The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-02-21
A METHODIST SPEAKS.
ARE THE PREACHERS TREATING
THE YOUNG PEOPLE RIGHT!
T.. Il Not Interference With Their Reli-
stous Liberty "A strong hndorseinsnt
OF. Christian Endeavor.

the preachers OF the Meth"ui'' 'HNNhes
g., picbmond 10 establish Epworth leagues
IN ALL the churches in the city is not
cordially received by the young people
The majority Of them prefer the Chris
tan Endeavor Society, ana as the cam
paign was opened IN those ehurches "here
Christian Endeavor societies existed, 1t
is there that the greatest opposition ex-
lists.
The society at St. James Methodist
church was very fine one, and contained
in it's ranks a number Of members from
other denominations in the same section
of the CITY. The pastor disbanded the So
ciety, without taking a vote on the
subject and hence there was no OPP
portunity to express dissatisfaction. but
a great deal of II is SAID 10 exist
over the manner in when they were
overruled, and If they stick TO their ex-
pressed determination. large portion
will not join the proposed Epworth
league.
quite large number Of letters have
been received here 10y Christian EndeaY-
orers from other cities in the state, and
the feeling of wrong exists elsewhere as
IL does here.
one prominent young Methodist, writing
from another city in Virginia, says;
Those who are trying TO disband our
young folks will certainly regret H.
Christian Endeavor is power IN All the
churches Since the society was broken
up in my church an EpwCrth League was
organized. but now we have no league
young people are scattered, and the cause
of Christ suffers"
At the regular Wednesday night meet
ing at Centenary last night Dir. Sledd
made the announcement that in accord
ance with the directions Of the General
Conference, which as q minister OF the
Methodist Church he felt bound 10 obey,
he would at some early day try 10 form
an Epworth League in Centenary church
He said ne was kindly disposed toward
the Christian EndeavOr, but that II was
not his place TO criticize the higher au-
thor.ties Of the Church, and that he did
not propose 10 enter into any discussion
OF their action I'm the matter.
\ number OF the young lady members
az the CHRISTIAN Endeavor Society present
burst into tears at the announcement
and the occasion was distressing 10 both
the pastor and the congregation.
FROM An OLD METHODIST.
The following commuf ication was sent
10 The Times yesterday by one who has
iong been closely connected with the
MelhOIlSt thurcn IN virginia:
Editor Of The Times: have been
much panied in reading in the city daiies
what appears 10 be the beginning Of a
controversy between the Preachers
Meeting" Of the Methodist Church, and
the Young Peoples Society OF Christian
EndeavoT' I'm Richmond
As an old Methodist-one who has lived
long enough 10 learn that the spiritual
life Of any Church is its only true life
| feel it my duty TO speak a word of
warning (Which some one surely ought to
speak,, lest by man-fearing silence, | be
also guilty of standing aloof while the
lambs Of the flock are being cruelty
wronged.
feel it also my duty to speak a word
Of commentator for this society. which
is so dear TO many Of our young people.
and which the Methodist Church desires
TO put out of its borders.
| have known the society and its MEM
bcrs in this and in other cities for several
years, and can most heartily endorse it,
and do with my whole heat approve it's
aims and its methods. | have never
seen anything more beautiful. more
touching, than a Christian Endeavor
meeting and at such times as | have
attended as a visitor, / have been able
TO say out of a full heart: God bless the
and is a blessing 10 thousands Of young
people who in its membership are learn
ing 10 walk close with God.
These young people viii be old people
perhaps after while. and
do believe this society is training in
ways Of righteousness many who. but
for its influence, might faint and fall by
the way, or be lost in the great world
OF sin.
1T Is NOT RELIGION.
Church membership is not religion: a
knowledge Of Church history is not re-
ligion. fealty TO any denomination is not
religion. and any person who does any
thing simply from UNCONVENTIONAL zeal
has failed TO do all for the glory OF
God This l say because | must say
il, or myself commit the sin of failing
to stand up for the truth and the right.
and so far prove false to Him whose |
am and whom l serve.
II seems We have fallen upon strange
stimes. Is il not strange that pastors
Of churches should meet together and
plan TO force, 10 cOerce. the members OF
each others churches into joining socic-
ties against their wll-such societies as
they shall dictate?
When did it come TO pass that they ac-
quired this power? Perhaps. moral sua-
sion having failed. coercion may be tried
for the benefit Of the missionary societies.
which generally have a painful minority
OF the church members on the rolls
Why need any society languish. with
this stand and deliver power ayaila-
Bile?
l. for one. as member OF the Church.
protest against this effort 10 Cypress the
young people of the Church. II is not
tight; It is wrong. and If IL is wrong it
is a sin. II is surely a sin 10 prosecute
any person or society for doing what is
deemed right by them. 1t is an inter
ference with the religious liberty Of our
people 10 say. You must give up this
society and take that. fit were not so
sorrowful, II would be ridiculous. in this
day OF enlightened Christian education
and American civilization.
They say: The Epworth League must
be organized"; lit is mandatory" THE
church commands it," Let Methodists
stop and think. TO what are We tending?
is FREEDOM TO ptcIpE?
Is freedom TO decide what is my duty:
10 be taken from me at the bidding Of
any man or set OF men? The Church
commands it? Have we, as Methodists,
as Christians, given such power 10 any
set OF men? Are they claiming the right
10 lord II over Gods heritage? There
were those who came TO the Savior say
ing: We saw men casting out devils i'm
thy name. and we forbade them, be-
cause they followed not with us. He
said to them: Forbid them not.
All. brethren. think over these matters
and beware, lest you seem TO be tearing
up the vine the Lord hath planted. Take
care that, in your zeal for THE Church"
YOU wound not 'one of these little ones"
Tor whom Christ died.