Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1909-06-23
CHRISTIAN ENDEAvoR.
rayer Meeting Topic For the Week
Beginning June 81, 1909.
BY REV. s. Fl. DOYLE.

BY REV. 5. H. DOYLE.
Topic -Porkethooks of Missionaries
II Cor. TX. sis.
Giving Is an essential Christian
grace. The man who does not eonse-
crate his pocketbook to God when he
Ronsecrates himself has failed in full
conservation and has room to doubt
whether he is a Christian. Few If any
duties have been more emphasized in.
the Scriptures than that of giving, The
Old Testament gives 1t most promi-
cent place. and Malachi goes so far as
10 declare that the outpouring of spir-
etual blessings depends upon the
bringing Of the tithes into the store
house" PERHAPS the reason why so
many Christians do not enjoy to the
fullest extent the blessings of their re
tfgion is because they are little shy
In opening their pocketbooks or when
they open them are too particular in
oeekiug the smallest coin within rath-
er than the largest. We cannot buy
salvation by gifts of the largest sums
of money, yet at the same time
closed pocketbook is fairly good sign
that cur Christianity is rather shallow.
If ii be genuine it must get down as
deep as the pocketbook.
Giving TO missions is one of the most
important phases of giving. Giving to
the support of our own local church,
from which we ourselves derive the
benefits aud blessings. is very impor-
TINT but giving to missions is even
more so. Our great mission as Chris
-fians is to send the gospel throughout
the world, and this can be done only
through liberal giving. Railroads and
ocean liners do not carry passengers
free Missionaries are human. They
must live by eating and must be pro-
vided with clothing and the necessary
requirements for the preaching of the
gospel. Air castles cannot be used for
churches and school buildings. They
must be substantial, material struc-
fures. The laborer Is (also) worthy of
Sis hire"
All these things demand money Let
pn not be afraid to say it out loud
MONEY! Some Christians think that
We should talk about money. especially
1or missions. in whispers. sympathy
And prayers are essential elements to
missionary success, but II a man nrays
for missions and in eloquent words de-
-ciares his sympathy for missions and
then when the plate Is passed around
looks into his hymn book rather than
his pocketbook he Is simply a fraud.
His prayers and speeches are las
sounding brass and tinkling cymbals"
Paul in the topical reference sets
forth several characteristics Of giving
In general which may be applied to
giving to missions. % The promise of
God should inspire missionary giving.
HE which soweth beautifully shall
reap also bountifully." II you believe
Gcd do not be stingy when the mis-
;sionary offering is taken. If we are
then under the law, HE which SOW
eth sparingly shall reap also sparing-
ly-" t2) Giving to missions should be
sincere. 'As man purposeth in his
heart. SO let him give" Giving for
show is despicable; giving from the
heart is most commemorate. Heart
giving should be cultivated Cod
wants no money that Is given grudg-
ingly or of necessity. co. Giving t. mis-
sions should be cheerful. God loveth
a-cheerful giver." Gods love is both
an Incentive and q reward for cheerful
giving. God ''loyeth" cheerful siver.
This fact should encourage cheerful
giving.
EIBLE READINGS.
Elk. xxxvi, Ii; Ps. civ. 1870; Nal
iii. 10; Isa lii, Z; Matt. vii. .: Matt.
xviii. 10. 20; Luke vi, So: II Cor. viii,
10: Phil ii, 1-12;; Rom. viii. SO.