Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-20
THE RICHMOND DIspATUH-sUNDAY. MARCH 20, 1898.

slst the thouss nd temptations, when
would otherwise beset their pain.
Similar is the testimony OF Or. JOHN
Hall. of New York. Bhho HeloricAs'
OF the Methodist Episcopa! Cnureh'
! South, says: ut has adjusted isseil 10
the great existing churches as q CT
worker, without claiming itself 10 Dc u
church, and has the coniidenee anu
sympathy OF leading divines IN an
churches Tho late DIR. John A. brosnus
wrote: after closely observing he
Young Mems Christian Association Work
for years past. and taking frequent part
In IL. | nm thoroughly convinced that II
~ of great value 1t does some KINDS OK
work better than single churchss thh ~
and, when wisely IL neipS .ho
churches and does not interfere with
them. / shall 10 everything can 10
extend It's influence, and earnestly ie-
commend II to general support ana CO.
operation" Bishop Randolph writes:
THE growing strength and vitality Oh
the Young Mems Christian Association
among Young men of all Protestant
churches is a subject of earnest congratu-
lation for all Intelligent and liberal-mind-
ed Christians"
And so / might continue to quote. IL
all the good men and women, VINO re-
toice In the existance and work OF this
organization could be heard from, their
testimonies would Ill many volumes.
3. I know Of its value and importance
from experience and observation. When
n youth In Richmond, l became an
active member, and know that it was
helpful to me and others in many re-
spects. When a student at the Uni
versity of Virginia, it was my privilege
to be Identified along with others In the
first college Young Mems Christian Asso-
citation which was organized. Since my
work as a pastor began, | have found
the institution valuable in various ways.
4. Because Il has a sphere Of its own,
and does not in n way conflict with
the churches. Hero is the explicit state
ment of the Worlds Conference, held
some years ago in this country: That
we do not intend that this institution
shall take the highest place in our
affections. or the largest share of our
labors, but that we hold this %organiza-
ton as auxiliary To the divinely appointed
means Of grace-the Church and the
preaching OF the Gospel.
The British associations made the
following declaration: THAT we recog-
nize the churches of God, which
are I'm Christ Jesus as existing by Dl-
vine appointment for the maintenance or
the institutions of public worship and for
the ministry OF the NOIu VI bOu, INV
earnestly disavow any intention or de-
sire to enter upon the functions proper
10 the churches. The associations seek
10 be, and desire TO be, regarded as
helpers to the churches in effort and SER
vice directed toward a class of persons not
easily reached by ordinary church
agencies, and consider it to be alike
their privilege and their duty to lead
young men into the fellowship Of the
-
churches and under the influence OF the
Christian ministry"
All the Young Mems Christian associa-
tions of which 1 know anything have
acted in accordance with these delive-
RANGES.
5. 1t brings together the Lords people,
inc shows to the world that, however
much Christians MAJ differ in matter per-
tanning to church government, ordinances.
etc, they nevertheless stand together on
the rock-bottom of a common faith in
our Saviour Jesus Christ, and are one in
the common service Of the same adora-
BILE Redeemer and Lord.
6. Gods manifest approval and blessing
have been upon it from the first, and all
through its wonderful history. Little
did George Williams and his associates
dream, when in 1874 they began to care
for the spiritual interests Of their fellow
clerks Gust fifty years ago. that they
We're helping 10 form an organization,
which was to spread through Christen-
dom and into pagan lands, and within a
short period to carry blessings untold TO
of thousands Of young men.
alone will reveal the good il
accomplished, and will yet bring to
pass. Surely, the influences that these
pioneers, wise and far-seeing men, were
permitted to put into operation will be
remembered when the boasts of heraldry,
pomp Of power n the splendor
Of palaces are buried IN oblivion.