The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-11-12


Mems Christian Association is doing
work that lcgitimateiy belongs 10 the
church, what can we say Of the nature Of
the organization?
IL is an undcnOminational society. II Is
not conducted in the interest OF any one OF
churches in the land TO the exclusion OF
Others, hence IL can do work that the
churches, dominated by denominational-
ism, cannot do. To this peculiar feature
the writers and speakers OF the association
attribute a large measure OF their great
success. While 1t is, in name at least, n
Christian organization, II is not and does
not claim 10 be a church. IL has no
church officers, no ministry, and does not
administer the ordinances OF the church.
The membership is made up OF two
classes. The FIRST class is composed OF
active members, who must belong to some
one OF the evangelical churches. The sec.
ond class is made up OF young men OF good
moral character. Both classes have the
same privileges, except the latter class
cannot vote or hold office in the society.
II will be seen that the church has con-
tributed In no small degree TO this orgnn-
izaiion by furnishing, by the tens Of thou.
sands, the young Christians who are push
ing forward the work, and by contributing
many Thousands Of dollars to help bear
the financial burdens. We should say,
then, that the nature Of the organization
is OF q thrce-iold character social, moral
and religious.
But n discussion OF It's mission will
lead 10 q more perfect understanding OF
its nature. The ultimate object OF the
society IA, OF course, 10 save young men.
Not merely 10 get them into some church,
and then send them adriit to shit for
themselves, aud probably perish on the
cold, dosolate mountains OF sin; but TO
save them, here and now, from the hun
drods OF pitfalls that are yawning for the
young and unsuspeciing They labor
night and day 10 save young men from the
resorts OF the vicious, where the tempter
mashals his forces. They also seek TO
save young men from life Of idlcness, so
fatal 30 purity and virtue; also, from evil
habits and financial and social ruin.
Their mission, then, lies largely with
this important class-the young men. The
ultimate object il 10 lead them 10 the Cross
OF Christ. To do this, they manifest their
interest In them, and their love for them.
They seek TO provide pleasant resort for
young mon When they arc unemployed
and during their hours Of leisure, where
they will be free from the temptations and
pitfalls OF crime.
Many Of the associations have large II.
brarics with an aggregate Of about 800. 900
volumes These libraries are supposed 10
furnish the very purcst and most whole.
some reading, not novels and nonsense
that appeal 10 pride aud passion. ono
hundred and thirty-one OF these associa.
lions report gymnasiums Tor the physical
development OF young men aud boys.
Hundreds OF lectures are delivered every
year for tho improvement Of both mind
and morals Hundreds Of socals are pro-
vided TO furnish society and entertain
ment
While there are lS2, 900 saloons and AZ
many gambling hells with wide open
doon pleading with 10000 tongues coated
with crime with the Young men OF tie
land 10 enter eat, drink and die, and
while about 0O,0OO every twelve months
afv THUS dccoycd 10 death aud damnatiOn
by these sinks OF sin, backed ~ they are
by millions Of dollars, II Is n grand work,
and should command the rcfpcct and lib.
ornl support oil oil good people, old and
young, 10 even provide pleasant, tenn.
perate, safe resort for the young men OF
the land. A. 4. Stewart accompanied his
generous gift 10 the society with these
words. ANY company Of gentlemen
who band themselves together 10 do ghat
you are seeking b do for the young men
Of New York ought 10 demand the money
needed from the merchants and give no
thanks"
In the same communication Mr.. Stewar,
said: III have over 1000 men in my en-
ploy. ] often wonder what they do out Of
business hours aud what Is their moral
character. haven't time 70 look after
them How can q prudent, successful
business man be indifferent 30 the where
nbouts OF tho 100000 young men In
this country from tho time the door Of
business closes behind them in the even.
ing until Il opens to them In the morning2
These are the houn that must make or
break the character. These arc the hours
that furnish the influence Tor veal or voc.
From these hours the young men carry
into the stores and Offices Of the land the
principles Of sobriety and truslworihinoss
or the influence that tends 10 dissipation
and dishonesty.
mos, excellent feature Of this organi-
Eation Is It's industry in trying 10 find suit
able homes aud an honest livelihood for
young mon who arc homeless aud out OF
employment Thousands OF young men
90 to tho bad for tho want Of homo and
home influence. The young man
blessed with n bright, cheerful home
and warmed by n mothers loyo and
protected by tae smiles OF devoted sister,
ian have no conception Of the life Of tho
roung man set adriit In the world, home