Daily tobacco leaf-chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1890-1895, 1891-08-10
Young Mems christian Association.


This is a religious institution for
the promotion of moral and relig-
iOus instruction among all grades of
young men. Being such it should
be so regarded. fit is worth our at
tention it should have our full atten-
ton. II it is not worth our attention
we should come together and honor
ably dissolve it. Religious institu-
tions are too sacred to be trifled with.
The work dope in this institution
has its peculiar sphere. 1t is with
young men, many OF whom can be
reached more effectively through
this channel. 1t is reasonable that
we can take young men into ass )cia-
ton with young men and influence
them more than in mixed audiences.
They feel freer and are more willing
to express themselves. Nor will they
be so embarrassed if their faults are
brought to light. Doubtless the ex-
ercises will he more interesting to
them and have a greater influence
on them. Personal work and in
~tructiOn can lie made more prOmi-
nent. The entire work becomes
more hOme-like and attractive,
None who keep up with the work
wi | doubt but hundreds of young
men are rescued from life OF sin
and shame through this bringing of
young men into contact with these
religious influences. We need not
stop to say this is the work of the
church. 1t is, but the church will
not do it. AT least the work was
not so effectively done until young
men organized in their present ca
pacity.
Besides these direct religious infiu-
ences there are other attractions, such
as innocent games, libraries, current
literature and gymnasium. Here
young men who can may spend
their evenings free from the evil
influence existing elsewhere. Thus
we have here combined innocent
amusement, bodily development,
mental improvement and spiritual
groWth-the salvation of the entire
man. Can a Christian object to such
work ? Can we afford to say we are
interested in the good of all men and
yet withhold our influence or discOur
age such work ? A more perfected
church work would embrace all
these, yet in most all our ordinary
church work there is nothing but the
direct religion, and that of very
unattractive kind. No doubt the
church will introduce more of this
into its work, seeing the good it does
in these associations.
ShreWd business men who are not
so religious have seen the value OF
such an institution and give thou
sands of dollars to build and furnish
attractive houses for the young men,
They see that young men who spend
their evenings at such places are far
better qualified to make good clerks
and book keepers. 1t is rather It
selfish motive with them, yet God
turns it for good. Our association
here is dong us good. Shall we not
help to sustain it? A few are bear
ing the burden, while all are reaping
benefits from it. AS it is unIenOmi
national, we must all feel responsible
for its success. Not simply by giving
to keep it up, hut working with ire
Iigious young men. Attend ii our
selves and take others with us.
Pray Gods blessings on it and work
that the spirit may quicken the dead.
There is now being made special eff
fort to energize this work. Subscrip
tons must be taken soon for the com.
ing year. Citizens, religious and If
religious, feel such an interest in this
that they should give literally to it.
Work let undone here will be our
loss and we must answer for it.
j. w. SULLIVAN.