thf:
one word. In it is wrapped up ths
genius Of the pledge; in it are tht
power The whatever makes ths
Christian Endeavor pledge a mighty
covenant. It might also be called ar
audacious word, so sweeping is 1t. Fol
it comDrehends all of life; it is Sc
great that the angels themselves eouIc
not promise more. By it every sienel
of the Christian Endeavor pledge Il
definitely and solemnly committed t.
the whole VIII of God.
=
The greatest service Christian En-
deavor a do for Christ and tn,
Church is to be ready to do any servic,
they may require. The attitude Of tn,
pledges whatever" the attitlld,
which says. Lord, here am l. is Il
be earnestly sought by every youn,
person who would do most ef1cien
service for the Master