OVERCOME-BE NOT OVERCOME! 
 
 FROM THE LIBRARY OF 
 
 GUSTAV KRAEMER 
 
 Library of the Theological Seminary 
 
 PRINCETON • NEW JERSEY 
 
 Presented by 
 
 Dr. Earl A. Pope 
 Manson Professor of Bible 
 
 Lafayette College 
 The Earl A. Pope Collection 
 
o ° 
 
Official Report 
 
 Fifteenth International 
 
 Christian Endeavor Convention, 
 
 Central Hall, Tent Williston, Tent Washington, Tent Endeavor, 
 AND the Churches, 
 
 WASHINGTON, D.C, JULY 8-1^, 1896. 
 
 Copyrighted, 1896, by U. S. C. 
 
 LIBRARY OF PRINCETO 
 
 THEOLOGICAL SEMINA 
 
 PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT, 
 
 UNITED SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR, 
 
 646 Washington St., Boston, Mass., U. S. A. 
 
 1896. 
 
Fifteenth International Convention 
 
 OF THE 
 
 YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETIES 
 
 OF 
 
 CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR. 
 
 Washington, D. C, July 8-13, 1896. 
 
 PRAISE God for the great Washington 
 Christian Endeavor Convention ! 
 It was decidedly the best of all our fifteen 
 
 The following pages present a picture of 
 its scenes and an account of its events. Let 
 us first take a review of its prominent charac- 
 teristics. 
 
 Foremost — as was hoped would be the 
 case — is its spirituality. "Not by might, 
 nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the 
 Lord," was appropriately the "committee of 
 '96's" motto. An unusual number of emi- 
 nent evangelists gave earnest service through- 
 out the Convention, — Rev. J. Wilbur Chap- 
 man, D.D., Rev. B. Fay Mills, Mr. C. N. 
 Hunt, Rev. H. M. Wharton, D.D., Rev. Ford 
 C. Ottman, Rev. F. M. Lamb, Commander 
 Booth-Tucker, Mr. Ira D. Sankey, Rev. Ralph 
 Gillam, and others. Boisterousness and friv- 
 olity were conspicuously absent. Over all 
 the meetings brooded the earnest devotion 
 and prayerful consecration that are more and 
 more largely characteristic of Christian 
 Endeavor. Not a few conversions were 
 
 made in some of these meetings. Thousands were quickened to a 
 
 higher spiritual life. 
 
 Though held in a city of unsurpassed attractiveness to the patriot, 
 
 A_r., 
 
 1^ ' 
 
 ^r^Sfe^jjiii^— 
 
4 Official Report of the 
 
 the student, the lover of beauty in art and nature, the Convention did 
 not suffer in attendance from sightseeing ; but this pleasant occupation 
 was reserved for the spaces in the programme prepared for it. And 
 when the delegates did set out to see Washington, they saw it wisely 
 and well ; and to do this is to receive no slight education. 
 
 Not even the worst the Weather Bureau could do in the way of rain 
 and wind beating down Tent Williston, and in the way of heat, 
 served to dampen or wither the quiet enthusiasm. Discomforts were 
 routed with a song. Hindrances were overleaped by zeal. 
 
 Some familiar Convention features were absent, or less marked than 
 usual. We seem to have said farewell to the State " yell ; " may it be 
 forever ! While the singing in the tents, and especially from the glori- 
 ous choirs, was unsurpassed, the singing on the streets was slight. 
 Washington was too interesting, and too hot. The " buzzer " was 
 almost never used ; the speakers kept to time. 
 
 There were some notable innovations, which deserve to become per- 
 manent. One of these is the holding of separate evangelistic services 
 for men only and for women only. These meetings, at which some 
 remarkable addresses were made, produced a decided and powerful 
 effect. 
 
 Then there were the stereopticon lectures. There is no reason why 
 we should not have an eye convention, as well as an ear convention 
 and a mouth convention. 
 
 The meetings for citizens of the Convention city were held while the 
 Endeavorers were attending their State rallies. It has always seemed 
 a little selfish, though necessary, to bar from the sessions the people 
 who have done so much to make them possible. 
 
 There were two magnificent mass-meetings, each devoted to a single 
 theme of surpassing and immediate interest to the Christian world, — 
 the session that considered the Armenians, and the Sabbath observance 
 rally. Profoundly pathetic and appealing as was the Armenian meet- 
 ing, and certain to result in immense blessing to our persecuted Chris- 
 tian brothers and sisters across the sea, we feel that the Sabbath 
 observance rally, less dramatic, less thronged, though finely attended, 
 will be productive of results more far-reaching and profound than any 
 other session of the entire Convention. 
 
 The daily Bible-studies, under a competent leader, were another new 
 feature, and one whose success at Washington certainly calls for its 
 continuance in the Conventions to come. These great gatherings, 
 based as they always have been on God's word and doing highest 
 honor to it, should give definite and practical help and stimulus toward 
 its study. 
 
 For the first time, in addition to the Junior rally, — and such a glori- 
 ous Junior rally was never held, — an entire morning was devoted to a 
 Junior workers' conference. Undoubtedly, from the standpoint of a 
 practical worker, this was among the best sessions of the Convention. 
 
 It was a new idea to hold denominational missionary rallies, in addi- 
 tion to those denominational rallies which have heretofore met with 
 
Fifteenth Internatio7ial Convention. 5 
 
 success. These missionary rallies were superb successes, and they, 
 too, will certainly receive an encore. And, by the way, the Washing- 
 ton Convention marks a distinct advance step in Christian Endeavor 
 progress in several important denominations, while no loss of infiuence 
 and favor is to be observed in any of them. Our glorious fellowship 
 is ever widening and deepening. 
 
 The attendance, while stupendous, — over thirty-one thousand, — did 
 not reach the enormous enrolment made by last year's gathering, held 
 at Boston. This is easily accounted for by the hard times, the fear of 
 Washington heat, the fact that a very large number of Endeavorers are 
 saving up for San Francisco, '97, the enormous number of Endeavorers 
 that live in and near Boston, and the fact that last year's Convention 
 was held at a point so near Washington. Probably for a year we shall 
 be relieved of the foolish cry: "See how vast, unwieldy, and unprofit- 
 able these monster gatherings are becoming! Let us split them up 
 into sectional conventions or restrict the attendance to a limited num- 
 ber." On the other hand, what would have been said, ten years ago, 
 if one had dared to prophesy that a purely religious convention would 
 ever draw together, from great distances and all States and Provinces, 
 and from foreign lands, and from all denominations, more than thirty 
 thousand zealous young soldiers of the cross .'' 
 
 Last year were held the great patriotic rallies on Boston Common, 
 at Bunker Hill, the Old South and Old North Churches, and under the 
 Washington elm. This year the Capitol grounds furnished an arena 
 for a popular patriotic demonstration such as the world has never seen. 
 When before were fifty thousand people, mostly young men and young 
 women, brought together at the capital of a great nation, not for a 
 political jollification, not to honor a statesman or inaugurate an admin- 
 istration, but solely to emphasize their profound conviction that God 
 should rule in the State, and that congresses and parliaments belong to 
 Christ the Lord ? That event will become historic, and to become a 
 participant in it was alone well worth the journey to Washington. 
 
 We had in our national capital a model Convention city. Its scores 
 of great hotels ; its excellent street car service ; its wide streets, so 
 superb in their smooth asphalt, so stately with their shadowy elms ; 
 its spacious churches ; its hospitable homes ; its grand public edifices, 
 museums, colleges, galleries, monuments, and statues ; its crowding 
 associations with all portions of our splendid history, — these things 
 won all hearts, and thrilled us all with a new pride in our dear land. 
 And our brothers that own the sway of England's noble queen could 
 enjoy it all as heartily as we. 
 
 We had in the Committee of 'g6 a model Convention committee, 
 backed up by a noble set of workers. Though coincidence with the 
 Democratic national convention at Chicago prevented as wide pub- 
 licity as would otherwise have been given to the Convention's history, 
 the press was never so well served as by the splendid Convention 
 press committee. The reception of delegates and their entertainment 
 were cordial and in every way admirable. The hall committee's work 
 
6 Official Report of the 
 
 was rendered exceedingly difficult by the overthrow of Tent Williston, 
 but was heroically performed. Never were the ushers better managed, 
 nor has this important branch of Convention work ever been so well 
 performed. The decorations were numerous, and in unusually good 
 taste. The music, under the chairmanship of Mr. Chas. S. Clark and 
 those mighty men of the baton, Messrs. Foster, Excell, and Bilhorn, 
 with the help of the Hampton octette, Ira D. Sankey, Rev. F. M. 
 Lamb, the men's choir, and others, was remarkably fine. All the other 
 committees did their work to universal acceptance. 
 
 And while the whole Christian Endeavor world is now speaking the 
 praises of Washington and the noble Committee of '96, not one word 
 too much will be uttered, for the city and committee are worthy of all 
 honor. At this time, particularly, reference must be made to that great 
 host of workers, who, at immense sacrifice of time, money, pleasure, 
 convenience, and self-interest, did such royal service for the great 
 Convention, — the untitled and possibly unnoticed lay members of the 
 Washington Christian Endeavor Societies. To them, more than to 
 any other human beings, belongs the credit for the success of the 
 Convention. They were invaluable. For months they have given 
 their lives to this work, toiling early and late on the various commit- 
 tees. No political or other secular gathering ever could receive such 
 service. How shall we worthily praise the four thousand members of 
 the chorus, — their songs are yet in our hearts, — the army of recep- 
 tion and entertainment committee members, who labored arduously 
 day and night for the delegates; the fine corps of ushers and splendid 
 press-committee workers, whose service money could not have bought; 
 the tireless messengers, the faithful laborers at railway stations, church 
 and committee headquarters, or the other multitudes who did glorious 
 service in humble places .'' We can not praise them rightly ; we can 
 but appreciate them, and say how our hearts have been inspired and 
 encouraged by their Christ-like example. They ask no reward ; yet, 
 nevertheless, high reward will be theirs at the hands of " the Father 
 who seeth in secret." 
 
 Especial mention should be made of the remarkable evenness of the 
 programme and the high excellence of the addresses, though an 
 unusual number of the best speakers may be said to be the discoveries 
 of this Convention. From session after session the delegates came, 
 declaring with fervor, " The grandest meeting of the Convention ! " 
 " No, mine was ! " some one from another tent would cry. " No, 
 mine ! " a third would insist. And especially noticeable, too, was the 
 fact that nearly every speaker could be clearly heard. 
 
 The evangelistic meetings were often pentecostal in fervor and 
 power. In some instances the delegates, crowded out of the missions, 
 held evangelistic meetings on their own account. The first meeting of 
 the World's Christian Endeavor Union was full of high promise. It 
 will not be long, certainly, before our International Convention is held 
 in London, the metropolis of the world. The large number of mission- 
 aries and missionary secretaries present gave the Convention a distinct 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 7 
 
 uplift. The mission boards are utilizing, as never before, the immense 
 power of these Christian Endeavor societies. Throughout the great 
 gathering there were countless evidences of the fact that Christian 
 Endeavor is constantly growing in the esteem of the evangelical 
 denominations. The State rallies were far more carefully planned and 
 enthusiastically carried out than ever before. Their programmes were 
 miniature conventions. Never was there so good a representation of 
 State officers. The reception given to them by the United Society was 
 a most delightful occasion, and their all-day conference with the trus- 
 tees was one of the most important milestones in Christian Endeavor 
 history. 
 
Official Report of the 
 
 THE OPENING SESSIONS— WEDNESDAY EVENING. 
 
 FOR DEEPER SPIRITUAL LIFE. 
 
 The heavens opened. The showers came down. The clouds poured 
 out their floods upon Washington throughout Wednesday. The outlook 
 for the opening meetings was ominous. Many shook their heads and 
 prophesied failures, but nevertheless they went to the churches them- 
 selves. And so did more than twenty thousand others. Almost every 
 church was filled, and some overflowed. To a man the delegations, 
 nearly all of which reached the city before Wednesday night, turned 
 out to these opening meetings. 
 
 Then came the greater showers. The windows of heaven opened. 
 There was a glorious downpour of spiritual refreshment such as has 
 never before been seen at similar Convention meetings. A myriad of 
 lives were enriched by the deep, quiet, and searching services of these 
 opening sessions. Assuredly, the Convention's beginning was a fitting 
 success. 
 
 " The Deepening of the Spiritual Life " was the topic of twenty of 
 the meetings. Men whom God has honored gave his messages to the 
 throngs of eager delegates listening with open hearts. In each meeting 
 at least two addresses were given on the topic. To report a tenth part 
 of these life-making speeches is beyond the scope of these columns. 
 The words are written on the hearts of multitudes of young people, 
 who will interpret them in lives that acknowledge the pre-eminence of 
 spiritual things. 
 
 The speakers were of many denominations and from many places. 
 The United Kingdom sent these noble sons with royal words : Rev. 
 W. H. Towers, Rev. Arnold Streuli, and Rev. Joseph Brown Morgan, all 
 of England ; Rev. W. D. Reid, Rev. Egerton R. Young, Rev. W. F. Wil- 
 son, and Rt. Rev. Maurice S. Baldwin, D.D., of Canada. 
 
 A large number of the addresses were by familiar and popular Chris- 
 tian Endeavor workers, whose words were of especial weight because of 
 this. Some of these were Rev. J. T. McCrory, D.D., Rev. Smith 
 Baker, D.D., Rev. Kerr B. Tupper, D.D., Rev. J. E. Pounds, D.D., Rev. 
 Clarence A. Barbour, Rev. W. G. Fennell, Mr. Amos R. Wells, Rev. 
 William Rader, Rev. J. Clement French, D.D., Rev. Leander S. Key- 
 ser, Mr. W. H. Strong, and Rev. James L. Hill, D.D. 
 
 As is the habit of Christian Endeavor, the pastors were given a first 
 place at these meetings, and they predominated as speakers, as is 
 shown by this list of names, which itself tells eloquently of the power 
 of the words spoken : Rev. J. L. Withrow, D.D., LL.D., Rev. James 
 A. Worden, D.D., Rev. Louis A. Banks, D.D., Rev. F. P. Ramsay, 
 Rev. J. W. Fifield, Rev. Cortland Myers, Rev. W. H. Robinson, D.D., 
 Rev. J. L. Campbell, D.D., Rev. C. L. Work, D.D., Rev. Rufus W. 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 9 
 
 Hufiford, D.D., Rev. William J. Harsha, D.D., Rev. C. S. Mason, 
 Bishop W. B. Derrick, D.D., Rev. P. Thomas Stanford, D.D., Rev. 
 J. W. Hamilton, D.D., Rev. L. R. Dyott, Rev. R. F. Coyle, D.D., Rev. 
 Franklin Hamilton, Rev. J. E. Mason, Rev. P. P. Watson, Bishop 
 Samuel Fallows, D.D., LL.D., Bishop Alexander Walters, D.D., and 
 Bishop B. W. Arnett, D.D. 
 
 In the Epiphany Episcopal Church the meeting was presided over by 
 the pastor. Rev. R. H. McKim, D.D., and addressed by two Episcopal 
 Christian Endeavor workers. Rev. Albert E. George, South Boston, and 
 Rt. Rev. Maurice S. Baldwin, D.D., Lord Bishop of London, Ont., 
 while a Massachusetts Episcopal Endeavorer, Rev. C. W, Palmer, had 
 charge of the "quiet hour." 
 
 And those " quiet hours " ! What times of silent searching, heart 
 communion, and deep consecration they were ! The desires for com- 
 plete personal holiness, for the full enthronement of Jesus over the life, 
 and for the exaltation of the Holy Spirit, generated in these precious 
 moments, only the all-seeing Master himself can know. Evangelists 
 Rev. Ralph Gillam, Rev. Ford C. Ottman, Mr. C. N. Hunt, and Rev. 
 A. D. Thaeler, Mr. Charles B. Holdrege, Rev. W. F. McCauley, Rev. 
 A. F. McGregor, Rev. Charles Roads, Rev. Charles A. Oliver, Mr. 
 Arthur W. Kelly, Rev. T. G. Langdale, Mr. William T. Ellis, Rev. 
 E. T. Root, Rev. S. Edward Young, Rev. Joseph Brown Turner, and 
 Mr. Harry A. Kimports directed these solemn services. In the 
 "quiet hour" many delegates learned afresh the Scripture, "Be still, 
 and know that I am God." 
 
 A popular innovation at these opening Wednesday evening services 
 was the introduction of two stereopticon missionary lectures. Audi- 
 ences that crowded two churches to their fullest limit greeted the lec- 
 turers, Rev. Frank S. Dobbins and Rev. George E. Lovejoy, whose 
 topics were, respectively, "The Land of the Rising Sun" and "The 
 Crescent Against the Cross." 
 
 In all of these services, with one or two exceptions, the pastors of 
 the churches in which the meetings assembled presided, and made 
 addresses of welcome. At these meetings, too, the uniformed ushers 
 did their first regular Convention work, as did also the chorus. It is 
 needless to say that they did it well. The special music in many meet- 
 ings was a helpful and delightful feature. Each church honored its 
 guests by appropriate decorations, and these were often elaborate and 
 significant. Since most of the churches were State headquarters. State 
 colors and welcome banners were frequently to be seen. 
 
 Yes, Wednesday night was a night of great meetings, enriched by 
 showers of blessing. 
 
 New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. 
 
 The spacious auditorium of the New York Avenue Presbyterian 
 Church was well filled, there being few empty seats in the main 
 body of the church, and the galleries were also occupied. While 
 
10 Official Report of the 
 
 the audience was being seated a strong male voice started a favorite 
 Endeavor hymn, which was taken up by the audience with well-sus- 
 tained power and several verses were sung. The pastor of the church, 
 Rev. Wallace Radcliffe, D. D., presided over the meeting. Prayer was 
 offered by Dr. Radcliffe, and then he read a selection from the Scrip- 
 tures, after which another hymn was sung, and with a few appropriate 
 words Dr. Radcliffe introduced Rev. Cortland Myers, of Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 
 Address of Rev. Cortland Myers, Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 
 When they tell me that in my own city and across the river in New York 
 City there are a million people who do not attend church upon the Sabbath 
 Day, it is an inspiration to come here to the City of Washington, and that in- 
 spiration is significant at such an hour as this, when we are gathered here in 
 such large numbers on such a stormy night, to speak about and to think about 
 this most important subject — The Deepening of the Spiritual Life. 
 
 About a mile from my own home was an old mill. One of the delights of 
 those happy hours was a journey to that mill. The anticipation always fought 
 with the reality, and the reality always won the victory. And I can now hear 
 the music of those forces, the roar of the old wheels and the buzz-saw. I recall 
 that there were certain hours in the history of that mill when it could not run 
 at all. But when the mountain stream was running down the hillside and the 
 larger stream flowing unto the mill-pond, the old miller could raise the gates, 
 and the water flowed ; but when those mountain streams were dry, there was 
 no music and no whistle, and the wheels did not turn and the saw did not buzz. 
 What was the trouble? What was needed.? Water on the hillsides; water 
 from the mountain tops. The old mill-pond was dependent upon that stream, 
 and the stream was dependent upon the water from the hills, and the water in 
 the hills dependent upon the streams from the mountain, and the mountain 
 dependent upon the clouds in the upper world. 
 
 The deepening of the spiritual life is from above, and that deepening has its 
 issue in power. We are not to deepen the stream of spiritual life by cutting a 
 channel or enlarging the channel. That is making merely a canal, and a canal 
 is a poor sort of a substitute for a stream by which we are going to run a mill, 
 by which we are going to receive the power. You are not going to deepen the 
 spiritual world by cutting a channel. No. The forces as they come from the 
 upper world will make their own appropriate and far better channel. The 
 spiritual life is not deepened by any process of the convent or of living the life 
 of a monk or a nun, dressed in sackcloth or living in ashes. 
 
 The Lord Jesus left us in this world, and we are not to be taken out of it 
 until we are to be transferred to heaven : we are in the world but not of it. If 
 you are to be just exactly what your heavenly Father wants you to be, your 
 spiritual life is not to be deepened by any external process, not by any method 
 or formula ; you can pass through all sorts of ceremony, and not have one 
 single atom added to your spiritual life. Why, I remember recently of stand- 
 ing in the congregation of a church where the formal worship of God was going 
 on, and of noticing a young woman who, when prayers were offered, went 
 through her prayers as perfectly as they were ever uttered by any one in the 
 whole world ; yet I noticed at the same time that she was taking in every one 
 in the whole congregation, and I wondered if there were any additions being 
 made to her spiritual life in that hour of worship. I presume she thought 
 there were. 
 
 I do not believe it is within human power to produce faith in the human 
 heart. I believe though it is within human power to crowd out the bad by the 
 presence of the good. If you have a glass full of water, why, you are not going 
 to put any beer into it ! Now, there is something of the same principle that 
 must come into your own attitude towards this subject of which we are speak- 
 ing to-night. Your spiritual life is to be deepened by the crowding-out process. 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 11 
 
 That is God's process. That which is untrue is best taken care of by crowding 
 in all that which is true. 
 
 Now, it is a beautiful thing to see a true Christian character, but I declare to 
 God that the most beautiful thing to be seen in the Christian life is the issue 
 of this deepening of the spiritual life into power, not to get out of the world, 
 but to move th'e world, and to move it for God. We are to be men and women, 
 filled with the power of the Holy Ghost, to move the world on up towards God 
 until at last it is bound with golden chains fast to his feet. What did they 
 wait in the old city of Jerusalem for ? Will you tell me.'* What did Peter wait 
 for, and James and Thomas, and the rest of them wait for in the old City? 
 Peter waited until that quick and hasty temper of his had been dispelled by 
 the grace of the Spirit. We need to-day, more than we need anything else in 
 this wide world, a deepening of the spiritual life, which is the divine energy 
 moving through man. The weakest thing on earth is the man or woman who 
 says he is Christian and is not moved by the Holy Ghost. The mightiest force 
 on earth is the weakest man or woman who says " I am Christian, and I am 
 moved by the divine energy, which is the Holy Spirit himself." That is the 
 way this world is to be brought to the feet of our Master, and that is the 
 process which God has marked out for you, to do your work in your Endeavor 
 Societies. 
 
 The next speaker was one of the Presbyterian pastors of Chicago, 
 and was heartily received. 
 
 Address of Rev. W. H. Robinson, D.D., of Englewood, Ml. 
 
 I speak this evening to those who have pondered the oracles of God, and 
 who have worked in God's garden weeding and planting ; not to babes in Christ, 
 but to those hungry to be fed with meat. You are here because you feel a 
 pressure toward loftier aspiration and discontented with common measures of 
 spiritual life. You are asking for some diviner terms than the flat earth usually 
 affords by which to mount to eternal life. 
 
 The spiritual life should rule the bodily. Man's living body is tenanted by a 
 living spirit. He has a life within a life. There are those who are bursting 
 with animal life at every pore, while their spiritual life makes no sign. They 
 have wound such thick veils of flesh around the spirit that its light never shines 
 through. The body, even, seems in some to have absorbed the shrunken spirit 
 as the worm draws in the withered leaf and makes it earth. 
 
 On the other hand the inner life sometimes flames through the outer and 
 transfigures it. Through the unconscious skin of Moses' face his secret Sinai 
 fellowship with God forced rays of light that never was on sea or land. The 
 faces of the Sanhedrim and its false witnesses, opaque with passion and heavy 
 with lies, fronted in Stephen the incipient transfiguration of a face that seemed 
 another morn risen on mid-noon — perfectly angelic. 
 
 Put a light inside a marble vase and the stone grows beautifully translucent. 
 The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord and should shine through the tex- 
 ture of the countenance. Leddon, in his " Elements of Religion," a book worth 
 reading, says of John Keble, author of " The Christian Year," that, " his face 
 was like an illuminated clock." Through the time and tear-stained dial and 
 across the weather-worn hands shone the light of a great peace within. Such 
 men you call spiritually minded, they have a profound and powerful spiritual 
 life. You want to be like them. You want to deepen your spiritual life. But 
 men are full of vagaries, false ecstasies, and strange contradictions. " Blank 
 does make a beautiful prayer, but he will lie," said a man to me. I fear it was 
 true. Such a man seems to be religious. He seems to have spiritual life. His 
 nature is like the tree of the tropics. The tenderest bird notes are heard in the 
 foliage. Has not the spirit then alighted like a heavenly dove, and made its 
 nest and rest ? The leaves are stirred with rustling music. Does not the spirit, 
 like some heavenly wind, breathe across these branches? Blossoms exhale 
 their fragrance like swinging censers. What but the very breath divine can 
 disengage such gusts of perfume ? Is not this spirituality? But down below is 
 
12 Official Report of the 
 
 the oozy ground where the cobra flashes his fangs and the centipede mixes his 
 poison. The contact with the skies is good, but alas for the contact with the 
 common earth of daily life ! It is Balaam incarnate again. The language of 
 tlie Mount is beautiful, but the life on the meadow is evil and teaches Israel 
 to sin. 
 
 When, then, we seek to deepen our spiritual life, our very first anxiety must 
 be to know what spiritual life is in its true essence. The thing to deepen is 
 what 1 Thank God, the answer is clear. Ideal spiritual life is the life effected 
 by the Holy Spirit. God has sent forth the spirit of his Son into men's hearts, 
 and the spiritual life effected thereby in the inmost soul and its fruit in the out- 
 ward life are clearly and definitely described. 
 
 When the spirit of God comes into our souls he produces certain thoughts 
 and emotions. These are very definite. One of them is that we feel that God 
 is our Father. God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into our hearts, whereby 
 we cry "Abba!" that is, "Father." Jesus' especial revelation was of God as a 
 father, and the spirit sent by Jesus fills the soul with the cry which appropriates 
 that truth. 
 
 Another effect of the spirit in the soul is to fill it with intense prayer, such 
 profound desire for God and holiness and salvation from sin as can not be 
 expressed in words. All deep emotions defy language. It is with feelings as 
 with waters. The shallows murmur but the deep are dumb. 
 
 But there is no such thing as a spiritual life in the soul which does not mani- 
 fest itself in the outward life. And there is no mistaking the manifestation. 
 The fruits of the spirit are manifest, and are these: love, joy, peace, long- 
 suffering, gentleness, meekness, patience. 
 
 And the connection between these two, the inner and the outer, is clear. He 
 who feels that God is his loving father overflows upon men as from an inner 
 fountain of love and joy and peace. The strength and joy of his inner life 
 project themselves forth upon others in long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, 
 patience. There is a beautiful correspondence between a tree and its roots. If 
 the ground beneath a maple or elm could be made transparent, or if the X-ray 
 could photograph the unseen roots as well as the seen tree, there would be two 
 trees in sight — a tree of roots below and a tree of branches above, and the two 
 wonderfully corresponding to each other down to finest filaments. If you find 
 yourself gifted in prayer, and cross to your brother, or successful on the lookout 
 committee and unhelpful in the home, set yourself to remembering that the 
 spiritual life is symmetrical. If the tree of branches does not equal the tree of 
 roots then some worm of death or some leak from an unsuspected gas-pipe is 
 slaying the secret vitality. Learn to distinguish between the accompaniment 
 of spiritual life, and spiritual life itself, yea, even between the accompaniments 
 of the Holy Spirit and that Spirit itself. 
 
 Dost thou then really desire a deeper spiritual life? Enter into thy closet 
 and pray to thy Father which seeth in secret. That Father is more willing to 
 give thee the Holy Spirit than earthly parents are to give good gifts to their 
 asking offspring. And co-operate with the spirit by your own effort. Say low 
 to your own soul, " O my soul, thou art ensphered by the earthly and perishing. 
 But thou thyself art the child of God." This sonship is begotten in thee of 
 the Holy Spirit. Even now thou art a temple of the Holy Ghost. Thou 
 wouldst not scratch the polish on a church pew or pulpit or cut the cushions — 
 mar not in any wise that physical structure which is the temple of the living 
 God. Thou art living in the spirit. Walk in the spirit more and more. 
 Deepen thine own spiritual life with fear and trembling, for the spirit is deepen- 
 ing that life within thee. Use both prayer and care, grace and grit, tenacity 
 and trust. 
 
 Is this then the conclusion of the whole matter ? I think it is not. Is there 
 any simpler and more living unity which fires and fuses all the details of the 
 spiritual life, integrating them into its living self? 1 think there is. When we 
 give thoughts and meetings and prayer to "deepening the spiritual life'' we 
 have some ideal more or less dim or clear before us. What is it? This is it. 
 There can be no question what it should be. There was One whose spiritual 
 
FiftceiitJi International Convoition. 13 
 
 life needed no deepening. It was already as deep as God. He was conceived 
 of the Holy Spirit. He was an Holy thing from his birth. At his baptism the 
 Holy Spirit came upon him not in the tongue form of a divided flame, but in 
 the dove form of organic completeness. He was led into the wilderness by the 
 good spirit to be tempted by the bad. He returned in the power of the spirit 
 into Galilee. Through that eternal spirit he offered himself to God. His 
 spiritual life needed no change in any dimension. The depth and breadth and 
 length of it were equal. Its size and symmetry were perfect. His spiritual 
 mindedness was absolute. Here is the touchstone, a corrective and short 
 method for the whole legion of false notions of spirituality and spiritual life. 
 Chemical analysis is the long method for telling what is healthy in atmosphere 
 or food. The short method is by the senses of smell or taste. The long method 
 for right and wrong is casuistry and systems of rectitude. The short method 
 is conscience. So, books on holy living and holy dying, or on the Imitation of 
 Christ, or even a wide and scattering study of the Bible, are the long methods 
 toward the spiritual life. The short method is the living Christ within the soul 
 to whom we calmly turn and say, " Did you do it. Lord Jesus?" " Would you do 
 it if you were I .?" 
 
 With this living Christ in the soul we see that spiritual life is not in the 
 thinness of ascetic fastings. It is not in a diet of locusts with side dishes of 
 unfarmed honey, for the Son of Man came eating and drinking. It is not in 
 covenants or exclusive withdrawal into the wilderness of a "retreat." For 
 Jesus was the companion of publicans and sinners. It is not in the prolonged 
 eloquence of Isaiah's prophecies, for Jesus uttered none such. It is not in 
 the despairing rush of Elijah into the wilderness and the morbid despondency 
 that says, " I am not fit to live." For these things are not in the four biogra- 
 phies of Jesus. Oh ! I would save all endeavoring souls, if I might, from 
 egotistic strainings after the ethereal and hallowed Christs of poetic portrait 
 painters, by creating within you the ever-shifting yet ever-constant image of 
 Jesus Christ, perpetually changing in expression and attitude, so as to furnish 
 the right ideal for each shifting hour. There are lovers here who need not even 
 snatch a secret glance at the beloved picture to recall the face. They see it 
 everywhere by day in its likeness or contrast to other faces. It is the back- 
 ground for other faces or is superimposed upon them. It lives before them in 
 the night-time, dark, splendid, speaking in the silence, and holds them from 
 their sleep. And there are friends, there are husbands and wives who have 
 so loved and studied each other that in any newly rising set of circumstances 
 each knows with instinctive and infallible certainty how the other would feel 
 or act. And when death has separated one from the other the sainted form is 
 present and sways the other's life from hour to hour. Sometimes the dear face 
 appears with the warm curves of youth, and again with the lines that acid care 
 has chiseled through the years. Sometimes the form is robed in the heavy 
 clothes of toil, sometimes in the glory of anniversary apparel. Sometimes 
 its unheard voice is sweet as first love, and again clarion like a soldier's horn. 
 But it is ever the same face and form and voice. From a rejected huge block 
 of marble, Angelo so carved David with his sling in hand that, from one view- 
 point of the Florence Academy of Fine Arts, he appears the youthful boy he 
 was; from another, his face seems changed to the almost mature determination 
 of the antagonist of Goliath. Yet it is the same statue. So I would have you 
 familiar with the composite Christ. I would have you see him amid all sce- 
 neries, whether upon the gray mountain top of prayer, beside the rushing river 
 of John's baptism, on the pebbly shore of Galilee, or within the brightness of 
 Hermon's cloud. 
 
 I would have you see him and all human surroundings, whether compassed 
 about by the raving mob of Nazareth, or entrancing the crowd curved close to 
 the circling waves of Gennesaret's bay ; whether answering the sharp questions 
 of temple priests, or using gracious words to synagogue students ; alone with 
 the Sychar woman at noon and with Nicodemus at night, or in the centre of 
 palm branches that quavered in the breath of royal hosannas and in the midst 
 of the same voices rested enough to cry, " Crucify ? crucify ! " 
 
14 Official Report of the 
 
 1 would have you see him in all ages of his life, whether the grotto babe of 
 Bethlehem, the high-hearted boy of twelve in his father's sacred house, the 
 muscular young workman in the Nazareth shop, the embrowned and travel- 
 stained man, the expiring sufferer of the last hours, or the ageless conqueror of 
 the sealed and guarded tomb. I would have you see him in all bodily condi- 
 tions, — held helpless at Mary's breast, or smiting soldiers with a look ; weary at 
 the well or walking on the waves ; asleep on the pillow at the stern of the ship 
 while others waked, or awake in the garden while the three others were asleep; 
 striding tensely forward to the cross when his hour was come, or exhausted upon 
 that cross where, from each spiked hand, blood-drop after blood-drop fell to 
 join its fellow in the little pool that was making itself upon the ground, and 
 pale and cold at last when death and silence, too, enamored of his voice, locked 
 its mute music in their rugged cell till in the triumph of eternal youth he broke 
 the lock, and the mute music of " Mary ! " sounded in a woman's ears. 
 
 All hail, then, to you who have decided to become disciples of the inner and 
 spiritual life of Christ. You must set your spiritual nature to rule your bodily. 
 Appetites and passions must be subjected to the soul's welfare and used in the 
 service of the soul. Then this general spiritual mind must make its condition 
 most definite by seeking, praying for the Holy Spirit, and cultivating the sense 
 of God's fatherhood and a better and purer bodily condition, culminating in a 
 resurrection body like Christ's. And the spiritual life will become so intense as 
 to be unspeakable in contents. Even also test your spiritual life by its fruits in 
 a temper that is long-suffering, gentle, and patient. And that you may not be 
 lost in maze and labyrinth of searching, consider and behold Jesus Christ, 
 whose spiritual life was perfect. Have the vision of him, and have him within 
 your soul more and more. Go away from this Convention with this one great 
 secret resolve in your very soul: I will have the complete Christ within my 
 soul, that I may completely incarnate him in my life. To carry out this resolve 
 you will need to take some such pledge as this, and keep it ever before your 
 soul eye: — 
 
 O Christ, trusting in thy Holy Spirit to help my memory, reason, and imagi- 
 nation, study thy life in all its connections, I promise not to study one of the 
 four gospels more than the others. I promise not to study thy life of commun- 
 ion with God and thy prayers more than thy outward conduct among thy fel- 
 low men. I also promise never to study a feature or detail of thy life without 
 trying vividly to see them in the very act. And I also promise never to leave 
 my studying without the definite prayer, "O Lord, put this under me." And, 
 finally, I promise to struggle to reproduce each feature of thy life in my own. 
 
 At the close of the two addresses a most impressive '* quiet hour" was 
 conducted by Mr. Charles B. Holdrege, of Chicago, 111. 
 
 Mount Vernon Place M. E. South Church. 
 
 The meeting was largely attended by visiting delegates from North 
 Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, with a goodly sprinkling of 
 Washingtonians, who thus had their first glimpse of the sessions of a 
 Christian Endeavor Convention. The Mt. Vernon Church choir of the 
 Convention chorus had a chance to show what it could do in the musi- 
 cal line, and under the very efficient leadership of Mr. Page L. Zim- 
 merman. 
 
 The pastor, Rev. Isaac W. Canter, D.D., was the presiding officer, 
 and Miss Florence Ball, also of Mt. Vernon, played the big organ. 
 
 There was a preliminary song service, and then Dr. Canter called 
 upon Rev. Rumsey Smithson, D.D., presiding elder of the Washington 
 Methodist Church, South, to offer the opening prayer. 
 
FiftccntJi International Co7ivention. 15 
 
 The 103d Psalm was read responsively, and then Dr. Canter for- 
 mally, but none the less beautifully, welcomed the Southern Endeavor- 
 ers to the church and the city. 
 
 Another Gospel hymn was sung, and then the first speaker, Rev. 
 W. D. Reid, of Montreal, Canada, President of the Quebec Provincial 
 Union of Christian Endeavor, was introduced. 
 
 Address of Rev. W. D. Reid, Montreal, P. Q. 
 
 The subject of which I have been asked to speak is an exceedingly solemn 
 one ; it reaches down and brings us face to face with the awful issues of eternal 
 life or eternal death. In considering what is meant by spirituality, we must 
 beware of the fatal error of mistaking for spirituality loyalty to religious insti- 
 tutions or organizations. Many are exceedingly loyal to some particular insti- 
 tution, and they imagine that because of this they are deeply spiritual. This is 
 strikingly exemplified in the history of the Jews. What loyalty they exhibited 
 toward their temple, their Sabbath, their ordinances ! When the Romans, 
 under Vespasian, invaded Judea, the Jews would die, and often did, by the 
 score, rather than desecrate the Sabbath in self-defence. Yet they were the 
 men whom Christ denounced as hypocrites, devoid of spiritual life. It shows 
 me that it is possible to have wonderful loyalty and love for our institutions and 
 yet have no spiritual life. The devil often deceives men by causing them to 
 believe that loyalty to institutions means religion. Again, spirituality must not 
 be considered as synonymous with enthusiasm, with Christian activity. You 
 have read of the young man in the Bible called Jehu. He showed unparalleled 
 zeal in the work of the Lord, slaughtered the priests of Baal without mercy. 
 Yea ! he almost vanquished the outward form of idolatry, but, alas ! in after 
 days he proved that with all his zeal no spiritual life had been there. Let every 
 Endeavorer make no mistake here, and see that he is not mistaking Christian 
 activity for spirituality. Spirituality should not be mistaken for morality, which 
 may be defined as that rule of conduct regulating man's duty to himself and his 
 fellow beings. Loyalty to religious institutions, zeal in the cause of humanity 
 and morality, as a general rule are the results of spiritual life ; but do not mistake 
 them for the genuine article. Spirituality depends entirely upon the relation- 
 ship existing between the individual soul and its God. Deepening of the spir- 
 itual life depends upon several laws ; the dwelling in your hearts of a hunger- 
 ing and thirsting for righteousness and the desire to become more like God. 
 You must also believe that a deeper life is possible for you. In the accom- 
 plishment of any object it is a great stimulus for one to have confidence in his 
 ability to reach the point aimed at. Another principle is, be sure that you have 
 been born again. Remember that before any spirituality can be developed in 
 you there must be a new spiritual birth. Just as well attempt to grow a field of 
 grain where no seed has been sown as to imagine that you can develop spirit- 
 uality when your heart has never been renewed by the grace of God. You must 
 become a Christian if you wish to experience a deeper life. You cannot afford 
 to tamper with conscience. You dare not question the dictates of God's spirit in 
 even the smallest matters. Wherever the finger of conscience points you mustbe 
 ready to go. You must listen for the faintest whisper and obey. Another 
 principle is a recognition of the great truth that you are not your own ; that you 
 belong, body, soul, and spirit, to the Lord Jesus Christ. Among the evidences 
 of the deeper life are purification of character, stability to character, an intense 
 earnestness to character, and stimulus to activity. It will show itself on a 
 death-bed. I have stood by the death-bed of the infidel, who passed into the 
 unseen world in black despair. I have watched the death-struggle of the 
 agnostic as he passed through the vale with a faltering " don't know " upon his 
 lips. I have talked to the nominal Christian while the grim monster tightened 
 his grip upon the vitals, and with awestruck whisper and blanched face he said 
 he hoped that all would be well. I have listened to the clear, urging note of 
 triumph of a Paul, who shouted in victory as he passed through the dark waters, 
 
16 Official Report of the 
 
 " I know in whom I have believed." Death has lost its sting and the grave its 
 victory. 
 
 After singing " Christ and the Church," Dr. Canter introduced Rev. 
 L. A. Banks, D.D., of Brooklyn, N. Y., pastor of the Hanson Place 
 M. E. Church. 
 
 Address of Rev. Louis Albert Banks, D.D., Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 
 Under the old dispensation it was expressly stated that "a dwarf" should 
 not be permitted to " come nigh to offer the bread of his God." This had 
 special reference to the priests who were allowed to eat bread, but were limited 
 in their privileges because of their blemish. Under the Gospel we are all priests 
 unto God ; and we are constantly having illustrated before us the fulfillment of 
 that old requirement, for not a day passes but we see Christian priests shut out 
 from the joy and honor of " offering the bread of their God," because they are 
 spiritually dwarfed. 
 
 It is impossible that one should be dwarfed in any way and not suffer for it. 
 One of the penalties of ignorance, for instance, is that the unlearned man must 
 forego the keen delight of imparting knowledge. The heaviest penalty of pov- 
 erty is that one so situated may not experience that highest type of joy which 
 comes from relieving distress ; so the saddest penalty of a dwarfed nature is 
 that it is shut out from the noble joy which enlarged and affluent souls share in 
 bestowing the bread of life upon the hungry. 
 
 Perhaps the most interesting discovery which Mr. Stanley made in " Darkest 
 Africa" was the race of small dwarfs which he found there. No wonder the 
 daring explorer grows eloquent and romantic as he meditates upon their history, 
 for he declares that for more than three thousand years this little race of pyg- 
 mies have lived there under the shadow of the Mountains of the Moon. He 
 thinks them to be the oldest types of primeval man, and believes they are 
 descended from the outcasts of the earliest ages, the Ishmaels of the primitive 
 race, forever shunning the haunts of the workers, deprived of the joy and delight 
 of the home-earth, eternally exiled by their vice, to live the life of human beasts 
 in morass, and fen, and jungle wild. These little people are the most ancient 
 race who still possess the dwelling-places of their ancestors. Herodotus, the 
 father of history, tells about them. But old as they are, they have made no 
 progress in physical development, intellectual culture, or moral refinement. 
 Their bodies are only from two to four feet high, and they live in little round 
 brush huts, that look like a village of children's playhouses. But little as their 
 bodies are, their souls seem smaller still. They have been so shut away 
 from the sunshine, in the dark forest, that their bodies have not only been 
 dwarfed, but their minds and souls have grovelled in the dirt. 
 
 But, alas ! one does not need to go to Darkest Africa to find intellectual and 
 moral pygmies. The dwarfs are all about us. They exist in the very midst of 
 our brightest modern civilization. There are multitudes of people who are well 
 developed and well fed, physically and intellectually, and whom men, looking 
 on, suppose to be towering giants, who are in heart and soul the most insignifi- 
 cant dwarfs. 
 
 There are many things that may dwarf a soul, but perhaps the most common 
 and potent cause of all is the living in a close material atmosphere. If you 
 would know the glad exultation of a pure atmosphere and a wide horizon, you 
 must pay the price of a climb to the mountain top ; so souls only grow large as 
 they come into fellowship with loftv spiritual natures. Education, books, pic- 
 tures, music, travel, enlarge men; but the great enlargement must come from 
 the consciousness of God in the world. All narrow walls are broken down in his 
 presence. If we look back over the history of the world, we will find that the 
 men and women who have been the spiritual athletes and giants in their time 
 have been those who lived in a horizon that was broadened and enlarged by 
 their faith in God. The consciousness of God is the most potent power known 
 to humanity in deepening the spiritual life and in enlarging the spiritual nature. 
 
FiftcentJi hitcrnational Convention. 17 
 
 How clearly this is illustrated in the history of Moses ! Many other shepherds 
 there were, doubtless, who followed their flocks on the slopes of Mount Horeb, 
 but Moses only found Jehovah there. This consciousness of God made it pos- 
 sible for him to live in an atmosphere strong enough where he was able to make 
 that sublime choice and refuse to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, hav- 
 ing respect unto " the recompense of the reward." 
 
 It was this same atmosphere, luminous with the presence of God, which 
 Daniel and the three Hebrew worthies breathed, and on which they grew to be 
 giants, so that a young captive from Jerusalem became a far larger and more 
 important character than the king in Babylon. 
 
 It was the same consciousness of the ever-present God, that made Joseph, in 
 his dungeon, a grander personage than Pharaoh on the throne in Egypt ; and 
 which finally made the dungeon too small to hold him, and made him a ruler 
 among the people who had held him in bondage. 
 
 You see the same truth illustrated in the story of Nehemiah. A helpless, 
 weeping servant he seems at first, in the Persian palace ; but as time goes on, 
 and his prayers to the God of his fathers are answered, and he comes under 
 divine direction into a place of responsibility and power, he grows into a 
 strong, self-reliant, daring man; and when they undertake to scare him 
 away from his work by the threat of the assault of Sanballat, we are not 
 astonished to hear his brave words: "Should such a man as I flee.''" And 
 if we turn to that sublime life of Jesus Christ which must ever be our final 
 appeal in spiritual things, we shall certainly see that its supreme characteristic 
 is the consciousness of God which pervades it. Whether he was alone on the 
 mountain at night in prayer, preaching to the multitude, or pursuing his min- 
 istry going about doing good, working miracles of healing, or stilling the tem- 
 pest at the terror-stricken cry of his affrighted disciples, the presence of God 
 was like an atmosphere in which Jesus lived and wrought. 
 
 The same great spiritual forces are working in the world to-day. It is just as 
 true now as ever, that the men who live in a close material atmosphere, and 
 give themselves up to eating and drinking, become spiritual dwarfs ; and, on the 
 other hand, it is just as true as it ever was, that the man who lives in commun- 
 ion with God, living in glad consciousness of God's presence and leadership, is 
 enlarged in spiritual stature, and becomes affluent with the bread of heaven to 
 bestow on all who need. 
 
 Such a soul becomes rich in spiritual resources. The desire to be rich, to 
 have an abundance, to have more than we need for immediate requirements, 
 seems to be in all healthy natures. It is one of the chief mainsprings of human 
 action. While it is true' that some of the early Pilgrims came to this country 
 seeking freedom, and ever and anon since, there have been those from different 
 lands who have sought here an asylum from tyranny and oppression, yet it can 
 not be disputed that the overwhelming majority of the people who have crossed 
 the ocean and spread abroad until they have covered the continent, felling the 
 forests, bridging the rivers, irrigating the desert, until the whole land blossoms 
 with fertility, have come from a desire to get rich or at least to obtain a more 
 abundant life. Men are not to be blamed for desiring to obtain wealth. That 
 desire is inherent in human nature. But many are to be blamed in that they 
 choose the very poorest quality of riches. It may be a good thing to be_ rich in 
 lands, and steamships, and stocks, and securities, and gold ; but it is an infinite- 
 ly better thing to be rich in love, and hope, and faith, and noble character. A 
 recent writer illustrates the superiority of spiritual wealth to that of material 
 riches, which the world seeks and appreciates, by calling attention to the 
 Hebrews in the wilderness, and the marvelous wealth which they had in the 
 promise of God to give each one of them an omer of manna every day. This 
 daily portion of manna was worth at least twenty-five cents an omer. The 
 supply lasted for forty years, and the aggregate value of it was not less than 
 four thousand dollars, for each of the three million of the wanderers, or twelve 
 billion dollars in all. And this writer points out that if the Hebrews had been 
 able to take with them out of Egypt twelve billion dollars in gold, they would 
 not have been as rich as that simple promise of God made them. They had no 
 
18 Official Report of the 
 
 trouble in hunting for food, or in transporting it, or in storing it. God sent a 
 full supply fresh every morning and they had only to go out and gather it. God 
 is as good to us as he was to them. Hrs promises are just as valuable novi^ as 
 when he led Moses and his followers through the Red Sea, sweetened the 
 waters of Marah, and gave them manna in the desert. 
 
 Mere earthly wealth oftentimes walls in the soul and narrows its horizon, and 
 causes it to be beggared in its instincts in the midst of abundance. It is related 
 of one of the wealthiest of New Yorkers in modern times, a man whose millions 
 were multiplied many times over, that he was very miserable during the last 
 years of his life because he was haunted with the fear that he would die in the 
 poor-house. Poor man ! though he was rich in outward show, he had a dwarfed 
 soul, and in his real self he was a pauper. He could not have felt this way 
 about it if he had recognized that God had given him his abundance ; but feel- 
 ing that he had gathered it himself, it was very natural that he should fear he 
 might lose it again. Many a man in narrow quarters, with sublime faith and 
 confidence in God, is richer and larger than the prince in his palace. 
 
 The soul that lives only for this world, and through the senses, can not help 
 being narrowed and embittered by the disappointments and hurts of life which 
 ought to sweeten and enlarge the nature. A friend brought me from " The Bad 
 Lands," in North Dakota, a very interesting cane cut from a Diamond Willow 
 tree. This is a very interesting willow that does not seem to grow anywhere 
 else except in that strange region. The Diamond Willow, when it first begins 
 to grow, sends up a very thrifty, promising shoot, and gives many early tokens 
 of development into a large and sightly tree; but, like many men and women, 
 it does not live up to its promises. For as soon as the little twigs and branches 
 begin to die down, it seems to set all the sap and life of the tree to work, build- 
 ing little diamond-shaped tombs about the spot where each branch died, and it 
 so devotes itself to this work that it is a very scrubby little dwarfed tree at best. 
 
 A great many men and women are like my Diamond Willow cane. They 
 have hved in such a narrow spirit, and have so turned their thoughts in upon 
 themselves, that they are only stunted wooden calendars of the different epochs 
 in their lives, where enthusiasm or ambition died out, and the dates where they 
 ceased growing. Disappointments and sorrows and griefs, that would have en- 
 larged and enriched their natures if they had lived in a freer and nobler atmos- 
 phere, have only served to stunt them and keep them little. How different is 
 the story of the great pine-tree, or the fragrant balsam fir which only grow the 
 higher because some of their lower branches are broken. It is only by catching 
 the inspiration of the upper air, as does the pine, that the misfortunes of life 
 shall enlarge instead of dwarfing us. If we are conscious that we are "the sons 
 of the Most High," we shall be able to get strength out of weakness and trial, 
 as did Paul, and Christ. But the soul that only lives for the world and the 
 senses can not help but be narrowed and embittered by the disappointments and 
 defeats of life, which ought to sweeten and enlarge the character. The lofty- 
 souled pine, and not the stunted Diamond Willow, is the true type of a noble 
 life. How sweetly Ada Bowles sings our message ! — 
 
 "World-worn and sad I one day stood 
 Within the shadow of a wood, 
 Whose lacing; limbs, entangled, spread 
 Their netted curtains o'er my head. 
 I sighed : ' O balmy, breathing pines, 
 Must you, too, feel the vexing lines 
 That limit growth, that strangle life, 
 And make of effort endless strife? 
 Your branches die, all brown and bare 
 With battling for the upper air. 
 Those broken boughs so closely prest 
 Your hard imprisonment attest.' 
 
 " Then fell the answer sweet and low : 
 * We grow as love would have us grow; 
 
 Our neaven-aspiring height attain 
 
 By crowded ranks and wrestling strain, 
 
 The lower life but gives its grace 
 
 To find a higher, freer place. 
 
Fifteenth Iiitcnuxtioiial Convcntioji. 19 
 
 The hinder'd sap must yet leturn. 
 Must still witii liie s riroug purpose burn, 
 To neai of broken bouylis tlie imait, 
 '1 o Send \\.~, lUt^ till ougn me iieait, 
 Enlargiiijf gii tli. extcudiiit; rout. 
 And breathing tio.u eacii lender shoot, 
 Till, ill ciose it-iluusiup \\e n. e 
 To ujeet t.ie biue ot u^naing skies. 
 And tiuis. throuijli luini-tries ol gi.od, 
 Is ^lo.vn tile inoiurcli of tlie wood.' 
 Sing on, O pines, your song of peace, 
 Sing on till every doubt shall cease. 
 That 1 may trust the perfect plan 
 That works by love in tree and man." 
 
 The earnestness that gradually grew over the congregation while 
 Rev. Mr. Reid and Dr. Banks were speaking continued into the "quiet 
 hour," which was conducted by Rev. A. D. Thaeler, of Winston, N. C. 
 
 At the Eastern Church. 
 
 The large auditorium was crowded with Endeavorers and their 
 friends. The delegation of Mississippi and delegates from Oklahoma 
 quartered at the church were present. 
 
 The meeting opened with the anthem, "Wake the Song of Jubilee," 
 by the choir. Rev. Thomas C. Easton, D.D., pastor of the Eastern 
 Church, offered the opening prayer. A psalm was read, and •' Scatter 
 Sunshine " was sung by choir and audience. Rev. Mr. Campbell, of 
 Pennsylvania, offered prayer, asking for the unity of the church and 
 that great blessings should flow from the present Convention. After 
 the song, "Sweet Peace," Dr. Easton welcomed the delegates in the 
 name of the Eastern Church, the Young People's Society of Christian 
 Endeavor, and in the name of Christ, expressing the wish that a mighty 
 wave of salvation from this Convention might sweep over the country. 
 
 Rev. J. A. Worden, D.D., of Philadelphia, Pa., the first speaker of 
 the evening, was introduced. He spoke of the unity of thought, aim, 
 and effort of the denominations and cited the Apostles' Creed as an 
 evidence of the unity. He asked the audience to recite the creed in 
 concert, and then called attention to the fact that the belief expressed 
 in the creed was a bond which in reality made all one. He wished it 
 were possible that each denomination would come to the rescue of the 
 ones which were hard pressed, and then the church of God would be 
 rightly bound together and would successfully press forward. 
 
 The audience sang "Loyal Soldiers," and "Sunshine in My Soul." 
 
 The Rev. H. M. Wharton, D.D., was detained by sickness, and in 
 his stead Rev. James Campbell, of Pennsylvania, was introduced. The 
 likeness of married couples as age increases was used to illustrate the 
 necessity of our growing to be like Christ. There are depths in 
 Christ's life which we have never fathomed. To understand the Christ 
 life we must be guided by certain laws and regulations. The speaker 
 stated how deeply his mother's teaching impressed upon his mind the 
 necessity of going to the old Book when in trouble. You can not live 
 without prayer any more than a bird without wings. Faith also must 
 be present and strengthened by communion with God and by study of 
 his Word. 
 
20 Official Report of the 
 
 Rev. T. A. Wigginton, President of Mississippi Christian Endeavor 
 Union, led in prayer. 
 
 The " quiet hour " was conducted by Rev. S. Edward Young, pastor 
 of the Central Presbyterian Church of Newark, N. J. 
 
 Memorial Lutheran Church. 
 
 The prettily decorated church was well filled, and the badges of 
 many cities and States were noticeable. The meeting was presided 
 over by Rev. J. G. Butler, D.D., pastor of the church, who opened the 
 exercises with a feeling address and a powerful prayer in behalf of the 
 increase of spiritual fervor in all hearts. At its conclusion, he 
 announced the invocation hymn as being particularly appropriate for 
 rendition at such an initial meeting, and, led by the choir, the entire 
 assemblage sung the meaning stanzas with expression that showed how 
 earnestly their hearts prompted their lips. 
 
 After the reading of the fifteenth and sixteenth chapters of John by 
 Dr. Butler, prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Stahl, of Philadelphia, in 
 which he pleaded that the Holy Ghost might ever dwell in all their 
 hearts. 
 
 Dr. Butler then introduced Rev. Rufus W. Hufford, D.D., of Read- 
 ing, Pa., as the first speaker. 
 
 Address of Rev. R. W. Hufford, D.D., Reading, Pa. 
 
 I want to say in the first place that whatever subjects may come before us 
 during this Convention there will not be any other of more importance than this, 
 and in my judgment there will not be any other of more importance come before 
 us at any time anywhere than this subject of the deepening of the spiritual life. 
 I would like to emphasize this thought, so that whatever else you may hear you 
 may call up this subject and think about it. If you do not hear anything else 
 here to-night, remember the subject. We are in danger of losing sight of just 
 this thing. There is so much work that presses upon our hands, there are so 
 many things that demand our attention, that we are in danger of losing sight of 
 the very thing that needs to be done for us and in us. I trust that we shall 
 receive such an inspiration that all the services, all the singing, all the praying 
 we shall hear and into which we shall enter, may be the means of deepening 
 our spiritual life. It would accomplish very great good if it would do that and 
 nothing more. It would be worth while simply to have our spiritual life deep- 
 ened, and to accomplish that we have come together here to-night. 
 
 It would not be a bad year's work in our churches if we should not take in a 
 new member at all but deepen the spiritual life of all the members of our 
 churches. It would be a great year's work. It would not be a year thrown 
 away. 
 
 What do we mean by that deepening of the spiritual life ? To deepen the 
 spiritual life is to make the individual more a Christian ; it is to make him love 
 spiritual things more and worldly things less; to make him value his Bible 
 more, and to use it more and understand it better ; to make him feel his relation 
 to God as his Father, and talking with him to realize the fact that he is guiding 
 by the Holy Spirit, and this is a very important work. We need our spiritual 
 life deepened for the sake of our Christian comfort and satisfaction, for our 
 enjoyment and the happiness of our souls. But the man who is always talking 
 about being happy, who is yearning for happiness, and wants to bend every- 
 thing to the seeking of happiness, who will tell you everthing about his miser- 
 ies, and magnifies them in his talk, is not the idea of a Christian at all. It is 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 21 
 
 not so selfish as that. It is right for us to think the Christian should receive a 
 great deal of comfort. There are far too many who lack this happiness and 
 comfort because they lack the depth of spirit to make it possible. They are 
 trying to fill the aching void in a way in which it can never be filled. They are 
 trying to find in worldly ambition that satisfaction of the soul which they can 
 never get in any other way than by communion with God. trusting him and 
 obeying him. It is a very sad thing to see how many persons who profess to 
 be followers of Christ, are trying to find happiness in some other way than the 
 right way. There is no sadder thing than to see people here and there, all over 
 the world, trying this thing and that thing, to satisfy the soul. It is as bad as 
 the prodigal son trying to satisfy himself with the husks which the swine ate. 
 The soul may forget its duties for a little time, and may forget God, and what 
 it owes to God ; it may forget Christ the Saviour and what he has done for it. 
 But it sees this is not happiness. The reaction comes and instead of happiness 
 there is a great deal more unhappiness than there was before. 
 
 I would say further that one needs this deepening of the religious life for 
 the credit of the church to which he belongs. Some of these things I have 
 briefly referred to are not to the credit of the church. The reputation of the 
 church depends almost entirely upon the lives of those who belong to it. The 
 Christian is the world's Bible. The world may not read the Bible that lies here 
 oefore us. It may hear little about it. It may know little about it. But the 
 world reads the Christian's life and the world notices what he is. " Ye are our 
 epistles written in our hearts, known and read of all men." Wherever there 
 are Christian people to-night and wherever they may be any day, they will be 
 read by the world. The lives they live will be scrutinized carefully. The 
 church will stand. It will have a reputation enviable or unenviable. Therefore, 
 it is necessary for the credit of the church and its power in the community that 
 its spiritual life should be deepened. 
 
 I remember hearing a man who now occupies a very useful position in the 
 city of New York say that he himself had been guilty of forgery and of theft. He 
 was a skilful forger and had forged a considerable amount of paper at the very 
 time he came under the influence of God's spirit, and when he knelt down to 
 pray he was met with just this question, " What are you going to do .'' How about 
 this forged paper that is already out in the community "i If you profess to be a 
 Christian, you must tell the truth now, and that means that you must give your- 
 self up." The temptation to give up and go back to his old life came to him. 
 But now it meant to him arrest and imprisonment for years. But God gave 
 him strength to resist and he persisted in praying, and he declared then and 
 there that he had found the way of life. He determined to submit his soul to 
 the spirit of God, and then and there he made a complete surrender of his 
 spirit to the control of the Almighty. But the next day he went to see one of 
 those men whose name he had forged, and told him the whole story ; what he 
 had done before and what he was trying to do now. That man said, " You 
 need have no fear from me. I wish, oh. I wish I had what you say you have 
 now ! " The business man was a professed Christian talking to a veritable thief 
 and gambler and was ready to say, " I vvould be willing to give much for what 
 you have now." There is a great need of that in the churches to-day. They 
 are in a condition in which its members are not really ready to say they are 
 Christians. They have no real knowledge of the forgiveness of their sins; so 
 little knowledge in fact that they hesitate to say they are Christians. We ought 
 to be ready and willing to give an answer clear and distinct, and the only way 
 to do that is to deepen the spiritual life; and until we can understand the mean- 
 ing of God's word, until what we profess has become a reality, we can never 
 do this. It is to the discredit of the church when the professed followers of 
 Christ lack this spiritual experience, this knowledge of the service of the Master, 
 the reading of his Bible. The Christian should have some of the experience of 
 the Psalmist. — "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." 
 It would make the church mean a great deal more. It would help draw the line 
 between the world and the church, and would show that the church is under 
 the control of the living God. 
 
22 Official Report of the 
 
 Dr. Butler said, in introducing the next speaker, " This blessed 
 Christian Endeavor work not only emphasizes denominational loyalty, 
 and cultivates international friendship, but it reaches around the world. 
 We shall now hear an address by Rev. Arnold Streuli, of Manchester, 
 England." 
 
 Address of Rev. Arnold Streuli, Manchester, England. 
 
 My dear friends, — I can not express the pleasure it gives me to speak at this 
 Convention, as the first public act that I am permitted to perform on my visit 
 to the United States. I have seen many things that have made me wonder at and 
 admire your great country, but I must say that, notwithstanding all the wonder 
 that I felt when I looked upon your great buildings in New York, the beautiful 
 streets of Philadelphia, and the magnificent architecture of your own great 
 city, amongst all these things there is nothing that inspires me as this wonderful 
 Convention. 
 
 The genius of Christianity is to work from centre to circumference. We 
 stand here to-night to declare that we seek not a mere superficial religion, but 
 one which reaches deep down to the secrets of the heart. Perhaps there never 
 was a day when Christianity was so popular as now ; but its popularity may be 
 its peril. In these days men too often mistake the demands which Christ 
 makes upon the human heart, and therefore I rejoice with you and with all the 
 Christian Endeavorers who meet here in this city to-night that we open our 
 Convention with this particular topic. 
 
 God never saves men in crowds. It is we who are to talk to the masses. 
 God never speaks to save the masses. Christ did not die so much for the 
 world as for every individual man in the world. He loved man and he gave 
 ■himself for man. You are to God what no other person can be. There are no 
 ^wo of us whose circumstances, whose dispositions are the same. In God's 
 »ight we are especially definite, separated one from the other. God knows us 
 ^ach from the other and seeks us out in the great company of our fellow human 
 beings, and for that very reason, because our circumstances are so different, 
 our dispositions so different. Every one of us can feel that in a very special 
 sense we needed Christ to die for us individually ; and therefore we need to 
 Consecrate ourselves to him individually. 
 
 Again, each one of us has a work to do for God which no other person can 
 do. There is a part in this mighty work for every individual amongst us. Each 
 life is commissioned by God to fulfil a particular purpose and therefore Chris- 
 tian consecration must be individual. You remember in that wonderful book, 
 when we have a glimpse of the days that are to come, that the reward of the 
 righteous is described under the form of a white stone and on the stone is a 
 name which no man can read save him who receives it ; so that we learn that 
 our reward from God will one day be this — that we have learned the secret of 
 our lives with him. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him, and 
 our reward will be in that day to receive a name from him which no other shall 
 know, the meaning of which no other shall understand but God and ourselves. 
 Is there a sweeter, more encouraging, more inspiring thought than this, our 
 individual relationship with Jesus Christ? 
 
 It is a great thing to know a great man. One of the greatest privileges of the 
 Christian is to know such a man as the apostle Paul or Saint John. And many 
 will almost immediately recognize these men by some expression. Something 
 or other will tell us that these are the men we have read about during our pil- 
 grimage here below. I may know Martin Luther, I may know John Wesley, 
 but I know Christ, and more than that I know he knows me. " I know my 
 sheep and am known of mine." 
 
 It is this individual relationship with Jesus Christ which makes a life a 
 heaven below. There is something of the spirit of homesickness which we 
 Chiistians need realize when we come into close touch with Jesus Christ. " As 
 the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God." 
 
Fifteenth hiternational Cojivention. 23 
 
 Heart longing for heart, and as I long for God so God longs for me. For the 
 Father himself loved us, and therefore we must say with Augustine, " O God, 
 thou art our home, and we can never rest until we rest with tliee." Christ 
 claims you. He longs for you individually. See how often Christ sought to 
 impress this upon men when he was here; how he spoke to Nicodemus, the 
 woman at the well, the poor woman who suffered from the issue of blood and 
 tried to come into the crowd yet had to be singled out and saved individually. 
 There may be things in me which separate me from others, but Christ loves 
 those characteristics if consecrated to him. Jesus loved Martha and Mary 
 and Lazarus. He loves variety in character. 
 
 There is a saying of our Lord Jesus Christ which used to trouble me for 
 many years : " If any man come to me and hate not his father and mother, and 
 wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he can 
 not be my disciple." " Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he 
 hath, he can not be my disciple." Do we not despise the man who loves wife 
 and children more than duty.? Do we not honor the man who will do his duty 
 at any cost? We come to the unlike feature of Christianity instead of the cruel 
 code of moral duties which other religions present. To us is given not the tab- 
 lets of stone, but the warm heart of Jesus Christ, and Christ is duty personified ; 
 and as we follow him we follow duty, and being true to Christ we dare not allow 
 anything, either love of wife or children, brother or sister, or our own lives, to 
 come before our devotion to Jesus Christ. 
 
 I remember a remarkable picture which some of you may have seen. In the 
 foreground you see a young girl who is brought before the Roman judge on 
 account of her loyalty to the Saviour. All around her are friends who are 
 pleading with her to forsake Christ and cleave to her lover. The lover himself 
 is bending over her and pleading with her for his sake to give up her love for 
 Christ. For once the hard features of the judge seem to relax. In the back- 
 ground you can see the lions raging, preparing to receive her body; for if she 
 loves Christ the more, she is to be thrown to them. " If any man love father 
 or mother more than me he is not worthy of me, he can not be my disciple." 
 She dare not, she dare not yield, and she is thrown to the waiting lions. But, 
 borne down upon the breeze, we almost catch an echo of the song that swells 
 around the great white throne. " These are they which came out of great 
 tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of 
 the Lamb." Do you say she loved her dear ones less because she loved Christ ? 
 She loved more, though she must despise them on account of her devotion to 
 Christ. 
 
 We can understand one another in the difficulties we sometimes experience 
 as to this Christian consecration, namely, this whole-hearted surrender, to give 
 up ambitions, to surrender aspirations of worldly success, to give up loves that 
 come between us and Jesus Christ. How can we do it.? We can do it. "I 
 can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me." Christ first, Christ 
 last, Christ all in all. Jesus said, " If a man will come after me, let him deny 
 himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." If you love the world as 
 much as you ever did there is no cross in your religion. Be sure of that ; you 
 are not his disciple. You can not be. But is this hardship to make us afraid? 
 God forbid ! There is heroism left in the descendants of the Puritans still, 
 amongst those who know they have the blood of martyrs. There is still that 
 fire of the spirit which shall consume every barrier, which shall make the way 
 of every Christian soldier plain. Come what may, rather let the difficulties fan 
 our devotion into a stronger, brighter flame. And circumstances, let them be 
 what they may, they shall only bind us more closely to Christ. O brethren, let 
 this devotion to Christ and his cause characterize our work as Endeavorers. 
 
 In conclusion, I want to say a word, if I may, in regard to continuity in 
 Christian consecration. There are many people of only one experience. They 
 always go back to the day of their conversion and never seem to get a step 
 further than that. As though their poor lives are an adequate result of what 
 should be the result of the work which Christ has done for men on Calvary! 
 We are as nothing compared to the glory that is to be revealed. Paul said, 
 
24 Official Report of the 
 
 " Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things 
 which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of 
 God which is in Christ Jesus." He was never satisfied, and again and again the 
 apostle pointed out that there was an inheritance reserved for us. 
 
 We have often been told that our Christian life is a matter of growth. We 
 dare not, we can not stand still. Onward, upward, higher and higher day by 
 day. Is your consecration continual ? Is there not a danger lest in our monthly 
 consecration meetings we shall simply go back into the old place month after 
 month ? That is not the meaning of the Christian Endeavor consecration 
 meeting. It is rather that we should, month by month, if not day by day, take 
 our alpenstock and mount higher and higher. Is your consecration continual ? 
 Is it a matter of growth day by day .>* — conquest and victory one after the 
 other as long as we live.-' God grant that your consecration may be of this 
 individual character — entire self-surrender, and continuous in its growth ! 
 
 Oh, let me know the power of thy resurrection ! 
 
 Oh, let me show thy risen life in calm and clear reflection ! 
 
 Oh, let me soar where thou, my Saviour Christ, art gone before ! 
 
 In mind and heart let me be always where thou art ! 
 
 The " quiet hour" was in charge of the Rev. A. F. McGregor, B.A., of 
 Woodstock, Can., President of the Ontario Provincial Christian En- 
 deavor Union. He referred in his opening remarks to the meeting of 
 the officers of the United Society with the State and Provincial presi- 
 dents held throughout the day, as a fine instance of the spiritualization 
 of a business meeting. The benefits of prayer were great and mani- 
 fest. Christ taught us to pray by his example and precepts. A season 
 of silent prayer followed ; " Nearer, my God, to Thee," and "My Jesus, 
 I Love Thee," were sung ; a number of brief testimonies were givea 
 from the pews, and the pastor of the church, the Rev. Dr. Butler, closed 
 the meeting with an earnest prayer and the benediction. 
 
 Gunton Temple Memorial Church. 
 
 The Endeavorers of the Gunton Temple Memorial Church, in addition 
 to their fine house of worship, at the corner of 14th and R streets, have 
 a chapel just across the street ; consequently, they entertained their 
 visitors at the latter building, reserving the church and its charms for 
 the general meetings. The elaborate green and gold of the interior 
 last evening was touched up just enough here and there with bits of 
 red, white, and blue to relieve the otherwise somber appearance of the 
 church, and to render it one of the handsomest auditoriums presented 
 to the Endeavorers. The pulpit was banked with flowers, while just 
 over the reading-desk was draped " Old Glory." In the enforced 
 absence of the pastor, Dr. Patch, Rev. Howard Wilbur Ennis, pastor 
 of the Western Presbyterian Church of Washington, the presiding offi- 
 cer, opened the programme by announcing the hymn, " Sunshine in My 
 Soul," which was sung by the audience, led by a piano, played by Miss 
 Nellie King, the organist of the church. Prayer was offered by the 
 Rev. J. W. Fifield, pastor of the Warren Avenue Congregational 
 Church, Chicago, who thanked God for one very noticeable feature of 
 the Convention, — the total absence of any railroad accidents; and then 
 asking a blessing on the officers of the United Society, the local officers, 
 and on everybody present, concluded with the Lord's Prayer, repeated 
 
Fifteenth Iiitcniational Convention. 25 
 
 by all present. A hymn preceded the reading of the Scriptures, 2d 
 Epistle to the Philippians, by Rev. Ralph Gillam, of Maiden, Mass., 
 and then "Hear Us, O Saviour!" was sung. 
 The first speaker was Rev. J. W. Fifield. 
 
 Address of Rev. J. W. Fifield, Chicago, III. 
 
 God be thanked, Mr. Chairman and fellow Endeavorers, for this great Con- 
 vention. P'or twelve months we have felt the mighty heart-beat of that great 
 gathering at Boston and have looked toward this with hope and prayer that it 
 might prove mightier still. The Christian Endeavor forces are God's recruiting 
 army for the spiritual conquest of the world. As in Palestine, once a year, 
 the children of Abraham gathered to Jerusalem, the capital of the country, 
 that they might stand before God and receive new visions of possibility and 
 new messages of duty, so we, the new children of the covenant, are gathered 
 here in Washington, the capital of our nation. This is the Passover feast for 
 the young people of the world. By as much as this country and the sister 
 countries about us are greater than Palestine, as our mountains tower above 
 her foot-hills, our great plains throw their ripening harvests beyond her valleys; 
 as our cities throb with power and flash with glory undreamed of in Palestine, 
 so should this gathering receive such showers of blessing and strength as 
 never fell on the people gathered on the sacred hills of Zion and Moriah. 
 
