The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-08-21

city residents Not only that, but it is for
us to look at what we have 10
combat in the city as an en-
tirety Look at the influences that are
at work there to offset the efforts of Gods
chosen people. There is the corrupt poll
uclan and his many followers; there is to
be found anarchy and socialism, there is to
be found that dread enemy of souls the
liquor traffic, on nearly every corner of our
streets. AS you look, you will also dis
cover that poVerty-poVerty of which you
and know but little, yea, nothing-is to be
found in the cities of our land; that pow
erty has taken hold of more souls than
many of us imagine. Then think of the
places where this poverty lives! We could
bring here statisticS-not of London, but
OF our own ct!es-which will show US that
there Is an evil that we must meet, namely,
the fearful ill-smelling. degraded sad
tenement house. Oh brethren! we must
meet these elements and here they are;
but for little while l must call your at
tention TO the city as an entirety. L be-
heVe we make the mistake that a good
brother once warned me against making:
Don't try to convert the whole city Be-
hold it as a place where God has stored
material to be taken and brought out in His
name for His glory. YEA look at those
cities, and what a great vast storehouse
OF material they are Look at them with
us of work. Look at them under yOn
ragged coat, beneath yonder shiny hat,
outcast. with faded shawl wrapped about
her, and remember this, that God may
have written in and under those outer evil
dences Of DEGRADATION or poverty those
words: "A chosen vessel
There is in this great seething mass ma
terial that can be used in Gods service in
is before us. Let US go forth and do the
work of Jesus Christ. Let this be a confer
ence in which the grace of God shall fill
every heart"
ONE-MINUTE SPEECHES.
Following this remarkably strong address
Of mir
speeches on questions asked in the printed
programme. Rev. T. c. Mckinley, in an
swer to the question as to who the masses
were, said that the Lord meant for every
one to look to that part of the masses
which comes within his view. Everyone
comes in contact with some who are out
of Christ and it is these he must try to
reach"
Rev. w. C. Williamson, of Keokuk, said
the way to reach the masses was to reach
them. Rev w. B. Barr, of Middletown. Ia,
proposed cottage prayer meetings as
means of reaching them.
On the question of securing the confidence
OF the masses number OF the speakers
said that 1nSincerity and hypocrisy did
much to undermine Christian work. Moral
and Bible education were agreed upon
the proper educational lines. study of
the Bible, the United Presbyterian creed
and the catechism were urged by various
speakers.
The subjects Of suitable buildings, of clos
ing the churches during the week and the
hot weather and of the fostering care
needed by the city missionaries were also
discussed. The general opinion was against
closing the churches at any time and that
self-support should be the aim of the mis-
sion undertakings.
On the question of what constitutes a
live pastor the various speakers said thai
he should be ever ready to attend the sick
and dying and that good elders should
attend the session meetings and keep their
mouths shut afterward."
Mr.. Tracy injected some of his bitter
anti-secret society ideas into the meeting.
but met with no great Endorsement.