St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1882-01-20

to growth, it is also necessary that he
should furnish some opportunity for
this growth. We must not lose sight
of ages; this activity must be among
all, especially among the young; none
are exempt from this demand. Why
activity among young menR Because
they are strong, and bear the burden
and heat of the day; they are held re-
sponsible for the condition of society.
They are in the midst of business
circles, and can reach business
men; they have this advantage over
all the classes they are in the midst
of temptation, and victory over this is
one of the strongest elements of sue
cess. They are best adapted for work
among young men. The demand and
supply should regulate each other in
Christian work as in business matters.
Let us see to it that we are earnest in
the wOrk-that we are fitted as fully
as possible for Christian labor.
Rev. II. A. Spencer spoke on the
special agencies to reach young men.
He thought there was but one chief
method to do his-through the Word
and the Christ in the Word. Spiritual
ends must be sought, and he had no
confidence in any work which is not
founded on the truth of Gods word,
since that is the only rule for our faith
and practice. Our reason cannot help
us in these matters if the Bible is left
out, and science cannot teach us in
this department. Let us stand by the
Word and recognize its authority. No
man can be lifted up out of his sins
into righteousness only through the
Lord Jesus Christ. The law of similid
SimilibuS curdntur is fundamental in
spiritual hygiene, and so young men
should work for Young men and bring
them to Christ.
Mr.. E. b. Watkins, member of the
international committee, was the next
speaker. He referred to the predic-
ton made by a certain author, that
ere long would spring up union of
men which would encircle the earth
with their influence. Mr.. Watkins de-
clared that the prophecy was already
fulfilled in the existence of the Young
Mems Christian Associations of the
world. He then told of the spread of
Associations over the country from
the Atlantic to the Pacific - and
throughout the whole world so that
wherever one goes-in Australia, AT
RIGA, China, Japan, and everywhere
he can find Christian cOmpaniOnsLip.
| We realize the need of more Christian
effort in the world. One-sixth of the
population are young men, but only
one tenth are Christians. He referred
to the attractions of the saloons and
other places of bad companionship,
and thought it paid to provide Chris
tan cOmpanionship for young men and
save them from the bad. He said As
sociation work had grown more rapid
" Z,
because it was done here in a more
business-like way and called attention
to the work among the different classes
of men. Here the work is cOncentra-
ted.
Mr.. c. H. Sage, another of the visit
ing workers, gave very interesting
account of the work among the boys
a work which was suggested only Il
few years ago, and has been carried to
a successful issue in many places. The
idea conveyed was that in leading the
boys into right paths and showing II
personal interest i'll them, we We're
saving the men.
FRIDAY MORNING.
The first part of the forenoon ses-
sion was devoted to hearing reports
! from such Associations in the state as
had representation in the convention.
The meeting was decidedly informal
and social, and the workers received
from each Other-and especially from
the representatives of the international
cOmmittee-many valuable suggestions
as to methods for carrying on the As
ISOLATION work. The various reports
did not reveal as much activity among
the Associations of the state as is
necessary for success, but there is a
good deal of interest, and the workers
seem willing but have to contend
against many unfavOrable influences.
Mr.. Watkins spoke briefly on the
work of associations is it ? He
said there was no general rule. The
work in the rural districts is most diff
cult, yet it is just what is being done
now. He referred to the great intiu-
ence for good which one or two Chris
tlan young men can exert i'll rural
places, and cited several instances by
way of illustration. Thought smaller
places might do even more if they
would. The work in larger places is
to look especially after the young men );
make things attractive for them in the
meetings and elsewhere. Get in some
secular work, with a view to interest
them in religious matters. We fail too
often to see the Importance of social
work. Do something for the boys and
fit them for the better life. Get the
ladies interested too. Put one man at
work as general secretary, and sus-
tain him in it; let him give his whole
time to it (; it pays.
Mr.. E. D. Ingersoll, railroad secreta-
ry of the international committee, said
| there wasn't much advantage in Assoc