Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1909-06-30
CHRISTIAN ENDEAvoR.
Prayer Meeting Topic For the Week
Beginning July 4, 1909.

By REV. s. II. DOYLE.
Topic.-Patriotism that counts.-Neh. Nv,
q 12-1a
In Nehemiah We have one of the
most inspiring patriots in ancient his
tpry. He was one Of the number of
ne Jews who remained in Babylon
after the return of many in the reign
Of Cyrus. He held high position TN
DER Artaxerxes, being cupbearer of
ths king in Shushan. the winter resi-
asnce OF the king of Persia. While
thus situated visitors from Jerusalem
told him the story of the sad condi-
ton Of the people and city of Jerusa-
lem. he became sad and sorrowful in
appearance, which led the king to ask
him the cause of his trouble and when
It was explained the king allowed him
to return TO Jerusalem. On doing so
he aroused the people from their
lethargy and, overcoming various diff
cu1ttsss finished his task. He.ruied
,.or twelye~ wears. restoring the temple
and the anc law, which was found
In the ruins the temple, and deal
ing out justice pd equity to all. Meth
ing Is known olhim except what is
contained in his ok. which should
be read at this pc by every En-
deavorer. 1t is in Snsely interesting
from beginning to end and gives us
complete picture of the patriotism of
a man, which counted,
/. Patriotism that counts Is an in
born, inherent patriotism. True love
OF country cannot be manufactured.
1t cannot be made to order. 1t must
be born into the man and be a natural
part Of his being. The patriot is born.
not made. 1t was SO with Nehemiah.
No sooner did Nehemiah hear that his
country was in distress than he 'Fsar
down and wept and mourned certain
days and tasted and prayed before the
God of heaven" No such results
could have been produced by pre-
tense of patriotism. Nothing but an
Unborn love of country could have pro-
duced them. His sincerity could not
be doubted, because his feelings Were
manifested in his appearance. True
patriotism is always of such a char
acter, and we may thank God that no
nation exceeds our own in this kind Of
patriots.
2. Patriotism that counts must be
self sacrificing. The man who says
II love my country" and then when
It Is in distress refuses TO deny him
self for 1t bellies his words. Nehemiah
was no such patriot Once he left a
position of ease and luxury, returned
to his native land and, amid great
priyations and dangers gave all his
powers for the restoration of his peo-
pie. The patriotism that counts must
not consider self. 1t does not weigh
personal pleasure and ease against pri-
walton, sacrifice and danger.
g. Patriotism that counts must be
exercised in peace as well as war.
Nehemiah's sacrifice was not that Of
his life, though it may at times have
been in danger His patriotism con-
sisted in living, though at great sacri-
fee, for his country. Times of peace
often require higher standards of pa
triotism than times of war. Nations
have other enemies that destroy be-
sides alien armies. Indeed. most great
nations die as result of inward in
EQUITY rather than by conquering ar
mics. To crush out evil to uphold
righteousness, is a patriotism that
counts. But many who would shoulder
q gun at the approach Of an enemy
calmly sit by and allow national, social
and personal sins to eat out the vital
life Of the nation. Our own country is
fast approaching the point where we
shall need more living patriots than
dying ones. The presence Of social
luxury, which breeds idleness and sin
masses, and the undeniable corruption
that exists in our commercial and po-
itical life are signs of the times that
need to arouse the attention of every
true patriot in our land and lead him
to stand firmly against these things,
which are as deadly to a nations life
as booming cannons, scattering shells
and belching guns. righteousness land
righteousness alone) exalteth a nation
and preserves it.
BIBLE READINGS.
Ezra vi, $40; Neh ii, is; Ps xxxiii,
u; cxlvii, 30; Prov. xiv, %: Jer. xxx, Z:
Matt. xvii, 24-27: xii, 1921; xiii. 81:
Heb. xi, TO- 1916.
Made by It's Atmosphere.
No one claims that Christian En-
deavor has already attained OF is near