The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-03-07
THE STUDENT VOLUNTEER CONVENTION.


from Florida, from Nova Scotia, from the greatest
universities and the humblest colleges in all
the land have come the jubilant young and
women Foreign countries have sent their repre-
sentatives the best they have. The mission field
has sent hither its most experienced men and wom-
EN-. From all about the country progressive pas
tors have come, in eager search of better ways of
working. Presidents of societies and Board Sec
retaries, men and women, push and joste for seats
within ear-shot of the platform. Statesmen have
counted it privilege to add their testimony to
value of the missionary enterprise the spread of
civilization and peace The city has risen nobly
to her duty and privilege and is making its guests
welcome. Preparations have been made adequate
to the great gathering, and there is noise of the
machinery.
The convention opened with addresses by Messrs.
Mott and Speer, and the great Ryman Auditorium
crowded at the first session. Mr.. Mott spoke
with his usual compelling power on the meaning
and possibilities of the convention. He was fol-
lowed by Mr.. Speer, who, with irresistible mag
netism drew the crowd close Jesus.
From the first the convention reached a very high
spiritual tone and has not departed from it at a
single session. From $50 to II the pro-
gramme is kept from day to day but no one
complains because the delegates know that
weak thing will be spoken. These hours are given
to discussions by the best men available in the
whole world and there is failure. Up to the
present writing the most powerful utterance has
been made by MI Speer, whose theme was THE
Inadequacy of the Non Christian Religions to Meet
Needs of the Human Soul" 1t is almost impossible
to describe the power of this wonderful speech. It
logical, it ornate, it spiritual and car
ried one along without power of resistance.
An evening session given to the considera-
ton of the relation between diplomacy and mis-
sions. Different phases this subject We're dis
cussed by Sir Mortimer Durand, the British m
bassador in Washington, by Hon. j. w. Foster and
by Hon. Mr.. Mcfarland, of Washington Sir Nor
timers testimony to the value of foreign MISSIONS
clear and decisive. The addresses are intro
duced with prayer, and songs lie between. The
singing is never to be forgotten for harmony and
heart. A male quartette adds immensely to the
spirit and to the emotional elements of the meet
ing. The vast audiences are patient and eager.
There is no applause allowed. The only exception
to this occurred when Hon. J. w. Foster incident
ally mentioned that he was celebrating his seven
tieth birthday in attending the convention. AS If
by arranged signal, the audience gave it's con-
gratulatiOns by a round of glad applause.
The afternoon from to o'clock are given up to
sectional meetings converting in various churches
the city Here the subjects discussed at
these sectional conferences: Africa, Burma, Ceylon,
Siam, China, India, Japan, Korea, South America,
the Mohammedan World, Pastors, Young People
Sunday Schools, Educational Evangelistic and
medical missions, Editors Professors in Colleges
and Theological Semnares the Layman's Work.
etc. Then there denomnational conferences
to deal with the work from special points of view
Before the Convention began the Association of
Secretaries of Foreign Missions sat for two days
to discuss various questions affecting these vast
enterprises. One of their most important actions
the hearty request sent up the international
Lesson Committee to prepare a graded of mis-
sion lessons for use in the Sunday-schools, one a
month.
The Woman's Boards, too have held great
meeting and have completed their preparations for
their united study courses. They have resolved to
issue special missionary paper for children.
Their work is making wonderful progress along all
lines
Many of our pastors and teachers and professors
are here. Among the number are Rev. J. T. Thack-
err of Norfolk; Rev. r. w. McCorle, of Kentucky;
Revs. w. r. Dobyns, 70. NJ. MacNair of Missouri