The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-10-31

for what we get, but for what we may
exchange with others; not alone to have
thoughts from others, but to think
thoughts ourselves; not alone to have
defense of doctri mes, but to classify
conscience, purify temper and gain in
SEPARATION from personal contact with
others consecrated to like work.
In effecting these results the Church
Club may be efficient. 1t is not a new
experiment. Evangelical churches make
considerable use of it. The Congrega-
tional church has been peculiarly sue
cessful and has tablished the club on
a larger scale. The Episcopal church has
its clubs and brotherhoode. In liberal
churches there is also place for the
mems clubs. It's form must vary as the
peculiar needs Of the congregation and
community. The leading aims must be
help to the church and the promotion
OF sociability among the men. In spi to
OF all criticisms regarding men and the
church, it has been my experience that
men are interested in the success of the
faith, that they are willing to give time
and money for its success. The difficulty
with them is they do not know how to
take hold. Therefore say the first sub
iect of the club should be How can we
aid the church," Coming together
with this common bond let them become
more closely acquainted. First begin
with few. Let them work out the
idea little way. Let them invite others
don't begin by getting all your men
together. There will be too many ideas
about plans. A detailed discussion of
plans and constitution will kill the
spirit. But it few devoted spirits find
a work to be done-plenty will be found
to join the company. Let them meet at
the church--or at houses. Let few
stand by and be ready with topics fer
discussion set the ball rolling. In
some places set program may be wise.
In others noted speaker may be made
the guest Of the club. A banquet pro.
notes sociability. The two objects be.
ing to help the church and promote So
ciability, let all energy be bent in these
ways. As result men who have been
busy attending the church will get in
terested in faces they had seen but had
not known-retiring spirits will be
brought forth. and fitted to useful places
in the church.
The gains of such club are many.
it at all successful. 1t becomes back
ing for the minister. These men having
learned to work for the church he can
call on, and know they will respond.
There is sort Of free masonry about ii.
If stranger comes to the church, here
is a means Of making him feel at home
a way Of introducing him-man fashion,
among men. II there are sick, here is
means Of cheering up fellow church
man. Here is larger organization to
supplement the trustees and corpora
ton with the ladiee. Here is a means
of trying the wavering and bringing out
the timid. Many man has been die
covered by this means. Lay preachers
may be developed and the club become
a missionary engine. There may be
times when the special church should
take hold Of evils in the community.
The scope is wide. But the motto must
ever be, What Can we do to Help our
church," As result of trying to help
the church men will help Themselves
religion will be made practical. church
work familiar, and believe men will in
a better measure begin to subordinate
the rush for success to the development
of the higher faculties. Church work
will be change and rest from business.
1t will give life wider horizon and men
will see that by working for the church
and religious improvement they are
working for their own advancement and
uplf.