The Cleveland leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1865-1865, 1865-09-16

preaching CONFERENCE.-The Caus0cs
DC.
The Religious Convention which assem-
bles in this city on the 27th inst, has its
origin in q spontaneous desire in many
Christians, the country over, to bring home
the benefits of genuine religion in its every
day joys and eternal hopes, more rapidly
to the masses yet unreachsd by the gospel.
The remarkable success of the Christian
Commission in the army; the ready accept
ance with which frank, earnest and unde-
n~ominational labors for the spiritual good
of the soldiers were met the evident bless
ing of God on these efforts dictated by
Christian love; have raised the question
whether some of the same labor, put forth
in the same spirit, in behalf of o uncommon
Christianity, for the millions of our coun-
trymen yet unreaehed by 9 pure religion
might not be attended ythe same blessing
and fruit. One result of our nstional ex-
perience of divine discipline, has been .
deepening seriousness in all minds. Truths
are welcomed now by all men, which q few
years ago were evaded or resisted. Relig-
ion has evidently q great part to act in the
vital restoration of true unity in the land.
The separate efforts of different denomina-
lions will be faithfully made, no doubt.
But is there not possible an outgoing Of
Christian love, invitation and entresty in
the name of all believers, which shall crown
every other good work, and sWellimmensely
the harvest of present and eternal jOy2
It is in this spirit that many Of the most
esrnest and faithful Christians of the coun-
try are expected soon 70 meet and confer
together in this city.
The following is the call which has been
issued
To the Christians of America:
DEAR BRETHREN A Convention Of Evan
gelicsl Christians will be held in the city
of Cleveland, at 10 O'Clock, on Wednesday,
September 9th, 1855, to organize q Nation
81 Society for Eyangelization-A Christian
Commission for the mssses-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 influence.
Extensive correspondence and consulta-
ton have led to the assurance that the
necessity of greater activity in the direction
indicated is painfully felt. We have fallen
away from the simplicity and entire conse-
Grafton of the early Christians. At first
every disciple was q missionary, and every
church 6 missionary society. 1t is simply
proposed that earnest Christians, whose
hearts burn with love and zeal, join hands
to do, and promote, this comprehensive
work of direct a ngelizstion, for which the
/ primitive Christians lived, suffered and
died. The plan proposed is simple, and it
is practicable.
Churches, City Missionary and Tract
Societies, Young Mems Christian Associa-
tions, and kindred organizations, are re-
quested to appoint delegates to meeti in Con-
vention, as above designated. Where or
CARNATIONS that will appoint delegates do
not exist, pastors and brethren, few or
many, are requested to meet and name some
two or more of their number as delegates.
And all interested are invited to attend and
take part in the Convention whether sp-
pointed as delegates or not.
It is suggested that delegates come pre-
| pared to report the names of such SIS will
heartily cooperate.
Looking for guidance to the Giver of all
wisdom, and trusting that He will bless
this effort for the promotion of His glory
and the saving of souls,
W. 14S
Yours in Christian love.
Here follow the names of one hundred
and fourteen gentlemen, clerical and lay,
embracing many of the most distinguished
men in the country, as DR.. Waylsnd, Bishop
Simpson, DR.. Kirk, DR.. Tying, Henry Ward
Bsechsr, Theodore Cuyler, Prof. Edwards
A. Park, Gen. Burnside, Jay Cooke, Ira
Harris, Joseph Story and many others, in
GLIDING the following gentlemen of this
city: Rev. W.. H. Goodrich, Samuel VOL
Witt, Joseph Perkins and L. F. MeTIen.
The pastors and others of this city, who
were first consulted, did not hesitate TO Of
fer the hospitalities of our churches and
homes to the delegates during the two OF
three days which they will spend together
1t is uncertain how many will be present,
probably two or three hundred, enough
certainly, to make the occasion worthy o.
the attention OF our citizens at large.
The Convention will meet in the Stone
Church, and evening meetings will be held
in various churches of this city.