Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1908-05-13
CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR.
Prayer Meeting Topic For the Week
Beginning May II, 1908.
Ev REV. S. III. DOYLE.


Topic.-Being a Christian-II. At home
and in SCHOOL, Chron. xiii l2-l4; lsa
liv, Is. (Union meeting with the juniors)
In the subject of the home and the
school we probably come more directly
in touch with the lives of Endeavorers,
especially the Junior Endeavorers, than
in the discussion of any other practica!
topic. The duties of their lives revolve
very largely around the home life and
the school life. and here their charac-
tiers are being formed for the future
for contact with a larger world. where
they will not be surrounded by the
prayers of parents and the instruction
of teachers. 1t is the formative perioo
of life. and no period is more impor-
tant. for few characters change after
they have been definitely formed.
l. Being q Christian in the home
This subject needs to be discussed more
than it usually is. In no place should
our religion manifest itself to better adj
vantage than in the home real
Christian home is the sweetest fore
taste of heaven to be found upon earth.
God in the home is one of its greatest
blessings. When the ark of God was in
the household of Obed-edom, God bless
ed his house because ii was there. In the
home where God dwells the family altar
Is erected and the spirit of Christ pre-
walls; there the blessing of God abides
In large, rich measure. But do we al
ways manifest the Christian spirit in
the home in our relations with those
nearest and dearest to us? Sad to say.
all Christians do not. They can put
forth fair front before the world or
before their friends, but when at home
they feel at liberty to give free reign
ID their complaints. murmurings and
even to anger. How polite we are to
strangers and how often impolite to the
members of our own family, We carry
flowers to the sick stranger and none
to the sick at home. We speak kind.
gentle words to our friends and com
panions and cross and angry ones to
fathers and mothers. brothers and sis
tiers. How many children are disobedi-
ent at home who would willingly run
an errand for a neighbor, But such
should not be the case We love our
dear ones. No doubt about it. What
we need to do is to manifest that love
not in quarrels and harsh words, but
in kindness, IN forbearance and in the
gentle spirit of the Master.
2. Being Christian at school, This
seems easier of accomplishment, yet is
1t always so? Are our lessons always
prepared? Do we always show proper
respect to our teachers? Do we never
speak i'll of our fellow pupils? Have
we never cheated in daily recitations
or in examinations by copying from a
classmate or by using a help especially
prepared for the assistance of those
who are dishonorable enough to use
them? If we have not refrained from
these things. are we Christians az
school? Is disrespect for superiors
Christian? Is false witness against our
schoolmates Christian? Is dishonesty
Christian? None of these characters
tics makes for Christian life. We may
have given no serious thought to the
subject. If not, let US do so now and
carry the spirit Of Christ into the
schoolroom. If SO, many a weary teach
er's burden viii be much lighter and
many a school fellows life will be
made sweeter and happier. And tn.
Is really one Of our missions as Chris
tians-to make happier and better the
lives of others.
'; BIBLE READINGS.
Deut vi, 90; xi, 10; Elk. Xxx. u; Gen,
xviii, 1919; vi, Is, 16; Prov. /, I, 1919:
vi. 20-22; Eccl. xii, /; Eph. vi, 1-9; Luke
xiv, 1881; John xiv, 1-3.