The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-07-19
OPPOSED BY METH0DISTS
INAUGURATION OF YOUNG PEOPLES
SOCIETIES OBJECTED TO.
Union May Come in Time, but the
Christian EndeavOr Invitation
VIII Not BE Accepted Now.


Special 20 the Indianapolis Journal
NEW YORK, July 1s.-wide interest is
felt in the proposition OF the international
Society of Christian Endeavor for amalga-
nation Of the three principal organizations
OF religious young people, namely the
Christian Endeavor. the Epworth League
and the Baptist Union. There is, however,
a disposition not TO take the proposition
seriously, and especially since 1t comes
from the Christian Endeavor. and is looked
on by many as an invitation to two smaller
societies 10 come into a larger one-and
lose themselves Methodists are especially
heated in their declarations that they will
will not come in. Baptist leaders are not
quite so pronounced, and some of them may
accept. There is some slight difference be-
tween the Union and the other two socie-
ties, the Union being itself a federation in
some measure OF other Baptist organiza-
tons under various names. Endeavor
points out. in its invitation, it's priority of
organization, and therein. IL Is said. calls
attention to a circumstance particularly
well fitted to defeat the amalgamation
IT wishes to bring about.
Christian Endeavor, as a religious move
ment among young people. dates from Feb
ruary 1881. For almost ten years il monop-
olized the ljturgical bodies In the Episco-
pal Church. in 1888. the Brotherhood OF st.
Andrew came into existence, but Christian
Endeavor held the field with Congrega-
tiOnalists, Presbyterians, Reformed, and
half a dozen small bodies where it still
holds ALL But I'm 1889 and in 1891, Methodists
and Baptsts respectively organized their
own young peoples societies. AT about the
same time Lutherans did the same. The
basis OF their action was UNCONVENTIONAL
loyalty. Along with what some call sec
tarianism, was a desire TO teach truths
held by leaders to be vital. For example,
Methodists and BaptiSts wanted their
societies to be more educational than En-
deavor had been, or still is for that mat
ter, while Lutherans had and still have
their peculiar problems of differences grow
ing out of nationality and language. The
invitation OF Christian Endeavor, now
made, is held to be an invitation to return,
and hence the unwisdom of mention of
priority of date of Organization. Union may
come about, but the present suggestion of
IL has been met with anything but ap-
prevail.
Methodists North and South, who form
the bulk of American Methodism white.
are doing two things. One of these is try
ing TO bring about organic union, and the
other elaboration Of form of service In
public worship. There is a good deal of
opposition TO organic union, and he consists
chiefly Of the colored man. Remove him.
and union might come in haste. Until he
can be removed, common forms of educa-
ton and of worship are being devised
When the two bodies separated in 1874 they
had, Of course, books of discipline in COM
mon. Since the civil war different forms
have grown up. Now committees of both
general conferences are at work on a COM
mon form of worship, a common catechism.
and common hymnal. The form of wor-
ship has just been agreed upon, and most
of the points of the catechism decided The
hymnal is not yet ready, and there is plenty
OF time for Methodists North do not meet
until May. 1904. and South until 1906. Com
pared with the form recommended in the
present discipline the public worship form
now put forth has many new essentials Of
ritual The change meets with favor amons
Methodists. however. and is made in re-
Spouse TO what leaders believe to be a pou
lar demand.
Baptists North contemplate revival meth
DDS. They also intend to recognize NOR.
fully than heretofore the divine Office o.
the evangelist. A meeting of ten State con
. ventions, including all New England anC
many of the middle States. is to be held il
New York next week, and at the end o.
August there is to be held in Chicago
similar conference of State conventions o.
Indiana, Michigan, Illinois. Wisconsin
Iowa and Minnesota These conferences ar,
held in pursuance Of action taken by tn,
anniversaries in Buffalo in May. Thei
purpose is to map cut plans for a genera
evangelistic campaign beginning In thu
early autumn. They will also undertake
To put evangelists upon better basis be
fore the church. both as to their ordna