Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1907-01-30
CHRISTIAN ENDEAyOR.

BY REV. 8. II. DOYLE.

BY REV. 8. II. DOYLE.
Topic-what Christian Endeavor means
- me and to the world - Phil. ii, lis
Christian Endearor day. Conservation
Anseting.
On the evening of Feb. 2, 1881, or
twenty six years ago, the first Chris
tan Endeavor society was organized
IN Williston church. Portland, Me-, by
the pastor, the Rev. Francis E. Clark
It was simply expected to be an aid to
the local church by interesting the
young people in the work, but Ged
villed otherwise. There had been hun
dreds Of young peoples societies be-
fore, but in the providence of God this
vas the one selected as model for
thousands of other societies and destin-
ed to bring about revolution in the
relationship of the young people to the
church. No human vision could pene-
trate TIE future and reveal what Chris
tan Endeavor was to become to the
world. and as we look back over the
past twenty-six years and review the
marvellous history of this movement
we can only say, ut is the LORDS 40
ing and is marvellous in our sight
The meaning of Christian Endeayor
to the individual and to the world Is
today essentially what it was at the
beginning. 1t stood for certain definite
principles of Christian life and service.
and, while it has always been progress
i've and added new and attractive fea-
lures to its foundation principles, yet
these fundamental principles made
Christian Endeavor what it is and are
stin today its strength and inspiration.
Methods and forms may change, but
principles are eternal. This is true OF
Christianity itself and also true of
Christian Endeavor, one of the best
products of Christianity. In reviewing
these essential principles let US cele-
brate this anniversary by renewed
conservation to them and new dedi-
cation of ourselves to "Christ and the
church"
1. Christian Endeavor stands for
Christian fellowship. ''If there be any
consolation in Christ, if any comfort of
love, II any fellowship of the Spirit"
any one who has had any part in the
Christian Endeavor movement can
have no doubt that there is Fellowship
Of the Spirit" Christian Endeavor has
fostered fellowship from the beginning
Fellowship in the local society under
the supervision of the social committee
has been one of its chief features. Nor
does it cease here Under the inspira-
lion and influence of Christian Endeav
or an INSTRUMENTATION and interna-
fional Christian fellowship such as the
world has never seen before has been
developed. Many feared in the early
days that Christian Endeavor would
loosen or destroy UNCONVENTIONAL ties.
But such was never its aim, and his
tory has proved that it has only
strengthened them. We love not our
own less because we love others. The
very opposite is true. The man with
Argeness of heart enough to love the
world will have all the more affection
for his own. No better proof of this
fact is needed than the history of
Christian Endeavor
2. Christian Endeavor stands for hui
mility. This passage from Paurs let
ter to the Philippians is an appeal for
the humility exemplified in Christ,
and Christian Endeavor has possessed
It to an unusual degree. 1t is remark
able how little personal pride and
boasting have characterized this move
ment in spite of It's ranid and wonder
ful growth. Its development has been
% great and marvellous that it might
have been expected that many at least
who were associated with it would
ing. But not SO. From DIR. Clark
dnvvn tho boctc Of T,r,yaaror1,, ,,,ro