Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1865-10-11
American Christian Commits.
SIOR!!

This Convention met in Cleveland OF
Wednesday last; was composed of some
three hundred Delegates, and presided
over by CHIEF JUSTICE CHASE, anG
continued for two days.
The following denominations are rep
resented: Congregational, Bsptis, Meth
odist Episcopal, New School Presbyterian,
Old School Presbyterian, Episcopalisn,
Wesleyan Methodist, Disciple, Free Evan,
gelical, Lutheran, United Presbyterian,
Moravean Congregational, and Bible
Christian.
The object of the Convention is most
fully and at the same time concisely sta
ted in the call which we republish:
To the Christians Of America:
DEAR BREATHRN:-A Convention of
Evangelical Christians will be held in
the'city of Cleveland, at ten o'clock, on
Wednesday, September 9th, 1865, to Or
ganize National Society for Evangeli1a-
tion-a Christian Commission for the
masses-to carry the religion of Jesus, in
all its saving efficacy, especially in the
great cities and in the South, to those
not reached by effective Christian infu-
ences.
Extensive correspondence and consul
tation have led to the assurance that the
necessity of greater activity in the di-
rection indicated is painfully felt. We
have fallen away from the simplicity and
entire conservation of early Christians
At first every Disciple was a missionary,
and every Church missionary society.
1t is simply proposed that earnest Chris
tians, whose hearts burn with love and
zeal, Join hands to do, and promote, this
comprehensive work of direct eVangiliza-
ton, for which the primitive Christians
lived, suffered and died. The plan pro-
posed is simple, and it is practicable.
The Convention met in the Stone
Church, and was called to order by Rev.
DR.. Goodrich. pastor of said Church.
Rev. DR.. Corey, of Utica, n. Y, was made
temporary Chairman, and Rev. DR.. Da-
wilson, of Pittsburgh, Secretary.
Rev. DR.. Goodrich announced that
Chief Justice Chase was present, where
upon he was appointed permanent Chair
man.
On taking the Chair the Chief Justice
spoke substantially as follows:
GENTLEMEN OF THE CONVENTION Il can
AOb SAdb 9Ou HUI Sc
lect for your chairman, some person bet
ter qualified by experience than myself,
for the duties of presiding officer. But
obey your voice, and will cheerfully do
the best can, trusting for the maintain
ance of order in debate and regularity in
proceeding to the good will and kind CO.
operation of every member of the Con-
vention. The character of the men whom
l see before me, is sufficient assurance
that my laboTs will be light.
The general obejct in meeting, if l
rightly understand it, is to organize a
Christian Commission for the people to
follow up the work which has been SO sue
cessfully accomplished by the Christian
Commission for the army and navy.
The conflict of arms is over. A great
war is to be followed, as we hope, by q
great peace. To heal the wounds which
have been inflicted; to relieve wants in
seperable from period of transition; to
aid the slaves whom this American ma
ton has made citizens, in preparation for
their new position; to prepare in short, a
noble and happy future for the whole
American people, is the grand aim which
Providence seems now to propose for
American Christians.
The field is large. No one man, nor
any one association of men, can occupy
ir. But every man and every association
can do something. There is abundant
room and opportunity and work for all.
Everywhere there is grief to be consoled,
want to be relieved, evil to be reformed,
men to be helped and saved.
And there are multitudes willing to
help. The soldiers, who have returned
to their homes benefited and blessed in
body and soul by the labors of the Chris
tian Commission, will cheerfully second
your efforts. The people who have con-
tributed, zealously and unremittingly,
means and services to the Christian Com
mission, will gladly cooperate with you.
And most heartily of all will those four
millions-lately slaves, now citizens-wel-
come your work aud aid it by earnest en-
deavors and faithful prayers.
1t is indeed great work and a great
field; but you will 60 forward. You
meet to deliberate the best ways. 1t is
little that can do, but count it among
the most precious privileges of my life to
be with you and do that little.
The action of this Convention is des.
tined to exert a decided influence and
udNO al 4ACdACulaDAC Ou Tue
development of the nation.
Revs. Excel, Hoisington, Peate, Cone,
Warren, Milliken and Dye; Gen. McLain,
II. W. Stratton, Julius King, S. W. Kim,
ball, George W. VanGorder, J. K. Warren,
W D Baker were the Delegates represent.
Trumbull County in the Convention. Del
egates were present from some twenty
States and Territories and from Canada.
Great zeal was manifested in the work to
be done, by the delegates present.
As an evidence of needed work it w.s
stated by a st. Louis delegate, that in
that city of 100000 people, only one-fOr.
tieth of the population are brought un-
der the influence of the gopel of Christ;
and it was insisted that it was no worse
than other large cities u
On the second day the Business Com.
mittee reported in part the following
resolu tions:
ReSoLeVd, That we gratefully recognize
the good providence of God that has
brought Us successfully through the war,
and acknowledge that we thereby are
ID under renewed obligations to devote
Ia lives to the reorganization of our re-
ourse >ountry.
stored = That the best thank-offer
heSosvea, IKE. as American Christians,
ing we can M Tational deliYerance, and
lor 50 gIeae q ~ =, is in enlarged efforts
80 welcome a peaee. i of our Lord and .Je-
20 sUs &c christi throushopt Iu tn land. Adopted
Resolved, That this ConV> e 1n aetz pom tn
a commission consisting o. hI'1i VII
power to add to their number, 20 cal'
led 1.-THE American Evangelica T. Olinils IN |.
sion," which shall be charged with tne
work of awakening the attention of me y