The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-08-03

In the natural order OF experience ana
practice. But it is history that the
progress of individuals and institutions
has resulted as much from the criti
cisms to which they have been subjected
as to their education under trial. 1t
would be no mark of friendship to with
hold from the young people in their ear
lest efforts towards organized efficiency
the criticisms by which they might
profit. 1t may disarm suspicion to say
at the outset that they betray only such
infirmities as are common to large as
sembies of more or less inexperienced
persons earnestly trying to work out
their organic salvation.
The elders of Boston and vicinity
either were not present in force or the
greater forces of the juniors rendered
them invisible. A noticeable change
has taken place in the clergy of the
neighborhood within few years. Young
men are now in the majority in Eastern
Massachusetts. Yet one who looked for
representative ministers could not ex-
plain their absence wholly by the inva-
sions of youth. We think those who
were not present missed an opportunity.
To put ones self into if not at the head
of so vigorous and spontaneous move
ment of the young blood of the church
should be esteemed equally duty and
privilege.
1t was a disappointment to find 30
many pastors of the neighborhood alb
sent and so many churches closed "for
the season." The inference which drew
itself was that the convention OF young
people was not estimated as one of the
forces of the church, or at least that this
particular convention was not expected
to amount to much. 1t really was a
great occasion, an unusual occasion,
which might have been availed Of by all
the Universalist churches of the vicin-
ity as the Endeavor Convention occur
ring the same week was by all the
Orthodox churches of the neighborhood.
When the heavens rain mama it is not
wisdom to have our dishes down side up.
We have often noted in the parlia.
ments of the Church and in the fedora.
tions of the world. how considerable a
proportion Of the time is occupied by the
same speakers. Deliberative business is,
in theory, done by all the members of
the celebrating body: in fact the ten
dency in all such assemblies is for bust.
ness to pass into the hands of few
persons. This is a tendency which
should be resisted. II this were done in
the initial stages. reconstructions and
revolutions would be less frequent and
less excusable. Skill in administration
and management is nowhere more re-
quired and justified than in making the
area of participation in the business of
delegate meeting as broad as the
membership. In utilizing the capacity
of the few we should not neglect the
capacities and the power of the many.
special and not likely to recur; but we
had the feeling that it was somewhat
dangerous experiment to make with a
body composed so largely of young
women, and of young men with small
incomes. to appeal twice for funds. The
appeals were strong and urgent, and
they were very successful. May it not
be that the danger is in their very effec-
tiveness? II it should come to pass that
our Christian Unions, organized for a
special and religious end among our
young people, should have the raising of
money to meet pledges" as their princi-
pal function, two not desirable results
would ensue: They would conflict with
the regular financial administration by
the State and General Conventions; and
they would lose their original distinc-
tive character. In our view of their
Office and work the Young Peoples
Unions are not some more of the same
thing we have in the organizations pro-
vided for in our polity, but a different
and unique thing. We should be sorry
to see them turned from their own great
mission to another and an inferior.
The advantages Of having our Y. P.
G. U. Convention at the same time and
place with the Y. T.. G. E. Convention
were considerable, but we should not
advise the continuance Of the plan. The
draw backs are many and serious. The
overwhelming numbers of the Endeav-
orers give them the first claim on the
public attention and on the space of the
secular papers. A community cannot
divide its attention successfully. We
were lost in the larger crowd and the
impression our really great numbers
might have made was carried to the
credit of our neighbors. 1t may have
done good for once: it would be mis-
take to repeat the experiment. The
Boston Convention proves that the
Unioners can make sufficient showing
alone. Another fact is made apparent.
Whatever fraternity may be cultivated
locally between societies Of Endeavorers
and Unioners. the great national organi
1otior, ~ a forn,ar 10 not -aalx, - ho,a