Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-11-04


The convention is not held for the special
benefit of any particular organization or as
ISOLATION. but for all evangelical Christians en-
gagged or interested in various forms OF Chris
tan effort, the object being that such Chris
tians at work may have an opportunity of be-
coming acquainted with each other. comparing
methods and plans Of work and receiving from
one another hints suggestions and like aid, in
order that they may thus add to their useful
ness. Members of all Christian denominations
are eligible as delegates, and any Christians who
are interested or engaged in practical Christian
effort, eyangelistic work, Chistian endeavor,
city mission or special church agencies among
the classes not reached by the ordinary and
regular ministrations Of the church are invited
to be present as delegates and many such are
present, they being also granted the privilege
of participating in the discussions and proceed
ings.
There are two ideas involved in the work of
this body of Christian workers, the principal
one being to reach out after the unsaved
classes IN America and the second is the union
Of Protestant evangelical Christians in the
carrying out Of the first object.
THE WORK OF THE CONVENTION.
The conventions, which are held yearly, are
considered to be one of the most useful parts
Of the work. letter from the Rev. John C.
Collins, secretary and treasurer Of the associa-
ton, saws Of the convention work:
1T brings together great company of
Christians. both those of large influence promi-
nent pastors and others. and the young humble
workers. such those in the Christian
Endeavor societies. The prominent leaders in
Christian work see in the stories Of labor which
are told how men Of no very great talents are
used. and they get a great many hints in the
direction, Of simplicity and earnestness by
which their future life work can be largely
workers and beginners are very much
encouraged by seeing how wonderfully
men of no very great talents have been
used in doing good. For example, Col
Clarke OF Chicago, who was an ordinary
business man. started in with a little mis-
one of the worst sections of Chicago. He had
had no experience then, and with his wife he
simply opened little room and set to work
trying to do good TO people by telling the story
OF the gospel night after night and during the
day time he carried on his regular business
During these thirteen or fourteen years there
have been from 80. 600 to AZ, 900 professed con-
| versions through that mans work. Of course,
| all of them have not been truly reclaimed, but
thousands and thousands of men and women
| o. the most abandoned character have been
rescued to lives Of good citizenship and Chris
tan manhood.
When humble young worker or business
| man who wants to do good hears the story of
| such work that feels encouraged and
| strengthened, but there are thousand and
| one suggestions which come through such q
| convention which are taken up III one form or
another by workers present and put into opera
/ ton. One young woman wrote me the other
/ day that she was just on tho point Of going to
| South Africa as q missionary. being led to do
| this b. some inspiration which she received at
| the Hartford convention last year. young
man wrote me that he had undertaken work in
| school houses and had been very useful in that
| direction. Reading rooms for boys have been
| opened by some who heard the story of the
| .Eoys' Work The whole trend and tone of the
| convention is simple and unaffected.
There is no attempt to exalt any great
church digntaries or TO lay any particular stress
| upon the recognition of any particular denom-
nation. IL is simply the telling from day to
| day, daring the seven days, of the story of
| Christian work, each story being followed by
fifteen or twenty minutes, as far possible, of
discussion, in which any member of the con-
vea:iUn has the privilege of asking questions
| or throwing in any side light in brief two
minute speech drawn from his or her expert
| ence. Then. further than this, there is no dis
| tinctior of sex. Men and women who have
been used have equal opportunities to give the
| experience which they have had, but at the
same tine all c-snks aud isas are rigidly kept
| IN shape. Now and then u crank shows his
head, of course, but he can only get in in the
| two-rninuso speeches OF the discussion, and we
;ako his infection in such case as an oppor-
| tunity Of showing bow much patience We have,
and so no Is really means o. grace, so ~
! speak.
ITO give an analysis Ct tho present conven-
ton / would cay briefly that we endeavor to
Christian work, placing the church work ~ the
front. That is, we take some church like tina,
of the bethany, which is Postmaster General
] Wauamskers great church. which has ono OF