CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR SOCIETY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 30, 29 July 1911, Page 9 (Supplement)

CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR SOCIETY.

ITS VAST EXTENT AND GREAT WORK. (Being mi address given by Rev. Polk at Raliotu last week). A Chinese Christian came from an out-station, where there were only two Christians, to attend a Christian Endeavor Convention at Ningpo, in China, and when he saw 1500 native Christian Endeavorers in one group, he wept like a child. lie said he had no idea that there were so many followers of .Jesus Christ in China. Like the Chinaman, though in not so extreme a sense, very few of us have the slightest conception of the colossal proportions of the society we represent to-night, and I have ■thought that not a little inspiration may he imparted to us by a brief review of its growth, its great work, and far-reaching influence. Although it was inaugurated as recently as February 2. 1881, with a membership of only 25. it now embraces over 70,000 branches, and about four, millions of members. Formed into a procession, six in a row and 3ft apart, they would cover the enormous distance of 378 miles, and represent almost every country in the world. In this progression the North American Indian and the African negro mingle on terms of equality with the cultured life of our great cities, and the Japs and Russians join as allies against the powers of darkness. In this vast throng are young, people from the land of the Nile and the Pyramids, from Turkey and the Balkan States, from Brazil and Mexico, from Alaska and Terra del Fuego, from the West Indies and the South Sea Islands. .Just think of it! Four millions of young life, overflowing in its freshness, vigor, hopefulness and enthusiasm, clad in picturesque garb, holding aloft banners of every conceivable color, and of every inr conceivable design, with all hearts beating in unison, inspired by one great purpose, keeping time to the same music, singing the same songs, and looking up into the face of the same God. Let me take you to some of the C.E. Society's national and world conventions, so unique in character and unparalleled in magnitude as to strike tho imagination and to capture the sympathies of the largest cities of the work!. The one held in New York, with its 30,000 delegates, so arrested the attention of the astonisherd public that the questions were everywhere asked—"Where have they come from?" "What draws so many young people together?" London was similarly impressed when 20,000 delegates invaded its great thoroughfares. Referring to the Boer war, then decimating the homes of Africa and purpling its fields with human blood, outsiders asked, "Has there been another victory?" Yes. indeed, these 20,000 sons' and daughters of Christian homes, re->' presenting the cream of the world's) young life, were celebrating a victory—not the victory of Ihe sword, the instrument of moral chaos, arising from the riot of men's worst passions; but the victory of the Cross, which, instead of filiing the vanquished with hatred, inspires them with love. The Convention in Washington was so large that three tents were erected, each accommodating 10,000 persons. Public halls were not made for C.E. Conventions. A choir of 3000 persons lined the great steps of the Capitol, and 73.000 more swelled the grand chorus of praise. Boston was invaded by ofi.ooo delegates, in whose honor Cue city was gaily decorated, and the press published the fullest reportsof the Convention proceedings, embellished with colored and other engravings. At San Francisco, the daily papers of the city agreed to exclude' from their columns during ihe C.E. Convention week all details of murders, suicides, divorces, and other revolting news, and to publish instead full reports of addresses, etc., given at tile Convention. A convention was held at Ningpo, in China, of which Archdeacon Monle said, "It was the most wonderful sight witnessed in China." Mahy of the 1500 Chinese Endeavorers had to walk 50 and CO miles in order to get to the Convention. Others came on house boats, and still others in sedan chairs. If our Chinese comrades can attend Endeavor meetings at the cost of so much self-sacrifice surely few of us should have any legitimate reason for absence frmn our meetings. A remarkable convention was held at St. Helena, consisting of Boer prisoners. Much of special interest could be given regarding it, but suffice it to say' that on the different islands where the prisoners of war were stationed there were no less than 35 C.E. Societies, with nearly 3000 members. So fruitful in blessing were these societies that, one of the members said, "We thank Cod for our banishment because it lias brought us to know the value of consecrated Christian service." In connection with a C.E. Convention held in India the following beautifully symbolic incident occurred: The members were asked to give Scripture verses bearing on "Love." . They promptly responded with, "Cod is love," and many others. As fast as the answers were given they were written in BcngaJosc characters upon slips of red, blue and green paper, and tied together. Then a dark brother came to the front, and witli all the dignity of a full-robed London City Mayor, he placed the "garland of love" around Dr. Clark's neck. The wortliy doctor said, "Had I been able to j return the compliment with a C.E. pin j I could hardly have fastened it to him without hurting him." Other conventions were held in Australia, California, Mexico, Spain, Japan, Berlin, and other centres, including Denver, where 8000 persons were hidden beneath a tent that collapsed in a hurricane, who, with hardly a scratch between the lot, five minutes after were all standing on the debris beneath the safer canopy of heaven's dome, singing, "Praise God from Whom all blessings How."