 Through the valleys and over the mountains we have sung our way ; we have 
 come loaded with lunch-baskets, banners, and Bibles. We have been jammed 
 and pounded into the magnificent brevity of sleeping-cars until, like hungry 
 bears in the spring, we come forth to devour the feast that is spread. Possibly 
 some, because of delightful acquaintances found along the way, or the splendor 
 of this queenly city, have already forgotten their mission here, and the open- 
 ing services should bring all face to face with the great issues before us. 
 To-night, my friends, we are not here as tourists, although we shall enjoy the 
 national buildings and the halls where our legislators hook and stamp each 
 other. Some of us are here with big eyes to see where some of our laws have 
 come from. We have been whififing mountain air and pure ozone from the 
 prairies and we want to learn what foulness here could give them birth. Yet 
 ours is a higher mission than to mouse around in the political garbage box to 
 find some decayed corruption that is sent abroad beneath the label of American 
 citizenship. The motto which hangs out before the mind of each Christian 
 Endeavor youth reads : " For Christ, Church, and Country." Each one of these 
 great words will be lifted up until it will unfold like a banner of victory, and 
 beneath our triple ensign the millions of American youth propose to stand. 
 Later on there will be something said about the church and country, but to-night 
 we gather about that first great word, the one above all others, the one whose 
 we are and whom we serve, even our Lord Jesus Christ. How fitting that in 
 the beginning from all these places of sacred worship we humbly and fervently 
 salute Almighty God ! Oh, that we may come here as channels through which 
 to you may flow the love and devotion of our home work and also from this 
 gathering that there may come great tidal waves that will surge back with us 
 and fill with a new power and life the dried places and shallow streams where 
 we toil! P>om the great ocean of thy infinite deep, O God, send uplifting 
 currents ! O Holy Spirit of power, which dwelt in Christ and urged him ever 
 to holiest endeavor, come and dwell in each one here ! Come to us as the sun, 
 which, breaking through the dark folds of night and the ice fields of spring, 
 quickens into a new life each leafless tree and buried seed. Come to us as the 
 wind, which laps up the pool and leaves the clean highway for travel. Come, 
 if need be, even as fire, until the hay and stubble are consumed and we build 
 imperishably on the everlasting foundation. 
 
 We are asked to speak to the theme, " Deepening of the Spiritual Life," and 
 we will try and place what we desire to say in the answers to three questions. 
 
 First, Does the spiritual life need deepening.? It requires not a careful 
 study to learn that something is wrong in the spiritual world. Few chapters 
 
26 Official Report of the 
 
 are now added to the Acts of the Apostles. Out of an upper room, with souls 
 aglow with prayer, and the Holy Spirit dwelling in tlames upon them, went a 
 humble, unlearned band. But they shook Jerusalem; their voices rolled like 
 great thunders through the hollow and meaningless worship of their time; they 
 were saved and at once became saviors, and the church grew and multiplied 
 and God added daily to himself through their faith and work. Times have 
 greatly changed. We have no upper room for prayer now. Our greatest room 
 is the basement, where we hold socials and serve ice cream and cake. We do 
 have a prayer-meeting, but in it we repeat poetry and have long, cold pauses. 
 We are learning splendidly how to stop. We believe that silence is golden. 
 The favorite psalm for the modern church is the twenty-third, and especially 
 that verse which says, " He maketh me to lie dotun.''' The old apostolic life 
 that prayed and fasted, that stood true to weak causes, although stoned and 
 beaten and imprisoned, has been left back in the heroic and conquering days of 
 Christianity. We are told that Peter preached one sermon and saved three 
 thousand people. Now it requires three thousand sermons to save'one person. 
 We are told that the disciples went everywhere preaching the word of God. 
 They still go everywhere, they bend over the card-table, swing in the waltz, 
 occupy chief seats at the theatre, make money in questionable ways; but as for 
 preaching the word of God, that is given to the minister, who reads essays 
 about stars and flowers, and delivers courses of addresses about the word 
 " Selah." No wonder that the church stands powerless before a devil-tormented 
 world. Much of our Christian work is a sad travesty on sacred things. The 
 Christian Endeavor Society learns that it should go fishing for men. It equips 
 itself with elaborate tackle. It secures a fish pole like unto a telegraph pole. 
 It chooses a line as comely as a street-car cable. The hook is like a scant hook 
 with which lumbermen skid logs. Then, using a few old platitudes and dried 
 and withered services for bait, it is ready. When the society are all present, 
 amid the singing of " Throw Out the Life Line." the janitor lowers a rear win- 
 dow and, heaving out the preparation to the street, they practically say, " There, 
 swallow that or you are lost." Philip stopped the Ethiopian in the desert; 
 Andrew went to his brother Peter; Jesus talked with the woman at the well. 
 The great uplifting epochs of church-life have been when the disciples went 
 everywhere preaching the word of God. And one great demonstration of the 
 need of a deeper spiritual life is the purposeless, lax, and unstriving condition 
 of the church now. 
 
 Only a deep spiritual life will be felt in the times in which we are living. If 
 it required consecration and holy impulse to reach men eighteen centuries ago, 
 how much more does it require it now ? Without the help of God we are pow- 
 erless before the rushing, busy age. As carpenters pound wedges into timber 
 with mauls, so do we need to pound ideas into people. 
 
 Second, How may the spiritual life be deepened .'^ The whole philosophy of 
 the larger Christian life is found in Mark's Gospel, where it is recorded of 
 Christ that, " He ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he 
 might send them forth to preach and have power." Here is the mountain 
 spring from which the great stream flowed. Being in the school of Christ until 
 we have the presence of Christ, the guidance of Christ, and the power of Christ. 
 This is the order in which they always come. First presence, then guidance, 
 and then power. In the presence of Christ the disciples learned his spirit and 
 method. They saw him prosperous but not proud, disappointed but not dis- 
 mayed, abused but not abusing. In Christ lay the spirit of victory. The 
 mightiest force in all the world is a heroic and sympathetic soul. It would 
 overcome the thrones of the Caesars, and all the mighty traditions and strength 
 of the past would be driftwood tossed before a steamer on its way. The hope 
 and joy of Christ that looked from the night towards a new day, and from hard- 
 ship and pain to the rest at the steps of God's throne, found lodgment in the 
 disciples. They saw this man at work. He fed the hungry and ministered 
 with loving hands to those in pain. He established his kingdom by saving 
 men one by one. He seemed to think other things of little value when a soul 
 was in sin and he could lead it to God. The spirit and method of Jesus Christ 
 
Fifteenth International Conventio?i. 27 
 
 can only be secured by staying in his company. To be with Christ is to grow 
 Christ-Hke. 
 
 You know the power that lay in the apostles' lives. With such humble men 
 God flayed the mountains. Along such simple wires God flashed the message 
 of his love. Through such clay and broken conduct pipes God poured the 
 ocean of his fulness into the valley places and desert regions of men. They 
 had taken time to be with Jesus ; they were willing to be guided by Jesus. 
 They received the power of Jesus. Oh that we might so stand in the presence 
 of Christ, that like the disciples we might be with him until his likeness would 
 be fixed in us and we might go forth and reproduce him ! 
 
 Third, What might a deeper spiritual life accomplish } I do not know. 
 God's power is hard to measure. God in the hearts of a few people at Pentecost 
 made Jerusalem ring with the gospel and carried it out along the highways of 
 Judea and Galilee. God in the hearts of a few in Germany drove papal bigotry 
 to the Tiber. God in the hearts of a few scholars in England placed the Bible 
 in the hands of the common people, until Tyndale's words came true that the 
 plow boy of Saxony knew more of the Scripture than the pope himself. It has 
 beaten the fetters from the negro and spread before him books for study. It 
 has lifted woman from the place of a slave and made her the queen of a home. 
 It has made the words "mother, home, and heaven" the sweetest in all the vo- 
 cabulary of mankind. God's unhindered power in a human heart — who can 
 measure it? It has given the world aSpurgeon, a Phillips Brooks, and a Moody. 
 It has sent missionaries to the heathen and opened the purses of the rich ia 
 great philanthropies. Oh, if all who bear the name of Christ were only given 
 over to his service, what might not be done ! What a revival would spread ! 
 The empty pews of churches would be filled not with a dense vacancy but a 
 crowded throng. I think we would have money sufficient to pay the indebted- 
 ness of our missionary boards. " The trouble does not come from hard times 
 but a soft religion." When it means something to belong to the church, the 
 church will mean something in the world. Christ said the gates of hell should 
 not prevail against it. But those gates need to be shut and spiked. Why leave 
 them forever open .? Why let indecent literature flood us .'' Why let the saloon 
 blight and blast and damn.? Why let Sabbath desecration run over the moral 
 law, breaking it into more fragments than when Moses shattered the ten com- 
 mandments by the altar of the Golden Calf? Why let the heathen millions go 
 unevangelized while thousands at home are never urged to accept Christ? We 
 need a deeper spiritual life, one that places our eyes on the great duties and 
 issues of life. We need to be with Christ and learn his spirit and method. We 
 need his guidance and power and then together like a great and mighty army 
 commence to take the world for God. Oh, children of God's right hand, enlist! 
 Put on the whole armor! Take the keen, flashing sword, and drawing it from 
 the scabbard let it blaze in the light ! And may this Convention equip us as 
 never before for the splendid triumphs of the gospel ! 
 
 The next speaker represented the Southern Presbyterians,— the 
 Rev. F. P. Ramsay, of Augusta, Ky. 
 
 Address of Rev. F. P. Ramsay, Augusta, Kentucky. 
 
 I. What is the Spiritual Life? 
 
 I. It is to be distinguished from (a) the business, the social, and even the 
 religious life. Two men may follow the same business, doing the same things 
 according to the same rules,' and with the same success, as two partners in the 
 same business; and one of them may be living a spiritual life and the other not. 
 Two men may be twin brothers, appear always together in the same social 
 intercourse, and, by any merely social standard, behave equally well; and the 
 one may be living a spiritual life and the other not. So also may those two 
 men be members of the same church, teachers in its Sabbath school, and 
 workers in its Endeavor Society, being equally active in the same religious 
 work, living, in one sense, a religious life, and each the same religious life; and 
 
28 Official Report of the 
 
 yet the one may be living a spiritual life and the other not. But let me not be 
 misunderstood. These forms of activity are not separate from spiritual activ- 
 ity, in such a sense that a man lives a spiritual life outside of his business, or 
 of his social intercourse, or of his religious work; for if one is living a right 
 spiritual life, this spiritual will lay hold of one's business activities and social 
 intercourse and religious work as directions in which to put itself forth. The 
 spiritual life will embody itself in these forms of living. But these may exist, 
 and in a high degree of beauty and efficiency, in those who have no spiritual 
 life at all. ib) In a somewhat different sense, the spiritual life is to be dis- 
 tinguished from the physical and the intellectual life. For two men may live 
 the same life as animals, and very much the same life as minds, and be spiritu- 
 ally in contrast. That man is compounded of three substances, matter, mind, 
 and spirit, I do not say, and doubt the philosophical correctness of this theory; 
 but certainly on one side man lies against the visible and material world, and 
 on the other against the unseen and spiritual world. The mind may be said to 
 come in contact with the material and outward through the senses of the body, 
 and in contact with the spiritual and inward through the sensibilities of the 
 spirit. Outwardly, man is a physical organism ; inwardly he is a discerning 
 spirit. In the body he lives with things in the spirit, with persons. With- 
 out he has to do with animals, within he has to do with spirits. And accord- 
 ingly the spiritual life is not primarily in the physical being nor even in the 
 mental nature, but back, within, on the spiritual side, on that side of man in 
 which he lies in contact with the invisible and spiritual world, {c) Once more, 
 as by spiritual life we mean right spiritual life, as over against wrong activity 
 on the spiritual side of our being, we must contrast the spiritual life with the 
 fleshly or carnal life. The right and the wrong spiritual life agree in this, that 
 each is the man's life lived with spiritual beings ; for man can not live spiritually 
 alone, any more than he can live physically alone. As outwardly he must be 
 in contact with material things, so inwardly he must be in intercourse with 
 spiritual persons. And a man lives a right spiritual life when he lives in com- 
 munion with righteous spirits; and he lives a wrong spiritual life when he lives 
 in communion with sinful spirits. 
 
 II. Turning our attention, then, away from business and social activities, 
 and even from religious activities, passing from the physical through the intel- 
 lectual on to the spiritual side of our being, and then contrasting what is alone 
 worthy the name of spiritual life with the activity of the human spirit in com- 
 munion with the evil in the spiritual world, the truly spiritual life with the 
 enslaving of the human spirit to carnality, we now come to our question. How 
 to Deepen the Spiritual Life. And I sum up all that I have to say on how to 
 deepen the spiritual life in one word. Live it. 
 
 I. Since the spiritual life is living in communion with the righteous Spirit, 
 {a) we must live in communion with God, who is the righteous Spirit; (b) we 
 must live in communion with Jesus Christ, who is God revealed to sinners. 
 Jesus Christ is God in touch with man, God within the reach and grasp of man, 
 God become a fellow to man, so that fellowship between him and man is possible 
 and easy. In other words, we do not deepen the spiritual by contemplation of the 
 Infinite in abstract thought, but rather by communion with God as he is made 
 known to us in Christ. Transcendentalism is not spirituality, {c) And we must 
 live in communion with the Holy Spirit, who is Christ within. In the Biblical rec- 
 ord Christ is two thousand years away ; but through the Holy Spirit he becomes 
 present. Christ sitteth on his throne beyond the stars ; but through the Holy 
 Spirit he is here with us all the days. The Holy Spirit taketh Christ from 
 before our eyes, and putteth him behind our eyes, within the sensibilities of our 
 spirits. It is in this inward, immediate and vital touch of the Spirit of Christ 
 that spiritual life originates; and spiritual life deepens just in proportion as 
 this the Holy Spirit pervades, permeates, and vitalizes the human spirit. This 
 life does not begin or continue as ceremony, which is materiality ; nor as 
 thought, which is intellectuality : but as life, as spiritual vitality. It is not by 
 doing, or by thinking, that we live, but by living. And spiritual life is the life 
 
Fifteenth International Conventio)i. 29 
 
 of the Holy Spirit in the human spirit, is the Spirit of Christ and the spirit of 
 man living in communion. 
 
 2. In tfie second place, since this life is communion with the Holy Spirit, it 
 must be, on the part of the human spirit, a life of obedience, of love, and of 
 faith, {a) It must be a life of obedience. The human spirit in close contact 
 with the Divine Spirit must be in an attitude of reverential awe, the attitude of 
 obedience ; for the creature can not be in harmony with the Creator while dis- 
 obedient to him. And here much is gained by distinguishing, if we do not 
 press the distinction too far, between obedience to the conscience and obedience 
 to the Holy Spirit. For this is obedience to Another, and that may be but 
 obedience to myself ; this is reverence for God, this may be only self-respect. 
 The habit of listening constantly to the Holy Spirit rather than to the con- 
 science, to the Holy Spirit speaking to us through the auditory nerve of our 
 spirit, the conscience, rather than to the vibrations of the nerve itself, conscious 
 submission to the Holy Spirit, a constant sensitiveness and yielding to his guid- 
 ing touch, this is livmg spiritually. (/;) Or it must be a life of love. For all 
 right ethical life is love. Obedience to the spirit of Christ can not but be love 
 to Christ expressing itself, and the love of Christ towards others expressing 
 itself For love is life become conscious of direction, {c) Or it must be a life 
 of faith. And how does one despair of himself when contemplating this spirit- 
 ual life ! It is not in me to live this life. It must be Christ living in me. It 
 must come from my surrender, from the mastery of my spirit by God's spirit. 
 But as my life must be willing action, it must come from the willing surrender 
 of love, which is faith. But this faith is not one act never repeated, but it is 
 one action never interrupted. The human spirit begins to live in beginning to 
 trust Christ under the persuasion of his Spirit ; and it continues to live in con- 
 tinuing thus to trust ; and it deepens this life in deepening this faith. By 
 instant and sensitive obedience, by serving and seeking love, by trustful, surren- 
 dering faith, we live the spiritual life ; and by fuller obedience and tenderer love 
 and completer faith of our human spirit toward the divine, we deepen our 
 spiritual life. 
 
 3. And in the last place, we deepen our spiritual, we increase the fulness of 
 our inner communion with God, by living this spiritual life out into all forms 
 of our living, {a) There must be no double life tolerated within our own spirit. 
 Submission to the Holy Spirit is contradictory of submission to Satan or to the 
 flesh, or to self, {b) We must have our spiritual life to permeate and dominate 
 our intellectual life. The spiritual must dictate what to read and what to think 
 about, and our intellectual activity must be in the service of the spirit. Whether 
 we pursue science or art, we must do it with spiritual consciousness, {c) And 
 then this spiritualized intelligence must dominate our physical life. The pres- 
 ervation of health and the purgation of passion, the choice of amusements and 
 the regulation of such merely animal functions as eating and drinking, all must 
 be baptized in spirituality, (d) Or, in a different direction, we must make our 
 whole religious life spiritual. Reading the Bible, meditation, prayer, all forms 
 of private and public worship, and all forms of benevolent, church, and evangel- 
 istic work, may become mechanical habit instead of conscious spirit. Or they 
 may rise no higher than conscientiousness, observing certain rules and doing 
 certain duties ; whereas they should be the free spirit putting itself forth in 
 warm and living love, {e) We must make also our whole social life spiritual. 
 Spiritual life is communion with spiritual persons. In social life we meet many 
 that are not spiritual, and much of our intercourse with those who are spiritual 
 is not with them as spiritual. Therefore we must beware lest in such social life 
 we, at least momentarily, lose consciousness of the Spirit of Christ. By ever 
 looking at these people with his eyes and talking with them with his lips and 
 working or playing with them with his mind, not forgetting his presence or 
 letting cease a conscious sympathy with him, we shall be able to lift the social 
 into the spiritual, {f) And also our whole business life we must make spiritual. 
 Here meet together all the dangers that we have named in connection with the 
 religious and the social life. For it is so easy in business to become mechani- 
 cal, to become a machine instead of a conscious person ; it is so easy to become 
 
30 Official Report of the 
 
 merely conscientious, obedient to rule, instead of freely loving ; it is so easy to 
 fix the attention on the business instead of on Him for whom we do all our work ; 
 and it is so easy to think of the people about us and forget the Christ within us. 
 It is most perilous to engage in making money, but it is spiritual to engage in 
 making money for Christ. Let us do all in the Spirit of Christ, in conscious 
 communion with him of aim and action. 
 
 And we may sum up this whole address in the oft-quoted text, " Work out 
 your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which worketh in 
 you ; " only we should correctly translate it, " Work out your own salvation, 
 with reverence and awe, because it is God who worketh in you." 
 
 At the close of the last address in the Gunton Presbyterian Church, 
 there was a "quiet hour," which was led by Rev. Ralph Gillam, the 
 evangelist, which was indeed a quiet hour. 
 
 Kendall Baptist Church. 
 
 A large reception was given to the delegates of Kansas at the 
 Kendall Baptist Church. The stained glass windows of the church 
 were decorated with bunting, while from the chandeliers were stretched 
 strips of red, white, and blue to the altar. The organ was draped 
 artistically with Christian Endeavor and United States fiags. Above 
 the organ the motto, " The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof," 
 was written in blue letters. To the right of the altar was the writing 
 and resting room, which had been elegantly furnished with plush chairs 
 and sofas, while the two lights were draped and connected with bunt- 
 ing. The reception-room was at the entrance, and was covered with a 
 United States flag. Just inside the door was the entertainment booth, 
 and not ten feet away the registration stand. The room in the tower, 
 which was used for the State's officers, was one of the most comfort- 
 able spots in the church. 
 
 The Rev. Theron Cutwater, the pastor, presided at the meeting, and 
 after welcoming the visitors, introduced the Rev. C. S. Mason, of Los 
 Angeles, Cal, the first speaker of the evening. 
 
 Address of Rev. C. S. Mason, Los Angeles, Cal. 
 
 The Lord Jesus Christ is the author of all life, physical, mental, spiritual. 
 We get spiritual life by looking to Jesus Christ. As Moses lifted up the ser- 
 pent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted, that whosoever 
 believed on him should not perish, but have everlasting life. The deeper we 
 are rooted and grounded in love, that love shed abroad in the heart by the 
 Holv Ghost, the sweeter, brighter, deeper, and more profound will our spiritual 
 life be. We are transformed by beholding, meditating, thinking. Thoughts of 
 the world oft show the impress of the world, whereas, if I think of Christ, I 
 get the impress of Christ. Let us think of him. Christ was tender, loving, 
 sympathizing, long-suffering, forgiving. Have we his spirit? The fruit of the 
 spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, faith, meekness, temperance. 
 Jesus v/as courteous, patient. When reviled, he reviled not again. When per- 
 secuted, he opened not his mouth. He was social, honest, brave, business-like, 
 prayerful, in fellowship with God the Father. As we contemplate him can we 
 not say, 
 
 '• I love thee, Lord, 
 
 But with no love of mine. 
 I love thee. Lord, 
 
 But all the love is thine." 
 
Fifteenth Internatio7ial Convention. 31 
 
 We see Christ in the garden, and we enter into his suffering; but we have 
 the assurance if we suffer with him here, we shall be glorified with him there. 
 
 Changed from strength to strength, from power to power, from glory to glory, 
 until now we awake in the King's likeness. 
 
 The next speaker, Prof. Amos R. Wells, managing editor of The 
 Golden Rule, was enthusiastically received and made a deep impression 
 by his address, which was one of the very strongest and most uplifting 
 of any during the entire Convention. After Prof. Wells' address, the 
 Rev. Chas. A. Oliver, of York, Pa., conducted a " quiet hour." 
 
 Vermont Avenue Christian Church. 
 
 Promptly at eight o'clock, the hour set for beginning the Endeavor 
 services at the Vermont Avenue Christian Church, Rev. Dr. F. D. Power, 
 pastor of the church, announced the opening of the exercises with the 
 singing of the old, familiar hymn, " Praise God, from Whom All Bless- 
 ings Flow." At that hour the church was well filled. Nearly all of 
 the Indiana delegates were present, and their numbers were augmented 
 by their friends and the regular parishioners of the church. Before the 
 exercises were half over every seat was taken, and a number were com- 
 pelled to go away disappointed. 
 
 Rev. Dr. Power, in opening the exercises, referred to the joyous 
 expectation with which the Christian Endeavorers had looked forward 
 to this Convention. 
 
 Owing to the unavoidable detention of Rev. Dr. Tupper, of Philadel- 
 phia, who was to have delivered the first address, the Rt. Rev. Samuel 
 Fallows, D.D., LL.D., of Chicago, III., one of the trustees of the United 
 Society of Christian Endeavor, representing the Reformed Episcopal 
 denomination, made an impressive address. 
 
 After the singing of several hymns. Rev. Dr. J. E. Pounds, pastor of 
 the Central Episcopal Church of Indianapolis, was introduced. 
 
 Address of Rev. J. E. Pounds, D.D., Indianapolis, Ind. 
 
 The subject, " Deepening the Spiritual Life," practically covers all the ground 
 of the work of Christ and the Church in the human soul, as well as the influence 
 of the indwelling spirit, so I shall by no means attempt to speak of all the 
 essential things, nor of the most important things, of the subject, but shall con- 
 fine myself to a few thoughts suggested by Paul in Galatians ii. 20 : "I am 
 crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: 
 and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, 
 who loved me and gave himself for me." This is the apostle's statement of his 
 own spiritual life. Please notice in it these points : first, the preparation for it, 
 "I am crucified ; " second, the pattern spiritual life, " Christ liveth in me ; " third, 
 the province of its development, " in the flesh ; " fourth, the power by which it 
 is sustained, " I live by the faith of the Son of God ; " fifth, the purpose which 
 inspired his faith and desire to follow the Son of God, " who loved me and gave 
 himself for me " — the preparation, pattern, province, power, and purpose of the 
 spiritual life. 
 
 First, the preparation, " I am crucified with Christ." This is essential. Life 
 is born of death, sanctity of sacrifice, and yet humanity has ever shrunk from 
 the cross, though it is man's greatest blessing. During the ministry of our 
 Saviour he was never without human companionship except on the morning 
 when he needed help to carry the cross up the mountain, and though men were 
 
32 Official Report of the 
 
 ashamed to be by his side, yet the walk that morning was the noblest and the 
 most heroic the world has ever witnessed. From the cruel court of Pilate to 
 Calvary's summit is as far as from selfish pleasure to self-sacrifice, as far as 
 from human anger to divine love, as far as from the injustice of earth to the 
 righteousness of heaven, as far as from the spirit of Satan to the spirit of God's 
 dear Son. And the cross is after all a paradox, for while it seems a hindrance 
 to a journey, it is really a help. He who bears the cross will be borne by it, for 
 no one of humanity's children has ever climbed as high as Calvary's summit 
 unless he bore the cross ; all others have fallen by the way. He that would 
 follow Jesus must take up the cross. When we pray for the holy light, we 
 must be willing to be made holy, willing to bear the cross, that we may reach 
 the summit of the mountain, for God will give us strength. Humility ever 
 comes through humiliation, patience is born of pain, sympathy of sorrow, love 
 and charity for humanity of the chastening of God. Christian pleasure can 
 only commence at Calvary, and service of humanity is the lead by which depth 
 of spiritual life is sounded. 1 sometimes hear an Endeavorer say, " I am en- 
 joying my religion," and I am always tempted to ask, " Well, how are your 
 neighbors enjoying it ? Are they any happier since you got religion ? " 
 
 Second, the pattern spiritual life, "Christ liveth in me." The ideal 
 Christian life is, first of all, real, vital; it is life to begin with. The Endeavor 
 Society undertakes to do nothing for a man until he is regenerated, except 
 to pray and labor for his conversion. " Christ liveth in me." Christianity 
 is the union of Christ and humanity. The first lesson I learned in chem- 
 istry was that there is a difference between a union and a mixture. You 
 may mix sand and water as thoroughly as you will, and it will be sand and 
 water still ; but bring hydrogen and oxygen together in proper proportions and 
 they will unite and form water, an entirely new substance, having properties 
 different from both. Christianity is the union of Christ and humanity. The 
 Christian is a new creature, produced by the union of the Son of God with a 
 son of man. " Christ liveth in me." 
 
 Very much of the criticism we hear against Christianity is because of the 
 acts of those who are not Christians at all, for a man may be brought very near 
 to Christ — may know considerable about him — may even preach eloquently 
 concerning him — without having ever united with him. A man said to me, 
 concerning a brother whose life was depraved, " Well, Christianity has failed in 
 his case." "Failed! No," I said, " it has n't even been tried." The vine is 
 not condemned by the barrenness of a branch which is not in the vine. 
 
 We hear very much talk to-day about Christian union, and very much of it is 
 talk, but some are really in earnest and speak of church union. It is an open 
 question if this is desirable. A combination of the various sects would cer- 
 tainly make a mixture, but not a union. There can be no union until there is 
 unity. Having Christ within us, we should let him occupy more and more of 
 our lives. Paul's idea was that Christ should completely predominate, and 
 such an idea must tend to the deepening of the spiritual life. 
 
 Third, the province of the spiritual development. While in the flesh this 
 world is not a barren wilderness, but a rich valley, fruitful of every element 
 necessary to the growth of spiritual life, and every struggle necessary to main- 
 tain it against the enemy will give us renewed strength. We get by giving. 
 " He that loseth his life shall find it." Christianity is produced paradoxically; 
 it increases by subtraction and multiplies by division. To give is to live, and 
 to deny is to die. He who is most in the world for service will be the least in 
 it for sin. The monastery — that saddest of mistakes — shuts out the possibility 
 of growth, struggle, service, sympathy, and shuts in the means of deterioration, 
 selfishness, lust, and laziness. 
 
 As the life grows the senses become keen ; they become keen by exercise. 
 One of the best evidences of spiritual attainment is keen spiritual sensibility. 
 Peter puts it in this way: " He that lacketh these things" — that is, courage, 
 virtue, etc., which were to be added to faith — " is blind, and can not see afar 
 off." It is a sad thing to be blind. The blind are so prone to stumble ! Some 
 people very often say, " I can not see any harm in the play, or the theatre, or in 
 
Fiftcoith International Convention. 33 
 
 taking a bicycle run on Sunday." Can not see any harm ! Possibly they are a 
 little blind, or at least near-sighted ; can not see afar off. And then spiritual 
 decay affects the hearing. They can not hear the poor ask for bread ; they can 
 not hear the cry of the heathen in foreign lands. 
 
 When a man dies spiritually I think the feet grow cold first. It is hard to 
 go to church ; and then he can not see any good in attending all the regular 
 and mid-week services. He is blind as well as lame, for he never sees anything 
 to do. But even a blind man can be seen, and though he can not see any harm 
 in attending the play and in not attending the services of the church, the world 
 can see him at the one place and not at the other, and that will do harm. 
 
 It is said that some people go to church just to be seen, especially about the 
 time spring bonnets get ripe. The practice is very generally condemned, but I 
 believe that Endeavorers ought to go to church to be seen. What a blessing it 
 would be to the children if they could see their parents in the Sunday school ! 
 A church-going people will be a church-growing people. 
 
 Fourth, the power that sustains the spiritual life, "I live by the faith of the 
 Son of God." That is not food ; it is the means by which we appropriate food. 
 The virtue is not in the faith, but in the Son of God. Faith keeps the Christian 
 united to God, as the branch is to the vine. 
 
 The Word is the bread of life. We received it by faith. The reason God's 
 Word is powerful is because it has the bread of life within it. The work of the 
 church is very simple. The commission is simple. It is to make learners; that 
 is all — disciples of all. 
 
 To prayerfully read God's word every day is the Endeavorer's panacea for all 
 the ills the spiritual flesh is heir to. The Word will sustain life because it has the 
 principle, the germ, of life within it. The word of God is called seed, because seed 
 encloses life. Jesus said, " My words are life." That is the reason the truth of 
 God will sustain when all the wisdom, teaching, and planning of men fail. 
 
 Man plans, and God commands. Michael Angelo made of the dust of the 
 earth an image like that which God made in Eden. The material was the 
 same, the plan, the form, were the same, but Angelo's image lacked the life 
 which God breathed into his. The same is true of every plan formed by men 
 for the well-being of the world. They may be well thought out and very 
 beautiful, but, like man, they are but the dust of the earth, though arranged in 
 curious form. 
 
 The truth contained in God's Word, when taken into our lives, will nourish us, 
 because it has life. Truth in the abstract is like coal in the mine, it is stored 
 up for the use of man ; truth in the concrete is like coal in the bin, it is pre- 
 pared for the use of man ; but truth in the life, truth in the Christian life, is like 
 coal in the fire-box of the engine, which furnishes the power not only to turn 
 the wheels of the mighty engine, but to draw the train grandly on. And the 
 truth of God in Christian lives is not only moving them on ward, but is drawing 
 the train of human progress grandly upward toward the City of Righteousness, 
 wherein dwelleth peace. 
 
 And then simplicity of faith tends to deepen spiritual life. " The faith of 
 the Son of God." Not belief in many things, but in one person. The more 
 you concentrate, the deeper it will be. A personal trust in the personal Christ 
 is the essence of Christianity. Do not try to believe too much, for as you mul- 
 tiply the planks in your religious platform, the danger increases that some will be 
 unsafe ; and the man who is compelled to give up anything that he has h' Id as 
 vital to Christian faith has my profoundest sympathy, for it will shake his con- 
 fidence in all that remains. I say I pity him. He is trying to be honest with 
 himself, and the foundation on which he stands is going to pieces. How could 
 he develop a calm, deep, spiritual life? But the faith of the Son of Cjod. who 
 is the same, yesterday, to-day, and forever, the faith of the Son of God is the 
 faith that saves and sanctifies. 
 
 Fifth, and last of all, the purpose that inspired Paul's life, as though he 
 would say, " My effort is to please Him who loved me and gave himself forme."' 
 It was a potent and adequate motive. To expect deep spiritual life from super- 
 ficial motives is to expect the effect to be greater than the cause. And what 
 
34 Official Report of the 
 
 low motives we sometimes present to people to become Christians — a fine 
 church building, good social standing, business advantage to a professional 
 man, are offered as inducements to join the church. Beggarly motives beget 
 beggarly services. Only the fact that Christ loved me and gave himself for me 
 will inspire my heart and direct my life. 
 
 The love of Christ has magic power. You may send lecturers to the South 
 Sea Islander, and inform him on scientific questions; may instruct him in the 
 laws of health and hygiene ; you may tell him how far it is to the sun and the 
 stars; that it is finally decided that Bacon wrote Shakespeare; you may tell 
 him that the law of evolution has made him a very much greater and better 
 man than his father; — he will be a cannibal still. But let the humble missionary 
 go and kindly say, " The Son of God loved you, and gave himself for you," and 
 the savage heart is softened. He will get up from the ground and clothe him- 
 self; he will provide an humble home for his wife and children; will build a 
 family altar, and on the first day of the week sit quietly down beside his former 
 foe, and read of the Son of God who loved him and gave himself for him. 
 
 The cross of Christ is the wisdom of God and the power of God. Think 
 what the cross did for John, the apostle. It found him when he was vicious 
 enough to contend for a chief place in the kingdom of God, and cruel enough 
 to desire fire from heaven to consume his enemies ; but how humble and gentle 
 it made him! Tradition tells us that he spent the years of his old age at Ephesus, 
 pastor of a church. Too feeble to walk, loving hands carried him into the assembly- 
 room to break bread. He was the hero of many battles. He had defied the San- 
 hedrim to the death; had expounded the Gospel in many cities, and had suf- 
 fered imprisonment many times. His voice was too feeble to say more than 
 a single sentence, but on each Sunday morning, speaking these words, he 
 summed up all that he had learned of Christ's will and the Christian's duty, — 
 " Little children, love one another." 
 
 If Christ by loving and giving himself could made a John the Saintly out 
 of a son of thunder, he can give us deep spiritual life if we but have unswerv- 
 ing, grateful love for him. 
 
 Mr. W. H. McClain, of St. Louis, Mo., was to have conducted a 
 " quiet hour," but he was absent, and the time was filled in by individ- 
 ual extemporaneous prayer. A feature of the exercises was the visit of 
 a number of delegates from Michigan. They came in the rain, singing 
 a hymn. 
 
 Hamline Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 The singing of " Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow," by 
 the choir and congregation, standing, opened the services at Hamline 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. Nearly every seat in the body of the 
 church was occupied, the larger part of the congregation being visiting 
 Endeavorers. Each wore the Convention badge, while the insignia of 
 the different States were also very much in evidence. Earnestness and 
 fervor marked the services throughout, the continuous and general 
 uttering of " Amen " being conspicuous during the prayers and 
 addresses. 
 
 Promptly at eight o'clock the services began with the singing men- 
 tioned, and at its conclusion Rev. W. R. Stricklen, pastor of Hamline 
 Church, announced ihat Rev. Chas. Roads, pastor of St. Paul's M. E. 
 Church, Philadelphia, would conduct the opening religious exercises. 
 Rev. Mr. Roads called for the hymn, " Come, Thou Almighty, Kindly 
 Help Us ! " Next he invoked divine blessing, after which " Though 
 Troubles Assail, Though Dangers Afifright," was sung. 
 
FiftccntJi Interjiational Conveittion. 35 
 
 Rev. VV. F. Wilson, of Toronto, Canada, was introduced as the first 
 speaker. Rev. Mr, Wilson is a man of striking personality and effec- 
 tive voice. In opening, he stated that he came from the protection of 
 another flag than the stars and stripes, and added, " You Endeavorers 
 of Washington have taken your visitors by storm with your kindness 
 and love." 
 
 Address of the Rev. W. F. Wilson, Toronto, Canada. 
 
 Assembled here with one accord, 
 
 Calmly we wait the promised grace, 
 The purchase of our dying Lord. 
 
 Come, Holy Ghost, and fill this place ! 
 
 Meeting within the confines of this great city is the largest religious gather- 
 ing ever convened on this continent. 
 
 We have come over all the seas, and represent nearly every color and tongue 
 found among the tribes of earth — and why? Not for mere pleasure, or to secure 
 some office, neither to make money nor win applause; and yet, we have a spe- 
 cific object in view, having one volume in our hand, feeling one spirit in our 
 heart, and inspired with an overmastering desire to know more of Christ and be 
 more like Christ, that we may do more for Christ. Is this our desire? It is 
 our need. 
 
 " Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove, 
 With all thy quickening powers; 
 Come, shed abroad a Saviour's love, 
 And that shall kindle ours ! " 
 
 This subject is natural to Christians for discussion. The command of 
 Christ to his new-born church was, "Tarry ye in Jerusalem until ye be endued 
 with power;" and you remember he spent his last hours on earth in talking 
 with men whom he had chosen, taught, and inspired, that they should be bap- 
 tized with the Holy Ghost, transforming them into torch-bearers of the truth, 
 and enabling them to witness and preach with such divine unction that thou- 
 sands were daily added to the followers of the cross. 
 
 Yes, we need this power as pastors in the study of the Word, in the deepening 
 of our spiritual life, and in the proclamation of the unsearchable riches of 
 Christ, to a sin-smitten world. 
 
 We need this power as teachers, evangelists, editors, parents, and toilers in 
 every sphere of Christian work, so that our efforts may be a benediction to the 
 physical, intellectual, and spiritual life of all with whom we have to do. 
 
 I know the church is splendidly equipped for service. She has magnificent 
 machinery, wrought out by the genius of Paul, Calvin, Luther, Wesley, Raikes, 
 Booth, Clark, and other great leaders of the legions of Christ. She has match- 
 less scholars, faultless orators, and generous supporters on every hand. Her 
 opportunities were never as world-wide as they are to-day, and yet she is not 
 succeeding as she ought; ignorance, superstition, cruelty, and sin still hold sway 
 over large portions of this Christ-redeemed world — and why? Because we, as 
 workers, lack that power that made Elijah, Daniel, Peter, Knox, Livingston, 
 and Spurgeon irresistible for God. 
 
 First, no national distinctions can prevent us from enjoying the fulness and 
 richness there is in Christ. Paul the Hebrew, Luther the German. Duff the 
 Scotchman, Father Mathew the Irishman, Carey the Englishman, and Summer- 
 field the American, all enjoyed this priceless power. 
 
 Glorious adaptation — every life, family, tribe, and nation on this planet may 
 rise up into this satisfying experience that comes through fellowship with Christ. 
 
 Second, no educational distinctions need prevent us from enjoying this bap- 
 tism of power. The religion of Christ is profound enough to engage the thought 
 of a Newton, yet simple enough for the little child who whispers out its trust in 
 Daniel Webster's prayer : — 
 
 " Now I lay me down to sleep, 
 I pray the Lord my soul to keep; 
 And if I die before I wake, 
 I pray the Lord my soul to take." 
 
36 Official Report of the 
 
 A few weeks ago Gladstone, the matchless scholar, statesman, and orator, 
 bowed with his gardener at the same altar, and drank of the same divine stream, 
 blending their voices in prayer and praise to the glory of Him who came and 
 redeemed their souls. 
 
 Third, no ecclesiastical distinctions can keep us from fellowship ; Jesus 
 Christ, the Son of man, came to the sons of men. I am thankful for the broad 
 sympathetic spirit and co-operation of all the churches in the last decade of 
 this glorious century, but I am looking to our great Christian Endeavor Society, 
 under the direction of God's Holy Spirit, co-operating with the other young 
 people's societies of the world, to bring about the long-prayed-for hour when 
 there shall be in spirit, one L,ord, one faith, and one baptism. How is this 
 power secured.'' Howls any power secured.'' By complying with the condi- 
 tions that surround it. 
 
 Thus the scholar enters the realm of literature, holding converse with the 
 kings and queens of thought, by the mastery of the twenty-six letters of the 
 alphabet. Thus the musician enters the sphere of music by the mastery of 
 the seven notes. So with the Christian, acting in harmony with the ci'nditions 
 revealed in the Word, and by the spirit of God enjoys that blessed slate and 
 experience that enables him to say, *' I live not, but Christ liveth in me." 
 
 We must desire this power. Our Saviour said, " Blessed are they who do 
 hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled :"' and thus Paul 
 exclaimed, " That I may know Him and the power of his resurrection! " We 
 want a longing, not merely to have love for God, but to have the love of God 
 shed abroad in our hearts. Thus wanted the apostles at Pentecost and found 
 joy in the consciousness of an indwelling Christ. 
 
 A young man, a member of my church, who wanted this power, attended the 
 convention in Boston last year, and received such a baptism at one of the con- 
 secration services that he has been marvelously used of God during the year 
 in the salvation of precious souls. So it is, — obedience and prayer will secure 
 this blessing. God's plan is '"seek and ye shall find, ask and ye shall receive, 
 that your joy may be full." To our desire we must add capacity to receive and 
 determination to keep this heaven-given gift. 
 
 This baptism of power touches our faculties and swings them into harmony 
 with (jod. It vitalizes our conscience, bringing conviction of sin ; it vitalizes 
 our will, bringing repentance for sin ; it vitalizes our intellect, producing faith 
 in Christ ; and vitalizes our affections, causing love, joy, and peace to spring up 
 in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. 
 
 This power must be continuously used. Oh, what unused forces and latent 
 energies lie dormant in the Church of Christ ! Tongues that should speak are 
 dumb, hands that should serve are closed, hearts that should love are cold, and 
 lives that should shine are dimmed. If we were illumined by the Holy Ghost, 
 we should seethe height of Christ as he declares, "And I, if I be lifted up 
 from the earth, will draw all men unto me." 
 
 We should see the depth of Christ as he proclaims the sublime truths of the 
 Sermon on the Mount. We should see his breadth as, with world-wide vision, 
 he exclaims, " Our Father ! " 
 
 We should see his length, as he issues his final marching orders : " Go ye 
 into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. I am with you 
 always, even to the end." 
 
 Yes, we should use this power, and thus help to bring the kingdoms of this 
 world to a knowledge of our God and of his Christ. 
 
 Who can describe the blessing and benefits conferred by this power.? It 
 gives us a testimony, personal, definite, and convincing, so that with Paul we 
 can say, " We know whom we have believed." 
 
 Each one in his own sphere must pay his own tribute to Christ. Elizabeth 
 Fry did on the streets of London. Jerry McAuley did in the slums of New 
 York. Fanny Crosby, blind, yet patient, writes her song of trust. Bella Cooke, 
 afflicted for forty years, yet patient, thus gives her testimony to the sustaining 
 grace of God. 
 
Fifteenth International Conventio7i. 37 
 
 Oh for a baptism of this power, this abiding, steadying, satisfying grace ! 
 Jesus can give it, for our Captain is able to save to the uttermost. 
 
 As Joseph was nerved in the dungeon of Pharaoh, and Paul was strengthened 
 in Imperial Rome, so shall we be in our work "For Christ and the Church," if 
 our faith be strong in the blood, principles, plans, and promise of Christ. 
 
 The next speaker was the Rev. Wm. J. Harsha, D.D., of New York 
 
 City. 
 
 Address of the Rev. William Justin Harsha, D.D., New York City. 
 
 I have been thinking much of one of the pleas God makes to his children, — 
 a plea which contains an actual reprimand and an implied promise. It is 
 recorded by Isaiah in his forty-eighth chapter, at the eighteenth verse: " Oh 
 that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments ! Then had thy peace been 
 as a river." The best way I know of to deepen the spiritual life is to dredge 
 the river bed through which God promises to set aflow the full and satisfying 
 currents of his life and his peace. Exhaustive expositions of Scripture, theo- 
 ries of the higher life, even explanation of the baptism, enduement, and filling 
 of the Spirit, — valuable though these be, — will not accomplish what we want 
 so long as we leave hidden rocks and lurking sand-bars in that course through 
 which the river yearns to run. Let us look at this promise of God from this 
 standpoint, and may the Holy Spirit teach us what we must get out of the way 
 in order that he may come fully in. 
 
 There are three important words which we should consider carefully. 
 
 I. Peace. If we are to dredge the river, we must get out of the way at once 
 and for all time any false conceptions about peace itself which we have been 
 entertaining. Nothing stops the inflow of the divine life more effectually than 
 false notions. 
 
 There are some young people who think that peace means a sort of Christian 
 Nirvana, a state of abstraction, absorption in the Infinite, or self-surrender to 
 nothingness in general and nothing in particular. It means to them cjuictness 
 in all circumstances, passivity in prayer-meeting, and a superior disdain of 
 sociables. It is a matter of light on the cheeks and in ihe eyes. It is "looking 
 pleasant," as the photographer tells one to do at the supreme moment when the 
 bulb of the camera is to be squeezed. 
 
 One must cultivate this by long thought. One must go and sit under an 
 imaginary Bo-tree and stare continuously at one object. It is a sort of semi- 
 consciousness of external things which enables one to bear the trials of life, — 
 to be a "fakir" in society and business. It is best and purest when it gives a 
 rather egotistical cast to the countenance. Thus some think, and it is no won- 
 der that they fall into despondency after a time. They come to suppose that 
 Christian peace has to do with old age; it is associated with grandma's lace 
 cap or grandpa's spectacles. Young people should not expect it, — they have 
 not been under the Bo-tree long enough. 
 
 All this is a grave mistake. We live in a practical age and the promises of 
 God apply to practical people. If the divine peace is not for young people 
 with much upon their hands and hearts, God's Word has no meaning. A great 
 deal of practical business is to come before this Convention. We are to discuss 
 Christian citizenship in all its multiform and important bearings. We are to 
 consider the best methods of evangelism at home and abroad, and absorb in- 
 spiration for an active participation in it. The purification of municipal life 
 and city politics, the furthering of temperance reform and Sabbath observance, 
 are to be presented by specialists in the several departments, and we are to be 
 surcharged with energy to assist in all branches of the great work. Well, then, 
 if peace consist in mere self-abnegation and abstraction to external forces, it 
 has no place in our programme. It is out of its proper environment in these 
 stirring times. This conception of it is clearly erroneous. Peace is consistent 
 and co-pxistent with the intensest activity. A river may run through the busiest 
 cities without losing its deep steadiness and gentle murmur. Our Lord Jesus 
 
38 Official Report of the 
 
 was called " the Prince of peace " (Isa. ix. 6), and yet he was the most practical 
 of workers. 
 
 A life of active philanthropy may give joy to the heart and cause a certain 
 quiet satisfaction to descend upon the soul, but this may not be genuine peace. 
 Faithfulness at the services of the church and attendance upon Christian 
 Endeavor gatherings tend to produce peace, but in themselves they are not of 
 its real essence. Conventions such as this inaugurated to-night conduce to the 
 desired end; but we should never confuse the means with the end. Let us 
 never forget that peace is the gift of the risen Christ. " My peace I give unto 
 you." 
 
 The saintly Dr. Watts said, in his old age, " I thank God that I can lie down 
 with comfort at night, not being solicitous whether I wake in this world or in 
 another.'" Dr. James Hamilton wrote, '' Peace is love reposing. It is love on 
 the green pastures; it is love beside the still waters. It is that great calm 
 which comes over the conscience when it sees the atonement sutificient and the 
 Saviour willing. It is the soul which Christ has pacified spread out in serenity 
 and simple faith, and the Lord God, merciful and gracious, smiling over it." 
 
 Yes, this is true peace. 
 
 2. River. This is the second word in God's sweet promise which we need to 
 consider carefully. What a beautiful figure does the word present to our imag- 
 inations ! " I^eace as a river." Among the quieter objects of nature none is 
 more suggestive of God's power and wisdom, of God's loving presence in the 
 world which he has made, than the river which winds in and out among the 
 hills, steals quietly through clattering towns, kisses fields and pastures into 
 fruitfulness and verdure, and smilingly bares its breast to be scarred by the 
 countless keels of the world's commerce. Hence the figure of the text gives us 
 at once an idea of what peace is and what it does. It is the inflow of the 
 divine life, bringing the divine quietness, patience, and power, and resulting in 
 spiritual beauty and faithfulness. Straight into, and straight through, the heart 
 and life the river runs. Men come and go, but God's peace Hows on forever. 
 It is not compared to a stagnant pool, for peace is not mere quietness and 
 abstraction, as we have seen. It is not likened to a clear lake, nor a deep reser- 
 voir enclosed in the distant hills, shut off from the homes and haunts of men; 
 for peace is not mere intellectual elevation and absence from the distressing 
 cares of life. It is not compared to the mighty sea, which sometimes sleeps 
 and seems to afford a figure of depth and calm. The sea is treacherous and 
 unstable. If for a day or a week it sleep and smile, it is at other times tossed by 
 the hurricane and driven in fury upon the snarling rocks which line its shores. 
 "The wicked 2LV& like the troubled sea when it cannot rest, whose waters cast 
 up mire and dirt." But "peace is like a river " in the hearts of those who 
 receive its gentle, cooling, constant, unruffled waters. We have, hence, but to 
 apply our ideas of a river to peace to discover the practical lessons we need to 
 learn. 
 
 A proper river grows broader and deeper as it progresses toward the sea. 
 One of the Hebrew words translated " river" in the Bible means literally "a 
 strong place," indicating the mighty power of its current and its ever-increas- 
 ing depth. 
 
 It tends by its very onflow to wear a more ample channel for itself. God's 
 promise has in it, therefore, a thought of progressional expansion. Our peace 
 shall grow broader and deeper as we go on in the Christian life. " Behold, I 
 will tuYt'w^/ peace to her like a river, and like ?l flowing stream." (Isa. Ixvi. 12.) 
 A stream that truly flows becomes stronger and sweeter as it goes. Our peace 
 should not be like the Humboldt River, that loses itself in the alkali marshesof 
 the sink, or like the Rhine, which, after sweeping between hills crowned with 
 lordly ruins, finally grows languid and sluggish in the ditches of Holland; or like 
 the Sabbatic River of South Palestine, which runs certain days of the week 
 and rests on others. Nay, let our peace be like the noble Thames, or the 
 mighty Mississippi, which run on with increasing power and weight. Let our 
 path be like that of the just, which is comparable to the shining light of the 
 morning, " which shineth more and more unto the perfect day," the meridian 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 39 
 
 splendour of noon. Let the inflow of the divine life be like the river which 
 Ezekiel saw, — at first, possibly, reaching only to the ankles, but growing until 
 it comes to the knees ; growing still until it reaches the loins and " afterward " 
 becoming " waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over ! " (Ezek. 
 xlvii. 5.) Oh that our spiritual life may be deepened after this fashion! 
 Such "quietness and assurance" are far better than mere clattering joy, mere 
 sparkling hilarity, mere effervescing enthusiasm and " feeling." The foam- 
 touched ripples of a mountain stream may be beautiful to look at ; but what the 
 thirsty country needs is the deep, still torrent of the great river. This is also 
 what our hearts need. There may be sorrows and trials, "nevertheless after- 
 ward " there flows into us the river that '• has risen," and there grow beside us 
 the '"peaceable fruits of righteousness." 
 
 Some of you came from the banks of the Missouri or other western rivers, 
 and you have seen, as I have, the extensive works called " riprapping " carried 
 on by the government, or by private corporations, to prevent the waters eating 
 away the banks and inundating the fields. There have been heavy rains in the 
 mountains, or the snows have suddenly melted and a mighty freshet comes 
 tearing down the stream. The soil composing the banks is loose and loamy, and 
 some protection must be afforded where the bends occur and the cities are built. 
 
 Then the men set to work, and great nets of boughs and branches of trees 
 are built, and these are made stable Ijy rocks and bags of sand, and so the "rip- 
 rap " is formed and the waters are kept in their course. 
 
 I hope you will not think me unduly fanciful if I use this as an illustration 
 of what needs to be done in the spiritual life. We are constantly in danger of 
 losing spiritual power through the broadening of our energies and the dissipa- 
 tion of our forces. A proper overflow of blessing to others is necessary, as I 
 have said ; yet the river is not to run entirely out of its channel and waste itself 
 fruitlessly, and even harmfully. The love of Christ is to " constrain " us — keep 
 us within limits. Let us not be afraid of being " narrow " in this sense. A 
 river is powerful only when properly narrow, —otherwise it becomes a bog and 
 a stench. Let us learn to apply spiritual power upon the places where it is 
 needed. Surrender to God's will is the key-thought just here. One of the 
 subtle ways in which our peace is destroyed is through fretting anxiety to do 
 more than God wants us to do. "Thou art careful and troubled about many 
 things." Keep in the channel of the Father's will. Live in such close touch 
 with him through the Spirit that you will know when to be idle for his sake. 
 Sometimes we attempt too much. Sometimes we need to sit with folded hands. 
 
 Those who dwell near sandy rivers or near harbors formed by river-mouths 
 know what an amount of careful piering and dredging is necessary to keep the 
 channel clear. 
 
 Let us learn a lesson from the pains taken by the engineers. If we find a 
 place in our spiritual life where sudden bars are apt to form, disturbing or 
 retarding the flow of peace, let us at once protect the spot by special prayer. 
 This is the key-thought here. Piers of prayer in all eddies and places of dan- 
 ger !_ There is nothing like prayer to keep the channels clear and the river 
 flowing. Stated prayer, family prayer, closet prayer, ejaculatory prayer, are all 
 availing. I like the thought of ejaculatory prayer, especially prayer that is like 
 the. jaczilum, or "dart," which the warrior sends flying from the string in sudden 
 danger and is able to watch until it reaches the mark. Oh that we may culti- 
 vate constant communion with God through Christ in the Spirit, and then shall 
 our peace be deep and calm and strong — like a river unobstructed in all its 
 course ! 
 
 The " quiet hour " was an impressive service conducted by Rev, 
 Chas. Roads, of Philadelphia. 
 
 rietropolitan African M. E. Church. 
 
 The Metropolitan A. M. E. Church was the scene of one of the most 
 interesting services held by the Christian Endeavorers. There was a 
 
40 Official Report of the 
 
 large attendance in the handsome edifice, which was most tastefully 
 decorated with bunting and American flags, this work having been 
 designed by Miss Jennie Al. Spears, president of the society of Chris- 
 tian Endeavor of the church, and executed by her associates. 
 
 On the platform were the following distinguished clergymen : Bishop 
 W. J. Gaines, D.D., Bishop W. B. Derrick, D.D., Bishop J. H. Arm- 
 strong, Rev. Dr. H. T. Johnson, Rev. Dr. L. J. Coppin, Rev. D. W. 
 Jones, Rev. E. G. Hubert, Rev. William Rader, Rev. T. G. Langdale, 
 Rev. Dr. J. T. Jennefer, Rev. W. R. Arnold, Rev. M. C. Brooks, Rev. 
 Mr. Edwards, Rev. Mr. Jenkins, Rev. Mr. Tyce, Rev. Dr. Beckett, and 
 Rev. James Allan Johnson, pastor of the church. 
 
 The meeting was opened with prayer by Bishop Gaines, and by sing- 
 ing by the choir of 125 voices, under the leadership of Prof. J. T. Lay- 
 ton, chorister of the church. The feature of the musical programme was 
 a solo,'' God Is Love," by Miss Helen Adams. Bishop Wm. B. Der- 
 rick, of New York, delivered a stirring address. 
 
 Address of Bishop William Benjamin Derrick, D.D. 
 
 Life may be defined as follows: animation, vivacity, briskness, vigor, 
 energy, spirit. 
 
 In this paper we will speak of life from a spiritual standpoint, as the object 
 of Christian Endeavor Societies is to infuse a deeper spirituality throughout 
 Christendom. 
 
 As the believer sinks into spiritual life he becomes more and more dissatis- 
 fied with self; his hunger and thirst increase and become eager for the body 
 and blood of Christ, and, with increased desire, for the sincere milk of the Word. 
 As it is a well-known fact that when people are hungry they will find time for 
 their meals, and a good appetite does not think three meals a day too much, so 
 with the believer, — as he grows deeper into spiritual life, he is not satisfied with 
 one spiritual meal a day. No, but, like Daniel, he sits three times a day with his 
 window open toward Jerusalem, feasting on the spiritual manna, in the mean- 
 time exclaiming, " The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want .... 
 He prepareth a table for me in the midst of my enemies. My cup runneth 
 over." 
 
 As he goes to this spiritual feast he does not forget to pray all the way, and 
 to feed his soul on the hope of hearing some good news from heaven and from 
 Jesus, the faithful, loving friend whom he has there. His light is attended 
 with the warmth of love, and is not satisfied simply to be acquainted with the 
 way to heaven, but he walks constantly therein with joy and gladness, regard- 
 less of the storms and hurricanes which confront the believer on his passage to 
 the skies. 
 
 Again, as the life deepens and expands in the spiritual atmosphere, it 
 becomes more acquainted with the way to obtain the precious love, — to con- 
 sider the free mercy of God, and to believe implicitly in the pardoning love of 
 Jesus, who died, the just for the unjust, to bring us unto God. " For we all 
 with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into 
 the same image from glory to glory, by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Cor. iii. 18.) 
 He is f requentlv, yes, constantly, supplicating at the Throne of Grace ; applying 
 his faith with all the attention of his mind and all the fervor of his heart; 
 exclaiming-, " I know in whom I believe, and am persuaded that he is able to 
 keep that^which I have committed against that day ; " and positively setting his 
 affection on Christ, whom he cannot see, and for his sake upon fellow-believers, 
 whom he does see; always devoting much time to private meditation, — for 
 himself and others, — thus holding unbroken communion with God and absent 
 members of the mystic body of Christ. By this he gathers strength, which 
 
Fifteenth International Convejition. 41 
 
 affords him powerful resistance, so when tempted he yields not to the tempta- 
 tion, but continues his pleadings for consolation in Christ, comfort of love, 
 bowels of mercy, and for complete fulfilment of the joy as is promised in the 
 Word of Divine Truth, that believers may become more and more like unto his 
 Lord and Master, having the same love, being of one accord and of one mind 
 — discarding anything which is done through strife and vainglory, but accept- 
 ing all that is done in lowliness of mind and sincerity of heart. 
 
 Such a state of mind and heart is the strongest evidence of a genuine 
 spirituality, which causes its possessor to exclaim, " May the eyes of my under- 
 standing be opened to behold the beauties of thy law and the suitableness, free- 
 ness, and fulness of the redemption which was bought not with corruptible 
 things, such as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, which is 
 applied by the Spirit through faith." 
 
 As the believer contemplates, his soul glows with joy and gladness, becoming 
 more ardent and burning and powerful, until it brings him on his knees, and in 
 that supplicating posture he pours out his soul: — 
 
 " Let me love thee more and more 
 '1 ill this fleeting life is o'er, 
 Till my soul is Tost in love 
 In that brighter world above." 
 
 To grow deeper in spiritual life we would suggest the following rules of 
 conduct : — 
 
 {a). Heartily repent of our sins, original and actual. 
 
 ip). Believe the Gospel of Christ in sincerity and truth. 
 
 {c). In the power which true faith gives, — for all things commanded are 
 possible to him that believeth, — walking with humble confidence the way of 
 God's commandments before God and man. 
 
 {d). By continuing to take up the cross and to receive the pure milk of 
 God's Word, growing in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. 
 
 These simple rules will lead the believer in the path and cause him to grow 
 in peace and joy all the days of his life; and when rolling years shall be lost in 
 eternity, he will continue to grow in bliss and heavenly glory. The Lord will 
 be his sun, and his crown, and he shall be forever with the Lord, where the 
 perfection of spiritual life is attained; where the fulness and grandeur of the 
 King of kings will burst on our vision, and the bliss of the redeemed shall be 
 realized, and we shall join in the saints' triumphant song, " Hallelujah, for the 
 Lord God omnipotent reigneth," in that land where the mansions are tinged 
 with the electric light of immortality and are bathed in endless sunshine 
 throughout the realm of eternal morning. 
 
 Angels and redeemed spirits are its citizens, whose lot is neither poverty, nor 
 riches, but one of joy, happiness, and calm repose, innocent and tractable, 
 bearing in their hands palm branches, symbols of their wondrous victory ; and 
 who are living with God in the heaven of heavens, and shall continue through- 
 out the endless ages of eternity with no bar of sickness, no distance of time or 
 place, no gulf of death or the grave, to part us more. We shall meet in the 
 bosom of Jesus, the fountain and author of divine love. Oh that blessed " meet- 
 ing " which shall put us " beyond the smiling and the weeping ! " 
 
 Oh that blessed meeting, which shall end the "meeting and the parting," 
 where we shall behold the Sun of righteousness without a cloud, and forever 
 bask in the beams of his glory. Is not this a glorious prospect.'' One which 
 is enough to incite us to grow daily deeper and deeper into spiritual life until 
 the poet's dream be realized in us : — 
 
 " Consecrate me now to thy service, Lord, 
 By the power of grace divine; 
 Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope. 
 And my will be lost in thine.'' 
 
 Thus bidding defiance to sin and the grave, we join the cry of the Spirit and 
 the Bride, " Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly." 
 
 The next speaker was heartily received. 
 
42 Official Report of the 
 
 Address of Rev. Wm. Rader, San Francisco, Cal. 
 
 According to Paul, man is a trinity, composed of body, soul, and spirit. The 
 body is the physical house ; the soul, the seat and source of life, the animating 
 principle of the physical organism ; the spirit, that restless something which 
 laughs and cries, which throbs with emotion, worships God, and, facing eter- 
 nity, refuses to die forever. 
 
 It is this spirit that paints pictures, and writes the lasting literature of the 
 world. Never satisfied, it is forever reaching out after more life and love. It is 
 the development of this spiritual nature of which I speak. The average man 
 is higher than he is deep; he is more parapet than foundation, more dome than 
 corner-stone. Height is more popular because more conspicuous than depth. 
 By depth is meant the moral resources of our nature, the reserved force of 
 character, that latent and unseen capital which lies hidden in the personality. 
 Depth is character. Character is not intention. If it were, then the world 
 would be full of angels. Character is not motive. Motive is character in the 
 wheat, character is motive in the flour. 
 
 A man is manly in the degree that he is able to translate intention into life. 
 Character is related to motive as the sea is related to the wave. The wave is 
 powerful, because it is reinforced by the strength of the ocean, and it is able 
 to beat down the crag along the coast, because the pulse of the sea beats in its 
 surf. 
 
 The depth of the man spiritually includes all his available manhood ; it em- 
 braces all that is potentially good within him, all that reserved force which is 
 latent in his moral nature. 
 
 It is a duty we owe to ourselves to make the most of our spiritual nature. 
 Few people are as good as they might be. There are few perfect bodies, and 
 there are fewer perfect minds, but people neglect the development and enrich- 
 ment of their spiritual nature far more than their physical or mental faculties. 
 Self-development is personal responsibility. Laziness is as bad as dissipation. 
 The man who refuses to cultivate his best nature is as great a criminal before 
 God as he who wastes his force and dissipates his strength. Indifference is as 
 bad as intemperance. If we have a party for Prohibition we should also have 
 a party for Stimulation. The spiritual nature may be deepened by our own 
 hand. This is a solemn and responsible task, which faces every human being. 
 For the most part we are responsible for the depth and richness of our own 
 spirituality. 
 
 Circumstances deepen life; sorrow stirs and awakens the soul. It some- 
 times disturbs nature, as dynamite moves the solid rock. " Sorrow is bread, 
 and tears are medicine." The great grief mellows us and drives us nearer God. 
 There are flowers that must be crushed before they expend their fragrance. 
 
 John Milton wrote his grandest words when God curtained his eyes. Dante 
 in the solemn splendor of his grief became a genius. John Bunyan became 
 great in the shadows of Bedford jail. Tennyson constructed that marvelous 
 tribute more lasting and magnificent than any material monument, "In Mem- 
 oriam," because his college friend liad passed away suddenly into the world 
 beyond. When Jennie Lind sang in Castle Garden, N.Y., Goldschmidt, hearing 
 her wondrous voice, remarked, " If I could marry that woman and break her 
 heart, she would sing like a nightingale." He did marry her, he did break her 
 heart, and the voice of the English Nightingale will never die. 
 
 Joy deepens the spiritual life. We must not suppose that people who are 
 sad are necessarily good, and that because one has been profoundly moved by 
 a great sorrow, his spiritual nature is deepened. A great joy sometimes lifts 
 the soul to the very throne of God. 
 
 There are people, and they are many, who never know the inspiration of 
 real happiness. They pass through the world and never feel the soft and in- 
 spiring touch of a great joy. Their best nature is never found ; it never will be 
 found except by a great happiness. There is nothing so orthodox as laughter; 
 there is nothing so deepening and enriching as a stainless pleasure. If sorrow 
 may be likened to dynamite, then joy may be described by the delicate but 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 43 
 
 powerful strength of a sunbeam. Yonder on the mountains the sun is melting 
 the snows, which form themselves in refreshing streams, move on to the valley 
 with health and vigor, giving life, which is the sunbeam striking down deep 
 into the heart of the snows. 
 
 To be spiritual is to be natural. Do not suppose that spirituality means a 
 certain tone of voice or cast of countenance or attitude of worship. The 
 spiritual is always natural, always rational, and everywhere at ease. Don't per- 
 mit your religious life to make you awkward, morally awkward; be yourself, 
 and if you are not like other people, if you are sincere and honest you will 
 express the most attractive type of real spirituality. 
 
 Science asks, " Whence came the spiritual in man? " The story of its birth 
 has never been told. The wisdom of the world stands mute before the mystery 
 of this fact, as children on the shore watch the ship emerge from the dense fog, 
 and, passing in magnificent action before them, they see it disappear again in 
 the fog-bank beyond. Thus evolution and eschatology alike are shrouded in 
 mist, and the honest thinker must stand Ijefore these phenomena in the agnos- 
 ticism of Paul, and say, " Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to 
 face; now we know in part, but then we shall know even as we are known." 
 One thing we know, — that the spiritual within us is to live forever. How 
 majestic that thought! Webster said it was the greatest thought which 
 entered the portals of his brain. We are to live again ! " Now are we the sons 
 of God, but it doth not yet appear what we shall be." When all things are 
 destroyed, when the moon is blood, and the earth shall melt with fervent heat, 
 the spirit, that passionate and immortal self, shall stand on the summit of the 
 destroyed years and reach out for the living God. Our duty is to yield it up 
 blameless, and not our spirits only, but our bodies and souls lilameless to the 
 God who gave it, for the eternal life is but the mortal life, writ in larger type. 
 
 The "quiet hour" was introduced by the solo, "Calvary," after 
 which Rev. T. G. Langdale, of South Dakota, using the words of Luke 
 viii. 1 8, " Take heed how ye hear," called the attention of the En- 
 deavorers to the need of approaching the meetings of the Convention 
 with the distinct purpose in mind of deepening their own and others' 
 spiritual lives — in order to hear in the right way the things that God 
 has for them. 
 
 After singing a verse of " Nearer, My God, to Thee," the benediction 
 was pronounced by Bishop Arnett. 
 
 John Wesley African fl. E. Zion Church. 
 
 There were three speakers at the John Wesley African M. E. Zion 
 Church, where a good-sized audience assembled in spite of the rain. 
 In the absence of the pastor. Dr. R. A. Fisher, Rev. J. B. Colbert 
 presided. The service was opened by singing "Onward, Christian 
 Soldiers," which was followed with a Scripture reading by Rev. J. E. 
 Mason, of Rochester, N. Y., and prayer by Rev. P. P. Watson, of 
 Beaufort, S. C. Mr. W. H. Strong, of Detroit, president of the Mich- 
 igan State Christian Endeavor Union, was the first speaker. 
 
 Address of Mr. W. H. Strong, Detroit, Mich. 
 
 The things which are seen are temporal. The things which are not seen are 
 eternal. 
 
 Nearly two thousand years ago, in Corinth, the beautiful metropolis of south- 
 ern Greece, was a church in the midst of the city. Not only was the city fair to 
 look upon, but full of the bustle of business, the excitement of pleasure, the 
 cankerous wickedness of self-seeking wealth. It was a spiritually minded 
 
44 Official Report of the 
 
 church, full of thoughts pointing to heaven and of temptations luring toward 
 hell. To this church Paul wrote at least two letters, and in the second he said 
 that the real things are the inside things, and that outward show, whether it be 
 in church life, in business, or in society, is passing and temporary. History 
 and daily life alike voice the same eternal antagonism. Thirty and five year's 
 ago our ears were deafened with the roar of war; the factors seemed to be 
 men, money, and muskets; it seemed as if old John Brown had gone defeated 
 to his grave, but the end was not so wrought out. What kept the nation 
 together.? Not facts, but faith. Not arithmetic, but the Bible. Not prefer- 
 ence, nor prejudice, but an abiding sense that right was right, since God was 
 God; and all the past tells the same story, — that fact is always the coward, 
 faith has always won the day. 
 
 I would turn aside a moment for just a word of caution. We are tempted 
 to think of the unseen as something awful and uncanny; ghost stories have 
 frightened us ; the very term " Holy Ghost " is misleading to many minds. 
 Spirituality is not spiritualism. Religion has been fringed with superstition, 
 but that type of spiritualism which conceives spirits in the heavenly land as 
 turning tables or thumping doors to surprise an audience is sometimes enter- 
 taining, but never helpful. 
 
 The spiritual life is the real life. Spirituality is not a place, but an attitude. 
 Spirituality is never selfishness. 
 
 There is a battle of the standards not only in finance, but in the soul of every 
 man. So was it in Corinth ; so it is to-day. Flesh and spirit, self-indulgence 
 and self-sacrifice. An act may be spiritual. Spirituality looks up and out; it 
 looks up to God and out for men. Spirituality is not simply religious medita- 
 tion; it is not the babbling brook of psalm and hymn singing ; it is not like a 
 pond in a park, made to look at, but it is a great living current, directing us 
 ever forward. I would repeat, spirituality is self-surrender. How are we to 
 deepen it? As Jesus deepened the spiritual life of the woman at Jacob's well, — 
 first, by removing our prejudice and having our eyes open to see the truth; 
 second, by lifting up our ideals of life and finding that sin and not the weight 
 of the bucket is the heaviest load. 
 
 We deepen water in a stream by dredging it out, digging away the dirt, stone, 
 or sand-bar. We narrow the channel to give strength to the current. We 
 mark the channel with stakes and buoys, and obey them. We build dams to 
 stop the waste of worldliness, the draining-away of force. We want depth in 
 the river and "everything shall live whither the river cometh." Whatever the 
 sphere in which we work, wherever the home in which we live, whatever the 
 end we seek in our lives, all shall live if the river of life is in our hearts, — a 
 deep, strong, mighty, overflowing current, bearing the world's burdens and ours 
 to the foot of the throne of God. 
 
 The next speaker was the Rev. J. E. Mason, D.D., Rochester, N. Y. 
 
 Address of Rev. J. E. Mason, D.D., Rochester, N. Y. 
 
 We are exhorted by the Scriptures to set our affections on things above and 
 not on things on earth ; to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven. Of these 
 things we acknowledge the truth, but it is to be feared that many go further, or 
 at most resolve within themselves that they will become spiritual-minded when 
 this world and its concerns are fading from their view and the next is opening 
 upon them. I would describe spiritual-mindedness as consisting in a following 
 of God's will instead of our own; as a subjection of the body to the spirit, a 
 deliberate seeking after things eternal instead of things temporal, and this 
 under all circumstances of our dailv life. He who intends deepening his spir- 
 itual life will be a man of praver, for prayer alone can fix his thoughts on the 
 world unseen. He will live in habits of self-denial, for not otherwise will he 
 gain the mastery over those fleshly lusts and appetites which war against the 
 soul. He will cultivate a spirit of awe and reverence for holy things, as know- 
 ing that irreverence is the first step to unbelief. He will never be unduly 
 anxious to speak much openly on subjects connected with religion, as knowing- 
 
FiftecntJi International Convention. 45 
 
 the danger to himself lest his professions should outrun his performances, and 
 danger to others, lest, from his example, they should get into a careless way of 
 speaking of holy things. His light will shine before men because they who 
 watch him will see that he is diligently discharging the duties of that state of 
 life to which it has pleased God to call him, but there will be no ostentation or 
 display; rather, he will live in his own thoughts and be so cautious of exposing 
 them to that world which he has renounced that to casual observers there will 
 seem to be nothing peculiar about him. The great mass of Christians, it is to 
 be feared, owe what they have of religion to accident more than any other 
 cause. They do certain things because it is the way of the world to do them; 
 they abstain from others because the habits of society seem to require it. To 
 the spiritual-minded man God will be everything and the world nothing. The 
 first and cliiefest aid to spiritual-mindedness is that of God the Holy Ghost. 
 He dwelleth in us, is ever ready to assist us, cleanses and purifies the heart. 
 He renews us where everything has been decayed by the fraud and malice of 
 the devil or by our own carnal will and failures. How diligently, therefore, 
 should we listen to his voice; how carefully should we attend to it when heard; 
 how wakeful should we be lest by thought or word or action we should grieve 
 him, or quench the fire which he has kindled within us! The next great aid 
 which has been provided for those who are aiming at deepening the spiritual 
 life is to be found in the privileges which the church offers us. As she sees 
 Christ in all things, so she will lead us to do the same. With her daily round 
 of prayer and praise, it should prepare us while still on earth for the never- 
 ending services of heaven and the unceasing adoration of our Lord. To the 
 better accomplishment of this purpose let us constantly ask the questions, 
 "What lack I yet.'"' "How far am I walking worthy of the Lord unto all 
 pleasing ?" In order to judge accurately of that standard of perfection which 
 God is pleased to set forth as the model for our imitation, we must refer, not to 
 the opinions and language of the world about us, but to his own Word. He has 
 set forth his eternal Son, the head of the church, as the example which the 
 members of his body are to follow. No lower standard, no, not that of the 
 purest saint or the highest angel, will be sufficient. In seeking to deepen your 
 spiritual life you must be guided not by the state of your religious feelings, but 
 by a strict review and unshrinking self-examination, whether or not you can 
 trace in yourselves a steady development in the true light of the spirit, a grad- 
 ual maturing and ripening of the full fruit of holiness. There is no criterion so 
 little to be trusted, in estimating our Christian status, as arguments drawn 
 from the state of our religious feelings. Religion does not consist in excite- 
 ment, but in action. No man who is in earnest but will have some natural fer- 
 vor, — a fervor which must be trained, not repressed, — but stiil this fervor will 
 vary in intensity in different constitutions; and, therefore, it is conceivable 
 that a man may discharge his daily duties to God without his being sensible to 
 himself of any very lively emotions about him. His heart and feeling may 
 appear to himself cold, and yet this may not arise from unbelief, but from his 
 natural temperament of mind. We are never to fancy that we have attained to 
 that degree of righteousness that is sufficient. To halt, to look back, or to 
 slumber, are but so many tokens of impending ruin. Let us beware of mistak- 
 ing words and professions for Christian faith, and of confounding good feeling 
 with good works. We are Christ's soldiers and are fighting under his banner. 
 Our duty is not only not to lose heart, but to press forward and gain more 
 ground continually. 
 
