Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1909-07-14
. CHRISTIAN ENDEAvoR.
Prayer Meeting Topic For tire Week
Beginning July 10, 1909.

BY REV. s. H. DOYLE.
Topic. - Pilgrims Progress SERIES
VII. The Palace Beautiful-Eph. iv, 7-16;
VI, 10-17.
At the top of the Hin Difficulty, Chris
Aian soon came to the Beautiful Palace.
Walking along as night came on. be-
wailing the Indifference that made him
Late through his sleeping in the arbor
and leaving his roll, for which he had
to return, so that it was now neces-
sary to travel in the darkness. "he
lift up his eyes and, behold, there was
a very stately palace before him, the
name Of which was Beautiful, and II
stood by the wavside" Hitherto Chris
tian had been solitary pilgrim. but
we must next consider him as admit
ted to the communion of the faithful
and Joining with them in the most sol
emn public services This is repre-
scented under the emblem of the House
Beautiful and the pilgrims entertain
ment In it.
Christian hurried on toward the pal
ace, hoping to secure lodging there.
Looking through narrow passage to-
ward the Porter's Lodge, he saw two
lions In the way and was afraid and
thought that he would go back. for,
though the lions were chained. he did
not see the chains But the porter.
named Watchful encouraged him TO
come forward. telling him that the
lions were chained Thus encouraged,
he proceeded. yet with fear and trem-
bling. The lions roared, but did not
harm him. and he greatly rejeiced
when he had passed them and reached
in safety the gate where the porter
stood. Christian was about to make
a public confession of his faith, and at
such time opposition and fear and
timidity often harass all Christians;
hence the lions. But God is simply
testing the character of our faith, and
If we viii but heed the encouraging
words of faithful pastors and teachers
and follow their directions as Chris
tan did we should go on. and we shall
find that the lions are chained and that
no harm, but blessings and JOY. viii
come to us.
In the Beautiful Palace Christian be-
gan his association with the saints of
God. He was first closely examined
by the porter. as all should be before
entering the church of Christ lest they
make an ignorant or false confession
of faith. His examination being salts
factory. he was admitted. Here, in
conversation with Piety, Charity, Pru-
dence and Discretion, he told the story
of his Christian experience. The pub
lie rehearsal of our personal experience
may not always prove TO be beneficial,
but there is no doubt that in per-
sonal conversation with cur Christian
friends these should often be the sub
ject of conversation What more nat
ural than for Gods children to con-
verse among themselves Of their Fa-
theirs dealings with them and of their
personal experiences with Christ along
the Christian life!
In the Palace Beautiful Christians
profession was ratified. and his MEM
bership in the church was completed.
The supper served was emblematic of
the Lords supper. and the atonement
was discussed. In his peaceful sleep
the peace of God that comes to the
new convert is symbolized. The next
day he was taken into the armory and
put on the whole armor of God"
He was also given a view of the De
lectable Mountains and of Immanuel's
land as a means of inspiration and Of
encouragement before he journeyed
on to meet new trials and difficulties.
BIBLE READINGS.
Ell. XIV, %; Ps. xc, lie; lisa. XIV,
$40; Dan. vi. 1923; lisa. XVI, IA;
Matt. K, 80. 33; xxi, LA: Mark tx,
10; Thess. v, 8; Heb. xii, 10.