Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1911-11-29
CHRISTIAN ESOEAVOR


Prayer Msssins Topic For tie Week
Beginning Dec. 3. 1911.
Topic. Lessons from great lives.-xH.
PAui-II Tim Nv. i-s tCousecration meet
sng.) Edited by Rev. Sherman H. Doyle.
d. d.
Paul was born In Tarsus OF Asia
Minor. Greek city. He was the son
Of Jewish parents and was educated In
Jerusalem. He became Pharisee IN
the strictest sense. His first atf1tuoe
toward Christianity was that OF per-
secutor. He consented unto stephens
death and guarded the clothes OF those
who stoned him. On bis way to Da-
mascus to persecute Christians he was
suddenly converted. and hencefortn
Christianity had no more Jealous Or
devoted advocate than Paul.
As the apostle to the gentiles he car
lied the gospel from Antioch. in Asia.
to Rome and as far west as Spain In
three great missionary journeys. Twice
he was imprisoned In Rome. and ira
dition tells US that he died a martyr
to his faith at the time OF the persecu-
tons Of Nero, A. d. CT or 50. But he
who had been ready to go to Jerusa-
lem" ready to preach the gospel In
Rome" was also ready to be offered
up- when the time Of his departure
was at hand. He had fought good
light. finished the course. kept the
faith and looked forward to the
crown Of righteousness which the
Lord. the righteous Judge. was pre-
pared to give to him Great in intel
lect, great in devotion and consecra-
tion. great in achievement. bis life
should inspire rs to Increased conse-
Grafton in the service of his and our
Lord and Master.
The conversion Of Paul illustrates
the power Of the gospel to save. No
one seemed less likely to become a
convert to Christianity than Saul OF
Tarsus as he was journeying on his
way to Damascus to prosecute the
disciples Of Christ. His early training.
his ecclesiastical associations, his per
sonal attitude. his conception Of his
duty to God-all these seemed to COM
bine to make him an opposer rather
than an advocate Of the claims OF
Christ to Deity and Messiahship. But
in an instant everything is changed
One Of the most remarkable cases OF
conversion takes place. With God
nothing is impossible. That which
may seem unlikely to US may to Him
be most natural In working for the
salvation of men we are never to feel
that any case is hopeless. The gospel
Il 1.-THE power of God unto salvation
and the power of God is as great over
one man as another. regardless OF con-
ditions and circumstances.
The conservation Of Paul has never
been surpassed. From the day that be
eaid. Lord. what wilt Thou have me
to do?" he gave himself without reserve
to the service of his Master. His mis-
aionary activities have been the mar
vel of the Christian centuries. His
writings have challenged the attention
of the worlds greatest thinkers BE
himself has left us record Of the per-
sonal sacrifices that he made and the
personal hardships that he endured
for the gospels sake. The pages OF
history tell of no greater zeal in any
cause. Paul was literally consumed
with his zeal in the cause OF his Saw
iour. and his example should fire ev-
cry student Of bis life with desire for
increased conservation and Jealous
earnestness In Christian service.
The faith Of Paul is inspiring and
worthy of emulation. In an unbeliev-
ing age be believed and championed
the great doctrines IN which he be
Heved. His personal experience had
convinced him that Christ was divine:
that the doctrines Of His miraculous
birth, His atonement. His resurrection.
were true. He preached Christ cruel
ned. Christ resurrectsd. Christ living
at the right hand Of God and the Sec
ond coming of Christ. Moreover. he
accepted this Christ as his personal
Saviour and was assured Of his saliva
don. knowing In whom he had be-
heved In personal faith. as well as
in public endeavor. Paul may well be-
come an example to all.