 The last speaker to take up the general topic was Rev. Mr. Watson, 
 of South Carolina. 
 
 Address of Rev. P. P. Watson, Beaufort, S. C. 
 
 The closing of the nineteenth century witnesses an effort that is almost uni- 
 versal in our schools and colleges, looking forward to the building-up of a strong, 
 vigorous manhood and womanhood, laying deep the foundations for mental, 
 moral, and spiritual life. The life of Christ, his association with and his relation 
 
46 Official Report of the 
 
 to his disciples, gives emphasis to the possibility and the necessity of a progress 
 in the deepening of the spiritual life. It is plain to us that there are many who 
 have received Christ, but are not working for Christ as they should. They 
 seem to be in possession of certain gifts and graces that, if used, would tell on 
 the lives and consciences of men; but there is a want of enthusiasm, and this 
 demonstrates the want of a deeper consecration and sanctification for the servi- 
 ces of the Lord. He who would enjoy the benelits of a deeper spiritual life 
 must throw open the windows of his soul and let the beams of Christ, the Sun 
 of righteousness, fall thereon. This being done, our will is lost in the will of 
 God ; our bodies are yielded up, and becoming emptied of self, God fills us 
 with his Spirit. This state brings us into communion with God, and commu- 
 nion is one of the essential means for the deepening of spiritual life. Another 
 means for the deepening of the spiritual life is the inspired Word of God, — 
 appropriating it by a spiritual assimilation to the wants of the soul. The his- 
 tory of the Christian church from the days of the apostles to the present time 
 is a history of the glorious achievements of men and women whose hearts have 
 been touched, whose lips have been purified, whose intellects have been conse- 
 crated, and whose souls have been surcharged with holy fire. This deepening 
 of the spiritual life works wonders in the soul. It brings man into a closer re- 
 lation with God. He understands more thoroughly his duties to God, and 
 delights more in the services of God. 
 
 God with us, and success will come ; God with us, and the windows of heaven 
 will be opened and showers of blessings will come down upon us; God with us, 
 and we shall leave an impression upon this city, her business and commercial 
 enterprises, her homes, her schools, her colleges, and her churches, that shall 
 enhance the peace and prosperity of her inhabitants. God with us, and the na- 
 tion's capital shall feel a spiritual shock, unparalleled in her history, that shall 
 bless her and magnify her among the cities of the world. 
 
 In the absence of Rev. Wm. Shaw, of Atlanta, Ga., the Rev. J. B. 
 Colbert conducted the " quiet hour " with which the meeting closed. 
 
 Calvary Baptist Church, 
 
 An immense congregation filled every seat in the Calvary Baptist 
 Church. They packed against the walls and filled the aisles and stair- 
 ways. Dr. Samuel H. Greene, the pastor, announced that there was 
 nearly as much more room in the " adult room " as in the church 
 proper, and if those who were standing would go into that room, speak- 
 ers would be provided for them, and music would be conducted by Mr. 
 Judd. This was immediately taken advantage of, and, without seeming 
 to affect the size of the crowd in the church, the adult room was 
 quickly filled, there being no more room than in the church. 
 
 The music of the main meeting was directed by Mr. P. H. Bristow. 
 The singing was heartily entered into by the entire congregation. Rev. 
 Dr. Greene presided and conducted the exercises, offering prayer. 
 
 The first speaker was Rev. J. T. McCrory, D. D., of Pittsburg, presi- 
 dent of the Pennsylvania Christian Endeavor Union. The speaker 
 referred to Peter's efforts to deepen the spiritual life, summing it all 
 up in the word " grow." 
 
 Dr. McCrory emphasized the importance of Christian Endeavorers 
 keeping their pledges by reading their Bibles every day. God would 
 help the young people to grow. 
 
 Rev. Dr. Smith Baker, of Boston, Mass., was the second and last 
 speaker. 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 47 
 
 Address of Rev. Smith Baker, D.D., East Boston, ilass. 
 
 The material is a type of the spiritual. The laws of the lower represent the 
 laws of the higher. The wise men of the Old Testament constantly refer to 
 them. " Go to the ant, thou sluggard; learn her ways, and be wise." " The spi- 
 der lay eth hold with her hands and is in kings' palaces." No otlier teacher is so 
 fruitful in this method as our Lord. "Consider the lilies, how they grow." "The 
 kingdom of heaven is like unto a grain of mustard seed." " A sower went forth 
 to sow." And without some kind of a material illustration he did not speak to them. 
 There are but few so instructive, complete, and beautiful types of the nature and 
 growth of the Christian life as that of the healthy tree. The tree has an unseen 
 and an outward life ; so has the Christian. The tree has trunk and branches, 
 without which its inner life could not be manifested ; so the spiritual life has its 
 great fundamental doctrines and moral precepts which give it strength and 
 without which it would be only a changing sentiment. 
 
 This is the importance of our subject, " The Deepening of the Spiritual 
 Life." The strength of the tree depends upon its roots, the beauty of the tree 
 depends upon its roots, and the usefulness of the tree depends upon its roots. 
 How is the unseen life of the roots to be cultivated } 
 
 The first thing for the deepening of the life of the tree is nutrition. The soil 
 must be rich in that which feeds the sap of the tree. Thus in the deepening of 
 the spiritual life the love of Christ is not enough. The Christian life must be 
 rooted in the truth or it will be but a transient emotion without strength or fruit. 
 
 The Bible is that truth ; it is the soil in which the faith of the soul is to 
 grow. All other soil is desert land for the spiritual life. There is no nutrition 
 for the divine life in heathen mythologies or ancient philosophies or modern 
 science. As well try to satisfy the hungry body with historical facts, or the 
 healthy eye with moonlight, or the natural affections with paper dolls or marble 
 statues, as to seek to satisfy the soul with anything less than the revealed Word 
 of God. 
 
 Mere intelligence can not unlock the spiritual mysteries. Secular education 
 can not feed the soul any more than agates, and pearls, and beautiful stones can 
 feed the roots of a tree. Secular education must fall before the cross, be bap- 
 tized with the spirit and warmed with the love of Christ, before it can deepen 
 the spiritual life. 
 
 The Bible is the basis of the Christian religion. The Bible is the life of the 
 Protestant church. The Bible is the spiritual life of the world. A man, in 
 order to get the spirit of Shakespeare, or of Browning, must not only hear them 
 read once in a while, or read a few verses of them now and then, but he must 
 read and read and study them over and over before the thought which moved 
 the poet shall become clear and real to him. We must get into the words 
 before the sentiment can fill us. Thus with the Bible ; it must be read and 
 studied and its words and expressions become fixed in the brain before its spirit 
 will fill and thrill the soul. There is no more important part of the Christian 
 Endeavor pledge than that which requires its members to read a portion of 
 God's Word each day. Our Saviour was made strong to resist temptation by 
 being full of the word of God. The word of God is the sword of the Spirit, 
 and when we are full of that word then the Spirit has something to work with. 
 The truth of God is a lamp unto our path, and when we are full of that truth 
 then the Spirit has something to illumine our way with. No other words are so 
 suggestive, no other words are so penetrating, no other words are so revealing, 
 no other words are so quickening, and no other words so satisfy the soul as the 
 words in which the Spirit has been pleased to reveal God's will to us. 
 
 One verse of the Bible incarnate in one life develops that life more than all 
 the schools and all the rituals of a whole generation. It is communion which 
 develops the mind, and heart, and soul. The poet communes with great ideas 
 in nature. The scientist communes with the rocks, and the stars, and the 
 forces of nature. The artist communes with some great thought as it whispers 
 to his heart in the harmony of sound until his soul is fired and thrilled with a 
 passion which finds expression at the keys of the organ, or in the matchless 
 powers of the human voice in song. Thus when the redeemed soul opens itself 
 
48 Official Report of the 
 
 to the Word of God in meditation, and to the Christ of God in prayer, and the 
 saved man communes with his Saviour as lover communes with lover, then 
 higher, broader, deeper, and clearer views of truth come into the mind, and 
 sweeter, intenser, and richer love burns in the heart, and faith stronger and 
 stronger enters into that within the veil, and hope brighter and brighter rises 
 above all tears and all fears, and joy like the beams of the mornmg makes, the 
 world a chariot of victory upon which the Christian rides into glory. 
 
 The closing exercise was the "quiet liour," conducted by Mr. C. N, 
 Hunt, of Minneapolis, president of the Minnesota Christian Endeavor 
 Union. 
 
 In the adult Sunday-school room Mr. George Judd presided, and 
 directed the music, with Miss Minnie Roberts as pianist. Mr. C. N. 
 Hunt spoke, and was followed by Dr. Smith Baker and Rev. J. G. 
 Muir, pastor of the E Street Baptist Cliurch, Washington. It was a 
 very profitable " overflow " meeting. 
 
 First Baptist Church. 
 
 The young people of the First Baptist Church were the hosts of the 
 Virginia delegation. 
 
 Rev. Chas. Stakely, pastor of the church, ascended the pulpit and 
 opened the meeting by requesting the choir of twenty picked voices, 
 under the leadership of Prof. N. Dushane Cloward, with Prof, John 
 Porter Lawrence at the organ, to sing the doxology. Dr. Stakely is 
 known all over the North and South as one of the youngest and most 
 successful Baptist preachers ; and in the invocation which he offered, 
 some heartfelt words were delivered when he spoke of the great bless- 
 ing which the delegates were receiving in being able to be present at 
 one of the largest religious conventions of modern times, Washington 
 City being doubly blessed in being the place of the Convention. Rev. 
 W. F. McCauley, from the Buckeye State, read the Scripture lesson, 
 taking the twelfth chapter of Romans, and followed it with a short prayer. 
 
 The first speaker to be introduced was Rev. Edgerton R. Young, of 
 Toronto, Ontario. 
 
 Address of Rev. Edgerton R. Young, of Toronto, Canada. 
 
 Said Henry Martyn, the devoted missionary, " Live more v/ith Christ, catch 
 more of his spirit; for the spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions, and the 
 nearer we get to him the more intensely missionary we shall become." 
 
 Said Paul, the great apostle, " I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the 
 mercies of (jod, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable 
 unto God, which is your reasonable service." 
 
 Says Christ, our Lord and Master, " Go ye into all the world and preach the 
 gospel to every creature. . . . And behold, I send the promise of my feather 
 upon you ; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power 
 from on high." 
 
 This enduement of power is the scriptural means for " deepening the 
 spiritual life." The Holy Spirit is life, and the origin of all life. At crea- 
 tion's dawn he brooded over this new world, and from him came that vitalizing 
 energy that brought life universal to this fair world of ours. " By his Spirit he 
 garnished the heavens." If this is true, — and we believe it is, that the Holy 
 Spirit, the Third Person in the Blessed Trinity, is the author of physical life, — 
 it shows us how great is the interest he takes in us, as well as God the Father 
 and God the Son. 
 
FiftecntJi International Convention. 49 
 
 But it is in the great redemptive scheme that we see in the fullest light the 
 greatness of the work assigned to the Holy Spirit. There is no deepening of 
 spiritual life, for there is no spiritual life at all, without him. Hence, absolutely 
 essential is the Holy Spirit. Until his vital, energizing, blessed influences are 
 felt in human hearts, Ezekiel's vision is a sad reality. 
 
 "Can these bones live.'' O Lord God! thou knowest." Cheering is his 
 answer, and glorious have been the results throughout all the ages. And it is 
 the same to-day, for God's plan of salvation in all its fulness and blessedness 
 is from the beginning of days. 
 
 This deepening the spiritual life is a glorious possibility, and Omnipotence 
 has done iiis part for its accomplishment. 
 
 " Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on 
 high." Those disciples and the other loving ones obeyed, and there came the 
 promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit, in a way so real and glorious that they 
 all were very conscious of it, and so were all their friends and also their 
 enemies. 
 
 Peter, once so cowardly but now so brave, said a great many glorious things 
 that day; but there is only one of those blessed truths we wish to quote here, 
 and it is tliis, — " For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all 
 that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." Surely this is 
 one of the "exceeding great and precious promises." It reaches down to us 
 who are here gathered from many States and provinces and distant lands, 
 worshipping with the saints that are in Washington at this great Christian 
 Endeavor Convention. 
 
 Yes, Peter, we are glad that, under divine inspiration, you uttered those 
 words ; the promises are to such as "are afar off." They reach to us here, and 
 we accept them in their full significance; and we, with humble, lowly, contrite 
 yet believing hearts "receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." This is the prom- 
 ised Comforter, "even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, 
 because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him, for he dwell- 
 eth with you, and shall be in you." Beloved, do you know him } Does he 
 dwell in you? " Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed.?" If so, 
 happy are you. 
 
 We know not who selected this very important subject for these openino" 
 addresses at this great Christian Endeavor Convention. We are not careful to 
 know; but this we do know, — that no more important or vital subject could have 
 been suggested. For two reasons this is evident. First, for the spiritual hap- 
 piness, the soul restfulness, and the Christlikeness of every loyal Christian 
 Endeavorer, and for every child of God everywhere. 
 
 Augustine wrote, "The soul is restless till it rests in God." Very true, 
 indeed, is this, and millions have found it out. 
 
 "There remaineth therefore a rest for the people of God," — a rest of soul, 
 a sweet rest in the atoning sacrifice, a foretaste of the rest, sweet rest, where 
 "the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest." But it does not 
 mean spiritual indolence. Just the reverse. Time is for employment ; eternity, 
 for enjoyment. This brings us to the second reason why the Holy Spirit's 
 work of deepening the spiritual life is so necessary and important. It is tliat 
 there may be rendered to Him whose we are and whom we serve, the highest 
 and most efficient service. We are called not only to be like him, but also 
 called to be co-workers with him. He, the Lord of lords and King of kings, 
 asks us — and somewhere in his plan has he the niche for us to fill — to enter into 
 partnership with himself. Marvelous condescension, amazing love! And he 
 says, " He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also, and 
 greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my Father." Greater 
 works ! Surely that must be a mistake. O no ! for Jesus himself uttered those 
 words. Then what do they mean.? Why, they mean that if any of us are the 
 instruments in God's hands in the conversion of an immortal soul, we do a 
 greater work than was the miracle of the raising of the body of Lazarus from 
 the dead. Our work is for the regeneration of immortal, eternal spirits, whose 
 existence shall run on and on through all eternity with that of God himself. This 
 
50 Official Report of the 
 
 is the call of the Master. These are the marching orders to all his followers: 
 "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." This is 
 the great commission. With the equipment of the Pentecostal baptism, our 
 work is clearly marked out before us, — an ignorant world to be instructed, a 
 polluted world to be regenerated, an enslaved world to be disenthralled, a dark 
 world to be illumined, a sinful world to be saved, a redeemed world to be 
 brought to his feet. 
 
 Beloved, this is our work to which we are called — we, instead of the angels. 
 Let us get, by the Holy Spirit, illuminating power, larger, grander conceptions 
 of the responsibility as well as the magnitude of this work, — at home, as well 
 as abroad, all the world for Christ. 
 
 And blessed be his glorious name forever; and let the whole earth be filled 
 with his glory. Amen, and amen. 
 
 The next speaker was from New York City, the Rev. J. L. Camp- 
 bell, D.D., pastor of the Lexington Avenue Baptist Church. 
 
 Address of Rev. J. L. Campbell, D.D., New York City. 
 
 There is perhaps no single expression that is more often on the lips of all 
 believers than this : " Pray for me, that I may be a truer, better, worthier Chris- 
 tian." We see the ideals presented to us in God's Word, and then we look at 
 ourselves. Between what we are and what we feel we ought to be, what we" 
 have a right reasonably to expect ourselves to be, there is such a chasm that 
 we often become disheartened and discouraged. The subject we are consider- 
 ing this evening is therefore one of living interest to every true child of God. 
 The word translated "convert" in the common version of the Bible literally 
 means "turn." When Bunyan's Pilgrim turned his back on the City of 
 Destruction, and set his face steadfastly toward the Celestial Gate, that 
 moment he was converted ; but how vast and wonderful the experiences which 
 lay before him ere he reached his journey's end ! The beginning of the Chris- 
 tian life is not the close ; its inception is not its goal. In regeneration the child 
 is born; in sanctification it grows to "a mature man" and attains "to the 
 measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." (Eph. iv. 13.) Justification is 
 our title to the skies. Sanctification is our meetness and our fitness for the 
 inheritance of the saints in light. We need not only more Christians, but if 
 the world is going to be saved, we need also a higher standard of piety, — Chris- 
 tians that can be weighed as well as numbered, Christians that will be 
 ensamples to the flock, Christians that will stand "four-square to all the winds 
 that blow; " Christians that are out-and-out for God. Laying aside all theories 
 of men, and looking directly into the pages of God's Word, we come back 
 impressed with the solemn, glorious thought that there are heights and depths 
 and breadths and fulnesses, even in this life, that but few Christians attain. 
 Tennyson says, " I am a part of all that I have met." We become like those 
 with whom we associate. Look at that evening sky. See yon huge mass of 
 clouds, dark, forbidding, cold, hanging low in the west; mountains piled beyond 
 mountains, great Titanic forms, sullen, black, repellant. That cloud can not 
 change itself. It might toss its vapory bosom into ten thousand anxious forms, 
 but it would remain as gloomy and dread as ever. Now try another method. 
 Let the cloud swing its shape round into the light of the evening sun, and 
 let it remain there conversing with the sunbeams. Just as soon as it begins 
 to cultivate the acquaintance of the sun it commences to change into the same 
 image. First a deep blush passes over its face. The outer edges become 
 golden. The color deepens and deepens as the rays continue to play among 
 the shadows, until at last the whole mass becomes transfigured, and its cold 
 heart becomes saturated and drenched with flame, and there it stands piled like 
 burning ships and mountains athwart the sky, changed into the glory of the 
 king of day. A voice comes to me out of the bosom of that cloud, saying, "All 
 this change was brought about not by my own effort to change myself, or to 
 throw the darkness out of my bosom ; I simply supplied the conditions. I put 
 
FiftcentJi Internatiojial Convention. 51 
 
 myself in right relations. I entered the light and I tarried there, and the 
 natural result was that I was changed." Beholding, we become changed from 
 glory to glory. " If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask 
 what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John xv. 7.) The new man is 
 renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him. (Col. iii. 10.) 
 "Wliosoever abideth in him sinneth not; whosoever sinneth hath not seen 
 him, neither known him." (i John iii. 6.) He who consciously lives under " the 
 great Taskmaster's eye " will not dare go on in sin. The principle that we are 
 now considering is a familiar one. Students unconsciously imitate the peculi- 
 arities of their honored teachers. Writers reflect the style of their favorite 
 authors. Husband and wife are growing more and more alike all the time, 
 until at last you have ''two minds with but a single thought, two hearts that 
 beat as one." While alone with God in the holy mount, a glory that he wist 
 not of shone from Moses's face. Cultivate an intimate acquaintance with 
 Jesus, and the wofld will lose its charm. You can not from the heart sing one 
 stanza of a gospel hymn; you can not read one chapter in the Bible; you can 
 not spend a few moments in silent prayer; you can not attend one prayer 
 meeting, one sanctuary service, without being changed more into his likeness. 
 When at last the beatific vision bursts full upon our view, we shall be like hii?i, 
 for we shall see him as he is. Then our sanctification will be complete. 
 
 If this is the goal, — Christlikeness, — what are the steps by which we are to 
 attain it? The programme lies fully before us in the New Testament. The 
 first step is critcifixion. Jesus died, was buried, rose again. So, too, with the 
 believer. " But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world." 
 (Gal. vi. 14.) Again, " I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live, yet not I, 
 but Christ liveth in me." (Gal. ii. 20.) And again, " Likewise reckon ye your- 
 selves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord." (Rom. vi. 12.) And again, " For ye are dead, and your life is hid with 
 Christ in God." (Col. iii. 3.) The world is to be dead to us, and we to it. We 
 are to be in it, but not of it. 
 
 The second step is coj-onation. After the cross came the crown. Jesus led 
 his disciples out as far as Bethany, and then, with hands outstretched in priestly 
 benediction, he parted with them and rose to his throne. Paul cried, " Christ 
 has died," but he did not stop there. He hurried on to add, "Yea rather, who 
 is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God" — the place of power — 
 "who also maketh intercession for us " (Rom. viii.34). The practical questions 
 are, first. Has Christ been crucified in our lives? Secondly, Has he been glori- 
 fied in our lives, — made " King of kings and Lord of lords " ? As one has well 
 put it, Has there been a coronation day in your life when " in full and glad sur- 
 render you placed the crown upon his brow, crying, 'Crown him, crown him, 
 crown him Lord of all '?" If the Bethany scene has taken place in your life as 
 well as the Calvary one, then Jesus is your Lord as well as your Saviour. 
 "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it." It is here that the study of the Bible 
 comes in. We want to know his will, that we may do it. " Ours not to make 
 reply; ours not to reason why." When he speaks it is ours to listen ; when he 
 commands it is ours to obey; when he leads it is ours to follow. 
 
 The next step is prayer. During those ten days they were all with one 
 accord in the upper room in the great pre-Pentecostal prayer meeting. John 
 McNiel tells us that the Scottish bankers have published the fact that there are 
 $200,000,000 lying unclaimed in their deposit vaults. The owners of this money 
 may some of them have died in the poorhouse, or some of them may now be 
 living in garrets and cellars suffering for lack of their daily bread. They know 
 nothing of the wealth piled up yonder at their disposal, and which they would 
 at once get if they went and claimed it. What stores of untold, unmeasured, 
 unsearchable riches are stored up for you to-night in the treasury of God, and 
 which you can have for the asking ! Why should heirs of glory live in spiritual 
 want and die in spiritual poverty when all the wealth of heaven is theirs? "Ask 
 and ye shall receive." " More things are wrought by prayer than this world 
 dreams of." 
 
52 Official Report of the 
 
 This brings me to the last step, the glories of Pentecost. We have fol- 
 lowed the steps that lead up to it in every life ; namely, crucifixion, coronation, 
 prayer, and Pentecost. We Icnow Christ in the fellowship of his sufferings; we 
 know him in the majesty of his power, having made absolute surrender to him 
 as our exalted King; we know him in the intimacies of our deepest supplica- 
 tions, and as one who never turns us empty away; then we know him in his 
 blessing as unfolded to us by the Holy Ghost in Pentecostal fuhiess. Are you 
 prepared to pay the price? Granted that there were some features about Pen- 
 tecost that were external and not to be repeated ; — it marked the public inau- 
 guration of the present dispensation; there were visible signs and wonders. 
 But in its essential character, these scenes are yet often repeated. There are 
 Peniels yet where, after a night of wrestling, Jacob became Israel. There are 
 holy mounts of fellowship still whence you can come down with your faces lit 
 up with a new radiance. There are Pentecostal scenes that yet bless our 
 world. This is abundantly attested in the lives of men like Christmas Evans, 
 Jonathan Edwards, George Muller, Henry Martyn, and hosts of others. May 
 it be also yours. Pre-eminent above all other things, may you and I, my dear 
 friends, take with us to our homes more of the Lord Jesus. 
 
 The " quiet hour " was conducted by the Rev. W. F. McCauley, of 
 Dayton, O. 
 
 Central Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Most of those who crowded the Central Presbyterian Church were 
 members of the Canadian delegations, whose headquarters are at that 
 church, but scattered among the congregation were delegates from the 
 States of the Union and residents of the city. Quite a party of New 
 Jersey people were present. 
 
 Rev. A. W. Pitzer, D.D., pastor of the church, was announced in 
 the programme as the presiding officer, but on account of illness in his 
 family he was compelled to be absent from the city. His place last 
 night was filled by Mr. Selden M. Ely, president of the Y. P. S. C. E. 
 of the church. Before the proceedings had advanced beyond the 
 opening hymn, Mr. G. Sargent Elliott, one of the elders of the church, 
 spoke on behalf of Dr. Pitzer as to his regret at being compelled to be 
 away during Convention week. 
 
 After devotional exercises and the responsive reading of Psalm ciii., 
 prayer was offered by Rev. John McMillan of Halifax, N. S. He was 
 followed by Rev. J. Clement French, D.D., of Newark, N. J., in a 
 fifteen-minute address on the topic of the evening. As he stepped for- 
 ward on the platform, the New Jersey contingent of the audience gave 
 him a loyal reception, waving fans, hand flags, and handkerchiefs. 
 
 Address of Rev. J. Clement French, D.D., Newark, N. J. 
 
 We all have one common theme to-night, " Deepening the Spiritual Life." 
 We are here not for the rivalries of learning or eloquence, but for serious, 
 earnest work. It is the call of God, as well as of men, to set the whole anthem 
 of this Convention to the key-note of spiritual purpose and result. My single 
 hope is to find and define to you the paramount and practical work of Chris- 
 tian Endeavor, which is best and grandest because of its direct and reflexive 
 bearings. When Dr. Lyman Beecher was asked, " Doctor, you know many 
 things, but what do you consider the greatest thing in life ? " the sturdy old hero 
 of forty revivals replied, " It is not philosophy ; it is not theology ; it is not con- 
 troversy ; it is saving souls." I have sometimes feared that this expression. 
 
Fifteenth Internatio}ial Convention. 53 
 
 " soul-saving," or "soul-winning," may degenerate into cant, and perhaps preju- 
 dice some man who may not clearly understand it. In its connection with our 
 Christian Endeavor it means simply that our leading, commanding purpose 
 should be to present the religion of Christ as not only the one safe, sensible 
 possession of the individual, but as energizing, inspiring, making more valuable 
 everywhere experience, possession, deportment of human life and activity, just 
 as preciousness was given to Corinthian brass by the gold which was suffused 
 through its entire substance. To drive souls is not to win them. The man 
 forced at the point of a bayonet to bow and cross himself and mumble prayers 
 before a crucifix would be only a pitiful counterfeit of a worshipper. I have 
 small faith in those conversions which have not sprung from a clear view of 
 the moral ugliness of sin as against a pure and holy God, and in which the 
 heart is not won by the supreme excellence and beauty of the One who saves 
 from its condemning power. In this light nothing could be truer than the words 
 of Lyman Beecher. Thus to win souls is the greatest thing in the world — both 
 for those who are saved and for those who have been instrumental in sav- 
 ing them. Now, Christian Endeavorers, we want it to strike into our very con- 
 sciousness that our work is in the very first place rescue work. But let us not 
 talk of converting men ! That is God's work. We can sow the seed upon 
 which he will send the quickening sun and rain. We can woo and win men into 
 the spheres where the light of God's truth is shining. We cannot make them 
 eat of the banquet, but we can spread the table and set a chair, and invite at 
 least one hungry soul to occupy it. We can put out the welcoming hand, and 
 if it is not taken we shall, at least, be acquitted of coldness and neglect. We 
 can pray mightily for them, but we must add to our prayers the personal solici- 
 tation. This is our needed equipment for winning souls. It is important to 
 have able preachers in our pulpits, but more important to have consecrated 
 workers in the society and in the church. The kingdom of God will never 
 come in all its strength and beauty until the whole rank and file of Christian 
 Endeavorship are enlisted in a hand-to-hand fight with sin. We by no means 
 underrate the power of a few steady, consecrated souls. We remember that 
 many a battle has been decided, many a stronghold has been carried, by a 
 forlorn hope. We remember the three hundred men of Gideon ; the single regi- 
 ment of Garibaldi ; the Old Guard of Napoleon ; the gallant piercing of the 
 Austrian ranks and of his own brave breast by Arnold of Winkelreid, and we 
 are made sure that with God on their side " one can chase a thousand, and two 
 can put ten thousand to flight." " Yes," exclaimed John Wesley, " give me one 
 hundred men who fear nothing but God, who hate nothing but sin, and who are 
 determined to know nothing among men but Jesus Christ and him crucified, 
 and I will set the world on fire." 
 
 When Dr. French had taken his seat, " Saved by Grace " was sung 
 as a duet by Miss Mamie Cowell and Mrs. N. T. Elliott. The second 
 speaker of the evening was Rev. Leander S. Keyser of Dayton, O., a 
 writer and speaker well and favorably known to Endeavorers. 
 
 Address of Rev. Leander S. Keyser, Dayton, O. 
 
 No man wants to be called shallow. Perhaps the shallower a man is, the 
 more he resents the imputation of shallowness. This is true on the self-evident 
 principle that the shallow man is too superficial even to sound his own depths. 
 He goes on his noisy, boastful way, proclaiming his profoundness, all unaware 
 that other people see the shallowness of his thought and character in every 
 word and deed. He can neither see himself as others see him nor as he really 
 is. The turgidness of a stream may give it the appearance of great depths, 
 even when the bottom is only a few inches below the surface. 
 
 In the realm of thought there is a great deal of superficiality. There needs 
 to be a deepening to-day of the intellectual life. 
 
 It is never safe to be dogmatic while you are young. It is safe to hold your 
 judgment in abeyance until you have investigated more thoroughly and looked 
 
54 Official Report of the 
 
 upon all sides of a mooted question. If you are sure of the truth in your con- 
 sciousness, it is right to be positive, but the supercilious dogmatist only adver- 
 tises the shallowness of his mental operations. 
 
 This is an age of culture — at least, of the means of culture; and in that 
 fact lies a world of hope for the race. But our bane may be our superficial 
 culture. We may not drink deep of the Pierian springs. Having sipped a 
 little from them, we may fancy that we have drained them dry, and never 
 return to them to find that their quantity is inexhaustible and their depths 
 unfathomable. As a means of preparation for the deepening of the current of 
 the spiritual life, I would say. Do not be satisfied with sliallow knowledge if you 
 would be a learner and help to solve the problems of the age. 
 
 From mental flippancy it is but a step to spiritual flippancy. There are reli- 
 gious butterflies as well as butterflies of fashion. Their religious life is as 
 shallow as the mountain brook in a drought. They go to church — yes, some- 
 times they do, anyway; but for all the good they receive they might almost 
 as well go to the opera. Before the benediction is pronounced, their thoughts 
 are gone wool-gathering after fashion or social conquest, and after the bene- 
 diction has been said, they straightway scatter the precious fragments of down 
 far and wide. 
 
 As a pastor, have you ever felt amazed at the slight impression your sermons 
 produce on many of your hearers ? Why is it so.? Because their spiritual life 
 is so shallow, their religious experience so meagre, their range of Biblical truth 
 like the periphery of their tiny heads. Do you wonder that so little is done by 
 the churches in comparison to their numbers in the tables of statistics? How 
 can it be otherwise when we know so little of Cod ; when our souls are so 
 empty of his love and ministering activity; when our hearts are parched and 
 dry, like an arid desert? 
 
 But my talk must not take on the sickly hue of complaint and criticism. I 
 shall put in the more cheerful coloring of encouragement and positive sugges- 
 tion. There is need of more spirituality in our churches to-day ; of a deepening 
 of the stream of individual and church life. That is a proposition too plain to 
 need proof. It has always been so. If you should ask me, "What is the 
 spiritual life ?" I should reply, " It is the life of God in the soul." 
 
 Now, how shall this life be deepened ? Where shall we begin ? That is not 
 easy to tell, for it is as difficult to make an order of sanctification as an order of 
 salvation. The free spirit of God and his truth cannot well be imprisoned in 
 our cut-and-dried systems of divinity. Still, we may venture to offer a few sim- 
 ple rules. An illustration will serve our purpose. 
 
 Suppose a man had a shallow stream on his farm and he wanted to deepen 
 it. He would say to himself, " The trouble with the stream is, the bottom is too 
 close to the surface of the water." What is one of the things he would be 
 likely to do first ? I do not say first of all, for I do not know; but at least one 
 of the first. Well, he would probably do some dredging! By means of the 
 proper machinery, he would let down the buckets and scoops, and hoist the 
 mud and mire and sand and debris up to the bank, and thus deepen the chan- 
 nel and get down to rock bottom. Those accumulations suck up part of the 
 water of Ihe stream, and soil and poison the rest. Yes, he removes the debris 
 and gives the stream an unobstructed right of way. 
 
 My friends, I despair of turning God's life into our souls in a strong, deep, 
 healthy current until there is some dredging done. How can God and Mam- 
 mon dwell together in the same fife and thought and purpose? Two cannot 
 walk together or work together or live together except they be agreed. If 
 there is wilfully cherished sin in vour life, God cannot— at least, will not — soil 
 his own life with it. Christ had first to cast out the devils before he could put 
 the right mind and spirit into the demoniacs. Do you ask me why the relig- 
 ious iffe of so manv professed disciples of Christ is so meagre and unsatisfac- 
 tory and parched? It is because of sin in the heart, sin willingly and con- 
 sciously harbored. What they must do is to dredge, dredge, dredge! As 
 Isaiah says, " Your sin separates between you and your God." 
 
 But I must be a little more specific. As long as men will cherish hatred and 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 55 
 
 resentment in their liearts, or envy of another, or covetousness, or greed of 
 worldly goods, or a spirit of faulttinding, or selfishness, or doubt; as long as 
 they will be indifferent to the claims of God's house and God's day and God's 
 Word, or to the claims of humanity; as long as they will resort to little tricks 
 of trade to gain advantage; as long as they will make mere forms of worship 
 or mere religious performances a substitute for genuine Christlike righteous- 
 ness; — just so long may they expect the fountains of their spiritual life to be 
 dried up. Here is where the work of excision must come in. Men must repent 
 and forsake their sins, casting them, root and branch, out of their hearts. Said 
 John the Baptist, the voice crying in the wilderness, " Repent, for the kingdom 
 of heaven is at hand." That was also the proclamation with which Christ 
 began his earthly ministry : "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 
 
 Brethren, the river of God's life and grace flows only along the channel of 
 righteousness. It is an ethical stream. For that reason the forerunner, in pro- 
 claiming the Messiah, said in clarion tones, " Prepare ye the way of the Lord; 
 make his paths straight." 
 
 To root sin from the heart requires heroic treatment of self, and the utter- 
 most sincerity in scrutinizing our own motives and secret springs of life; but it 
 is the only treatment that will effect a cure. It is a surgical operation, but it is 
 necessary. Let us not be afraid of God's scalpel. The pure in heart shall see 
 God; no others can see him face to face. 
 
 Let me return to my original figure. The husbandman dredges the shallow 
 stream on his farm in order to deepen and purify the current; but he still may 
 have a small and shallow stream — a mere rill dashing over the pebbly bottom. 
 Is not something more necessary to secure depth and fulness and power? 
 Yes; there must be a larger flow; more water, in fact. He must find some 
 strong, inexhaustible fountain whose waters can be turned into the channel he 
 has opened. 
 
 That is the secret of a deep, steady, abiding spiritual life, — contact with the 
 perennial source of life ; and that source is God. You and I must see to it 
 that the currents of grace are turned you-ward and me-ward. We must go to 
 the fountainhead and let the life of Christ fill our life-channels. Our own lives 
 are too meagre and shallow ; they must be deepened and freshened and 
 enriched from the exhaustless urn of eternal fulness. 
 
 Now, our communion with God must be a real, direct, and vital one. It must 
 not come second or third hand, — through a priest, a creed, a church, or a 
 society. These may be helps to us, but they are not the sources or even the 
 media of our spiritual life. Religion is a personal matter, and each one must 
 come into direct contact with the living Head of the Church. He must know 
 for himself whether he has the Spirit's witness, and must not take the word of a 
 confessor or of an evangelist or a society. He must first be a member of 
 Christ, and then a member of (iod's visible Church. 
 
 Direct communion with the Holy Spirit is the open sesame to the real spir- 
 itual life, for it is the Spirit that searcheth the deep things of God. Is your 
 religious life poor and shrivelled and parched .'' Then seek the company of the 
 Spirit for enrichment and refreshing. 
 
 Do you ask how this is done? It is a very simple process. You may run 
 and read. Pray, study God's Word, do the Spirit's bidding. There is no new 
 or copyrighted way. Christ's parable of the two houses — the one built on the 
 sand, the other on the rock — puts the golden key into your hand. The man who 
 hears and obeys is the man whose house stands; he who hears and fails to obey 
 is the man whose house topples in the swirl of the gale. 
 
 The deepened spiritual life leads to practical results. It does not expend 
 itself merely in pious meditation, as the strained efforts of the mystics did. It 
 leads the Endeavorer to greater faithfulness in meeting the requirements of the 
 pledge. It makes him a better worshipper, a better church-member, a more 
 generous giver, a more tender sympathizer, a more earnest soul-winner, a more 
 patriotic and righteous citizen, and adds every element that enriches and 
 enlarges his Christian manhood and makes him a more effective servant of 
 
56 Official Report of the 
 
 Christ and his fellow men. And all the while this active, practical devotion 
 reacts upon his spiritual life, deepening its channel and enlarging its current. 
 
 My brother, you can never, never measure the reflex influence upon your 
 religious life of giving a cup of cold water to the least of your Lord's brethren 
 in his blessed name. 
 
 After the two addresses, Rev. E. T. Root, of Baltimore, president of 
 the Maryland Christian Endeavor Union, took charge of the " quiet 
 hour." 
 
 Gurley Memorial Church. 
 
 The meeting was opened with an organ prelude by Miss Nellie Sacrey, 
 and after the invocation a duet, "The Evening Prayer," arranged from 
 Hemans, was rendered. After the reading of the 103d Psalm and the 
 singing of a hymn, the first speaker of the evening vi^as introduced by 
 Rev. J. R. Verbrycke, the pastor of the church. The Rev. J. H. Garri- 
 son, D.D., of St. Louis, who was to have delivered this address, had 
 not arrived, and Rev. James L. Hill, D.D., one of the trustees of the 
 United Society, spoke in his place on the topic of the evening, " Deep- 
 ening the Spiritual Life." He dealt first with what he called the great- 
 est American vice, — timidity, with regard to the expression of religious 
 life. He contrasted with the natural boldness of the American in all 
 other matters his reticence in declaring his position concerning spirit- 
 ual affairs. He used the leaves of a tree as an illustration of the ex- 
 pression of spiritual life, and showed that if the foliage was destroyed 
 the tree was dealt a fatal blow, and in the same way the outward ex- 
 pression of a Christian's religious life was essential to its well-being. 
 
 After a solo by Miss May Edmonston, "Abide in Me," by Barter 
 Johns, Rev. L. R. Dyott, of Newark, N. J., addressed the audience. 
 
 Address of Rev. L. R. Dyott, Newark, N. J. 
 
 Christian Endeavorers and church-members in general may be divided into 
 three classes. First, there is a large class composed of all who are below the 
 average. Whatever may be their peculiar expression of Christian life in its 
 entirety, it is not so perfect in quality as the life of others. 
 
 The second class is made of the average Christians. Their life is not so 
 variable, their excellences are not so spasmodic, the evidences of success in 
 Christian work are not so few ; they are better, perhaps, than the majority of 
 Christians, but practical, applied Christianity everywhere is not the main issue 
 with them. 
 
 The third class is the smallest and the greatest of the three, making up in 
 quality what they lack in quantity. They are above the average in everything 
 pertaining to the Christian life. They are truly good ; but their goodness is 
 winsome, and not repulsive. It is not inane, awful, pale-faced, goody-goody 
 goodness. It is not all the time shaking hands with self. It is notself-admir- 
 ative. It is characteristic of this class that they are not satisfied with present 
 attainments, feeling that there is no state of maturity that will not admit of 
 advancement. 
 
 Christ has declared spiritual birth to be the only condition of entrance into 
 the kingdom of God. " Ye must be born again " is not a matter of choice ; it is 
 an arbitrary command. It is the announcement of an unalterable law. A per- 
 son can no more live in the kingdom of God without being born into that king- 
 dom than he can live in the natural world without being born into it. These 
 premises are unchangeable. What, then, is the conclusion 1 Shall we make 
 
FifteeritJi International Convention. 57 
 
 the sweeping, harsh assertion that only they are Christians who are beyond the 
 average? No, emphatically no. They may, indeed, be Christians, but we 
 must conclude that if they are they have spiritual life. 
 
 All created life, from a blade of grass to the highest archangel that flashes 
 his wings in the ineffable light of the glorious throne of God, all created life 
 everywhere, is determined by three things; viz., its nature, its environments, and 
 its limitations. I know that a fascinating philosophy teaches that we are creatures 
 of environment. There are elements of truth in it. You were born of Christian 
 parents and reared under Christian influences. At the same time you were 
 born, there came an innocent babe into a drunkard's home. He was born 
 under a parental curse. He grew in the most wicked surroundings. He was 
 affected by them. Environments did that. But this law is not fundamental. 
 Nature is stronger than environment. You may plant the weed among the 
 roses. Give it the same sunlight and air. Let the same showers refresh it. 
 Let the same sunlight flash life about it, but it is still a weed. You may plant 
 a rose among the weeds, and they may seek to hide it; they may, possibly, 
 even kill it, but all the weeds in creation cannot make a weed of a rose. It is 
 still a rose — to the day of its death it is still a rose. Among human beings the 
 same law is dominant and pervasive. 
 
 Disease in life and abnormality in development are fearful periods. But 
 havoc may be averted. Remove the hot rocks. Let the gentle rain and the 
 gracious dew soften the soil. Let the mighty life go very deep. Let the sun 
 whisper through the earth sweet messages of heaven. Lo ! the earth bursts. 
 Life breathes! All is joy. Downward, upward, inward, outward, onward, 
 Godward. Oh, who can tell the blessed possibilities of such life ! 
 
 Deeper spiritual life must be in contact with human needs. It becomes 
 stronger through duty well done. It craves private devotion — indeed, it can 
 not do without that, but its co-relation is in practical life. It refuses to be shut 
 in a cloister. 
 
 Deeper spiritual life is found through duty intelligently met, cheerfully 
 borne, faithfully done. 
 
 Mr. Harry A. Kinports, of New York, conducted a " quiet hour," 
 and asked those in the audience to search their hearts for secret faults. 
 This period was brought to a close with an earnest prayer, and the 
 congregation dismissed with a benediction. 
 
 Nineteenth Street Baptist Church. 
 
 When the time for opening the meeting at the Nineteenth Street 
 Baptist Church arrived an audience numbering some twelve hundred 
 filled to excess the large auditorium and surrounding galleries. 
 
 The exercises were opened by the singing of Hymn No. 5, " Words 
 of Cheer," followed by the reading by the congregation of the familiar 
 twenty-third Psalm, beginning " The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not 
 want." Prayer was then offered that the meeting might be productive 
 of much good for Christ and the Church, and that the Convention 
 prove a source of abundant blessing, not to this city only, but to the 
 various states, territories, and countries represented here by delegates. 
 
 The " Invocation Hymn," written by Col. John Hay, was next sung 
 by the large choir of the church, and at its conclusion the pastor, Rev. 
 W. H. Brooks, D.D., made the following address of welcome : — 
 
 My name appears upon this programme not to speak, but to preside, and 
 one of the qualifications of a good presiding officer is that he shall not have 
 much to say. I shall, therefore, make my words few this evening. Neverthe- 
 
58 Official Report of the 
 
 less, it becomes me as pastor of this church to extend a hearty welcome to all 
 who are present to-night, and to beseech you, as the speakers shall come before 
 you, to lift up your hearts in silent prayer to God that the Spirit present may 
 be made manifest in their utterances, and that the truths spoken may be so 
 delivered, and may so impress each one, that when these speakers shall have 
 returned to their several homes, and when this Convention shall have finished 
 its work, and its tents shall have been folded and borne to some other place, 
 there shall abide with us leavening influences which shall make us nobkr and 
 happier men and women, and that as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ we may 
 have learned to take in more of the Spirit of God. Those of you who have 
 watched the appropriations made by Congress from year to year are aware of 
 the fact that many thousands of dollars have been spent for the purpose of 
 deepening and widening certain rivers, so that seafaring barks might go into 
 certain ports. I can fancy that the great object of these twenty-odd meetings 
 to-night is to widen and deepen the human heart, so that there shall be a 
 greater fulness and richness of the Spirit of God in us. It is a question of 
 our capacity. We are strong Christians. We are noble Christians. We 
 are useful Christians. But we are these only in proportion to tlie amount 
 of the Spirit of God that is in us, molding our thoughts, our sentiments, 
 and determining our destiny. Oh that the Spirit of God may come upon 
 us all as we mingle together as Endeavorers and Christians! If we shall 
 go from this place to-night thanking God that we have liad a feast of Pente- 
 cost, the Lord will be praised and we shall be blessed indeed. 
 
 After the singing of a hymn, Rev. P. Thomas Stanford, D.D., of 
 Boston, Mass., was introduced as the first speaker of the evening. He 
 took as the basis of his remarks the sixth verse of the fifth chapter of 
 the gospel according to St. Matthew, as follows : — 
 
 Address of Rev. P. Thomas Stanford, D.D., Boston, flass. 
 
 It is customary in the Arabian desert for the travellers, on reaching a spring, 
 to leave a portion of food, so that if any unfortunate traveller should happen to 
 visit the spring he would not only find water, but food also. 
 
 A traveller, making his journey, was hindered for several days by sand-storms 
 and many other difiiculties, and when he had got a long way from the place of 
 rest his food gave out, but, knowing the custom, he pressed on, hoping to find 
 a spring. At last, when so weak he could scarcely walk, he spied a spring and 
 used the last bit of strength he had left in reaching it. He looked about for food. 
 He saw the little leather bucket in which food is usually kept. He seized it 
 and took out what he supposed to be a bundle containing eatables, but to his 
 grief and surprise, instead of food, the bundle contained pearls of the first 
 water, valuing some hundreds of pounds — and his body was found clutching the 
 bag. He died of starvation. 
 
 Humanely speaking, hunger and thirst are not blessings, but great enemies, 
 against which the nations of the earth are battling every day. This world is a 
 battle-field. 
 
 When we are hungry we desire food, and when we are thirsty we desire 
 drink. Nothing but food for the hungry, nothing but water for the thirsty. 
 Gold is despised for bread. The desire of food to the hungry creates and 
 increases the burning fever of death. The oppressed will use every endeavor 
 to obtain it. The great and good John Bright said, " He that withholds bread 
 from the poor, the nation will curse him. To offer them riches is to mock at 
 their misery." 
 
 Our Lord and Saviour was a very practical preacher. In all cases, as in this, 
 he presented the truth and worth of the Gospel in such a way that it enforced 
 its own conclusions. How to show more clearly what I mean, let us read the 
 text again : " Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for 
 they shall be filled; " filled with joy and peace through believing. 
 
 The good Shepherd will lead them into green pastures, and make them to lie 
 
FiftcentJi Intematioiial Convention. 59 
 
 down beside still waters; and they shall be fed with all the superabundance of 
 the Gospel feast. 
 
 This text may serve to comfort the hearts of those who do hunger and thirst 
 after righteousness. I doubt not that it is the grief of many that they cannot 
 serve God better Jesus says blessed are those; though thou hast not much 
 righteousness as thou would like, yet thou art blessed because thou hunyerest 
 after it. The old saying is that actions are louder than words, but actions may 
 be counterfeited for compulsion. Desire is the best discovery of Christian 
 graces. There are many forced Christians, forced fruit, very beautiful, but 
 affected at the core. Some Christians have nothing but desires ; but it is highly 
 important that those desires be put into effect. Let it be observed that hunger- 
 ing and thirsting after righteousness proceeds from love. If thou didst not 
 love Christ thou couldst not desire him. 
 
 The doubts and fears to be fought against: — 
 
 Objection: '"If my hunger were of the right kind, then I could take comfort 
 of it; but I fear it is counterfeit. Hypocrites have desires." 
 
 That I may the better settle a doubting Christian, I shall show the difference 
 between a true and false desire, spiritual and carnal hunger. 
 
 F'irst, the hypocrite does not desire grace on its own account, but only as a 
 bridge to lead him over to heaven. So Balaam said, " Let me die the death of 
 the righteous." The believer desires grace on its own account, and Christ for 
 himself purely. 
 
 Second, the hypocrite's desire is conditional ; he wants heaven and his sins ; 
 but Christ's conditions are opposed to sins. 
 
 Third, the hypocrite's desires are but desires and destitute of activity. Not so 
 with the true Christian. Illustration: The eagle and its prey; he is hungry. 
 True desire carries the soul swift to holy ordinance, communion, and those who 
 take it not. 
 
 Fourth, the hypocrite's desires are transient, or like a hot fire. They are soon 
 over. They commence under sorrow and affliction. When better all is over. 
 True desire is constant. The Greek word is in the participle, — "Blessed are 
 they that are hungering; though they have righteousness, yet they are hunger- 
 ing for more." The hypocrite's desire is like the motion of a watch; it soon 
 runs down; but that of a believer is like that of a breathing pulse — lasts as 
 long as life. It is like the unextinguished fire of the temple, ever burning in 
 holy affections. 
 
 Objection : " But, my hunger after righteousness is so weak, I fear that it is 
 not of the true kind." 
 
 The pulse beats but weakly, yet if it does beat it shows there is life. Weak 
 desires are not to be discouraged. The believer may estimate his spiritual 
 state by his judgment, as well as by his affections. Religion consists not in 
 an endeavor to flee from hell, or in strenuous struggles to attain heaven, but in 
 loving and practising goodness for its own sake, so loving holiness and right as 
 to have perils, endure sufferings, and forego joys, if necessary, in their behalf. 
 
 Objection : "But," says the believer, "I have not the earnest hunger that I once 
 had. Where is the blessedness.-^" 
 
 Jt is, indeed, a bad sign for a person to lose his appetite. Spiritually, it 
 indicates a decay of grace. But it is a very good sign to bewail its loss. " Ye 
 shall be fed." A Kaffir boy, twelve years of age, was asked, when he came to 
 the miserable settlement of the Moravians, which did he like best, his home or 
 the Christians'.'' At home he had meat and milk; here he could not get either. 
 Said he, " I wish to become a child of God, so I do not care how I have to 
 live." To test the sincerity of a number of poor, distressed, starving beggars, 
 a gentleman in Scotland opened a shop in a locality where they resided and had 
 a sign put over the door, which read as follows : " Walk in, take, eat, and live." 
 The proprietor said to all who entered, " Well, what is your trouble ? " "I am 
 hungry." " What is this? " "Bread." " What do you know about it?" While 
 one was debating its origin, its growth, etc., he fainted and died ; the last rushed 
 in like mad, seized the bread, ate, and lived. So with the Word of God. 
 
60 Official Report of the 
 
 The address of Dr. Stanford, which had evidently made a deep 
 impression on all present, was in turn followed by the singing of Hymn 
 No. 159, "True-Hearted, Whole- Hearted." Dr. Brooks then rose to 
 say he had received a letter from Rev. J. W. Hamilton, D.D., of Cin- 
 cinnati, O., in which he intimated that he might be prevented from 
 appearing, but at this point Dr. Hamilton himself arrived, and on 
 being introduced to the audience, said : — 
 
 Address of Rev. J. W. Hamilton, D.D., Cincinnati, O. 
 
 Mr. President, Sisters and Brothers : — I have come all the way here from 
 Cincinnati to be with you to-night. I was afraid I might not be able to reach 
 this place in time for this meeting. As some of you possibly know, I am the 
 Corresponding Secretary of the Freedmen's Aid and Southern Educational 
 Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which is the only denominational 
 organization, I may say, with a bit of encouragement to you, which has a 
 co-ordinate associate secretary who is black. We have opened the doors of 
 our church, and one of the highest officers elected by our General Conference 
 at Cleveland was one of your own color. Yesterday our first meeting of the 
 Board of Managers, after the adjournment of the General Conference, which 
 has just closed at Cleveland, met in Cincinnati. I had my train and my sleeper 
 already engaged, so as to leave for Washington promptly, but the meeting kept 
 on and the train came on and left me behind. I put what I had on paper, so 
 that 1 might have it read to you if I failed to get here, as 1 am not in the habit 
 of disappointing an audience if possible to avoid it, but when I found that 
 another train would get me here in time, I concluded to keep the paper and 
 bring it myself. 
 
 [We regret that Dr. Hamilton's manuscript has not reached us in time for 
 print.] 
 
 After the addresses of Rev. P. Thomas Stanford, D.D., and Rev. J. 
 W. Hamilton, D.D., a "quiet hour" was conducted by William T. Ellis, 
 of Boston, one of the editors of The Golde?i Rule. 
 
 Church of the Covenant. 
 
 The Endeavorers who met at the Church of the Covenant on Wed- 
 nesday evening could not wait for eight o'clock to arrive before 
 expressing their enthusiasm. Long before the opening, Buffalo's 
 delegation, numbering nearly seventy-five, but who seemed in strength 
 of voice many more, started up " Hail Buffalo," air " Maryland, My 
 Maryland," then following "At the Cross," in which all of the audi- 
 ence joined, with "Jesus Washed My Sins Away" and " Anywhere, 
 My Saviour " and the Convention favorite, " Scatter Sunshine." The 
 audience was in a most excellent condition at the opening to appreciate 
 the addresses. 
 
 On account of an important meeting of the Board of Trustees, Dr. 
 Hamlin was unable to welcome to his church the several delegations 
 who made headquarters at the Church of the Covenant. The Rev. 
 Joseph T. Kelley, pastor of the Ninth Street Presbyterian Church, in 
 a few brief remarks stated how pleased they were to welcome so many 
 bright faces. 
 
 Scripture was read by Rev. Dr. W. E. Webster, pastor of the Baptist 
 
FifteentJi biternational Cojivention. 61 
 
 Church of Hoosic Falls, N. Y., and prayer was offered by Rev. S. W. 
 Pratt, of New York. 
 
 The first speaker was Rev. C. A. Barbour, of Rochester, N. Y., 
 president of the New York Christian Endeavor Union. 
 
 Address of Rev. Clarence A. Barbour, Rochester, N. Y. 
 
 For deepening the spiritual life the means are manifold. I cannot hope to 
 touch more than a single phase of tlie subject — only one out of many means. 
 This can be safely said : A spiritual life, which is lived victoriously for the 
 Lord Jesus, will ever become more strong and deep. I love to think of the 
 Christian religion as a military religion, one in which the elements of battle and 
 of victory are found. The Bible is a book of peace, but also a book of war. 
 The war-song sounds from many of its pages. Not always are its heroic men 
 men of peace. Joshua, David, Elijah, Peter — these were not men whose lives 
 floated on in a peaceful current. Tlie angels at Bethlehem at the birth of the 
 Saviour did indeed sing, " Peace on earth, good-will toward men," but that same 
 Saviour whose birth the angels heralded said, " I came not to send peace, but a 
 sword." In its description of the Christian life the Bible has much to say of 
 conflict, conquest, victory. Surely it is well that this is so. There are 'chords 
 in the human heart that vibrate to these words alone, and from them come the 
 strains of inspiring martial music. The conflict in spiritual life is between 
 " that which is born of God " and " the world." Let us mention three wrong 
 conceptions of the meaning of this phrase, "the world;" three which the 
 Apostle John does not mean when he says, " Love not the world." He does 
 not mean the world of nature, with its trees, and grass, and flowers, and sun- 
 shine. I pity the man who can go from the dusty and crowded city to the 
 green fields and quiet of the country and not have his soul thrilled with the 
 beauty of the world in which Cod has placed him. The one who can look 
 upon the mighty forests without having his whole nature respond to the voice 
 of God is not rightly constituted. The one who can look upon the sea and not 
 be drawn nearer to God is out of touch with the voice of God in nature. The 
 apostle does not mean,either. our fellow men when he says, "Love not the world." 
 The hermit life is a coward life. The Bible nowhere prohibits love toward 
 our fellow men. True, human love is elevating, ennobling. God would not 
 take our love from those about us. John does not mean, either, our vocation, 
 our trade, our occupation. But it is easy to say what an expression does not 
 mean. Now, what does it mean.? The thing or combination of things in the 
 individual life which tends to draw the heart away from God, to usurp God's 
 place, to set itself as the chief end of life and the chief object of worship. 
 With such a definition, no one can deny that there is conflict between that 
 which is born of God and the world. In this conflict victory is possible, for we 
 are assured, "Whoever is born of God overcometh the world." At the close of 
 our long and cruel war there marched down this magnificent avenue veterans, 
 all powder-blackened and dusty, carrying the dear old shot-torn flags — flags 
 which, thank God, wave to-day over a united country. The people shouted 
 their welcome with cheer upon cheer to those who had conquered on the field 
 of battle. Ah, what a greater review is coming when the armies of the universe 
 shall march in great review before the Great Commander ; when standards 
 shall be lowered to him, and on that day he shall say, "Ye are my well be- 
 loved ; ye who have overcome ! " The Scripture gives us means of victory. 
 Faith enables us to conquer by giving us the conviction necessary to progress, 
 by assuring us of certain triumph. 
 
 The next speaker came from Ohio, and was cordially received. 
 
 Address of Rev. C. L. Work, D.D., Cincinnati, O. 
 
 The fulness of spiritual life lies in Jesus Christ. It is from him that we get 
 our spiritual life. Deepening the spiritual life means the clearing-away of the 
 
62 Official Report of tJie 
 
 rubbish and a removing of all the obstacles which lie in the way of the Holy 
 Spirit's complete possession of all our powers of body and soul, our minds, our 
 wills, our affections. We cannot for one moment think that there is any halt- 
 ing or hesitancy on the part of the Holy Spirit in the matter of leading men 
 and women except as there may be cause for it on the part of men and 
 women themselves. In the Spirit's leadership is involved full surrender on our 
 part. We are not our own ; our bodies, our spirits, and all powers of both are 
 the Lord's. I have no right to entertain a single thought that is not suggested 
 by the Spirit. I must be as fully at the disposal of the Spirit as was Paul, when, 
 on his second missionary tour, he essayed to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit 
 sent him over into Macedonia. It is only into the surrendered life that the 
 Spirit can put whatever he may please, as may be seen by him to be necessary 
 for the advancement of his cause among men. It was into the surrendered life 
 of Paul that the Spirit put that stormy voyage on the Mediterranean, with ship- 
 wreck on the Island of Malta. Into that life he put also the rod, the stoning, 
 the Philippian jail, with its midnight song, and, finally, beheadmenton the bank 
 of the Tiber. But what man ever trod the earth that was the instrument in the 
 hand of God in lifting the world nearer to heaven that the once suffering but 
 now gloriously sainted Paul? Leadership of the Spirit involves his choice of 
 life's work and conditions for the saints. The undisputed leadership of the 
 Holy Ghost will result in a deepening of the spiritual life of God's people. 
 We are exhorted in the Scriptures not to quench the Spirit. We are exhorted 
 to desist from all actions, states, and conditions of soul as would hinder the 
 Spirit from doing his work in and upon us, and through us in our religious life. 
 We need in our churches and in our individual lives a good old-fashioned out- 
 pouring of the Holy Ghost. We need such revivals in this country as swept 
 over Scotland in the eighteenth century and over our own land in the first part 
 of this century. In those days men and women fell down before the preached 
 word as if cut down in battled The Presbyterian Church was born in a revival 
 under the preachings of Calvin and Knox in Edinburgh; the Methodist Church 
 grew out of a revival under the preaching of the Wesleys ; the Cumberland 
 Presbyterian Church grew out of a revival in the early part of this century in 
 the South ; the Lutheran Church grew out of a revival under the preaching of 
 Luther; and so the world has been blessed by the state of religious fervor 
 known as revival. We need a higher grace of spiritual life in order that we 
 may have more power with God and man. We need it that we may have 
 revival; we need it that we may do better work in the line of missions; we need 
 it that we may live in the spiritual life, for without it we shall surely die. 
 
 The service was brought to a close by Rev. Ford C. Ottman, of New- 
 ark, N. J., who, under God's leadership, led all to a closer walk with 
 Jesus Christ. 
 
 West Street Presbyterian Church. 
 
 There was a large attendance at the Christian Endeavor meeting at 
 the West Street Presbyterian Church. The large church was filled, 
 and the members of the Maine delegation, two hundred strong,^ the 
 headquarters of which are at the church, attended the services in a 
 body. 
 
 The church was tastefully decorated. Over the altar-a large frame 
 was hung, in which was the motto : " For Christ and the Church," 
 and on the wall in the rear were two frames of a similar nature con- 
 taining the words, " Do great things for God," and " Expect great 
 things from God." On each side of the altar were draped like cur- 
 tains two immense American flags. 
 
 In the Sunday-school room of the chapel adjoining, the decorations 
 
FiftecntJi Internatiotial Convention. 63 
 
 suggested the Pine-tree State. The chapel was used as the head- 
 quarters of the visiting delegates, and had been furnished accordingly. 
 
 Members of the church expressed the opinion that their decorations 
 excelled in extent and splendor those of any church in the city. Thirty 
 barrels of pine-cones shipped from Maine had been used. Green and 
 gray are the colors of the Pine-tree State, and drapery of those hues 
 had been lavishly used in the adornment of the chapel. 
 
 The pastor of the church, Rev. Dr. William C. Alexander, presided 
 and introduced the speakers. The first address was delivered by Rev. 
 W. H. Towers, of Manchester, England, a member of the National 
 Council of Christian Endeavor of Great Britian. 
 
 Address of Rev. W. H. Towers, Manchester, England. 
 
 To-night I regret to occupy the place of another Englishman, the Rev. J. 
 Holden Byles, who is sick, and whose physician forbids him to travel for the 
 present. Mr. Byles is an eminent Congregational minister, and out of a larger ex- 
 perience of Christian work and life would have spoken to you words of greater 
 edification and helpfulness than I can hope to accomplish. However, my hope 
 rests upon God, and if he shall guide me, maybe I shall not speak in vain in the 
 Lord. 
 
 First of all, sirs, I rejoice to be here as a representative from the Old Coun- 
 try. In England and Scotland and in gallant little Wales the Christian En- 
 deavor movement has come to be a factor in the religious life of the people. 
 We have now upwards of 3,000 societies of Christian Endeavor, and these are 
 winning for themselves golden opinions everywhere. 
 
 Some six or eight months ago, when there arose a cry of alarm that the two 
 great Anglo-.Saxon races on the Eastern and Western Hemispheres might suffer 
 a rupture in their friendly relationships, and there was wild talk of some remote 
 possibility of these two great Christian countries coming to war, the Christian 
 spirit — which we are sure is at all times the best promoter of peace— I say the 
 Christian spirit prompted our British United Society of Christian Endeavor 
 to send the first word of greeting to our American brethren, which spoke of 
 peace and good-will in the name of the Prince of peace. We hope and pray 
 that the day may never come when these two mighty peoples shall so far forget 
 themselves and the principles of good-will and the Christ-King as to draw the 
 sword upon each other. I can conceive of no greater calamity than that. My 
 brother Americans, your race and mine belong to each other; the very warp and 
 woof of our common history are of the same thread; our language and liter- 
 ature and interests are identical, and the same noble Protestant faith, the same 
 grand old holy Bible, and the same Cross of Calvary combine, like the mighty 
 strands in an unbreakable cable, to bind us together in the bonds of eternal 
 brotherhood and peace. War between the great Anglo-Saxon races would 
 be a spectacle to cause men and angels to weep, and would make a jubilee 
 nowhere but in hell. 
 
 My conviction is we shall have no war. If, in our diplomatic relationships, 
 we find misunderstandings arising, we have a more Christian remedy than war. 
 We have the appeal to the Tribunal of Reason ; and ever since the Right Hon. 
 W. E. Gladstone submitted to arbitration on the "Alabama" claims, I feel pretty 
 confident my country will never be ashamed or afraid of arbitration, and that 
 especially with our kith and kin on this American continent. Oh, in the name of 
 Christianity and civilization and progress, and in the name of this great Inter- 
 national Christian Endeavor brotherhood, let us pray God to scatter the people 
 who delight in war ! 
 
 I now have to turn to the topic in hand. It is one of fitting moment for the 
 commencement of this great Convention. God is a Spirit, and when he made 
 man in his own image, he made him spirit, soul, and body. And when, in his 
 
64 Official Report of the 
 
 infinite love, he redeemed us through the life and death of his Divine Son, 
 Jesus Christ, he redeemed us spirit, soul, and body. 
 
 These bodies of ours are his by creative and redemptive right. The physi- 
 cal powers of a man ought to be to the glory of God. You have sent your Yale 
 crew to England to compete on the river Thames for the prize of pre-eminence. 
 I hope the Christian Endeavor movement, in America and in England and 
 throughout the whole wide world, will ever develop the muscular powers of its 
 membership, for the soul and spirit of a man are always helped by the good 
 sound house they live in. 
 
 Neither must we neglect the training of the mind. It has been well said, " The 
 mind 's the standard of the man ; " and it is true. Let everything that ennobles 
 the understanding, that gives power to the brain, and that crowns youth with 
 the diadem of wisdom be earnesdy sought after by the Endeavorer. The 
 gymnasium and the college, the arena of athletics and literature, are open 
 before us for the proper development of mind and body. 
 
 It now remains for me to touch upon the spiritual aspect of man's tripartite 
 nature. Many of us remember, dear brothers and sisters, how we have been 
 born anew. Our former life, which was lived under the domination of sin, has 
 been changed by the wonderful power of God; old habits, old tastes, old 
 companions, have been given up for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ, who 
 reigns as king in our hearts; and our grandest ideal now is to be like Jesus. 
 Here, in this first assembly, let it be our intense and earnest prayer that we 
 may see no man, save Jesus only; then shall we drink in of his Spirit and be 
 baptized with power from on high. Our life should be like the aim of the 
 great sculptor Thorwaldsen, who endeavored to chisel out of a rugged block of 
 pure Cilician marble a statue of the Christ. Reworked long and he worked 
 hard at his task, and at last he finished the work. He then called a little child 
 to his studio, in order to know if he had succeeded in making a masterpiece; 
 iDut the child could not name a person to correspond with the statue, and 
 Thorwaldsen found he had failed. He set to work again, however, and 
 wrought out another statue, more delicate and more feeling and more beautiful 
 than the first ; and when it was finished it instantly struck the little child, and 
 with the utmost reverence she placed her little throbbing hands on the cold, 
 white feet of the statue, and said, '-This is He who said, ' Suffer little chil- 
 dren to come.' " Fellow Endeavorers, do the children see the Christlikeness in 
 us ? That is why we are here for the deepening of the spiritual life. 
 
 Another reason why we are here is to enable the Holy Spirit of God to shed 
 a light upon our life. We want, very solemnly and very earnestly, to let God 
 try us. Like the Psalmist, we cry out, " Search me, O God, and know my 
 heart: try me, and know my thoughts : and see if there be any wicked way in 
 me." Our Christian Endeavor pledge binds us to do all Christ would like to 
 have us do; and if in the solemn gathering of to-night God should put his 
 finger upon some part of our life and tell us it is sin, we shall not be loyal En- 
 deavorers if we do not give it up. The Holy Ghost is a spirit of burning, of 
 judgment; and if he shall hurt us, it is only that we may be healed and made 
 more meek for Christ's most blessed service. Do you ask, my dear fellow 
 Endeavorer, how we may have more of the Holy Spirit.? I answer. Have faith 
 in him. Read in i Cor. vi. 19, — "'What? know ye not that your body is the 
 temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are 
 not your own } " 
 
 The second address of the evening was delivered by Rev. J. L, 
 Withrow, D.D., LL.D., of Chicago, 111., moderator of the Presbyterian 
 General Assembly. His address was on the subject of the evening, 
 "The Deepening of Spiritual Life," and was well worded, maintaining 
 the strict attention of the audience. 
 
 The "quiet hour" service lasted only fifteen minutes, and was con- 
 ducted by Rev. Joseph Brown Turner, of Dover, Del, president of the 
 Delaware Christian Endeavor Union. 
 
CALIFORNIA Booth in the Convention Business Headquarters. 
 
 I ._J 
 
 Interior of Tent williston During the Junior Rally. 
 
Fifteenth Liternational Convcntio7i. 65 
 
 Congress Street Methodist Protestant Church. 
 
 The meeting at the Congress Street Methodist Protestant Church 
 was well attended, considering the weather. This was the first time 
 the church was opened to the visiting Endeavorers, and the decorations 
 for the occasion were pretty, especially the central decorations hanging 
 from the large centre chandelier. 
 
 Rev. W. S. Hammond, D.D., the pastor of the church, was scheduled 
 to preside. He appeared at the meeting, though feeling quite unwell, 
 and introduced Rev. Dr. J. L. Bates, a former pastor of the church, as 
 the presiding officer. The first address was delivered by Rev. Franklin 
 Hamilton, of Newtonrille, Mass. 
 
 Address of Rev. Franklin Hamilton, Newtonville, Mass. 
 
 Were I to tell you the story of those whom the world deems royal, I should 
 recite to you the history of princes, queens, and kings. 
 
 •' There's such divinity doth hedge a king" that chronicle and romance have 
 Imng tlieir richest garlands around the memory of the warrior king. 
 
 Even in this democratic age, the king of men, as old Homer defined him, 
 •' The first in glory and the first in place,"' still is esteemed tlie great one of earth. 
 " 'Tis so much to be a king," says Montaigne, '"that he is only so by being 
 so." 
 
 The Divine Carpenter, however, has brought a new revelation to bear upon 
 this thought. 
 
 Monarchs have reared their thrones on the sweat and tears and blood of 
 humanity, while they, themselves, all too often, live and lie reclined "on the 
 hills, like gods together, careless of mankind." 
 
 Caesar whispered to a friend that his four triumphs had cost nine million 
 lives. At the outset, therefore, we see that the royal life is not necessarily the 
 life of one who sits in " that fierce light which beats upon a throne." The ruler 
 may wield a sceptre, though in the sight of God he may not be a king. By 
 power he may govern, though in life he may not reign. Who, then, is the real 
 king, the real queen ? Who are thev whom Jesus means when he says, " I 
 appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me".-" Who 
 are they to whom Paul refers when he writes, " They shall reign in life " ? Is 
 the veritable king, as Carlyle says, the koenig, the canning, the man who can? 
 
 Are any of these the ideal kings of Jesus.'* Are these they of whom the 
 apostle says, " They shall reign in life".'' Are these they who live the truly 
 regal life? Or is the life of privilege, of conquest, of glory, to be reserved 
 until we shall have passed the Gates of Pearl? Is it true that I can not enter 
 upon " my kingdom " until the battle of life is ended and the last veil of eternity 
 is lifted ? Is it to be with us as it was with Pilgrim Valiant, that not until in 
 the midst of the dark river we shall hear the silver trumpets sound for us on the 
 farther shore; not until, like that mystic king, we shall be greeted with sounds 
 from beyond the limit of the world, " as if some fair city were one voice around 
 a king returning from his wars " ? Is it true that not until then can we get the 
 "victory over the blandishments of the symbolic beast," and stand among the 
 crowned conquerors in life ? No! Jesus said to his disciples, while they were 
 yet on earth, in the midst of their daily toil, " I appoint unto you a kingdom, as 
 my Father hath appointed unto me." And Paul, while enduring stripes, perils, 
 and weariness, hunger, thirst, and cold, and nakedness, burst forth into a song 
 and told of a life to be lived, so royal, so radiant, so blessed, that those who live 
 it may be said to reign as kings. 
 
 On earth, then, this kingdom is to be found. Here in the daily walks and 
 dull, tame commonplaces of existence, its kings and queens are to reign. But 
 how shall we find this kingdom ? What is the right conception of the royal 
 life ? Let me borrow an illustration : " Have you never sat on the bank of a 
 
66 Official Report of the 
 
 quiet lake, and, by that phenomenon so familiar, have you never seen the sur- 
 rounding objects, hills, trees, and shore, reflected on the placid surface of the 
 water? And as you have looked, have you not noticed that all things are 
 reversed in that reflection ? That which towers highest above you is reflected 
 as lowest in the glassy mirror before you, while that which is lowest is reflected 
 in the watery picture as highest. This is a perfect representation of what by 
 and by is to happen to so many of our earthly standards." When you and I 
 shall have passed from the tempestuous seas of earth, to stand on that sea of 
 glass before the throne, having the harps of God, we shall then have a larger 
 vision of life. We then shall realize that, often, what here towers highest is, in 
 God's sight, the lowest, and that what now on earth is abased shall there be 
 exalted. " Gold, here on earth, is on top ! But up yonder they think so little 
 of it that they pave the city's streets with it." Here in our narrow cave life, as 
 Plato calls it, men and women are mad for political place, for social prestige 
 and power. Here we idolize beauty, learning, and the magic of a name; but 
 up yonder, in the wider, unthralled life, it is seen that all these may be joined to 
 a shrunken soul, and so these count but as dust in the scales of that tall arch- 
 angel weighing 
 
 " All man's dreaming, doing, saying, 
 In the unimagined years." 
 
