The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-12-12
Lord shaftesbury on Young Mems Christian
Associations.

The Earl of Shaftesbury has latterly made
two or three important speeches in connection
with Young Mems Christian Associations.
In both Glasgow and Liverpool he has ad-
dressed large audiences on this subject, and
in each place he has inculcated the same prin-
ciples and lessons, and has met with the same
cordial reception. With the history of these
institutions Lord Shaftesbury has been as
,oCiated from the first; aud It is not too much
to say that his influence and example had
much to do 10 promoting their early success.
1t is with pardonable pride tfat he recounts
the various stages of their progress and 1t
iS cause for general congratu lation that with
revolving years their efficiency is increasing.
In his speech at the Inauguration of the mag.
ni6cent new hall at Liverpool, the noble lord
stated facts whAh are simply astonishing
1t was not, as he said, until 1874, that Young
Mems Christian Associations were begun
Yet in England and Scotland they number
COW at least 700; whilst throughout Chris
tendon, including three in China, three in
Syria, and one in Japan, there are 2,O43
Instinct institutions, with as many as mil
lion and a half of members.
This represents only part of the agency in
process; for to form an adequate conception
IF what these institutions are and do, due
account must be taken of the libraries which
nave been formed, of the reading.rooms es-
tsblished, of the lectures delivered, of the
services conducted, of the vistations paid, of
the tracts and Bibles distributed, and of the
general influence exerted. All this will show
that there is in operation, a mighty sppa,
ratus for promoting educational, social. and
religious reform, and that in fact, as Lord
Shaftesbury said, these associations are en-
gagged in a great cosmopolitan effort that
might tend to bind the nations together in
harmony and accord, soften the asperities OF
national differences, and subdue the horrors
of war. In their direct influence upon the
community, his lordship happily pointed out
their tendency to refine and sanctify CLUB
life; to give stimulus to education, and to
energise positive religious effort. AS such,
Young Mems Christian Associations do not
supersede the more direct and positive insti-
tutions and labors of the Church; but they
are auxiliary to them and in this capacity
they are not only prominently calculated to
do good, but their history shows that they
have exerted the most beneGcent influence
upon all classes of the community.
With all this congratulation for the past
however, there is some slight ground of ap.
prehension for the future Lord ShafteSbury
is not unmindful of this /; and in his address
es at Glasgow and Liverpool he wisely eau
toned his hearers against the rock ahead
There is danger even that past success may
indirectly prepare the way for future failure.
In too many cases disposition has been
evinced to act Independently of the churches.
This is a mistake. 1t will lead to mischief
The proper function of these associations is
auxiliary and as such they should receive
the countenance of all Christian ministers
and congregations. In this capacity there is
wide sphere to occupy, and there is vast
work to perform. With the experience gained
and the resources possessed, the associations
are better fitted for action and useful labor
than they ever were before, in difusiug
knowledge, in relieving distress, and in main
tanning truth; and if they continue to act in
cooperation with, sna under the supervision
of, the Christian churches of the land, they
will prove yet more powerful organization
for good. In promoting this contamination
Lord Shaftesbury has taken very common
dable part; and for his recent practical ad-
dresses, not only the associations, but the
whole community owe him anks.-ScOttash-
american Journal.