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

Cnurcn yesterday morning.
DR.. j. w. Ingram, the newly chosen
and installed pastor, selected as the theme
for his discourse, "Origin, Nature and
Mission Of the Young Mems Christian
Association" For his text he went to the
Book of 1. John H., il, which reads
81 write unto you, young men, because
you are strong, and the word OF God abid-
eth in you, and yo have overcome the
wicked one" Following is synopsis Of
the discourse.
oRIGN.I
The Young Mems Christian Association
originated in the fruitful brain and gener-
Gus, Christian heart Of George Williams, a
junior clerk in a large dry goods establish
ment in London. This was in the year Of
our Lord 1914, iorty-iour years ago. At
the time this young man took the initial
step resulting so gloriously for the young
men OF the world he was only twenty
three years OF age. The fact that he was
at this time only junior clerk, and after
ward became head OF the entire establish
ment, points TO the moral mettle of this
young Christian, and shows the stull he
was made OF.
From its small beginning il has grown 10
almost marvellous proportions.
There are now about 1000 associations
throughout the world. In all civilized
and semi-civllized lands this association
has its representatives. i do not know
the numerical strength of the association
in all the world, but in the United States
and Canada they number about 10000
souls.
They have public buildings valued at
S5,6OO,OOO. They have received some
princely gifts and requests for their noble
work.
The following distinguished gentlemen,
realizing the worth OF such an organiza-
ton, are among the donors William II.
Vanderbilt lett by bequest 100000 TO the
New York City association; William Nibo
by bCquest lei. Sli7 l09.l0 to the as.ocia-
ton at New York City; the association nj
81. Johusbury, VI, received $4,000 from
Prof. Henry Fairbanks; Hamilton Murray
donated $4,000 toward the Princeton
College Associate mi the Clifton Springs,
y. Y, Association received $4,000 from
DR.. Henry Foster; John 4. Sherman gave
the association ut Watertown, n. Y,
building valued at 100000; James b. Jer-
main, OF Albany, n. Y, has donated a
building and lot to the association OF that
city valued ut 100000.
John Wanamaker gave $4,000 toward
the work in Philadelphia.
A. r. Stewart, in New York, gave
$4,000 to help provide protection for the
| 600 young men in his cmploye at the
time. David Sinton, OF Cincinnati, gave
the association OF that city $4,000. Hon.
Philetus Sawyer, Of Wisconsin, gave
| $4,000.
These, and many similar gifts from the
| great buginess marts OF the world, will
serve 10 show the iasthold this organiza-
ton has upon the business or commercial
interests OF men Of brains. Men capable
Of accommodating such stores Of wealth do
not, rs a rule, throw away such vast sums
Of money on worthless and unnecessary
societies.
This should go far 10 prove the necessity
| Of such an organiZation--that IL has
grown out OF the necessities OF the age,
| and not out OF sectional strife and denomi-
national prejudice. Il shows that II Is not
the outgrowth OF avaricc or unholy
ambition, but the Offspring Of n most
laudable desire TO meet a wide-sprcading
and far-Teaching necessity.
II might be interesting 10 Inquire Us TO
why this necessity exists ia an aye among
q people where churches abound.
Why does not the church do this
Christian work. Is ii not her legitimate
work.
II Is most humiliating 10 confess that the
| church, because Of dcnominationalism and
wicked division has been compelled in q
measure 10 turn aside from her divine
mission, and devote her great powers 10
the maintenance OF denominational dog
mas and party prcjudiccs. We may not,
with safety, close our eyes 10 the fact that
much OF the wealth, time and talent OF the
Church OF Christ h daily devoted TO build
ing up and repairing. and keeping In order
the ever crumbling wallsot division among
the Lords people.
This Is apparent in tho number Of
church houses erected every day in the
year for UNCONVENTIONAL purposes rs well
as from the number Of ministers 20 be sup
ported and the number OF denomnational
schools 10 be fosiercd.
very large per cgnt. OF the talent OF
the church Is wasted In the defense Of de-
nominational dogmas and doctrines.
Much Of her spiritual energy Is squandered
In a ccaselcss attempt on the part Of each
church TO outriyal all others in popularity
and position. An Astonishing amount oil
her material wealth Is used In meeting ex-
pcnscs that grow out Of religious division.
We have only TO read the annual siatis-
tics OF the various denominations Of the
land 10 learn 10 what end the church Is
dovoiing much OF her energy and intlu-
cnce. In these yearly reports SO many
dollars have been raised; 80 many minis
tcrs employed; 20 many churches erected;
~ many congregations organized; so many
missionaries sent forth; NO many additions
made 20 each denomination, etc, etc; but
not ono word about the number OF young
men rescued from vicious life not ono
word about the number Of homeless young
men aud young women that have been
provided with shelter In Christian fam
iicE not one word about the number OF
boys that have been gathered up from tho
walks Of sin and hourly temptation, and
protected and saved by loving Christian
influence. God forbid that ! should be
unjust TO the church. bit, my brethren. Is
Il not true that we arc suffering from the
awful paralysis OF diyidon2 That We arc
spending too much Of the Lords money,
ol his time and Of his talent, or talent that
belongs 10 him, In publishing dcnomina-
tional papers and tracts, building dcnomi-
national churches aud schoolsi Are tho
lilo and energy Of the church today di-
, rcctod 10 the same end 10 which the life
! and energy Of the Divine One were de
rcc.ed while among non5
What are We doing more than TO build
churches AMI schools, publish papers,
tracts and books, preach tho gospel, sing,
pray aud pay2
In this city, for example, we have fully
| one-hall Of the time talent and wealth OF