Ellsworth American., 1908-05-06
CHRISTIAN ENDEAvoR.
Prayer Meeting 7spic For the Week
Beginning Nay 10, 1908.


Top.c.-Being Christian--I. In our work
and our play.-Jonn V. II; Eccl. TX, 10;
Prov. xvii -
Christianity should enter into every
form of our lives This fact is to be
emphasized in this and the two sue
eeeding topics. in which 1t is to be set
forth that ii should have part in our
work, our play. our school and home
life and even in our political lives.
These three topics should enlist the
earnest interest of all Endeayorers, and
each one should think oat for himself
the meaning of the topic Or should at
least inquire concerning himself whet,i-
er or not his religion does enter into
the various forms of his life or wheth-
er it is simply reserved for the Sab
bath and the various religious activi-
ties in which he engages. The present
topic deals with the question OF being
a Christian in our work and play.
/. Being a Christian in our work.
The word work does not here apply
even principally to our Christian work.
While engaged in that the spirit of
Christ necessarily predominates our
actions. At least it does in most cases,
while here and there we do find lack
Of such spirit even In work for
Christ. False ambitions, favoritism
and even theft have sometimes been
found among Christian workers. But
the topic applies more particularly to
the work of life by which we make
our living. whether by trade, business
or profession. The question arises. Do
we carry our religion into the daily
work of life? Work we must. God
worked, Christ worked, and If we are
t.uly His disciples we will work also.
And If we follow the Masters exam
pie we shall work earnestly. sincerely
and honestly. Whatsoever our hands.
find to do we should do it with our
might" remembering that the night
.cometh, when no man can work. But
in the business world there are many
temptations. There is the temptation
to increase riches more rapidly by
falsehood and dishonesty, to advance
more rapidly in our professions at the
sacrifice of the rights of others. These
things are of daily occurrence even
among protesting Christians. Some
claim that You cannot be honest and
succeed. If so, then you had better
fail. Failure with Christ is better than
success without Christ But men who
carry their religion into their work do
succeed. We should not be blufred by
the cry of the world. Opportunities
may sometimes come to make SEEM
ing success more rapid through the
sacrifice of our religion. But it is only
seeming success. Young people should
keep this in mind. Do not lie or steal
for any employer. If you steadfastly
refuse he will realize your value and
probably raise you to higher position
rather than discharge you. And if he
should do the latter the business world
is greatly In need of honest, upright,
trustworthy men, and God will take
care of you, Resist every tempta .ion
to do wrong In your work, and you
will never regret it.
z Being Christian in play. The
,..-,, earnest worker deserves .
Time for play or for recreation anc
amusement. "AN work and no pIay
makes Jack a dull boy" and men are
but boys a little older grown, +s9
Master retired frequently witt His
disciples for rest Any healthful and
sinless amusement or recreation is suit
able for a young Christian. Christ
Himself was no ascetic. He did not
absent Himself from the social and
Joyful features of life. He attended
q wedding, usually most festive oc-
casion, and on a number Of occasions
accepted invitations to feasts and din
ners. The disciple can follow the ex-
ample Of his Master even in this re-
spect. AS to the character of the
amusements in which we can rightly
take part, each one must decide for
himself. Whatever harms US morally
and spiritually must be omitted, What
ever gives enjoyment and pleasure
without such results may be ihdul1ed
In. Go where you can take Christ
Stay away from any place where you
would not like to see Him or His am
bassador, your pastor. Do what you
feel He can bless. Omit what you
feel you could not ask Him to bless.
If in whatever you enjoy you can be
2 q Christian, have no fear. but if there
be doubt in your mind give your re-
ligion the benefit Of the doubt. In
either case you will be safe.
BIBLE READINGS.
Prov. xii, 25; XIV, 13, 15; Neh. v, 9-12:
Mark ii, IA, Is; John tx, A; Acts viii,
BIS; $3.50; Cor. XIV, So; Gal. vi, 9, TO-;
Phil. iv, 4.