The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-04-11
YOUNG PEOPLE IN CHURCHES.
Those of the Methodist Denomination Hold a
Meeting of Great Profit to Themselves.

W vi II lOlu %
Meeting of Great Profit to Themselves.
Almost every available seat in the Sab
batb-school rooms of Roberts Park Church
was occupied last night at the second quar-
terly convention of the Methodist Young
Peoples Union of this city. By way of in
PRODUCTION to the evenings exercises, a
fifteen minutes prayer and song service was
held, led by the president of the conven-
top. Rev. Wilbur +. Sheridan, pastor of
Blackford-stre Church, after which a
programme of papers, discussions and mu-
steal selections was rendered. The music
was led by the Roberts Park choir, and was
of such a character that the entire congre-
CATION could take part in it. F. L. Youse,
of this city, gave a vocal solo, the only ore
of the evening.
The first paper was by Miss Nellie Fatout,
representing Meridian-street Church, on
''The Value of a Young Peoples
Organization to a Church." it is
one of the NOSE beneficial in
situations. she said. that a church can foster,
and while its advantages are too numerous
and too varied in character to be classified,
they are seen most clearly by those who
are engaged in the active work. One of the
most important features about it is that it
enables the young people to become ac-
auainted with one another, and herein lies
the secret of religious success. Acquaint-
friendship leads to spiritual growth.
Through personal acquaintance, young peo-
pie are enabled to cultivate sympathy for
each others work and to promote sociabil-
ity which in turn combine to elicit in
creased interest in church duties. The one
great trouble with a greatmany young peo-
pie to-day in the church is that they are
not closely enough united in their efforts
to carry on the work OF Christ. and har-
mony and peace can best be secured by or
DIR. S. a. Keen, pastor of Roberts Park
Church, read a paper on What the Pastor
Has a Right to Expect from the Young Peo-
ple,~ in which he held that those in our
Churches to-day are richly endowed, inso-
| much as they have the best opportunities
| that can be afforded them. The church, he
| said, was never more friendly to their in
terests than now. and as a consequence,
influence. In the first place, we should ex-
| pect from them the germs for the attain
ment of a genuine Christian church. .Ex-
perience is the basis of a Christian char
| acter, and to. make his experience per-
a right conception of the true Chris
tian life. The keynote to Chris
tian perfection is consistency, and
even in the smallest deeds must this fact
be borne in mind. A young person. he
thought, cannot engage in the modern
pleasures and associations that tend TO oil
vert the mind from spiritual growth and
remain a consistent Christian. Secondly,
earnest Christian service is expected, for
character is a reservoir, and service the
hfe-giving stream. Activity in the real
work of the church is naturally expected
from a young man or woman who volQn-
tarily %nounc the gayeties of the world,
1.--- = ~--Af AI A.
| church. And this activity means attend
| ance upon regular church services, partici-
| patton In all meetings where such partici-
| patton is practicable, and a willing accept
ance of special responsibilities in the Sun
day-school. prayer-meeting, and other de-
partments of religious. work. The
| third duty is the cultivation of a
good influence. This very often depends
| Upon incidental habits, such as q strict code
of personal dec0rum and frmness. Flip
| pancy ON the part of a young person in the
house of God or on the street tends to leave
the impression that his religion is super
fetal. and this is apt to be created by in
dulgence in what are termed worldly
tend the theater. the card-table or the
dance and command the confidence of true
Christians. Lastly, DR.. Keen said. young
people should have hearty enjoyment of
their religious life. Many people do not
derive all the pleasure possible from their
religious experiences because they have not
the right conception of a Christians call
ing. The duty of all Christians, and es-
is to be happy. for happiness gives impetus
to church work.
As a reply to this paper. Miss Allie w.
Coffin, of Edwin Ray Church, spoke in be-
half of the young people on the subject,
Expect Of the Pastor.S She did not pre-
sent her side of the question in the light of
a criticism, she said, for if criticism was all
that the average pastor and his family re-
ceived nowadays the majority OF churches
would have no difficulty in supporting
their preachers. The young people expect
as much from the pastor as he does from
them, and each expects from the other
what Christ expects from His children,
namely, a correct view of a holy life. The
pastor should strive to set a good example,
for a great many young people, wrongly
indeed, look rather to him for a model than
to Christ. The first thing the new pastor
sopns people is to E seeo assir seou amGDSS w iaS
him. and the best place for such an ac-
quaintance to begin is in their own homes,
where a pastoral visit is generally 3aPpre-
clated far more than is supposed, Minis
tiers are the counselors of their laymen,
and none more than the younger members
Of their congregations need this counsel.
The last paper of the evening. was by r.
w. Douglas, general secretary OF the Young
stads for Gh BssH Hoa Assf PSao1is'a' FL Ge o sBiSde
OpA
cred the present time as the busiest in the
worlds history, although much of the activ-
lty Is mere hustle and not Blu siness; The
busiest young. person is he whose life IS
basedupon a sincere religious belief, and by
numerous references to the Scriptures 1T
was. claimed that the greatest need In
BIBLE study is spiritual life, and that men
should talk. think and obey Gods word.
This should be lone in a manner based upon
the idea that everything in Bible study
belongs to the student. and it was urged
that the best time for such work is during
the morning hours, when a regu lar time
should be set apart and strictly adhered to.
Scripture study of the right kin resul is in
liberty of thought and action, joy. happi,
ness to the human heart, h~opefulness, and
wisdom.
Following each paper a few moments
were spent in very brief voluntary discus
slons. which were numerous and well re-
celyed. The meeting closed with an hour
or more spent in social conversation, during
which refreshments were served.