 Apply now this thought to the problem of our kingdom and the royal life, 
 and see what a revelation it brings. Paul tells us that they shall reign in life 
 which receive " abundance of grace by one Jesus." Mark you, — they which 
 receive "abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness, they shall reign 
 in life." It matters not how poor or how mean they may be, if they will but 
 receive into their lives the abundance of his grace and of the gift of righteous- 
 ness, absolutely no limit can be put to their spiritual development. Tliey shall 
 inherit tlie earth. They shall be so changed from character to character that 
 at last they shall present to the world regal lives of radiant beauty and tran- 
 scendent power. Because of their acceptance with God spheres of unutterable 
 sacredness are open to their footsteps. With them, as Macaulay said of the 
 Puritans, " If their names are not found in the registers of heralds, they are re- 
 corded in the Book of Life. If their steps are not accompanied by a splendid 
 train of menials, legions of ministering angels have charge over them. Their 
 palaces are houses not made with hands, eternal in the heavens ; their diadems, 
 crowns of glory that shall never fade away." 
 
 Here, then, at last, is our kingdom, — a reign of the Spirit. The royal life 
 is the life that through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit has become a 
 life of privilege, of conquest, and of glory. The ideal kings and queens, they 
 who live the truly regal life, are those who, through the indwelling Spirit of 
 God, have gotten the mastery over self and the world, over the powers of dark- 
 ness and hell, and, in their own souls, have entered upon that beatific vision 
 which comforted the great Shepherd King e'er his spirit passed away to join 
 the harpers harping with their harps, — " What is man that thou art mindful of 
 him and the son of man that thou visitest him.-' Thou hast made him a little 
 lower than the angels and has crowned him with glory and honor." 
 
 But stop! That is not all. This kingdom of the Spirit is a kingdom in 
 which advancement goes not by favor. Nor is it obtainable by clamorous so- 
 licitation. The way to the throne in this kingdom is the via dolorosa oiiht. 
 Cross. The palm-bearers in its realm of glory shall be they who have passed 
 through great tribulation. Its princes shall be they who have drunk most 
 deeply of his cup of sorrow. 
 
 Explain that, you say. Listen! "Behold, a king shall reign," and as he 
 reigns he shall be unto others as " a hiding-place from the wind and a covert 
 from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great 
 rock in a weary land." What the deep, safe haven is to the storm-tossed, faint 
 ing mariner ; what the sky-fed mountain river with its cool refreshing waters is 
 to the parched and thirsty desert ; what the great rocks' saving shadow is to the 
 caravan fleeing from the sand-storm, perishing ;^all these is a king in this king- 
 dom to be unto others. " Whosoever of you will be the chiefest shall be ser- 
 
FiftcciitJi International Convention. 67 
 
 vant of all." " Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto but to 
 minister." What a revelation ! What a startling conception this is ! What a 
 flood of light it throws on the utterance of Jesus and on the thought of Paul! 
 Under its white illumination how our human standards shrivel. Now we know 
 that the world's estimate of success is false. The world's conception of king- 
 ship is utterly inadequate. In the realm of matter the mightiest forces are the 
 quietest. So now we realize that, in the realm of the Spirit, the most regal 
 lives are the humblest. 
 
 A king after the manner of Napoleon .? Why, such a king is a slave ! A 
 king after the manner of genius or learning .? Why, the most accomplished, the 
 most brilliant, men and women are often the worst, the most degenerate. A 
 king after the manner of money-bags.? Why, most millionaires are like butter- 
 nut-trees, — they impoverish the ground upon which they grow. 
 
 " Come, now, and let us reason together." It is a grander thing by far to be 
 nobly remembered than to be nobly born. Professor Blackie used to say, 
 " Money is not needful, power is not needful, liberty is not needful, even health 
 is not the one thing needful ; but royal character is that which alone can save 
 us. If we are not saved in this sense, we certainly must be damned." 
 
 " Howe'er it be, it seems to me 
 ' T is only noble to be good. 
 Kind hearts are more than coronets, 
 And simple faith than Norman blood." 
 
 Do you not know that one of the most regal natures that Anglo-Saxon civili- 
 zation has produced was a poor Cornish miner, Billy Bray, known the world 
 over as the " King's son "? 
 
 There was no need of those draped flags of the Salvation Army, or the 
 sound of those muffled drums, as they bore to the grave all that was mortal of 
 Catharine Booth, to announce that humanity that day was losing a queen. 
 God's wondrous benediction upon the work of her hands had told that. Sleep 
 on, thou sweet St. Catharine of England; sleep on, thou queen! 
 
 " There is never a sigh of passion or of pity, 
 Never a wail for weakness or for wrong, 
 But has its archive in the angels' city. 
 And finds its echo in the endless song." 
 
 Oh, I rejoice that we are beginning to exalt ourselves to this conception of the 
 " King's daughter," the " King's son." 
 
 The second address was delivered by Rev. R. F. Coyle, D.D., of 
 Oakland, Cal. The address was to have been delivered by Rev. W. D. 
 Williams, D.D., of San Francisco, but he was unavoidably prevented 
 from attending the meeting. Ur. Coyle spoke of the character of 
 Washington weather, and stated that when the Convention came next 
 year to California, as he understood, perfect weather could be 
 guaranteed. 
 
 The gist of his remarks was to the effect that by patience we are 
 to acquire for ourselves souls. We have a flesh man and a spirit man, 
 and according to the intention of God the spiritual man should enlarge 
 and grow away from the corporal man. He spoke of the fact that 
 souls are not ready-made products, and need to be enlarged by man. 
 He stated that the first impulse of man is to do the highest aim of the 
 soul; but, when the matter is considered over, the corporal man steps 
 in, and selfishness sits on the bench. 
 
 The thought of the "quiet hour," which was led by one of the 
 editors of The Golden Rule, Mr. Arthur W. Kelly, turned on the con- 
 secration needed as a preparation for the Convention. 
 
68 Official Report of the 
 
 rietropolitan Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Not less than i,6oo persons, it was estimated, attended the meeting 
 at Metropolitan Presbyterian Church. Rev. Dr. George M. Luccock, 
 pastor, presided, and Dr. F. J. Woodman was musical director, with 
 Mrs. W. F. Nicholson as organist. The principal address was de- 
 livered by Rev. W. G. Fennell of Meriden, Conn., president of the 
 Connecticut Christian Endeavor Union. 
 
 Address of Rev. W. G. Fennell, Meriden, Conn. 
 
 The word " spiritual " has come to be a much-abused term. It is partly on 
 this account that so many of our young people are afraid of it. The extreme 
 ecclesiastic has long appropriated it to designate those who withdraw them- 
 selves from the world to live a monastic life. The Pietist would apply the term 
 to the long-faced and deep-sighing souls who see so much of sin and sorrow 
 that they consider it wrong to smile. Swedenborg, with his visions and trances, 
 seemed to think that spirituaHty was the subtle power of evaporating fact and 
 reality into something ethereal. Last of all, and perhaps the worst of all, modern 
 rehgious fads have taken it up, and would fain refuse the right to use it to other 
 than their own select few. By Christian scientists, mental scientists, and theoso- 
 phists it is applied to their mental ecstasies. But any healthful mind will ac- 
 knowledge that it is not good sense to ignore a truth because some people have 
 abused it. That is one of our faults. Many have kept silent on the subject of 
 temperance because some people had, as they thought, taken extreme positions. 
 An honest man would say that there is all the more need of wise men in the 
 ranks, and I must find a place somewhere. If some men have taken an unwise 
 position with reference to spirituality, it is our duty as honest Christians to find 
 the mean between extremes, and set up a standard to which the Church may 
 rally. To be spiritually minded is to have the mind of the Spirit; it is to come 
 into living relationship with God ; it is normal living, recognizing the high call- 
 ing and destiny of man. Such a conception of spirituality must appeal to every 
 person, young or old, for it means making the most of life according to God's 
 plan. In studying the spiritual development of Paul we notice that his prog- 
 ress was in proportion to his conception of God. We can obtain the inspiring 
 view of God's purposes by studying God in history, above all in the Old Testa- 
 ment. The Old Testament is a section of history laid open. Much that 
 governs that history is true of all history. Study it long if you would come to 
 have the broad view that will enable you to think God's thoughts after him. 
 The old idea of "spiritual" was too passive. Like the monk of the middle 
 ages, it betook itself to the mountains to meditate ; it was a subjective condition 
 instead of an active force. The true spirituality, becoming deeply impressed 
 with God's purpose in the world, would consecrate itself to the purpose of see- 
 ing that effort realized. Above and beyond all, a deeper spiritual life must 
 come through a more complete dependence upon the Holy Spirit. 
 
 The next speaker received a royal welcome, coming as he did as 
 the official delegate from the British National Council of Christian 
 Endeavor. We regret we can not give Mr. Morgan's address in full. 
 
 Address of Rev. Joseph Brown Morgan, Chester, England. 
 
 If this movement stands for anything, it stands for a whole-souled and out- 
 and-out allegiance to Jesus Christ. The obligadon to personal holiness is on 
 every Endeavorer. Words have no meaning if the Bible does not teach that. 
 Would that Christians would honorably, squarely, face out the idea of deepen- 
 ing the spiritual life. I have no royal road to point out to-night by which to 
 accomplish this purpose, but I am quite sure that to accomplish the deepen- 
 ing of the spiritual life there must be a definite renunciation of the world's 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 69 
 
 spirit. You are called by Christ's religion to self-denial, to self-sacrifice. But 
 be not afraid of God's altar. Does it bid you climb the rugged steeps of 
 Moriah? Does it nail you to the great sacrifice.'' Shrink not from the task. 
 There is an angel waiting for you when you reach the top. Does it place 
 you in the path of duty.? Stand for the right. Renunciation standing stifily 
 by itself is insufficient. There must be aspirations as well as renunciation. 
 What do we know about the passion for holiness? Our whole soul must 
 be put into the thirst after righteousness. The passion for holiness finds its 
 focal point in Jesus Christ. It is in likeness to him. It is personal loyalty to 
 a personal Saviour. The spirit of Jesus is for the world. All true progress, all 
 real advance, is for Jesus Christ. The most important condition of ail for the 
 deepening of the spiritual life is inspiration. It is the inbreathing of God into 
 the soul. In that God-breath lies the deepening of our spiritual life. And it is 
 available for you and me. When self is crucified, when the vision of God is 
 more clearly seen, when God's people are more filled with the Spirit, then shall 
 they fly as doves to their windows ; then shall a nation be born in a day ! 
 
 Epiphany Protestant Episcopal Church. 
 
 The pastor of the Epiphany Church, the Rev. Dr. H. R. McKim, 
 presided at the meeting, and the Rev. C. M. Palmer, of Lanesboro, 
 Mass., conducted the " quiet hour " at the close of the service. The 
 music was rendered by a choir of boys, their singing being greatly 
 enjoyed. The Rev. Albert E. George, of South Boston, Mass., and the 
 Right Honorable Rev. M. S. Baldwin, D.D., Lord Bishop of Huron, 
 Ontario, were the speakers. 
 
 Address of Rev. Albert E. George, South Boston, Mass. 
 
 There is always something encouraging when we set out to do a work that 
 gives us a foundation to build upon. It is hard to construct without this. We 
 are asked to deepen our spiritual life, not make it. It exists in us all, and, while 
 it may not be fully developed, it is within and has the degrees of activity and 
 progress. When it becomes indolent and dormant it can, through a variety of 
 means, be awakened, cultivated, and trained. It will act at our will, and, as it 
 acts, bring us into a larger realization of the living God, moving us and testify- 
 ing of our spiritual strength. The spiritual life, in short, is a life in union with 
 God. It is the measure of his Spirit dwelling in us. To feel its existence is 
 as natural as any law of life. It is as natural for us to serve God in some 
 capacity as it is natural for the bud to bloom into the flower. In some degree 
 it is a mistake to look upon God as anything acquired or cultivated. A taste 
 for certain kinds of foods which were at one time repulsive can be acquired. 
 But we do not acquire the spiritual life. It is with us as a natural tendency, 
 not anything forced. Looking at it in this light, there is no other way of 
 regarding it. We are prepared to investigate the how and why it should be 
 deepened. It should be deepened because it is the life of God in the soul 
 of man. We speak about God dwelling in us. Did not God make it evident ? 
 He put his Godhead in union with manhood in the person of Jesus. Jesus is 
 the testimony of the Divine Mind. God, from that time, has been peculiarly 
 dwelling in man. Every man in his ideal state has the life of God in him. To 
 deny this is to lower humanity. The more we draw upon this silent depend- 
 ence upon God, the more we see our .spiritual life. No better words set forth 
 the mighty truth than " Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear 
 fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in 
 me." (John xv. 4.) Spiritual life needs to be deepened because of its vast 
 opportunities. It endows us with the gift of discrimination. It enables us to 
 discern all things. The very secrets of life are opened. It is the true cathode 
 ray and helps us to tell what will advance the growth of the divine life within, 
 and what it is necessary to guard against. It needs to be deepened because of 
 
70 Official Report of the 
 
 its warmth. One zealous, sincere, spiritually minded man can warm up a com- 
 munity; and how many have done it ! Our fires are lighted by sparks from the 
 Holy Spirit. The Pentecost is not a stationary event ; it is repeating itself in 
 the heart of every consecrated servant. How may it be deepened.'* The 
 power that made this spiritual life possible is the power to deepen it. That 
 power is God. The spiritual life that sometimes grows indistinct and even 
 useless in our eyes, that may be cast aside, can be recovered and restored by 
 the One that made it plain to us. It may be deepened by putting ourselves in 
 continual union with the objects that suggest and endear God to us; by medita- 
 tion upon the Divine Word, measuring ourselves according to its precepts, 
 guiding and shaping our way by means of it. Get it into your life. Deepen 
 every feeling for God by it. To deepen spiritual life we must feel the power of 
 Jesus. Nothing short of this affects the mysterious union that we maintain 
 with him. Deepen your spiritual life by Christian conventions. In a conven- 
 tion like this there is a blessing coming from a hundred sources. What is the 
 aftermath of such a convention if truly and sincerely followed.? More spiritu- 
 ality, more consecration, and more unity. Listen to the testimony of other 
 Christians, and what is then awakened but a deeper obligation of our duty? 
 
 Address of the Right Honorable Rev. Maurice S. Baldwin, D.D., Lord 
 Bishop of Huron, Ontario. 
 
 We are told in Divine Scriptures that God created man in his own image; 
 beautiful and fair he was till sin came, and then sin, writing its deep impressions 
 upon man, obliterated the marks of that divine nature. l3eeper and deeper he 
 sinks into the abyss of sin — sinks till he does not exhibit one feature that the 
 world could say was Godlike. I would ask you just for one moment to con- 
 sider how the world was utterly unable, at the time when Christ actually came, 
 to exhibit any one that looked as the face of God. They tell us that an emi- 
 nent artist on one occasion pictured a child in lovely innocence which was con- 
 sidered such a masterpiece that it was hung up as a goodly ornament in a great 
 gathering. Years rolled by; the artist was beginning to grow enfeebled. A 
 man asked him if he would not kindly draw a companion picture to that, and it 
 was to be Vice. The artist consented, and he went to some penitentiary and 
 selected the darkest, most repulsive face that he could find there, some one of 
 knitted eyebrows, some one that seemed to have graduated in crime. He se- 
 lected this man as the subject of his painting. He painted this face and hung 
 it up; and after awhile it transpired that the man he had just painted was at 
 one time the child whose face of perfect innocence was the admiration of all. 
 The one was the child ; the other was the man — the same being. One exhibits 
 the traces and the work of the ghastly power of sin. And so it came to pass 
 that man having lost the Godlike image which the Father intended, God at 
 last sent One to be his perfect image ; and when the Lord Jesus Christ trod this 
 earth men as they looked into his calm face saw the face of God. Our Lord 
 said, '' Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, 
 Philip? He that hast seen me hast seen the Father, and how sayest thou 
 then. Show us the Father? " His face might be marked more than the sons of 
 men, but that face was the face of God. As men looked into it they saw the 
 face of the great Father of us all ; and I ask amidst the followers of Christ, Is 
 there not something that the world stands yet in awe of ? Infidelity, looking at 
 the jagged edges of our troubled lives, our thoughts, our feelings, and our sins, 
 criticises and sometimes ridicules, often rejects, the claim we make, and infi- 
 delity sometimes attacks the very Word of God. But, after all, there is one 
 figure that looms up from time into eternity, that has its feet upon the earth 
 but whose face is in heaven, and that is the form of Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
 
 They that wait upon the Lord shall be like him, and I would only point out to 
 you that this is the Lord's way, — to take his promise, to lay it down at his feet 
 and then urge it by the sacredness of his truthfulness, by the inviolability of his 
 promise and the sanctity of his own oath, and as the Lord liveth and as thy soul 
 liveth, thou shalt grasp the fulness of his promise. And I v/ould ask you to 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 71 
 
 notice what it is to be like Christ. First, it is to be like a man that was put to 
 death and buried and raised to life again. I never saw a man that was put to 
 death and buried and raised to life again, but the first person we see like this 
 will be like the Lord Jesus Christ. Now when St. John saw him he said he 
 saw a lamb as it had been slain. There were the wouad-prints upon his hand, 
 the spear-point in his side. He looked like a lamb that had been slain and 
 had been raised to life again. And when we reach the better home and these 
 dim eyes look upon our Lord, he will look like one who did die and was buried 
 and raised again. Now what is it to look like that.? I would ask you to notice 
 what the great mass of Christians look like, and if there is anything common it 
 is the appearance of many Christians. You go into ordinary Christian society 
 and you find that men and women give way to the ordinary laws that guide the 
 world. Here is a man who says, " This person has traduced my character." He 
 proceeds to try to traduce his character. You speak evil of me and I speak 
 evil of you. You run me down and 1 will run you down. Here is a man that 
 sings like a cherub in the church and rehearses his creeds, but some person 
 has offended him and he says, " 1 will drag him to every court in the law." 
 Yes, and that is what the world says, too. It is the law of the jungle. It is not 
 the law of the Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 Now when you see a man that has been put to death and buried and raised 
 to life again, it is a man that will bless where others curse, a man that will 
 whisper a kind word of him that is secretly undermining his character. You may 
 say there are not many to do that ; but there are not many like Jesus Christ; 
 and I say to you, Go into the world and get the men that give their hearts to 
 the Lord Jesus Christ, and let them be covered with ignominy, the reproach, 
 the taunting, the bitterness, and the acrimony of the world, and let them exhibit 
 the life of Christ. To shine out as jewels that glitter and break and refract 
 the beam in this dark world — oh! they are the people that teach us that there 
 is a Christ above because they see a Christ below. Yes, and that will convince 
 the world. " Ye are the light of the world." There is something to which the 
 world will do homage. Does Christ live in the ordinary events or in the extra- 
 ordinary events of every day's rushing, busy, tumultuous existence 1 O child 
 of God, show to the world that your own nature has been put to death, been 
 buried fathoms deep, and that you live in the power of the resurrection, that 
 you bear the wound-prints upon your hand, and the spear-point is there upon 
 you to show that you died with Jesus Christ and live in the power of his endless 
 life. 
 
 This is Christ's character; and just as you exhibit this you will be a light 
 shining in the world. 
 
 The next feature of our Lord's extraordinary life is this : the food he par- 
 took of. He did not partake of the food we take. He said, " My meat and my 
 drink are to do the will of him that sent me." That was the food the Lord Jesus 
 Christ lived on. He said it was his meat, it was his drink, just to do God the 
 Father's will. He could live on that. It was his food. I would like to be in 
 that frame of mind ; and whoever do reach it will look like Christ. They will 
 be so lost in the doing of the Lord's will that they will find it meat and find it 
 drink; they will not go with jaded feet, not go with a groan, not go from the 
 exigency of the occasion, but esteem it as a hungry man esteems a gracious 
 repast, and as a thirsty man drinks fathoms deep of the draft and is refreshed. 
 So the Lord thought the doing of his Father's will was meat and drink. Dear 
 fellow citizens, seek this : to be lost in thy blessed Saviour's will, so that thou 
 shalt not be beaten with a whip of scorpions to thy work, but wilt be as those 
 that find it meat and find it drink to be lost in the doing of the Saviour's will. 
 
 Thirdly, our Lord's character is seen in the position he held the Holy 
 Scriptures. Our Lord had a model for life, and that model and that plan were 
 in the inspired page of God. There was truth in this: that, though he was 
 possessed of all power, all power in heaven and all power in earth, there was 
 one thing he could not do, and that was deflect one hair's breadth from the 
 word of God. When the disciples said, " Master, Master, that be far from 
 thee," he rebuked them. He said to Peter, " Get thee behind me, Satan : thou 
 
72 Official Report of the 
 
 savorest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men." And 
 when our Lord looked at the Bible, he looked at it as you look at a map. 
 You are about to start on a journey, an unknown road, and you sit carefully 
 down to study a map. You see your starting-point and you see the goal thai 
 you wish to reach, and you say, '" I must travel that road ; " and .our Lord saw 
 his whole path from the cradle of Bethlehem to the paths of glory depicted in 
 that Book of God, and he followed that as no other human being ever did, 
 and he assures us that the whole source of human knowledge lies here. See 
 him when temptations are gathered around him, when he sweat, as it were, 
 great drops of blood; not for one moment would he listen to the voice that 
 said, '' Turn aside." His response was always, " How, then, shall the Scrip- 
 tures be fulfilled ?" 
 
 O child of God, if thou wouldst put thy feet into the footprints of thy Lord, 
 if thou wouldst climb up that same ascent and go down that same depth, thou 
 must take God's Word and shut your ear to human cry and hold it straight 
 before thee; for the way the Master trod was not that of expediency, of human 
 thought, of popular maxim, or of the world's inclination, but it was as God wrote 
 it with his finger in the inspired volume of his Book. 
 
 To conclude, — the last feature I shall mention is as follows: that whatever 
 our Lord did he did in the power of God, the Holy Ghost. It is a mystery, but 
 it is what we are to teach. We are told that at his baptism the Holy Ghost 
 came down and descended as a dove. After his baptism he was led by the Holy 
 Spirit into the wilderness. After his temptation he came back in the power of 
 the Holy Ghost. He talked in the synagogue of Nazareth, and he said, "The 
 Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord hath intended me to preach." 
 Again, in appealing to the Jews of his day, he said, " If I by the Spirit of God 
 cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out?" And, lastly, we are 
 told by St. Paul, in his epistle to the Hebrews, that it was through the Spirit 
 that he offered himself to God and accomplished the great work of redemp- 
 tion. And in concluding let me say that it was by the indwelling, the mysteri- 
 ous indweUing, of God the Holy Ghost that our Lord, our Master and Guide, 
 performed the great work of redemption. So, dear child of God, thou shalt do 
 it and grow to the likeness of that Lord. Then thy features will fade away and 
 new features come. They will be the features of the face of the Lord that died 
 for thee. 
 
 Go home with this blessed thought: that " I too am to be like my Lord; 
 that the Lord will take the common, sin-stained, polluted thing of earth and by 
 his grace will transform it until it shall burn like the glory of the Saviour him- 
 self, and I shall be like him, for he shall stamp his features on my heart." May 
 God deepen this life in us all, for Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 First Presbyterian Church. 
 
 ^S 
 
 The First Presbyterian Church was crowded to its doors, in anticipa- 
 tion of a missionary address, illustrated with lantern slides, by the 
 Rev, Frank S. Dobbins, of Philadelphia, on " The Land of the Rising 
 Sun." The meeting was in the interest of the foreign missions, and 
 not only was the large audience delighted by the speaker's description 
 of missionary work in the East, but also highly gratified by his state- 
 ments of the success which is now attending such work. 
 
 Rev. D. W. Skellenger, of Washington, presided at the meeting and 
 cordially welcomed the strangers. While the audience was gathering 
 the young people started hymn after hymn of those most familiar and 
 dear to Christian Endeavorers. Neatly uniformed young men seated 
 the audience, and the church was handsomely decorated with bunting, 
 the national and Christian Endeavor colors being prominent, as were 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 73 
 
 the colors of the New Jersey delegation, orange and black, the church 
 being that delegation's headquarters. 
 
 Mr. Skellenger explained that the address would be preceded by a 
 service of song and prayer, conducted by Dr. Dobbins. All were 
 asked by Dr. Dobbins to bow their heads in silent prayer, and then, as 
 the hymns were flashed upon the large canvas screen in front of the 
 pulpit, each hymn being accompanied by appropriate illustrations, the 
 audience, led by the choir, sang a verse or two of each one. Dr. Dob- 
 bins interpolating sentences appropriate to their themes. The feature 
 of this service was the rendering of the grand old hymn, " All Hail the 
 Power of Jesus' Name." First a verse was sung by a single voice, one 
 of the young ladies of the choir. Then the choir sang another verse, 
 the women in the audience, only, rendered another verse, and all 
 present joined in singing the concluding verse. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Byron Sunderland, pastor of the church, in invoking 
 the divine blessing, spoke of the day as being one of the grandest in 
 Christian history, saying that the Christian Endeavorers were the elect 
 of God, who were to take in their hands the banner of Christ. 
 
 Dr. Dobbins then told in an interesting way of the missionary work 
 in Japan, India, China, Burmah, and Africa. He paid a high compli- 
 ment to the intelligence of the Japanese and their love for the beauti- 
 ful, saying that it is very gratifying and encouraging to know that the 
 seeds sown by the missionaries are springing up among the higher 
 classes in Japan. 
 
 Mr. Dobbins lised about no lantern slides, all finely colored. First 
 was shown the out-door life of Japan, the queenly mountain, the 
 jinrikisha, and child-life in Japan. Following that came a study of the 
 home-life of the Japanese people. The religious life was next consid- 
 ered, with illustrations of celebrated idols and temples, leading up to 
 a consideration of the relations of Christianity to Japan in ancient days 
 and in recent years. 
 
 Then hurriedly the lantern journey was continued through India, 
 Burmah, Assam, China, and the Congo region in Africa. Groups of 
 noted missionaries, the division of the missionary dollar (showing by 
 an odd device just what becomes of money given for missions), mis- 
 sionary homes, certain great events in missionary history, and evi- 
 dences, by the sun's testimony, of the value of missions and their great 
 success, — all these were presented by carefully drawn illustrations, 
 with full, yet concise, description. 
 
 First Congregational Church. 
 
 One of the most interesting features of the programme was the illus- 
 trated address on Armenia, delivered by Rev. George E. Lovejoy, of 
 Stoneham, Mass., at the First Congregational Church. Notwithstand- 
 ing the heavy rain-storm, the church was crowded to the doors by an 
 audience which demonstrated its thorough accord with the sentiments 
 of the speaker by frequent and enthusiastic applause. 
 
74 Official Report of the 
 
 Long lines of red, white, and blue streamers were festooned from vari- 
 ous points in the balcony to the central chandelier in the ceiling. The 
 rear wall was decorated with a large banner of real red, white, and blue, 
 and the American colors in various designs were displayed at all other 
 points of vantage. 
 
 Rev. S. M. Newman, D.D., pastor of the church, presided, and the 
 music was rendered by the Christian Endeavor chorus of the church, 
 under the leadership of Mr. E R. O'Conner. 
 
 " The Crescent Against the Cross" was the title of Mr. Lovejoy's 
 lecture, and it dealt entirely with the persecutions and outrages perpe- 
 trated upon the Christian Armenians by the agents and emissaries of 
 the Sultan of Turkey. Mr. Lovejoy told a graphic story of the recent 
 massacres in Eastern Turkey, where the martyred Armenians were 
 given the choice of " Islam or death," and were ruthlessly slaughtered 
 by the cruel Turks because they heroically refused to renounce their 
 religion. The details were suppressed, so far as possible, by the Turk- 
 ish authorities, but enough was known, he said, to make the blood run 
 cold. 
 
 Pictures of the Sultan, his palaces, the principal dignitaries who 
 have figured in the Armenian troubles, Constantinople, Stambool, the 
 bridge across the Dardanelles between them, several mosques in 
 different parts of Turkey, groups of the Kurds and Basha Bazouks (the 
 regular and irregular soldiers of Turkey), and many other interesting 
 pictures were shown during the description. 
 
 The massacres have been a regular thing for the past two hundred 
 years. The authorities deny any responsibility for them, but there is 
 no doubt but that they have been ordered and directed from that 
 source. After the massacres of last year, a Commission of Inquiry 
 was ordered to investigate and report their causes, and enough evi- 
 dence was produced to show that if they were not ordered directly by 
 the Sultan, it was not very far from him ; and the removal of one of the 
 Governors of a province in Turkey where massacres had occurred jwas 
 demanded. This was done, but he was shortly afterwards givM a 
 more honorable position, plainly showing that it was in the nafl^reNjf 
 a reward for the work he had done. This Commission of InqWry 
 demanded that reforms should be made, but the Turks are noted for 
 their delays, and although these reforms have been promised, nothing 
 has yet been done. 
 
 During his description of the massacres, views of different cities of 
 Armenia, where they occurred, were thrown upon the screen. Among 
 them were Erzerum, Sarsoun, Sevas, Harpoot, Van, Marsovan, Caes- 
 area in Capadocia, Marash, Zartoon, etc., places of importance, at all 
 of which many of the Armenians were butchered, their shops plun- 
 dered, and their wives and daughters forced to lives worse than 
 those of slaves. At some of the places named there were missionary 
 stations and schools, and he gave graphic descriptions of the trials and 
 dangers through which they passed during the massacres. Prompt 
 and determined action on the part of the missionaries and teachers, 
 
Fifteenth hiternational Convention. 75 
 
 and the fear of the United States government, alone saved their lives 
 and property. Some of these stations have lost much property by 
 fire, amounting to many thousands of dollars. 
 
 These massacres are still going on ; in the city of Van, about two 
 weeks since, there were many of the Armenians killed. 
 
 There is great need of funds in all parts of Armenia to alleviate the 
 sufferings and to keep them from actual starvation. He stated that 
 one dollar would afford bread for one man for three months, or for 
 three hundred men for one day. The Red Cross Society, through 
 Miss Clara Barton, is doing a good work among these people. 
 
 The United States has done a great deal in spreading the Gospel 
 among this people, and through the power represented by it has been 
 the means of protection to our missionaries and teachers there. The 
 United States flag should float over every schoolhouse and every 
 church, not only in this country, but over every mission school and 
 Christian church in Armenia, and so throw the protection of this great 
 Republic around Christianity. 
 
 The meeting was concluded with the singing of Heber's missionary 
 hymn, "From Greenland's Icy Mountain," during which twelve scenes, 
 illustrative of the words of the song, were shown. 
 
 The service closed with the benediction by Dr. Newman. 
 
 THURSDAY MORNING. 
 
 THE FIRST MEETINGS IN THE TENTS. 
 Tent Washington. 
 
 The great Convention began Thursday morning, with the certainty 
 that the tents of meeting would be crowded, for there were only two. 
 Tent Williston was level with the ground. Hours of steady drizzle, 
 followed on Wednesday night by a pouring rain and a strong wind, 
 were too much for the mighty spread of canvas. The night watchmen 
 and patrols were zealous and faithful in their inspection, but the ground 
 was softened, the great guy-ropes snapped, and the tent collapsed in a 
 deplorable ruin. Benches were swept down by the wild rush of the 
 canvas, the pretty decorations were thrown upon the ground, and later 
 the workmen extricated drenched musical instruments, chairs, and 
 tables. 
 
 This disaster was a tremendous test, but Christian Endeavor was 
 equal to the emergency. Churches and halls were opened to take the 
 place of Tent Williston. Tents Washington and Endeavor were made 
 dry within, and extra precautions taken to make them abundantly safe. 
 Everybody was good-natured, everybody was trustful and hopeful. 
 Cried Mr. Foster, announcing the opening hymn, "Let us sing ' Praise 
 God, from Whom All Blessings Flow,' including the blown-down 
 
76 Official Report of the 
 
 tent!" Then, as was appropriate under those lowering skies, they 
 sang, " There 's Sunshine in My Soul." There was much laughter 
 when Mr. Foster remarked, in announcing the next hymn, " We need 
 the showers — of blessing." 
 
 Dr. Clark's first words were, " Rain can not drown Christian En- 
 deavor, and wind can not blow it away," going on to read Job xxxvi. 
 27-29; xxxvii. 21, 22, "For he maketh small the drops of water. . . . 
 Fair weather cometh out of the north." That was the spirit with which 
 Christian Endeavor conquered the elements. 
 
 The gathering of the clans was, as usual, spirited and happy. What 
 a constant surprise and marvel are these vast Christian Endeavor audi- 
 ences ! What an eloquence in ten thousand eager faces, in twenty 
 thousand speaking eyes! These tremendous companies are responsive 
 and flowing, bursting out here in a jolly State cry, there in a beautiful 
 hymn ; now springing to their feet with cheers of greeting to some hon- 
 ored leader, now waving flags and white handkerchiefs in time with a 
 popular song, and in an instant hushed in silent prayer, " All one body, 
 we;" with quick sympathies, with swift appreciations, and with one 
 strong, common purpose. 
 
 In this year's assembling of the hosts, the presence of those charm- 
 ing flying bits of color, the new State flags, was delightfully noticeable. 
 So were many new and beautiful State songs. And all the good old 
 fervor and sparkle were there, unquenchable by the showers. 
 
 The fine invocation hymn, written for us by the Washington poet, 
 John Hay, was read in unison by the audiences, and sung with a will. 
 
 Invocation Hymn. 
 
 Tune, Federal Street. 
 
 Written for the Fifteenth International Christian Endeavor Convention. 
 
 By Col. John Hay. 
 
 Lord, from far-severed climes we come 
 To meet at last in thee, our home. 
 Thou who hast been our guide and guard 
 Be still our hope, our rich reward. 
 
 Defend us, Lord, from every ill ; 
 Strengthen our hearts to do Thy will ; 
 In all we plan and all we do 
 Still keep us to thy service true. 
 
 Oh, let us hear the inspiring word 
 Which they of old at Horeb heard. 
 Breathe to our hearts the high command: 
 " Go onward and possess the land ! " 
 
 Thou who art Light, shine on each soul ! 
 Thou who art Truth, each mind control ! 
 Open our eyes and make us see 
 The path which leads to heaven and thee ! 
 
 The devotional exercises were conducted by Rev. F. D. Power, D.D., 
 pastor of the Vermont Avenue Christian Church of Washington. 
 
 Then Mr. W. H. H. Smith, chairman of the Committee of '96, was 
 
 ^S 
 
Fifteenth International Conve7ition. 77 
 
 introduced by President Clark to give the words of welcome. Mr. 
 Smith received a royal greeting. 
 
 Address of Mr. W. H. H. Smith, Washington, D. C. 
 
 " Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." 
 
 I wish it were possible for me at this moment to sink my personality out of 
 sight and to be to you only a voice, and that the voice could adequately cry 
 into your hearts the three great words which we desire shall be the key-words 
 of the Fifteenth International Christian Endeavor Convention: Welcome! 
 Worship ! Work ! 
 
 A royal welcome from the government of these United States of America, 
 which, by its representatives in Congress, without a dissenting vote, enacted 
 tlie law granting us the use of this beautiful and spacious public reservation, 
 and by its executive officers, from His Excellency the President to the heads 
 and assistants in the several departments, has helped us in every reasonable 
 way to provide for your comfort and to greet your coming. 
 
 A hearty welcome from the honorable commissioners, officials, citizens, and 
 press of this city, who have so readily and generously contributed in preparing 
 for your pleasure and profit. 
 
 A sincere welcome from the clergy of all denominations, who, without a word 
 of carping or criticism, have encouraged us in all of our plans. 
 
 A Christian welcome from the seventy-five churches which, without a single 
 request from us, have been freely placed at your disposal for use during this 
 Convention. 
 
 A loving welcome from the thousands of homes whose doors have been flung 
 wide open for your entertainment. 
 
 A great welcome from the Endeavorers of the District of Columbia Union, 
 with their labors and sacrifices in your behalf, and from the more than 3,000 
 workers upon the several committees who have planned and toiled for you. 
 
 A glad welcome from the Epworth Leagues and other societies who have 
 cheered and helped us in many ways, and who join with us in swelling this great 
 Convention chorus to more than 4.600 voices. 
 
 Welcome ! a hundred times welcome ! Welcome to all, of whatever nation 
 or people or denomination, who own allegiance to our Lord Jesus Christ. Wel- 
 come to the hearts and homes, to the public buildings and parks, and to the 
 wealth of the beautiful, interesting, and valuable which is here in such profu- 
 sion to thrill and fill you in this, our great nation's capital. 
 
 " Welcome to heart and home; 
 
 Welcome to Washington, 
 
 Welcome this day." 
 
 But is this all? Is it alone for the earthly fellowships, the social meetings 
 and greetings, good and glad as they are, that we have been so long and so 
 lovingly preparing for you with such enthusiasm and expectation .? I am sure 
 that you will agree with me that it were indeed worth the discomforts, weari- 
 ness, and expense of thousands of miles of travel to clasp the right hand of 
 such fellowship, whose left holds no dagger, to knit up friendships, which weave 
 in heavenly tissues, and to color into your lives the rich treasures of interest 
 and information which you can receive in this home of the nation. But we 
 want more than this for you. Dear friends, if our highest hopes for you are to 
 be realized, and we believe they are ; if our most earnest longings for you are 
 to be satisfied, and we are confident they shall be ; if the fulness of that for 
 which we have planned, prayed, and toiled is now come to its consummation, 
 and we believe it has, then these tents are the tabernacles of God and you are 
 in the audience-chamber of your King and have come to meet and to greet the 
 Lord of heaven and earth, our Lord, our Saviour, our Brother, our one Master, 
 even Christ. Oh, it is this, it is this we wish for you. May he appear before 
 you in every prayer and song. May he be lifted up in every scripture and 
 address. May he sit beside you in these seats. May he walk with you through 
 these parks and streets. May his Spirit be in you and with you. Here may 
 
78 Official Report of the 
 
 your lives be fully "hid with Christ in God." May this be a real Mount of 
 Transfiguration, where you shall catch somewhat of the shining of his face and 
 garments and realize more vividly than ever before the tremendous import of 
 a work which stirs the interest of all heaven. 
 
 " While we to God appeal, 
 
 May each his Spirit feel, 
 
 May God himself reveal 
 
 To all, we pray." 
 
 Once again shall the voice cry unto you, and now with the intense cry of 
 practical application for each life. Work ! What is to be the outcome of all 
 this expenditure of money, of time, and of life.-" What is to result from your 
 audience with the King.'* Will it prove .'' Will it pay? If there is one thing 
 more than another for which I love the Christian Endeavor movement it is for 
 its purposefulness, — not simply to be something good, but to be good for some- 
 thing. And so I am sure that the right answer shall be given. You can not 
 go out from this place upon the same level as you entered. God grant that it 
 may be marvelously higher, nobler, purer, for the most intelligent, intense, and 
 persevering service "for Christ and the Church." We may, indeed, wish that we 
 could build our little mean huts of earthliness and selfish content, hoping to 
 detain some heavenly visitant, upon these shining summits of privilege; but 
 look ! See down into the valleys and out beyond the shining, and behold the 
 aching hearts and the twisted and blasted lives of men, made at the first in 
 God's own image, but now so marred out of divine fashion, who need your 
 working and wearying that they may be restored to self, to home, and to heaven. 
 See the sin-stained and demon-possessed that God wants to reach and must 
 reach through your life and your strength with his own cleansing and power. 
 Behold a world lying in wickedness, stumbling and groping on in blindness, 
 with the eternities just before, for whom Christ died, and into whose lives the 
 Saviour shall come only as he comes through your life ; and then, with all the 
 wealth of all you shall gather into your life here, go out to do great service in 
 the midst of great need, and sure of great reward. 
 
 If our devotion to your interests has established any claim to your affection, 
 if our sacrifices for your happiness call for any return from you, if our efforts in 
 your behalf place you under any obligation whatsoever, then by so much and to 
 such extent as we have any right, we plead with and command you to "make it 
 pay," by stepping out upon a higher plane and a broader view of life than ever 
 before, into every place where the Master calls you, to do better and braver 
 work for him whose incarnated life motto was, "not to be ministered unto, but 
 to minister." So shall your Christlier life answer the pertinent question of this 
 utilitarian age, and by every soul won to our Master, and every heart helped in 
 his service, you shall "make it pay " over and over, "make it pay " for any- 
 thing, everything, done for you and for this Convention. 
 
 " Search for the strayed and lost, 
 Rescue the tempest-tossed, 
 Save men at any cost ; 
 To God be true." 
 
 ^S 
 
 The voice cries unto you in a great cry of passionate longing, Welcome ! 
 Worship ! Work ! 
 
 One of the oldest and best friends of Christian Endeavor, the Rev. 
 Robert J. Service, D.D., of Detroit, Mich., then made a response to the 
 words of welcome. 
 
 Address of Rev. Robert J. Service, D.D., Detroit, Mich. 
 
 Afr. President and Felloiv Endeavorers : — We expected a warm welcome 
 when we came to Washington and we certainly have not been disappointed. 
 Knowing the gathering that assembles from year to year on Capitol Hill, we 
 were quite confident we would receive a windy welcome, and in that we have 
 not been disappointed. 
 
Fifteenth Internatiojial Conventioji. 79 
 
 But I am sure we all appreciate most heartily the gracious and the generous 
 words of welcome to which we have just listened, and especially do we appre- 
 ciate the act of the united houses of Congress in granting us this ground upon 
 which to pitch our tents. As grateful guests, we propose to show our apprecia- 
 tion of your generous welcome by making ourselves perfectly at home. That 
 we have already begun to do so the keepers of the hotels and boarding-houses 
 and the generous hosts in private residences can testify, I am sure. 
 
 As loyal Americans, we feel that in a sense this capital city is our own ; and I 
 have no doubt that our Canadian brethren who are present already wish that 
 they possessed that delightful sense of ownership. Possibly there shall go 
 back to Canada's realms a great host of earnest annexationists, so impressed 
 with our national hospitality that they no longer have any fear of refusal on 
 our part to receive fair Canada into the galaxy of our States. 
 
 Coxey-like, we shall probably walk upon the grass and congregate in the 
 national plaza. Nor do we fear that we shall be compelled to follow Father 
 Clark or Secretary Baer to your prison gates. Were Congress in session we 
 should doubtless invade her halls, and, impelled by the imperative necessities 
 of the case, should perhaps begin missionary work. Possibly the fear of this 
 has led to the early adjournment of that body. 
 
 Heartily, most heartily, do we thank you for your generous welcome; and 
 with all due modesty, may I say we believe we deserve it 1 
 
 Representatives we are of 2,600,000 of Christian Endeavorers whose sole 
 object is to do good to their fellows, to lift the standard of human life, to make 
 better citizens, to keep our government pure, that it may be stable and enduring. 
 
 History tells us that the life of republics is only about one hundred years. 
 Then comes decay and death. Wise, far-seeing men in our own land already 
 begin to discern clouds rising in our sky that threaten tempest and storm to our 
 national and social life. Possibly their intense love of their country is the mother 
 of their fears. Be that as it may, all agree and recognize that if that for which 
 Christian Endeavor stands can prevail, these clouds will vanish as the mists 
 before the morning sun. 
 
 As truly defenders of our national honor and stability are the hosts of Chris- 
 tian Endeavor as were the boys from Massachusetts and Connecticut who 
 marched up Pennsylvania Avenue in the dark days of 186 1. Right gladly did 
 this city welcome those boys from the North as her defenders, as tliey have 
 welcomed us to-day ; and I believe that no portion of our great United Republic 
 to-day more rejoices in the success that crowned the armies of those days than, 
 our brethren from the South. I believe that to-day no section of our country 
 is so devotedly loyal and true to our United Republic as are they. 
 
 To check vice and sin in individual and national life, to keep before men the 
 divine ideal, to awaken in the consciousness of mankind the sense of a Father- 
 hood enveloping men in his love, and the consequent sense of human brother- 
 hood, whereby injustice between man and man, whereby class distinctions with 
 their threatening dangers and perils, shall be done away with ; whereby in homes, 
 in factories, in business marts, in legislative halls, and at the polls men in purity 
 and righteousness shall act as children of the one Father, and brethren together; 
 — this is one of the objects of Christian Endeavor, and this will render any 
 nation immortal. 
 
 What youth has done for the world we all realize in every line and department 
 of life. "We gather here with youthful enthusiasm to advance the kingdom of 
 our Lord and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Slowly, but surely, the Church is 
 beginning to recognize, under the press of youthful enthusiasm, that she 
 received her divine commission not as a hospital but as an army, and that there 
 is a place for every one in the field. Already, under the press of the army 
 idea, the Christian Endeavor idea, the Christ idea, cots that have abounded in 
 the court of Israel, containing dyspeptic sons, are being folded, as they march 
 with us in the ranks of the army of Christ. 
 
 I look upon this as a great council of war, gathered together to plan for the 
 campaign of the Christ. May we all carry back to our different divisions, and 
 regiments, the martial spirit, the spirit of our Divine Saviour in his tireless, per- 
 
80 Official Report of the 
 
 sistent, conquering war with the hosts of evil; and let our response to the 
 warmth of our generous welcome here be in the harvest of souls, be in purified 
 life, be in more devoted, persistent, loyal service to the Captain whom we love 
 and whom we serve. 
 
 Rev. Wayland Hoyt, D.D., of Philadelphia, then took the post of 
 presiding officer. Said he, " The same unkind winds not only to some 
 degree disarranged Tent Williston, but necessarily also disarranged 
 somewhat our programme. So there must be some change in the 
 order. I do not think you will object at all to the change necessitated 
 just now, for the thing next in order is the presentation of his annual 
 address by President Clark. He said to me just now, 'Introduce me.' 
 What is the use ? A man might just as well say to himself, ' Introduce 
 me to myself,' as for a Christian Endeavor throng to need to have 
 President Clark introduced to them." 
 
 Then the tent swelled with the cheer that went up. Again and 
 again it died away, only to be caught up again and redoubled. For 
 several minutes President Clark stood the centre of a whirlwind of 
 enthusiasm. He tried several times to speak, but his voice could not 
 be heard two feet away. He waited, patiently, until the fervor of the 
 Endeavorers had exhausted itself; then he went on, but only to be 
 interrupted every few moments by the applause that punctuated his 
 words. 
 
 Address of President Francis E. Clark, D.D. 
 
 Fellow Christian Endeavorers : — This is a good year to build platforms. 
 Several have been constructed already. From the great metropolis of the 
 West we can almost hear the resounding blows of hammer and chisel as, 
 in another platform, plank is fitted to plank. 
 
 Our Christian Endeavor platform was built for us at the beginning by Prov- 
 idence. Its strength has been revealed by our history. 
 
 My task is an easy one, for I only need write in words what I believe God 
 has written in deeds. 
 
 If I do not state our platform correctly, I do not ask you to stand upon it. 
 
 But if I can read our history aright, these are its chief planks: — 
 
 First. Our Covenant Prayer-meeting Pledge, — the Magna Omrta of Chris- 
 tian Endeavor. { 
 
 Second. Oiir Co7tsecration Meeting, — guaranteeing the spixtt%al character 
 of the Society. X^^ 
 
 Third. Our Conitnittees, — giving to each active member some specific and 
 definite work ""for Christ and the CJiiirch.'" 
 
 Fourth. Our Interdenominational and International Fellowship, based 
 upon our dcnofninational and national loyalty. 
 
 Fifth. Our Individual Independence and Self-government, free from con- 
 trol of United Society, State or local union, convention, or committee j all of 
 which exist for fellowship and inspiration, 7iot for legislation. 
 
 Sixth. Our Individual Subordination as societies to our own churches, of 
 which we claim to be an integral, organic, inseparable part. 
 
 Seventh. Our Christian Citizenship platik, — our country for Christ, but, 
 as a Society, no entarigling political alliances. Otir Missiofiary plank, — Christ 
 for the world. 
 
 Eighth. Our Ultimate Purpose, — to deepen the spiritual life and raise the 
 religious standards of young people the world over. 
 
 For fifteen years Christian Endeavor has built upon this platform. The 
 history of the Society which has wrought out in practice these principles maybe 
 
FifteejitJi International Convention. ~ 81 
 
 briefly summarized, so far as words and figures can summarize a movement, as 
 follows : — 
 
 Forty-six thousand societies have been formed. 
 
 Five milHons of Endeavorers have been enrolled, of whom more than two 
 millions seven hundred thousand are to-day members. 
 
 Two millions of others, Endeavorers in all but name, have probably been 
 enrolled in purely denominational societies. 
 
 Ten million Endeavor meetings have been held. 
 
 Five million copies of the constitution have undoulDtedly been printed, in 
 forty different languages, and at least fifteen million copies of the pledge. 
 
 Over one million of our associate members have come into the evangelical 
 churches connected with fifty denominations, influenced in part, at least, by 
 the Christian Endeavor Society; and it is certain that over two millions of 
 dollars have been given in benevolence through denominational and church 
 channels. 
 
 " The past at least is secure," we say. But ah ! is it .? Not unless we secure 
 the future by learning the lessons of the past. The future stretches before us, — 
 ten times fifteen years of Christian Endeavor, please God, and ten times that. 
 We stand yet at the beginnings, fellow Endeavorers. The stream is yet near 
 its source. _ Our concern should be not to deflect it into any channels of our 
 own choosing. Let God choose its way and direct its course, as he has done 
 these fifteen years, and then the future, too, is secure. " We have but one lamp 
 by which our feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience." By the past 
 what does God teach us for the future? 
 
 Let me try, as best 1 may, to draw out the lessons. Christian Endeavor, as 
 our platform shows, is a practical paradox, a reconciler of irreconcilables. It 
 has married opposites. It has brought into an harmonious family, ideas which 
 have been thought to be mutually exclusive. I am tempted to consider this the 
 most important work of Christian Endeavor, in the future as in the past. 
 
 Our platform specifies some of the banns that have been proclaimed by 
 Christian Endeavor. 
 
 First. It has married the ideas of denominational fidelity and fellowship 
 between denominations, and has written on the door-posts of the home thus 
 formed : " Fidelity and Fellowship, one and inseparable." 
 
 These ideas have been thought by many to be inconsistent, if not hostile, one 
 to the other. Hence, many ecclesiastics are to-day afraid of our fellowship 
 because they believe it will weaken our fidelity. Christian Endeavor, sooner or 
 later, will show them the groundlessness of their fears. 
 
 By combining these disassociated ideas. Christian Endeavor has created a 
 new idea, which has required a new word, — a word which is found only in 
 the very latest dictionary, — the word "interdenominational;" a denomination- 
 alism which is not sectarianism on the one side or care-nothing-ism on the other. 
 Mind your prefixes. Christian Endeavorers ; not "un," nor "non," but "inter." 
 
 Closely linked with this idea of Interdenominational Fellowship is that other 
 great idea of International Fellowship. Look at these intertwined flags ! They 
 tell their own story. They tell of our intense love for our own flag, — the Stars 
 and Stripes, " Old Glory," if we live in the United States ; the Union Jack, if we 
 live in Canada or Great Britain. Interlinked as they are, they tell of our world- 
 wide brotherhood. Our Society is an arbitration meeting which never adjourns, 
 a peace-with-honor convention that is always in session. On these banners is 
 written: "Loyalty and Brotherhood, one and inseparable." 
 
 Second. Again, if our platform is correct. Christian Endeavor stands for a 
 self-governed society that is yet wholly governed by its own church. I know of 
 no way of developing responsibility except by bearing responsibility. That 
 man and that society will always be a dwarf and weakling that is ever managed 
 by some one else. In comparison with such a man, Mr. Caudle behind the 
 bed-curtain will be independent and self-respecting. 
 
 Each society of Christian Endeavor is in a sense independent. It works out 
 its own problems. It is responsible for its own success or failure. It lives or 
 dies according to its own inherent worth. It manages its own matters. It elects 
 
82 Official Report of the 
 
 its own officers. It plans its own campaigns. But it is always subordinate to its 
 own church, and seeks to find out and obey the wishes of its own church and 
 pastor. 
 
 Let me here take occasion to pledge myself to the Christian public, if I may 
 be allowed to speak in any sense as a representative of Christian Endeavor. 
 No United Society and no convention, no union, and no committee of evangel- 
 ism, good citizenship, or missions, shall legislate for, or seek to control, any 
 society in the wide world. 
 
 More and more strongly every year is this principle of Christian Endeavor 
 established, which indeed has been fundamental from the beginning, — that each 
 society owes allegiance to its own church. Some churches have taken advantage 
 of this principle of subordination to compel their Christian Endeavor Societies 
 to commit suicide, to go out of existence, or to label themselves with a local or 
 sectarian name. Is this entirely fair? I appeal confidently to the Christian 
 public of the future, to the sense of justice in the church at large, for my answer. 
 
 Nevertheless, and in spite of the advantage sometimes taken of this princi- 
 ple. Christian Endeavor has proclaimed the banns once more over these two 
 apparently dissimilar ideas, — Self-government and Subordination. It has mar- 
 ried these disassociated thoughts, each of which is incomplete without the other ; 
 each of which is puny and weak without the other; each of which is comple- 
 mented and supplemented by the other. It has married them, and has written 
 on the lintel of their door: "Obedience and Independence, one and 
 
 INSEPARABLE." 
 
 Third. Again, our platform embraces Patriotism and Humanity. Patriot- 
 ism is a name that is used to cover a multitude of sins. " It is the last resort of 
 designing knaves," said Johnson. It has been made to stand for partisanship 
 and to mask hideous corruption. It needs to be married to another idea, — the 
 idea of humanity. This Christian Endeavor has attempted to do. 
 
 Our patriotic fervor was born at the same time as our missionary fervor. 
 Good citizenship and missions have gone hand in hand. " America for Christ" 
 had not ceased to echo before we took up the cry " Christ for the world." Good 
 citizenship has too often meant in the lands where its slogan has been sounded, 
 "America for the Americans," "Canada for the Canadians," "Great Britain 
 for the British," "Japan for the Japanese." Christian citizenship means some- 
 thing more than this. It means our country for Christ, and Christ for the world. 
 It means good rulers and good laws. It means the abolition of the saloon. It 
 means prohibition wherever we can get it. It means Sabbath observance. It 
 means inflexible opposition to all unrighteousness — not simply that America may 
 be the greatest nation on which the sun rises, not simply tliart' Britain's drum- 
 beat may be heard around the world, but above all, that " P^s kingdom may 
 come, and his will may be done, on earth as it is in heaven. \^ 
 
 By Christian Endeavor, then, we marry the too-often draasBociated ideas, 
 patriotism and humanity. Christian Citizenship and Christian Missions, 
 
 ONE AND inseparable. 
 
 Fourth. Our Christian Endeavor platform, once more, stands for Organi- 
 zation ; it stands for Spiritual Power. These two great ideas, alas ! have too 
 often been set over against one another. They have been divorced and sun- 
 dered far. Come, Christian Endeavor, thou white-robed peacemaker, and 
 pronounce the banns which shall make organization and spiritual power forever 
 one ! 
 
 Two wings are essential to the bird that would soar toward the sun. Organ- 
 ization is one wing, spirituality is another. A poor, broken-winged eagle is that 
 church or society that fails to use both wings. 
 
 Organization without spiritual power is the perfect engine standing upon the 
 track with no fire under the boiler, no steam in the pipes. It is a dumb, dead, 
 impotent thing. 
 
 Spirituality without organization is the fire upon the prairie, kindling a 
 blaze, but driving no wheels, turning no turbines, energizing no whirring looms 
 or flying shuttles. This, too, is an impotent, evanescent thing. But spirituality 
 and organization may move the world. 
 
Fifteenth hiternational Convention. 83 
 
 We have the organization practically complete, — our covenant pledge, our 
 consecration meeting, our committees, our unions. Our future conquest is a ques- 
 tion of spiritual power, and that, O Christian Endeavorers, you must furnish. 
 Spiritual power abides not in the machinery of itself, but it may be had for the 
 asking. Listen to the promise. Christian Endeavorer : " Ask and ye shall receive ; 
 seek and ye shall find." Spiritual power is as free as the sunlight, as mighty as 
 the tides. It is as abundant as electricity, but, like electricity, it must be gener- 
 ated. It is as omnipotent as God, but it must be applied. 
 
 The Christian Endeavor history of this past year is the story of this power. 
 Its dominant note has been "Evangelism." "Saved to serve" has been its 
 motto. The " new Endeavor " may be summarized as the evangelistic Endeavor, 
 and wise evangelism is spiritual power applied. 
 
 O Endeavorers, this is your supreme mission. Be the conductors of this 
 spiritual electricity. Be the willing wires, the live wires, along which may run 
 the power of God to every part of our organization. This is the one, the only, 
 secret of true success, — " Not by might, nor by power," not by organization nor by 
 perfection of machinery, not by committees, not by methods, " but by my Spirit, 
 saith the Lord," working through committees and methods and organization. 
 
 Oh that by some word of burning eloquence I might lay this thought on the 
 heart of every Endeavorer throughout the world ! This word is not mine to 
 speak. It is not any man's to utter. Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Comforter, 
 speak thou the word that makes our organization live. 
 
 But I ca?i, I do, urge yoii to make this the Christian Endeavor watchword 
 of the coming year. Each year of the fifteen years has been noted for some 
 advance step. Each convention has been signalized by some great thought. 
 " Citizenship," " Missions," " Fellowship," have been our watchwords at conven- 
 tions past, and they are our watchwords still ; for a step once gained we will not 
 lose. And here is the greatest word, and best of all : Spiritual Power. " Wash- 
 ington '96 " — may it live in history as the Convention of God's power! 1S96-7, 
 the year of God's energizing might in Christian Endeavor ! 
 
 Then, as steel and copper, hitherto unweldable metals, are welded together 
 by the mighty, subtle power of electricity in a union so complete that no human 
 eye can find the seam, so, by the fusing might of God's Spirit in Christian 
 Endeavor, will be welded together T^^/i'/Z/y that is trite and felloivship that is 
 large-hearted, responsibility that makes strong and loyalty that makes humble 
 and gentle, patriotis7n a)id Jutmanity, organization atid spi7'itual power, now 
 atidforeiier, one and inseparable. And " what God hath joined together, 
 
 LET not man put ASUNDER." 
 
 After the applause had subsided Dr. Hoyt said : — 
 
 Christian Endeavor is no whim or waft of sentiment. It stands for some- 
 thing. It has principles. You have heard these principles summarized and 
 admirably explicated in this splendid address to which you have just been listen- 
 ing. Would it not be a good thing if we had something to do ourselves with 
 the reaffirmation of these principles of Christian Endeavor which have been 
 thus so clearly announced by President Clark ? I think, if we all of us state 
 back to him that these are the principles that we stand on as Christian Endeav- 
 orers, that these are the principles that we are bound to work by, it would be a 
 good thing for him, and a good thing for us, and for all Christian Endeavorers 
 associated with us. I propose that we make such response of reaffirmation, and 
 that we do it in two ways, but at the same time, — by posture and by voice. I pro- 
 pose that if it shall please you we all rise and so express by posture our reaffir- 
 mation of Christian Endeavor principles, and that when I count three, and say 
 three, you shall by voice reannounce and reaffirm them by saying all together, 
 and just as loudly as you can, " Aye." 
 
 The entire audience arose, and with mighty shout ^ave their testi- 
 mony. The next feature of the programme Dr. Hoyt introduced by 
 saying : — 
 
 We who live under this flag have got to be somewhat disappointed, I 
 
84 Official Report of the 
 
 imagine, but nevertheless we will congratulate our brethren who live under the 
 British flag. In Christian Endeavor it is pretty nearly all the same. These 
 badge banners that mean so much, that represent sacrifice and service and 
 pioneer endeavor, will remain thia year under the shadow of the flag of Great 
 Britain instead of getting back under — I will say it — the better shining flag 
 of the United States. 
 
 You will remember that last year the badge banner which was given for the 
 greatest proportionate increase in the number of societies during the last year 
 went from somewhere in the United States away up into the northwest corner 
 of North America, over which floats the British flag, and now it is going 
 a good way from Assiniboia. It is going across the ocean, and it is still 
 going to remain under the British flag. The banner representing the greatest 
 proportionate increase in the number of societies during the last twelve months 
 is to go to Scotland. We have a very eloquent and admirable gentleman with 
 us, who is to receive this banner. It goes to Scotland, and it is to be received 
 by the Rev. Arnold Streuli, of Manchester, England, who has been called to a 
 great church in Scotland. I do not know whether he is going there, but at any 
 rate, he is Scotch for the present, and he will receive the banner. 
 
 Remarks of Rev. Arnold Streuli. 
 
 Fellow Endeavorers : — It is never a very pleasant thing to stand in any 
 one's else shoes, and particularly in those of a Scotchman. 1 must confess, how- 
 ever, that until I came to America I often wished that I had been born a Scotch- 
 man. Just now the attractions of your great country are in the ascendant, but 
 I must say that I feel a return of the old desire as I look upon this banner and 
 envy the possession of this banner by Scotland. I wish also that I could 
 worthily express the gratitude of Scotland for the honor done to her by the gift 
 of this banner to-day. 
 
 Though I am not a Scotchman, I know a good deal about that country, and 
 have seen much of the work Christian Endeavor has done there. We in Great 
 Britain rejoice in nothing more than in the progress which Scotland has made 
 during the last few years in her societies of Christian Endeavor. Under the 
 splendid leadership of Mr. Fleming and Mr. Pollock, whom you know, I think, 
 and others, Scotland has made wonderful progress. As you understand, she 
 receives the banner this year for proportionate increase. — more than fifty per 
 cent increase in both societies and membership. In 1S95 she had 200 societies; 
 for 1S96 she rejoices in 315. Her membership last year was 9,500; this year it 
 stands at 14.500. q 
 
 I should like to say, especially at this Convention, jm^ I heard a few weeks 
 ago from a distinguished layman in Scotland. He sSid^ me, " Our churches 
 in Scotland are hungering for a deeper spiritual life ; " aTTn I feel that it is very- 
 significant indeed that Scotland should receive the banner from "the deepening- 
 of-spiritual-Iife Convention," if I may so call the Washington Convention of 
 '96. On behalf of Scotland, therefore, the land of John Knox, the land of the 
 Covenanters, the land of Thomas Chalmers, the land of Thomas Guthrie, I 
 very gratefully accept this banner. I promise, on behalf of Scotland, that we 
 shall take good care of it ; we hope we shall keep it for many years to come, 
 and that you yourselves, when you come to one of our great conventions in 
 England or Scotland, v/ill have the pleasure of seeing this banner there at that 
 time. I am sure that whenever we look upon this banner in Scotland we shall 
 feel a special inspiration as we think of the marvelous work that God has 
 wrought in this Convention at Washington in 1896. Many thanks. 
 
 As he sat down, a delegate arose in the rear of the tent and called 
 for "three cheers for old Scotland," and they were given with a will. 
 Dr. Hoyt then said : — 
 
 I saw a statue of Mercury the other day. It was lithe of form, and the face 
 of it looked as though the brain of the deity was alert. It was swift of foot. 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 85 
 
 When I saw it, I somehow thought of Secretary Baer. I said, " Secretary Baer 
 is the Christian Endeavor Mercury." There is not an ounce of superfluous fiesh 
 on him. He is just as quick of mind as Mercury ever was, and he is just as 
 swift going about. He is everywhere. He does not need any introduction. 
 Secretary Baer will now present his annual report. 
 
 Mr. Baer came forward, and this was the signal for another cyclonic 
 disturbance. Cries of "' Baer, Baer, Secretary Baer," rang out every- 
 where, and the young man was unable to proceed for some minutes. 
 Then he went on with his address, which was received with applause 
 and cheers as the various states and nations were mentioned. 
 
 Annual Report of Secretary John Willis Baer. 
 
 Christian Endeavor, — " // is tike a grain of mustard seed, which a man 
 took, and cast into fiis garden; and it grew, a)id waxed a great tree j and tlie 
 fowlsof tJie air todged in the brandies of it.'''' (Luke xiii. 19.) 
 
 Those few lines give a brief and most accurate account of the beginning and 
 the progress of Christian Endeavor. Wonderful indeed has been its growth. 
 Paul has planted, and Apollos has watered, but God has given the increase. 
 Yea, verily, the mustard-seed cast into Dr. Clark's garden, the Williston Church, 
 Portland, Me., fifteen years ago, has waxed a great tree. 
 
 I know very well that there is a law in the vegetable life which says that 
 what grows most rapidly generally decays earliest, and that some "good and 
 wise men " have for that reason likened Christian Endeavor to Jonah's gourd, 
 "which," you know, "came up in a night and perished in anight." Let me 
 remind those good friends, if their line is still in the earth, that the prophet 
 says, " God prepared a worm, and smote the gourd, and it withered." 
 
 It has been said that "the least in nature is a better illustration of divine 
 truth than the greatest object of art," and it seems to me that Christian 
 Endeavor, with its mighty, God-given growth, is more appropriately comparable 
 to the life in the little mustard-seed, the least of all seeds, than to the most 
 famous creation of art that skilled man has produced. The whirligig of time 
 has sped on these fifteen years, and Christian Endeavor grows, and has already 
 waxed a great tree, and the fowls of the air lodge in its branches; and I, for 
 one, am confident God has not prepared a worm with which to smite it in a 
 night, or in a year, or in a decade ; no, never! 
 
 Now let us count the branches on this great tree. It is a task upon which 
 we enter with enthusiasm. Of the states and provinces that now have each over 
 one thousand Young People's Societies of Christian Endeavor, the Keystone 
 State of Pennsylvania still heads the list, with 3,273; New York next, 2,971; 
 Ohio, 2,311 ; Ontario has now passed to fourth place, with 1,817 ; Illinois, 1,802; 
 Indiana, 1,352; Iowa, 1,302. 
 
 These figures do not include the numerous other kinds of Christian 
 Endeavor Societies that are now fast becoming sturdy branches of the mother 
 tree, such as the Junior, the Intermediate, the Mothers', and the Senior. 
 
 The Junior branch claims our first attention. God be praised for its 
 growth. It is said a root of corn would grow an inch in fifteen minutes, and 
 the Junior branch bids fair to surpass that. There are now 10,084 Junior Socie- 
 ties. Pennsylvania leads with 1,224, then New York not very far behind with 
 1,104; Illinois, 836; Ohio, 716: Indiana, 498; Iowa, 468; Massachusetts, 461; 
 California, 442. Notwithstanding many of the States have made splendid 
 advances in Junior Societies, Pennsylvania will for the third time secure the 
 Junior badge banner for the largest gain in number of Junior Societies. 
 
 And the other banner, now in the hands of Assiniboia, must pass across two 
 imaginary lines to our enterprising neighbors in Mexico, for her record for the 
 greatest proportionate increase in number of Junior Societies is far ahead of all 
 others. 
 
 Next in numerical strength comes the Intermediate Society. When this 
 
86 Official Report of the 
 
 branch first put forth its stem, we know not ; it is but a few years old, but 
 promises richly. In many large churches there is need of banding the older 
 Juniors together, for aggressive work, preparatory to their graduating into the 
 Young People's Society. There are now 115 Intermediate Societies enrolled, 
 and many more of which we have no record. Illinois leads with 17 recorded. 
 California, Indiana, and Ohio each have 11 enrolled. Another year's growth of 
 this branch will be watched with interest, as will that of still two other new 
 branches, the Mothers' Society and the Senior Society. There are 50 of the 
 former and 20 of the latter. Illinois leads in both, having 21 Mothers' and 4 
 Senior Societies. New Hampshire and Pennsylvania each report 3 Senior 
 Societies, and Kansas, 11 Mothers', and Pennsylvania, 7. 
 
 These three last branches named. Intermediate, Mothers', and Senior, like 
 the Junior and Young People's, have great promise of power, athrill with life as 
 they are. As the Junior is for the boys and girls, the Intermediate for the lads 
 and lassies, the Young People's for the young men and women, the Christian 
 Endeavor succession graduates into the Mothers' and Seniors. As one pastor 
 says, " It is not too much to hope and predict that the churches will gradually 
 welcome tlie application of Christian Endeavor principles to all their activities. 
 These principles underlie all Christian work, and by the force of their inherent 
 reasonableness have the right of general application ; and the day draws on 
 apace when the Church will foster the Christian E^ndeavor 'idea' as another 
 method, like unto the Sunday school, subordinate to itself, and will do through 
 it its manifold work." 
 
 We liave not time to investigate the branches in schools, in colleges ; in public 
 institutions of all kinds, in prisons and schools of reform, in almshouses, asylums, 
 institutions for the blind, etc.; on board ships, men-of-war; at navy-yards; in 
 life-stations and among life-savers; among the boys in blue in United States 
 barracks; in large factories; among car-drivers, policemen, and patrolmen ; in 
 the Traveller's Union, etc. ; but we cannot pass by the growth of the Canadian 
 and foreign branches, for they next attract our admiration. All Canada has 
 3,292 societies, and in foreign and missionary lands there are now 6.399 societies 
 enrolled. The United Kingdom has over 3,000; Australia, over 2,000; France, 
 66; West Indies, 63; India, 128; Mexico, 62 ; Turkey, 41; Africa, 38 ; China, 
 40; Germany, 18; Japan, 66; Madagascar, 93; and so on until every country 
 in the world is represented, save three or four, making a grand total of 46,125 
 branches. 
 
 The badge banner, which is given for the greatest absolute gaiti in num- 
 ber of Young People's Societies, can again be carried back to England's shores. 
 Pennsylvania and other States have made a splendid effort to keep it on this 
 side of the "pond; " but it is evident that our brothers and sisters on the other 
 side have a firm grasp upon it. 
 
 The banner for i\\& greatest proportionate gain in number of societies for the 
 first time crosses the " briny deep" to Scotland's shores. What will another 
 year bring forth.? Shall both banners float on the Queen's domains.? 
 
 But time is passing, and we must cease our counting branches, twigs, and 
 leaves, and get to gathering the fruit from this mighty paradox of God's plant- 
 ing, this tree with mushroom rapidity of growth and the sturdiness and solidity 
 of the oak. 
 
 The fruits, what are some of them ? Systematic Bible study; circulation of 
 good literature; denominational loyalty intensified ; pastors encouraged; Sun- 
 day schools enlarged ; church services attended ; pastorless churches assisted ; 
 mid-week prayer meetings sustained; cottage prayer meetings inaugurated; 
 evangelistic services in asylums, almshouses, prisons, reformatories, in factories, 
 in street-car stations, at homes for the aged, the feeble-minded, soldiers' homes, 
 and other public institutions; open-air gospel meetings at wharves and coal- 
 docks, in parks, and at street-corners; gospel wagons employed: public drinking- 
 fountains erected; poor children and mothers given free river, ocean, and car 
 rides; new churches built ; old ones repaired ; city missions revived ; young men 
 preparing for the ministry; Endeavor volunteers for home and foreign mission- 
 
Fifteenth Liteiiiational Conventioji. 87 
 
 ary fields ; more money than ever before given to the cause of home and foreign 
 missions. 
 
 And that leads me to make mention of the missionary roll of honor which 
 will be unrolled in our meetings on Friday. Upon it are the names of over 
 5,869 Young People's Societies and 2,331 Junior Societies from thirty-five States, 
 seven Territories, seven Provinces, tour foreign lands. These societies have 
 given $154,022.68 through their own denominational boards to the cause of 
 home and foreign missions. In addition to this amount which has been given 
 by these 8.200 societies that we have enrolled upon the roll of honor, we find 
 that $206,150.21 has been'given by these same societies for Christ and the 
 Church in other ways, making a total of $360,172.89, the largest amounts given 
 by any one society being $1,107.01, by the Clarendon Street Baptist Society, of 
 Boston, and a little over $1,000.00, by the Calvary Presbyterian Society, of 
 Buffalo, N. Y. 
 
 Let me make it plain that the $154,022.68 given direct to mission boards by 
 the eight thousand societies, and their gifts of $206,150.21 for other benevolences, 
 represent only the record of the societies that have asked to be enrolled upon 
 the " missionary roll of honor." 
 
