The Detroit times., 1911-10-25

: ingS and the movement In gen 7
I erdl. Mr.. Smith presided.
H.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
That the Men and Religion
Forward Movement Is beginning TO
take hold in Detroit was evident from
the interest manifested at the first OF
the MONDAY meetings arranged for
this week, which We're held, Tuesday.
In front OF the city hall, in the post
office. in the Pontchartrain. Cadillac,
Griswold, ST. Claire and Normandie
hotels and in 80 factories in all parts
OF the city.
The largest meeting was that held
in front OF the city hall, which was
addressed by Frederick B. Smith, one
OF the leaders in the national move
ment The blast Of a cornet was the
opening signal and the men within
hearing were quick 10 respond TO It's
appeal
Many professional men from the
neighboring office buildings were in
the crowd OF nearly 200 that gathered
and they joined In singing national
and religious airs with cornet accom-.
paniment.
Mr.. Smith spoke briefly, but to the
point. He brought forth cheer with
a reference 10 Theodore Roosevelt,
who. he said, was as square as dol
| lar. without trace OF yellow In his
makeup" He referred to Bryan IS
another politician against whose in
tegrity not one word could be said.
But we've got politicians who
haven't been as scrupulous as these
men" he said. and some OF the politi-
clans present looked around uneasily.
wondering, evidently, IL there were
ahy personal references in the speak
er's remarks.
MANY men In political life have
proven themselves 10 be thieves and
grafters," Mr.. Smith continued. Inc
conditions existing In many OF our
cities are deplorable, and a downright.
genuine religious life offers the only
solution Of the problem. We are not
here today TO talk TO you OF more SUP.
stantial buildings. wider street and
new libraries, but we are here to ap-
peal TO you as men 20 get closer 10
I the religious life
Mr.. Smith referred TO the Hebrews,
the Scandinavians and the Germans
as people OF strong religious conyic-
tons. and declared that the biggest
task that confronts the men OF this
country today is to see to II that the
country is-established on "a steadfast
religious foundation that would en-
dure forever.
I'VE nave no national religion as
other countries have" he said. Here
every man Is free to choose for HIM
self. and the peril OF this is that we
men are liable to drift clear out OF
tho religious zone.
| 81 say to the young men who are
here that If you want to count in
this life " you want TO amount To
something, the most essential thing
for you to know is that you have the
right relation with God. Take IL from
me, the religion of Jesus Christ Is the
most fundamental thing in the world -
Many of the men present remained
| to shake hands with Mr. Smith and
| pledge their support In the movement.
An Audience Of Drummers.
The MONDAY meeting In the lobby
Of the Hotel Pontchartrain was a
| source Of much satisfaction TO the
Movement Workers. Busy travellers
listened intently 10 forceful, inspir-
ing address from the Rev. Maurice
Penfeld Fixes, pastor OF the Wood.
ward-ave. Baptist church. He began
| by telling what the Men and Religion
Forward Movement stood for, explain.
ing that II was message to men. In
the hope that they would embrace
Christianity and become workers In
the church.
I'VE want to reach the men who
are absenting themselves from the
church of Indifference" said Mr..
Fixes. They pass up the church un.
| I'll they get stomachache; then they
send for the preacher and begin TO
! take az interest in the church. Men
are Indifferent about religion because
! they say they are not wanted In the
church. Now I want To give the lie
| to that statement right here. We do
want the men, and there is Job for
| everyone willing TO work.
preachers are not in the ministry
/ for the money they get out OF II.
| have been in IL tor 20 years, and
| tell YOU men that no one works harder
at any business. ! don't care what
IL is. than I do for the cause OF Jesus
Christ and the church. Men may
I soon at religion II they want to, but
t ( hope the time will come when every
man will go out on the road with a
| copy Of this little book" here Mr..
Fixes drew from his pocket a small
edition OF the Bible, and honor II
as Il should be honored I heard OF
travelling man, who. on finding a
copy OF the Bible in his hotel room,
threw IL into the hall, saying, to hell