Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1908-05-27
CHRISTIAN ENDEAvOR.
Prayer Meeting Topic For the Week
Beginning May 81, 1908.
BY REV. S. H. DOYLE.

BY REV. S. H. DOYLE.
Topic - Home missions = Alaska for
Christ.--Isa. TX, u-22.
The prophecy contained in this pas
sage declares that the "gentiles shall
come to the light" This prophecy has
been fulfilled for centuries. In ancient
Jewish times it was not an unusual
thing for gentle to be proselyted TO
Judaism by obeying the Mosaic rites
and ceremonies In the time of Christ
the gentiles turned toward Him as the
light. and in apostolic days they came
in still greater numbers. especially un-
der the preaching of Paul, who has
been called 1.-The apostle of the gen
tiles" In the modern foreign missionary
movement, instituted little over
hundred years ago, they have come in
increasing numbers. In our country
as new territory and new peoples have
been added to it the gospel has been
carried to the people, who being gen
tiles, have thus had this prophecy full
filed in them. AS gentiles ourselves
and for those to whom in our own
country we have sent the gospel we
may thank God for His promises and
their fulfillment.
Alaska is one of the gentle nations
to which we have carried the light of
the gospel. Alaska was purchased
from Russia in 1867 under the influ-
ence of Secretary Seward. 1t was call
ed Stewards folly" but it has since
proved to be Stewards wisdom. In
his action he displayed more wisdom
and foresight than the rest of his coun-
trymen. Alaska is an Indian name
and means the great land. And it is
a great land in natural endowments, in
mineral resources and in many parts
even in its climatic conditions. And
under the blessing of God let us hope
that it will attain a high standard of
morality and spirituality through the
missionaries sent to the people. The
area of Alaska is 100000 square miles
and one-sixth the whole area of the
United States. Its coast line is $4,000
miles long and would thus entirely cir
Gle the globe.
The Alaskans under Russian rule
were directed and controlled by the
Russian or Greek church. But when
Russia withdrew her flag and soldiers
she also took away the Russian priests.
The people were left churchless ard
practically without divine instruction.
The native religion was superstitious
and insufficient, resembling in some
respects all Indian belief. 1t bred
darkness and was lifeless and hope
less, and these people under such re-
ligious conditions were left alone for
twenty years by the Christian people
and churches of the United States
One of the pioneer missionaries to
Alaska was a woman, Mrs. A. R. Nc
Farland. For seven months she was
the only white teacher in Alaska and
for five months longer the only one at
Fort Wrangel. She was under the di-
rection of DR. Sheldon Jackson, who
was afterward governor of the terri
tory. But gradually the work advanc.
ed and schools were established and
churches erected. And when gold was
discovered the church followed crowds
to the gold fields, not to enrich itself,
but to save the souls of those there
not only native Alaskans. but the souls
also Of the American gold seekers. A
good work has been done. Mrs. Nc
Farland, who labored for years amid
most serious difficulties. should inspire
us all to do all we can to win Alaska
for Christ.
BIBLE READINGS.
Ps. xxi; Elk. Ill, 11-20; Acts 1. 1-S;
Kill, 1-3; Rom. x, IA, 10; III John v, 8;
Matt. xiv, 10, 20; Acts xi, 1921; lisa.
Iii, II.