Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1911-02-15
CHRISTIAN eNDEAvoR.
Prayer Meeting Topic For the Week
BEGINNING Feb. 10, 1871.

Prayer Meeting Topic For the Week
Beginning Feb. 10, 1871.
Enthusiastically; how to get it; what 1t
xiv, l, n; xvi, 3d. Ed
tied by Rev. Sherman II. Doyle. d. d.
Serenity is new word in the Chris
than language, but its meaning is well
understood To thoughtful and observ-
ing people it is just as evident that
serenity is a Christian grace that is
greatly needed in the present age. Ii
we had more serenity and less strenu-
seity in our lives we would live long
er and enjoy it much better while we
Dc live. "The strenuous life" is
good gospel to preach to few people
here and there who are always serene.
sometimes to the verge of laziness.
But Christ in speaking of the serene
life, as when he said, Let not your
hearts be troubled" had no such
idea in mind The American darkies
~ class are about the most I'M
troubled race of people in the world.
n may rain or shine. prices may be
high or low, they may not know where
their next meal is to come from or
where they are to sleep the next night,
they may meet with losses and be-
Feavement, yet their hearts are ever
light, and they sing on with their fine
musical voices just the same. Their
improvidence could not be surpassed.
yet it never stops the joyous laughter.
yet it peals forth. ofttimes as sweet as
the chimes of silver bells. They seem
like children, totally incapable Of ap-
preciating the seriousness of the re-
sp0nsibiities of life. Such serenity
Christ did not speak of, and yet some
times we could almost feel desire,
for awhile at least, to just throw of
life's cares and sorrows, forget them
all and have no troubled hearts and
wearied minds.
Life is strenuous, and the honest
nan who wishes to support his family
and meet all their obligations simply
could not throw OF thought concern
ing them. But the trouble is over
mental anxiety. 1t will pay no bill nor
advance business; rather the reverse,
10r it units for the best efforts Of our
lives. Worrying throughout the night
and tossing sleeplessly about weaken
q mans working ability for the next
day. The brain is not clear and the
nerves at their best after a night Of
tossing and worrying through the
night. Yet these, through refreshing
sleep, help us to greater cheer and
give us great power to face the prob
lens Of life and overthrow them. A
cheerful heart Is better than medicine
and an untroubled mind a greater
help than all the worried minds in the
world. Business men do not fail or
become nervous wrecks or die of heart
disease as result of Overwork, but
over worry In this age We are liv-
ing too fast. craving for greater daily
results. and under such circumstances
we should mingle serenity with siren
uosity. Leave business behind when
the Office door or factory or business
house is closed. Then spend the even
ing serenely with the family at home
or among congenial friends. Seek
Christ's help to make you forget the
days labors. retire early and get
good nights sleep. The next day a
new man will enter the place of bust
ness. and 1t will not be found to be
such bugbear after all.
When troubles and sorrows come
through the loss of loved ones or ad-
versiies do not shut them up in your
hearts. Speak to friends about them.
get their sympathy. feel the thrill of
Cheer up and 'The Lord bless you"
and these things will quiet your minds
and hearts. Above all. 60 to Christ and
by faith in Him study His words.
LET not your heart be troubled"
Peace leave with you" Divine
grace is mans greatest comfort in
the midst Of any trial or tribulation,
and through this we win the white
robes of our Heavenly Fathers home.
BIBLE READINGS.
Ps. iii. Is; viii. 10; Xxx. 10; xiii;
xvii. Is: Xvi. Ill; Xiv. lib: lisa
xviii, Is; Il. 1881; Phil ii, 10; iv.
40; John iii, 1-3.