Some of the consecration meetings in connection with these conventions were peculiarly impressive. In London, delegates from many countries gave responses. Egypt's was beautifully suggestive: ''The Nile is rising! The River of the Water of Life in Egypt." Nothing could he more appropriate than the response of Switzerland, where the Society had just started: "Oh, my Lord, heboid my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my Father's house; and the Lord said unto me, I will he with thee." The Indian delegates, when called upon, said: ''The Christian Endeavor Society is, under God, the chief hope, of India's salvation." From the German contingent came the hearty response: "The joy of the Lord is'your strength." after which they sang: •'One there is to Whom we belong, Who has gone into death for us, And brought us with Jlis blood.

Our bodies, our souls, Belong to Thee, Thou Man of Sorrows. In Thy lovo Take us for a possession, Thy children." Then the Welsh delegates sang, as only the Welsh can:

''Wales for Christ! Let that gladstrain Echo through the hills again, Till each hamlet, town and place Knows of Christ's redeeming grace; From the Dee to Cowan's Head Let the blessed news be spread, Till each child of Wales shall own Christ as King, and He alone."

England's delegates, 10,000 strong, made the great hall of the Alexandra Palace ring again, as they sang with one heart and voice: "When I survey the wondrous Cross On which the Prince of Glory died; My richest gain 1 count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride." In connection with a .Japanese consecration meeting held at (i p.m. on the top of a favorite hill, a beautiful incident happened. After a large number had prayed, the sun rose above, the eastern sky, and at that instant, unpremeditated,* a Japanese Endcavorer, in his own language, sang: "The morning light is breaking, The darkness disappears; The sons of earth are waking To penitential tears." ,

Now for just a few sidelights on the. work in various places . The varied form of greeting given to Dr. Clark in different countries are very interesting. Tn Japan the Christian Endeavorers greeted the doctor by falling prostrate on bands and knees, touching their foreheads to the floor, as he did the same. In China, a thousand Endeavorers stood up as Dr. Clark addressed them, and shook their hands at him, as he shook his at them. In India, the young people would hang garlands around Dr. Clark's neck. In Bohemia, the Endeavorers would embrace him, and kiss each of liis cheeks. In Mexico, they hugged him with a bear's embrace, and patted him lovingly on the back. As Dr. Clark well puts it, "Always, whatever the form, the loving greetings of loving hearts are the same."

At the Ningpo Convention a 'remarkable feature was the feast given to the delegates by three Chinese Mandarins. This is the menu: (1) Bird's nest soup; (2) cold duck; (3) stewed chicken; (4) fish patties; (5) stewed chicken and bamboo shoots; (fi) meat dumplings boiled in tea. oil; (7) fish soup, and cod with liver; (8) the three genii meatballs, containing mutton, pork and fish, with bamboo shoots; (0) Chinese cups of boiling tea.

