Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-11-30
MINISTER'S MEETINGS
Poorly Attended Because of Some
Unfortunate MISUNDERSTANDING.
THEY.M.G A.SUFFERs SIMILARLY.
Regret for the Too Evident Spirit Of De-
nominatiOnaliSm.
NOTES AND NEWS FOR CHRISTIANS

Through misunderstandings some of the
ministers meetings were held as usual on
Monday morning, SO that the gathering in
the chapel of the Y. M. @. A. was far from
representative one, as at the opening there
were only about20 present, at the close there
were between 80 and go. Yet what are these
among SO many? Is it not to be lamented
that the spirit of denominationalism is so
strong in these cities, when the cry for united
effort is so loud? The ministry, above all 9TH
ers should remember that Sin union there is
strength" that united they stand, divided
they fall"
Rev. W. ]. Robinson, D. D., opened the sub
ject, THE Province of This Association - in an
earnest, practical talk. He said its hrst object
should be TO make ministers acquainted with
each other; In their work they were not thrown
together; the leaders Of Christian thought and
activity were entitled to recognition by each
other; acquaintance and cooperation were not
only important, but essential. Secondly,
This association should awaken an in
terest in each other. A fellow feeling
and common sympathy are certainly more than
helpful; do not care cent for those ministers
do not know; knowledge always commends;
lived near DR.. Sproul for six or eight years, but
did not know him. Third, Know each others
thoughts. Every minister has some contribu-
tion to make to help other ministers; learn
much from mIngling with the Methodists,
Lutherans Baptists and Presbyterians; by
seeing Low they do work become more ef-
interests are common to all; evils to be over
come require common action: we must be one
in pulling down strongholds, Fifth, The
methods. No elaborate papers shold be pre-
sented; not in q f1t mood on Monday morning
to delve very deeply into hidden researches;
discussion would be better; would be well if
how to reach the masses were not mentioned
for IL months
DR.. Pick thought it good to be acquainted.
but that recognition was necessary, as in eight
years very many Of his young people had left
the German Church TO join English churches,
but in not single case had q letter of dismissal
been asked for.
Rev. DR.. FELTON, regretted this should have
been brought uD as he felt profound sympa-
thy, overlooking all denominational peculiari-
ties, to work in an effort that pertains to the
uplifting Of the world at large.
Rev. II, b. Grose said layman had recently
asked HIM when would the day come that there
would be true unity in Protestanism as in
Catholicism? He had never been so minis
terially homesick as in Pittsburg; only had two
social calls from ministers since he came to the
city; ought to make ourselves felt so that
when any phllanthropic movement is to be
launched people will come to us; ought to have
200 or 300 here this morning; impress on every
minister his dnty to attend.
Rev. E. r. Donehoo thought the reason Of
the decline OF the association was to be found
in the formation of the UNCONVENTIONAL associ-,
ations; also because the association stepped
outside its bounds by taking action in non-re-
lated subjects.
Rev. B r. Woodburn said he might be abso-
lutely in favor of prohibition and Of Sabbath
observance, but from past experience he wanted
to hold up little signal; not well to take time
on these subjects.
Rev. DR.. Boyle would emphasize these causes
Of decline, as efforts had been made to put the
seal of condemnation on some hobby; each in
dividual certainly had a right to indorse what
he pleased; it is the province of this association
to protect ourselves as ministers. If this revived
interest be engendered we will meet here with
interest and benefit to all.
Although this opening meeting was not as
largely attended as it ought to have been, 1t is
better days.