New-York tribune., 1890-06-12
! CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR.
THE NINTH NTERNAIoNAL CONVENTION
AT ST. LOUIS.

ORIGIN AND GROWTH OF THE woSK-rRiSci
PIES on WHICH THE SOCIETIES ARE
FOUNDED AND CONDUCTED.
e. rou,s No June IL (speciaD.-The nin'h IN
...on. conve ,tion of Christian Endeavor socieuos
viii omen Tomorrow In Music Hail. Inc history -, =,
these organizations is so remarRao'c 'ha' =.
worth rcpeatine II was on the evening Oh ~
@ 1881 that the pastors study Oh t'e "iiie", ,,h
crsc.tiona, Church Of Portland, Me-, esoundea VIII
sss ro.rrv t,uch ard chat Of youth, as pastor sno
vo.n, naou,e came together to discuss methous u
chr,st,sn growth and service; or rather growth os
..rv,ce Under the inspiration OF that momeh' '"V
ostor the Rev. F. E. Clark, d. D.. set down as oassi
nrinc:pycs of his new society the fonowihg "no" ~
have never since been modified save Tor stronger
emphasis: 49,. ...ss.,a,
.Aryce and stands as the conserver OF the cnu'."
not with wild enthusiasm-merely heao serVioo-D"' %
With a consecrated enthusiasm that comes nom tne
heart All churches recognize this fact. as is seen In
tho remarkable growth of Young Mems oh'''s""
Associations, Epworth Leagues, ana tne hAo. s.
secondIy-You.h can only accomplish us siea.'Ss
end when weIlorganized-not overorganzed' Dut
properly so. II is said that two Americans oahho'
get together without organizing whether OF ho'
this be a native whim, is characteristic OF our age
Christians must organize to meet an organized enemy!
SO the Apostolic Church was founded, 10 meet pto'
vailing heresy and to strengthen Christian hear'S
Ava ~ this end come all religious organizations.
Thirdly-Mere organization avas little, unless some
oositvc OBLIGATION is imposed. In secret organiA"
ton it is secrecy. Odd Fellowship emphasizes hdei'!
love and truth Grand Army men cmDlazoh Oh 'i'eii
banners fraternity loyalty and charity. What mas'
be the obligation Of this new society. Naughe o''e
than loyalty to the prayer-meetlng. Dr oiarA ~
that lack Of spiritual power was due very largely W
that long-neglected and much abused prayermeehg oi
the Church That is the source OF all Christian Po~o'
as 1t Is the fountain of all true Christian Jos.
Society of Christian Endeavor stands ABOVE aii ,0
and in distinction from all other soceties ior ie"s
the praycrmeetiig, expressed In It's pedse VIM"
binds every active member to attend each weehi'
prayermeeting of the society, unless necessary uo
tained, and to take some part, aside from singing
each mectings Monastic vows saved the Church Oh
old and this to-day is saving 1t from a growing III
difference of church obligations. 1t develops Ssu
larity in Christian duty, and Willingness puohoS "
confess Christ that not the characteristic OF many
of our chL -ches to-day of whom the Psainlst can
write: Mouths have they. but they speak not"
Fourthly-AIthough essentially religious organiza
ton IL branches out into every effort for the culture
ana advancement of youth whether members OF no'
OF the society. 1t furnishes proper amuscmehtS'
encourages socabty and stimulates increased activity
in everything that makes up the man. ALL however
must be subservient to the religious purposes.
church, of which it is part precisely as Is the sun
dayschool. The efforts of each society must hrSt Oh
ALL be directed to the upbuildng Of the church, o'
which it is part. Loyalty to that Is Tile his' ih
pnlseybf the true Endeavor heart
Another and most important principle is that II IS
nterdenominational embracing all denomnations l'
was originated by Congregationalst, and for "nile
they held the lead in the number OF SOCIETIES. bu'
presbyterIansm has pressed to the front being closely
followed by Baptsts Methodsts and Reformed Ouakes
and Epscopalians are also represented Its members
are especially urged to contribute TO their several
UNCONVENTIONAL Boards and not cent is levied 1or
National or State purposes. 1t is denomnsuohai 10
the extent that it makes a Baptist more loyal
Daptist and Presby teran truer Presbyterian Yet
II is not marked by unseemy squabhles between ae-
nominations. but it is animated by broader sprt Oh
catholicity to all the household of God
With these underlying principles, ana with the eA'
pressed purpose Of cultivating loyal earnest ac"Ve
Christianity, that can speak more than volumes OF
sermons, this society was launched. DR.. clark HUG
dreamed OF outcome of his prayers and Efforts TO
day. with but short history OF nine years. u can
honor its roll with over 10000 societies, embracing
100000 members These not confined to America.
but over all the world can the voice OF Chrlsuah
Endeavor be heard The lands OF heathendom nave
opened their doors to it, and the ISLANDS Oh the sea nave
done so. England has separate organizatlon' cor
responding 10 the state Unions here while Canada Is
together by central organization. whose head Is Dr.
Clark Camiliarly known, from his initials, rs Father
Endeavor'), and whose headquarters are Boston.
Through its National organ, The Golden hnie' IL
holds together these young people OF all clmes and
crecds Through It's motto, For Christ and the
Church. 1t binds still closer Christian hearts and Keeps
them loyal to the one great end in view.
careful study OF some OF It's leading features wiz
reveal some interesting facts.
At last years National Convention in Philadelphia
there were reported 900 conversions from the ranks
OF associate members These latter generally non
church members, and pledge themselves merely 70
attend each prayer meeting service At that tme New
York was the Banner State, with 1887 societies, While
Massachusetts, followed with 742. Then came, In the
order named Illinois, Pennsylvania Ohio, Connecti.
cut Iowa and New-Jersey thus showing slisht
preponderance of the East over the West Anotner
feature Is the progressive part OF the WORK state
Unions were soon organized and where the States were
large, as Pennsylvania and New York district sec
retares were appointed. Then arose Local Unions
which comprise the societies in city or community.
Connecticut has always been leader IN TINS Drancn
of the work. and last year reported thirty three such
unions. NcwJersey is also prominent with twenty
The most conspicuous feature at the pSsent t uhe h
deyeiopment of youthful minds and hearts of older
years It has taken hold Of the children and Is direct
thoroughly Christian principles It organizes children
between the ages of seven and fourteen INTO so, 30
prayer.meetng, elect its own ofhcers ana o. uhacr
the supervision Of superintendent and assistant ap'
fSe Children pledge themselves to attend and take
part in each meeting The junior societies are grow
Ing very rapidly and prove great encourasemens sSc 20
of the pastor the Tabernacle Church Of Jersey City,
is q recognized leader in this work.
Louis in its ninth International convention. Special
excursions Of happy. earnest youth are rolling IN
the south and California. Five thousand delegates
are expected New.York City has Joined with Con
ington in special vestibnIe train the baltimore
and Ohio road. Another delegation from that city
Empire State delegates are known by white badge;
&. c. E.-lOOO0O members" New-Jerscy has
beautiful orange and black badge bearing the words.
row Music Hall will be taxed to it's utmost 10 seat
the vast gathering. Governor Francis and the Rev
DR. Nichols will make the opening addresses OF wei
come and the convention will be organzod Its work
will he largely the diffusion of information and sta