The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1854-03-07
Young Mems Christian Associations.

We arc pleased that Charleston has followed the
worthy example of her sister cities Of the Union, and
has formed an Association for the moral, intellectual
and religious benefit of the young men of this city
Thus another and the connecting link of the golden
chain of love and christian advancement" has been
formed which circles ''the Southwestern extremity OF
the Gulf of Mexico the most Northern portion ofthe
Penobscot Bay" The objects ofthese associations are
what we have already intimated-The moral intellect
ua and religious advancement Of the young men OF our
age In this is comprehended much which appeals d-
recty to the enlarged benevoence and philanthropy OF
the moral and Christian world How very correct is
the sentiment that the pcrpetunity Of our civil and re-
lgious liberties, rest upon acknowledgment ol God
in all the relations and circumstances OF e-that to
him must look for counsel and guidance amidst its
cares and conflicting interests. The intellectual benc
fits. apart from other and weightcr considerations
which properly conducted Associations of this charac
ermust CONFER are very numerous ndapparcnt to every
mind capable of reflection The moral strength which
they Afford and the intellectual facilities which they
Offer appeal to- and impress heart and mind with their
Importance These Associations come in most oppor-
tunely to the young man who comes to the city as
stranger-whosc lot by accident, may often be cast
among those who have no religious predlections-
whose minds and moral perceptions are bluntcd, and
who have regard to the teachings or the law Of the
Bible The desire for social intercourse often leads
young men of rreproachable characters into and
places of pleasure which otherwise crcumstanced they
would not think Of entering-and thus, step BY STEP
are many led on from at first innocent indulgences as
they called to others less harmless until the vest
debauc and the grossest sensuasms closes the career
Of the unhonored and misguided youth. To prevent
as far possible these consequences Young Mems
Christian Associations have been formed throughout
the land and wherever they are found they stand
like so many houses of refuge where all may take shell
ter and be strengthened and invgolated for the great
battle OF life. In large and populous cities it is easy
to 90 cstray. Vice under the most insinuang guise
everywhere to DC tod rcaay pctray US into ra:a
error. The path is always plain, and the way open,
and all along guide posts pointing the way to ruin
These Associations are as beacon lights, whose polar
beams attract the eye, and bid the wanderer enter
here, circe Of honor, where each is shield to the
other"
We append the following extract from the report of
the Committee appointed TO prepare Constitution for
the government Of the Association
'Thcse associations have in every respect, fully an
swered the ends for which they were instituted. Form
ing one of the striking benevolent features Of the age
they come with irresistible appeal to the hearts and
homes of ALL Every one, with the sympathies of his
race must be concerned for their success. They ap
peal with confidence to all ages and classes and
ditons Of society," for all have large interests at stake
They appeal in behalf Of the prosperity Of the age and
the advancement Of christian truth and principle
Whose heart does not burn, when he contemplates
their design who refuse, earnestly and practically
to engage in the promotion o. their aims?