The western sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1887-1926, 1897-02-25
7. NC. A. CONVENTION
OPENED IN CENTENARY AT 3
FRIDAY AFTERNOON.
Called to Order by Mr.. I'll. Z. Ander-
son, international Secretary
About 60 Delegates Here-Re-
ception at 5 O'Clock.

son, international Secretary
About 60 Delegates Here-Re-
ception at 5 O'Clock.
The Y. NJ. G. A. State Convention
opened in Centenary church at 8
O'Clock Friday evening. In the absence
of Chairman Hanna, of the State Ex-
ecutive Committee, Mr. Fl. P. Ander-
san, Of Ashevilie, International Sec
reLary, conducted the opening exer-
ciseS.
FRIDAY NIGHT SERVICE.
AT Friday nights service the,perma-
nent officers for the convention were
elected, viz: President. w. A. Blair.
of Asheville; First Vice President.
Capt. A. G. Brenizer, OF Charlotte:
Second Vice-Pres tdent, j. T Pullen.
of Raleigh; Third Vice-President, w.
j Ramsey, of Trinity College; Secre-
tary, III. M. Curran, OF A and NJ Col
lege; Assistant Secretary, L. L Las
sidur, of Elon College; Reporter. Chas.
II Johnston, of University OF n G..
Mr.. Blair was escorted to the chair
by Mr.. Van Horn. OF Asheville
ADDRESS OF WELCOME AND RESPONSE
Owing to Capt. r. B. Glenn's alb
-sence from the city, Mr.. w. A Blair
delivered the address of welcome
which was both hearty and appro-
pirate. He extended a warm well
come to the Convention ON behalf of
the churches, mothers, business men
and citizens generally Of Winston
Salem.
The response in behalf of the con-
veutiOn, which was both pleasing and
edIfying, was made by General Secre-
tary Mahan, OF the Charlotte Associa-
tion. He addressed Mr.. w. A. Blair,
of Asheville, Mr.. w. A. Blair, of Win
stOn, delegates and citizens Of the
Twin-City represented in the conven-
tion. He said he read in the faces OF
the people, and especially the good
women who teudered the delegates
such royal reception at the Armory,
that the Y. M. G. A. workers were
heartily welcomed to the Twin-City.
He referred to the bright young ladies
of WinstCn-Salem and said: Il So
licit your consideration for our young
State Secretary" This caused Mr..
Turner to blush and hang his head
but this was not understood to mean
that he was too young to marry" or
that he is already 'mortgaged." Mr..
Mahan also notified the girls" that
ne was not sure but viuaJ some of the
ifN'-IHS uC4cRdlcS DuSlU6SS.
Said he knew OF one who did-and
this one has had experience He, told
the delegates not to go after the girls
during convention hours. He advised
all to lift their hearts to God in
prayer.
RECITAL AT ACADEMY.
Secretary Turner announced that
he had received a kind Invitation
from the Principal of the Salem Acad
emy for the delegates to visit the
school during their stay. He added,
however, that not more than three
would be admitted at one time-and
none must go when convention is in
session. He also announced that the
convention had been invited to attend
a recital at the Acanemy chapel, by
the pupils of the school, at 5 O'Clock
p. N Monday.
REV MIR. BLACKS ADDRESS
Rev. VIM. Black, of Monroe, made
the address of the evening His SUBJ
ject was The Best Gifts" which was
and forcible way. The lesson was
taken from the 1st chapter of First
Corinthians. He began by saying
that all men in their way desire what
they think are the best gifts.
Why is it that so few have them?
For TWO reasons; First, erroneous
IDEAS of what they are. Second, erro-
neous ideas OF how to get them. The
miser's wrong idea for instance. The
Importance then of knowing what
they are and how they are obtained.
First. What are the "best gifts?'
1t is not so much hoy to 'get on in
the world" as how to get up: not
what we have but what we are.
'IhpV are NOT riches ,aV not
up for yourselves treasures etc." be-
cause few can get them; they continue
not; they satisfy not, says Solomon
from experience; they cause US to for
get COD; they profit not against Gods
wrath; they cause so many to neglect
God. as in the case of the rich young
ruler; and because they will drown US
IN perdition.
Because it makes us selfish; sat-
istfes not; causes d waste of time; alb
serbs our affections. Here Mr. Black
warned Associations against laying SO
much stress on the amuSements to
the neglect of the purely spiritual
They must be means, but never an
end.
3 Nor can best gifts be worldly
honor or thought. For this too, caus-
es us to forget the best, and to be
wrapped up in our own selfish aims.
w udO al z Vic OCSU SlIto
First, foremost and essential is sal
walton. 1t is the "Unspeakable Gift" I"
OF which Paul writes.
2ud. Another gift is usefulness to
our fellowmen and glory to God.
3rd. The blessing and responsi bill
ty of leadership.
4th. The gift Of music, art and
mental qualities.
In short almost any gift is the best
gift accompanied by conservation.
II We could or would but have Gods
Holy Spirit we would not be so con-
cerned with outside attractions, but
could as Peter and Paul speak with
boldness and power.
How then shall we obtain these
"Best Gifts?"
1st. God says ''Covet the Best
Gifts"
2ud He intended them for US.
3rd. They are worth coveting.
4th. They are useful.
5th. Life is failure without them
9th. Life is a success with them.
How to obtain them.
1st. Use the ones we have, but dc
not be satisfied with them only.
End. Earnestly desire them.
3rd. Definitely choose them.
4th. Then appropriate them.
5th. But we must be cleansed from
self, self-wiil sin. rely solely on the
Holy Spirit, have faith in Jesus Christ
and realize that we are saved to serve
in other words we must ket and use
these "Best Gifts.''
The whole discourse was wonder.
fully clear and impressive.
THIS MORNINGS SESSION.
After song service, Mr.. Overton
| of Raleigh, leading, the convention
was called to order by President w
A. Blair.
The first talk was made by Rev. Mr.