The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-06-25


statemen, can contribute more TO the
equitable and Christian settlement of
acute problems in the Orient than
reams of diplomatic documents ex-
changed by the chancelleries of the
world. At the same time the conven-
ton may be made the vehicle for
universal dissemination of these ideals
which are the only hope of permanent
peace in the world. 1 wonder whether
the opportunity will be seized; or
whether the~Tokie meeting will be
merely one more of the countless re-
ligious conventions which are more or
less of a pious junket for professional
eonvention-goers? What would Sam
uel do were he on the committee of
arrangements?
Picking Tomorrow's Leaders.
This notion that Samuel today
would be in Sunday school work
haunts me. He was the prophet whom
God chose to pick out the men OF
leadership and>power. He found a
known-in a ruddy-faced boy who was
tending his fathers sheep. He saw
the real higness of hulking, giant Saul;
and later, the real Httleness that he
developed. Samuel would be one of
that sort, whom we occasionally meet
in the ministry and in the teaching
profession. who are ever on the look
These men place less reliance upon
organization than upon life: they
would rather send out one boy of
power into the worlds service than
establish the most modern of SMOOTH
~ running church machines. The
best work of all is the creation of
workers. To teachers and mothers
and preachers is given to fill the
Samuel role of being king maker.
British statesmanship has more of
this impersenal quality of producing
or nurturing the fit man fer the
nations service than the younger
nations have acquired. The case of
king of Ara bia," is in point. His gov
eminent stood behind him in the ex-
preston of his unique gifts. 1t is
| super-s craftsmanship to find and de-
| velop the man who will be the shaper
| of opinion and events in the long to-
morrow. Let US have meters and in
| spirers and trainers of the Christian
| leaders of the future. Especially is
| there need that wherever a person
shows an aptitude for new kinds and
spheres of service, he have the ap-
probation and encouragement and
support of all who are held re-
sponsible for the work of the church.
have known more than enc pioneer
| ing worker in the field of religion who
! mas lelI lil6 ChuIcn dlSAed1IGHeQ D6-
cause his unconventional and progress
sive spirit encountered only criticism
and announcement in the church.
One of the most striking and praise
worthy expressions of Christian initia-
tive of recent days was the great mass
meeting of southern Baptists on the
steps of the capitol at Washington,
upon the occasion of the denomina-
tons national convention there. That
was real Christian leadership, as the
massed delegates declared, in the ears
lof congress and of the country, that
the church has a voice and has a con-
vietien upon all that concerns the
| peace of the world and the welfare OF
, mankind. What If the, person who
sensational and unconventional meet
| ing on the capitol steps had encoun-
/ tered only cold water as he presented
his project? Fortunately, he was met
| in the Samuel spirit.
Shall we not pray, daily in private
and upon all the public gatherings of
the church, that in this grave hour
there may be sent Samuels to lead the
church and the world into paths OF
spiritual wisdom? Even now let us
pray:
Almighty God, King of the Ages
Ruler of nations and of the hearts OF
mankind, look in mercy upon our
world today. so sorely smitten, sc
/ blindly cropping, so sorrowfully STUN
| bling. Give unto us ears quick to hear
Thy voice, and spirits ready to obey
Thee in all things:- that being true
followers of Thee we may humbly lead
our fellowmen into ways of wisdom
and paths of peace. Overwhelm us
now with a sense of spiritual values
Make us wise with the wisdom that is
| for two worlds. Teach us to touch
the spirits of men, and especially OF
little children, with the touch that
turns toward Thee. Tho we be moi
ourselves called to posts of leader
ship, grant unto us the boon of guild
ling and rninistering unto those whom
Thou weuldst anoint and call to lead
their fellow men. Amen.