 But there is other good fruit, such as open hostility to Sunday baseball-play- 
 ing and Sunday excursions, whether by bicycle, train, or boat, and every viola- 
 tion of the Sabbath Day; race-track gambling and lotteries antagonized; 
 well-planned Christian-citizenship battles fought at the primaries ; aggressive 
 and organized voters' warfare against the saloon; increase of hatred for the 
 entire liquor traffic and its power in the party politics of all nations. Aye, a 
 more intelligent spirit of patriotism has been promoted everywhere. Christian 
 Endeavor believes Bishop Berkeley knew what was needed when he said, years 
 ago, " To be a good patriot, a man must consider his countrymen as God's 
 creatures, and himself as accountable for his acting towards them." 
 
 Then another fruit, and a blessed one, has been the growth of our interde- 
 nominational fellowship. To have once tasted it is to turn it like a sweet 
 m.orsel on the tongue. We want nothing to blight it. God has continued to 
 smile upon it, and each year it is expressing itself in new leaf and blossom and 
 bud, as convention after convention, local, district, state, provincial, national, 
 and international, gathers, increases in numbers and spiritual power. Breth- 
 ren, " forsake not the assembling of yourselves together." 
 
 Let us examine the interdenominational fruitage a little more definitely. 
 
 In the United States the denominational representation is as follows: The 
 Presbyterians still lead, with 5,458 Young People's Societies and 2,599 Junior 
 Societies ; the Congregationalists have 4, 109 Young People's Societies and 2,077 
 Junior Societies; the Disciples of Christ and Christians, 2,941 Young People's 
 Societies and 1,087 Junior Societies; the Baptists, 2,679 Young People's Socie- 
 ties and 927 Junior Societies; Methodist Protestants, 975 Young People's Soci- 
 eties and 302 Junior Societies; Lutherans, S54 Young People's Societies and 
 268 Junior Societies ; Cumberland Presbyterians. 805 Young People's Societies 
 and 289 Junior Societies, and so on through a long list. 
 
 In the Dominion of Canada the Methodists of Canada lead, with 1,041 Young 
 People's Societies and 150 Junior Societies (most of the societies known as 
 Epworth Leagues of Christian Endeavor) ; Canadian Presbyterians are next, 
 with 1,026 Young People's Societies and 134 Junior Societies; Baptists next, 
 with 173 Young People's Societies and 34 Junior Societies; Congregationalists 
 next, with 103 Young People's Societies and 40 Junior Societies, etc. 
 
 In the United Kingdom the Baptists lead, with over 900; Congregationalists 
 next, w'th nearly as many; then the Methodists, with over 700, and the Presby- 
 terians, Episcopalians, Aloravians, and Friends, in order named. 
 
 In Australia the Wesleyan Methodists lead, and Congregationalists, Baptists, 
 and Presbyterians follow. 
 
 Let me refer, in closing, to a prophecy made just ten years ago, by Dr. J. E. 
 Twitchell, of New Haven, Conn: — 
 
 " I am no prophet, nor the son of a prophet, but I venture that the 50,000 
 now composing the Christian Endeavor Society in five years will become 
 
88 Official Report of the 
 
 500,000; and I would not be at all surprised if in ten years it should roll up a 
 round mit/ion. It is Christian, on the right basis, and breathes the true, pro- 
 phetic life. God has a place for it, and a work for it, and help for it, I am sure. 
 How patriarchal our brother. Dr. Clark, the founder, will feel, ten years hence, 
 if he shall become the foster-father of a million!" Well, Dr. Tvvitchell, the 
 ten years have passed, and the "round million" has been rolled up, and more, 
 for there is to-day, in the 46,125 societies throughout the world, a total member- 
 ship of 2,750,000. And the best of it all is that from our Juniors 21,500, and 
 from our Young People's Societies 210,400 have this year joined the churches of 
 America. Praise God for that ! In all, 231, goo have frojn C/iristiati Endeavor 
 takeji their place in the Church of the living God. What a blessed harvest for 
 071 e year ! 
 
 Dr. Charles F. Deems, that sainted friend of our cause, said at the Saratoga 
 Christian Endeavor Convention in 18S7, that "things that grow have more in- 
 trinsic value than things that are made.. Growth is natural; manufacture is ar- 
 tificial. What is manufactured is every moment going to decay. Whatever 
 grows has in itself the seed of its own propagation. The first acorn God made 
 is growing now, mightily multiplied, and spread through millions of its descend- 
 ant oaks." 
 
 Christian Endeavor at that time was but six years old, and Dr. Deems thus 
 early proved by natural reasons that Christian Endeavor germination would 
 continue year after year. 
 
 It is because there has been a deepening of the spiritual life that this mus- 
 tard-seed has waxed a great tree. More and more are its fertilizing evangelis- 
 tic influences giving birth to new converts, new workers, new soul-savers, under 
 God's guidance. 
 
 Yes, the Christian Endeavor tree grows. Its tap-root, the active members' 
 pledge, which reaches down into the soil made rich by God's Word, is sending 
 up, growing nearer and nearer to the heavens above, its mighty, sturdy trunk, 
 " P'or Christ and the Church." And coming from all denominations, all tribes, 
 and all nations, for the fifteenth time we gather under its spreading branches, 
 crowned with a blessed fruitage, and with united heart and voice praise God 
 that " it is a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in 
 his season." 
 
 After Mr. Baer had finished, Dr. Hoyt arose and said : — 
 
 Let us express our thanks for the growth of Christian Endeavor as delineated 
 in this report, especially for the winning of so many thousands to Jesus Christ 
 through the Christian Endeavor. When I count three and when I say three, 
 let us all say together loudly and distinctly, " We thank thee, O Lord." 
 
 The Convention here arose and said, "We thank thee, O Lord." 
 
 Dr. Hoyt : Some of the things that would have been done in Tent Willis- 
 ton must be done in Tent Washington because of the wind. We are nearly . 
 through, but one of the things is the presentation of another banner, — the 
 badge banner for the greatest absolute increase in number of societies during 
 the last twelve months. England had it last year and is to keep it this year. 
 The gentleman who is to receive it is the Rev. Joseph Brown Morgan, the 
 chairman of the British Council of Christian Endeavor. 
 
 Remarks of Rev. Joseph Brown Morgan. 
 
 My Brothers and Sisters in Christian Endeavor : — I never felt the gracious 
 blessed brotherhood of this movement as I do at the present moment. 
 
 On the other side of the herring-pond, about two years back, there was a 
 classic song much sung by the boys in the London streets, and more or less in 
 our provincial cities and towns. I do not know whether you have had that song 
 on this side of the Atlantic. It may be indeed that we got it from you. 
 America has sent us many good things, and the best thing she ever sent us was 
 Christian Endeavor. The sublime refrain of that song is : " He don't know 
 
Fifteenth Inteniatiojuil Conve?ition. 89 
 
 where he are." There have been odd moments this morning when I have been 
 fancying myself back in England. As I look into your faces, as I listen to 
 your song, as I heard the eloquent addresses which have been presented from 
 this platform, I could fancy myself in England. We have the same tongue, 
 that you have. We have the same faith in God. We have the same loyalty to 
 Christian Endeavor. As I stand here, on many accounts I have been fancy- 
 ing myself in England this morning, especially as I heard the rain pelting and 
 pattering down upon the roof. There is a story of an American who once went 
 to Glasgow, and he had there three days of Scotch mist. On the third day he 
 could not stop in the hotel any longer, so he went out to a bootblack, and 
 while he was having his shoes cleaned he said to the boy, " Does it always rain 
 here, my boy?" The boy said, " Naw, it sometimes snaws." 
 
 I hope my friends in Pennsylvania, and in the other States, who have been 
 striving so earnestly for this banner during the year, will forgive me this morn- 
 ing for taking it back again to England ; but in the Old Country, — that little 
 country which you could just take up and drop into Lake Superior and lose it, 
 — in that Old Country we have advanced a thousand societies during the year, 
 and we have added forty thousand members to the roll of Christian Endeavor- 
 ers. I wish that we could all have the badge banner. As only one country or 
 State can have it, I am glad we have got it for England. It was an American 
 who wrote these words : — 
 
 " Hugged in the clinging billow's clasp 
 
 From seaweed fringe to mountain heather, 
 The British oak with rooted grasp 
 
 Her slender handful holds together. 
 With cliffs of white, and bovvers of green, 
 
 And ocean narrowing to caress her. 
 And hills and threaded streams between, 
 
 Our little mother isle — God bless her ! " 
 
 I am sure that American Endeavorers will echo those words of one of the 
 most genial men who ever trod God's earth, Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes. 
 
 Endeavorers, we need this banner in the Old Country for one year more. I 
 have seen it unfurled from the pulpit where Alexander McLaren preaches in 
 Manchester. I have seen it hung up in the great Metropolitan Tabernacle over 
 the platform from which the saintly Spurgeon preached God to men. It has 
 been floating aloft in our great national assemblies. We have got inspiration 
 and encouragement from it. There are kindly hearts in England to-day toward 
 American, from having gazed in the old land upon that badge banner; and we 
 feel sure, as you send it back with us for another year, that you will send it 
 with your best greetings to England, and with your prayers that God will bless 
 our land in the coming days. 
 
 Dr. Hoyt: In the last minute the very best thing of all this morning is com- 
 ing. In all our Christian Endeavor Conventions there never has been quite 
 such a chorus as we have in Washington, — not quite so large or so well trained, 
 and that is saying a great deal. We are going to have a chance to listen to the 
 chorus in a moment. Let nobody leave, out of respect to the chorus, and 
 because they certainly want to hear its splendid music. 
 
 Mr. Foster: I should like to announce the number to be sung by the 
 choir. It is not specially an anthem, but it is written by the secretary of our 
 '96 Committee, and is on page forty-six of the programme. The choir will sing 
 two stanzas, and then we will ask you to sing the third one. 
 
 The Convention thereupon adjourned after the benediction by Rev. 
 Canon Richardson, of Canada. 
 
 Tent Endeavor. 
 
 If the wet and humid weather prevented any of the Christian 
 Endeavorers from going to the great meetings of their Convention, the 
 effect was not visible at Tent Endeavor. As soon as the tent-flaps 
 
90 Official Report of the 
 
 were raised, shortly after eight o'clock, the Endeavorers began to 
 gather, and those who came early entertained themselves with talking 
 over the great movement in which they were all so deeply interested, 
 and admiring the pretty effect of the decorations, or studying the 
 steady stream of newcomers pouring into the inclosure. The seats 
 were damp, and the clouds that piled up in the west bore promise of 
 more rain. The streamers that stretched from the side flaps of the 
 immense tent to the lofty center poles had lost their brightness in the 
 persistent bath of humidity they had been plunged in for two days, and 
 the atmosphere they swung in was heavy and hot. 
 
 The Convention came to order at 9.30 a. m.. Rev. Howard B. 
 Grose, of Boston, Mass., presiding, and Mr. E. O. Excell, of Chicago, 
 acting as musical director. 
 
 Mr. Grose: We well knew that Washington would give us a warm wel- 
 come, but we did not know that they would give us a wet one as well. But we 
 already know one thing: that even though the heavens seem to fall down upon 
 us, you cannot dampen the ardor of a Christian Endeavor Convention. 
 
 The devotional exercises were conducted by the Rev. Dr. Jesse B. 
 Colbert, of Washington. 
 
 Mr. Grose: The first thing I saw when I came into Washington was 
 that magnificent monument which reminds us all of the first great General and 
 President of our Republic, — the Washington Monument. And as I have gone 
 about the city, I have been everywhere reminded by the statuary of the fact 
 that here we are in the presence of the statues, if not the living persons, of gen- 
 erals. We have present with us this morning, however, one general we might 
 think we could spare, but whose presence we shall have to endure, and that is 
 general humidity. It does not matter whether we stick to him or not, he will 
 stick to us. 
 
 I have now the honor of declaring the Fifteenth International Convention 
 of Christian Endeavor open. The District of Columbia, in which we meet, is 
 said to be the best-governed portion of our great country, and I suppose that 
 with the exception of that State from which we come, that statement may be 
 true. 
 
 We are now to receive a welcome from the District of Columbia, first from 
 one of its honored commissioners, the Honorable John W. Ross, of Washing- 
 ton, who will now speak to us. 
 
 Address of Hon. John W. Ross, Washington, D. C. 
 
 The people of the District of Columbia have witnessed many distinguished 
 gatherings within the past decade. They saw the white-plumed Knights Tem- 
 plar march upon the historic avenue by the thousands ; the grizzled veterans of 
 the Grand Army of the Republic paraded upon the line of march followed by 
 the survivors of Sherman's army in 1S65 ; then came the Knights of Pythias in 
 grand encampment, and other noted organizations which have deemed it a 
 duty, as well as an honor, to meet once at least in the city which bears the name 
 of Washington. But the capital, in all its experience as a convention city, 
 never laefore had as its guests thirty thousand young and enthusiastic repre- 
 sentatives of such a cause and of such a purpose as that which has brought 
 together these representative American citizens to-day. 
 
 I esteem it a great honor to bid you welcome in the name and by the author- 
 ity of the people of the District of Columbia. It is an especial pleasure to 
 extend a greeting to those of you who have come from other national jurisdic- 
 tions. Your presence to-day shows that the boundary lines between nations 
 are not barriers to co-operation among those who profess the same faith and 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 91 
 
 who seek to attain the same great resuU. You are not deemed strangers in a 
 strange land, but friends and brethren in a common cause. 
 
 You are gladly and hospitably received because the work in which you are 
 employed has the sympathy and support of those who have faith in the prog- 
 ress and in the uplifting of the human race. Your teachings and your work 
 tend to cultivate the better and the liner elements of our human nature ; your 
 purposes and methods call into exercise those forces of the soul of man which 
 find their fittest expression in the worship of the Infinite, whose power and 
 majesty are beyond our ken. 
 
 The principles which you profess and the work upon which you strive not 
 only tend to the elevation of individual aims and character, but they are in the 
 direction of good citizenship, and they are for good government. Every muni- 
 cipal ofiicer welcomes such a force and such an influence in the community 
 wherein he is a public servant. 
 
 There is another standpoint from which our people extend to you a heartfelt 
 greeting. You are assembled in the only city in all the land to which all of you 
 who are citizens of the United States can come with the same rights and priv- 
 ileges. You may visit the capital of the State of which you may be a 
 citizen, and be inspired with all of the State pride in its greatness and dignity, 
 which is natural and becoming to you when you reflect that in that State capital 
 the laws are made and enforced which protect your rights of person and prop- 
 erty ; but you would not expect your fellow visitor and Endeavorer from another 
 State to share fully in all of your local State pride. You meet to-day, not only 
 as members of the Christian Endeavor Society, not merely as inhabitants of 
 New York, and Virginia, and Illinois, and Kansas, but as citizens of the United 
 States, gathered together in your own capital city. You are not merely guests 
 and visitors — you are owners and proprietors, whose rights no man may gain- 
 say. In common with all of the people of the United States, you own not only 
 these national public buildings, these beautiful parks and reservations, but also 
 all of the streets and avenues as laid out under the guidance of President George 
 Washington in the original city which bears his name. 
 
 How much do you suppose your real-estate holdings in this District 
 are worth in gold or silver dollars, whichever you may prefer.? Of course 
 it is difficult to state accurately the value of the land contained in the streets 
 and avenues, but they are estimated to comprise more than one hundred and 
 fifty-seven million square feet, and to be fairly worth two hundred and seventy- 
 eight millions of dollars. Aside from the streets and avenues, the United 
 States owns in the District buildings and grounds carefully estimated to be 
 worth two hundred millions of dollars. In other words, the people of the 
 United States own property here which is worth more than all the property 
 owned by all the taxpayers in the District of Columbia. Very properly, the 
 real-estate holdings of the federal government are not subject to taxation in the 
 manner that that property is taxed which is owned by the people of the District. 
 In 1S78 Congress assumed entire control of the local government by means of 
 municipal agents appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. 
 This was done in compliance with the clause of the United States Constitution 
 which provides that the Congress shall have power "to exercise exclusive legis- 
 lation in all cases whatsoever over such district ... as may . . . become the 
 seat of government of the United States." Since that date no money belonging 
 to the District, or raised by taxation from citizens of the District, can be used 
 for any purpose not specifically authorized by act of Congress. 
 
 It was in that year formally enacted as a part of the organic law of the Dis- 
 trict that the United States should pay one-half of the annual appropriations 
 made for the expenses of the local government, and the District revenues the 
 other half. This was deemed just and equitable, because the United States 
 owns more than one-half of the property, and is not taxed upon it, and because 
 the plan of the city was so vast and extensive, with many streets and avenues 
 one hundred and sixty feet in width, that no local revenues could possibly im- 
 prove and care for them as befitted the capital of a great republic. Besides, 
 
92 Official Report of the 
 
 the people of the United States are the direct beneficiaries of the annual appro- 
 priations made for the support of the District. 
 
 Many thousands of employees of the federal government reside here tem- 
 porarily. Our public schools are free and open to their children, and to all who 
 may come here to attend them, with free text-books in all of the grades below 
 and including the grammar schools. Our police force guards not only the 
 homes of our taxpayers, but also the property of senators and members, and 
 the Capitol and White House. Our fire department is for the protection of all 
 government property. The money expended to provide good sewerage and an 
 adequate water supply throws safeguards about the health and the well-being 
 of your public servants in the White House, at the Capitol, and in the great 
 departments of the government. It is needless to attempt to prove that expen- 
 ditures for keeping the streets and alleys clean and wholesome, and for keeping 
 our seventy thousand shade-trees in proper condition, are not wholly for the 
 benefit of the people who permanently reside here. Whatever tends to adorn 
 and beautify, and fit to be a healthful residence, the capital city of the United 
 States ought to appeal to the sense of justice and to the patriotic pride of the 
 representative of every congressional district in the United States. It is the 
 city lately referred to on the fioor of the Senate by an eloquent senator from 
 Missouri as "the eternal city of an eternal republic." They who are now asso- 
 ciated with its fortunes and its management will soon pass away and be for- 
 gotten ; but the Republic will survive forever, and its " eternal capital " should 
 reflect its perennial lustre. 
 
 I have ventured to bring the cause of the District of Columbia into this 
 presence and before this representative body of American citizens because we 
 are without direct representation on the floors of Congress. Our representa- 
 tives ought to be and are the senators and representatives who are accredited 
 by you and by your fellow citizens from all the States of the Union. We believe 
 that you will agree with us that, although we are voiceless in the halls of Con- 
 gress, the end we seek to attain, namely, a model municipality in every phase 
 of growth and development at the capital, is your cause as well as ours. When 
 Washington founded this city, on the shore of the great river which winds its 
 way to the sea by the sacred spot where his maturer years were passed and 
 where his ashes now repose, it was his hope and his belief that the city so 
 founded would surpass all other national capitals in beauty and in grandeur. 
 
 Surely no representative of this great people can win lasting popular renown 
 by seeking to hinder or to mar that manifest destiny of his own national 
 capital. 
 
 I will not delay your important deliberations by more extended remarks.. 
 We are all Endeavorers here this week. We will endeavor to show by our 
 kindly acts and by courteous attention, rather than by our words, how cordial 
 and sincere our greeting is intended to be. When the work of your Convention 
 shall have ended, and you shall have journeyed to your homes, may you have 
 with you in perpetual memory only fragrant and agreeable recollections of your 
 great Convention of '96, and of the hospitality of the people of Washington. 
 
 Rev. S. H. Greene, D.D., pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, was 
 next introduced to speak a word of welcome for the city pastors. 
 
 Address of Rev. S. H. Greene, D.D., Washington, D. C. 
 
 Mr. Chairman and Fellow Endeavorers: — I have been honored with the 
 privilege of extending the Christian salutations and cordial greetings of the 
 pastors of this city to you, now assembled in your Fifteenth International 
 Convention. We rejoice in your coming ; we bid you a glad and hearty wel- 
 come. 
 
 We welcome you to our broad avenues, beautiful streets, hospitable homes, 
 historic buildings, venerable institutions of learning, and localities fragrant with 
 the memory of the nation's great men, from " the Father of His Country " to the 
 present time. 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 93 
 
 We welcome you to our churches, which are neither few nor insignificant ; to 
 the centres of thought and labor, where Christian men and women have toiled 
 these many years with no small success ; to an atmosphere of spiritual fellow- 
 ship and love seldom surpassed ; to a great and important field still " white for 
 the harvest. " 
 
 We welcome you to the privilege, with God's help, of contributing to the 
 spiritual forces at the nation's capital, till from yonder Executive Mansion, halls 
 of Congress, to the smallest department of the government's work, there shall be 
 recognized and honored that " righteousness " which exalts a nation, and is in 
 itself the assurance of divine watch, care, and love. 
 
 We welcome you in the glad remembrance that we are one in Christ Jesus ; 
 that here no undue emphasis will be laid on latitude, language, sect, or condi- 
 tion of any who bow at the feet of the Crucified, worshipping Him who "hath 
 made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth." 
 
 Brothers of the continents beyond, and of the isles of the sea, 1 salute you ! 
 Welcome, thrice welcome to these western shores, this beautiful capital, these 
 inspiring services, our hearts and homes. 
 
 This welcome is uttered in the remembrance that you are individually the 
 active, loyal representatives of the. younger portion of the Christian churches, — 
 not a disaffected, disintegrating element, but living, loving members of that 
 Church for which our Lord gave himself. The record of your fidelity and suc- 
 cess is written in the marvelous history of the recent past. God breathed upon 
 the churches, and lo ! a mighty inspiration came, and an element hitherto largely 
 overlooked in active work was wheeled into line and led forth to magnificent 
 service. Enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, efiiciency, marked its movement^ till, like 
 the perfume of flowers, it drifted beyond the garden walls and sweetened all 
 Christian work. 
 
 It aimed to assist in saving the lost and developing the saved, and the en- 
 deavor has been signally blessed. Without the betrayal of denominational 
 loyalty it has cultivated that spirit of fraternity among the churches which 
 becomes the Gospel, and makes co-operation possible in advancing the kingdom 
 of Christ among men. A most happy illustration of this is seen in the history 
 of the movement in the District of Columbia. Its beautiful impress is to-day 
 upon the young men and women who are the hope of the churches. No pastor 
 can be more indebted for its sweet, inspiring helpfulness than myself. 
 
 We welcome you in the expectation that from this fraternal gathering, 
 this communion of spirit, this interchange of experience, this search for truth, 
 this union of prayer, there may come to us all a larger revelation to God, a 
 clearer conception of his will concerning us, a higher consecration to his 
 service. 
 
 May there come to us here such a broadening of the intellectual horizon, 
 such a deepening of the spiritual life, such a strengthening of spiritual fellow- 
 ship, as befits the disciples of our risen Lord. The week before us is great with 
 spiritual possibilities, world-wide blessings. I pray you, let neither the attrac- 
 tions of this fair city nor the pleasures of social intercourse shut from your 
 minds for one hour the great purpose for which we are gathered. 
 
 We welcome you, therefore, with the sincere prayer that this Convention at 
 the national capital may be a Pentecostal scene ; that here you may be " endued 
 with power from on high ; " that you may return to your homes and churches im- 
 pressed with the fact that here you have been face to face with the Master him- 
 self, until you comprehended his purpose, drank in his spirit, shared in his power. 
 Then across this great continent to those beyond, and to the isles of the sea, 
 there will come a blessing immeasurable in the strengthening of God's people 
 and the salvation of the lost. Then amid the labor, sacrifice, and hope there 
 will come a broader emphasis on that petition taught by our Lord, "Thy king- 
 dom come," and we shall rejoice in the signs of his approach, " whom having 
 not seen we love." 
 
 Mr. Grose: Now that you have seen and heard Dr. Greene, I can say that 
 he is one of the most honored and successful pastors of this capital city ; and 
 
94 Official Report of the 
 
 not only that, but through the years he has been one of the most loyal friends 
 and truest workers in behalf of Christian Endeavor. 
 
 Now there will be a response, on behalf of the United Society, from one of 
 its trustees, Professor W. W. Andrews, who comes to us from Sackville, 
 N. B. He comes to us from across the border, but I don't know of any 
 more loyal-hearted American, hence loyal-hearted Christian Endeavorer, than 
 Professor Andrews. 
 
 Address of Prof. W. W. Andrews, Sackville, N. B. 
 
 I think myself happy, most worthy Chairman, that I am permitted this day 
 to answer to these cordial addresses of welcome on behalf of our assembled 
 millions from almost every clime under heaven. I am delighted to-day, seeing 
 that I am a British-Canadian-American, to answer addresses of welcome from 
 two great citizens of these United States, the heaven and the haven of the 
 oppressed the world over. 
 
 I am delighted that a welcome has come to it from the District of Columbia, 
 to me the most sacred place in the whole United States. 
 
 The sacred memories of your nation gather round Plymouth Rock. The 
 foot of Providence struck Plymouth Rock three hundred years ago, but the 
 feet of Providence, — in this place where the voice of the people becomes articu- 
 late in the laws and statutes according to which your law-abiding millions shall 
 walk, — the feet of Providence walk to-day in the District of Columbia. And 
 as I have walked around this city and gazed upon the White House, the Capitol, 
 and the other public buildings, I have been disappointed in them, as I was dis- 
 appointed in looking upon our Canadian-American Niagara for the first time. 
 
 But there is one thing in which I was not disappointed, whose presence haunts 
 me even through the hours of the night, and that is that plain, simple, mag- 
 nificent shaft pointing heavenward, whose presence overshadows us, to me 
 the symbol of what Christian Endeavor is, — not a great organization, but a 
 simple cause, a great movement, pointing heavenward. 
 
 I am happy to reply to the addresses of welcome in behalf of what we are 
 now being accustomed to look upon as the most advanced group in economic 
 organization, the most advanced group of Anglo-Saxon people on the face of 
 the earth, — the people of Australia. I reply to-day on behalf of the teeming 
 millions of India, where the multiplex populations are gradually being educated 
 so that they may be ready for future self-government. I reply to-day for the 
 great Dominion of Canada, whose length from Queen Charlotte Island to the 
 eastern coast of Cape Breton is over 1,200 miles Tonger than the distance from 
 San Francisco to New York. — a dominion great enough to take in the whole 
 present population of the United States and plant them all upon land in which 
 the flowers bloom early in May. 
 
 We are working out our own destinies. I reply to-day on behalf of this great 
 group of confederated republics, the colonies of the British Empire; for let 
 me disabuse your minds of one misconception which I find everywhere. I am 
 not ruled by the Queen of England. I love her; I sing " God Save the Queen ; " 
 but the Queen of~ England has not power to say to me, "Walk six feet, and 
 walk back again." She can only say that to the servants in her own house. 
 Only the people of Canada rule me ! 
 
 And now the Anglo-Saxon people, wherever they are found, are marked by 
 these great characteristics. We say we carry ourselves in such a way that all 
 other nations think we want the earth, and Anglo-Saxon people, whether under 
 the Union Jack or the Stars and Stripes, all have a marvelous faculty of think- 
 ing that they are right and everybody else is wrong. Anglo-Saxon people are 
 marked by this characteristic : that we hold so tenaciously to our own language 
 and to our own customs that we are the only group of people in the world that 
 can not be colonized by other nationalities. And therefore, seeing we have 
 these characteristics, it means much for the future of the world whether our 
 hearts are one for Christ or not, and whether Christianity becomes supreme in 
 our midst. 
 
FiftcentJi International Convention. 95 
 
 But as things stand to-day, it is this : wherever Anglo-Saxon government and 
 civilization go, there good government goes ; there property becomes safe; 
 there justice becomes a fact; there pohtical freedom becomes a great reaUty, 
 whether it be in Egypt or Hawaii; whether it be in South Africa or Alaska; 
 whether it be in Venezuela or Cuba. 
 
 Christ said to his Church, " Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel 
 to every creature." Through the centuries he has been saying to his people, 
 "March! March!" Now, in these latter days, he is saying to his people, 
 through Christian Endeavor, "Quick march! Go! Go quickly, and evangelize 
 the world for Jesus Christ !" It used to be said that the blood of all the mar- 
 tyrs was the seed of the Church. Now it is the consecration of the blood of 
 young hearts that is the hope of the Church. 
 
 And may God grant that abroad through the land this Society, this move- 
 ment, teaching its millions of members to serve Christ faithfully, and to do 
 whatever he would have them do, may spread and become triumphant every- 
 where ! 
 
 Secretary Baer was then introduced to read his report, as he was 
 expected to read it in Tent Washington ; when half way through it, 
 Treasurer Shaw was introduced and finished reading the report. 
 
 Then Mr. Ira D. Sankey was invited to sing, and he did so to the 
 manifest enjoyment of the vast audience. 
 
 Mr. W. H. Pennell, the first signer of the first Christian Endeavor 
 pledge, was also introduced and heartily greeted. The presentation of 
 the Junior badge banner to the State union having made the greatest 
 absolute gain in number of societies was the next upon the pro- 
 gramme. 
 
 Mr. Grose: Look upon this Junior banner. Professor Andrews told 
 you that the Anglo-Saxons want the earth. They seem to be getting good 
 deal of it. The Pennsylvanians want this Junior banner. They ought to have 
 been satisfied with holding it twice, and some other State ought to be immensely 
 dissatisfied that it has not taken it away this year. 
 
 Dr. McCrory, of Pennsylvania, who will now receive this banner for his 
 State for the third time, has had to make so many acceptation speeches that if 
 he were any other man, I do not know how he could have anything fresh to say. 
 But he is always fresh. 
 
 Remarks of Rev. J. T. McCrory, D.D. 
 
 I simply have to say that this is getting monotonous. I do not mean the 
 rain; I mean this taking the Junior banner back. I want to say to New 
 York, and Illinois, and Great Britain, and all Europe that we would like to have 
 them take this banner. It is too much like a family Christmas all to one's self, 
 where there is only one man in the family. It seems to me we might have 
 something a good deal more interesting. Why, it would be more interesting 
 than this if a husband would some day, after his wife had given him a first- 
 class meal, just hand her over a pocket-book and say to her, " Wife, you go 
 down-town and get just the most beautiful diamond ring you can find, just such 
 a ring as you think I would like to give to the most beautiful woman in the 
 world." Why, it would be more interesting on Christmas morning, a great deal 
 more interesting, if the wife had gone and bought that ring and had handed it 
 over to her husband, and on Christmas morning he should hand it over to some 
 other man's wife. It would be a great deal more interesting. So next year we 
 want to hand this over to some other man's wife. But we do not propose to 
 quit organizing Christian Endeavor Junior Societies. 
 
 Let me say just one thing in favor of the Juniors. I was at a State conven- 
 tion not very long ago, and the Junior rally was held, and when they were about 
 through I was talking to them, and I said, " How many of this Convention can 
 
96 Official Report of the 
 
 repeat the Christian Endeavor pledge? Stand up and repeat it." And the 
 older Endeavorers remained silent, but the Juniors stood up in a body, and 
 every one of them repeated the Christian Endeavor pledge. 
 
 Thank the Lord for the Juniors, and especially that they learn the 
 pledge. Learn the pledge, and work for Junior Endeavorers, and come next 
 year with more Junior Societies organized than Pennsylvania has, and we will 
 be glad to give you this banner. 
 
 Mr. Grose: And here is the second of the Junior banners. This one is 
 given for the greatest proportionate increase of Junior Societies. It was held 
 last year by Assiniboia, as you have already heard. It goes this next year to 
 Mexico. It goes from the far North into the South, and still across one of 
 those imaginary lines that may form a political division, but in Christian 
 Endeavor forms no division at all of heart and service. 
 
 Is Mr. Peter Grant present to receive this banner on behalf of Mexico ? Mr. 
 Grant does not seem to be present ; therefore we will have no response this 
 morning on behalf of Mexico; but we will see to it that Mexico gets the 
 banner that her Christian Endeavorers have so nobly won. 
 
 Fifteen years ago there was a minister of God away up in Portland, Me., 
 who sought for the right kind of a young people's society until he found it; 
 and to-day the world honors him as the founder of Christian Endeavor. 
 
 Dr. Clark will now present to you his annual address. Now of course you 
 all want to hear Dr. Clark, and he wants you to hear ; but you will bear in 
 mind that already, in another of the great tents, he has delivered this address. 
 It is almost more of a strain than any human voice can bear to repeat such an 
 address, and if you find at any point that his voice begins to fail him a little, 
 and he needs a bit of rest, give him a chance to take a sip of water, and you 
 just applaud until he has the chance. 
 
 Dr. Clark then read his report, which has already been printed. 
 After singing " Loyal Soldiers," the meeting adjourned with the Mizpah 
 benediction. 
 
 THURSDAY AFTERNOON. 
 
 DENOMINATIONAL RALLIES. 
 
 For the Church. 
 
 If the Convention as a whole abounded in illustrations of the inter- 
 denominational fellowship of Christian Endeavor, the oversowing 
 denominational rallies on .Thursday afternoon gave a striking object- 
 lesson on the twin principle of denominational loyalty. The Presby- 
 terians took possession of Tent Endeavor.' The action of the last 
 General Assembly was the leading topic, and after the report of the 
 committee appointed last year to confer with the Assembly's committee, 
 the following resolution was passed : — 
 
 The delegates to the Fifteenth International Christian Endeavor Convention, 
 assembled at our Presbyterian rally, representing the 5,458 Young People's 
 Societies of Christian Endeavor and the 2,599 Junior Socieiies of our church, 
 would recognize gratefully the action of our General Assembly at Saratoga with 
 reference to Young People's Societies. We heartily and thoroughly indorse the 
 statement therein made as to the relation of our societies to the Church, and of 
 the duties and objects of these organizations. 
 
MEN'S Meeting in Tent Washington. 
 
 Interior of a Tent at the opening Session. 
 
Fifteenth International Coivention. 9T' 
 
 An elaborate programme had been prepared for the Baptists, who 
 filled Tent Washington. Strictly limiting the time of the speakers 
 made it possible to hear from a large number of leading pastors, who 
 treated brightly and forcibly different phases of the Society's fitness to 
 meet the Church's present special needs. 
 
 The Congregationalists, too, followed the plan of having many very 
 brief addresses, in which the history and principles of the denomination 
 were reviewed in their bearing on the solution of religious, political, and 
 social problems. 
 
 The Disciples had a large and enthusiastic gathering, at which, 
 besides other addresses, a summary of the reports of the denominational 
 State superintendents was given by the national superintendent. Rev. 
 J. Z. Tyler, D.D. 
 
 The Christians listened to interesting accounts of incidents con- 
 nected with the extension of Christian Endeavor work. 
 
 The Methodist Protestants received cheering reports from the officers 
 of their national union, and awarded Texas their banner for the great- 
 est proportionate increase in membership. Unanimous approval was 
 given a suggestion of a course in church history for Junior Societies. 
 
 The Methodists of the United States and Canada discussed the 
 action to be taken in view of the relations between Methodism and 
 Christian Endeavor, and spoke of the excellent results to be gained by 
 the Canadian plan of Epworth Leagues of Christian Endeavor. 
 
 Christian citizenship was the topic of the African Methodist Episco- 
 pal assembly, and freedom of the soul was pointed out as the chief 
 essential of a good citizen. The African Methodist Episcopal Zion 
 Endeavorers bore witness to the good points of the societies among 
 them. 
 
 A missionary flavor marked the rally of the Reformed Church in 
 America, as work among the Indians, in Japan, and in India was 
 reported. 
 
 Statements of the best points in their different Endeavor Societies 
 were made by the delegates of the Reformed Church in the United 
 States. The gifts of the societies during the year included the fulfil- 
 ment of a pledge for a fund for church-building. 
 
 The work among the Free Baptists was reported by representatives 
 of different sections, and support of the denominational paper was 
 urged. 
 
 Greetings from the Luther League were received by the Lutherans, 
 who heard from their secretary a report of growth during the past year. 
 The harmony between the principles of Christian Endeavor and the 
 
98 Official Report of the 
 
 denomination were set forth in addresses, which were followed by an 
 open parliament. 
 
 The Cumberland Presbyterians in the interests of denominational 
 loyalty adopted a resolution declaring their opposition to any change 
 in the form of organization of the United Society. 
 
 The Canadian Presbyterians passed a vote expressing hearty thanks 
 to their General Assembly for its generous recognition of Christian 
 Endeavor, and affirming their continued loyalty. 
 
 The Southern Presbyterians reviewed the past of their church, 
 especially in regard to missionary activity, and considered the work 
 lying before them in the immediate future. 
 
 Testimony to the value of the Society was heartily given by United 
 Presbyterians, and its power as a bond of unity was emphasized. 
 
 The Reformed Presbyterians found cheer in looking to the promise 
 of the future, to be realized through the agency of the Society. 
 
 Open parliaments dealing with methods of meeting difificulties, 
 together with addresses on giving and missions, formed a large part 
 of the programme of the United Evangelical Church, who discussed 
 the interests of the Keystone League of Christian Endeavor. 
 
 The Friends' denominational Christian Endeavor president, in his 
 annual report, recommended increased organization, special courses of 
 Bible study, and the appointment of a missionary to extend the Junior 
 work. 
 
 The United Brethren had music by the Christian Endeavor choir of 
 the church where they met, and the Junior Society conducted the last 
 part of the meeting. Among the addresses was one on the best read- 
 ing for young people. 
 
 Many of the benefits of Christian Endeavor had been discovered in 
 its practical application among the Mennonites, as many speakers bore 
 witness. 
 
 Those Episcopalians that had tried Christian Endeavor were loud in 
 its praise, and were urgent for its further extension in their churches, 
 as its two principles of work and prayer are essential to every church. 
 
 The highest ideal and the individual's mission in the church were 
 topics brought before the Reformed Episcopalians, who closed their 
 rally with a consecration service. 
 
 The good of organization and the need of it, especially in country 
 places, were urged in the rally of the Church of God, and Christian 
 Endeavor's fitness to meet the need was pointed out. 
 
Fifteenth International Co7ivention. 99 
 
 Reports as to increase in membership, missionary gifts, and evan- 
 gelistic work told of the prosperity and earnestness of the Moravian 
 Societies. 
 
 Successful and enthusiastic gatherings were held by the German 
 and Welsh Societies, at which the music was a prominent feature. 
 
 THURSDAY EVENING. 
 
 Under two mammoth tents, in half a dozen churches, and within one 
 of the great halls of the city, thousands of Christian Endeavorers gath- 
 ered to raise songs of praise to God, and to listen to addresses by dis- 
 tinguished speakers on the duties of Christian citizenship. For the 
 first time the skies did not even threaten rain, and the evening was 
 cool and pleasant. For the first time the great throng of Endeavorers 
 could give themselves to the full enjoyment of the meeting, and even on 
 the street-cars choruses of well-trained voices would burst forth in well- 
 known Christian Endeavor hymns. 
 
 iletropolitan M. E. Church. 
 
 The meeting which was to have been held at Tent Williston took 
 place instead at the Metropolitan M. E. Church, which was not large 
 enough to accommodate anything like the number of people that sought 
 admission. 
 
 The principal feature of the evening was an address by President 
 Booker T. Washington, of the Tuskegee Institute of Alabama. Dr. 
 Washington is the colored man who so electrified an audience at the 
 Atlanta Exposition last year by his eloquence, and at a bound leaped 
 into public fame as an orator and as an exponent of the needs of his 
 race. 
 
 The meeting was presided over by President Francis E. Clark, D.D., 
 and after a service of song under the leadership of Mr. E. O. Excell, 
 and the opening devotional exercises, a double quartet from Hampton 
 Institute sang several times with telling effect. 
 
 A letter of greeting from Hon. Neal Dow was then read by Rev. 
 Rufus W. Miller, of Reading, Pa., founder of the Brotherhood of 
 Andrew and Philip, and a trustee of the United Society. 
 
 Letter from Hon. Neal Dow, Portland, Me. 
 
 Portland, June 25, 1S96. 
 Mr. John Willis Baer : — 
 
 Dear Sz'r, — I am very sorry that my strength will not warrant me in under- 
 taking the long journey to Washington to assist in the great work of the Endeav- 
 orers. They are now a great power in thiscountry, and every year will increase 
 their influence and force among those of our people who wish to increase the 
 prosperity of the nation and the welfare and happiness of the people's homes. 
 I earnestly desire that the Endeavorers will boldly resist everything that is 
 
100 Official Report of the 
 
 inconsistent with the general welfare, boldly opposing it as opposed to the will 
 of God, with no thought of any evil consequences to self. At the same time I 
 wish them to stand up for the'right without fear from any quarter. I say this 
 because I fear that many well-meaning men shrink from any open help to a good 
 cause lest they suffer from the enmity of bad men who may have power to do 
 them an injury by boycott or otherwise. There is one matter to which I will 
 especially call their attention, because they can accomplish an infinite good 
 without fear of any one when engaged in God's work. 
 
 The liquor traffic is a far greater evil to all civilized countries than any other 
 by which the world is cursed; its suppression would be a benefit and blessing 
 to the nations and to the people — greater than any other that is occupying 
 public attention. I believe that the overthrow of this great sin against God, 
 this great crime against the country, may be accomplished by the Endeavorers. 
 To do this requires the courage which they have, their great numbers rapidly 
 increasing, and a cordial co-operation with each other. Perhaps the Endeav- 
 orers may be startled if I say that the continuance of the liquor traffic, with all 
 its horrors, largely depends upon them. That is what I think, but I hope and 
 believe that it will not long continue to be so. The issue of the Christian at 
 Work of the 29th of October, 1891, said : — 
 
 " The liquor traffic exists in this country to-day only by sufferance of the 
 membership of the Christian churches. They are masters of the situation, so 
 far as the abolition of the traffic is concerned. When they say, ' Go, and vote, 
 go ; ' it will go." This whole question of the perpetual nuisance of the saloons, 
 or their speedy overthrow, is a question of the ballot alone. Is that averment 
 iust and true, or is it a mistake ^ Does the liquor traffic depend for its exist- 
 ence upon the membership of the Church, or only upon the worst elements of 
 
 society.? , , , , . , . 
 
 It is said that the Protestant church-members who are voters m this country 
 are at least 5,000,000 in number. If that be true, it may be honestly said that 
 the continuance of that great sin, shame, crime, and infamy depends upon the 
 permission of the church membership, because their ballots, honestly employed, 
 may easily destroy the grog-shops promptly. 
 
 In a sermon of the late Dr. Payson, entitled " Participation in Other Men s 
 Sins"hesavs: " Members of civil communities partake of all the sins which 
 they'mio-ht, but do not, prevent. When a person has power to prevent any sin, 
 he is left to choose whether that sin shall or shall not be committed. If he 
 neglects to prevent it, it is evident that he chooses it should be committed, and 
 by thus choosing he has in effect made it his own." 
 
 That that is true no intelligent person can deny. In Dr. Payson's day there 
 was no preacher in the country who held a higher position in the pulpit. Chris- 
 tian Endeavorers, protest against the continuance of the liquor traffic. There 
 is no other way in which that can possibly be done except through the ballot- 
 box. He who knows the right, and does it not, to him it is sin. 
 
 Neal Dow. 
 
 After the reading of Mr. Dow's letter, which was received with 
 applause, President Clark introduced President Booker T. Washington. 
 At the request of Dr. Washington, we do not print his address. 
 
 First Congregational Church. 
 
 The Christian citizenship meeting at the First Congregational 
 Church was preceded by a song service, under the direction of Dr. F. 
 J. Woodman, of Washington, and participated in by the choirs of the 
 Central Presbyterian, Fifth Congregational, and Fifteenth Street Pres- 
 byterian Churches. 
 
FifteentJi IiitcrnatioJial Convention. 101 
 
 Rev. M. M. Binford, of Richmond, Ind., one of the trustees of the 
 United Society, presided over the meeting, and after a Scripture lesson, 
 in which the congregation joined. Rev. James E. Mason, of Rochester, 
 N. Y., led in prayer. 
 
 Mrs, Ruth E. Baker, of Boston, Secretary of the Massachusetts 
 Woman's Christian Temperance Union, was the first speaker intro- 
 duced. 
 
 Address of Mrs. Ruth B. Baker, Boston, Mass. 
 
 Why do we believe that temperance reform has anything to do with Chris- 
 tian citizenship.'' Surely none need ask this question when we recall more than 
 one shameful instance of the false representation of Christianity abroad, by our 
 government appointing ministers or consuls who have been the centre of 
 drunken brawls; when again and again our missionaries report that the heathen 
 have compared our religion unfavorably with theirs, because they never drink 
 and people whom they regard as Christians, because coming from Christian 
 lands, do. 
 
 Can we ask what claim the temperance reform has upon Christian citizens 
 when we remember the record of the past ten years, or more, on the Congo? — 
 the years smce the Berlin West African Conference 1 
 
 If you are not familiar with the history, read " Free Rum on the Congo," by 
 Mr. W. T. Hornaday. Canon Farrar, about the same time, spoke with no 
 uncertain sound in England, and declared the present curse of the liquor traffic 
 far more deadly than the old curse of the slave trade. At least you will remem- 
 ber how these words have been emphasized in years gone by by the pathetic 
 appeals of the native chiefs and rulers to keep out the drink, and none of you 
 who saw him can have forgotten Dr. John G. Paton. when only two or three 
 years ago he was forced to leave his work in the South Sea Islands to come to 
 plead with England's Queen and the President of this great and noble country, 
 to use his own language, to prohibit the exportation of firearms and intoxicat- 
 ing liquors that threatened to destroy the fruit of all his years of labor among 
 his beloved Islanders. I heard him plead in the name of the dear Lord Jesus 
 that Christians would all unite to petition our government to act in this 
 matter. 
 
 When we remember the effects in our own land of this gigantic evil, we can- 
 not question whether there be any relation between the temperance reform 
 and Christian citizenship. 
 
 All Christendom has been thrilled with horror on account of the Armenian, 
 atrocities. We have felt faint and sick as we have read of the horrible deeds 
 committed, and they are too dreadful to repeat unnecessarily. But have you 
 thought that intemperance causes just such suffering ; that the worst that is 
 pictured of Turkey is fully paralleled by the drink curse ; that the atrocities are 
 not less frightful, nor the awful aggregate less? 
 
 Our working people throw away every year $750,000,000 for liquor. It emp- 
 ties our churches ; it fills our prisons and insane asylums ; it brings sorrow and 
 misery to the homes of rich and poor alike ; it carries thousands to an untimely 
 grave; it mocks at and frustrates all our efforts to Christianize the heathen. 
 In the great sum total of misery and suffering and all forms of evil that go to 
 compose the great mountain of sin, that is some day to become a plain, the 
 liquor traffic is responsible for by far the greatest proportion. 
 
 We covet the active interest of the millions of Christian Endeavorers against 
 this monster evil, and we call on you as Christian citizens to say what you will 
 do to help in the battle for humanity. 
 
 Wellington said at Waterloo, " We want young soldiers ! " We want you, 
 young men, because you are strong; we want the young ladies, whose influence 
 is no less strong, to show in no uncertain way that you are always and forever 
 against the perpetuity of this great evil tliat so affects the happiness of thou- 
 sands in this state and national, if not private, home of ours. 
 
102 Official Report of the 
 
 We want you to stand for temperance reform as you stand for missions. 
 First, for your own sakes you should become a total abstainer. I know many 
 young people think that they can indulge in an occasional glass of wine without 
 injury, and that they can let it alone if they wish; but tliere is something in the 
 power ofthe wine-cup that can best be defined by the word "deceit." " Whosoever 
 is deceived thereby is not wise." I believe the only absolute safety for any one 
 before me is total abstinence. But if you are absolutely sure in your own mind 
 that there is no danger for you, will you not sign the pledge because of your 
 brother? 
 
 Last year, I saw a beautiful object-lesson in London, at the meeting of the 
 World's Women's Christian Temperance Union. In the crowded Royal Albert 
 Hall, from an entrance at the rear of the platform, came fifty or more of the 
 children of the slums, dressed just as we see them in any of our large cities, the 
 only difference being in their cleanliness. There were tall, lank girls with 
 babies in their arms; there were thin, pinched, hungry-looking faces, and they 
 all looked, oh, so sad and sorrowful ! As they came to the front of the platform 
 in the brightly lighted hall, and stood before the richly dressed throng, they 
 began to sing: — 
 
 " There 's a shadow on the home, 
 
 Many hearts are sad to-day ; 
 It hushes e'en the laughter of the 
 
 Children at their play. 
 At its coming, want and sorrow 
 
 Across the threshold creep, 
 And amid their broken idols 
 
 The mourning mothers weep." 
 
 As these words were sung the doors at the front opened, and hundreds of 
 children from more favored homes, clad in white and holding aloft a broad 
 white ribbon, entered two by two, singing, — 
 
 " We are coming to the rescue,'' etc., 
 
 and as they finished the first verse they halted in front of the platform. Again 
 rose the sweet, pathetic voices of the children of the slums : — 
 
 " There 's an evil in the land. 
 And the kingdom of the Lord 
 Is hindered in its coming," etc., 
 
 and then the white-robed children in front, commencing once more the joyful 
 strain, 
 
 " We are coming to the rescue," 
 
 divided, coming up the stairs each side of the platform, and surrounded again 
 and again with the white ribbon the poor little waifs that stood there. Those 
 who saw it will never forget the sight. Will you not join that rescuing army, 
 and use your utmost endeavor to banish this evil and this sorrow from the 
 world .'' At least say, " I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, 
 and will watch to see what he will say unto me " in reference to this temper- 
 ance reform and my duty and responsibility as a Christian citizen. 
 
 Miss May Levers, of Washington, sang effectively "The Holy City," 
 and then the presiding officer stated that it is necessary for Christian 
 workers to mass their forces. " In this city not so very many years ago," 
 he continued, " millions of our fellow citizens were set free by a single 
 stroke of the pen. We have with us this evening," next said the 
 presiding officer, "one of that race who has honored our conventions 
 heretofore by appearing on its programme and who is also a member 
 of the Board of Trustees of the United Society. I take great pleasure 
 in presenting to you Bishop Alexander Walters, D.D., of Jersey City, 
 N. j." 
 
Fifteenth Inteniatioiial Convention. 108 
 
 Bishop Walters was warmly received, and he announced the topic 
 assigned to be " The Need of Christian Citizenship in Municipal, State, 
 and National Affairs." 
 
 Address of Bishop Alexander Walters, D.D., Jersey City, N. J. 
 
 Solomon declared centuries ago that " when the righteous are in authority, 
 the people rejoice : but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." This 
 truth is as applicable to-day in our land as it was in the land of Palestine in 
 the clays of the wise king. 
 
 Great intellectual, spiritual, moral, and material progress was made by the 
 Israelites of old under the leadership of Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Solo- 
 mon, Hezekiah, and others. On the other hand, Israel and Judah were wasted 
 and blasted, suffered defeats and humiliations, and were finally carried away 
 into captivity because of the sins of their wicked rulers. When Ahab said to 
 Elijah, " Art thou he that troubleth Israel? " the prophet answered, " I have 
 not troublfd Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken 
 the commandments of the Lord." 
 
 We read in the Scriptures that Jeroboam made Israel to sin; that is, he 
 opened wide the flood-gates of idolatry and used all his kingly influence and 
 authority to keep them open. None of his successors was able to stem the tide 
 of wickedness which was inaugurated during his reign. It is surprising how 
 much evil a wicked ruler can bring about. 
 
 Rome reached her lowest point of infamy and degradation during the reign 
 of Nero. No crime was too great, no sin too heinous, for him to commit. He 
 encouraged all manner of debauchery, and as a result plunged his entire realm 
 into an abyss of public disgrace. His name is a synonym for wickedness, and 
 his reign a history of cruelty and bloodshed. 
 
 About the close of the seventeenth century the rulers of France declared for 
 infidelity, in consequence of which she had a " Reign of Terror." 
 
 The morals of the English nation were at a low ebb during the reign of the 
 licentious king, Henry the Eighth. 
 
 The endorsement of slavery by our rulers was the occasion of confusion and 
 bitter strife, which finally deluged our land with blood, depleted our treasury, 
 and desolated our homes. Indeed, the baneful effects of that accursed institu- 
 tion are being felt even to this day. 
 
 A wise ruler is of incalculable benefit to a nation. We have an example of 
 this in our mother country, England. She has enjoyed marvelous progress in 
 her commerce, institutions of learning, political influence, and ecclesiastical 
 affairs during the reign of her wise and virtuous Queen, Victoria. Indeed, 
 England's prosperity and achievements have been phenomenal since her 
 accession to the throne. 
 
 When that fair-minded, liberty-loving giant, Abraham Lincoln, was elected 
 President of these United States, the South seceded from the Union, for she 
 believed that his election meant the overthrow of slavery. Her fears were well 
 founded. His very soul revolted against oppression and wrong, therefore he 
 could only act in harmony with the principles of right which governed him. 
 The righteous cause espoused by him gained adherents so rapidly that in a few 
 years he was enabled to emancipate the slaves. 
 
 Some of our large cities have been blessed with wise and just rulers. Such 
 cities enjoyed great peace and prosperity during their incumbency. Wicked- 
 ness was checked, and in many cases some forms of it destroyed. For instance, 
 in New York City, where that abominable organization known as Tammany 
 Hall held sway for many years, and whose power was so formidable that it 
 seemed impossible to overthrow it. But when Christian men and women, 
 stimulated by Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst and other ministers of New York, 
 rose in their might and took as their slogan of victory, " Down with Tam- 
 many! " Tammany went down; for they not only raised the cry, " Down with 
 Tammany ! " but pulled off their coats, went to work, and continued to work 
 
104 Official Report of the 
 
 until they overthrew that wicked organization. My only regret is that it was 
 not utterly destroyed. 
 
 Christians are too ready to retire to their tents after a flushing victory. They 
 forget the prophet's warning to Ahab after he had routed Ben-hadad. He said 
 to him, " Go, strengthen thyself, and mark (watch), and see what thou doest: 
 for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee." Be 
 assured your enemy will return again to renew the attack ; get ready for him. 
 Eternal vigilance must be our watchword. 
 
 If Christian citizens expect to win, there must be no lagging in the ranks, no 
 indifference on their part, no letting-up on the enemy. Our foes are ever on 
 the alert, ever watchful; after every defeat they resolve to renew the attack. 
 
 If the question were asked, "How can we make good citizens .? " I would 
 reply, " First, by Christian homes; second, by a spiritual and patriotic Church ; 
 third, by efficient and patriotic public schools; fourth, by good-citizenship 
 leagues ; fifth, by voting as we pray." 
 
 In no place can the principles of Christian citizenship be so effectually 
 taught as in the home. In order to have Christian citizens we must have 
 Christian homes, where the father believes and trusts in God, and the mother 
 is imbued with the Spirit of Christ ; where the Bible is read and studied, prayer 
 offered, and patriotism taught. The ablest and best men of the world were 
 trained in religious homes. It was said of the mother of General Grant that 
 her home was a fitting nursery for heroes, because religion, patriotism, industry, 
 economy, and temperance were taught and practised there'. It was patriotic 
 home-training that made William Lloyd Garrison a courageous agitator of the 
 rights of humanity. Methodism owes an inestimable debt of gratitude to 
 Susannah Wesley for the splendid religious training of her two sons, the 
 founders of Methodism ; and wherever this church exists her influence is felt. 
 
 We need more homes where patriotic songs are sung, wh^re children are 
 taught to love our grand institutions, to honor the Stars and Stripes, and to 
 respect our rulers ; where the principles of temperance and good government are 
 inculcated. Out from such homes will go forth worthy citizens. Character 
 and intelligence are the true foundations of citizenship. 
 
 The need of the hour is more and better religious training in the home. If 
 our children are taught to observe the rules of home, there will be no trouble 
 about their obeymg the laws of the land. 
 
 An important factor in the formation of Christian citizens is a live and 
 patriotic church; a church all aglow with the Spirit of Christ; where not only 
 the doctrines of salvation are taught, but where the principles of good 
 government are proclaimed, sermons preached on state and national issues 
 of the day, and the duties of man to man set forth. Such a church was old 
 Plymouth, in Brooklyn, N. Y., in her palmy days under Henry Ward Beecher. It 
 was said that no one could enter Plymouth Church and remain through a ser- 
 vice without being impressed with the thought that it is the duty of Christians 
 to aid the unfortunate and oppressed. The very atmosphere breathed love and 
 the rights of humanity. 
 
 In the olden times the Church and State were one. Abraham was not only 
 the head of the Hebrew nation, but the head of the Hebrew Church. While we 
 do not believe in the matter in that particular form, we do believe that every 
 department of our government should be controlled by the principles of Christi- 
 anity. Christ has given to the Church the ideal standard of man's duty to his 
 fellow man. Hear it! "Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, 
 do ye even so to them." 
 
 The Church was established to ameliorate the condition of mankind. It is 
 here we teach men and women faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and faith in each 
 other. 
 
 It was the Church that gave to the world a Moses, a Solomon, a Paul, Luther, 
 Calvin, Knox, Wesley, Edwards, Beecher, and other great leaders and thinkers, 
 such as Frederick of Saxony, Gladstone, Newton, Douglass, etc. 
 
 For centuries the torch of civilization has been borne aloft by the Church, and 
 the world has and is being benefited by the influence radiating therefrom. It 
 
Fifteenth International Co7ivc7ition. 105 
 
 is the light of the Church that is to dispel the darkness of ignorance, supersti- 
 tion, and doubt. 
 
 Another essential factor in the making of loyal and intelligent citizens is 
 good public schools. If we would have intelligent voters throughout the nation 
 we must have good schools in the rural districts as well as in the cities. In 
 some sections of our country the public schools are open only two or three 
 months in the year; this is notably so in nearly all the Southern States. Stren- 
 uous efforts must be made to correct this error. Each State ought to appro- 
 priate enough money to keep all the public schools open at least six months in 
 the year, and nine months if possible. The great mass in the Black Belt is 
 thirsting for knowledge ; their cry is, " Give us more schools and longer terms." 
 The greatest blessing that could come to the Afro-American in the South is 
 further aid along educational and industrial lines, and a fair chance to be 
 whatever in the providence of God he is capable of being by intelligence, dili- 
 gence, and frugality. 
 
 As a race, we are accused of not being intelligent voters. If we are not, the 
 fault is not altogether our own ; as yet we have not had a fair chance. Give us 
 a sufficient number of schools, competent instructors, and longer school terms, 
 and there will not be much ground for complaint of our incompetency as 
 voters. 
 
 The lamented Bishop Haygood, of Georgia, made the following statement a 
 few years ago : " The illiterate vote of our Southern States is simply appal- 
 ling, and this illiterate vote is increasing. From 1870 to iSSo there was an 
 increase of illiterate voters in the Southern States of nearly two hundred thou- 
 sand. In Georgia the illiterate white vote in 1S70 was 21,899; in 1880, 28,571. 
 The negro illiterate vote in 1870 was 100,551 ; in 1880, 1 16.5 17. The white illit- 
 erate vote in Kentucky, in 1870, was 43,826; in 1880, 54,966. The negro illiter- 
 ate vote was, in 1870, 37,849; in 1880, 45,177. In Tennessee the white illiterate 
 vote was, in 1870, 37,713 ; in 1880, 46,948. The negro illiterate vote was, in 1870, 
 55,958; in 1880, 58,601. In Texas, in 1870, the white illiterate vote was 17,505; 
 in 1S80, 33,085. The negro illiterate vote in 1870 was 47,235 ; in 1880, 59,609." 
 
 The increase of illiteracy from 1880 to 1890 was nearly as great in those 
 States. 
 
 We appeal to the President and Congress ; we appeal to our Governors and 
 State Legislatures, to all ecclesiastical bodies throughout our great Common- 
 wealth, to our philanthropic friends outside of the Church, and to all lovers of 
 good and intelligent citizenship, to aid us in our struggle for more and better 
 schools, in order to eliminate the great illiteracy of our land. 
 
 Good-citizenship leagues are another medium through which to make pa- 
 triotic citizens. I think the Church ought to encourage such organizations. If 
 we win it must be through concentrated effort; in order to accomplish this we 
 must have organization. Combination is the theme of the hour. We hear a 
 great deal about combinations now-a-days, — a combination to fix a monetary 
 standard ; combinations to advance commerce ; combinations to improve cities ; 
 combinations to boom real estate ; combinations to lower prices, and combina- 
 tions to raise them; combinations to defeat good legislation. The Christian 
 Endeavor deserves great praise for combining the Christian forces of the world 
 to abolish corruption by defeating wicked men and measures. 
 
 Last, but not least, if we would advance the cause of good citizenship we 
 must vote as we pray. If we are praying for the destruction of the liquor 
 traffic, we must vote for the men who are willing to overthrow it. If we are 
 praying for the extermination of the brothels and gambling-dens, we must see 
 to it that men are nominated and elected (regardless of favoritism or party 
 affiliations) who will close them up. If we are praying for the preservation of 
 our Sabbath, we must demand the nomination and election of men who will 
 uphold its sanctity. In a word, we must act consistently with our prayers. 
 
 The next speaker was Rev. J. W. Fifield, of Chicago. 
 
106 Official Report of the 
 
 Address of Rev. J. W. Fifield, Chicago, III. 
 
 For a long time the Church has been asleep. Her eyes have been closed as 
 tightly as those of Pharaoh's mummy. Seated on soft cushions, charmed with 
 sweet song, she forgot her mission. The great bugle-calls that startled the 
 Church in the past centuries and sent it an invincible host against evil; that 
 caught up those words of heroism, '' Let the Lord arise, and let his enemies be 
 scattered," until despots were smitten from thrones and fetters broken from 
 men, are no longer heard. The minister preaches about love and evolution 
 while a weak and powerless church changes itself into a restaurant for serving 
 soup and cake to pay the salaries. While the Church has been inactive Satan 
 has come in and taken the land. As the frogs came out of the rivers of Egypt 
 until they croaked in store and palace, so have evils crept and crawled with 
 slimy trail across the nation. Like the vale of Siddim, America is full of slime- 
 pits. Talk about the wild beasts of African jungles ! Here are beasts a thou- 
 sand-fold more ferocious. Their fangs are more bloody ; their poisonous 
 touch, more deadly. The lairs where they crouch and coil are paved with 
 marble, walled with gold, flooded with song; yet they tear their victims limb 
 from limb and lap with savage growl their blood. While the Church sentinel 
 has slept the enemy has come in and fortified in strong places. Behind earth- 
 work and equipped with arms it seems unconquerable. Now the Church is grow 
 ing thoroughly awake and there is trouble. The young people are shaking the 
 elders and deacons. The women are holding up the unsteady hands of the 
 clergy. God is planting his batteries and an aroused Church is hearing, better 
 than for a hundred years, the great words of new duties. I know some faint- 
 hearted and sheeny lovers of peace are going to the rear ; but with this great 
 gathering in the lead the doubting brethren of the churches may close in 
 behind. 
 
 America is God's charity for humanity. It is the open gate for the human 
 race. Could you lift up the United States as Milton's angels lifted the hills of 
 heaven, you could find no other place to put them down. They would cover 
 all of Europe, and spread on into Asia and Africa. We are only true to facts 
 when we say that this is the greatest stretch of arable land on the globe. 
 These great conventions which take our young people across the continent are 
 helping us to learn American geography. We are told that our forefathers 
 once called fifteen miles west of Boston the western limit. They drove a stake 
 there, that the sun might have a place to go down behind it. But civilization 
 came this way. The emigrants' wagon broke down the stake. Tiien the Hud- 
 son River was the western limit. But the stream of civilization came on. It 
 rushed through the Mississippi Valley, beat and dashed its way over the Rocky 
 Mountains, and, like mighty billows, surged and bounded to the Golden Gate. 
 What a great country is here ! Colorado would make twenty-two Connecticuts. 
 Our New England States would get lost were they to enter Texas or the Dakotas, 
 and it would require an exploration party to find them again. Land here suffi- 
 cient for the millions of mankind! The Swede can live in Minnesota and 
 dream of Gustavus Adolphus. The Catholic may dwell in Maryland with more 
 liberty than in Rome itself. The Quaker can peacefully stay in Pennsylvania 
 and be as broad in his ideas as he is broad in hishat. The Irishman can stop any- 
 where and never fear snakes. Here even the negro, now, can own a home of his 
 own; the morning-glories may blossom at his window, and his own chickens 
 play'in his yard ; while his child, free and ambitious, may receive our civic 
 wreaths and occupy honored and responsible positions in our land. What a 
 o-reat land is here ! And yet, my friends, while we have room for all, while each 
 may dwell here in peace, there is in America air sufficient to stir but one flag. 
 That flag is the one that was baptized with blood yonder at Gettysburg and 
 Antietam, and is holier and nobler now because of blood shed of both North 
 and South. I want you to know what a great inheritance we have in America. 
 To be sure, bigness is not greatness. A live dog may be of more service than 
 an elephant. It depends on the elephant. Yet physical size gives room for 
 opportunity, and opportunity occupied is always greatness. Our country is not 
 
Fifteenth International Conventio7i. 107 
 
 only large, but good. What valleys are richer ? When tickled with hoes they 
 laugh into harvests. What mountains are more stored with jewels, and what 
 nobler streams spring from snowy heights.'' Our country is God's great palace 
 for man. Walled in by lakes and oceans ; beautified with unsurpassed land- 
 scape and unequalled waterfalls; blessed with varied, yet healthtul, climate; 
 where is its equal .? Great States are our flour-bins, miles of anthracite with 
 hills for coal-hods, birds flying on swift wing, cattle fattening on prairies, and 
 fish diving in lakes and streams. To be sure, it is said that New England is a 
 little stony, but even there you can raise beans and brains. In the swamps of 
 the South they raise cotton and cane, — especially cane. Heaven's blessings 
 rest upon our nation. The Almighty has grandly performed his part, and man's 
 work alone is vile. Alas, that so many evils are permitted here ! The trouble 
 at the Garden of Eden was that Adam and Eve went out and Satan stayed in. 
 Here we must stay in and put Satan out, and we will have paradise regained. 
 
 What are some of those evils which threaten to spoil the Almighty's design 
 in America.'' What are some of the devils which Christian citizenship should 
 cast out .? The first fiend which should command our attention is the saloon. 
 What a word that is! It staggers with delirium; it coils with madness; it 
 weeps dry tears of blight ; it trembles with life's saddest pathos. The saloon is 
 the grindstone where the assassin whets his knife. It is the malarious sewer of 
 ulcerous manhood and cancerous womanhood. Into its till, along with the 
 dollars, fall the tears of suffering children and the fading joys of betrayed 
 and broken womanhood. O God ! how long this evil.? For money, the poor- 
 est thing in all the riches of life, we are willing to blast and blight and damn. 
 A saloon license is a written permit, signed by our government, for the saloon 
 to snatch the boy from his mother's arms, and send him, a maddened wreck, into 
 a drunkard's grave ; it is an agreement to steal the working man's wages, and, 
 pouring insanity into his brain, to call it a recompense; it is an opportunity to 
 drug young women, and, breaking the moorings of virtue, send them adrift on 
 life's stormiest sea, outcasts from God and man. The wild and savage lion 
 protects its young. The buffalo, stopping before the hunter with maddened 
 bellow and lowered horn, will fight for the weak and defenceless. Not unfre- 
 quently do we know of birds which died while fighting for the nest. Some ani- 
 mal of prey approached their young, and although weaponless, the bird began 
 fierce encounter. Its piercing cry filled the air. With all the strength of its 
 wings it dashed against the foe. The feathers torn from its breast, with broken 
 wing and lifeless form it lies beneath the spoiled nest where once it sung to its 
 young. What creature of wing or fin, what beasts of tropic or frigid zone, 
 would invite danger to its offspring? Yet we do it, and for a pretence take 
 revenue to build sidewalks and public institutions. " O judgment, thou hast 
 fled to brutish beasts, and men have lost their reason." The Bible declares 
 that no drunkard shall enter heaven. Saloons are drunkard factories. Their 
 product is labelled for despair. The people make the saloon. By our per- 
 mission they continue, for were the Church to unite its power the last saloon 
 could be driven from the land. O Church of the living God, O children of 
 heaven's right hand, why not cast out this evil.'' Let the Christian Endeavorer 
 be the uncompromising foe of the liquor traffic, and by prayer and vote may we 
 destroy this mighty evil now entrenched in our land. The Bible says that the 
 wicked flee when no one pursues them ; but, as Dr. Parkhurst has aptly added, 
 " They make better time when some one is after them." 
 
 A second great evil which on account of its direful effect may be called a 
 devil is Sabbath desecration. In history and the Bible we read of a holy day of 
 rest called the Sabbath. It is fast becoming a stranger to us. Into the midst 
 of man's work and activity the Almighty placed a time of quiet and joy. It 
 was a shaft of light falling across life's rugged pathway. Whenever the Sab- 
 bath has been forgotten the individual and nation have suffered. Now the 
 fourth commandment is rolled up into a football and we kick it about as we 
 please. The holy day has become a holiday. The Sabbath should be the 
 salute of the nation to Almighty God. Now we salute picnics, beer-gardens, 
 open theatres, and every sort of evil that can creep or crawl or squirm into it. 
 
108 Official Report of the 
 
 Destroy the Sabbath and you abolish the Church. Abolish the Church and 
 the land is the breedinp^-place of anarchy and bloodshed. It will be well for 
 us to keep close to God's holy law, and it is becoming in this great Christian 
 host to set an example of Sabbath-keeping that will glorify God and tend to 
 perpetuate the nation. 
 
 Another evil is found in the power and promitiefice of wealth. The large 
 combinations of capital, unless they are wisely managed and unselfishly con- 
 trolled, may prove among the greatest of the national perils. When God made 
 the coal, why not sell it cheap enough so that the poor may get warm ? Why 
 should people go hungrj? here with our bountiful harvests.? It may be that 
 sometime we will learn that it is still a curse to corner the market and raise the 
 price of food, although the money is given away in a great philanthropy. For 
 years the Gospel has been given to the poor, — and that is about all we have given 
 them, — but let it also be preached to the rich. Jesus said that we are to love our 
 neighbors as ourselves. But can that mean the sumptuous and wasteful ban- 
 queting of Dives while Lazarus is hungry and barefoot at the gate 1 Now 
 there are many miles between the avenue and the alley, although they are not 
 far apart. Now in business life selfishness rules, the weak are ground and 
 broken, and principles unfit for savages are used by Christians. Christ said 
 that the way to glory lay by the cross, and one great present-day need is to 
 interpret the laws of the cross for the business world. The trinity of commer- 
 cial life is not the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, but the Gold Eagle, Silver 
 Dollar, and Copper Cent. Christian citizenship would place Christ in the store 
 and factory, in the market where the poor try to buy, and among the men of 
 wealth who control the commercial interests of the nation. 
 
 When Charles Sumner entered the Senate he was told that there was nothing 
 for him to do, that the great issues were all settled. His informant did not know 
 the power which lay in that scholarly mind from Massachusetts. The negro 
 was a slave, and until he was free Sumner was kept busy. Let us not feel that 
 the great questions are all settled. Upon our national sky are clouds as black 
 and threatening as ever threw their shadows or rolled their thunders over a peo- 
 ple. Place your ear to the ground and you will hear voices that bode no good 
 to our country. Nothing to do with malignant evils about us? Have we no 
 spirit of love 1 Can this great Christian movement continue and not solve some 
 of our national issues.'* Apply its power to the saloon. Let it stand for the Sab- 
 bath. Let it apply the Gospel, and all of it, to the life of the nation. Around 
 the cross, that symbol of self-sacrificing love, let us gather, until with it we shall 
 conquer. On my study table I keep a penholder which I cut from the oak that 
 grows by the grave of Wendell Phillips. He belonged to the Christian-citi- 
 zenship movement of the Christian Endeavor. He-said years ago, while spend- 
 ing himself for reform, that if we build our institutions as high as the Rocky 
 Mountains, yet use in them unholy brick, the pulse-beat of a child will knock 
 them down. On this grandest land of the hemispheres, a land enriched with 
 the highest civilizations of the past, with the priceless legacy of such names as 
 Washington, Lincoln, and Garfield, with its great and invincible army of God- 
 fearing youth, let us build a nation that shall stand. Let it rest upon our great 
 natural foundation, and rising above our battle-fields and the quiet graves of 
 our sacred dead, let it tower up in the centuries to come as, free from g eat evils, 
 the dwelling-place of a happy people, and receiving the favor of Almighty God. 
 
 Calvary Baptist Church. 
 
 Within the brilliantly lighted church which bears the name of that 
 historic mount where the Christ was crucified there gathered a host of 
 Christian Endeavorers which filled every nook and corner of the edifice. 
 
 The meeting was scheduled to commence at half-past seven, but long 
 before that hour the familiar hymns of the Endeavorers were sung over 
 and over again. The meeting adjourned a few minutes before ten. 
 
Fiftcoitli Litcrnational Convention. 109 
 
 Mr. W. H. Pennell presided, and introduced in a felicitous manner the 
 several speakers. After a praise service, the chorus of the Christian 
 Endeavor sang the anthem, and Rev. S. Domer, of Washington, con- 
 ducted the devotional exercises. 
 
