Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-05-11

with God, and the word was God. The
same was in the beginning with God
All things were made by Him, and with
out Him was not anything made that
was made. In Him was life: and the life
was the light Of men. And the
word was made flesh and dwelt among
U.S.
Taking. then. Christ as the leader Of
the better cultivate initiative in our
Christian Endeavor work.
In the Christian Endeavor pledge the
promise is made to do whatever Christ
studious and diligent in discovering what
He expects from His disciples and be
prompt in responding and not wait for
others to put us to work
Many of us cannot be conspicuous lead
ers, but even the most insignificant mi
tiative in His service the Master sees
and honors, and that is far more impor-
tant than the plaudits Of men. Leader
ship in great or in small degree comes
through love for the great Leader and
the earnest. ardent desire to serve Him.
Where there is longing and loving de-
sire there will be no failure Of opportuni-
ties for Initiative service.
The Young Peoples Society Of Chris.
tan Endeavor was organized to lead
young people into the church, establish
them in the faith and to set them to
work in Christ's kingdom. The society
itself is an illustrious example Of the
Valuc Oh INITIATIVE. reDTudTy z, 1901, ana
Williston Church. in Portland. Me-, are
memorable by reason of the grace and
power in Rev. DR.. Francis p. Clark to
originate and set on foot this great move
ment.
From the small beginning in one church
there was such marvellous growth that
at the close of the year 1908 q have not
at hand later statistics) there were over
10000 societies in all parts of the world
with q membership OF three and a. half
-,
had been translated into about eighty diff
ferent languages.
In the quarter Of q century 1t Is esti-
mated that ten million Of former MEN,
bers most Of whom, In accordance with
the principle Of the society, have gone
fifteen million Of dollars was given to
missionary and charitable objects; that
four million of associate members were
brought to Christ, in part through the in
fluence of the society; that thirty-seven
million of young peoples religious meet.
ings had been held, with an aggregate
attendance of one billion one hundred
millions; that seventy thousand union
numbering in attendance from one hum
dred to over fifty thousand each. and ag-
gregating, at least, fifty millions. and
with untold increase In fellowship be-
tween Christian denominations as re-
suit.
A grand showing and glorious rewards
Of the initiative in one man In one line
Of action
But the young people. for whom this
theme Is here chosen have to cultivate
the initiative in what seems to be little
things, such as voluntarily starting a
hymn or leading in prayer or speaking
a word of personal testimony. Yet there
are no little things when done in loving
and sincere devotion to Christ's cause.
A cup Of cold water may be more potent
to your souls welfare than the gift of
q million dollars.
For whosoever shall give you a cup
Of water to drink in My name, because
ye belong to Christ verify say unto you,
he shall not lose his reward"
Very great results come from little acts
where the spirit and motive prompting
them are right.
The little captive maid in the household
Of Naaman, captain of the host of the
King Of Syria did not wait to be asked,
but gave the message about the great
prophet in Israel who could cure Naa-
man of his leprosy. This maid was
born an Israelite, and early taught the
religious beliefs of her people. She was
prepared to tell of the power Of Israefs
prophets, and promptly used the oppor-
tunity to the glory OF her countrys God
The young people in our endeavor socie-
ties are taught to know Of q greater
prophet than Elisha, and can every day
exemplify the value OF the initiative by
following the example Of tho little cap.
tive girl, IN giving the message to those
stricken with the leprosy of sin, that
they cau come to the true prophet Of God