Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1911-09-27
CHRISTIAN EROEAVOR
Prayer Meeting Topic For The Week
Beginning Oct. I. 1911.

Prayer Meeting Topic For The Week
Beginning Oct. I. 1911.
Topic. = Lessons from great lives.-x
Peter-John xxi. liz tConsecration meet
ing) Edited by Rev Sherman H. Doyle.
d. D.
Simon Peter. one Of the leading
apostles Of our Lord Jesus Christ. was
the son of a man named Jonas. fish
erman by occupation. and the son was
brought up in the same business. His
partners in the fishing trade were his
brother Andrew and James and John.
All four seem to have been men OF
means and standing. and their asso-
citation was not limited to their busi-
ness partnership. They were partners
also in the search fo- truth. and, later
on In their devoted service Of Christ
and as fishers Of men, Andrew led his
brother Simon 10 Christ, and the world
has seldom seen better illustration
Of the tremendous consequences that
may follow the bringing Of a single
soul to Christ
Called to be an apostle when he was
probably between thirty and forty
years of age, he served his Master
with manifestations Of alternating
strength and weakness until Pente-
cost, after which his zeal was unend-
ing and his courage unassaflable. Pc
ter died as a martyr to his faith The
circumstances surrounding his mar
tyrdom are unknown. Tradition tells
us that he died about A. D. q or 6S,
at the time Of the prosecutions of Nero.
He was crucifed. and, Origen says.
with his head downward at his own
request. because he felt himself I'M
worthy to be put to death in the same
manner as his Master. What devotion
and love and yet how characteristic
Of the great apostle. whose life should
be both a warning and an inspiration
to all disciples Of Christ
The incident selected for our spe-
cial study gives Us threefold view
Of the apostle, which may direct us in
our review Of his life and character.
l. The leading characteristics Of the
apostle himself are set forth. L Peter.
az no other apostle'was the representa-
tive of them all His name comes
first In the list Of the apostles here
given and undoubtedly Christ gave to
him first place a related 10 the others.
he was their spokesman and Christ
accepted him - such Z Peter was
the natural leader among tho twelve.
Peter decided Peter I'D tse wv and
the others foIlUwed snd throughout
the early history Of the church be was
it, greatest leader. B. Petee repro
sents Christian activity. when Jesus
appeared John recognized him nrst,
but 1t was Peter who nrst cast him
self into the sea TO 30 10 Christ In
the race between Peter and John to
the tomb Of Christ, John outran his
older companion. but he stood without.
and 1t was Peter who first entered
the tomb. Peter was always jealous
and aggressive. and his example should
stir us to Christian zeal.
II. Peter and John. In this incident
we have most complete picture of
the companionship that existed be-
tween Peter and John. How each sup
plemented the character of the other
is seen at the appearance Of Christ
and Peters anxious inquiry. Lord.
what shall this man dor shows his
deep interest in the future welfare
and work of John The friendship be-
gun in early life continued. and the
h}u<xoSv ,P <bo rhv,rrb oop<oSru ~, vco.c
beautiful illustration Of companionship
and cooperation In the service of
Christ than Is to be seen in the re-
lationship that existed between Peter
and John.
III. Peter and Christ The devoted
love Of Simon Peter for his blessed
Lord and Master is nowhere more
abundantly manifested than in this
post resurrection scene. His thrice
repeated avowals Of love, and the
last with that Characteristic abandon
ment to impulsiveness when be said.
Lord. thou knowest all things: thou
knowest that | love Thee will ever
stand as testimony of the attitudo NJ
his heart and mind toward Christ On
the other hand, Christ's forgiveness
of Peter and the recommission of him
as an apostle prove the stability of
His love for His hayward vet repent
ant disciple and His appreciation Of
his true character and worth More
over. in this attitude Of Christ toward
Peter we see the Masters attitude to-
ward all men.
Simon Potter was shove AL things q
true man. He was bold courageou
lmpulsive. Jet loving and tender even
to tears. His Christian manltness
Shouid flre the imaefna$iua of every
young disciple OF CHRIST and inspise
In all desire to smsises h u ~ true
spirit Of CHRIST
SABLE aEAonseA
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