CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR

Mt Benger Mail, 5 October 1938, Page 3

CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR

Owing to illness among members, the -attendance at the C.E. meeting of Sept. 27th, was not so large as usual; but a happy tune of fellowship was enjoyed by the fourteen young people present. Miss Doris De Silva occupied the chair. Miss Daphne Wood led in prayer after the opening hymns had been sung; and the Bible reading (from Luke 12:13-21) was taken by Miss Norma McKenzie. A paper on the subject: “Is all Life a Gamble?”’’ —was presented by Miss Do Silva. An interesting general discussion followed the presentation of the paper. To quote'the study book“ Why do people gamble? Some because they covet a prize. Some because of the excitement it gives. Probably many do not think enough to realise its worst evils. But, from another viewpoint, they all gamble because they have not yet found the true elixir of life which Jesus came to give; “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. ’ ’ —John 10:10. Even Mahomet denounced gambling on the grounds that it turned men’s thoughts from God, and sowed strife among brothers. Every gamble expresses a willingness to gain out of another’s loss, and therefore develops callous selfishness.”

The definition of gambling arrived at during this discussion was that: “gambling is thieving with the other person's consent.’’ And because this habit “sears the sympathies, cultivates a hard egoism, and brings about a general deterioration of character” the follower of Christ finds no pleasure in such indulgence. For if we are true Christians our aim. should not only be to endeavour to live an upright life ourselves, but also to set an example to our fellow-men—an example that is worthy of being followed. “Life pure, Speak true, Right wrong Honour the Christ, the King.” “For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?”—Mark 8:36.

Chain prayer was followed by the singing of the final hymn, after which Rev. Mr Jordan pronounced the Benediction.