, 1891-06-19
THE DOUGLAS MEETING
Relation of the Church 10 Moral
Reform Discussed.
How TO Utilize Young People in
Christian Work.
A Strong Stand Taken Against
Dancing and Cards.

DdHClHY anu OdTuS.
Special Correspondence.
DOUGLAS, June To-day we have
the Programme of the Ministerial and
Lay Association" 10 O'Clock being the
hour set for opening. We were early as
sembling at the church. DR.. Spencer
came and enraptured US with beautiful
soul swelling songs-songs all full of love
and heaven. DR.. RAIDER, introducing the
regular service, made some impressive re-
marks, speaking Of the possibilities before
us, and telling US OF Christ, His presence,
His love and His strength. We then
read a portion of the 4th chapter of John
blessed words of Jesus telling His love
Tor US, and that we should love one an
other. Then we sang No. 40 in the Ep-
worth hvmnal, Hide Thou me"
After these Introductory exercises we
took up this topic on the programme:
How to reach and utilize young people
in Christian work" Rev. 0. b. Chassell
read a very interesting paper. In the
general discussion these points were
brought out: Love the young people, be
interested in them-get to them-be
cheerful and sympathetic. Help them to
he busy. for young people want to be
busy. Snow the parents hat you are IN
teresled in their children and you will win
them and they will help you win their
children. Keep on the level with the
child heart. Organize the church. Every
body to work, everybody trying to save
somebody else. Don't argue. but love.
DR.. Spencer sang Sowing and Reap.
ing" then told a little story that brough;
tears 10 our eyes and filed our hearts with
thanks to God hat We are privileged to
work among difficulties and have God
with us to give us victory. Then we sang
Nearer to Thee aud felt nearer. The
benediction was pronounced and DIR.
Spencer sang another song, arose from the
organ around which we were pressing,
and a brother said, Sing some more
Doctor, - and he sang.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Early after dinner we we're vending
our ways to the little church already
seemingly full of blessings. Before the
programme hour DIR. Spencer was
delightIng US with songs repeated by re-
quest. Then Brother X. j. Davenport
read the 34th osalm and Brother Wilson
led in prayer. DIR. Spencer was requested
and sang several songs, waiting our
thoughts heavenward.
The first topic of the afternoon was
taken up to wit: Relation OF the Church
to Moral Reform" Rev. j. II. Gillespie
was introduced. First he called attention
to the need OF our being wide awake upon
the temperance question, IN regard TO
which the NJ. f. charoh has given forth
10 uncertain sound, Dancing aud card
PLAYING are vitiatlng and doing it actually
seems more harm than the saloons.
Almost everything must end with a dance.
and card playing is so widely INDUCED in,
to the expulsion of better things, the
church must plant and grow sentiment
against these things. In all moral re.
forms the church of God should lead and
guide and should heartily support all
things elevating.
Rev. NJ. A. RAIDER was introduced and
emphasized especially the need of preach
ing against Sabbath Dissertation. In the
general discussion DR.. RAIDER spoke oil
moral reforms already accomplished. He
spoke eloquently of our business as am
bassadors of Christ. viz: to denounce sin.
We must show what sin is, and that il
brings damnation, and SO doing we lay tn,
foundations of all true moral reform. We
cant afford TO be anything but men Of
God. Denounce sin, but don't fight the
devil with fire. Don't speak so with your
mouth that men will know that in youI
heart, If not with Your lips, you are swear
ing. Keep sweet
DR.. Spencer gave us this idea: Hou
may try to wash dancing and card playing,
and all amusements that interfere with
the salvation of souls. You think you
have them washed, but when you hang
them out to dry the world will discover
that they are hanging on the devils
clothes line. ANY minister who panders
to the world in iustitying these things ad,
vocates things that are approved of the
devil, and becomes thus an enemy o.
Christ. The VI. f. church ministry art
loyal, straight and thorough on temper
ance. Some one, criticising prohibition
said: These fool Methodist preacher,
and the fool women are at the bottom o
that the ministry of the NJ. +. church are
not made out Of putty. They have con
scienciOus convictions for which they viii
fght-with loves weapons, The NJ. f.
church is beyond compromise on mora
questions. Find Chrlstly employment fol
young people and th2y needn't go to the
devil for tun. The grandest. the most
beautiful and most satisfying fun in the
world is leading souls to Christ. Work
for Christ is resting and recuperative, anC
the blessedest sunshine is found walking
with Christ.
The next topic on the programme wa.
religious experience as an essential quail
~ication for successful Christian activity
Rev. G.. A. w. Cage was introduced. HI