The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-09-26

SELF as penis MS SldIlOH.
Most of us need an obligation to
| keep us up to the level of our best
| One man says that he can save money
only by contracting for life insurance
| building association shares, ETC., the
dues of which must be met Another
| says that the only way he can accom-
plish the full measure of work or
| which he is capable is by dehnltely
promising to do it at stated time;
thus he calls his honor to be the spur
to his industry. Likewise, few of US
| would do the measure of Christian
| service that we should, except we en-
| ter into covenant with the Lord SO to
do. A vow is an aid to efficiency.
Only the person who reverences his
own honor should enter into any cove
nant. either with man or with God
In religion, not to 90 as thou say
est is to unsay thy religion in thy
deeds. and to undo thyself by doing
| r. Venning.
Man is one world. and hath an
other to attend him." declares the
poet. In that world of spirit, to which
| the material world is only a servant,
| the real life is lived. That ii is which
| feels and loves and hopes and fears
and suffers and enjoys. In that realm
! God walks, There in the spirits of
| mortals hold converse with the Spirit
| of God. The dignity and honor Of
| this privilege may not be lightly es-
| teemed. 1t is a great thing to be per-
mftted to enter into covenant reIa-
tions with Jehovah; to have familiar
| intercourse with the king of kings is
a prize beyond any that makes earthly
courtier proud. The simple truth that
| it is possible for man to make vows
| unto God is in itself a wonderful
theme for contemplation.
God helps those who want to help
him. He loves to answer such prayers
as that of Miss Havergal:
fLord. speak to me, that I may speak
In living echoes of thy tone;
AS thou hast sought, so let me seek
Thine erring children, lost and lone.
The wandering and the wavering
feet;
o feed me. Lord, that I may feed
Thy hungering ones with mamma
sweet.
so strengthen me. that while I stand
Firm on the Rock and strong in
thee,
I MAY stretch out a loving hand
To wrestlers with the troubled sea.
80 teach me, Lord, that 1 may teach
The precious things thou dost i'm
part;
And wing my words. that they may
reach
The hidden depths of many
heart"
High pledges precede noble en-
deavors.
There is certain young man of
parts who was the despair of his fam
lily and friends. He seemed incapable
of maturing to manhood's nobleness.
Care-free, irresponsible idle and fool
ish, he gave every promise of a
wrecked life. Then he committed
what some esteemed his crowning folly
by getting married. 1t seemed almost
crime for such a needless, shiftless,
pleaSure-loving youth to assume the
cares of a home. The unexpected hap
pened, though, in conformity with one
of life's deep laws. The marriage
face with his manhood obligations. To
the amazement and delight of all, he
fronted his own duties and shouldered
his own burdens. A year of life I'M
der wedding VOWS has made a man
of him." His natural abilities have
been given opportunity to develop. Re-
Sponsibility has steadied and strength
ened him; and the young man who
was his family's care and problem has
now become its pride. From the be-
feet of solemn VOWS. honestly as
sumed.
A pledge is not weight about ones
neck; but ladder beneath ones feet.
A VOW is often a debt. 1t was when
he contemplated the goodness of God
to him. asking himself:
What shall render unto Jehovah,
For all his benefits unto me?"
that lr17i 6 toe, =
resoluteiy,
Il will pay my vows unto Jehovah"
A fair promise of loyalty and service is
only an honorable return for benefits
conferred Because God has, accord
| ing to his covenant, done great things
for US, we should be willing to pledge
| our best to him.
o Jesus, I have promised
| To serve thee to the end:
| Be thou forever near me-
My master and my FRIEND;
I shall not fear the battle
II thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway,
If thou wilt be my guide
o let me feel thee near me,
| The world is eVe,. near:
! 1 see the sights that dazzle
The tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
| Around me and within;
But Jesus. draw thou nearer.
And shield my soul from sin.
o Jesus, thou hast promised
| To all who follow thee
That where thou art in glory
There shall thy servant be;
And, Jesus, l have promised
To serve thee to the end;
give me grace to follow
| My master and my friend
Rev. John E. Bode
NEWS AND NOTES.
| ~