The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1893-04-14

quarters for gymnastics, boat, bicycle
and rambling clubs, bowling and all
other athletic pursuits; a centre for edu-
cational and literary work among young
men, as well as common and unde-
nominational ground for moral and
religious work in community. But,
unless equipped with suitable rooms
and appliances, all this cannot be. The
Association cannot accommodate itself
to a building whose arrangement was
controlled by ideas antagonistic to or at
least Independent of its special work.
For many good reasons an Associa-
ton should own building, erected
especially for its work. In the first
place, building erected for the Asso-
citation, secures adaptation. 1t is planned
with reference to the actual wants of
the Association, whose multiform work
can be properly divided in it, with
quarters for each department. Adapta-
ton ensures vastly better results with
smaller expenditure of labor.
The Association owning q building is
free to adapt it to certain definite ends,
without infringing upon the rights, and
without injury from the whims of a
landlord, and whether the Association
occupies the whole of it or not, the inn
mediate surroundings can be controlled
and such noises or repulsive features as
would make the rooms uncomfortable
or unhealthy, can be guarded against
Again, a building owned by the Asso-
citation insures permdnency. Formerly
a temporary experiment, now an insti-
tuition of the city," is the testimony Of
one Association. These are happy de-
scriptive phrases.
A Christian work for young men by
young men, with home unincumbered
by debt stimulates and provokes liber-
atty in proportion as it is based upon
correct business principles. Such an
Association is in the way of requests
and benefactions. No one cares to give
large sums of money to any organiza-
ton with an uncertain future; but q
substantial building, owned by an in
corporated society, is guarantee of
stability and longevity.
A permanent and pleasant home is q
witness to young men not Christians, OF
the love of Christ in the person OF his
followers for them. OF Satans regard
for them they have evidence in flaming
placards, in attractive saloons, and in
the allurements of the street walker.
There are any number of such tempta-
tons in every city, and they are per-
manent while the power of Satan lasts.
Furthermore, a, building gives pub
Eciy. 1t advertises the extent and i'm
portance of the work. No young man
should be forced to take map of the
city or candle to hunt for the build
ing, nor will he have to if it is, as it
ought to be, situated on a prominent
corner or on one of the principal
thOroughfares.
Within the last few years there has
been decided advance in the appear
ance of these buildings, and the more
recent ones rank among the slightly and
attractive edifices of the cities in which
they have been erected. Rented quar-
ters on the contrary, are open to the
following serious objections:
The difficulty of finding well located,
bright, healthy and suitable rooms.
The cost of such rooms when found.
The trouble, expense and sometimes
impossibility of making the changes
needed by a growing Association.
The uncertainty of tenancy.
As results of the adaptation, perman-
ency and publicity which building
affords, there will come q greatly in
creased attendance at the rooms and
meetings, and consequent increase OF
membership. A better class of young
men will become interested in the work,
and the best Christian and business
ability of the city will be called to its
management. This will guarantee wis
dom and economy of administration
and will also give the work a greater
influence in social and mercantile
circles. There will be larger contribu-
tons and more of them. The work
will become more fruitful. A home
feeling is engendered which knits the
active membership strongly together,
removes constraint in both social and
religious effort, and establishes the AS
ISOLATION in the affections of the people.
Other homes grow richer, purer and
more inspiring with the blessed mem
orics which gather in them. Why
should we lack this element in our home
for Christian work. Every room and
wall should tell from one generation to
another, of souls converted from sin to
holiness, until spirit of conservation
abide within its walls; until men shall
say: "Lol God is here, and this is the
dwelling place of his saving loye".-