ft is pleasing to know that the societies organised in apparently barren soil are amongst the most progressive and fruitful. Tn Persia, one society started a branch in both the Russian Church and the Roman Catholic Church. Brazil, in ten years, increased the number of their societies from two to sixtyfour. In the Loyalty Islands, in the South Seas, out of a population of 0000 there are 2000 Endeavorers, who have raised no less than £I6OO for missions. Jn this connection here is a. fact that ought to shame us. In San Francisco there was a Chinese C.E. Society which, with one exception, lias long held the record for benevolence. For many years it has raised £3OO a year for missions. Tn Marseilles, some little girls of a junior Endeavor Society gave up many of (heir afternoons to sunshine work. With a violin and some edible, they visit some poor old women, singing hymns to them and praying with them. In New Caledonia, the French Endeavorers, by constant visitation, seek to reclaim backsliders and to arouse Christians to win the unsaved to Christ. Nearly 500 persons were reached in this way in one campaign. At Lagos, in Africa, the young women of the Endeavor Societies go out in little groups every day in the week visiting the huts to speak to the people about (heir souls, and full 200 have thus been led to Christ. The dramatic instinct is evidently strong in our Chinese friends, for at a public meeting in connection with an Endeavor Society in China, among the exercises was one illustrating the parables. A little girl, with a Chinese bropm and paper lantern, came in and began searching for the lost coin. Then followed a hoy with five pieces of bread and two paper fishes. Then came n little sower with a Jiag of wheat, whicll he scattered broadcast over the audience. These, ami other incidents in Christ's life, were explained by an older member of the Society. t How would this style of conducting testimony meetings suit you good folks? At one of the Endeavor meetings held in India a hoy testified, after which the leader asked the others, "Boys, does he live (he way he has been talking?" Usually, the reply would be. "Yes," in chorus, but on this occasion a lad called out, "No, he told a lie yesterday." Here is a hint to leaders of Endeavor meelings, which may or may not be needed here. At an endeavor meeting held in India, when the hour was nearly up, the leader (an Indian girl) said, "All who have not taken part; may rise." They did so. Then the leader said, "When yon have taken part you may sit down." Tliey soon sat.

Here is a neiv idea in the way of committees: Tn one Chineso Society there is (he "Pure Body Committee"; the "Heavenly Foot Committee," which advocates the unbound foot; and the "Heavenly Union Committee;" which seeks to arrange marriages with Christians rather than with heathens. This last committee may be useful here as well as in China. Tn Tndia the Endeavorers have a "Stirring-up Committee," a "Graveyard Committee." and a "Peace-making Committee.-''

in connection with tlio difficulties of translation, both the title of the Endeavor Society and its pledge have been curiously worded, in some places. In one part of China this somewhat militant title was first used: "The Drumaronnd and Rouse-up Society." Tn another province of China, the. Society was called. ''The Crge on in the Service of Salvation's Lord Society." Here is a literal Hindu translation of the CIS. pledge: "Lord Jesus Christ on power for trusting, I promising am that whatever He wishes that I do, I it work of doing Endeavor will, that I daily Biblereading and praying my life of rule fix will. And Tmy Church of every way in helper remain will, especially every Sunday of week and middle service in prevent being from on this condition any such caiFe interference not he whom that I heart of purity will my Saviour before offer not can. and that as far as T can T full age Christian life to live endeavor will."

Xot content with forming C.E. Societies on land, there are "Floating Societies." that meet on hundreds of "ships touching every port. As showing the quality of its sailor members, the following is of interest. A steamer, on which there was a "Floating C.E.' Society," was wrecked on the 'Hampshire coast. Many were drowned. One of the rescued sailors said afterwards that he lost even- prized possession that he had, except his O.K. badge, and that was pinned to his shirt. Another rescued member of the Society mourned the loss of his pledge card, lint added, "I have not lost my pledge, for that is engraved upon my heart." Tlcro. is another incident in connection with a Floating C.E. Society. One of the hoys at a recent meeting told how their shipmates scoff at them when thev sec the badge of "Floating Christian Endeavor." calling out. "Floaters, Floaters!" The Endeavorcrs take the chaff good-hnmoredly, one of the young fellows retorting, "Well, it's belter to be a floater than a sinker, anywav!"

T must now close, for the time at my disposal fails me to tell of C.E. Societies in prisons, deaf and blind asylums, and in connection with business houses. This is to me an extremely fascinating subject, but T must be content with expressing the ■ hope that what I have

said may lead you to realise something of the colossal proportions of our Society, of its far-reaching operations, of its wonderful adaptability to all classes, of its cosmopolitan character, and of its great beneficent and spiritual love. But, above all, I would urge you to think, not only of the great dignity and exalted privileges of those who form a part of such a vast, magnificent and Godled organisation, but to live up to its high ideals, to keep sacred and inviolate its solemn pledge, and, like the Indian boy, to live as we talk.