Evening journal., 1910-11-04
EPwORTH LEAGUE DEVOTIONAL
MEETING.

MEETING.
Topic for November 9Th, A Call TO
SeIf-Examination. Hag. 1; >, 8; ?
Cor. 1S: 81.
The call TO examine ourselves
whether we be in the faith is a
timely one, close scrutiny may
make us sadder Christians for the
time being, but il we follow the ad-
vice OF the Wise Man, Though wis
dom is an house builded. and by un-
derstanding IL is established" peace
will come out OF the pain OF discovery
and, knowing ourselves. we shall build
more wisely
The search light of Gods word
thrown on our lives will show us what
is wrong; If we cannot bear the light.
then our deeds must be evil. We
cannot afford to bow down TO. any
idol which the Holy SpiNlt may re-
veal-that has been set up in place of
the God whom we claim to worship.
Perhaps our talents which we may
consider consecrated TO the Lord may
be the cause OF our failure to meas
ure up TO the standard. Emerson
says, "A man must thank his defects
and stand In some terror OF his tai
ents." fault. seen in its hideous-
ness, is guarded against. prayed over
and with the help of God. In time.
overcome and the man is the stronger
for the victorious battle, but a talent
which Is widely recognized flatter-
ingiv encouraged IN it's exercise by
friends, envied by others and jealous
~ guarded by its possessor may be-
come barrier I'm his relation to his
Master. and prevent his growth in
the spiritual life because Of a self
confident spirit which follows mark
ed success along any line. he may
attribute the result of efforts put
forth due entirely TO his skill and
leave the Master Workman out of the
question.
Out talents are not man-made, but
God-given. and to Him be the glory.
True, we are responsible for our
stewardship; We must develop these
talents, otherwise we shall receive
condemnation, yet after we have done
our best we are told TO consider our
selves Improbable servants" This
spirit Of humility needs greater culti-
vatiOn in some of us because Of our
particular "defect'-pride. Again,
we have nothing but what has been
given to us and our pride must appear
a pitiful force in the sight of the
Creator
Besides the method OF searching
the Bible for proof OF our being right
with God, We have the privilege OF
talking it over with the Lord-prayer
will bring about great results along
this line. We must be frank with
God; we may deceive our best friends
they may think we are shining lights
but II there are any dark corners in
our hearts, we cannot expect God tc
close His eyes-we get right with our
fellow men If we really pray: we
get honest with ourselves when we
come into Gods presence.
II is possible for persons 10 occupy
nigh positions in the religious life
yet have big deal on with the forces
OF Satan, but how long does such "A
state Of affairs exist? "Be sure vour
sins will find you OUT" the clock will
strike twelve and the finger Of scorr
Is not far IN the distance. The
question is: Are we keeping our En-
worth League pledge 10 strive TO at
tain for ourselves and help others Il
attain the highest standard OF Chris
tan Experience? This includes tb
renunciation Of all harmful world
amusements-nOt the renunciation d
happiness. however. which is ever
young christians by prior right 70
MS Father owns the world and ba
placed him here 10 be happy-to en-
JOY the worlds beauty, but not IN,
sin that is in It.: Il includes the re-
nunciation OF things which are no
harmful to us, but which bring sor
row TO others-ye must have 9Th,
love which suffers long and Is kind
and which seeks not its own: II mean,
the renunciation of our Wills wher
they clash with the Divine will. here
is the testl We are not submissive
we desire to see and chose our wav
forgetting that "He won the world
through shame and beckons us HI,
ROAD Il may mean the renunciation
OF friends, for a Christian gains moth
ing by the intimate friendship OF one
who has no sympathy with the
teafhings of Jesus, and unless the
Christians will is stronger than his
friends, he loses ground by such init.
macy
me positive side OF this high stand.
ard of Christian living is the import.
ant one after ALL what are<you
doing for Jesus?"
II we have tried to work for Hin
day by day and defeat has met us at
every turn OF the way, discourage.
ment leads us into retreat. But We
are not here to be idle dreamers and
we cannot stay ON the mountain-tor
and see visions while there is worl
70 be done down in the valley. We
realize this at times and get a spas.
modic energy which brings no re.
suits. God wants practical every.
day followers; a spirit that when IN
danger knows no fear I'm darkness
feels no doubt" but that keeps at il
despite the censure that follows IN
the train Of all who live in advance
OF their age. Let us have stout
hearts, clear consciences and trust
the rest TO God" and as for past mis-
takes and sins:
Yesterday now is a part of for
ever,
Bound up I'm a sheaf which God
holds tight.
With glad days and sad days and bad