The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-04-01

Prepared for The Appeal by Secretary LsnmaSter.
A great many people are seeking infor-
nation concerning the Young Mems
Christian association. The general secre-
tary is often asked the question "What is
the object OF your association, and how
does il meet the needs OF young men?"
!. II is praciicalhelp extended to those
who need il, both in a moral and material
sense. Its aim is less that Of picking men
out OF the gutter than that Of helping them
keep their feet and never get there. To
this end il supplies those moral aids which
experience has sanctioned as eiliciew, md
can rest the wisdom of its adopted policy
on the adage that commends prevention
above cure. In its separate sphere II is in
line with the kindergarten and manu-
nj training movements that aim 10
make the child Of the city
sclf-respecting. sclf-helping human being,
able 20 avoid its slums and hold his own,
in partial measure ut least with the more
fortunate children Of the country. The
work OF the Young Mems Christian associa.
ton begins before that of the school quite
ends. Its purpose is 90 keep the young feet
out of temptation as being in itself the best
dcliverance from evil. Oi its real useful
ness within its adopted sphere and toward
its seli-appointcd ends, experience is the
test and proof.
The object is the spiritual, intellectual,
social and physical welfare Of young men.
now IT MEETS THE NEEDS or YouS0 MES.
l. As a counter attraction TO the saloon
and other evil places Of resort which In
most cities and towns are the only doors
open TO all young men at all times
9. As social circle where the stranger
young man receives n cordial welcome and
makes pleasant and helpful acquaint-
anccs.
8. As a temporary substitute, during the
most critical period OF their lives, for home
and homo pleasures, 10 the large number
OF young men whose social surroundings
are those Of the average city boarding
house.
4. As arcndezyous where there is health
ful moral and spiritual atmosphere.
g. As place where the employer and
| the young man in his employ may meet
socially in the rooms and religious meet
ings.
6. As an aid TO clerks and apprentices
by fitting them, through It's educational
classes, Tor higher positions in business
life.
Z. As place where young men gener-
ally are provided with facilities for phys
ical, mental and social culture under
Christian auspices and supervision.
| q. As an entrance way 10 the church for
many Young men who are unwisoly, often
morbidly, prejudiced against the church
and liz services, but who can be led by
various means into tho association and
through Il into the church.
o. As a training school In Christian
work for Christian young men, anording.
through It's fields and methods, peculiar
opportunities and Indictments, and also
furnishing means through which the latent
talent OF Christian young men finds q
wider range and fuller scope. This results
invariably In making them stronger and
more consecutcd members OF their respec-
tive churches.
The members OF the association consist
OF two kinds, as follows ANY man, q
member In good standing Of an cyangeli-
cal church, may become nm active menu
Der, and shall have tho privilege OF using
the rooms, admission TO social and musical
| receptions and 10 home course OF lectures,
and all other privileges Of the association.
Any person OF good moral character may
become an associate member and shall
have the same privileges as an active mcm-
Der except voting and holding Office.
The Memphis association offers pleas
ant home 10 young men, and We hope that
In the very near future We will be able 20
offer Young men such Inducements that
they will be glad 10 avail themselycsof the
opportunity Of becoming members.
bishop T.. X Hendrix, OF Missouri,
SAYS dAiicr careful observation and re-
Election. have yeniurcd 10 call the great
work OF the Young Mems Christian asso'
citation. the religious movement Of the
nineteenth century. II has already be-
como q vital part Of other institutions
conicssedly permanent, n colleges and
railroads. Iis organization IL wonderfully
complete, and shows great adaptability'
II has adjusted itself 10 the great existing
churches a. n co-worker, without claiuI-
ing itself TO be a church, and has the Coo
fidence and sympathy Of leading divine1
in all churches."l