Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-02-23

day with her taken out would have her
winning way, her pleasant smile.
her loving hands. and sympathetic heart
in every proper way, but 1t does seem TO
me that II Is time for the table to turn.
and that the social for men only
should become the rule and not the ex-
ception. Thus, and thus only. will tho
best results be secured and the most
effective work leading to the best re-
suits in the educational and physical
work, as well as in the spiritual-the
chief end Of all our work-be obtained.
is A MIGHTY WEAPON.
The social work. as a means to an
end Is our weapon most mighty. God
forbid that this sword should be longer
sheathed and since most men fall. in
company with another man. through
the social glass. the card-table. the pool
table, the gambling hell, ETC.. let us see
10 1t that the unseen power" OF this
''live wire" is put into use among men
as a lifting force into better life. For
brethren, we are in a sense. unto men.
the open door of the Church Of Christ
six days In the week, and by our attitude
toward them they judge Christianity.
Let us take heed. therefore, that In all
our socials they be clean and elevating
and let us ever bear In mind our &C.
countability for grasping the opportu-
Numbering whose we are and whom
we serve" l do not mean that our
socials should be turned into prayer
meetings but / do mean that there
should be prayer In the hearts Of our
social members. and, that they should
be "llving epstles" unto men, seeking
every opportunity to reach men spirit.
uaily! Our social work cannot be and Is
not most effective II we simply enter
tain and please; we should use the So
Gals as the opening wedge to the hearts
or men; thus gaining power with man,
use that power, by the blessing of His
Holy Spirit, to the reaching of "men
one by one for Christ"
1t is good thing in our socials to
devise ways and means for securing the
name and address OF the young men
present, that they may be invited TO at
tend our meetings, informed Of our priv.
ieges. and also TO become members.
AGENCIES PRoFITABLY USED.
In closing, let me suggest some Of the
social agencies that are being used or
may be used with safety and profit by
our associations.
A. The Rooms or Building-Let them
be clean, attractive. and homelike, not
deathlike, nor because OF the incessant
racket OF a few individuals SO noisy that
man cannot hear himself think. Vet
the warm hand, the loving word, and the
manly smile attract men. Have clean
amusement and games therein; good
music. not piano pounding; popular songs,
etc. Strive to have all departments used
by all members. and discourage In every
way In your power the formation Of
crowds or the moncpoiization OF any de-
partment, room, or game by crowd. Our
work Is for the many, and not for the
fewi Insist on gentlemanly conduct from
all. and do not permit the rooms 10 be-
come a resort for tramps or semi-profes-
sionai loafers. and thereby distasteful
to seif-respecting men. While we must
not neglect the work OF rescue. our work
Is In the main preventive. and In all Our
sociais II Is well to keep this thought In
mind. In the furnishing Of the rooms let
what you have BE good, and have 1t kept
clean. A little morsel well cooked and
clean is better to the average man than
q big meal half cooked and dirty. or
carelessly served.
%. Evening Reception Committee
Have on duty such q committee composed
Of social, Christian young men. whose
duty II win be TO see that not only
strangers, but also members. are made
to feel at home and that they become
acquainted with the privileges and with
the other members Of tbs association BE
careful n your selection Of men for this
important duty. See 70 It that thaiy lives