Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-07-11
societies of Christian Endcavor.

the great convention of the Societies of
Christian Endcavor now in session in Gin
cnnau marks the completion of twenty
years uf work on the part of that organi-
cation, and affords an opportunc time for
"a glance at the history of this remarkable
movement. The first society of this char
acter Was formed in Portland, Me. on
February >, 1881, and since that time the
movement has become Worldwide. Tie
adaptability of Christian Endeavor to ev-
cry cline and country is shown by the
fact that there are unions not only in the
United States and Canada but also in
England Scotland Ireland Wales France
Spain, Germany, South Africa, India
China, Japan, Australia and leaflets and
constitutions are now printed in Chinese
japanese, Persian. Arabic. Turkish, Bull
garian, Armenian, Siamcse, German
French Italian, Greek. Spanish, Dutch,
Norwegian, Coptic, Mexican and the many
dialects of Africa and India.
1t is only when one deals with figures
however, that any adequate idea of the
marvellous progress of the Christian En-
deavor movement can bc gained In 1921
the society established in Portland by
Rev. Francis h. Clark, the father of the
movement, had branched out into the re-
markahe number of 1874 societies. This
growth has been surpassed by far, how
ever, during the second decade of the
movement, for tho number Of societies has
inci eased to 6l,427 and the 100000 mem
hcrs Of ten years ago have increased to
nearly 4,000,oO0 If the rate of increase
grows during the next quarter of a CEN
fury as 1t has during the past decade in
particular the boldest flight Of the imagi-
nation will be required to measure the as
toni-hing development of the movement
throughout the world.
The amount of good accomplished
through the agency Of the Christian En-
dcavor societies is beyond estimate The
mote an earnest enc useful Christian life
on the part Of each member, to increase
mutual Acquaintance between members
and to train young converts in the prac-
teal duties of Christianity. 1t is announc-
od that the Christian Eudeavcr is becom-
ing n powerful eVanFcistic agency leo 900
young people having Joined different
churches representing different dononlina-
tions from the ranks of the societies dur
ing the past year alone. 1t has not only
started different departments of Christian
work outside OF the churches but 1t has
also exerted a strong influence through its
nterdonominatonal fellowship to cult
waite a spirit of liberation and Christian
unity, The Christian Endeavor movement
has been aptly described as A training
school for young Christians, but 1t will
readily appear from what has been said
in this connection that it is more than
this.
A better idea of the character and work
of the organization may be gained from a
brief statement of its Fundamental prin-
ciples, These are, first. personal and avow-
ed devotion tc Jesus Christ; second, the
covenant obligation as particularly emboI-
led in the prayer mce,ng pledge to do
what Christ would have US do; third, re-
ligous training from service; fourth, 10Y
atty to the local church and denomination
with which each society Is connecto ed (.
ilith, interdenominatiCna spiritual fellow
SHIP sixth, Christian Endeayor makes no