The Portland daily press., 1869-07-17

~ II tue orsanization and prosecution
OF the local work of each Association. This
department Of service has been marked by an
earnestness, thoroughness, and devotion
to our special calling far beyond former years.
ln IN In the consolidation of public senti-
ment in regard to the Association and the hold
they have gained upon public favor. They now
take their stand as acknowledged agencies of
the Church, not to be frowned upon and be-
rated when falling to come fully up to the ex-
pectations of the fathers, but 70 De counselled
and advised. No longer are ISLANDERS to be
believed, because circulated by the jealous, or
the hostile, but we are TO be supported against
such assaults. The time was when 1t was on
ly necessary to say an i'll word against the As
sociation to raise the hue and cry. That day
has gone by. Now, In all honest efforts we
have the hearty support of the friends Of
Christian progress, and If any Association
strays occasionally from the right way, there
are charitable speeches" and friendly counsel.
(3). In the increase OF the feeling OF one
ness or unity In carrying forward our special
work, and hence in the Strengthening of the
tie of brotherhood, on the part OF all engaged
in it; more than ever the sentiment seems to
prevail, that each Association, though bound
by no organic tie to any other, is but one in
long array of Christian organizations, striving
in unity and love for the evangelization Of the
young men of a Continent. This, we all
Holy Split lling all hearts, as they have
Joined in the great work. Few who have not
mingled in the gatherings of these organiza-
tions or witnessed the meeting of brothers
from widely separated fields of labor, can ap-
preciate the extent and depth of the spirit of
brotherly love. Two agencies are especially
marked in the development OF this spirit;
one, the numerous ,State Conventions; this
year no less than eleven have been held, all,
or nearly all having been characterized by the
most temperate, Well-cOnsidered and spiritual
discussions of our work, and largely attended.
The other, the general observance OF the Sec
ond Sabbath of November as day of prayer
for Gods blessing upon the work Of the Asso-
ciatiOn. ...r esdI Ear Inar
vi. The Committee submits to the Con-
vention the following, as among the topics
for discussion, and asks that they be referred
to the appropriate Committee.
l. The need of buildings constructed for
and owned by the Associations, and the plans
for the accumulation of Building Funds.
2. Monthly, Social and Business Meetings
OF the Associations; the objects of each, and
how each best conducted.
3. What forms OF Christian effort, outside
the special work for which the Associations
are organized, have been most successful, and
how have these been prosecuted? lle
A. How may the German young men of
the country be reached by our influence?
5. The relation of the Associations on this
continent to each other, as Independent or
ganizations. but similarly constituted, and
having common work and aim; and their
united power in promoting the cause of Christ
among the young men OF America.
They were all suggested among men promi-
nent in Associational work in various parts of
the country, and are believed to merit careful
consideration and practical definite action.
As 10 that numbered four, It is proper to
say that the Committee sought to obtain an
essay upon the matters it suggests, but were
unable to procure any person who had given
the topic any especial thought, and it has,
therefore, been thought best to commit the
question to the Convention upon the same
terms as others.
As to that numbered five, the Committee
desire it to have full discussion. 1t is beliey-
ed to be fitted to draw out those views of our
work most likely to aid in the formation of
what may be termed ssroDg public ssnti-
ment in the Association in regard TO the gen.
eral work. The Associations DO not now
Ieel that large interest Tor the building up OF
each other and the organization OF Lew So
cieties in the prosecution OF an aggressive
work that is desirable, particularly when we
consider the breadth OF our field OF service,
and the readiness with which Associations
are accepted as a useful agency of the Church
OF Christ in places where they are newly
formed.
VII The Committee asks the action of the
Convention upon the following matters:
/. The providing of means to enable the
new Executive Committee to prosecute the
work begun by Bro. Weidensall.
2. The providing of means for the employ
ment Of Secretary and general agent by the
new Committee. The probable growth of
Tue Ass0cIations curing another year will
render the duties Of the Committee so burden
some that no Committee composed OF men
engaged in business will hardly be willing to
undertake it. 1t is now too great to be who'll
ly perfo med by voluntary agencies.
1t should be the duty of this Secretary to
attend to the formal correspondence Of the
Committee, visit Associations, attend State
Conventions, and edit the Monthly. He
could also visit places not remote from the
Central Office, assist in organizing new Asso-
Citations, and perhaps meet some Of the fre-
quent calls to address meetings with which
the committee win be honored.
3. The changing OF the Quarterly to a
monthly, as heretofore suggested; but the
publication should not be continued without
q subscription list OF at least five thousand
dollars is guaranteed.
b 4. The appointment of the second Sabbath
in November as day Of prayer, as has been
done heretofore. -sdi r5a- snc.g1 ri
5. A comparison of views in this Conven.
tlOlg III iCSdLu W ttlC Atullec 0uu IuuQo OI
conducting State Conventions, and the adop-
tion of some emphatic declaration embodying
the views expressed by the Committee In this
Report. sac aFtil aalE-9 e1
6, The reiteration of the resolution adopted
at Detroit, it regard to the test of active mem
bership, and the adoption of some stringent
Instructions to the agents Of the Convention,
in regard to the organization Of any Associa-
tons upon basis other than that so approx;
ed f7.l ..rN|f.s Il 10 ssia -al ir1ca .agf
Z. The designation of a part of an early
session Of the Convention, for the considers
tion of the work OF the Western agency.
8. The taking of a subscription for the ex-
penses of the Executive Committee for the
ensuing year, which should not be less than
five thousand dollars; also for the Monthly,
il the change recommended in this Report Is
adopted, and for the Journal. Ample time at
an early period should be set apart for this
matter. ~ fie +H
8. The appointment of time for full con-
ference upon the report of the Committee ap-
pointed at Detroit to organize Lecture Bu-
reau, and also for the consideration of the re-
port of the Bureau as organized.
10. The Hon. Richard G. Mccormick, for
many years an active friend Of the Associa-
tions, has in his possession the materials for
full history Of this movement, and has the
earlier chapters of such q history written.---
His absence and engagements, as Governor OF
Arizona, have heretofore prevented him from
completing it. he Is now spending large
part OF his time at the East, and 1t Is probable
ii this convention made the request, he would
resume the work so long suspended, and give
to the friends of our cause history Of these
societies which has long been needed.
Will Finances. There was In the hands
of the Treasurer, when the last Report was
nsphmitted, the sum Of 81, ,O0Q.2 z'HH ~
. - 80