 Miss Jessie A. Ackerman, of Chicago, was introduced and delivered 
 the first address. Miss Ackerman gave an interesting account of 
 much that had come before her own eyes in her " round-the-world trip." 
 
 She especially scored the liquor traffic, and pressed the responsibility 
 of its existence upon the "will of the people." 
 
 The singing of another song was followed by the address of Rev. 
 William Rader, of San Francisco, Cal. 
 
 Address of Rev. William Rader, San Francisco, Cal. 
 
 In the fourteenth article of the Constitution of the United States, the legal 
 citizenship is thus defined: "All persons born or naturalized in the United 
 States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States, 
 and the State wherein they reside." The possession of rights, moreover, does 
 not constitute true citizenship, which properly assumes that a right is only effi- 
 cient when rightly used, and that a man is no more a citizen because of the 
 constitutional authority afforded him by the Constitution than he is an artist 
 because he owns the brush of Rubens or the chisel of Angelo. What are 
 known as American rights, such as free speech and political suffrage, are the 
 political instruments of Christian men ; they are not ends, but means to an 
 end; they are the instruments of political righteousness, the legal opportunity 
 of a Christian man to practically apply his Christianity to the State. Citizen- 
 ship, then, is more than the political authority to cast a ballot; it is the moral 
 ability to cast it right in the interests of the kingdom of God and according to 
 the Christianity of Jesus Christ. Voting is a Christian function. It has come 
 to pass in our own country that the conflict of to-morrow will not be between 
 Republican and Democrat, but between the Christian and the unchristian citi- 
 zenship. 
 
 In the wide-spread awakening now going on in the|United States, the Chris- 
 tian estimate of the State is being recovered. 
 
 The citizen is finding his place in the kingdom of God. The time is passed 
 when it can be said that a man is a good Christian and a poor citizen. The 
 two are one, and it is impossible for a man to be one without being the other. 
 Heresy is not the adoption of a theological dogma; it is not the doubt of the 
 Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch; but it is putting the bushel of political 
 indifference over the candle of one's character on election day. 
 
 Taking an interest in politics does not mean that the minister of the Gospel 
 should bring politics into the pulpit, but it does mean that he should take his 
 pulpit into politics. It does not mean that he should bring politics into church, 
 but it does mean, most emphatically, that the Church should be translated into 
 political power. The call in this revival is for every citizen to be true to his 
 civic obligation. This is applied Christianity. 
 
 We have had two revolutions. Tlie principle of the first was political inde- 
 pendence, and the master spirit was Washington. The principle of the second 
 was personal liberty, and its guiding genius was Abraham Lincoln. The revo- 
 lution through which we are now passing combines these two principles of 
 political independence and personal liberty, and the genius of the movement is 
 no one commanding personality, but every American citizen who has the moral 
 courage of his convictions, who carries the principles of his Bible into the Aus- 
 tralian ballot booth, and who is the coming king in American politics. It is 
 enough to say that the politician who fails to count him in his political reckon- 
 ing will make a serious mistake in his political arithmetic. 
 
 Something, from present signs, it is safe to predict, — some things which may 
 
110 Official Report of the 
 
 be expected to occur. First, the passing of the "boss." The hierarchy in 
 politics is doomed. We want leaders, but not bosses, in politics. 
 
 The overthrow of the king in politics is as sure in the future as the over- 
 throw of the king is a fact in history. He cannot stand before the majesty of 
 the people. The man who is in politics for boodle ought to be kicked out foi 
 righteousness' sake. 
 
 Second, the faithless officer, the man who wears the policeman's star and 
 fails to do duty for the people, should be punished with the same severity as 
 the deserter from the army or the traitor to his country. The enforcement of 
 law is the weak point in the political life of our country. 
 
 Third, the saloon must go. Public sentiment has been hurled against it as 
 bird-shot against the Chinese Wall, while the force of the cannon-ball has 
 hardly been felt in this conflict. There is a passionate restlessness among the 
 people upon the temperance question. It is finding expression in more inde- 
 pendent thinking and a method of warfare of wider range than those of Father 
 Matthew, John B. Gough, and Francis Murphy. The great fact is plain that 
 in spite of the ferocity of the legalized tiger, roaring at will through our streets, 
 we willingly cut his toe-nails, puncture his ears, pull his teeth or put a costly 
 muzzle in his mouth, stand in our churches denouncing him, without reaching 
 a conclusion that he deserves to die and that the patriotic, economic, and relig- 
 ious thing would be to shoot him dead 7io%v. For this, all Christian Endeavor 
 and all right-minded citizens should strive. 
 
 In a day when political parties are greedily looking for material to appro- 
 priate to their own use, it is not surprising that the young people's movement 
 has been led by the spirit in the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Thus 
 far it has refused to turn stone into bread, or to leap from some pinnacle to be 
 dashed to pieces below. It has been conservative, and has succeeded with 
 admirable good sense in keeping the organization out of tlie cog-wheels of 
 partisan politics. 
 
 Should the Christian Endeavor Society go into politics.'' Emphatically, 
 no. Should the Christian Endeavorers go into politics.'' Emphatically, yes. 
 
 Christian Endeavor should come into politics not as an organization, but as 
 an influence. It is not necessary for the cannon to follow its ball. Christian 
 Endeavor is democracy. 
 
 In looking over the history of the young people's movement, it is clear that 
 already it has been a powerful force in American politics. It is to-day a rein- 
 forcement to good government second to none in the United States. It may 
 be too early to collect facts, but every State in the Union can testify to the 
 helpful influence of this movement in the strife for civic righteousness. The 
 young people came on the field at a critical moment. 
 
 There was a time, not long since, when good men trembled throughout our 
 country, and this in the face of a hundred years of distinguished history. It 
 appeared as if the sacred and secular were separated, segregated, and entirely 
 distinct. It appeared as though Christianity had lost its civic sense, but that 
 was the hour preceding Blucher. On the platform of the International Conven- 
 tion held in Montreal, Dr. Clark blew the bugle of a ruling idea, that of Chris- 
 tian citizenship, and immediately an army of young people stood ready to do his 
 bidding. That note, may it be said, saved, in a very great degree, the integrity 
 of American politics. That note was the prophecy of the new citizenship, and 
 the Old Guard of New York City, with Tammany tiger on its banner, was the 
 first to be repulsed and broken. Dr. Parkhurst and Theodore Roosevelt are 
 possible, very largely, because of the reinforcement afforded by the young 
 people's movement. Christian Endeavor rendered valuable assistance in clos- 
 ing the Sunday saloons in Philadelphia, Detroit, Indianapolis, and other cities 
 throughout the country. It is one of the potent factors supporting the Prohi- 
 bition law in Maine, and its power to make public opinion in all the politics 
 of the nation has made it respected by every observing politician in the country. 
 
 How shall the young people carry their religion into life, and thus practise 
 what they preach ? 
 
 How should Christian young people behave in this great day of opportunity? 
 
Fifteenth Litcrnational Convctition. Ill 
 
 We must be intelligent. We must acquaint ourselves with political condi- 
 tions by reading the newspapers, the study of the best literature, and by taking 
 a hand in the politics of our own locality. We must not sing of the eternal 
 streets of gold, and fail to pave the streets of our own town. The young man 
 who knows more of Cuba than of his own village, and more of the politics of 
 Turkey than that of his native city, ought to be ashamed of himself. Christian 
 Endeavor must carry its enthusiasm into life. 
 
 The steam in the cylinder must turn the wheels until they quiver with speed 
 and power. 
 
 Unapplied steam may explode. 
 
 We must learn to be. Intensive development is quite as important as exten- 
 sive growth. Depth is as vital as extent. Current thought emphasizes the 
 Altruistic duty, but we must never forget that the condition of collective 
 morality is personal character. Being is more than doing. The world is 
 saved, not by what we do, but by what we are. We are witnesses to the uni- 
 versal truth. We stand as witnessing sentinels of Almighty God. 
 
 The flag testifies. There is no action in that bunting, but a testimony which 
 gathers up the laistory and genius of our government. 
 
 Character is the splendid sentinel of the nation. We need the witnessing 
 power in the American pulpit, men of iron, who have the moral courage of their 
 political convictions. We need men in office, from policemen to mayors, from 
 mayors to presidents, who dare stand square to tlieir political obligations. 
 
 To the Christian Endeavorer politics means an instrument of righteousness, 
 and party but the scaffolding around the rising kingdom of God. Politics, gov- 
 ernment, parties, are not ends, but means. 
 
 We must never doubt the eternal truth that the secret of strength is the 
 abiding Christ of God. 
 
 Before we can be great citizens we must be great Christians. The kingdom 
 of heaven is within you ; and if it is n't, it ought to be. 
 
 The secret of strength, that secret which the great souls of history have 
 cherished, is the implicit and triumphant confidence they had in the co-opera- 
 tive help of God. " Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the 
 Lord " is the motto of heroic history and the inscription written on every ban- 
 ner of power. The Psalmist of old, looking toward the eternal help, found it 
 when he shouted, " Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered." 
 
 Cromwell and Savonarola, Garfield and our Lincoln, caught the same logic ; 
 for when our dead lay in the unburied glory of their death, Lincoln rose up 
 through the clouds of war and threw this truth on the black clouds like a ray 
 of light : " Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered." 
 
 The last speaker was the vice-president of the Illinois Christian 
 Endeavor Union. 
 
 Address of Rev. Millard F. Troxell, D.D., Springfield, III. 
 
 The ultimate appeal as to what is truth lies in the life and the word of Him 
 who said to Pilate that he was born to bear witness of the truth. He was and 
 is the teacher of governors, kings, and presidents. 
 
 He drove out the money-changers and those making of the temple a place 
 of merchandise for their personal gain ; but that was a proper, if violent and 
 forcible, cleansing of that temple where in a peculiar sense he had a right to 
 rule. It stood for that spiritual kingdom which it had been his special purpose 
 to set forward in this wicked and inconsistent, selfish world. When the proper 
 time and occasion demanded, in a way just as sincere, and a word just as 
 earnest as the word saying " Ye have made of this place of prayer a den of 
 extortion and selfish robbery," he put the temporal and spiritual kingdoms in 
 their proper places and in their right proportions. He did it at a most critical 
 time for him and his cause. It was when the traps were set and the wires were 
 laid to catch him. The Pharisees, the "holier-than-thou" party, and the 
 Herodians, the " anything-for-office " party, had put him in a position where 
 
112 Official Report of the 
 
 it seemed certain that he must eitlier involve himself and the claims of the Jews 
 for Messiah in ruin, or else prove disloyal to the Roman government of C^sar, 
 so hateful to the average orthodox Jew. But at that critical moment, Jesus of 
 Nazareth, spiritual teacher and manly, loyal citizen, arose not only equal to the 
 occasion, but also forever joins the temporal and spiritual kingdoms, the civil 
 and the theocratic authorities, by giving each its place in the statement, 
 " Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's ; and unto God the things 
 that are God's." 
 
 It is God and Caesar, not God or Caesar. Many men think of only one or 
 the other of these governments or sources of authority and of power. Some 
 think of and render willing obedience to the one to the exclusion of the other — 
 or to the other to the exclusion of the one. Is it any wonder that so many 
 States and statesmen have been flopping along in history in a zigzag fashion, 
 when one wing or the other has been clipped, shorn, plucked of its power.? The 
 eagle neither of ancient Roman nor of modern American government can reach 
 its possible height of vision and influence and strength except by the happy 
 equipoise of duty and service towards both the human and divine standards of 
 obligation. 
 
 There must be a rendering to Caesar of that which properly belongs to 
 human government. There must be loyalty to one's own flag and one's own 
 country and institutions. Every one owes it to the government that has pro- 
 tected him, aided him, instructed him, and developed him as a citizen, to be 
 loyal and true as long as he lives in the country either of his birth or his sincere 
 adoption. So a man ought to be a French Frenchman, an English Englishman, 
 a German German, or an American American. So he ought to respect the 
 law and order of the land in which he lives. He ought both to keep the laws 
 made by his representatives and his government, and he ought to do his utmost 
 to have others keep them. Only in this way can the highest well-being of the 
 individual, the family, and society be promoted. 
 
 All our services for God are purely voluntary, depending at last upon the 
 human will. God requires of man really nothing against his will. What he 
 would require is simply that a man do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly 
 before and with him. Human governments are sustained and make progress 
 by taxes and tariffs and compulsory revenues, by drafts upon the energies 
 and resources of the people. It is not so with God's government. 
 
 Yet there are certain relations to be maintained and principles to be fixed in 
 one's life and mind which bring together in cordial union the necessary must of 
 human law and government, and the imperative ougJit of the Divine Voice. In 
 relation to the State and the duties of citizenship the choice should not be made 
 as between God and Cssar, but for both Cassar and God. Reasons for this 
 statement and position can be given: (i) every life has a relation to two 
 kingdoms, — the earthly or social, and the heavenly or spiritual ; (2) our obliga- 
 tions to these two kingdoms sometimes seems to interfere with and oppose each 
 other, but it is only in the seeming and ought not to be so in fact; (3) this is 
 because Jesus Christ, as Lord of all worlds, is the only being who can rightly 
 and authoritatively define our duties and relations to both kingdoms — and he 
 has done so ; (4) the benefits which we receive from the earthly kingdom give 
 rise to certain duties toward it ; (5) our duties toward the earthly kingdom do 
 not lessen or put aside those toward the heavenly, and jZ^(!7-i7?«/;7?; (6) while 
 the earthly relations are for the highest well-being in this life, the heavenly are 
 for our happiness throughout eternity ; (7) both our condition and our relations 
 in the world to come will be different from those in the present world, but 
 depend upon our lives, faith, and conduct here. 
 
 And now what can we as young people do and be, as those who must and 
 ought to render to both God and Cssar, that is, to both divine and human 
 government, a proper allegiance .'' Related to both earthly and heavenly powers, 
 how can we best influence and deal with the earthly so as to do with it just 
 what Jesus, our one Master, would have us do.'' 
 
 I. In the first place, we can be intelligently informed, so as to know just 
 where we stand, and why we stand just where we are. Let us not be deceived 
 
Ft ft cent Ji International Convention. 113 
 
 by tlie cry of any that we are mixing Church and State. These two are not 
 mixed, nor can they be in the light of Jesus' words and example. They are 
 joined togetlier in phrase, but not mixed in either fancy or fact. Eacli is dis- 
 tinct. We have duties and relations towards each. In the best sense it pays 
 for each to cherish and protect the other ; but as organizations, the Church and 
 State are distinct and separate from each other, and ought to remain so for the 
 purest and best progress of both. The first duty of a young Christian as a 
 citizen and would-be patriot, as a member of the State, is to become informed 
 upon all issues in order to be an intelligent voter. 
 
 It is true it may seem difficult to be intelligent on some questions that come 
 up in politics. It may be hard to understand all or anything about the tariff, or 
 free trade, the gold standard, or sixteen to one in the silver question, but it is 
 not hard to find out whether or not a man running for office is a man of clean 
 life and Christian principle. An intelligent view of the politics of the time 
 causes one with open eyes and common sense to see that there are good men 
 and selfish men in all parties. 
 
 It is not judicious for the Church of Christ, or Christian Endeavor, or any 
 branch or body of the followers of Jesus, to become a political party ; but it is 
 the common-sense thing to do to take a stand for the principles of Christ in any 
 and every party where a Christian may feel called upon to serve his country, in 
 rendering unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's. It took a miracle on the 
 part of the Master, at onetime, to fulfil his obligation to the earthly govern- 
 ment. To some of us it may seem like a miracle required of some of our 
 friends to affiliate with this or that political party and yet be good, consistent 
 Christians. But let us give them the same credit for honesty and sincerity of 
 purpose which we think we possess, and which we ask from others for our- 
 selves. We all need to remember, in trying to perform our civic duties in 
 any political party, George Herbert's noble words : — 
 
 " Next to sincerity, remember still. 
 Thou must resolve upon integrity. 
 God will have a// thou hast, — thy mind, thy will, 
 Thy thoughts, thy words, thy works." 
 
 2. Along with intelligence on all the public and political questions, we can, 
 as young people, hold to an unswerving and unfaltering devotion to the pecu- 
 liar principles of our Christian faith and calling. These principles may all be 
 covered with the three terms, so far as civic relations are concerned, "purity," 
 "honesty," and "sobriety." I mean by these a pure personal or home life, an 
 honest administration of public affairs, and an unfalteringly clean and consistent 
 attitude against the worst single enemy of the home, the Church, and the coun- 
 try, which is the saloon and the drink devil of our day. 
 
 I love the branch of special work called Christian citizenship because it 
 stands for a pure social and home life as the fountain of personal purity for the 
 stream of public administration. 
 
 Then it stands for honesty in the administration of public office as well. In 
 all our cities and smaller communities the young people can have and ought to 
 have open eyes to search out and behold, and then clarion voices to brand the 
 bribe-takers and al! who steal from the public purse. How often legislation is 
 transformed into brokerage! How often votes are bought, sold, and intimi- 
 dated ! How often public offices are made the place of private pilfering instead 
 of being administered as public trusts ! The doctrine of Christian citizenship 
 stoutly maintains that whether the office seeks the man, or the man the office, 
 no man ought to ask or expect the votes of the people for a second term who 
 has not honestly and cleanly administered a first term ; and if such a man does 
 ask for office, every true believer in Christian citizenship will say, "You cannot 
 have my vote or influence." No man ought to be put forward or voted for 
 whose record for honesty in money affairs and whose integrity of word or oath 
 is in the least tarnished or even suspicious. We have good men in all our com- 
 munities, men of sterling honesty, men of Christian character, who stand ready 
 to fill the public offices, and who will consider an office a public trust, to be 
 
114 Official Report of the 
 
 accounted for as conscientiously as any other matter of confidence and respon- 
 sibility. We have it in our power to create a public sentiment favoring this 
 view of the question concerning public office where it may yet be needed. In 
 time past there has been so much of corruption and dishonesty and insincerity 
 in public administration that it is wonderful iiow kind providence lias been to 
 our nation and communities. It has been so remarkable that the observation 
 of the old French abbe made some while ago seems justifiable. He said, "A 
 sort of special providence seems to brood over little children, old women, and 
 the people of the United .States." Perhaps he spake with a little tinge of sar- 
 casm, but none of us can fail to feel tiiat we have withstood shocks that have 
 overthrown nations stronger than ours. 
 
 I love the branch of special work called Christian citizenship because it 
 stands for an honest and clean administrating of public trusts. I love it because 
 it means to place the principles of purity and honesty, of the Golden Rule, in 
 every one of the thousands upon thousands of our oi^ces, — from that of presi- 
 dent, judge, and congressman, down to mayor, justice of the peace, and even 
 city alderman. I love it because it means to make it the popular and patriotic 
 thing to put bad men out of ofiice, and to keep them out, and so to make it the 
 popular and patriotic thing for good men, and good men only, to apply for 
 ofiice. 
 
 Lastly, I love the special branch of our work called Christian citizenship be- 
 cause it stands for an unfaltering opposition to the saloon and the drink devil. 
 It means that the saloon must in the end be outlawed. It means that the 
 drink devil will be laid low. It means that a David has come forth from the 
 camp of Israel to meet and slay the boasting Goliath, not with the weapons of 
 King Saul, but in the name and faith of the Lord of hosts. It means that the 
 banner of our country's freedom is being lighted from above, that it is being car- 
 ried and placed in the white search-light of the fresh Christian conscience of our 
 robust young manhood and womanhood of to-day. All hail this day when the ra- 
 diance of the Cross of Christ, made beautiful by the beams of the Sun of right- 
 eousness, is being cast all about the red, white, and blue symbol of our coun- 
 try's freedom. The saloon and whiskey traffic, the drink devil, all foes of our 
 homes, of our best institutions, the Church, and the Sabbath, are to-day marked 
 as the foes not only of God and his people, but also as a combined force plot- 
 ting against Cassar, all that stands for a just and equable government. In the 
 saloon the worst things of our civilization are found. From it flow our most 
 poisonous sewers, breeding disease and causing death. The saloon sewer 
 makes men insane, criminal, debauched, licentious, domineering, selfish, brutal. 
 
 Knowing this, what can be clearer than that we young Christians, and that all 
 Christians and all good people, should press the principles and power of our 
 holy religion into every avenue of life, into court-house and council-chamber, in- 
 to legislatures and governors' offices, into Congress and the White House, until 
 the law of Jesus Christ, the law of love, duty, and service, to God and Caesar, to 
 the Church and to the State, shall be the law of every Christian and of every 
 citizen; until this our high ideal shall be pushed on to the very ramparts of 
 victory ? From this position and this standard let us know no retreat. 
 
 Foundry flethodist Episcopal Church, 
 
 At the old and historic Foundry Methodist Episcopal Church there 
 was a well-attended meeting, and those who came were rewarded by 
 excellent addresses. The music was well rendered by the Endeavor 
 choir, under the direction of Mr. J. A. Rose. The meeting was opened 
 with a praise service and anthem, followed by devotional exercises 
 conducted by Rev. J. T. Anderson, of Washington. 
 
 Then the presiding ofificer, the Rev. H. F. Shupe, of Dayton, O., 
 introduced the first speaker of the evening, Rev. H. K. Carroll, LL.D., 
 of New York City, edit6r of llie Indcpe7ident. 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 115 
 
 Address of Rev. H. K. Carroll, D.D., LL.D., New York City. 
 
 I want to take as my text on this occasion a single sentence from the last 
 Episcopal address of the Methodist Bishops. It is this: "A man may be as 
 much a missionary of God in the politics of America as in the forests of Africa." 
 
 Tliis 1 hold to be good gospel. If the religion of Christ is anything it is 
 everything. It is not given from above simply for delightful meditation on 
 quiet Sundays, or exhibition in churcli or prayer meeting; it is not alone a balm 
 for sorrow, or a cordial for approaching death; it is a mighty, intellectual, 
 moral, reformatory, and spiritual force, applicable to every problem and exi- 
 gency of life. It is intended to be established in the heart of man, that from 
 the citadel of his being it may command every thought, control every impulse, 
 suggest every word, and inspire every deed. It is meant to be, and is capable 
 of being, the all-in-all of every life. 
 
 We must get away from the thought that religion is something which we put 
 on, like a coat or dress, for special occasions. If it is something to be put on, 
 it is something to be put off. Our pulpits tell us often enough that we must 
 not be Sunday Christians merely, but every-day Christians ; but we retain much 
 of the leaven of an old and slowly passing heresy. We have not only our relig- 
 ious days and seasons, our religious manners and garments, but we are still in 
 the habit of dividing our lives into several distinct parts, each with a different 
 label. Part of our life we devote to Bible-reading, prayer, meditation, and 
 religious work, and we are conscientious enough to make it a generous part 
 and to reserve it religiously, not allowing other concerns to intrude and inter- 
 rupt. Six days in the week we give to business, and count it a distinct part of 
 our life. Another part is made up of recreation, pursuit of pleasure in many 
 forms, public duties, and the like. Here are three divisions, and it is idle to 
 deny that they are more or less separate in our thought, our plans, and our 
 purposes. What we do for the Lord we do in a religious spirit; what we do in 
 business we do with all our might, having the single object, success, constantly 
 before our eyes; in our pleasures the engrossing thought is to get as much out 
 of tiiem as possible. It is all right to keep busine.ss out of pleasure; but relig- 
 ion ought never to be out of place. And yet is it noX.'i If I were to question 
 the average church-member I believe the answers I would get would run some- 
 what as follows : — 
 
 " Do you consciously serve the Lord when you are at your prayers, your 
 Bible-reading, your place in church, your religious work ?" 
 
 The answer would come quickly and confidently : 
 
 " Yes, of course I do." 
 
 " Do you consciously serve the Lord when you are pushing your business 
 interests, trying to make money .'' " 
 
 The answer would come slowly and with obvious doubt: 
 
 "Well, I don't know; I am not ciuite sure. In business in these days you 
 have got to do as others do, or you will fail. You cannot be over-particular as 
 to methods. You must follow the customs of business life, or make up your 
 mind to drop out of the race. I try to be honest; but I have to do some things 
 which I would rather not do. Still, I keep up my church work; I give lil^erally 
 for the support of religious enterprises; I bring up my family in Sunday school 
 and church, and I always have family prayers. I guess I am a pretty good 
 sort of Christian, after all — as good as the great majority of church-members." 
 
 And now for the third question : 
 
 " Do you serve the Lord when you are pleasure-seeking and in your public 
 duties? " 
 
 The answer would come, after great hesitation: 
 
 "This is pretty sharp cross-questioning. You cannot be expected always to 
 have the Bible on your lap. You cannot go to church seven days in the week. 
 A man cannot always have his thoughts on dying and the resurrection and 
 heaven. One who constantly studies the words on tombstones, ' Prepare to 
 meet thy God,' will be too gloomy to enjoy life. When you are on pleasure 
 bent you must give yourself up to the enjoyment of the hour. As to public 
 
116 Official Report of the 
 
 duties, what liave a political caucus and church in common ? A man hunting 
 for votes cannot be expected to proceed as an evangelist hunting for souls. 
 Everything in its place, 1 say. Religion is religion, business is business, pleas- 
 ure is pleasure, politics are politics. You cannot mix church and caucus, or 
 religion and business, or piety and pleasure, any more than you can mix oil and 
 water." 
 
 I think the average church-member would answer these questions in about 
 the way 1 have indicated. You will observe that a distinction is clearly made 
 between work for the Church and work for the family or the State. One is 
 regarded as purely religious, the other as purely secular. And many think that 
 religion has a sphere of its own, and that it must be confined to that sphere, as 
 though the sun should not Ifood the earth, the moon, and the universe with his 
 light! When we speak about the members of a Christian Endeavor Society 
 becoming interested in civil affairs, it is as though we proclaimed some great 
 heresy. "What! carry religion into politics.'' The next thing will be to carry 
 politics into religion!" And the way this is said shows that those who say it 
 believe it to be the reductio ad absiirdttui, that it would bring ruin dire upon 
 the Church, and that to dip the Church into the dirty pool of politics would 
 be a baptism of the devil. 
 
 The best way to answer those who are so zealous for the Church and fear 
 that it will be contaminated if brought into close relations with all the concerns 
 of life, is to study Christ's life and see what his method was. Of course Christ 
 was religious, and no one questions the wisdom and righteousness of anything 
 he did. " Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business.'' " What was 
 this business? We say that it was to preach and teach, to reveal the gracious 
 purpose of the Father, live a perfectly holy life, and be offered in sacrifice for 
 the sins of the world. But after that memorable conversation, Christ returned 
 with his parents and became a carpenter. He worked at Joseph's trade. He 
 had his living to earn, and he earned it. Before he began his public ministry 
 was he a carpenter and a devout Jew, or was he a devout Jewish carpenter? 
 Did he carry religion into his business, or did he try to separate the two ? _ Was 
 not his religion as characteristic of him as his manhood, and as indelible in the 
 lines of his life as his Jewish lineage? I can not imagine that he was any the 
 less engaged in his Father's business when he was handling the saw and the 
 plane than when he went into the Temple on the Sabbath. I can not imagine 
 that he ever held that a carpenter must suspend his religious obligations while 
 engaged in his trade. When he began his public ministry he did not confine 
 his religious teaching to the Sabbath, nor to the Synagogue; nor did he cease to 
 take an interest in the business affairs of others. We do not learn that his Ser- 
 mon on the Mount was a Sabbath sermon. He did not refuse to teach great 
 spiritual lessons on working-days, and some of his most effective teachings 
 were drawn from events in the "secular" world, as we sometimes call it. On 
 more than one occasion he was with his disciples when they were fishing, and 
 he did not seem to think that it would be incongruous to mix the truths of the 
 Gospel with the fish of the nets. 
 
 A little girl who was about to leave New Jersey for a summer vacation in 
 New England said in her prayer the night before the journey, "Good-by, 
 God, I 'se going to Maine." That is what many men and women practically 
 say when they propose to do anything not definitely religious. They believe 
 that God and business, God and politics, and God and pleasure are, and must 
 be, divorced. This is why the business operations of Christian men are so 
 often in violation of the Decalogue ; why politics appear to many to be so god- 
 less; why pleasure is so worldly and anti-spiritual. They say you must not 
 drag business, or politics, or amusements, into religion, because they will 
 degrade it; nor religion into these secular concerns, because it is unseemly, 
 incongruous, out of place. At a great political convention, some years ago, a 
 gentleman, recently a candidate for a high office, apologized to me for not in- 
 troducing a man who interrupted our conversation a moment. "That man," 
 he said, " is the notorious Blank, of Blank City. He is not the kind of person 
 one likes to present to gentlemen ; but he is very necessary and useful to the 
 
FiftecntJi International Convention. 117 
 
 party. He does for us a peculiar kind of work which others could not and 
 would not do." This is godless politics. This is the result of drawing a line 
 between a man's duties to religion and his duties to the State, allowing God to 
 rule over the one and the devil to claim the other. Some Christians are hor- 
 ror-struck at the idea of associating politics and religion. Politics are such a 
 wicked business, so defiled, so degrading, that good men must have nothing to 
 do with them. They are not always and everywhere so bad ; but why are they 
 ever bad.'' The answer is easy to find. Take the light out of this room and 
 darkness becomes supreme. To banish the darkness, you have only to bring 
 back the light. 
 
 The great need of the world is that God should be everywhere and constantly 
 present. We want God in our business as well as in our churches; in our 
 amusements as well as in our devotions; in our politics most of all. What are 
 politics.'* In the language of President Hitchcock, politics are "the principles 
 by which nations should be governed and regulated," and are "only a branch 
 of ethics," or rather "a special application of the principles of morality and 
 religion." It is a fair field for Christian Endeavor; and I believe that any En- 
 deavorer may be as much a missionary of God in American politics as in the 
 forests of Africa. He should go to the primary, the polls, or the political con- 
 vention as regularly, as religiously, as he goes to church or to conference or to 
 prayer meeting. Let us all be not only Christians, but citizens ; not Christians 
 in the church and citizens out of it, but always Christians, always citizens, — 
 citizen Christians, Christian citizens ; then will love to God and love to men 
 and love to country flow pure and strong and free from the same heart. 
 
 At this point Miss Florence McNally sang a contralto solo very 
 pleasingly. Owing to the illness of Bishop Abram Grant, D.D., of 
 Atlanta, Ga., Bishop W. B. Derrick, of Nevir York City, spoke in his 
 stead. 
 
 Address of Bishop W. B. Derrick, D.D., New York City. 
 
 To-night we say we are pleased to be present as Christian citizens, not 
 simply as good citizens. A man could be and can be a good citizen and a 
 moral man, and yet not a Christian citizen. Christian citizenship is the most 
 exalted of all citizenship, but no man can be a Christian citizen unless he is a 
 good citizen. He must be a good citizen; good, not simply to receive the 
 plaudits and praisings of men, but good because it is good to be good; and 
 then, by being agood citizen, in all that the word " good" implies.— respectable, 
 intelligent, and moral, — accepting the truth as in Christ Jesus. He is then trans- 
 formed from being good to Christian citizenship, with a title not to earthly 
 inheritance, but to that inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled ; that which 
 shall never fade away. To-night, it is to that I would call your attention ; but 
 I repeat that before any professing Christian, before any church membership, 
 before any church organization, can consistently claim to be citizens of the 
 commonwealth of Israel, they must be completely stripped of all the nonsen- 
 sical prejudices, and recognize the man, whether he is dressed in yellow or in 
 black or in white or in red, so he can testify to the fact that he is a Christian 
 and that he understands the workings of the Spirit of God in his heart. We 
 say, Mr. President, as a portion of the Christian family standing here 
 to-night, as men dressed perhaps in a different hue, we belong to that species 
 of men in the Church of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who would not 
 dare to place manhood or womanhood simply upon race or color; but we place 
 Christian citizenship upon Christian character. God looks not at the outward 
 appearance, but he looks at the heart; and the man whose heart has been thor- 
 oughly cleansed, the man whose heart has been washed in the blood of the 
 Lamb, whose heart is in harmony with the teachings of the Gospel of God, that 
 man who can testify that God is the Creator, Christ the Redeemer, and man the 
 brother, that man is suited to become a citizen of the commonwealth of Israel. 
 
 The good brother, in introducing me, said that we represented the Afro- 
 
118 Official Report of the 
 
 American Societies, and they were glad to hear us talk on this subject. Let 
 me tell you to-night, as to good citizenship of America, that there is no class of 
 people in America which is more humane in the exercise of good citizenship 
 than the people whom I represent to-night. So we come to you to-night with 
 implicit confidence in approaching this question of Christian citizenship, and 
 we are proud and we are glad to know that we can stand as equals before 
 the bar of eternal justice. In this world citizenship may be thwarted; the 
 judges upon the Supreme Court bench may pass an adverse decision, saying 
 that a citizen is entitled to certain rights; but regardless of all their biased and 
 prejudicial decisions, we are marching to a bar where the Judge of all judges 
 will declare that " none but the pure in heart shall stand before me and enjoy 
 the happiness of my upper sanctuary." 
 
 It ought to be carrying coals to Newcastle to bring instruction concerning 
 Christian citizenship to the capital of the nation. But if one may carry live 
 coals to Newcastle, he may at least set a fire. Sir Philip Sidney once said to 
 his brother, " Whenever you hear of a good war, you go to it." To hear of a 
 good war and not go to it is something very difficult to a good man. Now a 
 good war is not a war of bloodshed ; such a war is a weapon, an erudite weapon, 
 of a rude people in a rude age. It will be abandoned ; it must be put away ; it 
 is already an antiquated thing. It is both a mode and a measure of Paganism ; 
 it settles nothing and never did settle anything. In making these seemingly 
 startling statements, I am met by the whole course of human history, and I 
 must therefore convince you that the work of this world very largely has been 
 a failure, that it will have to be done over again, for since the world began the 
 classes have been set over against the masses. This has occasioned strife, 
 embittered feeling; it has waged war. The history of the world has been only 
 a history of battles, and there have been only three things for which the world 
 has fought. From the very beginning it has been the rule for the stronger to 
 prey on the weaker; second, so much like it as to be akin to it, extension of 
 territory; and, lastly, only another name for it, balance of power. That is the 
 history of the world. It has been a system of competition on the one hand ; it 
 has been a condition of lord and master, servant and slave, on the other. But 
 you and 1 live in a new era, under a revolution. The American Republic \yas 
 in itself the projection of a good war, but it was a war of a very different kind 
 and for a very different purpose. Alexander, and Caesar, and Hannibal, and 
 Napoleon were the soldiers of the first war; Paul, and Luther, and Wesley, and 
 Edwards, of the second war. The American people expected every citizen to 
 be a soldier. It could not have been otherwise. We are glad to know to-night 
 that the history of two hundred and fifty years has been the history of a con- 
 tinuous war. The citizens of the new country have been a standing army, and 
 the nation's progress has been signally a series of voluntary surrender after the 
 battles were over. The new kingdom is one of Christianity, I say; it is not lim- 
 ited in its movements by the Church ; it has gotten out of doors and is in the 
 wide, open air. This is the first Christian century since Jesus died. There has 
 been something of Christianity in all centuries, but this century is the century 
 of humanity as well as the divine teachings of the Gospel. Commerce is coming 
 to be Christian; society cannot avoid being Christian; and the State, turn and 
 twist as it may, submits to the will of the Christian people. There is no longer dis- 
 tinction between personal and political relations, private and public duties. _ My 
 brother was right when he said your Christianity must go into your politics. 
 The Bishop of Cologne was heard swearing by one of his parishioners, who 
 held up his hands in holy horror to hear a bishop swear. The Bishop apolo^ 
 gized, however, by saying that he did not swear as a bishop, that he swore as a 
 man. " Yes," said the parishioner, " but what will become of the Bishop when 
 the man goes to the devil for his swearing?" There is no distinction between 
 private and public duties in a Christian State. The Christian man must be tht 
 Christian citizen. The public policy, no less than the private character, demands, 
 it. Christianity is everywhere. It will not do for a man to serve a Christian 
 State, therefore, who is not a Christian. Christianity is in the ground ; you can 
 not bury it. It is in the water ; you can not drown it. It is in the fire ; you can 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 119 
 
 not burn it. It is in the air ; you must breathe it. We are a Christian people. 
 Why is it that you discuss a question in tliis country that has cost us more than 
 a hundred times what we have expended for Christian missions.'' Why is it 
 that you here to-night frankly discuss a question that involves the ill or weal of 
 every liome within this district, and reaches out from this capital to every cor- 
 ner of the nation.? You might burn down this church and every other in every 
 other city, and take the income of the liquor traffic for one single year in the 
 business itself, and rebuild every structure that has been destroyed, and supply 
 every pulpit and pay the salaries of all the preachers. It is a proper question 
 for us to discuss, when the State is involved; and you cannot discuss a question 
 to-day in a Christian State where this question is not involved. Here is a great 
 party, of which I have been so warm an advocate, because a soldier carrying a 
 gun, and a stalwart one. I came'home with my own present feelings, which are 
 that it has been difficult for me to ever utter a criticism of the political party to 
 which I belonged, and yet it can adopt a platform of three hundred and twenty- 
 one lines, and on this platform that involves more than any one platform, in- 
 cluding the currency, the tariff, and all the other questions before the public 
 to-day, this party can sum up its principles in such ambiguous language as to 
 give all sides to the controversy an opportunity to follow and vote its ticket. 
 Here we are to-night, face to face with the problem that we do not know what 
 to do with politically. When I say to you that the taxes in the State of Ohio 
 (from which I came) on the liquor traffic last year were $5,000,000, and that they 
 say they dare not give up this $5,000,000 of taxes, I simply tell what every man 
 in that State knows, — that $30,000,000 are involved in the business, with 
 $30,000,000 more to some way or another offset the ravages of the same 
 business. I spoke in Denver, in my own State, a few weeks ago, and before I 
 entered that large hall where we had been invited to speak on this particular 
 topic, I met a man at the door, and I said to him, " Sir, what would be the 
 argument that would be urged in this town against the preservation of the 
 liquor traffic in this town ? " He said, " You forget, sir, that up on that hill we 
 have a building here that furnishes almost all the business of the town, in which 
 there are almost a thousand inmates." When I went inside I inquired what 
 the building was. I found that it was an asylum for the insane, and when I 
 went up to look into the business of that institution I found that more than 800 
 of the 1,000 inmates were brought there through the use of strong drink. I 
 might traverse the country, and find that similar institutions for the feeble- 
 minded had in a majority of cases been filled from this same source. Yet, 
 to-day it is a difficult matter in most of our Christian churches to get an expres- 
 sion of political opinion concerning what we must do with this question. 
 " License it," says one man. Would you license murder.? Yet there is murder. 
 Would you license stealing.? Yet there are thieives. Yet there is scarcely a 
 man who drinks to excess who at some time or other would not steal. 
 
 Now any system of legislation that assumes to deal with these matters after 
 a principle that is involved in all our personal relations to the Church, any prin- 
 ciple of political legislation that involves the Christian character of the nation, 
 that every moment stirs one's soul concerning the questions of Christian citizen- 
 ship in such a way as to even put\the churches upon a doubtful issue, — I am 
 hereto say that there is for .this and all other questions, where it may mean 
 some pandering to appetite, some threatening danger to the home or to the life 
 of the state and the nation, but one Christian way in which we can 
 deal with all wrong; and the man, like Abou Ben Adhem, whose tribe would 
 increase must write his name as the friend and lover of his fellow man, and to 
 do this must involve some thought of some keeper that like a brother would 
 care for his fellow man. We unveiled the other day in Boston a statue to a 
 man who made his reputation on these lines. If I could fasten them in your 
 memory, I would fasten the key not only of the relationship of brother to 
 brother, but of Christian citizenship upon the Christian as well as the Christian 
 legislator. 
 
 " ' What is the real good? ' 
 I asked in musing mood. 
 ' Order,' said the law court ; 
 
120 Official Report of tJie 
 
 ' Truth,' said the wise man ; 
 ' Pleasure,' said the fool ; 
 ' Love,' said the maiden ; 
 ' Beauty,' said the page; 
 ' Freedom,' said the dreamer; 
 ' Home,' said the sage ; 
 'Fame,' said the soldier; 
 ' Equity,' the seer ;— 
 
 Spake my heart, all sadly: 
 ' The answer is not here.' 
 
 Then within my bosom 
 
 Softly this 1 heard : 
 ' Each heart holds the secret ; 
 
 Kindness is the word.' " 
 
 First Presbyterian Ctiurcli. 
 
 It seemed particularly appropriate that one of the five large meet- 
 ings should be assigned to the First Presbyterian Church, of which 
 Rev. Dr. Byron Sunderland is pastor, and that the topic should be "Chris- 
 tian Citizenship,'" the one question of all others in which Dr. Sunder- 
 land is most interested, and for which he is known all over the land 
 for his connection with it. A section of the large Convention choir 
 was present and rendered the first number of the programme, a praise 
 service, under the direction of Mr. Russell Barnes, of this city. Rev. 
 William Patterson, of Toronto, one of the trustees of the United 
 Society, presided. Preceding the principal features of the programme. 
 Rev. W. J. Howard made the opening prayer. 
 
 The first speaker was Rev. Franklin Hamilton, of Newtonville, 
 Mass. 
 
 Address of Rev. Franklin Hamilton, Newtonville, Mass. 
 
 When the Continental Congress laid down the proposition that all men are 
 created free and equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights, among 
 which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, "men, under the spell of 
 that call, started out of their lethargy like exiles from their childhood who hear 
 again the dimly remembered accents of their mother-tongue." Patriots in 
 other countries had had for their object privilege or power. The American 
 patriot fought for a new commonwealth. The weal of one is the weal of all. 
 
 In that proposition the struggling thought of ages came to utterance. In it 
 seemed to be born again " the doctrine of the brotherhood of man once entrusted 
 to the Jewish people." In it were concentrated all the earlier struggles of the 
 Anglo-Saxon race. For it was, as our own poet says, "the drums of Naseby 
 and Dunbar that gathered the minutemen on Lexington Common. It was the 
 red dint of the axe in Charles's block that marked one in our era." In obedi- 
 ence to that call Faneuil Hall threw open its doors to an eloquent patriotism. 
 The nation rocked to the utterances of a Patrick Henry, an Otis, a Warren, a 
 John Hancock, a Ouincy, and an Adams. In answer to that summons on 
 Bunker Hill and Concord bridge, 
 
 " The embattled farmers stood 
 And fired the shot heard round the world." 
 
 The second great patriotic movement occurred when the slaveholder sought 
 to divide the Union. Then was witnessed the grandest scene of history. Then 
 it was the whole world was moved by the very pathos of American patriotism. 
 The homes of the people were turned into arsenals of war. What was written 
 of the Knights of St. John in their crusades could be said of the multitudes, all 
 unknown and unheard of before, — " In the forefront of every battle was seen 
 their burnished mail, and in the gloomy rear of every retreat was heard their 
 voice of conscience and of courage." 
 
 Suppose the spirit of our country could stand before us on this platform to- 
 
FifttoitJi bitcrnational Convention. 121 
 
 day, and say, " Come up here and lay down for me your life ;" how many do you 
 think would obey that summons ? Yet nearly two millions of our bravest and our 
 best did that, — gave themselves, at their country's call, to flying bullets and to 
 flashing steel ; and, to-day, they sleep where they fell, on every field of the 
 South. Their bones are whitening on every hillside. Unknown, unmarked, 
 they lie hard by some lonely brook, where, all unnoticed, the pacing sentinel 
 fell ; or in some forest glen where only the soughing winds know the resting- 
 place. 
 
 That hour is past. The Grand Army of the Republic is a vanishing army; 
 their work is done. I believe, with the poet, that some sweet bird of the South 
 shall build her nest in every rusting cannon's mouth ; that the note of the 
 bluebird will be the only sound that shall be heard from the iron throat of 
 these instruments of death. I believe that " never again in this land for civil 
 strife shall there be fighting men abroad or weeping maids at home." 
 
 The arbitrament of arms shall give way to arbitration. Less and less shall 
 the human heart respond to a patriotism of the sword, until at last a day shall 
 dawn when 
 
 " The battle flags are furled 
 In the Parliament of man. 
 The federation of the world." 
 
 And yet I stand before you this evening to emphasize the third great occasion 
 in our national history for a patriotic war. Never has there been such need of 
 an exalted Christian patriotism as there is to-day. There is abundance of jin- 
 goism, tawdry, and barbaric, which would stand, possibly, for country, right or 
 wrong. There is a superabundance of the dirty partisanship which has crushed 
 out the moral life of all party politics. But where do we find an ardent and 
 intelligent patriotism that the lust of office does not kill, or the spoils of office 
 cannot buy ? Where is the love of the fatherland that once illumined the fair 
 morning of our national life.'' Where is the consecrated devotion that inspired 
 the free-soil patriots for whom Wendell Phillips spoke, when, in Boston, on 
 that morning never to be forgotten, he said, " Many times I have counselled 
 peace. One of the journals announces to you that I come here this morning 
 to retract those opinions. No! not one of them ! I need them all, every word 
 that I have spoken, every act of twenty-five years of my life, to make the wel- 
 come I give this war hearty and hot." Where do we find such patriotism to- 
 day ? 
 
 We do not find active in the heart of the great common people this spirit 
 that once flamed through city, hamlet, and prairie cabin, — "We are coming, 
 Father Abraham; we are coming six hundred thousand strong!" 
 
 " He hath sounded forth the trumpet 
 
 That shall never call retreat ; 
 He is sifting out the hearts of man 
 
 Before his judgment-seat. 
 Be swift, my soul, to answer him; 
 
 Be jubilant, my feet ; 
 The Lord is marching on." 
 
 The great common people of America, to-day, may be divided into two 
 classes. 
 
 The first class is that of the worthless immigrants and the detritus of our 
 American life. Penniless and ill-fed, unwashed and unlearned, many of them 
 degraded by ages of tyranny, they bear with them the seeds of all that is law- 
 less and un-American. They are the vagabond children of hunger and despair. 
 Their flag is the red flag of anarchy. Their fatherland is the country which 
 they can most easily plunder. It has been computed that there are in America 
 85,76s tramps. More than one-half of them are of American parentage. 
 
 The second great class of the common people is that vast body of wage- 
 earners whom politicaleconomists term "producers and consumers." They are 
 the bone and sinew of the nation. This is the class which back in those sober 
 religious days of sturdy New England Puritanism was distinguished by its non- 
 conformist conscience. To-day it cares nothing for the heritage of the Puri- 
 tans. Its heart is fixed on " a community of pelf." Its religion is the gospel 
 
122 Official Report of the 
 
 of the horse-leech's daughters. Its motto is " Enrich yourselves." It bids the 
 Son of God stand still before the giant selfishness of business. It has inaugu- 
 rated an era of Epicureanism that is sweeping this whole nation into the mad, 
 wild dance of folly around the calf of gold. 
 
 Behold the results ! Politics a pandemonium where blind guides which strain 
 at a gnat and swallow a camel compass sea and land to make one proselyte, 
 and when he is made they make him twofold more the child of hell than 
 themselves. The liquor traffic, freshly incorporated legally to be fattened, as, 
 with fangs lengthened and sharpened by a new whiskey trust, it sinks its poison 
 deeper into the body politic. The social-evil vampire licensed and protected by 
 the guardians of public purity. Capital and labor hopelessly embroiled Capi- 
 tal, a soulless sweater, greedily refusing to Christianize the laborer's environ- 
 ment. Labor, like a mad dog, " gasping, yelping, and snapping, helpless in the 
 swirl and suck of monopoly's maelstrom." Pauperism, with her demoniac 
 daughter, socialism, fermenting strikers and riots that partake of civil war. The 
 Afro-American, that " image of God carved in ebony," still heaped, in the white 
 name of liberty, with dastardly indignities and bestial outrages. Massachusetts 
 ostracising and South Carolina disfranchising the negro, Florida making it a 
 penal offence to educate white and black children togetner, while Romanism, 
 as if to sound the ossification of the public conscience, dares in the open streets 
 of Boston to spit on the symbol of the national school system and to insult the 
 American flag. 
 
 The Church stands impotent before these wrongs because for a generation 
 she has avoided them. She has not ventured the only remedy, — self-giving. 
 She has not dared to become a divine incarnation brought down to date. We 
 have lived so long in the piping times of peace that we have lost our civic 
 muscle. "We are in the condition upon which autocrats and dictators feed." 
 If we would not as a people forfeit our divine inheritance, the hour for a new 
 patriotic warfare has come. 
 
 This is not the call of a Continental Congress to shoulder a musket or 
 buckle on a sword. This is not the bugle-note of an endangered fatherland 
 for patriots to assemble and to hurl themselves in one huge embodiment of 
 zeal and vengeance upon a traitorous foe. This is the call for the awakening of 
 the civic conscience, the demand that truth and righteousness shall become our 
 standards as a people. 
 
 This is the summons for every citizen of moral muscle and spiritual back- 
 bone to awake, to arise from his sleep of civic indifference, and to heed the 
 voice, "What doest thou here.?" This is the summons for every soldier of 
 Jesus Christ "to bear the star of Bethlehem, not only in the blue ground of his 
 flag, but also in the white sinews of his arms and in the red tissue of his 
 heart." 
 
 They tell me that patriotism in America is dead. I do not believe it. I 
 concede, with Robertson, that if moral evil were clothed with flesh and blood, 
 and marshalled as an army to invade oui- homes and ravage the country, there 
 would spring forth an opposing army to meet, resist, and utterly destroy the 
 invader. But our weapons are not carnal. We war a warfare with principali- 
 ties and powers, led by the Prince of the Power of the Air. And I believe, 
 with Plutarch, that though there may be a delay in divine justice, that 
 justice ever comes at the last, swift and sure. But we who are the defenders of 
 our homes to-day will be faithless cowards if we court indifference or flee from 
 the struggle, which demands our noblest aspirations, highest courage, and 
 bravest endurance. The honors which await us will evade us and flee to our 
 children, who will win what we ought to have won. We will transmit nothing 
 but our inheritance, and that impaired by our neglect. 
 
 " Others shall sine the song, 
 Others shall right the wrong," 
 
 another generation will take our crown. 
 
 Our country needs a new conception of patriotism, a comprehension of civic 
 duty that sliall summon the youth of this land to unite, " fair as the morn, clear 
 as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners," determined that by the help 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 123 
 
 of Him whose word is as a thousand swords, America shall not be given over to 
 anarchy, to self-will and the devil. To whom shall our country look to give her 
 these but to us, her Christian young people? We have here no continuing 
 city. We are the patriots of a heavenly country. We are the sons of God. 
 We are the trustees of posterity. On whom else shall she call "to wake the 
 deep slumber of careless opinion, to startle the torpor of an immoral acqui- 
 escence, to kindle burning aspirations, to set noble examples } " And God made 
 woman to be man's equal. With our sisters we will strike hands that this 
 country shall cast out her devils, and, sitting at the feet of Jesus, be clothed 
 and in her right mind. We will no longer be silence-keepers to hell, but we 
 will live for God ; we will fight for God. And when we can no longer fight 
 we will pray for the mildew of God's wrath on " whatsoever worketh abomina- 
 tion," or would delay the coming of the kingdom of God. We will put an iron 
 heel on the dram-shop. We will hound colorphobia back to its lair. We will 
 teach anarchists and religious bigots that adherence to a red flag or a red robe 
 shall never cloak violence or lawlessness. We will give no clean votes to dirty 
 politicians. We will carry the Gospel into the Tibet land of American trade. 
 We will shame religious shams. We will force respect for the Sabbath. We 
 will cleanse the Augean stables of the press. We will quicken the dying 
 sense of the holiness of marriage. We will defy the arrogant tyrannies of 
 that public sentiment which builds on the love of money and the lust of spoils. 
 We will lift up our hearts and our hands to welcome the purest patriotism that 
 the world can know, — a patriotism that shall measure all things by a divine 
 standard, and shall act with the sense of a divine captaincy. We have a 
 passion for the planet, — we will exalt Jesus and humanity; we who are 
 
 " The heirs of all the ages 
 In the foremost files of time," 
 
 we will consecrate ourselves to the one work of winning men to the standard of 
 the Cross, until this whole nation is come to the Christ, 
 
 " And green forever be the groves, 
 And bright the flowery sod 
 Where first the child's glad spirit loves 
 Its country and its God." 
 
 The next speaker was Mrs. J. Ellen Foster, of Washington. 
 
 Address of Mrs. J. Ellen Foster, Washington, D.C. 
 
 We condemn the use of alcoholic stimulants. They do not build up the 
 body, they retard the assimilation of food, they weaken the vital organs, they 
 degenerate the muscles, they paralize the nerves, they cook the brain. The 
 use of alcoholic stimulants has another and more subtle effect on the human 
 organism ; this poison effects the mental and the moral nature; it causes obliq- 
 uity of vision and dulness of conscience. The victim does not see, neither 
 does he understand, and, saddest of all, he does not care. Drink is the most 
 subtle and the mightiest enemy of man's body, brain, and character. It 
 debauches manhood, it despoils womanhood, it slaughters childhood, it dese- 
 crates the family, it embroils communities, it pauperizes the masses, it threat- 
 ens the State. Away with it ; drive the swinish thing into the sea. Let no 
 Christian citizen, let no son or daughter of the King, touch the accursed thing. 
 
 When imagination paints the race as it will be when the accursed thing no 
 longer defiles the earth, and faith makes the vision a reality, then I shout with 
 America's beloved daughter, " Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of 
 the Lord." No man liveth to himself and no man dieth to himself; the Chris- 
 tian finds himself not only in the family and in the Church, but in the State, 
 and he must render to Ccesar the things that are Caesar's. 
 
 When one inquires. How shall the Christian citizen stand in relation to politi- 
 cal action.'' it is well first to remember that civil and political citizenship under 
 oui flag are not conditioned on moral character. "All persons born or natu- 
 ralized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens 
 
124 Official Report of the 
 
 of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." At the beginning, 
 in some of the colonies, political citizenship was withheld from non-church- 
 members. A study of the efforts of the Fathers to found either a Church-State 
 or to unite the Church and the State as illustrated in Massachusetts and Con- 
 necticut is most interesting. These efforts were often illumined with the glow 
 of heroic purpose, and sometimes shadowed with the grotesque arrogance of 
 bigotry; but this has now passed away, and nowhere in the United States is 
 religious belief made a test of citizenship. The Christian has no eminence 
 under the law ; he has no priority of title to civil or political preferment ; in 
 civil and political relations he is known only as a resident of the community, a 
 tax-payer, a voter. 
 
 When Jesus said, "All ye are brethren," he uttered the prophetic truth 
 upon which popular governments and republican institutions rest. This 
 " brotherhood " permits no coercion in religious belief. It puts no restraints 
 on individual conduct, except the necessary limitations whereby all may enjoy 
 the fullest liberty in the pursuit of happiness. The law informs us what these 
 limits are; Christian and Jew, Pagan and Agnostic, are all equally bound; none 
 are exempt. 
 
 What a Christian voter shall do in the wide range of political action he 
 alone can decide when the duty is imminent ; we may, however, know the out- 
 line of his duties. He should vote; he should render to Cssar the things that 
 are Caesar's. I have known intelligent men, leaders of thought and teachers of 
 public morals, who for one reason and another did not perform this simple 
 duty; I have known others who scorned to take any hand in "practical 
 politics." It is no exaggeration to say that at every election — more especially 
 local and State — there are hundreds and even thousands of men who do not 
 vote, and even disparage as shallow enthusiasts those who magnify political 
 effort and responsibility. In all aggregated responsibility there is danger that 
 the unit will lose itself in the mass, and weakness and utter disregard of effort 
 be the result. Does not the citizen who will not " mix up in politics " assume 
 arrogance as well as lack of appreciation ? Does he not imply that he is made 
 of better stuff than other citizens, and therefore will not lose his identity in the 
 mass ? This sentiment may not be formulated in his own mind, but does it not 
 lurk behind his failure .? In this country the average citizen wears the crown 
 of sovereignty ; good and bad, intelligent and ignorant, meet at the ballot-box 
 and determine what this average is. He who withholds an intelligent Christian 
 vote by so much lowers the quality of the average vote. 
 
 " Practical politics " to the Christian citizen should mean that he will use his 
 greatest endeavor to nominate and help elect the very best men which the local 
 sentiment will support. This " best man " may not be an ideal Christian cit- 
 izen, for ours is a representative government ; but Christian citizens should 
 support those who because of their own character and political afifiliations may 
 be reasonably expected to give their support to the highest present attainable 
 good in civil and political life. 
 
 Political parties are a recognized agency in the administration of constitu- 
 tional government. Party politics more properly deal with questions of admin- 
 istration in government than with moral questions not yet a part of the 
 government. Party issues are made when differing conclusions are reached 
 as to the wisdom or unwisdom of certain forms of administration. Protection 
 and Free Trade, Bimetalism and Monometalism, are illustrations of legitimate 
 party utterances. These questions are in no sense moral i.ssues, although to 
 the individual "silverite " or "gold bug " there exists the moral obligation to 
 support the policy which his individual judgment approves. 
 
 The cjuestions involving material interests, which are championed by politi- 
 cal parties, ought not to be despised by the Christian citizen. 
 
 The last speaker was the president of the Pennsylvania Christian 
 Endeavor Union. 
 
Fifteenth Internatiojial Convejition. 125 
 
 Address of Rev. J. T. McCrory, D.D., Pittsburg, Pa. 
 
 The following declaration was made in the Senate Chamber yonder on the 
 hill, a few years ago, by a representative of the Christian commonwealth of 
 Kansas: " The purification of politics is an iridescent dream. Government is 
 force. Politics is a battle for supremacy. Parties are the armies. The Deca- 
 logue and the Golden Rule have no place in a poHtical campaign!" I have 
 heard of an eccentric and zealous old Christian who was in the habit of "speak- 
 ing out in meeting " and signifying his approval or disapproval of the senti- 
 ments uttered by his pastor. A strange minister occupied the pulpit one day 
 and was detailing so.ne dazzling heresy and was quite paralyzed to hear from the 
 pew the unctuous and emphatic response, " Thank the Lord, that is a lie." 
 One could wish that somewhere in the Senate Chamber or the galleries there 
 had been such a Christian patriot to greet this sentiment of Senator Ingalls in 
 the same way, for, thank the Lord, that is a lie. That sentiment has been char- 
 acterized as both infamous and brutal. If the senator was right, then Christ 
 has no place in national life and my theme is a misnomer. But he was not 
 right. Ten thousand voices in this country declare that characterization of 
 American life is false. "This is a Christian nation." That declaration came 
 from the Supreme Bench since the other was made in the Senate Chamber. But 
 the subject I am to discuss should have a text. We Endeavorers want to feel 
 that we are on the " Rock" in politics as everywhere else. My text is an inci- 
 dent that occurred in the beginnings of the Gospel in Europe. Paul had respon- 
 ded to the vision from Macedonia and had come, in his journey, to Thessalonica. 
 His enemies, the Jews, sought to drive him out. They declared he was a revo- 
 lutionist; that he proclaimed another king in opposition to Caesar; that he 
 was turning the world upside down with his doctrines; that he proposed to 
 dethrone Augustus and put Jesus in his place. Of course that was not true as 
 they meant it. Still it was true that Christ would, in some real sense, displace 
 the Roman tyrant and revolutionize the Roman government, for he is a revolu- 
 tionist. His purpose in coming into the world was to produce a complete, radi- 
 cal revolution in all the affairs connected with human life and society. In 
 describing his own mission he declared, " I came not to bring peace, but a 
 sword." Every prophesy that heralded his coming told the same story. It is 
 true these prophesies are also bright with the visions of a golden age; a blessed 
 peace that is to embrace all the earth is the thrilling hope inspired by the prom- 
 ises of his coming. But does not that very fact foreshadow revolution? Does 
 not the fulfilment of these promises necessitate the turning of the world upside 
 down ? 
 
 Let me call your attention first to the fact that the aspect of the Cross is 
 undergoing a great change in this regard. There was a time, not so long ago 
 either, when the Cross was viewed almost exclusively in reference to the salva- 
 tion of the individual. We looked at Calvary amid the shadows of the awful 
 day and heard the sweet assurance given by the suffering Saviour to the dying 
 thief, " This day shalt thou be with me in paradise," and were disposed to con- 
 clude that the whole meaning of that mysterious and merciful sacrifice was 
 summed up in the rescue of the individual sinner. We have taken that picture 
 which brings tears to every eye that looks upon it, where the shipwrecked 
 woman clings to the cross standing there upon the rock where beat the billows 
 of an angry sea, while the broken vessel is dashed madly upon the shore, as 
 the full representation of the saving purposes of the Son of man. But our con- 
 ception of his work and mission has been mightily enlarged. That transaction 
 on the hill back of Jerusalem almost nineteen hundred years ago concerns not 
 only every man but every interest and institution of humanity. It has grown 
 upon us as some of the great events and battles of the world have grown. 
 Marathon was more than its age thought. It was more than a battle between 
 two peoples. It was the turning-point in the tide of civilization. There the 
 hordes of barbarism were turned back and civilization took up its march 
 toward the new day. Waterloo means more to us than it did to the contending 
 forces on that desperate field. The coming of Blucher not only saved the day 
 
126 Official Report of the 
 
 for Wellington, but changed the map of Europe and gave to despotism the 
 staggering blow from which it is never to recover. Gettysburg was a glorious 
 victory even as we understood it on that memorable Fourth of July, 1863, when 
 the lightning tlashed the glad tidings across the continent and around the 
 world. But we were mistaken in the thought that it was only a victory for the 
 North against the South. Itv/as a turning-point in history for the mighty 
 American nation both North and South. We stand with uncovered head on 
 that immortal field to-day after the lapse of a generation and try to realize the 
 solemnity becoming the place where the everlasting purpose that " free gov- 
 ernment " should not " die out among men " was sealed in the best blood of all 
 sections of this great country. He who stands yonder where Pickett's daunt- 
 less thousands hurled themselves in deathless energy against Hancock^s fear- 
 less and immovable battalions to speak in boastful tones of either side in that 
 desperate fray has no soul for the courage and conviction that sent those eager 
 thousands forward into the embrace of death or held the lines they hurled 
 themselves upon with daring unsurpassed. Gettysburg was a battle-field that 
 is of primary interest to all the world. So we conceive it to have been with 
 Calvary. Those wide-stretched arms of the dying Christ were extended for the 
 uplift of the race. But the uplift of the race means the elevation of all the 
 institutions essential to the welfare of humanity. That means civil govern- 
 ment. We are begmning to appreciate this fact more and more as civilization 
 advances. As Christians we must believe that this world never can be restored 
 to an ideal state, morally, socially, or politically, until Christ is enthroned. I 
 can understand how unbelievers may contest this proposition ; but to the 
 Christian the only salvation for this world is found in the Cross. Now, if I 
 understand it aright, it is one purpose of this great Endeavor movement to 
 enthrone Christ in our national life. Be patient with me then while I present 
 some practical suggestions for your consideration and assistance. 
 
 I. Christ is in national life in a practical, telling way when he is repre- 
 sented by the makers and executors of the law and the founders and fashion- 
 ers of political institutions. To illustrate : {a) Christ got practically into our 
 national life when the Pilgrim Fathers, in the cabin of the Mayflower, entered 
 into that solemn compact setting forth that they had undertaken that perilous 
 voyage for the purpose of planting a colony for the glory of God and the ad- 
 vancement of the Christian faith, and pledging themselves to frame civil insti- 
 tutions with that end in view. To that pledge they and their descendants were 
 loyal for the next five generations. During that formative period many things 
 were wrought that they had not calculated on, so that, in the end, a new order 
 of things developed under the influence of the Gospel leaven. It will hardly 
 be claimed by any one that the first settlers, wise and progressive as they were, 
 intended to found the free, republican institutions which came into existence 
 with the Declaration of Independence. But they had unconsciously provided 
 for just this outcome when they had given Christ a place in our national life. 
 The advanced political institutions of this great Republic are the inevitable re- 
 sult of the place given to the Gospel at the beginning of our civil order, (p) 
 Then, again, Christ got practically into our national life by means of the Dec- 
 laration of Independence. When the representatives of the thirteen colonies, 
 appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of their inten- 
 tions, and with a firm reliance on Divine Providence, mutually pledging to each 
 other their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor, took their stand on the 
 side of the rights of the people, as against the Old-World doctrine of the divine 
 right of kings, which was only another name for despotism, they put Christ 
 into our national life. That was so because the doctrine they announced was 
 eternal truth. It was in line with the entire teaching of the Bible. Christ in 
 national life, as everywhere else, stands for the rights of the individual. It is 
 his purpose that every man shall be a free man. He is in the world to paralyze 
 every arm of oppression, break every bond of despotism, dethrone every foe of 
 human freedom ; to annihilate every sullen, selfish force and influence which the 
 arch-despot has employed for the enslavement of the world, and let the race go 
 free. 
 
FiftcoitJi Intertiatiojial Convention. 127 
 
 Christ has not wrought out his entire purpose concerning this nation yet. 
 He has not been accorded the full place to wliich he is entitled and which the 
 welfare of this country demands in our national life. It is not my wish to dis- 
 hearten any one, as we turn our faces toward the future and consider the work 
 yet to be done on behalf of righteousness in this great Republic. But I must be 
 honest and straightforward with you. I must, therefore, say to you that this is 
 no holiday or dress-parade business in which we are engaged,— getting Christ 
 into our national life. It never has been and never will be. He has never 
 come in on the tidal wave of popularity by the votes of majorities or the 
 applause of the multitude. He comes in just as he came into Thessalonica in 
 Paul's day, through suspicion, false accusation, mob violence, imprisonments, 
 and martyrdoms. Mind that. It will help you some day when you are suffer- 
 ing for this cause. Christ gets into place and power in national life just as he 
 got into his place and power at the right hand of the throne yonder in the 
 heavens, — by Gethsemane, Gabbatha, and Calvary. There is a must-needs-be 
 for the bloody sweat, the crown of thorns, and the cross on the way to the 
 enthronement of righteousness in this world. Over yonder, in Scotland, they 
 have just been engaged in doing honor to the memory of the martyrs of former 
 centuries. Who were these men t They are the men who sought in their day 
 to get Christ into national life, and they lost their heads for it. They stood, in 
 their day, for what they called the "crown rights of King Jesus," the same 
 thing precisely that the Christian-citizenship movement of Christian Endeavor 
 stands for in this country to-day. Let us then make up our account to suffer 
 for it in some way, if we propose to take any serious part in this important 
 business. It must come to this. 
 
 2. Our enterprise will be desperately antagonized. Consider some of the 
 forces that will oppose us. {a) We will be opposed in the name of religion. 
 Extremes will meet. The narrowness of so-called Liberalism will be joined by 
 the despotism of Roman Catholicism. This is not theorizing. This is history, — 
 history that will, inevitably, repeat itself. Take, for illustration, the common- 
 school question. When the assault was made some years ago on the Bible in 
 the schools of Cincinnati these extremes were found banded in one fell pur- 
 pose to secularize this characteristic American institution and so work its de- 
 struction. And they partly succeeded. The same thing was seen in Boston 
 and other cities of the country. You are for " The Little Red Schoolhouse." 
 But, if I understand that phrase, you do not mean simply a building with walls 
 and shingles and plaster, to shelter the young between the ages of six and 
 twenty-one from the summer's heat and the winter's cold. You mean a place 
 for the training of men and women for American citizenship. You believe, as 
 that great document, the ordinance for the government of the Northwest, de- 
 clares, that, "religion, morality, and knowledge" are necessary to good gov- 
 ernment and the happiness of mankind. You believe that we should therefore 
 cultivate the fear of God and the love of country, and that, hence, the open 
 Bible should be always inside the schoolhouse and the old flag forever float 
 above it. This is one of the foremost issues of this hour. Let popular educa- 
 tion be abandoned and multitudes will grow up in ignorance, fit tools for des- 
 potism. On the other hand, educate the brain of America without the con- 
 science and you but prepare the way for our speedier destruction. We must, 
 in sheer self-defence, look after the education of our future citizenship or suffer 
 the consequences. But we do not want, and will not have, any priest business 
 in that education, nor will we submit to the immorality of atheism or unbelief of 
 any kind. We want the Word of God to get straight at the understandings of 
 the young by means of an open Bible. This will cost a struggle, {b) For 
 another thing we must count on the opposition of base partisanship and politi- 
 cal prejudice. I do not believe that voter fairly represented the average con- 
 stituency of any existing political organization when he declared that if his 
 party nominated the devil for office he would vote for him. I do not believe it 
 is altogether so bad as that. Anyway, I question whether the devil would give 
 up his general oversight of all parties for the highest office in the gift of any of 
 them. Partisanship, nevertheless, is standing squarely across the pathway of 
 
128 Official Report of the 
 
 every reform. Take the matter of the government of our cities. You will not 
 tind a sane man anywhere out believes municipal government all over this 
 nation is a menace and a curse. Through robbery and jobbery and bribery 
 taxation is fivefold what it should be. What is it that stands in the way of re- 
 form .'' Nothing in this wide world but the partisanship of politics. The case 
 must become desperate before the average voter will say " No " to the "boss;" 
 And it is altogether likely that if he says " No" at this election he will endorse 
 at the next the villany he opposed. Look at New York City. Out of sheer dis- 
 gust with the vileness of Tammany, three years ago, the people rose up and 
 seemingly shook off the clutches of the " Tiger " from their throat. But parti- 
 sanship robbed them of their victory and they are soon to be back again under 
 the old despotism. It is thus in every city that has attempted reform. 
 
 Or take the effort for the destruction of that vwnstriifn horrend2(ii! of 
 nineteenth-century civilization, — the saloon and liquor traffic. No decent man 
 defends the saloon. The universal verdict from people of even average moral- 
 ity is that it ought to die. The evangelical churches represented in Christian 
 Endeavor and standing for not less than forty millions of our population have 
 declared again and again, with burning emphasis, that the liquor traffic is "the 
 sum of all villanies," an offence against high heaven and a curse to the world, 
 and that its legalization is a sin and a crime. It is pointed out, over and over 
 again, that this traffic is the cause of nine-tenths of the poverty, degradation, 
 crime, and general political and social corruption of the times. The cry is 
 heard from a million of these Christian homes every year, "The saloon has got 
 my boy," " The saloon has ruined my daughter," while a hundred thousand 
 graves, with not a gleam of resurrection hope, hide away each year the heart- 
 ache of as many wives and mothers in the person of the dead which the saloon 
 has robbed and murdered and damned. And yet there it stands in all its hell- 
 ish enormity and brazen effrontery, pointing to its justification in the license 
 decreed it by the votes of American citizens, five millions of whom are mem- 
 bers of our churches and Christian men; five millions of whom have said in 
 their church resolutions that it ought to die, that its legalization is a crime and a 
 sin. Why have they not made that declaration good at the ballot-box.? The 
 answer is, " Partisanship and political prejudice." It is said that some years ago 
 Rev. George R. Stuart was preaching in Kentucky, and in the midst of his ser- 
 mon a poor Irish woman started down the aisle, crying, " Mr. Stuart, the saloon 
 has my boy." He stopped and asked, "Ho.w many other mothers are there 
 here who can bear that same tragic testimony.?" Hands went up all over the 
 house; kid-gloved hands, toil-hardened hands, hands of all classes of people. 
 Then Mr. Stuart said, " Men of Kentucky, I do not know what kind of stuff 
 you are made of; but I am made of the kind of stuff that w^ill stand for these 
 mothers against the saloon and the liquor traffic," and that entire congregation 
 rose to its feet. Why do not the five million Christian men of America rise to 
 their feet on election day, and stand for the robbed and broken-hearted mothers 
 against the saloon, as our church resolutions have pledged the world they will ? 
 The answer is, " Partisanship and political prejudice." That spirit can only be 
 cast out by the fuller coming of Christ into our national life. I might refer to 
 many other phases of opposition to the entrance of Christ into national life; 
 but let this suffice. You see what I mean. Now the thing to be done is that 
 we consecrate ourselves anew to the business of preparing the way for that 
 coming. We may only be John Baptists. There may be Herods to oppose us. 
 There may not be the dungeon or the headsman's axe in response to the appeal 
 of the harlot, the political boss, or the drink; but there will be the crack of 
 the political whip, the cry of "fool for throwing your vote away." There will 
 be the propositions for compromise that "would deceive even the elect," espe- 
 cially if they thought there was the least chance by means of the deception of 
 being elected. There will be that "thief of time," procrastination, "just wait 
 till this election is over," and the good intentions with which hell is paved, 
 which are never put into action, and a thousand other things to baffle and op- 
 pose you in your good work. But you get right with God, and consecrate 
 yourself to the enthronement of righteousness and hold firm, and Christ will 
 yet be supreme in our national life. 
 
In Front of the Capitol During the patriotic Song Service. 
 
 In front of the Senate portico During the Patriotic Song service. 
 
Calvary Baptist Church. 
 Armory, convention Business Headquarters. 
 
 First CONCKtuAriONAL Church 
 WESLEY M. E. Church. 
 
