New-York tribune., 1907-11-23
MIR. BRYCE TO Y. Nj. C. A.
international Convention Opens in
Washington.

Washington, Nov 22-Christian workers repre-
senting many lands gathered here to-day in at
tendance the thirty-sixth international conven-
ton of the Young Mems Christian Associations Of
North America. The convention formally
opened at Continental Hall at 10 o'clock this morn
ing and will continue four days. Delegates from
all parts of America. England. Canada Japan and
other countries present.
The opening session to-day began with a Quiet
Hour led by the Rev. DR.. Floyd W. Tomkins. Of
Holy Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church of Phil
adelphia- He made a plea for prayer for the
world. declaring that If every Christian would pray
for one person in the silence OF the sanctuary the
world would soon be Christianized.
The afternoon session held In Convention
Hail. the largest public gathering place in the city,
where the delegates were formally welcomed by
Commissioner H. B. F. MacFarland. a gavel was
presented to the convention by delegates from
Panama, following which DR.. Parkhurst made an
address.
Tonight in Convention Hall praise service was
held' followed by addresses by Mr.. Bryce on some
features OF the Young Mems Christian Association
movement, with special reference TO the work in
America. and by Governor Glenn of North Caro-
Ina on THE Nations Need of Strong Christian
Young Men"
Ambassador Bryce spoke in part as follows:
AS this convention is International and the Young
Mems Christian associations of Great Britain and
oa9ada ian nave sent delegates here it seems natural
ing Britain and her colonies in the United States
srG srOulI express those wishes for the continued
IOWIh ana success of your movement which must
ne , Ielt by all in Europe who know how much good
II mas done there. There features in the move
aH SiIowlhg Wnat are the special needs of this
ana what is the new spirit that pervades 1t. This
ass9cation With its branches every city stands
basa III ,WeiOoIue every newcomer who seeks 10
pdse ms life upon its faith and hope. It cheers
INN, INN, IL opens to him means of raising his
titLousiitS Oy communinS with others more eXpe
rlenced or advanced than himself it gives him ia
Lties i Ior useful work in trying to his fell
The faith which the association is founded is
Ialth IN the fundamental truths of Christianity,
nf pNiS
religious bodies and 10 gather into fraternaI nno6
the members OF every denomination It Is a hope
iui sign Of our times that those minor differences
zeal ana energy were in past days spent to so little
purpose have now fallen into the background y
unity is now in the ascendant.
People have sometimes said that Christianity
intended only for the individual and the family,
put not also for the state and for politics. That
is not So dts principles through every part
Of life and every kind of action. What is the
promoting the welfare OF those who compose it?
What politics but the striving of the citizens
RanizatioD which we cali the state IN The aims
for which it constructed-peace, order and
the happiness of its members? You young men
strong Territory you have Power YOU have.
Wealth you have. You see long vista of in
YOU But you want America to be more than all
this You want her TO be pattern to other 9oun- M
The attainment Of this you can all help. 1t is
common saying that every vote counts. but what
IS far more, every wise word counts every upright
life counts. The nation is nothing but immense
counts Every honest. simple. upright kindly life
goes to make the nation great and happy. You
cannot all be strong or rich or successful as the
lead your lives in subui to Gods Will and 10
find your highest happiness in serving Him and
serving His children, who ere your brethren