Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-01-27
Gptnortb league
Uopic
. -
"The Heroism of Pure Devotion to
Native Land"
(Home Missions.)
Jer., 4O:1-6; Exod., 3:1-1O; Mark,
$3.50.
REV. SAMUEL w. GRAFFLIN.

~ HE milestones that mark the high
Ill, way of history are the life stories
of those men whose love Of their
own land and kin led them to put aside
all hope of personal gain or glory. that
they might devote their time and gifts
to the high purpose of bringing about
the moral reform, social uplift or spir-
itual regeneration Of their own land and
people.
We have given us today three thrilling
stories-life stories of men who have
left a glorious record of unselfsh service
and great achievement. The first is that
story of the grand old man of Israers
darkest days, jeremiah, as he makes his
decision between personal prosperity and
national welfare. The second is the
story Of Moses before the burning bush.
where he receives at the hand Of God
his high commission to lead his people
forth from Egyptian bondage to the land
of promise. The third is that story, from
the fifth chapter of st. Mark, which COM
bines the central Thought in each of
the others. as Christ not only calls upon
the man released from the demons
power to forego the privilege of fellow
ship with himself. but also to assume the
task of telling his home town the good
news of Gods love and power.
From these stirring narratives three
great thoughts stand out. First, there is
the thought of "A Great Decision" To
every Christian citizen Of this our land.
sooner or later. there comes the voice
from the burning bush-the voice that
calls to an unselfish surrender of time
and gifts, in order that those less IA
vored than themselves may be led out
from the bondage of ignorance. doubt
and wrong surroundings into the liberty
of the children of God.
Second. There is the conception Of "A
Great Commission" We are very prone
to forget that the Voice which gave the
command to GO into all the world and
preach" also said, Beginning at Jeru-
SALEM" All honor to foreign missions
and those men and women Of God, who
go where we will not to bear the message
Of the cross, but there is given us here
at home a task SO varied and so great
that those who seek to serve. need cross
no seas to prove their deep sincerity.
Right here at home, in church and state.
in every walk Of life, In high society"
that sets the pace In things of fashion
for both rich and poor, and sets the pace
too fast. Right here at home, where
sci is but tinsel, show but show. and
dreams unhappy dreams that take the
form Of longing to pull down what they
may not possess. Right here at home
there is a work to do for Him who never
left His native land. but wrought His
world work in and through His own.
And then there is the thought Of "A
Great Opportunity" We count 1t hard
that we must stay behind to minister
to those around our doors, whose woes are
our woes, and whose sins and shortcom-
ings seem so commonplace, but II We
read Gods Word Alright. in almost every
case. His highest commissions. greatest
opportunities SSd largest harvests of
good have gone to those who made the
great decision, which calls for more of
patience. zeal and sacrifice than any
other, namely, the decision to toll in the
field near at hand and for those who
seem least to appreciate the service
rendered.
Daily from foreign lands they come to
US seeking our wealth and wisdom and
needing our Christ. Daily from hillside
hamlet and valley village they come to
the great marts of trade. teeming cities
and avenues of life. seeking, most fire.
quently, they know not what. The flame
that charms the moth destroys its power
of fight. Shall we who meet them as
they come neglect to tell the secret Of
Gods great fraternity. the fact that
Jesus saves?