 First Presbyterian Church. 
 Foundry m. e. Church. 
 
 Nevk York Avenue Presbyterian Church. 
 CENTRAL hall. 
 
Fifteenth Intcniational Convention. 129 
 
 Central Hall. 
 
 Central Hall, beautifully decorated, with streamers and bunting 
 stretching to and from every part of the building, with Hags and shields 
 tastily arranged together all over the walls, held a big crowd, which did 
 not show any lack of interest from beginning to end. 
 
 The musical director of the evening was Chas. S. Clark, chairman of 
 the music committee of the Convention. The presiding officer was 
 Mr. Frank E. Page, of Chicago. 
 
 Chairman Page, in his opening remarks, said that a few years ago it 
 might have been necessary to apologize for introducing the subject, 
 "Christian Citizenship," into a Christian Endeavor meeting, but it was 
 now a timely topic. 
 
 Then Mr. Page introduced as the first speaker on this subject Mr. 
 H. L. Castle, of Pittsburg, Pa., one of the reform leaders of that city. 
 
 Address of Mr. H. L. Castle, Pittsburg, Pa. 
 
 The one thing supremely needful to correct the committed evils in American 
 politics is a wide-awake, active, unsubsidized, incorruptible Christian conscience. 
 The affections of the average American are true ; but the conscience is per- 
 verted, and the sense of absolute right in politics is dethroned, and in its place 
 policy or party necessity reigns supreme. This condition has made of our 
 Christian citizenship a byword and a jesting. From four to six million men in 
 our land who should possess this acute conscience and unsuborned principle of 
 right in the highest degree of development have slept, or but faintly protested, 
 at unimportant times and by inefficient means, while year by year on the auc- 
 tion-block of greed, avarice, and ambition, all that the Church holds dearest in 
 the affairs of government has been sold to the saloon interests of this and foreign 
 lands. Just see how it has affected our civilization. The name of Washington 
 naturally suggests the thought of Christian citizenship, for it brings to our mind 
 the image of a Christian patriot who on bended knee in the Continental Con- 
 gress committed this land to God. In the dark hour of his country's need 
 he rested on the arm of Jehovah, spurned the gilded bribe of a king's crown, and 
 in resigning his sword to Congress commended " the interests of our dearest 
 country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the superin- 
 tendence of them to his holy keeping." But the name of Washington City, as 
 the political centre of our country, with its cold-tea bars, its " where-am-I-at " 
 representatives, its mad plunge for power at any sacrifice of principle, and its 
 godless atmosphere, has in it no more suggestiveness of Christian statesmanship 
 than do the muddy roads over which Coxey's army tramped to this city sug- 
 gest the golden streets of the new Jerusalem. This degeneracy in politics is not 
 because the world is growing worse, for it is not, but is day by day being lifted 
 nearer to God. It is not because there are no good men in the control of poli- 
 tics, for there are men whose personal life is blameless; but it is because the 
 organized, legalized liquor traffc is in partisan politics. It formally entered on 
 June 5, 1861, when, at a National Brewers' Congress held in Chicago, they 
 resolved : " That we will sustain no candidate, of whatever party, in any elec- 
 tion, who is in any way disposed toward the total abstinence cause." So com- 
 plete has become their dominion that we have the humiliating spectacle presented 
 of a high official of government leaving his seat here in W^ashington to go to a 
 distant city and appear before a brewers' congress with these words upon his 
 lips : " I am here for the purpose of learning your wants. Congress has given 
 you an internal revenue law. milder in its provisions, less burdensome than any 
 law affecting an equally great interest. Yes. you have begun well. Let us take 
 no backward step. I say. Let «j", for I am with you. Every patriotic citizen is 
 with you. The President is with you. Every patriotic citizen is with you if 
 
130 Official Report of the 
 
 you will hold to your course. If there be any regulations or anything whatever 
 which you may deem unreasonable, I beg that you will not hesitate to express 
 your views." 
 
 It is true that no man can be elected to any office of importance who is 
 known to entertain feelings of active hostility to the traffic. While the liquor 
 interests have thus been steadily following the letter of resolution, see what the 
 Church has been doing. 
 
 Laboring under the delusion that it is the business of the government to 
 make men rich, we have been attempting to vote ourselves financially pros- 
 perous, while we have stood watching the foulest monster that ever had legal 
 life crawl up and down through our nation, and, as he goes, leave behind him a 
 track of blood that can never be washed out, feeding him our money at the 
 rate of ^3,000 per minute. His foul breath has died the fire on thousands of 
 hearthstones; in his clammy embrace has been hugged to death the dearest hope 
 of millions of hearts ; charmed by the gaze of his red eye, lawyers have tottered 
 from their throne of greatness, statesmen have fallen from their empire of 
 power, ministers have dropped from their pedestal of exaltation, been caught 
 in the wide-open jaws, and, ground to a pulp, swallowed into the belly of habitual 
 inebriety, where they join thousands from the humbler walks of life ; and over 
 the wretched termination of their human existence, the kindliest prayer that 
 might be uttered in their behalf would be, " O Lord, that in this life or another 
 they might never awaken ! " This is the condition begotten of saloon resolu- 
 tions and waved aside year after year by the Christian citizen that we might 
 vote ourselves rich. 
 
 Here I stand before you, the representative of the Christian youth of 
 America, and I call upon you to " strive to do whatever He would like to have 
 you do." This traffic ought to die. This is attested in the broken heart of 
 every father, mother, brother, or sister that is being slowly torn to shreds, 
 drawn as through a sieve of despair, burned over the slow fire of anxious wait- 
 ing for the coming doom of a dear one; in every hearthstone now cold and 
 damp, whose very shadows form themselves into the ghost of bygone bright- 
 ness ; in every brain from which has been erased the image of Godlike manhood, 
 and upon which has been imprinted the hateful image of the Prince of dark- 
 ness. The liquor traffic ought to die. This is truth. I summon the young 
 men of America who have no strong political ties to bind them, no political 
 foes to punish or friends to aid; whose vision of political righteousness has not 
 been narrowed by the astigmatism of party polity or obscured by the cataract 
 of party greed ; whose political hearing has not been deadened by the din of the 
 unmanly shout, " Don't let the other party win; " whose political tastes have 
 not been perverted by the unwholesome food of victory at any sacrifice of prin- 
 ciple; whose political touch has not been dulled by the handling of the grue- 
 some pestilence of machine politics; but whose vision is so clear that they can 
 seethe Son of righteousness; who can hear the still small voice in the soul; 
 who can taste the sweets of doing right; who can lay hold of the hand of God 
 in the politics of our land. You, young man, with God in your soul, I call you 
 to rise and stand at the polls of this nation this fall for the destruction of the 
 liquor traffic as the one great, overshadowing, overmastering, all-embracing foe 
 to this nation's credit, honor, and manhood. 
 
 Young man, I call your mind to the fact that your Master, to whom at the 
 altar of some church you have surrendered your life, is to-day on trial; even 
 now, in the temple, he is surrounded by his would-be murderers ; and where are 
 you and the church that so lately made proclamation of allegiance to him by 
 notifying the world that " no political party need expect the support of Chris- 
 tian men so long as it refuses to put itself on record in open hostility to the 
 saloon," — that has even been so ready to chop off the ear of some harmless, 
 jabbering servant ? Where are they now ? For the most part, warming them- 
 selves beside some silver or gold fire, while their Lord is in the death-struggle 
 with the power of evil. Do not accuse m.e of overdrawing the picture. It can't 
 be overdrawn. Within the last thirty years the consumption of liquors has 
 increased from a trifle over four gallons per capita to over eighteen gallons per 
 
Fifteenth IntcTiiatioial Convention. 131 
 
 capita per year ; and if this increase shall continue for another thirty years, 
 American Christian civilization goes out in night; and if it were true that 
 Freedom shrieked when Kosciusko fell, the very angels of heaven shall drop 
 their pinions of light and weep, for a thousand years of Christian effort centres 
 in the birth of the twentieth century. Shall all that effort be lost ? If it is, it 
 means incalculable loss here and in the hereafter. And the political conditions 
 are so shaping themselves that whether you wish it or not, the call is coming to 
 each of you to stand upon one or the other side of the question, and you must 
 answer fairly and squarely, or skulk or cower beside some fire of pelf, com- 
 promise, or cowardice while the eyes of the dying Lord are turned in pity and 
 amazement upon you, the very serving-maids deride you, and the cock of time 
 proclaims another opportunity lost. There never was a time when the single, 
 burning question, " What will you do with the liquor traffic ? " was so clearly 
 pressed into notice as now, and God has his Elijahs, standing for the most part 
 alone, upon our Mount Carmel, while the priesthood and the crowds and the 
 majority are against them; but still we hear the challenge, we must hear it: 
 " How long halt ye between the god of silver and gold and the God of pure 
 manhood.'"' I tell you some day our God will answer by fire, — some day, 
 when upon the altar of sacrifice and consecration the Christ-citizen lays his 
 loyalty to self, that will not permit an alliance with wrong for personal reward; 
 loyalty to home, that will not consent for a day to postpone protecting it from 
 its greatest foe by promise of immunity from questionable ills; loyalty to 
 country, that will decline to permit the Stars and Stripes to float over and pro- 
 tect a liquor saloon; loyalty to God, that will subrogate everything to his 
 honor and glory. Then will come sweeping down from his holy mountain the 
 fire of his glory and power ; their sacrifice will be accepted, and the bewildered, 
 condemned, false prophets will be swallowed up in another Kishon, and the 
 land will be refreshed by the rains of his grace and blessing. 
 
 The call to you, as present duty, is to array yourself with the Elijahs, even 
 though the crown may be small. And this is a call of ownership ; ye are bought 
 with a price, precious, single standard, full weight and fineness in the circulat- 
 ing medium of heaven, even the blood of Jesus Christ, and this purchase 
 includes your citizenship, for Paul says, "Our citizenship is in heaven." 
 Imagine the citizenship of some of us in heaven! — its material manufactured 
 in 240,000 saloons, held together by tariff and silver, lined with broken 
 hearts, bound with blood money, padded with lost spirits, and worn in the 
 name of party fealty, and, thus clad, made to parade Jerusalem Avenue in the 
 New Paradise under the inspecting eyes of Abraham, Isaac, Paul, Silas, Ste- 
 phen, John, and the thousands of those who have washed their robes and made 
 them white in the blood of the Lamb. 
 
 Endeavorers, I have not improved this opportunity if I have not brought 
 your conscience face to face with a duty as great as lay before Moses when he 
 stood by the burning bush, as weighty as rested upon Joshua on the banks of 
 the Jordan, as real as fell upon David when the king's crown pressed his brow, 
 as solemn as burdened the cross-ladened Christ as he toiled unsupported up 
 Calvary's hill. It is a duty of standing in the political market-place of this na- 
 tion in the ides of next November for the destruction of the liquor traffic. It 
 is as great as was Moses's duty, for it means the freeing of a great people; as 
 weighty as was Joshua's duty, for it means the conquest of a great power; as 
 real as was David's duty, for it means a kingship of righteousness ; and as solemn 
 as was Christ's duty, for it is a part of the plan to usher in his kingdom. 
 
 Now, dear friends, a word of warning in conclusion. It may be that something 
 which has been or will be said here to-night has filled you with new desires and 
 aspirations after political righteousness, but you rise and go out in the world, 
 and presently the devil, or one of his emissaries, will catch you up and bear you 
 to a high mountain of excitement. He will show you all the kingdoms of pre- 
 ferment and power; judgeships, senatorships, even presidencies, will pass in 
 review before you. A land stacked with gold and silver, where money is as 
 plenty as water, will be made to appear before you. A country so protected 
 that you can't see over the walls, and all within them are dwelling in palaces, is 
 
132 Official Report of the 
 
 reviewed before your vision, and the devil will tell you, " All these things will I 
 give you," if next November you will bow at the nation's altar and, with ballot 
 in hand, worship me. Don't believe him ; he always was a liar, and he never 
 will be anything else. There are no honors for you that will compensate foi 
 dishonor before God. There is no plenty for this country while we continue to 
 worse than waste $1,200,000,000 every year; and there can be no universal family 
 happiness while it is true that a million besotted wretches are staggering out 
 into the blackest night at the rate of 120,000 per year, and that the recruiting- 
 stations of death are laying hands on one bright boy from each fifth home 
 every year to keep this army of the lost full. You must not allow a drum-beat 
 to answer for the voice of conscience, nor crowd to carry you with them to do 
 evil; but, as did thy Master, turn thou upon the political devils, who are all 
 about thee, seeking thy life, and to all their fair promises make answer, " Thou 
 shalt worship the Lord thy God, in all thy ways ; and him only, and at all times, 
 shalt thou serve." 
 
 After Mr. Castle's address, the Rev. F. M. Lamb sang a solo, which 
 appealed mightily to the hearts of all. 
 
 The second speaker introduced by Mr. Page was Rev. Alexander 
 Alison, D.D., New York City. 
 
 Address of Rev. Alexander Alison, D,D.,New York City. 
 
 What saith the Scripture? " The powers that be are ordained of God." If 
 this be so then human government is a divine appointment. As such we 
 must give it honor — not only theoretically, but practically. In this fair land of 
 ours citizenship means more than anywhere else on earth. We have here the 
 best result, defective as we may sometimes think it, of the republican idea; 
 that is, a government " of the people, by the people, for the people." 
 
 While I do not believe that a " form " of government is the all-essential in 
 matters of State craft, any more than I believe that Presbyterianism or any other 
 form of church polity is essential to the existence of the " body of Christ," — 
 the Church, — yet I do hold that our form of government, the "republican," is 
 the one which most nearly conserves the rights of the individual as well as the 
 high interest of the masses. But a government of this kind can only attain its 
 highest operation through the diffusion of general knowledge among the people 
 as to its /nodus opcraiidi. If manhood suffrage shall exercise the franchise, 
 then we must see to it that no stone is left unturned that twenty-one years of 
 age shall find tlie individual citizen duly qualified to put in practice his sover- 
 eign rights. What is such a doctrine as this ? It is nothing more nor less than 
 the carrying into the State the instruction of the children in patriotic and gov- 
 ernmental principles. This is a fundamental idea. Under such a regime we 
 begin the building of the house at the cellar. 
 
 I, for one, do not believe that the country is in the hands of the Philistines 
 numerically. For instance, I do not accept the proposition that Romanism is so 
 strong in this country that it dominates our rulers. As a matter of fact, it has a 
 good deal of influence. Why is this the case ? Is it because the papacy is in the 
 ascendency here ? Not at all ; the Romish communion is not occupying any such 
 position. But the politicians have the idea that the Catholic population votes 
 all one way. While this is not altogether true, it is very largely true. But pol- 
 iticians are not as well informed as they ought to be on this subject. The priest- 
 hood is politic in endeavoring to keep up the impression of Rome's influence. 
 
 But I am quite certain the Catholic vote, so called, is not so large as many 
 politicians believe. The priest cannot always deliver the goods. They know 
 this themselves. What is the real strength of the Roman Catholic Church in 
 the United States ? There are not quite ten thousand priests in the whole country. 
 How many Protestant ministers are there? Over one hundred thousand, in all 
 the evangelical denominations. Suppose these should stand together for good- 
 citizenship training and for our country's governmental interests ; where would 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 133 
 
 the power of the one-tenth represented by the priesthood be? Shall the nine- 
 tenths be governed by the one-tenth? Does the priest have more influence over 
 his communicant than the average Protestant pastor? I deny it. History has 
 not shown it. Evangelical Christianity must ever be defensive. It must not 
 light unless it has to ; but when it does stretch forth its arm, its cry must ever 
 be, " Death rather than surrender." 
 
 We want in this land to train our children to understand that no religion is 
 worthy of the name that does not unselfishly stand for good government and 
 patriotism. We have dangers in this land of ours that will have to be met in 
 the future by stalwart men and women. Those who will be required for service 
 will be those only who have but one sentiment emblazoned on the banner under 
 which they shall march, — " For God and native land." 
 
 We have evils among us that must be overcome. The American saloon will 
 have to go to the wall. American journalism must be elevated in its tone. The 
 atmosphere of the editorial sanctum has become vitiated by reason of the Sun- 
 day-newspaper filth. There has been a letting-down all along the line. Where 
 are the Horace Greeleys of to-day? Is the American tribune in this land of 
 ours really what it ought to be, the palladium of our liberties ? If not, it 
 should be. 
 
 It rests with the coming generations to make it so. I have great hope born 
 in my soul as I contemplate the magnitude of result for good that may accrue 
 from the movement among the young people of the Christian Church which is 
 the chief characteristic of the evening of this, the grandest of the centuries, and 
 which may toll the death-knell of partisan politics and political demagoguery 
 and all the evils that have retarded not only our progress as a nation, but have 
 been tremendous stumbling-blocks in the way of the Gospel chariot. 
 
 Young people, arise and proclaim yourselves ! Let not the Philistines cap- 
 ture the camp of Israel! Do not forget your strength, your power. Remem- 
 ber, if you please, that nothing is here to stay which God disapproves. The 
 works of darkness, both in Church and State, must come to naught. 
 
 The Old Testament history is full of illustrations that '• it is not by might, nor 
 by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord, that victory comes." The minority al- 
 ways won in the wars of Israel when God was a partner in the struggle. I believe 
 that the hosts of law and order are greater in our country than the converse. 
 I believe we are in the majority. But it matters not. Abraham Lincoln never 
 spoke more truly than when he said, " He who is in a minority with God is in 
 the majority." Let this be our conviction as we go forth with the one cry, 
 " Our country for Christ and the Church." 
 
 The last speaker was Mr. Thomas E. Murphy, the well-known leader 
 of reform fights in New York City, and a temperance lecturer of world- 
 wide renown. Mr. Murphy is a great favorite with Endeavorers and 
 has spoken before at International Conventions. We regret that Mr. 
 Murphy did not supply manuscript. 
 
 New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. 
 
 The meeting at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church was a 
 great success, and three admirable addresses were made in advocacy 
 of Christian citizenship. A large choir, under the direction of Mr. 
 Page Zimmerman, rendered the musical part of the exercises in a very 
 spirited and pleasant manner. The Rev. Gilby C. Kelly, D.D., of 
 Birmingham, Ala., one of the trustees of the United Society, presided, 
 and after the choir had participated in a service of song he introduced 
 the Rev. G. O. Little, of Washington, who conducted the devotional 
 exercises, during which Mr. Melville D. Hensey rendered in excellent 
 style, "One Sweetly Solemn Thought." 
 
134 Official Report of the 
 
 Dr. Kelly then introduced the first speaker of the evening. 
 
 Address of Rev. D. F. McGill, D.D., Allegheny City, Pa. 
 
 I am to speak to you to-night upon the subject, " A Christian Citizenship 
 Platform." Such a platform seems to be needed. For the same reason that a 
 society has its constitution, a church. its creed, and a political party its platform, 
 the Christian citizen needs a concise statement of the principle and policy upon 
 which his work for Christ and Church and State is to be done. 
 
 A Christian citizen is a man who enjoys his rights and privileges and per- 
 forms his. duty as a citizen in such a way as to manifest the Spirit of Christ and 
 of his teachings. And yet, without a more definite statement than that afforded 
 by the definition, one's duty might seem to be just a little vague, as when over- 
 anxious and solicitous'parents are wont to enjoin impressively upon their chil- 
 dren some dozen times a day that they shall "be good," whatever that may 
 mean. Our observation has been that it means anything, or little, or nothing, 
 according to the more or less confused or vacant condition of the mind of the 
 child. And as we have heard men talking fluently of this new movement 
 among the Christian Endeavor hosts, this thing that we call " Christian citizen- 
 ship," we have wondered whether most men have a much more definite idea of 
 its significance than this, — that it just means being good, or, perhaps, being 
 goody-goody. What does it mean } If Christian citizenship is of the Lord, then 
 its platform ought to be found in the Bible. I am persuaded that it is to be found 
 there. Peter and John had been speaking boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, 
 and working miracles. The priests and sadducees, being displeased, commanded 
 them that they should speak no more in his name. The answer of the apostles 
 was, " Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than 
 unto God, judge ye." That was the spirit of Christian citizenship cropping out. 
 These men were beginning to feel that they were apostles first and citizens 
 afterward ; so they went back to their work. They wrought signs and won- 
 ders. Multitudes were healed and multitudes were saved. The apostles were 
 arrested and cast into prison. The angel of the Lord opened the prison doors 
 and said, "Go forth and preach." Again they are arrested and brought before 
 the council. Again they are threatened and examined by the angry council. 
 Their answer is, " We must obey God rather than men." Noble words ! That 
 was the bugle-blast for a conflict that has never ceased and that will continue 
 until every citizen shall be a Christian citizen and every nation a Christian 
 nation. A Christian citizenship platform in seven words ! In seven thousand 
 words it could not have been improved upon. If it is not a gold platform, it is 
 a platform of pure gold. If it is not a silver platform, it contains that the mer- 
 chandise of which is better than silver. If it is not a broad-gauge platform, it 
 is a broad platform. We must obey God rather than men. Christian Endeav- 
 orers, I submit to you that one who, as a Christian, marches under the banner 
 of King Jesus, and who takes for his motto, " Whose I am and whom I serve," 
 ought to be most willing and happy to stand as a citizen upon such a platform 
 as this. 
 
 The adoption of a platform supposes a conflict. The two great political 
 parties of our country have just put forth their declaration of principles, and the 
 conflict is on. The apostles declared their position in seven emphatic words, 
 and the conflict was on. With them it was a question of principle or policy, of 
 duty or expediency, of singularity or popularity; and as the same conflict goes 
 on to-day, the same alternatives are presented to every one of us. Principle or 
 policy, duty or expediency, singularity or popularity, — which shall it be? Our 
 platform will decide every question for us. We must obey God rather than 
 men. 
 
 All Christians claim to be Christian citizens. There is not a single voice 
 from the Church against Christian citizenship. But let a man examine himself. 
 Am I standing squarely upon the platform of the apostles? Do I refer every 
 question to the will of God? Do I live and act and speak and vote as would 
 the Son of God himself, if he were in my place, a citizen of this free country? 
 
FiftccntJi hitcmational Convention. 135 
 
 Political parties press their claims upon us. They point to their records, and 
 remind us of the principles for which they have stood and of the services 
 which they have rendered the individual and the nation. They give us their 
 promise for the future and declare their policy, and ask us for our support. 
 And this is right. We are not here to dispute the claim made by any party, or 
 to cast reproach upon any party. We only want to find a platform and a 
 straightforward, consistent policy for every Christian citizen. Let it be sup- 
 posed that every point in every platform of a political party is well taken and 
 that every statement made is true. God also has his claims upon us ; and these 
 are immeasurably greater. There are those who have a lively appreciation of 
 the blessings of a protective tariff. The Christian citizen will be willing to ad- 
 mit, however, that these are not to be compared to the blessings of a protective 
 Providence. Political parties are wont to hold themselves responsible for our 
 blessings of civil and religious liberty. Even these, however, are not to be com- 
 pared to the glorious liberty of the children of God, for which we are indebted 
 only to the King of kings and Lord of lords. It may be freely admitted that 
 political parties, by the wisdom of their principles and policies, have done much 
 to promote the welfare and increase the wealth of our country; — not so much, 
 though, as God has done by his free grants of rain and dew and sunlight and 
 heat, to the value of untold billions of dollars. And when to these we add the 
 spiritual blessings whose value can be estimated only by the price that was paid 
 for them, surely we are ready to admit that we are under obligation to obey 
 God rather than men. 
 
 But what will our Christian citizenship platform require of us ? What effect 
 will it have upon the life and conduct of the men who stand upon it 'i The work 
 of reforming the world has been committed by the Lord Jesus Christ to his 
 people, to be carried forward in his name and according to his will. It follows, 
 therefore, that the Christian citizen must be a reformer. It is ju^t at this point 
 that many who claim to be Christian citizens become discouraged. To be a 
 reformer — what does that mean? It means hard work. It means lighting against 
 the current. It means to be called a crank, it may be ; a Puritan, a fanatic, a 
 friend of the Blue Laws. But it means, also, loyalty to Christ, who was himself 
 a reformer, and wlio would be one if he were here to-day. Bad bills become 
 laws in our State legislatures by the energy, patience, and persistence of 
 bad men. Thus are our laws of marriage frequently assailed, the Sabbath 
 destroyed, the school system undermined, the saloon enthroned and relieved of 
 restraint, and government, municipal and state, converted into a vast machine 
 for collecting revenues and disbursing them in the interests of the powerful and 
 unscrupulous. How shall these evils be remedied, if not by the energy, 
 patience, persistence, and self-denial of good men, who stand upon tlie platform 
 of the apostles? We must obey God rather than men. Influential Christian 
 legislators must be chosen by Christian citizens. All legislative matter must 
 be thoroughly and rigidly inspected by men who are capable of judging of its 
 moral effect. Moral legislation must be secured, if at all, through t!ie efforts 
 of good men, Christian citizens, who believe that not evil, but Christ, has come 
 to stay. If you are not willing to be a reformer for Christ's sake, do not call 
 yourself a Christian citizen. 
 
 A political party that gets on the wrong side of any moral question forfeits 
 its claim to the support of a Christian citizen. Jesus Christ, whose we are and 
 whom we serve, asks that we shall be found on the right side of every moral 
 question, and that by our lives, our voices, our influence, and our votes we shall 
 serve always and only one Master. More than one master we can not serve; 
 and when the question is one of obedience to God or man, our Christian citi- 
 zenship platform would seem to make our course very clear indeed. The 
 Christian citizen must declare eternal warfare against every foe of God and 
 man. He who belongs to God must not, can not, belong to any party. He 
 must not, can not, vote with any party for that of which his one Master disap- 
 proves. This is what Christian citizenship means. It means having ojic Ma.s- 
 ter, belonging to God, voting for Christ. In Paul's letter to the Philippians, 
 there is a sentence in the margin of the Revised Version which reads, " I3ehave 
 
136 Official Report of the 
 
 as a citizen, wortliily of the Gospel of Christ." Christian citizenship again! 
 Government is instituted by God himself. He has ordained the end for which 
 it is instituted and the purpose which it is to serve. He has declared the char- 
 acter of the men who ought to be chosen to carry out his ideas of government. 
 How, then, shall one behave as a citizen worthily of the Gospel of Christ.? By 
 using his citizenship so as to serve the purpose which God has in government. 
 Speaking only a few days ago to a State senator on the subject of some pro- 
 posed anti-Sabbath legislation, he said in his effort to defend himself, " Even 
 the Lord Jesus Christ could not please everybody. How can I be expected to 
 do so?" It was not difficult to answer, " It is quite true that the Lord Jesus 
 Christ did not please everybody, but he did always please his Father in heaven ; 
 and the public official who always tries to do that will never have occasion to 
 be ashamed or afraid of his record." To this we may add in this presence 
 that the Christian voter, who casts his ballot for Christ rather than for any 
 party, will not need to be ashamed or afraid of his record in the day when the 
 fire shall try every man's worth and every party's platform, of what sort it is. 
 
 We must obey God rather than men. Then what shall be our attitude to- 
 ward the saloon and the liquor traffic? Attitude is the position appropriate to 
 the expression of some feeling. It indicates opinion or purpose regarding any- 
 thing. What position have we Christian citizens assumed that gives expression 
 to our feeling and purposeregarding this institution that has done evil and only 
 evil all the days of its life? You have never been in a saloon in your life! 
 That is a magnificent record, but it is not an attitude. You are a total abstainer. 
 So far, your attitude is only one of indifference. You are leaving the saloon 
 alone with the expectation that it will leave you alone. You may discover some 
 day that you have been terribly deceived. I know a Christian mother who 
 never had anything to do with a saloon except to hate it; but it took hold of 
 her only son and made him at times a demon and finally a sot, until in her agony 
 she cried out, " Why did God not take him from my arms when he was an inno- 
 cent babe ? " I know a father who never did anything for or against the saloon ; 
 but it degraded his son and debauched his daughter and ruined his home. 
 There are hundreds of thousands who have left the saloon alone only to dis- 
 cover that the saloon would not leave them alone. I think this has been the 
 great mistake of the Christian world. It has left the saloon too severely alone. 
 It has not come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty. Jesus Christ 
 did not leave evil alone. We can not and be true to him. We must obey God 
 rather than men. All that evil asks is to be let alone. The devils made that 
 prayer of Jesus Christ, but he did not grant them their request. 
 
 What shall be our attitude towards the saloon and the liquor traffic? I pray 
 God that it may be one of open and uncompromising hostility. Nay, that is 
 God's prayer to us. We have been heedless and indifferent too long, while this 
 great enemy of God and man has entrenched itself in the political and commercial 
 fife of the nation, until many are ready to affirm that the saloon has come to 
 stay. If that were true, it would not relieve us of our obligation to wage 
 unceasing warfare against it. Disease has come to stay, and we fight against 
 that. Poverty has come to stay, and we fight against that. But it is not true 
 of intemperance, or of Sabbath desecration, or of impurity, or of any other 
 evil, that it has come to stay. The Holy Spirit has come to stay ; Jesus Christ 
 has come to stay; the kingdom of God has come to stay; and, thank God, we 
 believe that Christian citizenship has come to stay until every one who bears 
 the name of Christ shall stand upon the platform of the apostles, and shall 
 practise in his life that which he professes with his lips,— that we ought to obey 
 God rather than men. 
 
 After the choir had rendered in a spirited manner the hymn, 
 "Onward, Christian Soldiers," the chairman said that as a Southern 
 man it gave him special pleasure to introduce a young man of a race 
 for whom the Southern people entertain only the kindest feelings ; in 
 whom they believe, and in whom they repose great confidence. He 
 
FiftccntJi International Conventioji. 137 
 
 then introduced Mr. W. L. Board, of Wilberforce, O., a young colored 
 man who has attained quite a prominent position as an orator. 
 
 Address of Mr. W. L. Board, Wilberforce, O. 
 
 What to do and how to do it are questions that puzzle temperance reform- 
 ers. 1 am glad that we meet to-night not as Prohibitionists, not as local 
 optionists, not as high-license men, not as government regulationists, but as 
 Christian Endeavorers, seeking a better tone of Christian citizensliip, and 
 countenancing nothing that bars the road to such an end. To whatever faction 
 of temperance workers we belong, we oppose the rum traffic. Let us then lay 
 aside our prejudices, forego our preferences, and stand together for principle, 
 and not method. The temperance workers have been mistaking too long 
 method for principle. We have already wasted too much time hurling missiles 
 at each other, instead of joining in one mighty band and concentrating our fire 
 upon the enemy. Let us surrender our preferences and take hold of the method 
 that promises most unity and efficiency. I offer no apology when I present for 
 your consideration the method pursued by the Anti-Saloon League. It is a 
 temperance method about which I know most, having been associated with the 
 Ohio Anti-Saloon League. It is interdenominational and omnipartisan. Its 
 methods are so arranged that all good Republicans, good Democrats, good 
 Prohibitionists, good Populists, — good citizens all may join issue against a com- 
 mon foe, without giving up their party affiliations. How can we help the cause 
 of good citizenship? By being practical citizens. By rallying to the primaries 
 and seeing to it that dishonest boodlers are not nominated and elected to 
 administer law in the interests of saloon-keepers. 
 
 I am not advocating that every minister of the Gospel, and every good citi- 
 zen, should become a politician, but I do advocate that it is the duty of every 
 good man and woman to go into politics. There is as much difference between 
 going into politics and becoming a politician as between a patriot and a poli- 
 tician. The one wishes to do all he can for his country; the other wants the 
 country to do all it can for him. I have endeavored to impress upon you some- 
 thing of the dignity and grandeur of American citizenship ; I have pointed out 
 to you its greatest living foe, intemperance; I have dared to suggest to you a 
 method to assuage this evil. If you remember nothing more, do not forget that 
 the success of the temperance cause lies in unity of action and purpose. Let 
 differences be compromised for principle. Let all the temperance squads unite 
 and form a company, the companies a battalion, the battalions a regiment, the 
 regiments a brigade, and finally uniting in one grand army of Christian citizens, 
 let us go forth to battle, as one has said, " not to enslave, but to free ; not to 
 destroy, but to save; not for conquest, but for conscience; not for ourselves, 
 only, but for every land and every race." 
 
 Then will the Church awaken to the awful chorus of an army of 500,000 
 hopeless drunkards in America crying to her eternal shame ; then will politics, 
 journaHsm, society, and religion see themselves as cringing slaves before the 
 crime-besmeared Ijanner of King Alcohol; then will that sense of right and 
 duty inherent in the American people take its proper place in the affairsof 
 state, and demand of legislation the enactment of just, practical, and effective 
 temperance measures. 
 
 Another hymn was sung by the choir, and then the chairman intro- 
 duced Mr. S. E. Nicholson, of Kokomo, Ind. Mr. Nicholson is a 
 member of the Indiana legislature, and "father " of the famous " Nich- 
 olson Bill," and has done much effective work in the promotion of 
 Christian citizenship. 
 
 Address of Hon. S. E. Nicholson, Kokomo, Ind. 
 
 In the discussion of this theme to-night I shall try to avoid technical defini- 
 tions and minute and unimportant distinctions, that only tickle the fancy of 
 
138 Official Report of the 
 
 the fastidious critic, but I shall endeavor, rather, to utilize the enthusiasm of 
 this occasion as an overpowering agency in the busy humdrum work of the 
 days to come. 
 
 Were we to follow the close framing of the pessimistic reformer and see 
 only the dark side of American politics to-day, we might be sure that there is a 
 glaring paradox in the statement of my subject, and it must be admitted that 
 there is some evidence to warrant this belief; but when our eyes are lifted, 
 and we behold the bright dawning of the present civic revival; and see a new 
 type of citizenship, directed by a Christian conscience and energized by the 
 new life-blood of young, consecrated. Christian hearts, we may dare hope for the 
 future, that through the untiring devotion of patriotic Christian Endeavorers, 
 Christian citizenship will soon be the dominant force in the politics of the 
 nation. 
 
 Civil liberty and governmental prosperity are based in a special sense upon 
 religious liberty and the development of righteous ideas. 
 
 It is not enough to say that Christianity is an important factor in human 
 development, but in all justice it must be claimed that human government, 
 whether in the Church, society, family, or the State, is a failure except it be 
 measured by the infallible standard of absolute right as found in the Word of 
 God. It was undoubtedly apart of the original divine plan that the people of 
 earth, whose interests were largely common, should be associated together in 
 separate individual nations, governed by rules and regulations peculiar to their 
 needs and conditions, and that these nations should just as truly obey the laws 
 of God as the individual members of these nations themselves. 
 
 Infidelity may attack Christianity with all the subtle arguments that the 
 natural mind can command; scoffers may pour out their venom of wrath upon 
 it ; men may try to freeze it out in the atmosphere of a cold intellectuality ; yet 
 still the religion of Jesus Christ flows onward in a mighty, consuming stream 
 that purifies the heart, directs the destinies of its willing votaries, and reveals 
 to mankind a conception of the ideal standard of truth, found in the Gospel 
 preached two thousand years ago. In all authority and legislation there must 
 be a certain vitalizing force that gives energy and strength to the creation. 
 For centuries men tried to find this in a system of caste that gave regulation 
 to society; then in an aristocracy that sought obeisance from the overburdened 
 masses ; later on, in an absolute monarchy that would rule by the innate power 
 of command ; and finally, in a universal suffrage and freedom of conscience 
 that placed men on an equality in government, church, and society. Govern- 
 ments are slow to learn the truth that a system laid in unrighteousness is 
 doomed from the beginning. Ever since the law came thundering upon Mount 
 Sinai, and the Decalogue proclaimed the human duty to God and to fellow man, 
 there has existed a spirit and a force that ought to become the centralized 
 idea of every organization. And any nation that either in the beginning or in 
 any subsequent combination of elements fails to recognize the potency of 
 Christian citizenship, measured in terms of the law of absolute right, may know 
 that, as surely as there is a God in heaven, .sooner or later it must fall, by the 
 very imperfection of its building and the decay of its central doctrines. 
 
 We have reached a critical period in American history. The question of 
 supreme importance is, Shall our government be maintained in its original 
 purity and for its original purposes? In short, it is the question whether gov- 
 ernment shall be prostituted to serve the selfish ends of the depraved and the 
 ignorant and the vicious of our country. To-day there have entered into our 
 national and social life a great many ideas that are altogether foreign to the 
 original purposes of the American government. 
 
 Anarchism and socialism are not nearly so threatening as that the patriotic 
 feeling of the native citizen may be stifled. With all due sympathy for the 
 reformer to-day. I ask, What need is there to waste centuries of energy in 
 revolutionizing sentiment and laws, if every vestige of the original nationality 
 is to be obliterated ? What hope is there in demanding any reform, when there 
 are so many people — apparently good citizens— ready to join the immoral or 
 the law-defying elements, either for the sake of party domination, or under 
 
FifteentJi Itiicrtiational Convention. 139 
 
 the guise of allowing personal liberty ? In our own citizen life we need 
 a revival of patriotic sentiment. We need to be lifted out of the cesspool of 
 wrangling where demagogues hold sway. We need to call a halt upon the 
 introduction of alien parasites, and place such restrictions that the United States 
 will no longer be the dumping-ground for the offscourings of the world. We 
 need to check the legislators as they play upon the ignorance of the new-made 
 citizens to perpetuate themselves in political ascendency. 
 
 The saving grace of our own Republic, and the beacon light, to guide the 
 world, lies in the complete recognition of Christianity as the central fact of 
 authority. Citizenship must be measured by this absolute standard of truth, or 
 be relegated to the rear for incompetency and unavailability. 
 
 I am not unmindful of the difficulties that menace the civic and social 
 reformer of to-day. It is easier to suggest the remedy than to apply it. But 
 the task is not an impossible one. Christian energy and wisdom applied to the 
 machinery of government is the panacea for every national ill. 
 
 Happily the day is past, or at least is passing very rapidly, when a still and 
 a deadened conscience is the price of party loyalty. And I declare to you the 
 fact to-night that they are the best party men who stand for the right and who 
 stand for the best interests of the people. And as a partisan myself, I dare to 
 assert that no party in this country is worthy of success which must achieve 
 it at the cost of degraded manhood and by pandering to the low and the vicious 
 elements of our citizenship. I declare here to-night that whenever the Chris- 
 tian voters of this century come to the point of decision, when they are known 
 to be eternally and forever against any man or class of men who favor the non- 
 enforcement of law or the perpetuation of the liquor traffic, and are willing to 
 register their protests at the point of greatest effect, — the ballot-box, — as do 
 the liberal elements, then will we not only see conditions changed, but the day 
 will be hastened when Christian citizenship enthroned by the franchises of a 
 free people will be sought after as the only potent agency in American politics. 
 It will only be when Christian men, whose thought has been quickened by the 
 divine life and energized by the Holy Spirit, are elevated to places of trust and 
 honor, and lauded as heroes by the patriotic sentiment of the Republic, that 
 Christian citizenship will have reached the acme of its claims, and the govern- 
 ment will become in fact as well as in name a Christian government. Christian 
 Endeavorers, the key to the situation is with you and your Christian co-workers. 
 By your honest battle for a better citizenship Christian conscience now passes 
 current at the political exchange, and honest effort is redeemed at face value in 
 the majority of political conventions throughout the country. In every State 
 and city and village and hamlet the people are organizing for civic righteous- 
 ness. 
 
 Catholicism may threaten religious toleration, and infidelity may mock at 
 the shrine of holiness, but let us hope that the spirit that revolted against 
 European superstition and made a new land the birthplace of freedom will in 
 time again cause complete national recognition of the Supreme authority, and 
 that the fellowship of saints will make Christian thought the basis of a pure 
 government. 
 
 Tent Washington. 
 
 Tent Washington was one of the popular resorts for Christian En- 
 deavorers on Thursday evening. By half-past seven o'clock the space 
 covered by the canvas was filled, and the sides of the tent were lifted • 
 so that the throng that had gathered but could not be seated might 
 join in the services from their standing-places outside. The delegates 
 did not wait for the leader to start the singing. A band of Marylanders 
 started " My Maryland," and then one after another of the popular 
 hymns of the Society were started and joined in by the vast assemblage. 
 
 The exercises were opened by a service of song under the direction 
 
140 Official Report of the 
 
 of Mr. P. P. Bilhorn, of Chicago. Devotional exercises were then con- 
 ducted by Rev. J. J. Muir, D.D., of Washington. 
 
 Ex-Postmaster-General John Wanainaker, of Philadelphia, was the 
 presiding officer of the evening. 
 
 Address of Hon. John Wanamaker, Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 CJu-istian Endca^'or Comrades: — Our meeting at Washington, the greatest of 
 American cities, and upon the grounds of the nation, is in the blessed hope of 
 another meeting on the broader common grounds of faith by the grace of God 
 in the only city that is greater than any earthly city. 
 
 This country has never had but one Lincohi and one Grant and one Clark. 
 In the order of Providence, each came at the time of a particular need to fulfil 
 a sacred trust. General Clark heads and commands the largest organized army 
 the world has ever known. It bears no sectional banners, yet it constitutes the 
 majority of the truest citizenship of the land. It is the young undergrowth of 
 the best manhood that the world has ever seen, the hope of the nation in this 
 strange, but not hopeless, time. 
 
 I saw a fortnight ago in Boston, cut in letters of marble high up under the 
 outside cornice of the stately and matchless Public Library, these words: 
 " This Commonwealth regards the education of the people as the safeguard of 
 liberty and order." Neither the magnificent bay, nor the great avenues of splen- 
 did houses and churches, not even Boston Common, left such an impression 
 upon me as that noble legend of our Pilgrim Fathers. 
 
 Well may the nation to-day, and not for the first time, follow again the lead 
 of Massachusetts, adopting a national creed to read : This nation, throughout 
 its forty-six commonwealths, insists on the education of the people as the best 
 safeguard of liberty and order. 
 
 In the brightening dawn of the twentieth century, with the light of the 
 world's long struggle shining clear and steady upon us, the lamps of science 
 and philosophy and experience reveal the distinct fact that the elevation and 
 happiness of the people necessitate more than the development of the intel- 
 lect. The largest temple in the world to-day is not the Parthenon of Athens, 
 once dedicated to philosophy, but a church for the worship of Jesus Christ, 
 named after Peter, the apostle, who one day denied the Lord, who was without 
 an open friend on all the earth. That Christ, who never carried anything in 
 his hands but nails, is conquering the world — not by any sword or force, but with 
 his appeal to the heart as well as the head. And I submit to you that this is 
 the proper time and place for the two millions of Endeavorers of the United 
 States to send out from the capital of the nation a declaration : We believe 
 solemnly and affirm that the safety and advancement of the people requires not 
 only the training of the mind but the education of the heart in knowledge of 
 the Word of God, which is the only rule of life for the permanent happiness of 
 the human race. 
 
 I think the enthusiastic two per cent of our membership in convention 
 assembled will vote aye on such a deliverance at this time, and I think I hear 
 from all over the land the rising of a voice louder than the voice of many waters, 
 like the thunder of the summer sky, sending up the shout of approval from the 
 hearts of the ninety-eight per cent of loyal members not here who desire to 
 stand together with us for the kingdom of Christ on earth. 
 
 Beloved brethren, it remains for us to combine the intelligence, influence, and 
 wisdom of the young manhood of the time to work out the destination of the 
 nation. It will require patriotism before partisanship. 
 
 The wars of conflicting ideas sometimes work as much suffering and loss to 
 a country as military battles on sea and land. It behooves us to patiently mas- 
 ter the principles of finance and government and take our part in the strife by 
 voice and vote, not in the interest of party names, but of Christian citizenship. 
 
 Each man must judge for himself where and how he can do his best ; but let 
 him do it. Christian Endeavor is not simply saying over texts and pledges and 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 141 
 
 holding consecration meetings. It is doing something. If I could, when once 
 a year occasion required it, adjourn a consecration meeting to the town meeting 
 or to watch over and take a proper part in a primary election, I would count it 
 both practical politics and practical religion to do so. 
 
 The political world, as I believe, is thus far only highly amused at the talk- 
 ative grumble and do-nothingness of churchmen, young and old, in public 
 affairs. 
 
 I was once in Geneva, Switzerland, one summer Sunday afternoon, with per- 
 haps a dozen friends, sitting under the trees in the grounds of the Rev. Leonard 
 Woolsey Bacon, then the American minister at Geneva. We were studying 
 the Sunday-school lesson leaf. The Hon. Henry P. Haven, of Connecticut, 
 was in the chair. We were all startled by the sound of a gun close by, and its 
 shot came rattling down from leaf to leaf, falling on the gravel walk. Mr. 
 Haven said, " Well, this is the Lord's Day, and this is the Lord's Book we have 
 in our hands. We are in the Lord's hands and are safe from harm." Mr. 
 Bacon instantly rose, put on his hat and started off, saying, " Well, I think the 
 Lord wants me to help him find that man with the gun and warn him off." 
 
 My friends, the noise in the air around us suggests that the Lord wants his 
 people to help him, and we must rise up straightway. 
 
 In the hope of a kingdom of heaven, patriotism, I salute you this day and 
 bid you Godspeed. 
 
 The first speaker introduced M^as Rev. Howard H. Russell, LL.D., 
 of Columbus, O. Dr. Russell has done heroic work at the head of 
 the Anti-Saloon League in Ohio. 
 
 Address of Rev. Howard H. Russell, LL.D., Columbus, O. 
 
 When that gallant and effective saloon-fighter, the late Hon. John B. Finch, 
 was yet a boy, he saw a drunken man stagger from a saloon door and fall 
 senseless upon the street. His mother pressed her boy's hand closer and 
 said, " Promise me that you will never touch nor taste that which makes men 
 drunk." " I never will," said the boy ; " and when I am a man I will shut these 
 places where they sell it." The dauntless young people of America have 
 beheld with amazement and patriotic shame the multiplied horrors of poverty, 
 disease, and crime resulting from the curse of drink, and they have registered, 
 with John Finch, the holy vow that they will close these places where they 
 sell it. And they will keep that covenant, because to high Christian faith and. 
 heroic Christian Endeavor nothing is impossible. 
 
 Wherever Christian Endeavor has attacked the saloon it has found the 
 spoils-politicians entrenched behind the screens. The anti-saloon campaign is, 
 therefore, a war in which organized good citizenship moves victoriously upon 
 the fortifications of bad citizenship. I am hopeful this present generation of 
 young people here represented will in time abolish the liquor traffic, because of 
 the conspicuous and honorable part which you have borne in the recent 
 revival of civic patriotism. The Young People's Societies were in the 
 van during the World's Fair Sunday campaign, in the temperance revivals 
 in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Massachusetts, and other States, and especially in 
 the hot municipal conflicts in the great cities. These experiences have been of 
 untold value in exposing to our view, as never before, the bad character of 
 many of our civil officers and the rottenness of municipal management, and 
 have aroused a deep determination to enter upon and co-operate in systematic, 
 permanent, and effective reform. Christian young Americans have reached 
 the condition of mind of the long-suffering Quaker who had been assaulted and 
 grievously maltreated. Looking up from where he lay he said, "Thee has 
 broken my nose and kicked me down stairs and broken two or three of my ribs, 
 and upon my word, if this goes on much longer I propose to take some notice 
 of it." Allied young Christianity, organized to promote applied religion for 
 the individual and community, has learned that the public offices, instead of 
 being public trusts, sacredly executed for the public weal, are too often con- 
 
142 Official Report of the 
 
 trolled and farmed out by rings, combines, and bosses; and we will take some 
 notice of it. Bad citizenship wins to-day in many of our States and 
 municipalities because it is more ready than good citizenship to pay the 
 price of success. Bad citizenship is organized, alert, and diligent to do the 
 necessary things to secure the induction into civil office of the men under its 
 control. Good citizenship, on the other hand, will permanently win when 
 it regularly brings to the primary elections and the polls more members of 
 the dominant parties, acting in unison, than are brought to the same primaries 
 and poles by bad citizenship. As Josh Billings remarked, " We shall never 
 have an honest horse-race until we have an honest human race ;" and it is equally 
 true we shall never have honest politics until honest people become the politi- 
 cians and control political affairs. The boss must be supplanted by the patri- 
 otic good-citizenship chairman, who is in the work, as his compatriots are, not 
 for boodle nor for spoils, but for the sake of good social order. 
 
 Good citizenship begins its practical work in choosing civil officers, as bad 
 citizenship universally does, before the primary election is held. _ I do not 
 mean that the work in the political arena is to supersede educational work 
 and public sentiment building; and the organized work must also be inter- 
 partisan or omnipartisan. I now come more particularly to the liquor traffic. 
 The Christian Endeavor Societies here find a common foe to federate against. 
 All the great denominations are with us. You will be interested to know that 
 in the great Methodist denomination the presiding elders have recently united 
 in an address to be read by the pastors in all their churches, which address 
 has been signed by every presiding elder in Ohio ; and this address appeals to 
 the people to support everywhere the Anti-Saloon League and Haskell Bill. 
 This unity of the Methodists characterizes all the other Protestant denomi- 
 nations. You will also be interested to know that the great Roman Catholic 
 Church has wheeled in side by side with the Protestant Church in battle 
 array. 
 
 The laws are enforced as they never have been before in the history of the 
 reform. The number of saloons has been greatly reduced. For five years be- 
 fore the league was formed the saloons increased over 400 per year. In the 
 last two years the number has been reduced over 400. We are assured we are 
 now upon the right track, and our success is due to the unification of the people 
 who are opposed to the saloon. We need in this campaign, now spreading into 
 the other States, the cohesion of welded and hammered iron, which shall give 
 us tension enough for a " long pull, a strong pull, and a pull all together." My 
 heart was touched to know that a poor woman was giving one dollar per month 
 — twelve dollars for the year — toward the support of our league, and the money 
 was earned by washing. She was one of the many who daily pray for the enact- 
 ment of the County Option Bill, that her husband may be delivered from the 
 man-trap of an open saloon. I am sure everything is summarized and wrapped 
 up in this. We shall get healthful political activity, and the forces of God will 
 be marshalled to the pre-primary, the primary, and the polls when we reach 
 blood-earnestness. We shall come together in fraternal union, and our per- 
 sonal pride and sensitiveness and dogmatism as to methods will all be put 
 away for the sake of unification, and our work will not be spasmodic but per- 
 manent. We shall have iron cohesion and endurance, and we shall be ready 
 for all downright personal blood sacrifice when we get terribly in earnest about 
 this most important practical work, next to the conversion of men, that the chil- 
 dren of God have on hand. Oh for a flash of heaven-sent inspiration that will 
 set our souls aflame with zeal, and then while we muse the fire will burn! I 
 believe if this company of young people could be brought face to face with the 
 horrors I have seen, caused directly by the saloon, you would go forth with me 
 into the thick of the fight. 
 
 If there were no other calls upon you for earnestness in this battle, the help- 
 less children, orphaned by death and worse than orphaned by divorce, assaulted 
 and maltreated by the cruel greed and outlawry of bad citizenship, should be 
 enough to call you into action. Look about you ! Is not this hell-sent curse 
 at work in every place where the saloon is found? 
 
Fifteenth biternational Convention. 143 
 
 I stand to-night as the attorney for blighted childhood, martyred woman- 
 hood, and dethroned mankind, and demand that you make earnest business of 
 this civic revolution. Young people of America, organize everywhere for the 
 destruction of the saloon ! Forward, to reinforce the wavering battle-line and 
 turn defeat to glorious victory! Assert your God-sent citizenship; strike with 
 your votes at primaries and polls! In the name of Mount Moriah's Christ, 
 braid with Australian ballots a whip of small cords to lash the money-changers 
 of hell out of the rum-ruled temple of American politics I 
 
 " O children of bravest fathers, will ye falter 
 With all they left ye periled and at stake? 
 Ho ! Once again on freedom's holy altar 
 The fire awake. 
 
 " Prayer-strengthened for the conflict, come together; 
 Gird on the armor for this mortal fight; 
 And. with the blessing of your Heavenly Father, 
 Maintain the right." 
 
 After the singing of a hymn, Secretary Baer was introduced to make 
 the following announcement : — 
 
 Mr. Baer : For three or four years the California delegation has come to 
 each successive convention expecting to take back the convention of the next 
 year following. 
 
 I am very glad indeed to announce to you to-night that the trustees of the 
 United Society have decided to hold the Convention of 1897 in San Fran- 
 cisco. (Great applause.) (Cries of " Hurrah! ") And I want to introduce to 
 you for just a moment one of the workers, who has for four years waited 
 patiently to give you a hearty invitation to California, — Mr. E. E. Kelly, M.D., 
 of San Francisco. 
 
 Dr. Kelly : I dare say there are some in this audience who, about four 
 years ago, were coming down the St. Lawrence River on an excursion, and 
 expecting to shoot the rapids; and for some reason, which I can not tell, not 
 being there, the trip had to be postponed. And perhaps you will remember 
 that some of you became very impatient because you could not complete the 
 trip at that time ; and some pretty warm words were being expressed, when 
 some one in the company began this song: " Wait, Meekly Wait, and Murmur 
 Not." 
 
 We have been waiting for four years for the privilege of standing before you 
 in the capacity in which I stand before you to-night, to announce that the 
 convention is definitely coming to San Francisco, without any "if's." 
 
 There was an old German on the train coming over with me from San Fran- 
 cisco. He had gone to San Francisco forty-two years ago, and he had gone 
 from the East by the way of Cape Horn, and had no idea whatever of the 
 vastness of our territory. And after looking at the territory, and admiring the 
 magnificent farms of Nebraska and Iowa and Illinois, he was filled with 
 wonder; and as I was talking to him, he said to me one day, " My, oh my, vat 
 a beeg country ve got ! I never thought so mooch aboud it before in my 
 life!" 
 
 So it is with all of you. You will have a liberal education as to the vastness 
 of the empire which we have inherited. 
 
 And we have an empire upon the Pacific Coast which we will take great 
 delight in showing you. We have become accustomed upon the Pacific Coast 
 to think in a large way. We have the largest valleys of any State in the Union, 
 because we have the largest State. If we could lay California down upon the 
 Atlantic Coast, it would reach from Maine to South Carolina. And we have 
 a thousand miles of seacoast, and a mountain range which contains the highest 
 mountain in the United States. We have the Yosemite Valley ; and we have 
 the hundreds and thousands of other great things that I can not mention now. 
 And one of the greatest things, and one of the things that we prize the most in 
 the vState of California, is a State Christian Endeavor Union with over 40,000 
 members. And we think that is the greatest of all. 
 
144 Official Report of the 
 
 What will you give us ? I would like to have you remember that California 
 was settled by the Argonauts, and, after the days of '49, by those adventurous 
 characters who came from every corner of the globe in the search for gold. 
 And they were not very rehgious ; and we are not very religious to-day. There 
 is no premium on religion in CaHfornia. No man is religious because it is popu- 
 lar to be religious, nor because it pays to be religious, but he is religious from prin- 
 ciple. And now, if you come to us, what will be the reflex benefit of an army like 
 this in the State of California, showing that there are men of business, that 
 there are educated young people, that there are thousands of college presidents 
 and school-teachers, and thousands of the most intelligent young people of the 
 land who are not afraid to acknowledge Jesus Christ as King? 
 
 Ah, what the influence of that will be, I can tell you. It will be to enhance 
 moral ideas upon the Pacific Coast a great deal. And in that way you will help 
 us to win California for Christ, as is the motto of the Christian Endeavor Soci- 
 eties of that State. 
 
 Now I am not going to take any more of your time to ask you to come. I 
 know you want to come ; but I wish to say this much : that if you will come 
 we will give you the far-famed California welcome ; and there will be no wine 
 in it either. (Laughter.) And I am very glad to announce to you that we can 
 give you all the drinks you want, but they are guaranteed to be strictly temper- 
 ance drinks from our thousands of natural springs, than which not even Ger- 
 many herself can boast of more or better. 
 
 Therefore I invite you to come to California in '97, the land of gold, the land 
 of sunshine, fruit, and flowers. (Great applause.) 
 
 Mr. Wanamaker then introduced Dr. MacArthur, who held the vast 
 audience for nearly an hour by a masterly address. 
 
 Address of Rev. R. S. MacArthur, D.D., New York City. 
 
 It is altogether fitting that the duty of patriotism should be emphasized by a 
 convention of Christian young men and women. One element in the thought 
 and work of all true Christian Endeavor Societies is duty to country as a part 
 of our duty to God. It is quite true that all Christians are citizens of another 
 country, even an heavenly; but it is not less, but all the more, their duty to be 
 loyal citizens of the earthly country. The better the Christian the better the 
 citizen. We must strive to make this world as speedily and as nearly as possi- 
 ble the kingdom of Jesus Christ. We can have but little patience with Chris- 
 tians who claim that they are too pious to have any relation to patriotic poli- 
 tics, who say that they are so interested in the other world that they cannot do 
 their duty in this world. I think that kind of men will never see another world 
 as good as this world. 
 
 I hear men say that the pool of politics is very dirty, and so they must keep 
 away from it. I admit that the pool is not remarkably clean ; but I deny the 
 inference which they draw from that fact. Just because the pool is dirty. 
 Christian men ought to go near it; and, with the instinct of American patriot- 
 ism and Christian loyalty, strive to cleanse it. 
 
 I believe that patriotism and piety are twin flowers, growing on one stem, 
 whose root is obedience to and love of God ana man. We can not separate the 
 two. "What God hath joined together " let no American citizen attempt to 
 put asunder. I sympathize with the idea of the old Hebrew who joined his 
 piety and his patriotism in most tender fellowship. He said, "Let my tongue 
 cleave to the roof of my mouth if I forget thee, O Jerusalem ! Let my right 
 hand forget its cunning." So say I, if my right hand is lifted against the coun- 
 try that I have sworn to support, or if my right hand is used in depositing a 
 false ballot against Christian citizenship. 
 
 I am sure that we all sympathize with the words of Dr. Johnson in his 
 "Journey to the Western Islands," when he says, " That man is little to be 
 envied whose patriotism would not gain force on the plain of Marathon, or 
 whose piety would not grow warmer among the ruins of lona." That sentiment 
 we heartily endorse. 
 
FiftccntJi International Convc7ition. 145 
 
 I am only an adopted American citizen. I was born under a corner of the 
 British flag. I was never disloyal to that flag. As a boy, I rose in my place 
 and uncovered my head and sang, " God save our gracious Queen." As a 
 man, 1 transferred my allegiance from that flag to the Stars and Stripes ; and 
 I now sing, " My country, 't is of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee 1 sing." 
 
 It was not a pure accident that both songs were to the same tune. Many of 
 my good British friends have said that Americans stole that tune from Great 
 Britain. The fact is that we both stole it from Germany. And perhaps Ger- 
 many stole it from Italy. And whence Italy stole it this deponent saith not. 
 And no one can tell. 
 
 I think it is not accidental. I think it is providential that we should sing 
 the same song out of hearts glowing with similar fervid patriotism. 
 
 And now. in the interests of true American citizenship, I think that the 
 Christian Endeavor Society ought to use all its influence in preserving peace 
 within our own borders and in our relations with all of the nations of the earth. 
 We agree with Milton, when he said : — 
 
 " Peace hath her victories. 
 No less renowned than war." 
 
 There is an American patriotism that is noisy; it is bellicose; it is boister- 
 ous; it is practically worthless patriotism; it is lingual; it is labial loyalty; 
 it is pulmonary patriotism ; it is not cordial; it does not reach the heart; it 
 struts and stares and defies and threatens war. 
 
 Well, now, there is another patriotism that is quiet, that is gentle, but that is 
 true; that does its duty in lowly places; that is loyal to God and country in the 
 home, in the office, in the shop, and, especially, at the ballot-box. That patriot- 
 ism I am here to-night to endorse. Believe me, the time is coming when all 
 international disputes will be settled by international arbitration, when the 
 partisan feeling of the time has gone. I tell you that General Grant will appear, 
 in the days to come, as brave as a statesman as he was soldierly as a soldier. 
 We know well that some of the grandest pages of American history were written 
 by the sword of Grant and by the pen of Lincoln. But in the days to come. Grant 
 will be known because of his connection with the settlement of international 
 disputes in connection with international arbitration. The time was when all 
 personal disputes were settled by personal encounters. That day has gone by, 
 never to return. We now settle personal disputes by resort to courts. The 
 day is coming when all international disputes will be settled by reference to an 
 international court of arbitration, whose word shall be final in all the civilized 
 nations of the globe. 
 
 I believe that Christian Endeavor has a great part to perform in bringing 
 about that result. During the last one hundred years eighty cases of arbitra- 
 tion among the nations have settled eighty cases of disputes among the nations. 
 I know that the school-books do not tell much about that, because the histories 
 would rather tell the story of an unjust war than narrate the facts of a peaceful 
 solution of national and international difficulties. 
 
 Another reason is that so many of our school-books are unfair in their 
 treatment of historical questions as between Great Britain and these United 
 States. 
 
 Those school-books often represent Great Britain as a tyrant ; represent 
 Great Britain of to-day as the Great Britain of the days of George III. Great 
 Britain has learned lessons as to the treatment of her colonies since the days 
 of George III. 
 
 I am free to say to you that I would regard a war with Great Britain as a 
 war of fratricide. Such a war would put back the hands of progress in civili- 
 zation, in literature, in science, and in missionary effort round the globe ; would 
 put back the hands of progress at least a century on the dial of humanity. 
 
 I would regard such a war as being a dishonor to our civilization ; as being 
 an indignity (if it is not a war necessary to vindicate our honor; that is 
 another matter;. A needless war would be an indignity upon our common 
 humanity and a reproach upon the civilization of the closing days of the nine- 
 teenth century. 
 
146 Official Report of the 
 
 I teil you that these two great English-speaking and Protestant nations are 
 marching, side by side, to the music of Christ's name for the conquest of this 
 world. 1 want to see this American flag the noblest flag beneath God's stars 
 to-night. This flag, that is the hope and the inspiration of humanity from sea 
 to sea and pole to pole, I want to see blended in inseparable union with that 
 other flag; and over both, thus united, I want to see the banner of Emmanuel 
 float, — that banner which is the symbol of God's sublimest revelation to man, 
 and of man's divinest aspiration toward God. 
 
 I believe, Christian Endeavorers, and largely through your influence, that 
 the time is coming when the words of the laureate — now the sainted laureate, 
 Tennyson — shall have their complete fulfilment: — 
 
 " When the war-drum throbs no longer, 
 And the battle flags are furled, 
 In the parliament of man. 
 The federation of the world." 
 
 Well, now, Christian Endeavorers must take note of some of the dangers to 
 which this Republic is now exposed. 
 
 One danger is that of indifferentism on the part of the so-called " best " 
 American citizens, with reference to their duty to their country and to their 
 God. I have sometimes been out of patience with these so-called "best citi- 
 zens." We know that there is a class of men in all our cities who will vote 
 early, and who would, and who, in New York, used to, vote often, as well 
 as early. But, by the grace of God, we are limiting their voting to the 
 early, and not to the ofteti; for we have overthrown the gigantic power on 
 Manhattan Island that dominated the politics of the city, the politics of the 
 state, and, to some degree, the politics of the nation. And God help us to 
 keep the tiger down / 
 
 Now we must stimulate our best people ; we must show them that it is a 
 duty which they owe to themselves, to their country, and to their God to do 
 their duty at the polls. 
 
 Another one of the great dangers to which we are exposed I can name in a 
 single word, — foreignism. 
 
 Now I have already intimated to you that I was a little bit of a foreigner 
 myself ; and I have always observed that when a fellow gets here, he is n't so 
 very particular as to whether the other fellow shall get here or not. It depends, 
 however, I think, a little upon the fellow, in both instances. 
 
 Reference was made by the preceding speaker to the question as to whether 
 or not the women should have the ballot. I tell you, if all the women in these 
 United States were like the Christian Endeavor women, I would give them the 
 ballot. I wish all the men who have it were like the Christian Endeavor men. 
 It is not, after all, a question of women or of men, but it is a question of intelli- 
 gence and capacity and of loyalty to the country and loyalty to duty. 
 
 Now we had an idea once that all foreigners who came to us were De Kalbs 
 or Lafayettes. Well, I have watched a great many incoming steamers of many 
 nationalities ; and for the life of me, I can t pick out the De Kalbs or the 
 Lafayettes. Perhaps they were there ; but they were very greatly obscured, if 
 they were. 
 
 This country, I insist upon it, deserves the best of every country in the world 
 for American citizenship. There are two classes at least that we shall not 
 allow to come here. If steamship companies bring us their paupers, many 
 towns (curtesy forbids my naming countries) paying the fare of these paupers 
 to get rid of them — I say, if the steamship companies bring them, we will make 
 those steamship companies take them back! We will make them take them 
 back and dump them in the countries whence they came! We shan't permit 
 the American shore to be longer the dumping-ground for the worst populations 
 of Southern Europe. And we shan't allow the anarchists to come to this coun- 
 try. No, we shan't. When a man comes here with a red flag of anarchy in one 
 hand and a dynamite bomb in the other, by every instinct of patriotism, and by 
 every element of divine grace, we '11 quarantine that man for the rest of his 
 natural life ! 
 
FifteentJi International Convention. 147 
 
 Now I want to suggest some immediate duties that press upon us as Chris- 
 tian Endeavorers and as patriotic American citizens. And first, we must see to 
 the preservation of the purity of the ballot-box. In countries where kings 
 reign, if a man slays a king he is guilty of regicide. If he kills another man he 
 is guilty of homicide. Well, now, in our country, where the people reign, when 
 a man smites the ballot-box he smites the sovereignty of the American people. 
 The ballot-box is the ark of the covenant of this American Republic. I tell 
 you that I could wish that the hand that deposits a false vote might be para- 
 lyzed, and that the tongue that makes the report should cleave to the roof of the 
 mouth of its owner. It is a terrible thing in this country to give us false re- 
 turns, or to deposit false ballots. 
 
 Now another duty that I must insist upon is the entire separation of Church 
 and State throughout this land. Our fathers came to this country with many 
 erroneous ideas of the relation between Church and State. We, fortunately, 
 have outgrown most of their errors. But we did see, until lately, almost all the 
 denominations in America putting their hands into the public treasury at Wash- 
 ington, to take out money for Indian education. I tell you that every dollar of 
 that money taken out of the public treasury for that purpose, for sectarian edu- 
 cation, was against the spirit, if not the letter, of the American Constitution. 
 
 Some denominations had their hand in up to the wrist ; others to the elbow. 
 But the principle was the same. All honor to the American Congress in its 
 last session for the position it took on that point. 
 
 Let the whole country send up to-night a Te Deum, because we are advancing 
 to the only consistent position for the American Republic in that regard. We 
 shall keep on advancing. There shall be no backward steps in this land of 
 progress. The same principle will lead us to give all intelligence to our voters 
 to fit them for their work, and there will come in the public schools. And we 
 shall say, so that our voice shall be heard from the mighty Atlantic to the might- 
 ier Pacific, "No politician of whatever party, no ecclesiastic of whatever church, 
 shall touch the public schools of America ! " 
 
 Now let me relieve your patience in a word. I believe, as you see, in the 
 dominance of moral forces, and so I make my appeal to Christian Endeavorers. 
 I tell you that one of the saddest sights in the world was in 1855, in the Crimean 
 War, when out of fifty-five thousand British soldiers eighteen thousand were in 
 hospitals. Never were brave Britons so badly managed. They marched in 
 snow with boots without soles ; and they lay down at night to sleep on ice or in 
 pools of water. Generalship was helpless. Statesmanship was speechless. 
 Dr. Russell wrote a letter to the London Times that stirred all England. What 
 could be done } Who should go .'' 
 
 Then uprose a queenly English woman, Florence Nightingale ; and she 
 went! 
 
 She was born in the same year as Queen Victoria; and she is a queen — 
 Queen Florence — worthy to be placed alongside of Queen Victoria ! 
 
 What have we seen lately.'' We have seen the trembling tyrant sitting on 
 his tottering throne on the banks of the Bosphorus, and Armenia lying dying, 
 bleeding at every pore, and all the nations helpless. Because of national delu- 
 sions and because of political precedents they could do nothing. 
 
 What then.? All honor to American womanhood! Then uprose Clara 
 Barton, and at the touch of that American woman's finger every door into Ar- 
 menia opened wide, and she went as the angel of God to the suffering and the 
 dying. 
 
 I tell you, men and women, there are forces silent as the dew but mighty as 
 the storm. There are forces trackless as gravitation, but resistless as the fiat of 
 Almighty God. To these moral forces I to-night make my appeal. I was in 
 Lucknow, in India, a few months ago. I, as a boy, read to my father and 
 mother the story of the battles of the Sepoy Rebellion in 1857, for, in Sir Colin 
 Campbell's regiment of Scotch Highlanders both my father and mother had 
 relatives who died for country and queen on that Indian soil. And many a 
 time as I read my voice trembled, and their eyes were moistened with tears. I 
 saw the place where the brave Scotch woman, Jessie, lay on the ground waiting 
 
148 Official Report of the 
 
 for the deliverers to come to Lucknow. None others heard it ; but in her ex- 
 cited state of mind she caught the notes of the music, and she said, " It is 
 the pibroch ! Dinna ye hear it ? 'T is the slogan of the MacGregors, the brav- 
 est o' them a' ! " , . . ^ , , , 
 
 To-night, Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, the tirst time I have ever had 
 the honor of addressing a Christian Endeavor Convention excepting when you 
 met in Saratoga, when 1 spoke with the lamented and honored and beloved and 
 sainted Dr. Deems — to-night I before you lay my ear upon the ground. I hear 
 the coming hosts of Christian Endeavor shouting their songs for truth, for coun- 
 try, for purity, for Christ! I hear the music of the twentieth century. Oh, it is 
 sweet, sweet music! Listen to it! It comes echoing down through the inter- 
 vening years. It is music that tells of a purer faith, a sweeter love, a more ar- 
 dent zeal, and an intenser loyalty for Christ and for humanity. 
 
 Amid all its notes I hear the song sung only once to human ears by an an- 
 gelic choir, sung over the plains of Bethlehem the night the Christ was born, 
 — " And on earth peace, good-will toward men ! " 
 
 The benediction was pronounced by Rev. J. L. Withrovir, D.D., LL.D,, 
 of Chicago. 
 
 Tent Endeavor. 
 
 Hundreds stood around the circumference of the Tent Endeavor, the 
 flaps of which were thrown up in order to allow the air to circulate, 
 and all were deeply interested in what was being done under the 
 canvas. The gathering was a picturesque one, under the glow of the 
 numerous electric arc-lights. Looking from the choir platform, it was 
 a mass of color, the bright dresses of the ladies heightened by the 
 gleaming badges which decorated their bosoms, and made the red, 
 white, and blue streamers and the parti-colored fiags that swung above 
 the audience seem dull by comparison. The chorus, from the audience 
 seats, was equally as pleasing in its optical effect, and its largely aug- 
 mented ranks rendered the familiar hymns of Christian Endeavor with 
 a vim and energy that was enjoyable in the extreme. The singing was 
 commenced immediately after the crowd began to gather, under the 
 leadership of Mr. Percy S. Foster, and was continued without inter- 
 mission until the meeting was regularly opened. Postmaster-General 
 William L. Wilson was the presiding officer of the evening. 
 
 Rev. Sterling N. Brown, of Washington, conducted the devotional 
 exercises. 
 
 Remarks by Hon. W. L. Wilson. 
 
 It is not necessary for me to announce that the subject to be considered is 
 "Christian Citizenship," and I need hardly add that no more worthy theme could 
 be given a place on a programme of exercises participated in by men and women 
 from every section of the country. With such a country and inheriting sucli 
 institutions, the duty of a citizen is ever present and strenuous. What consti- 
 tutes o-ood citizenship must always be the serious theme of consideration on the 
 part of every man. This consideration was never more timely than now, when 
 the country is on the eve of a great election, at which a President of the 
 United States is to be chosen and the policy of our government is to be 
 decided for years to come. The world never saw a grander or more inspiring 
 sight than yo.ooo.oco free and enlightened people going up to the ballot-box, 
 clioosino- their rulers, and declaring the way in which their laws shall be shaped. 
 How shall we at such a time perform the task so as to assure happiness to our- 
 selves and our countrymen and prosperity to our country-, unless we ponder 
 well the foundations upon which American citizenship must ever rest.? It 
 
Fifteenth Intefuational Convention. 149 
 
 needs no long reach to ascertain what these are. The declaration was made 
 long ago, and is still familiar, that "religion, knowledge, and morality are 
 essential to good government and good citizenship." 
 
 For the Christian citizen, the honest exercise of his franchise is not only a 
 civic duty, but a divine command. 
 
 We have been told to render unto Czesar the things that are Csesar's, and 
 unto God the things that are God's. That means not that we must be careless 
 and corrupt in our civil duties, but careful and honest, and, if need be, self-sac- 
 rificing in the exercise of them. 
 
 The next speaker was the President of Colorado College. 
 
 Address of President William F. Slocum, Colorado Springs, Col. 
 
