The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-02-01

]
! safe amid all perils; they are co-work-
ers with omnipotence in vaster
scheme of eugenics than is written In
any of the. books of science.
Proving Christian Endeavor Success.
Terse Comments for February 2,
| christian Endeavor Principles
! and How to Uphold Them" John
14:6-15.
CBY WILLIAM r. ELLIS.)
Who traces the river back to its
springs? What publicist is interest
ed and acute enough to follow the
present social and political changes
back to their beginnings? Some of
us are assured that by any such test
ing it would be found the modern
Young Peoples movement, of which
Christian Endeavor is the first and
foremost exponent, has been ire
mendous factor in setting up the new
ideals which have worked out so
wonderfully. Literally millions of
young men and young women have
been indoctrinated with practical
, idealism in these societies. They have
been inspired to a conception of reli
gion wrought in a ministry. Their
life motto, which has not been for
gotten when they ceased to be active
members, has been, Not to be min
istered unto, but to minister"
The potency of Christian Endeavor
was not realized by it's promoters; nor
is it to be measured by their fol-
lowers. 1t belongs among the I'M
measured spiritual forces of our gen.
eratiCn.
The fashion is growing of calling
the roll of the present generation OF
leaders in all forms of Christian
work, and of pointing out that with
few exceptions they had their train
ing in the young peoples societies.
Likewise the list of Christian En-
deavor governors, congressman, may
ors and other public servants, is a
lCng one, and growing longer. These
all, together with the myriadS who
serve men and God in less conspicu-
Gus ways, are the proof of Christian
Endeavor principles.
There are now many hundreds or
Christian Endeavorers on the for
eign field as missionaries. There IS
no better place or way to eXemplify
the teachings of Christian Endeavor.
The Covenant idea is basic in
Christian Endeavor. The societies
are built on the idea of pledged al
legiance. Every member subscribes
to some form of pledge. The ha bit
of keeping faith is formed, and the
sacredness of an obligation is taught.
The very danger that pledges will be
broken has but stimulated thought
upon their solemnity. The young peo-
pies movement is a crusade of cove
nant-keepers. They have vowed their
lives unto the Lord.
Pray that He may prosper ever
Each endeSVor
When the aim is good and true:
But that He may ever thwart thee
And convert thee,
When thou evil wouldst pursue"
Baron Won CanitZ.
The old notion that spirituality is
something for the aged and ready to
die has been killed by Christian En-
deavor. The norm of life, and of life
at its fullest tide. is a character in
fellowship with God. Strong, SYM
metrical and winsome young people
have proved that religion is altogether
normal and entirely consistent with
the most wholesome type of life.
'One Christian Endeavor principle
is that of obligation: if anything is
worth doing it is worth promising to
try to do.
Another principle of Christian En-
deavor is cooperation. Two are more
than twice one. In union not only is
strength, but multiplied strength.
Testimony is a Christian Endeav-
or principle. Speech, that godlike
faculty, should be consecrated to the
most godlike uses.
Training is a Christian Endeavor
principle. In this school of religious
education we learn to do by doing.
We are to become aH-round workers
and also specialists. Amos r. Wells.
The school of doors teaches the skill
dirPRflU IN, Tarie-
tan Endeavor, where youth learns by
doing, the idea of service has been
dominant. 1t really antedated the
present social service movement in the
churches and prefigured it. That there
are many tasks of Christian work
wholly within the range of young
peoples ability was a new idea thirty
years ago; but now we see how this
principle has led devoted disciples into
a wide range of activities. ranging
from the teaching of a Sunday school
class to work in a rescue mission.