Middletown transcript., 1896-05-09
|ttFourth Paper.)
THE YOUNG MEMS CHRISTIAN N
ASSOCIATION IS HELPFUL TO
YOUNG CONVERTS.

j By JOS. A. suYpAM, CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES
ON RELIGIOUS WORK.
\ We are fully aware of the fact that thu
various churches have young peoples so
cieties connected with them and they are
of great benefit to the young members and
to the churches, yet in those meetings the
attendance is naturally those of its particu-
/ lar society and they of course, become used
to taking part in their exercises with more
or less freedom from that timidity that
usually characterizes the young convert,
and it is grand thing for them to stand up
| and testify for the Master, even In their
| own organizations, it benefits each individ-
ual who avaifs himself of the opportunity.
1t is different when the same person at
tends meeting other than their own So
ciety; they feel disinclined to take part be-
cause there are new faces present; perhaps
a majority of them are men or women
whom they have not been accustomed to
meet with, and they are fearful that they
cannot speak or pray or sing just as they
would like to. Here is just where the
Young Mems Christian Association comes
in as help, as training school, to assist
them in the development of their character
and capabilities in practical work.
First, the young man meets his fellow
workers of the various denominations, be-
comes better acquainted feels there is re-
spOnsi5ility resting upon him to do some
thing, he becomes acquainted with the
business methods of the Association, per-
haps here receives his t. rst lessons in the
manner of conducting business meetings,
takes part in debate on the various ques-
tions which arise and acquires kno wledge
of parliamentary usages. all of which serves
to give him a greater confidence i'm himself
and perhaps broader and more libei al deas
of his fellow men.
Second. this confidence is increased as he
is brought to take part in the Religious Ser
vices of the Association, perhaps at first it |
is very difficult matter for him to take
any part whatever, yet after little while |
his timidity will give way to his desire to |
do something, especially as he sees others
taking an active part. and he will resolve |
with Gods help, to take hold; as there is |
perfect freedom in these meetings he soon
finds that the more earnest and active he is |
the stronger he will grow, until instead of
being a cross it will in time be his greatest
pleasure to work in any department that
may need his services.
Third, the Y. NJ. c. A. is helpful because
it will cause our young converts to study
The Bible closely, and thoroughly equip
themselves for the various duties that lie
before them, the Bible Glass the Prayer
meeting, the Praise Service, all necessarily
bringing them in closer communion with
our Lord Jesus Christ; thus while laboring
% help Others to new life. they are being
helped and made stronger and better fitted
o take up their duties as members of their
churches.
These are only few of the ways in
which our Association is helpful. We trust.
however, that many. very many. will visit
ur rooms, attend our meetings, especially
10 we desire the attendance of all young
men at our Sunday afternoon meetings.
We feel that the better acquainted we can
ct with all, the greater amount of good
7ill be accomplished.