The Northwest enterprise. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1931-1952, 1940-08-09
Good Neighbors
by s. T. NIcCants

The Price of popularit Is our to-
pic this issue and dedicated to the
young people of Seattle and the
l am sure that the
readers of this Good Neighbor col
umn will agree with me when l
say that we are all born with an
mate desire to be loved, praised,
and told by someone that we are
lovely, kind and true. What ends,
what sacrifices we make, to gain
popularity in the hearts of those
we love, and are interested. Just
here I shall relate my first desire
to be popular.
When boy of eight made up
my mind to initiate, and as near
as possible, live and be just like a
good man who at the time was
very dear friend of my father.
This man was Rev. Shadrach Tho
mas for whom | was named. This
servant of God was known
the south for his frey
old time Methodist sermons. His
services to God and man
gained for him unlimited popular
ity in the hearts of the people of
the South who knew him. So at
the age of eight made up my
mind, that 1 should be just as
good, and as popular some day, as
was Rev. Shadrach Thomas. At
the age of IL when I accepted
Christ as my Savior and guide, I
declared my determination to
some day be just as popular in the
Christian world as Rev. Thomas.
Of course 1 had not counted the
cost at that time. I did have the
faith in God to believe that he
would help me to accomplish my
souls aim. I didn't realize that
down the road of life the lions and
tigers were lying in wait, just as
they are doing today, for you
young people who are trying to be
popular with God and his people.
Many of you will have to get out
in your teens and make your own
way as did. But you will always
find friend that sticketh closer
than a brother, in Christ. No; I
didn't know when confirmed my
great determination to be a good
boy, and then grow to be a good
man, that all these wicked, and
deceitful devils were lying in wait
for me down the path of life. My
father died when 1 was but nine
years of age. Rev. Thomas died
a few years later and started on
my journey alone at the age of Is
not to make my way only, but to
assist my dear mother and young
er sisters. Not once did I stop to
think or realize the task that
was taking upon myself.
My determination to some day
be like Rev. Thomas caused me
to forget the many pitfalls that
the wicked had set for me. learn
ed early in life to trust God, and
my faith in him at all times, then
and now, gave me the assurance,
that could be the useful servent
in Gods hand, as was Rev. Tho
mas. And now some so years lat
err, I am still striving to reach
that great and most coveted sta
ton in the Christian life, of be-
ing popular with the God who
made me and gave his life for
me. This Is the popularity young
folks you should seek. Start out
now to make a real shining exam
pie of your lives; be popular with
those who are endeavoring to
bring Gods love and mercy to the
hearts of the people. This popular
ity will last throughout eternity
and will not fail you even in death.
Have your good times, enjoy life,
but above all, do not forget God
who has furnished you with life
and health, placed good parents
and friends, sweethearts and low
ed ones at your disposal. Tt is God,
and God only, that sends us all
these heavenly favors. So let's
give him the praise for all these
blessings, and not be selfish in
passing these lovely favors on to
others. Learn to love with all your
hearts, first to Cod and then to
all mankind. God will lead and
will take care of those lions and