The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-10-07

II should relate, by instances, now
Christian Endeavor has given leaders
secular activity; its influence upon
church life needs scholarly working
out; and the Christian Endeavor spirit
requires subtle analysis The great
past of Christian Endeavor, strange
though the statement may appear, is
as yet an untold tale.
In history the makers of history find
their incentives. A thorough study of
a society's past is the best revelation of
its potentialities. No organization has
as yet attained the limit of its capabil-
tiles. unless it is really dead. In that
case, the sooner funeral services are
held the better.
The local church has need of more
help from its young people. Invitation
work, advertising plans, house-to-
house visitation, Sunday-schooI re-
cruItlng, the judiciOuS distribution of
good literature. and circulation of
verSffying of the church's social life;
the doing of errands for an over
burdened pastor; the caring for child
rem that mothers may attend service;
the systematic promotion of missionary
intelligence; the holding of outdoor
services; the doing of practical neigh
bcrhood mission work-the field is I'M
limited Ordinary ingenuity will sug-
gest countless ways for doing work
that is proper for young Christians.
Always it is to be borne in mind that
one good method carried out persist
entity is better than a dozen better
methods that are not pushed.
The call for Christians to express
their religion in public life is constant
" growing more insistent. To that end
young people should be trained. A lit
erary lyeeum, especially with patriotic
aspects, is a proper and helpful adjunct
for every Christian Endeavor society.
Debates and papers upon live and
abiding public questions, like interna-
t1ona1 peace, the Bible in the public
the Americanization of the
alien, the prohibition of the liquor
traffic, the influence of corporations
upon politics, the nature and propriety
of political party organization=a1l
these are worthy of careful discussion.
In such schools men and women are
trained for the duties of citizenship.
Booster Clubs" are common in
many cities. Town Crier'' clubs to
cry up the virtues of their city, are
growing delightfully."- frequent. There
is utmost propriety, and loyalty to the
very genius of the young peoples |
society's constituting itself a special i!
committee to laud and encourage and |
support its own church and pastor. |
Critics are plentiful; let the young peo-
pie prove themselves. in season and |
out of season, ''for the church. To |
make church loyalty fashionable would |
be a great accomplishment for the |
young peoples societies.
Not enough is said in our Christian
Endeavor societies about the need for !,
ministers. The officers should see that
at least once a year the claims of the
gospel ministry are presented to the
members. Prayer for the increase of
.ruly called ministers should often be
offered. And when a society is honor
ed by having one of its members set
apart for this holy vocation, it should /
n practical manner express its graft
.ude; if necessary, undertaking the
7oung mans support.
Stock-taking is as proper for a re-
igious organization as for a busine ss
house. This meeting, with all the Off
;ers in charge. should lift every society
out of its ruts.
A renewed allegiance to the pledge,
which is the fundamental principJ- IF
Christian Endeavor, should be made at
his meeting. For the pledge exalts
Christ. No new method is equal to a S