The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-07-10

though the danger from this source
seems to me to have been over-rated.
There should be a stronger bond
between the National Union and the
General Convention, and more gen
eral recognition of the fact that the
National Union is an auxiliary body.
But this is not a question of disunion.
rebellion, or secession; it is simply a
question of expediency. The Young
people of our church will never prove
false to the denomination of their fa-
theirs. So, as l have said, this is a
problem to be solved from the stand
point of expediency, and that alone.
But it rs none the less vital to the in
terests,of all concerned that we should
arrive at a wise decision, aud that
speedily.
AS is well-kncwn to you, Che pres
ent policy separates the National
Union almost completely from the
General Convention, making it in all
respects an independent organizs-
tio1. I think there is hardly Union
in che country who feels that this is
Just as it should be, ard the dele
gates at Jersey City expressed their
dissatisfaction and the.r desire for
'5oser co operation when they ap-
pointed the committee to consider
the matter andreport at Detroit.
But the only policy which hae thus
far been offered as substitute for
the present plan, as it seems to me,
would be lesspreferable, at lesst now,
than the present condition ofythings.
/ refer, of course, to the suggestion
that the National Union shall cease
to carry on missionary operaSions of
its owm, and shall place it's mission
work in the hands of the General
Convention. This proposed plan is
less preferable than the present ar
rangeE1ent for tworeasons, one being
that the young people are, in general
opposed to it, and any attempt to
press it upon them is certain to be
followed by more or less disastrous
results to the work. 1t is best to de-
fer to their prejudices until they are
willing to take such step, whether
their opinions be right or wrong. And
again, [ doabt whether it would not
remove the impetus and inspiration
from the young peoples movement,
and dampen their enthusiasm. if the
stimulus Of such work as that at Har-
riman and Atlanta, carried on direct
ly by them, should be taken from
them, even if they were willing to
make the change.
The need is some plan of co opera
ton by which the two bodies may be
brought closer together and the
Young Peoples Christian Union still
retain its autonomy and the manage
ment of its own executive affairs;
then, if later, there is a desire for
still closer union. it can be brought
about. Thus far, it must be con-
fessed, the joint-eommittee appointed
for the purpose of formulating such
a scheme, have been unable to come
to any agreement, SO that if any of
you have one to offer, you will do the
denomination, as whole, a great fa-
vor by putting it forward. 1 trust
there may be some suggestion of this
kind accepted in time to present it to
the convention at Detroit.
But the fate of the Union or of the
Universalist Church does not depend
upon question of policy. Let all
Universalist young people but sim
cerely labor for the advancement of
our cause, and move forward solid,
loyal army, unselfish and willing to
labor and if need be suffer loss for
their beloved faith, and our society
will become mighty factor for truth
and righteousness, and the time for
which we all pray, when the 'glad
tidings of great joy" shall be heard
in all parts of the world and accept
ed thankfully by all people, will be
hastened. Whatever may be our part
in this great work, let us perform it
faithfully, heartily, and we'll.
HIGHTsTowN. N. j.