The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1888-10-18
THE Y. NC. A.


There being misunderstanding in the
minds of some as to the aims and pur-
poses of the Yong Mems Christian Asso-
citation, brief explanation at this time
is highly proper. What are the objec-
tons to the organization? The name,
does it not sound well? There are no
objections to young men; there can be
none to their associating together. The
Young Mems Association would not be OBJ
jected to. Then it must be the term Chris
tan" that some dislike, Well, perhaps they
have some grounds for this dislike as so
much has passed for that of as Furious ma
ture. The more valuable the coin the great
er reason for wanting to counterfeit 1t. In
my Judgment the term Christian Asso-
citation" would have presented more ex-
actly the aims of the Association in its
course last winter than Entertainment
Association" Certainly, most OF us would
shrink FROM the hard work necessary if
people were simply to be entertained.
Music does more than entertain" DIR.
Thomas did more than that. II there
was not Christian motive back of the
Course last year, what was it? Not I'M
christian surely.
The Y NJ. G. A. believe in religion of
kindness. They believe in reading rooms,
gymnasiums, and bath rooms; rooms
light and warm, where young men can
meet, chat, play games and enjoy each
others society. The idea that some have
that it Is prayer meeting and nothing
else, where one could indolently
''Sit and sing himself away
To everlasting bliss"
is wrong one.
True enough in these weekly meetings
there is contemplation OF life, duty and
destiny and il some OF us feel that In
some way we can communicate with..the
Infinite Truth, Wisdom and Love and
thereby receive an inspiration, should any
one object? It is a matter of comfort to
some to have in their soul house a
window opening toward the sky; and
yet this organization is of such prac-
teal nature that limited portion OF the
time only is given even to such high and
elevated thoughts. We do not forget
that
'He prayeth best vino loyeth best
All things both great and small
In this Associations meetings the
ought and ought not oflife is emphasized.
The eternal principles of Right, Justice,
Truth and Love are urged. Attention is
called to our high destiny. The immense
possibilities by developing the Highest
within us, that
Step by step lifts bad to good,
Without hating, without rest,
Lifting Better up to Best"
To do the right in response to a voice
from within is then our aim. Call this
voice what you will we aim to hear it
and obey it.
Sometimes l have al awful thought,
Which bids me do the thing ought,
1t comes like wind. it burns like fame,
How shall give that thought name:"
1t is the highest in us that promotes
us to kind acts and tender words. What
prompts the Ladies Aid Society" to
carry comfort 10 the poor Of the city
doubling daylight everywhere" if not
these best thoughts in us.
What prompts all kindly deeds and
words said and done if not this thought
that bids us do the thing we ought
Surely no one can object to the doing of
the right though some possibly may diff
fer as to the motive controlling such
right doing. If then company of young
men get together for the purpose of help
ing themselves and their fellows into
better ways of living, for the purpose of
emphasizing once more the brotherhood
OF man, should they not have the good
viii and the cooperation of all good
citizens? ALBERT LANDRETH.