The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-02-02

meetings, and financial pillar. too.
But he was in earnest when he made
the above objection.
This carrying caste into religion il
perilous. effectively, because out
siders put their own Interpretation on
it; subjectively. because it cannot fail
TO narrow aud undermine ones Chris.
tian charity and the beauty OF an
otherwise blameless life. IL cuts deeply
in the heart OF the poor brother die
criminated against. and il certainly does
not strengthen the character Of the per
son in favor Of whom such discrimina-
ton is made.
IL is an excellent feature Of these 30
cieties OF Christian endeavor that they
are tolerant and catholic in their de-
sign. They are intended for all young
people, in all classes. The very spirit
Of the organization is gospel-like-it is
all embracing.
There is little doubt that the society
is to bear most important part in the
solution Of the problem of denomina-
tionalism. It's branches are found in
every church-every Protestant church
and they constantly hold union meet
ings where deDominatonal differences
are neither mentioned nor thought Of.
The animating idea is "all for Christ. -
The members are members OF a nation
al organization comprising nearly half
million, and they realize that they
are fighting together united battle for
a common Captain.
Thus our young people are being edu-
Gated into the very essence of unde-
nominationalism. They are Christians
above everything else. Their regula-
lions have nothing to do with any isms.
while at the same time loyalty TO the
Church with which the branch may be
connected is insistently inculca.ed.
IL is in complete misconception OF the
purpose and scope Of this movement TO
assert that it is in any respect opposed
to church growth or church work. The
society to which the writer belongs is
as active in general church work as any
of the older members. Many pastors
who certainly have not investigated
the matter fair-mindedly are opposed
to it on the ground that it keeps the
young people out Of their proper church
work-especially that il keeps them
away from the church meeting
The first answer is a general denial
But the second answer may we'll be
that if the church prayer-meeting is full
Of interest and life the young people
will attend it. even if they attend an
other of their own besides.
If there were not dozen other causes
TO which this wonderful movement is
attributable, one could safely say that
it was due to the desire of young Chris
tians to have an interesting weekly
prayer-meeting. How few pastors
seem TO have the knack Of having an in
teresting prayer meeting. The young
people cannot stand Mr.. Dry-as-dust
week in and week out, nor do they like
TO listen to Brother B. every Thurs
day, whose prayers are nothing but
long repetitions. Their enthusiasm is
equal to a good deal, but dryness
chokes and stiles. Encourage this
movement, fellow Christians, pastors,
foster and help it. Your young people
will grow up in loyalty to yOu-they
will crowd into your weekly meeting
and give it life and strength. You will
find them your heartiest co-laborers.
and if YOU are a man Of tact you can
accomplish more good work vicariously.
through them, than with all your good
elders and pillars. Butts a big H.
But when you have a Young People 3
Society o. Christian EndeavOr don
countenance any discrimination on &C
count Of social position. The Master is
not a respecter of persons. Neither can
the disciple afford to be. The growing
up Of half million young people
under religious influences which make
for unity Of belief and initiate against
even the suggestion of schism is fact
of intense interest. Denominational
differences cannot long preserve their
animus or vitality if the Christians OF
tomorrow are for Christ rather than
for their particular ism. The existence
of such a common aim, and Its inilu-
ence upon the life aud convictions Of
the individual will, without doubt. be
the chief factor in re-integrating the
Church. III. w. Jessup, in the Observer.