 We mean by Christian citizenship that which is Christlike; that which 
 finds its rule of action in those principles which governed his life. We are told 
 by the so-called " practical politician " that high ideals like those, — that it is bet- 
 ter to suffer than to do wrong ; that the Golden Rule should be the working prin- 
 ciple of every man's action — are mere theories, and have really no place in our 
 political life, and also that the day has gone when the public has any right to 
 expect any such ideas to obtain in our great political movements. They do not, 
 we are told, bring success as working theories; and as success must be secured 
 at any price, they must be set aside again and again in our practical politics. 
 
 There is no necessity of our examining the various theories of government 
 like the paternal, — the one that the government is simply an evolution from the 
 idea of defence, or that it is a theocracy ; but I wish to call your attention to a 
 certain false theory that is playing a very dangerous part in our nation to-day, 
 and which is essentially unchristian. As you all know, at the time our nation 
 was born politically French ideas had great influence among many of our lead- 
 ing thinkers upon political matters. One theory which had great influence at 
 that time, and played a serious part in the French Revolution, was that all 
 government should be based upon a social contract. That is, the thing upon 
 which a government rests, in the last appeal, is the agreements or contracts 
 that the people make with each other; that the government of a city like 
 Baltimore, for example, rests upon the agreements or contracts that the people 
 of that metropolis make with each other. Now this is a half-truth, but, like all 
 half-truths, when left to themselves they are very dangerous. Let me remind 
 you how that theory worked itself out in the French Revolution. A certain 
 philosopher in England said, " The basis of society, religion, and government is 
 found in experience." That is, he meant that if people would come together and 
 compare their experiences they would find that the truth they discovered in their 
 common opinions would furnish the truth on which all human institutions could 
 be built. This seemed to just suit the French political movements that pre- 
 ceded the revolution. The leaders of the people said, " Yes, this is the true basis 
 of all institutions. Our opinion is we do not want a king. Off with his head ! 
 The old codes of laws are good or bad just as we think them good or bad. We 
 think we do not want them. Let us make laws for each day as it comes. The 
 home is built on the law of marriages, but the communistic notion suits us better. 
 We think tlie home is unnecessary and there is something better, therefore the 
 marriage contract must go. Religion depends upon the idea of God. We are 
 of the opinion that there is a God, and so there must be one. Therefore religion, 
 the Church, and the absolute code of morals stand. But we have concluded 
 that there is no God. and. therefore, there is no God. The social contract settles 
 it, and religion and the Church are gone." Then the commune swept through 
 the streets of Paris, and after that the cannon of Napoleon belched grape and 
 canister into the faces of the mob, teaching them there was authority deeper and 
 stronger than their fickle opinions. 
 
 This is the theory that has crept slov/ly and surely into our American politi- 
 cal life. It has appeared in a different way, but it is here and always has been 
 here. The basis of government is a social contract, we are told. Let us study- 
 it a little in our American life to see what our Christian duty is. If I speak seri- 
 
150 Official Report of the 
 
 ously, it is simply because my heart inspires this seriousness and because I 
 believe there is a duty and an opportunity before you Christian young people, 
 the like of which has never been surpassed in the world's history. A great relig- 
 ious impulse has come to you that perhaps has never been equalled. It must 
 all lead to a duty, and I believe that duty in large measure is the preservation of 
 pur nation from dangers that threaten it. This rescue must be achieved by the 
 application of the principles of our Saviour to the problems of our political and 
 social life. This is why I wanted to come from my home by the great moun- 
 tains and give you the message that has been in my heart these many days. 
 
 As one turns back to the birthday of our nation and asks. What was it that 
 was the corner-stone of our great declaration and constitution .? does he find 
 that it was simply the agreements of certain people one with another over there 
 in Philadelphia, who said, " If we do not hang together we shall hang separ- 
 ately " .'' Were these ideas of liberty and the rights of the individual founded 
 on the opinions of those brave men who stood ready to give their heart's blood 
 for their declarations, the basis of all that grew out of this deed ? Where did 
 those ideas come from which they enunciated.? Did they create them.? Did 
 they change them one iota .? Did their opinions have anything to do with their 
 truthfulness, or did they simply discourse the truth that had always been, and 
 build stronger than they knew, because their opinions could not modify eternal 
 principle? Those were the same ideas that made the Magna Charta, that were 
 victories at Marston Moor and at Naseby; those same ideas launched the 
 Mayflower and brought the Cavalier to Virginia and the Pilgrims to Plymouth ; 
 but no man made them, no man's opinion affects them one iota. They come 
 from out the centuries ; they come from the eternities ; they are from God. Do 
 you think for a moment that any man's opinion, or the agreements of any num- 
 ber of people, can modify in the least the eternal truth of God? I have no 
 quarrel with the contracts which men make one with another, but when they 
 place their contracts or agreements at the basis of government and society, I 
 must ask first of all, not whether a certain number of people agreed to this or 
 that, but. Are these agreements right — right as God and his Christ pronounce 
 them right ? 
 
 The Christian citizen asks, before all else, Have we discovered in this or that 
 movement the thing that is true? Is this the trend in our American political 
 life? I am not denying that there is much that is true ; that there are men in 
 our public affairs who would stand for what was right, no matter what was ar- 
 rayed against them; but behind all this there still remains the serious and un- 
 deniable fact that our so-called practical politician asks, first of all, What will 
 succeed in getting votes? 
 
 This is the thing to which we must agree, and, having made our contract, we 
 must call that the truth. This, I say, is the working theory in very much of our 
 public life. 
 
 The next step is the one that makes the end of political movements to agree 
 to that which will create a majority, as if the one thing of all others was to 
 be in the majority, no matter what the means by which the majority is secured, 
 for we are told it is the majority which always controls. Here is another dan- 
 gerous half-truth. Is it the majority that always controls ? I love to think of 
 that brave apostle standing in the old pagan city when the mob was hooting 
 him, and crying in their foolish madness about the greatness of their goddess. 
 Who has ruled, the majority of that day, or the man who stood alone against 
 the great majority? A few years ago men were digging in the ddbris of that 
 same city, and discovering a ruin, they measured it and found it was the foun- 
 dation of that great temple at Ephesus. Somehow the temple, the goddess, and 
 the crowd have lost their power, and the minority of that day rules in ten thous- 
 and hearts. The history of the centuries shows that it is the men who have 
 stood alone for what was right, and stood because their position was right, that 
 have guided the destinies of the world. When will we learn that " one with 
 God is a majority"? 
 
 Was there a grander moment in the life of our Lord than when, the world 
 having turned its back upon him, he stood with the glory of a triumphant 
 
FiftecntJi Intcrnaiiojial Convention. 151 
 
 Christ in his face and said, "Ye shall leave me alone, and yet I am not alone. 
 Be of good cheer." 
 
 One of the first marks of a Christian citizen is power and willingness to 
 stand alone for a principle. 
 
 There is another test of Christian citizenship that is very simple, and yet it 
 is one of the most far-reaching principles in all political science. It was the 
 ideal of the ablest philosopher of the century. Let me illustrate it in a very 
 simple manner. If I had a blackboard here, I should place a dot upon it and 
 ask you to let it represent an individual, a citizen. Then I should draw round 
 that a circle and let it stand for that institution which comes nearest the indi- 
 vidual, the home. No one ever becomes a perfect human being unless he 
 stands in some real relation to the home, unless in some way he gives himself 
 to it, gives of his thought, his time, his strength. So it is that there wakes in 
 him that noble passion, love of home, one of the deepest and most beautiful 
 things in the human soul. Now I want to draw a second circle round this first 
 and call it society. I use this word in its larger sense. I mean infinitely more 
 than that for which people dress extravagantly, in which they tell lies to each 
 other and worse ones behind their backs. Society is the coming of people 
 together for any purpose, either good or bad. There is society in the slum and 
 on the avenue; there is society in the factory and the coal-mine; in the bank 
 and at the university. Just as the individual gives himself in some real way to 
 society, to his fellows, to humanity, does he find himself, his own deeper nature 
 that is born of love for his neighbor. 
 
 Let us draw another circle around these two, and call it government. There 
 is abroad in the land the false theory that a government exists simply to take 
 care of the citizen. It must take care of the pauper and the feeble-minded; but 
 one's government, which in a peculiar way stands for one's native land, one's 
 country, exists to be cared for, supported, and upheld. To give one's self to 
 one's country is the true idea of loyalty, and this it is that rouses another 
 splendid passion in the human heart, love of country. So it is that man con- 
 tinues to find himself. Woe to us as a nation if this passion passes away from 
 the people, and the citizen simply asks. What will the government give me? 
 rather than, What can I give of devotion, thought, service, to my country.? 
 
 But we must draw one other circle round these others, for it embraces them 
 all, and call it God. Just as the individual gives himself, directly and also in 
 and through all these other things, to God does he find his deepest, his truest, 
 his real self. So it is that he realizes himself, discovers his own soul. This is 
 the philosophy of all true citizenship in the kingdom of God. " He that would 
 find his life must lose it" is the profoundest of all philosophic principles. It is 
 also the simplest and sweetest law of daily life. 
 
 But is some one saying. This all sounds well, but after all, what am I to do.? 
 What am I to do when the majority is against me, and it seems as if 1 were in 
 a hopeless minority .? What if I find myself alone .? Life is short, and it is not so 
 easy to stand against dishonesty and selfishness. I want my life to amount to 
 something, and I do not want to be forever on the losing side. 
 
 A few summers ago, I sailed through the great lakes, and talking with the 
 pilot of the steamer of the great winter storms that sweep over those inland 
 seas, I asked him, " What do you do in those fiercest gales .? " " We keep her head 
 on," was his reply. "Well, what do you then?" "We keep her head on." 
 "But what do you do after that," I continued. " We keep her head on. Last 
 winter we met one of those southeasters just where we are now, and for hours, 
 with every pound of steam we could carry, we kept her nose up into the gale; 
 but at last the storm abated, and we made our harbor." That is my advice to you. 
 Keep her head on. Keep your faces up into the storm. You are never alone. 
 Our land needs brave and earnest men and women, who shall save our country 
 from the false theories and base deeds that threaten her. I do not ask you to 
 seek office. Let the office seek you, and. if it does, take up the burden with 
 just as high an ideal as that which led to the consecration of those young lives 
 at the haystack in Williamstown, years ago ; but above all, in word, in deed, 
 let no low ideal of the duties you owe to your country take possession of your 
 
152 Official Report of tJie 
 
 mind and heart, and let no man persuade you, either by false argument or base 
 sneer, that the teachings of Jesus, our Master, do not and can not obtain in all 
 our political affairs. 
 
 Treasurer Shaw then presented Mr. Rolla V. Watt, of San Francisco, 
 chairman of the Endeavor Convention committee of 1897, saying that 
 next year the Endeavorers would go to California and help win the 
 Pacific Coast for Christ. Mr. Watt told what Californians were going 
 to do to entertain the Endeavorers. The California committee had 
 already collected all the necessary funds for entertaining the Conven- 
 tion. He believed the trip across the continent would be an education 
 to every Endeavorer. He wanted all to come, and promised a warm 
 and hearty welcome. 
 
 " Not only will the Golden Gate be opened to welcome you, but the 
 gates of our hearts and our homes," he said, earnestly, in conclusion. 
 
 Mr. Foster called for everybody to sing " that favorite song of 
 Californians, ' Sunshine in the Soul.' " It was sung with a splendid 
 swing. 
 
 The closing address of the evening was delivered by the Rev. Dr. 
 P. S. Henson, of Chicago, and was probably as strong an arraignment 
 of the saloon evil as has ever been delivered on a public rostrum. 
 In vigorous and graphic strokes he pictured the saloon as the greatest 
 danger that threatens the safety of the United States. He held his 
 hearers spellbound until points were reached when they could restrain 
 their enthusiastic approval no longer, and the applause at times was as 
 much by the voices as by the hands of his auditors. 
 
 We regret the stenographic report was mislaid. Below we give a 
 part of the address. 
 
 Address of Rev. P. S. Henson, D.D., Chicago, III. 
 
 \^ From a WashtHgton paper P[ 
 
 I believe in the pulpit, and I beheve in the polls. I believe in the prayer 
 meeting, and I believe in the primary, and I believe it to be my duty to be at 
 one as much as it is to be at the other. 
 
 It is the habit of preachers to perish in the platitudes. They aim at nothing 
 all around an imaginary circumference and hit it every time, but I propose 
 to aim at something and' fire. If my language smells of brimstone, no one must 
 mind it, because my subject is very close to the mouth of hell. When Joshua 
 crossed the Jordan he was at the head of an army of the most remarkable cranks 
 the world had ever seen. They were armed with rams' horns, and they marched 
 around the walls and blew, not on horns of silver, but on rams' horns. And the 
 high and mighty muck-a-mucks of Jericho looked down on the crowd with 
 densive laughter. They continued to tramp and blow until one day there 
 was a great shout, and the walls of Jericho tumbled down. That was the 
 great object-lesson for God's army to be unmindful of the obstacles that con- 
 fronted it. faithful in the assurance that in the end they would be overcome. 
 
 The Gibraltar of the devil, the strongest fortress he has on earth, and whose 
 guns are the longest, is the saloon. I do not propose to speak of the wine 
 of communion, fermented or unfermented. or of the medical uses of alcohol, or 
 of the subject of dietetics, where a man has beer and beef on his own table. I 
 want to invoke the thoughtful consideration of the saloon as a menace to our 
 civilization. . 
 
 Both great parties, all great parties,— and there seem to be a number of them 
 
Fifteenth International Coivcntion. 153 
 
 in this year of bolts and thunderbolts,— seem to believe in protection to a greater 
 or a less degree. The protection they talk of, however, is of sheep, pig-iron, 
 salt, and such things; but it is for the Christians to defend protection of homes 
 and hearts and human souls. I hear a good deal of talk also about the cur- 
 rency, about honest money and debased money. Jeroboam once set up in his 
 kingdom a couple of calves, one at Dan and one at Bethel. I don't know 
 what metal those calves were made of, but I reckon one was silver and the 
 other gold. I reckon we can call the gold one Dan, because a golden calf 
 was molded out there, and now Chicago is Bethel, for a silver calf is being 
 molded there, and 70,000,000 people are dancing in idiotic ecstasy around 
 them both. I want to know if there is nothing nobler for the American 
 people to consider than these political makeshifts. Is not debased manhood 
 something? They talk about the circulation. How about pumping millions and 
 millions of damnation into the body politic every year? There's circulation 
 for you ! One of the great parties, I '11 not say which, is afraid of the Irish; 
 another one, which I will not name, is afraid of the Germans, but neither of 
 them is afraid of the Lord Almighty, as they ought to be. 
 
 The saloon question is the serpent in the path of the public man, like the 
 serpent that the Lord placed in the path of Moses, which only needed to be 
 taken up to become a sceptre of regal power. The saloon is the breed- 
 ing-place of the anarchist. I am not afraid of anarchy if you will close up 
 the saloons. It is not the red flag in the anarchist's hands, but the red light 
 of the saloon on the corner that threatens the stability of American institutions. 
 The real anarchist is not the shock-head fellow who carries a piece of lead 
 pipe under his coat, but the saloon-keeper. The bogus anarchist we hang; the 
 real anarchist we make an alderman out of. I do not believe in the pessimist 
 who predicted catastrophe to the country, for I feel sure that when God placed 
 the American people in the Western world he intended that its future should 
 be great and glorious. 
 
 The audience was dismissed with a benediction by Rev. Dr. Seymour, 
 of Philadelphia. 
 
 FRIDAY MORNING. 
 Tent Endeavor. 
 
 The praise service with which the regular meeting began was under 
 the direction of Mr. Percy S. Foster. 
 
 The devotional exercises, consisting of responsive Scripture reading 
 and prayer, were led by Rev. Hugh T. Stevenson, of Anacostia, and at 
 their conclusion Rev. John T. Beckley, D.D., of New York, who presided 
 over the meeting, introduced Mrs. Francis E. Clark, the wife of the 
 founder of Christian Endeavor, and she was given the Chautauqua salute 
 and an enthusiastic greeting. Mrs. Clark then read her paper on 
 " The Mothers' Society of Christian Endeavor." 
 
 Address of Mrs. Francis E. Clark. 
 
 The whole object and purpose of the Mothers' Society of Christian Endeavor 
 is really included in the first sentence of their pledge: "Trusting in the Lord 
 Jesus Christ for strength, I promise him that I will strive to do whatever he 
 would have me do, especially that I will endeavor to bring the children to 
 Christ and to train them for him." Surely Christian mothers everywhere desire 
 above all things to draw nearer Christ themselves, and to bring their children 
 to him and train them for his service. Is there any better way to do this than 
 by banding themselves together for this very purpose ? There are now a few 
 
154 Official Report of the 
 
 societies in our own and other lands which have taken this name of " The 
 Mothers' Endeavor Society," and are regularly organized and pledged to do this 
 work. 
 
 There ought to be in every church, by whatever name it may be called, some 
 organization that will be in very truth a Mothers' Endeavor Society, an organ- 
 ization whose definite purpose should be not only prayer, but prayer and work 
 for the children. There are already in many of our churches Alaternal Asso- 
 ciations and ladies' prayer meetings, having for their object, in part at least, 
 to pray for the children. Why could not these organizations pledge themselves 
 definitely to do this work in co-operation with the Junior Endeavor Societies, 
 even if they do not care to change their own name or have a more formal 
 organization? Why should there not be in every ladies' prayer meeting or 
 Maternal Association a Junior committee whose work should be to consult with 
 the Junior Superintendent and report to the meeting any plans for helping 
 the children. The Junior superintendent might be invited to come once a 
 quarter to the mothers' meeting to give a five-minute talk about her work, its 
 encouragements and perplexities and needs. It would be her opportunity to 
 appeal to the mothers for their help and counsel and prayer. 
 
 Could it not be planned that occasionally the little Junior secretary or 
 president should attend the mothers' meeting and give a report of the 
 work? Perhaps the members of the sunshine committee or some other com- 
 mittee might sometimes go together to the mothers' meeting and tell how they 
 are trying to do their part of the work, and ask for the prayers of the mothers. 
 Perhaps, too, it might be possible to plan as often as once a year to have a 
 union meeting of ihe mothers and the Juniors, when both societies could learn 
 more of each other's work and be drawn into closer sympathy. 
 
 The meetings of the Maternal Association in many churches are held every 
 month, and many heartfelt prayers are offered for the children : and yet the chil- 
 dren themselves know little or nothing about it, and there is nothing done in the 
 way of following up these prayers, and so the definite results are not what they 
 might be. 
 
 It sometimes happens, too, that in the course of time these mothers' meet- 
 ings come to be largely grandmothers' meetings, because the younger mothers 
 do not attend. 
 
 It would be very helpful not only to the Junior Societies, but to these 
 mothers' meetings, too, if they could in these ways or in other ways be more 
 closely connected and work and plan together. By consulting together, new 
 ways of working would be always opening up to both societies. The mothers 
 would find many ways of helping the children, and the children would take 
 great pleasure in the discovery that they, too, could help the mothers in many 
 little ways. 
 
 Suppose the mothers should decide that it would be well to send printed or 
 written invitations to some of the younger mothers who do not attend their 
 meetings. Surely the sunshine committee would be glad to divide the work 
 among themselves, and run on these errands. Do all the mothers of Juniors in 
 the church attend the ladies' prayer meeting? If not, then it might be well to 
 have some daintily printed cards of invitation to give out in the Junior meeting, 
 that each boy or girl may take one to the mother at home. 
 
 It would be well that quite often the mothers should send representatives 
 from their meeting, not more than one or two at anyone time, to visit the 
 Junior meeting, and often the Junior superintendent would be glad to ask one 
 of the mothers for a five-minute talk upon the topic of the day from a mother's 
 standpoint. 
 
 Let the Mothers' Society occasionally give a social to the Juniors, and let 
 it be the pleasantest social of all in the year. Let the mothers occasionally 
 give the children a pleasant surprise, in the shape of a new banner, or some new 
 pledge-cards, or any other little things the Juniors may be needing, and a new 
 link between them would be forged. 
 
 If some such plans were put into practice, should we not see not only more 
 children coming into the church, and growing up to be earnest workers there, 
 
Fiftec}itJi Intcrnatio)ial Convention. 155 
 
 but also more mothers who were living really consecrated lives, and who were 
 themselves walking more carefully in the way they would see their children 
 walk ? 
 
 Many existing Maternal Associations would have more real life and earnest- 
 ness if they were better organized for definite work, with perhaps a lookout 
 committee to bring in new members, and a prayer-meeting committee to select 
 topics and arrange leaders for the meetings, and a social committee to arrange 
 for an occasional sociable to which not only the mothers, but sometimes the 
 babies, should be invited, with a committee of Juniors to entertain them. Some- 
 thing of this sort would put new life into many a dead-and-alive ladies' prayer 
 meeting; and if the mothers were thus working with and for the children, it 
 would be a real Mothers' Endeavor Society, by whatever name it might be 
 called. 
 
 May God's blessing rest upon all the mothers who are trying in any way to 
 bring the children to Christ, and may this be a year when many children shall 
 hear the voice of their Saviour saying to them, " Come unto me." God grant 
 that very many of them may, indeed, come to him, and may begin in a simple, 
 childlike way to be about their Father's business. 
 
 The next speaker was Rev. C. L. Work, D.D., of Cincinnati, O., 
 who gave his address, "The School of Prayer." 
 
 Address of Rev. C. L. Work, D.D., Cincinnati, O. 
 
 Luke ii. i : " Lord, teach us to pray." 
 
 I am to speak to you to-day on some phases of prayer as seen in the Bible. 
 God's people are as weak in the matter of prayer as elsewhere, and so need to 
 be taught here as elsewhere. 
 
 I. There is a school of prayer for God's people. If God's people do not 
 know how to peay acceptably, they may learn to do so. I do not believe that 
 we have prayed as effectively as it is our privilege to pray. There is here a 
 magazine of powder to which many of us are entire strangers. Prayer is a 
 matter in which to make progress as followers of Christ. 
 
 There are several things which indicate the existence of this school: (a) 
 Christ's conduct when he was asked by his disciples to teach them to pray. He 
 immediately taught them the Lord's Prayer. He thinks as much of a disciple 
 now as then, and prayer is as important now as then. If it were important that 
 the disciple know how to pray then, it is equally as important now ; just as much 
 depends on prayer now as then, {b) Again, the work of the Spirit in connection 
 with the matter of prayer leads us to believe that not all that God intends to 
 do for his people in this matter has been done, and that nothing now remains 
 to be done. We are directly taught that "the Spirit helpeth our infirmities." 
 Here is the present tense of the word "help," leading us to understand that the 
 work is a continuous one. It is interesting here to study the make-up of the 
 Greek word translated "helpeth." The word is " sunantilambanetai ; " it is a 
 word made up of three others, — "sun," with ; " anti," opposite, and " lambane- 
 tai," to take hold of, or to seize. The idea is that the Spirit takes hold of our 
 burdens and crosses and duties as a helper opposite us, as if to look us in the 
 face and lift the same burden with us. It is the same word used by Martha 
 when she asked the Lord to bid Mary to come and help her with her household 
 duties. You have only to look into the eighth chapter of Romans to see that 
 this help here mentioned is in reference to prayer, and you will also see that 
 the " infirmities " here mentioned are infirmities in connection with prayer. 
 The time never was when God's people did not have infirmities or weaknesses 
 in the matter of prayer. Hence the work of the Spirit in this matter must be a 
 continuous one. He will show us our sins, and thus lead us to confession ; he 
 will show us our wants, and thus lead us to the matter of petition ; he will show 
 us the blessings of God, and thus help us in the matter of thanksgiving ; he will 
 show us the dangers of the lost, and thus help us in the matter of intercession, 
 and in many other ways will he help us in the matter of prayer. We are led by 
 
156 Official Report of the 
 
 the statements of the eighth chapter of Romans to believe that there is a pecu- 
 liar part of expression in the matter of prayer that only the Spirit can perform. 
 His helpfulness comes in groanings that can not i^e uttered. To excite these in 
 the one who prays is the peculiar work of the Spirit. They seem to be essen- 
 tial to the right spirit of prayer in us, and hence we must be constant. Thus the 
 work of the school of prayer goes on. There is a school of prayer for God's 
 people. We must matriculate in this school. This is the formula of matricu- 
 lation : " Lord, teach us to pray." Let each child of God place his name to this 
 matriculation formula in the school of prayer. 
 
 2. Under certain conditions we may be sure of prevailing in prayer. This 
 is the plain teaching of the Word of God. If this be not the correct position 
 to occupy in this matter, then I fail to see why certain records are found in the 
 Word of God. 
 
 Prevailing prayer is not something into which we can plunge, as a rule, im- 
 mediately, as a bird rising on the wing from the ground. There is precedent 
 thought, such thought and realization of facts and the relation of these to our 
 present and future condition as will awaken us to an unusual realization of our 
 state before God. It is a condition of soul or state of mind in which every- 
 thing but our eternal interests is most insignificant. Our surroundings are 
 intended to agonize us. In the light of the teaching of God's Word, how sad 
 the condition of the unsaved! The awful Turk is throwing Armenian babies 
 in the air and catching them on his bayonet as they fall. Many mothers 
 almost faint when they think of it. But think of a child damned in hell for- 
 ever. This is not an unbiblical thought, as Paul says to the Galatians, " My 
 little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you." 
 (Gal. iv. 19.) The Psalmist says, " Horror hath taken hold upon me because of 
 the wicked that forsake thy law." (Ps. cxix. 53.) Again he says, " Rivers of waters 
 run down mine eyes because they keep not thy law." (Ps. cxix. 136.) Isaiah saw 
 the coming doom of the unrepentant, and hear his words : " I will weep bitterly, 
 labor not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people." 
 (Isa. xxii. 4.) Hear Jeremiah : " Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a 
 fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter 
 of my people." (Jer. ix. i.) It is our duty to be solemnly moved in this way. 
 McCheyne used to visit his dying people on Saturday, that he might be more 
 moved in his pulpit on the Sabbath. Whitfield used to cry out before his vast au- 
 diences, " Oh, the wrath to come, the wrath to come !" and then sit down overcome 
 with emotion. It is the agony of Peter in the hour of penitence and bitter tears ; 
 it is the agony of David weeping over Absalom ; it is the agony of the Saviour, as 
 on the'last day of his ministry he sat on the Mount of Olives and cried in in- 
 describable agony, " O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, 
 and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy 
 children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye 
 would not." (Matt, xxiii.37.) Would to God that his people were thus agonized 
 all over the land ! Only when this agony of prayer seizes God's people will we 
 have a wide-spread revival. 
 
 3. Another Bible idea concerning prayer is that we are warranted in expect- 
 ing answer to specific petition more frequently than we sometimes think. I do 
 not think that the explanation is universal and final when we say that if we do 
 not get what we ask for we will get something better. That is a lazy Chris- 
 tian's way of putting it. Why do we not get just what we ask for.? Our 
 theory is that the Holy Ghost indicts our petitions, he suggests our prayers ; but 
 do we not stultify ourselves when we pretend to pray a prayer suggested by the 
 Spirit, and then explain away the failure to get an answer by saying that if we 
 do not get what we ask for we will be sure to get something better } My humble 
 opinion is that under such circumstances we will get nothing. Our explanation 
 does not explain. It is in some sense an insult to the Holy Spirit. It is the 
 equivalent of saying that he does not indict the petitions of his people, or that 
 he made a mistake and indicted the wrong petition. The only proper way to 
 do is to say that we have prayed a petition that the Holy Ghost did not suggest, 
 and therefore we will get no answer to our petition. Now, let us suppose a case. 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 157 
 
 We pray for the conversion of a friend and our petition is not answered. Now 
 bring in the stock explanation : ''If we don't get what we ask for we will get 
 something better." What would it be? What could it be.? The only explanation 
 allowable under the circumstances is that while the specific petition for the con- 
 version of a person is in accordance with the will of the Holy Ghost, yet he did 
 not indict such a petition in the given case on account of some fault in the one 
 who prayed. God can not answer prayer without due regard for the character of 
 the one who prays. Just here let me say that there is great need that we so live 
 that the Holy Ghost can be able to indict for us any petition that may suit his 
 purpose. We must not overlook the fact, in our discussion of the subject, that 
 prayer under God's own conditions is an essential link in the chain of causes. 
 Alas! how often is the chain broken at the prayer link. Jacob got just what he 
 asked for at Jabbok; Hezek'iah got just what he asked for when he prayed God 
 to spare his life; Moses got what he asked for when he asked the Lord to spare 
 the children of Israel ; John Knox got what he asked for when he asked for 
 Scotland ; Jesus Christ got what he asked for when in the garden he asked that 
 the bitter cup might pass from him. He did not there pray against the cross, but 
 against the bitterness of that specific hour of suffering in the garden. In answer 
 to his prayer it passed away, for he came to his disciples finally with words of vic- 
 tory on his lips. " Sleep on now, and take your rest : it is enough." (Mark xiv.41.) 
 What we all need most is to so pray under the direct and specific direction of the 
 Holy Ghost that we will ask for the right thing and get it. I am not saved 
 to serve until I am so saved that I can prevail with God in prayer. Let us go 
 to our Jabboks and Gethsemanes of prayer, and never give God rest till he 
 answer all our Holy Ghost indicted petitions. " Ye that make mention of the Lord, 
 keep not silence, and give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusa- 
 lem a praise in the earth." ( Isa. Ixii. 6.7.) The drunkard may pray specifically for 
 deliverance from his cups, and be contented with nothing less for an answer to 
 his petition. The debauchee may pray for purity and get it. The liar must pray 
 for truthfulness and get it. The parent ought to pray for the conversion of his 
 child, and not be contented until he gets exactly what he asks for. It is our 
 privilege to besiege the Throne of Grace and get what we ask by the teaching 
 and help of the Holy Ghost. 
 
 4. I ask you, in the next place, to notice the importance of the matter of 
 prayer in connection with revival, as seen in the Word of God. The pente- 
 costal revival was preceded by a ten-days' prayer meeting. It was through 
 prayer that Elijah reached the reformation of the people in his day. This has 
 always been the rule of revival. I wish I had tjme to follow this part of my 
 subject to a good length. In a little book entitled " Great Revival of 1800," you 
 will find this description of a scene down in old Kentucky, at Cane Ridge : — 
 
 " We arrived upon the ground, and here a scene presented itself to my mind 
 not only novel and unaccountable, but awful beyond description. A vast 
 crowd, supposed by some to have amounted to 25,000, was collected together. 
 The noise was like the roar of Niagara. The vast sea of human beings seemed 
 to be agitated by a storm. I counted seven preachers all preaching at one 
 time, some on stumps, others on wagons, etc.," and this is but a fair sample of 
 the way the Spirit wrought among men in those days. All through that little 
 book to which I have referred you will find constant reference to the way the 
 people prayed. These great revivals were born of fervent, prevailing prayer. 
 The Presbyterian Church of Western Pennsylvania was born of the prayers of 
 Joseph Patterson, a layman in Vance's Fort, in the winter of 1778. (Supra.) If 
 I have stated the relation between prayer and revival correctly, are we not respon- 
 sible, before God, if we do not down to our knees and pray all Christendom into 
 a white heat of revival? It can be done; it must be done; it will be done, 
 before the coniing of the Blessed Master. If you follow the history of revivals 
 you will find that they have always been the times of earnest, fervent, and con- 
 tinued prayer. Revivals are begotten in prayer, born in prayer, and remain with 
 us only when nurtured by prayer. If we would have our conventions promotive 
 of revival, we must not forget to make them places of prayer. It is all well 
 enough to gather in great numbers, wave our flags, make speeches and shake 
 
158 Official Report of the 
 
 the hands of antipodal delegates, and send messages of greeting to the distant 
 corners of the earth ; but unless prayer be the alpha and omega of it all, it will 
 be useless. 
 
 All great soul-winners have been men of power in prayer. It is said of 
 Richard Baxter that he stained the very walls of his study with the breath of 
 prayer. Here I can best express myself in the language of another: "When 
 the disciples prayed, Pentecost appeared; when John Wesley and his com- 
 panions prayed, England was refreshed ; when the Sabbath-school teachers at 
 Tanneybreaice prayed, ii,ooo were added to the Church in one year; 'when John 
 Knox prayed, Scotland was revived ; when Luther prayed, the papacy was 
 shaken; when Baxter prayed, Kidderminster was awakened; and in the lives of 
 Whitfield, Payson, Edwards, Tennent, whole nights of prayer were succeeded 
 by whole days of soul-winning." (" Outpourings of the Spirit," page 136.) 
 
 Let us down to our knees, and may Washington City, under the influence of 
 prevailing prayer, become a volume of flame like the burning bush at the feet 
 of Moses ; and then may it be given to the members of this great Convention to 
 carry back " crosses of fire " to the utmost bounds of the earth. 
 
 Dr. Beckley then introduced Mr. Ira D. Sankey, who sang the hymn 
 "The Ninety and Nine," after which he offered prayer. 
 The next subject was "The Joy of Soul-Winning." 
 
 Address of Rev. W. F. Wilson, Toronto, Ont. 
 
 It is not necessary, in the discussion of our subject, that we define the soul. 
 We accept the statement in the Bible concerning it, " as being satisfying and 
 sufficient." 
 
 As the sword is not the soldier, as the pen is not the poet, as the chisel is not 
 the sculptor, the house is not the tenant, neither is the body the man; but soul 
 and body, dust and deity, combined is man. 
 
 More thought, time, and money is invested in the study of man than in all 
 other subjects in the world together. The great sages and seers of history have 
 established schools and written unnumbered books on the dignity, fall, and re- 
 demption of man. Sin has weakened man's body and dethroned his soul; con- 
 sequently man's soul is one of God's wandering stars, tarnished jewels, faded 
 flowers, and lost sheep; and to win back this treasure is difficult in the extreme. 
 You can easily win a man's money, secure his vote, gain his friendship, or have 
 his applause, but not his soul ; yet, marvelous thought, God is expecting from 
 man service in winning the irnperishable souls of men. 
 
 Question : Which is worse,' a Christless man or a manless Christ ? — the vine 
 with no branches to bear the flowers and fruits that cluster in the character 
 divine. God has faith in Christ, for " God so loved the world that he gave his 
 only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have 
 everlasting life." Christ has faith in himself, — "And if I be lifted up from 
 the earth, I will draw all men unto me." 
 
 Yes, and Christ has faith in man, for he commissions him to win souls. Not 
 to buy them, for they are already bought with the precious blood; not to force 
 them, for the diadem of freedom rests on every brow; not to convict them, 
 this is the Spirit's work ; but to persuade and win is ours. To do this we 
 must get rid of our pride and fear; these paralyze and destroy. _ Remember 
 God's your Master. Remember how he helped David with his sling, and 
 Paul in Nero's prison; and he is still able to save and sustain to the uttermost. 
 
 All have not the same opportunities to work, nor the same gifts and graces 
 for work. There are those with two talents and those with ten. 
 
 God gives one man great eyes to see. He thus blest Dickens and said, 
 " Charles, write me a book against England's school and social wrongs," and 
 he did. To another he gives great courage ; he thus endowed Washington, and 
 said, " George, strike for liberty," and the thirteen jewel States were freed. He 
 gave Spurgeon a great voice ; he gave Livingstone great faith, and George 
 Peabody great wealth. But before them all he gave our own Clark great plans, 
 and said, " Francis, organize for me," and he did ; and here gathered in the 
 
Fifteeftth International Convctition. 159 
 
 capital of the greatest Republic beneath the stars is this world-famed Conven- 
 tion, because Francis E. Clark found unspeakable joy in winning souls. Daniel 
 Webster once said, " The day will come when the proudest boast of man 
 will be 'I am an American.'" No, Daniel, there is something even better 
 than that; it's this : " I am a Christian," — a working Christian, a joyful Chris- 
 tian, winning precious souls to shine in the diadem that spans the brow of 
 Christ. Oh the joy of soul-winning ! 
 
 First, there is the joy of knowing you helped to bring light, life, liberty, 
 and love to the sin-enslaved of our world. 
 
 Men have done much to win liberty for their fellow men. To this Cromwell, 
 Garibaldi, and Wellington gave their splendid powers; but before them all is the 
 imperishable Lincoln, whose name shall live linked with liberty long as thought 
 and heart shall live. 
 
 Intellectual freedom has had its champions. The names of Huss, Luther, 
 Ridley, and Bunyan are stars that shall never dim nor die. But to impart spirit- 
 ual liberty surpasses all the service ever rendered by the ransomed powers of 
 man. 
 
 You remember the story of England sending General Napier and an army of 
 10,000 men to Magdala in Abyssinia to liberate a single prisoner — spending 
 ^25,000,000? What for.-" To show the world the English flag guarantees life 
 and liberty to all who claim its protection. But, soul-winner, your object is the 
 soul, and all God has is in it. He breathed it into man. He gave Jesus Christ 
 to ransom it. His Holy Spirit comforts it. His angels minister to it. His 
 heaven is prepared for it. Oh, think of your work ! 
 
 I do not undervalue the great blessings and benefits conferred upon the 
 human race by the noble spirits of the ages. John Howard brought hope to 
 the imprisoned; Florence Nightingale brought joy to the suffering; at this hour 
 Clara Barton in the wilds of Armenia is battling with pestilence, disease, and 
 hunger. Yet, Christlike as all these services are, they are eclipsed by the joy 
 of winning man's deathless nature to the life and service of Christ. 
 
 Then, fellow Endeavorers, remember you are pledged workers, inspired 
 workers Christ is your model, and " The world for Christ " is your motto. Make 
 your service joyful, ever remembering " They who turn many to righteousness 
 shall shine as the stars forever." 
 
 Second, there is the joy in soul-winning of knowing that the world's purity, 
 charity, and service for Christ is increased ; in other words, you multiply good- 
 ness. Ananias, who helped Paul to Christ, was multiplied a thousand times in 
 the unquenchable zeal of the great apostle to the Gentiles. Andrew, who led 
 his brother Peter to the Messiah, was multiplied ten thousand times in the un- 
 paralleled service rendered the cause of righteousness by the preacher of Pen- 
 tecost, under whose ministry three thousand were added to the Church in a 
 single day. 
 
 Oh the joy of multiplying goodness ! Who started John Knox Christward? 
 What voice called John Bunyan from the slums of sin ? What worker first 
 quickened the spiritual energies of John Wesley, General Booth, and our own 
 Francis E. Clark 'i 
 
 Pardon a personal illustration. Some years ago, in a small Canadian town, 
 there was a devoted cripple girl who took six boys, and never ceased to pray 
 with and work for them until she saw every one of them in the ministry of the 
 Church of Christ. Her pulseless form sleeps in the village graveyard. No 
 sculptured stone bears the record of her name, and yet. methinks, not until 
 the last sermon has been preached and the last prayer has been offered will it 
 be known how much good, under God, she mothered. 
 
 Oh this joy, when the sunset hours of life have come, when we shall look 
 back and thank God we increased the spiritual service of man for Christ ! 
 
 Third, there is the joy of knowing you are engaged in a work that will 
 always give intense satisfaction. This is what we all want. We live for it ; we 
 toil for it; and work for Christ alone will give it. A person might discover a 
 continent, as did Columbus, and yet die in misery, as did he ; or compose an 
 immortal song, as did Mozart, and yet die in poverty, as did he; or create an 
 
160 Official Report of the 
 
 empire, like Napoleon, and yet die in exile, as did he. But in soul-winning it is 
 different; this service gives joy and satisfaction the passing years shall never 
 dim. 
 
 Surely, if material service could satisfy, the matchless Gladstone, of all men, 
 would be most happy ; but what are the facts 1 During the past few months he 
 has dedicated his splendid powers to the writing of a book for the glory of God 
 and the spiritual enrichment of his fellow men. 
 
 It seems to me Christ's greatest joy was in winning souls. He was mis- 
 understood by his nation, persecuted by his Church, betrayed by his disciples, 
 forsaken by his friends, and crucified by his enemies. His burden was very 
 heavy, and his Hfe was very sad. But he received satisfaction, not from the 
 number of blind and diseased ones that he had cured, but that he had helped 
 many precious souls to see His light and know his love. So with us ; our soul- 
 winning is our capital beyond the stars. 
 
 Lastly, there is the joy of expectant reward; the glorious home-coming, 
 bringing" our sheaves with us. There is the reward of seeing Jesus; there is the 
 reward of meeting the good of all the ages ; there is the reward of meeting old 
 companions and near and dear friends ; but greatest of all, there is the reward of 
 seeing those whom we have helped to save, and of being introduced by them to 
 Christ before an assembled world. And now, as every soldier steps forward in 
 obedience to the command of his officer, so may the representatives of all the 
 churches in this great Convention step forward in obedience to the command 
 of our Lord, to speedily take the kmgdoms of this world for our God and his 
 Christ. 
 
 After a moment of silent prayer, the congregation joined in singing 
 "Throw Out the Life-Life." 
 
 Rev. John W. Beckett, of Baltimore, then sang "Jesus, Saviour, Pilot 
 Me." 
 
 Next was the unrolling of the missionary roll of honor by the Rev. 
 Chas. S. Lane, of Mount Vernon, N. Y. The roll of honor was pro- 
 duced, and Rev. Mr. Lane spoke as follows : — 
 
 Remarks of Rev. C. S. Lane, Mount Vernon, N. V. 
 
 If Mr. Moody at Boston could count it one of the opportunities of his life to 
 address that gathering, I may well count it a double honor and privilege to be 
 thus placed upon the programme to speak even for five minutes upon the great 
 cause of missions; for this is not only a grand Convention, but the theme is the 
 grandest that can claim our thoughts. Whether we regard the actual triumph 
 of missions in the changed lines of individuals and communities, in the glorious 
 possibilities, the dawn of which has brightened the amazing record of missions, 
 its lofty motives, its record of personal heroism and saintly character, or whether 
 we think of it as the simple, straightforward obedience to the King's command, 
 in every aspect it is the grandest work that can claim the intelligence, the inter- 
 est, the enthusiasm, and the energy of consecrated hearts and lives. 
 
 The five minutes allotted to this service is not our estimate of its importance, 
 but only that it is the spirit of Christian Endeavor not so much to dwell upon 
 what it'has done as to look forward to what there is still to do. So we give 
 longer time to addresses of instruction and inspiration than to recounting our 
 past achievements; but it is my privilege to unroll this missionary roll of honor. 
 It contains the names of those societies which have contributed to the home 
 and foreign missions abroad for their own church during the past year. In 
 Boston, the honorary roll was made up of those who had given a certain small 
 amount. There were certain objections to that money limit, and it was a very 
 small one ; but it was one that if you were going to give anything you would give 
 as much as $io, and it was felt that the naming of a sum perhaps made some 
 think that that was all they needed to give, and so there was nothing said about 
 an amount this year, and all that have given to the missions for their own 
 
The WASHINGTON Monument, Showing Floral Des 
 
Fifteenth International Convcntio7i, 161 
 
 church recognize their obligations, and in that way are on the roll of honor. 
 And there are, as Mr. Baer told us yesterday, 5,869 of these societies, besides 
 2,331 Junior Societies of honor of the boys and girls that are beginning to bear 
 tlie burdens of the Church. There are 8,200 societies, as against 5,500 last year. 
 The thing is growing. The tide is rising, and they come from all over this 
 country. Is your society on the list ? Well, it ought to be next year if it is not 
 this. We ought to have them all on the roll. 
 
 We only unroll it in the figure of speech. I would like to give one end of it 
 into somebody's hand to be carried out to the end of the tent, but you would 
 have to carry it out there and back and back, I do not know how many times, 
 for there is no room here to unroll it. It is 600 feet long. 
 
 Before I tell you more, as magnificent as this roll of honor appears in its 
 physical form, it is far greater in what it stands for. For one thing, this roll of 
 honor is the answer to those who have any question as to the loyalty of our 
 Endeavor Societies to their own denominations. There have always been 
 those who have feared — and there may be a few left — that the young people 
 may be drawn away from allegiance to their own church, and that they may 
 lose something that binds them to the church of their fathers. But one of our 
 prmciples of Christian Endeavor is loyalty to one's own church. If there is 
 anything Dr. Clark insists upon with greater fidelity or with more burning 
 eloquence than he does anything else, this roll of honor is one witness to it. 
 It is the record not of money given to them for miscellaneous causes, good enough 
 in their way; not of money given for missions in general; but of money given 
 to the mission boards of our respective churches, — the official channels through 
 which we are to give. This roll of honor is one record of our loyalty to our 
 own churches, and then, too, this roll of honor stands as an answer to those 
 who think that Christian Endeavor has a kind of sentimental gush, and is a sort 
 of annual religious jubilee. Those of us who are in it know that Christian 
 Endeavor means Christian work, week in and week out, the whole year round; 
 and this roll of honor stands for not merely an enthusiasm of words and songs, 
 but the kind of enthusiasm that is transmuted into downright service and hard 
 dollars and cents. It used to be said that the prayer meeting was the ther- 
 mometer of the Church. There is a profound truth in that, of course, and yet 
 is it not a practical truth to-day that the test of a church's piety or an individ- 
 ual's piety is in their foreign missionary collection ? How clearly and how 
 fully do we recognize our obligations to God ? And this roll stands for the loy- 
 alty we have to our own church ; it stands for our loyalty to God's work, the 
 expression of our purpose that we will do what we can, that we will use what 
 God has given us for his service and his glory. May I not urge also as a 
 thought to lie under all these and to lead us to larger giving, that Christianity 
 is essentially a missionary religion 1 That is a great deal more than saying that 
 missions are important. Christianity is essentially in its very nature a mission- 
 ary religion. Missions are a part of Christianity, — so much a part of it that it 
 is not the real Christianity without missions. 
 
 The church in whose pastorate I have the honor to serve, fifty years ago 
 wrote its platform of principles in this matter : " The Presbyterian Church is a 
 missionary society whose purpose is the conversion of the world, and every 
 member of the church is a member of that society, bound to do all he can in 
 the prosecution of that work." And about the same time the church used these 
 words also : " The time has now come " (and remember that was fifty years ago ; 
 how much more must it be true now !) "that no church and hardly any indi- 
 vidual can refrain from giving something systematically to missions without 
 grave dishonor and sin." We cannot be indifferent. The work of missions 
 rests upon our hearts, and I plead with the Christian Endeavor members of 
 this host to plead with God for the cause ; be honest in our faith, and let us lift 
 the burdens of the heathen of the world not lightly with our finger-tips, but let 
 us pray God with strong crying and tears for mercy not only upon our Christ- 
 less brethren across the sea, but upon the Christlessness of our own souls, upon 
 our shallow sympathies, our hollow self-denials, our callousness to the evils of 
 
162 Official Report of the 
 
 the world, that we take up this work for which God pledged his Son and to 
 which that Son gave his life. 
 
 The Hampton Octette then rendered the song, " Let the Heavenly 
 Light Shine on Me." 
 
 Dr. Beckley : There is a motto that hangs in our homes, "The Lord 
 will provide," and the Lord arranges our programmes for us often after we 
 have made our own arrangements and printed the programme, and sometimes 
 the very best programmes are those that have been arranged after the meeting 
 begins. We will not be able to hear from the last speaker on the programme 
 to-day, but the Lord has sent Bishop Baldwin, of Canada, and I know you all 
 will rejoice in the privilege of hearing him now. 
 
 Address of the Rt. Rev. Morris S. Baldwin, D.D., London, Ont. 
 
 My friends, I only speak because I feel that I have been called upon to do 
 so, and I recognize a liigher power than the chairman. I therefore would say 
 but a few words on the subject of Christian power, and I would begin by af- 
 firming that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God in the highest and 
 most unrestricted sense. God has given us what power is in the Gospel of his 
 Son, and I would therefore point your attention this morning to the evidence 
 of that power in the kingdom of Christ. 
 
 Now, to begin with, we find that the Church of God is not a granite build- 
 ing, not some huge, immobile structure, but a tree, living, growing, and expand- 
 ing, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. The simile of the church 
 is not stone. It is not that which is fastened and secured and absolutely with- 
 out motion, but something whose progress is commensurate with the great mis- 
 sion of our Lord; and therefore a church without power is like Samson 
 without his locks. It is an anomaly. And wherever we see pulpits without 
 power, wherever we see communities that are rich and where perhaps the Gos- 
 pel is preached, yet where there is an absence of power, we see something that 
 is in direct contravention to the whole economy of God. Now when we look at 
 God's power we see this manifested in the work of God the Holy Ghost, and 
 God the Holy Ghost is that mighty power by which God communicates life, 
 refreshes the weary, strengthens the weak, and brings back millions to the fold 
 of the Son of God. Now let me ask you to notice that there are four rivers 
 mentioned in the Word of God, and it is to these four rivers that I would draw 
 your attention this morning. They are rivers that bring us to that work of 
 God the Holy Ghost to which I have referred. 
 
 The first river is that of the Garden of Eden, where we see one great 
 river flowing through the garden and dividing itself into four great streams, 
 showing that for the garden there was blessed refreshment and power, a power 
 that went forth over the great nations of the earth. 
 
 Secondly, we see another river, — and it is mentioned in the Psalms, — that 
 river the streams whereof make glad the city of our God. It is the same river, 
 but it is here in the city. It makes glad, and the Psalmist, in speaking about 
 the tumultuous life around him, says, "Therefore will we not fear, though the 
 earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the 
 sea." There is a river which is the broad, deep, glorious river that flows to 
 make glad the city of our God. 
 
 Now, dear friends, the city here is the Church of God, and that river is the 
 same stream. It is the Holy Spirit that is to make glad the Church of God — 
 not the wealthy millionaire, not the rank nor the power of \\\z people, but what 
 is to make glad the Church of God is the presence, the power, and the manifes- 
 tation of God the Holy Ghost. It takes the sorrow out of our hearts and fills 
 our dim eyes with joy. 
 
 The third river is that just mentioned in the book of the prophet Heze- 
 kiah. It is the river that comes out of the temple, and it flows from that tem- 
 ple in an ever-increasing stream. First, it is only ankle-deep; then it is to the 
 knees ; then it is to the waist ; and at last it is the great river that one cannot 
 
Fifteenth Liteniational Conventioji. 163 
 
 possibly wade, and that river is the same mighty and Holy Spirit that is going 
 forth from the temple of God. It is the Church Christ has purchased, and if 
 the Church is to do its work, that river must flow out again, broadening, deep- 
 ening, expanding, the river of God's Most Holy Spirit, for the deepening of his 
 work and the gathering-in of souls against the coming of our Lord. 
 
 And, lastly, there is a river, and it is the same river that in the fourth 
 instance is close up to the throne of God. The first was the river of the gar- 
 den ; the second, the river of the city ; the third is the river of the temple ; and the 
 fourth is the river of the throne, and it issues from the throne of God, show- 
 ing us where that Holy Spirit comes from — not from the councils of men, not 
 from human cause, but fresh from the throne of God, flowing forever and for- 
 ever out upon this vast world, for strength, for healing, and for power. And 
 what does this Holy Spirit teach .'' With this I conclude. Just as the magnet 
 of the compass points only to the north, though storm and sunshine come upon 
 it it is always to the north, so God the Holy Ghost, through ages upon ages 
 keeps pointing to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. 
 And I say to you, dear young men and Endeavorers of this vast conference, 
 you will receive abundantly that river of joy into your own hearts. Tell it to 
 the old, ere they sink into eternity ; tell it to the young in the freshness and 
 vigor of life ; tell it to the men of business, absorbed with the rush and turmoil 
 of their work : that there stands before them that great Redeemer whose blood 
 can cleanse them from their sins, and who waits to be gracious. You have no 
 exhausted brook to draw from, but a river broad and deep, that makes glad the 
 city of our God. Drink of it, bathe in it, and go forth in the power of the Holy 
 Ghost; and let your life be a laying-down of your homage at the Saviour's feet 
 to gather in souls against that great day when Jesus Christ shall come again in 
 the glory of his Father to take his waiting bride and place her forever in the joy 
 of heaven. 
 
 Central Hall. 
 
 Owing to the fall of Tent Williston, the big meeting which was to 
 have been held there took place at Central Hall. 
 
 President Clark was present at Central Hall and presided over the 
 meeting. A large section of the chorus was on hand, and the first half- 
 hour was devoted to a musical service, under the leadership of Mr. P. P. 
 Bilhorn, of Chicago. 
 
 When Dr. Clark advanced to the stand to formally open the exercises 
 he was greeted with enthusiastic applause, as he is every time he comes 
 before an Endeavor audience. 
 
 The devotional exercises were conducted by Rev. Adam Keoch, of 
 Washington. 
 
 The first topic was "The Intermediate Society of Christian Endeavor." 
 
 Address of Rev. Chas. A. Dickinson, D.D., Boston, Mass. 
 
 The Intermediate Society is to the Christian Endeavor movement as a 
 whole what the trunk is to the tree. It is, or should be, that part of the organ- 
 ism which connects the roots and branches. It conserves and regulates the 
 flow and counterflow of those influences which are to determine the character 
 and quantity of the blossoms and fruit. It covers that nexus of critical years 
 which joins infancy to young manhood and womanhood. 
 
 The discussion of the question at this time is but a natural result of that 
 wonderful evolution which has characterized the Endeavor movement from the 
 beginning. 
 
 Each succeeding year has presented to the common sense of the Christian 
 Endeavor hosts its special questions, and most of these questions have been 
 
164 Official Report of the 
 
 followed by practical and helpful solutions. Thus the work has grown from 
 the tiny beginning to the world-spreading tree. 
 
 In speaking of the trunk of the tree, it goes without saying that it requires 
 as much care as the root and branches. 
 
 Trunk-shielding and trunk-straightening and trunk-pruning are some of the 
 most important parts of arboriculture. I have seen a row of maples every one 
 of which was scorched and shriveled on the southern side the first year after 
 they were transplanted. Their trunks were not protected from the burning sun, 
 and, as a result, they will always have a mass of dead wood at the core. The 
 woods and fields are full of crooked trees which might have been straight had 
 withes and stakes been applied to them when they were young. 
 
 The adolescent age, comprising the early "teens,"' is in a special sense the 
 trunk-training age. Everything depends upon the protecting, straightening, 
 and pruning which are given during this period. It is here that the tendencies 
 of infancy are strengthened or perverted; here that the man or the woman is 
 shaped; here that the tremendous dynamos of passion and ambition and aspira- 
 tion are changed for life's weal or woe. 
 
 It is here that the Intermediate Society does its gracious and beneficial 
 work. 
 
 In my judgment, the Christian Endeavor movement owes its phenomenal 
 success and great prosperity to the fact that it started as an Intermediate 
 Society, and adapted itself from the very outset to the peculiar needs and perils 
 of the adolescent period. The first society was composed very largely of boys 
 and girls. 
 
 It was this class which most troubled the ministers twenty years ago. 
 "What shall we do with them?" said fathers and mothers and clergymen. 
 " Where will they be safe "i They are too big for the cradle and too small for the 
 church." " Take them under the wing of the church and organize them into a 
 working society," said Dr. Clark. Take them while they are plastic and train 
 them in Christian service. Give them five or six years of continuous practice 
 in Christian thought and prayer and expression and activity, and when they 
 are eighteen they will be shapely young men and women. 
 
 This was the God-appointed mission of the Society of Christian Endeavor, 
 It was here that it did a work which no other organization had done, and it is 
 only by adhering closely to its original charter that it can hope to continue its 
 beneficent influence. 
 
 The years in their merciless revolution push us forever on. Youth comes 
 but once in a lifetime. The boys and girls of the first society are now the 
 young men and women of the community. The happy tendency is to forget the 
 flight of years, however, and to imagine we are still the original Endeavorers. 
 And it is just possible that, with this sense of our own perennial youth increas- 
 ing, even under our gray hairs, we may forget the real boys and girls who are 
 just now jumping out of their cradles into the shoes we wore fifteen or twenty 
 years ago, and so pulling the Endeavor Society along with us into middle life, 
 leave no adequate provision for the young folks who come after us. 
 
 This tendency has been noted in some of our churches. There is a disposi- 
 tion on the part of those who were boys and girls fifteen years ago to separate 
 themselves from those who are fifteen years old to-day, and to monopolize the 
 privileges of the Society. They do this almost unconsciously. And herein is 
 the danger which threatens the permanency of the Society, and which, unless 
 arrested, will tend to make the Endeavor movement the convenience of a single 
 generation, instead of what we believe that it is designed to be, the blessing of 
 the ages. 
 
 The Intermediate Society is adapted to avert this danger and solve the many 
 difficulties connected with it. 
 
 The formation of Junior Societies was an important step toward establishing 
 that law of circularity by which organizations and institutions become perma- 
 nent through the infusion from year to year of the fresh young life of the com- 
 munity, but there is a long distance between the Juniors and adult societies. The 
 graduate from the Junior Society is in no sense fitted to become an active mem- 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 165 
 
 ber in the older society, as it exists to-day in most of our churches. He does 
 not feel at home there. He is overshadowed and silenced. I am not sure but 
 that this fact will become so apparent as the evolution of the Society goes on 
 that some such provision as the intermediate department will seem to be a ne- 
 cessity in every church. Indeed, I am inclined to think that the Intermediate 
 Society in future years will be considered as the essential part of the Christian 
 Endeavor movement. 
 
 For some years to come, however, this need will not be so much felt as it 
 will be when the present societies have practically become the rank and file of 
 the churches and have assumed the work and responsibilities of the older gener- 
 ation. In the larger churches the need is felt to-day. The societies in these 
 churches are, as a rule, too large for the conscientious fulfilment of the pledge 
 and the most efficient service. 
 
 They are made up of many adults who, because of their larger experience, 
 are expected to assume the official duties and do most of the planning and 
 talking. 
 
 Several years ago it was thought advisable in a number of these large 
 churches to break up these societies into division bands, in order to secure a 
 more general participation in the duties and privileges of the meetings, and the 
 formation of the intermediate branch is one of the results of that movement. 
 
 In my own church we organized some two years ago a second, or inter- 
 mediate, division, which comprises to-day some sixty of the brightest boys and 
 girls of the parish, whose average age is about fourteen or fifteen years. They 
 are full of life and fire. They are sometimes mischievous. They once in a 
 while laugh out in meeting and do things which the good old saints consider 
 very frivolous; but on the whole they are ideal Endeavorers, full of the spirit of 
 ministration, genuinely devout, earnestly desirous to serve the Lord and obey 
 his commands. 
 
 One of the pastors of the church is always present at their meetings. Advice 
 and direction are given when needed. They are always amenable to loving 
 guidance, and under it they give promise of becoming a strong right arm of the 
 church. They are learning what few adult Christians learn in their youth; 
 namely, that Christian life means service. A little five-year-old nephew of 
 mine said to his father the other day as he was waiting for the after-dinner des- 
 sert, " Papa, do you know what custard pie is ? " " What is it ? " asked his 
 father. " Why," replied Robert, with a bright twinkle in his eye, " it is all 
 swallow and no chew." A pretty good definition, I should say, of some of the 
 old-time religion, which came very near turning our churches into intellectual 
 restaurants for feeding lazy Christians with soft custards. Against this whole 
 idea of an easy-going faith the Endeavor movement has set itself from the 
 beginning. 
 
 And, under God, it has been wonderfully blessed in raising up a vast host of 
 active workers. 
 
 The best worker of to-day is the young man or woman who came ten or 
 fifteen years ago as a boy or girl into the Endeavor ranks. The workers of the 
 next generation will be the Endeavor boys and girls of this. So long as 
 Endeavor shall hold the boys and girls God will use it to bring on his 
 millennium. 
 
 The next speaker's topic was " Every Talent for Christ." 
 
 Address of Rev. John Neil, Toronto, Ont. 
 
 The central thought in this address is that God will accept and use every 
 power we possess if we consecrate all to his service, and that the Christian has 
 scope for the exercise of all his talents in the service of God. This has been 
 denied. There are those who have said that Christianity narrows a man ; that 
 it has impoverished art and is inimical to true culture. Such is not the case. 
 Culture has been defined as having a high ideal and training heart and brain 
 and hand and eye to reach that ideal. Now Christianity sets before us the high- 
 
166 Official Report of the 
 
 est ideal, and it trains heart and brain and hand and eye to attain to that ideal. 
 John Stuart Blackie has truly said that man's chief end is to develop every 
 power of mind and body and soul to the fullest extent. If he does that he 
 will glorify God and enjoy him forever. 
 
 Christ invites us to come to him with all we have, and the two talents will be 
 made four, and the five, ten. In endeavoring to prove this, let us first consider 
 that God has given man every power which he possesses and has made provi- 
 sion for the exercise of all. When man was created he was endowed with all 
 the faculties he possesses. His love of the beautiful and his power to produce 
 the beautiful all came from God. In this respect he was created in the image 
 of God himself, who loves the beautiful and has made everything beautiful in 
 its season. He also commanded him to cultivate all the powers he gave him, 
 for when he told him he was to cultivate the earth he did not mean the external 
 world around him merely, but his own nature as well, with all the powers it pos- 
 sesses. 
 
 When he was creating a world in which man was to dwell he did not 
 merely make provision for man's necessities, but he also created a world 
 filled with forms of beauty, and which minister to every part of our being. No 
 part of our nature, no talent, is left unprovided for. The same was true when 
 he was providing a revelation for man. He did not content himself with declar- 
 ing his will in a few brief, comprehensive statements, but he gave a revelation 
 which appealed to every part of man's being. The Word of God has come to 
 us through history, parable, simile, poetry in all its forms, so that every part of 
 man's being is touched. His intellect, his emotions, his iEsthetic nature, — all 
 are used as channels through which His truth reaches heart and conscience. If 
 God had no place in his kingdom for all man's varied talents, it is not likely 
 that in all these varied ways he would have ministered to them all. 
 
 We find that God has in the founding and developing of his Church used 
 all the powers man possesses. 
 
 When founding his Church he did so. In the construction of the Taber- 
 nacle and the Temple, in which God was to dwell in the midst of his people, 
 the mechanical skill and genius not only of Israelites, but those of other 
 nations, were placed under contribution. In making provision for the Temple 
 service, the greatest poets and the sweetest musicians were employed by God. 
 In the revelation which he was giving to man, he placed under contribution the 
 learning and the genius and all the varied talents of men who had given them- 
 selves to him, — the learning of Moses, the wisdom of Solomon, the poetical 
 genius of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. When that revelation was to be com- 
 pleted, when Christ came, we find him training his disciples and using their 
 individuality and their varied experiences in the declaration of his truth, — the 
 learning of Luke and Paul, the methodical training of Matthew ; also the san- 
 guine temperament of Peter, making him the apostle of hope; the fervent 
 nature of John, making him the apostle of love ; and the ethical instincts of 
 James, making him the apostle of the ethical side of Christianity ; so that all the 
 varied gifts and talents and experiences of those men were utilized by God in 
 the founding of his Church. The same was true when he was bringing his Church 
 back to a knowledge of the truth. She had become corrupt, and a false phil- 
 osophy had concealed or distorted the truth. When the time came to bring 
 men back to the light we find all men's varied talents employed. What varied 
 gifts were exercised in the Reformation ! Luther was not only a great preacher, 
 but he was a sweet singer, and he produced the battle-songs of the Reformation. 
 Holbein was a great artist, and from the canvas he taught the same truths 
 which were preached and sung by Luther. Calvin was the greatest logician of 
 his age; Erasmus, the greatest scholar. All were used; not a talent was 
 rejected. 
 
 The same was true when God's Church was to be revived. We find God 
 laying his hand on men of varied talents. Whitfield, the marvelous orator, who 
 could for hours hold thousands spellbound : John Wesley, not only a great 
 preacher, but the great organizer; Charles Wesley, the poet, who wrote some 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 167 
 
 of the sweetest hymns which have enriched our books of praise; — all these 
 were used. 
 
 We find the same is true now, when we are disseminating the truth. This is 
 the age of missions. It seems as if each age of the Church had its own special 
 work to do, — at one time to defend the truth, at another to disseminate the 
 truth. This is the age of missions. The Church has her ears open to hear 
 the command of her Lord : " Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel 
 to every creature." And now as never before since the first centuries she is 
 seeking to obey that command. And what do we find.^" God is using and 
 blessing every invention, every advance in science and art in this great work. 
 Men and women find that every talent they possess can be used in telling the 
 story of Christ's love to a lost world. Medical missions are opening doors for 
 the entrance of the Gospel. Scientific knowledge in other places is being em- 
 ployed. The Gospel sung is reaching hearts which were closed against the 
 Gospel preached; and we find that God is caUing on all and using every power 
 he has given to man in furthering this great work, so that all through the past 
 and in the present, in the founding and developing of his Church, God has, 
 and is recognizing, all man's work or gifts. 
 
 We find also that when men consecrate their powers to God's service 
 they are developed in a way they would not otherwise be. Moses was a 
 learned man and possessed great natural talent, but would he ever have pos- 
 sessed the power he did had he consented to be called the son of Pharaoh's 
 daughter and refused the call of God.-* The disciples of our Lord would 
 never intellectually have been the men they became had they not yielded them- 
 selves to him. Bunyan had a vivid imagination and possessed native humor, 
 but he would never intellectually have been able to write the " Pilgrim's Pro- 
 gress" had he not dedicated these gifts to God. 
 
 And so it has ever been. If we have any talent, we find that talent is 
 increased and developed by giving it to God. We yield it to him; he gives it 
 back enriched. It is reasonable that such should be the case. The story is 
 told of a great musician who was also a mechanical genius. He was not satis- 
 fied with any of the musical instruments at his disposal, and constructed an 
 organ for himself. Others could produce sweet music on that organ, but no 
 one could call forth its powers as he who had made it. So with us: God has 
 made us; every power we possess has come from him, and it is only when we 
 yield our lives to him and allow him to use us that the full music of which our 
 lives are capable is evoked. Now when we consider all this, when we think 
 that God has created all the powers we possess; that in the world he has 
 created and in the revelation he has given, he has made provision for them all; 
 when we think that in the founding and development of his Church he has 
 used all the varied talents men possess, and when we consider that it is only 
 when men have yielded themselves fully to him that they have produced all of 
 which they are capable, can we have any doubt that God will accept and will 
 use all we bring to him .'' Do not fear that if you become a Christian it 
 will narrow you. On the contrary, it will enrich your life and give it a beauty 
 it does not now possess. Do not let us be satisfied with merely coming to Christ 
 that our sins may be pardoned, but let us bring every gift to him and use all 
 for him. If there is any one here who is not a Christian, I would say. Why 
 remain away from Christ 1 You may have much in your life that is sweet and 
 beautiful, but you are like the wayside flower ; it is beautiful and fragrant, but 
 it is exposed to the chilling winds and is in danger of being trodden down by 
 the feet of those who are passing by. Let that flower be transplanted by the 
 gardner and he will watch over it, shelter it from the storm, and it will put on a 
 richer beauty and have a sweeter fragrance. So with you. Come to Christ 
 with all you possess and he will not only guard and defend your life, but he will 
 beautify and enrich it, and it will go on developing through the ages of eternity. 
 
 After the singing of a hymn by the chorus. Rev. Cortland Myers, of 
 Brooklyn, N. Y., was introduced to speak upon the subject, " The 
 King's Business." 
 
168 Official Report of the 
 
 Address of Rev. Cortland Myers, Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 
 There were twelve millions of men who laid down their lives to satisfy the 
 ambitions of a Cssar. There were four millions of men who laid down their 
 lives in the war-path cut by Napoleon Bonaparte through Europe, and whose 
 bones lay bleaching upon the shore of a foreign world. There have been millions 
 throughout the history of the world who have simply followed obediently the 
 standards of an earthly king. There are in the world to-day millions of men who 
 would rise at the first sound of the word " Go " from the king's or the queen's 
 lips. The Czar of Russia commands his thousands, the Emperor of Germany 
 his thousands, and the Queen of England her thousands. They are ready at 
 the first instant to move to any part of the world at the command of their 
 sovereign. 
 
 If those who obtain only a small part of this world to call their kingdom, and 
 a single house or two which they call their palace, have such implicit obedience 
 as history testifies to, what shall we say this morning as to our relation to our 
 King, — the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Not only a small part of 
 this world is his, but the whole planet. All the flowers and all the conserva- 
 tories and fields of the world are in his conservatory in one palace. All the 
 grass and all the meadows of the world comprise his lawns. All the mountain- 
 sides with their trees and their verdure comprise his parks. The oceans them- 
 selves are the baths, and the rivers and lakes are the fountains for that palace. 
 All the sunrises of the morning and sunsets of the evening are the pictures upon 
 that palace wall. All the stars in the heaven are his thousands of candle 
 chandeliers. 
 
 If that is the contrast between your King and Napoleon Bonaparte, what 
 ought to be your duty this morning to that sceptre that swings above the head 
 of every Christian man and Christian woman ? Just one attitude of implicit 
 and immediate obedience. We have a theology of justice emphasized and a 
 theology of love exercised, a new theology and an old theology ; but I declare 
 this morning that it seems to me about time in the kingdom of God that we 
 had a theology of obedience. 
 
 The last word of your Divine King was one monosyllabic word, but a word 
 stupendous in its size, after all, — that one single round " o " encircling the world 
 and the crooked "g" the chain which binds that world fast to the throne of God. 
 "Go, go," was your Master's command, and not stop until the last square foot 
 upon the planet had been touched by a drop of blood from his veins. That 
 command covers preacher and hearer. It covers every man and woman and 
 child beneath the sceptre of the Son of God. 
 
 In the world's bright field of battle, alas ! it is too often true in the bivouac 
 of life you will find the Christian soul represented by his wife. And the men 
 of this kingdom of our Lord have not yet learned the lesson which I speak this 
 morning as well as the women have learned it. They have not learned it in the 
 home field and they have not learned it in the foreign field, — the implicit obe- 
 dience demanded of them by their King. 
 
 We must follow implicitly the standard of the Christ, no matter where it takes 
 us, in any part of this home-land or the foreign land, before this planet shall be 
 ever given to its rightful owner. We must learn more deeply than we have ever 
 learned it yet, the necessity, the demand, that runs through the entire kingdom 
 of our Lord Jesus Christ to be obedient to our King. If we had one-tenth part 
 of the obedience which is given to the kings of this world in their kingdoms 
 how long do you think it would be before this world would be given to Christ 
 entirely, bound with golden chains to the feet of God.? How long, think you? 
 Before the close of this nineteenth century, and you would not need to plan a 
 Christian Endeavor Convention in England. Wherever you would go you 
 would find your Convention before the throne of God. 
 
 If we would simply move up to the standard of Christ in obedience to our 
 Master's voice, ah, quickly, quickly, would the world be given to him. Tenny- 
 son, in his " Light Brigade " says:— 
 
 " Theirs not to reason why, 
 Theirs but to do and die. 
 
FiftecntJi. Intcmational Convcntio7i. 169 
 
 Into the valley of death 
 Rode the six hundred. 
 Cannon to right of them, 
 Cannon to left of them. 
 Cannon in front of them, 
 Vollied and thundered. 
 Into the jaws of death. 
 Into the mouth of hell. 
 Rode the six hundred." 
 
 If that was our attitude towards the commands of our Divine Master, — never 
 to reason why, but to do and die, — what mighty progress there would be in the 
 kingdom of our Lord upon earth ! 
 
 What is our message, and wliat is our business as Christian men and women ? 
 We are here in this Christian Endeavor Convention, and we say our mission 
 upon earth is to fulfil the mission of Jesus Christ and to save men; but next 
 week we will be back in our business places and our homes, and our business, 
 if we are truthful, is not that ; it is more often to get more of this world's goods 
 in our hands, or to climb to a higher summit ; or some other object than the one 
 supreme object. We are hearing a great deal to-day about gold and silver. 
 One part of this land is falling down before a golden calf, and another part of 
 this land is falling down before a silver calf, and nearly the whole land is waltzing 
 and dancing around those two calves in its excitement and its insanity. Almighty 
 God is sending the message from his throne : " What doth it profit a man," if 
 he owns all the silver-mines of a Bland, or a Boies, or a St. John, or all the gold 
 of the gold-bugs of Wall Street, if he loses his immortal soul.? What value is it 
 if we have all the wealth of this world in our hands if the soul is lost 1 What 
 value is it to your fellow man if his soul is lost ? The most valuable thing upon 
 earth and in heaven is the soul of man. It is your business and mine to save 
 that soul through the grace of God. We have been hearing much recently, and 
 rightly so, about Armenia and the persecutions of the Turk. I have had my 
 own blood boil, and I am prepared this morning to pause right here and pray 
 to God Almighty to send our white squadron yet up the Dardanelles and shatter 
 that old Turkish throne into atoms and send the pig-headed monarch where he 
 belongs. I have prayed it. I prayed it before three thousand people and have 
 been preaching it to them almost every Sunday for the last month. I am pre- 
 pared to pray that that old Turkish rug, crimsoned with blood-stains, shall be 
 rolled up off this world's floor and be given to the rag-pickers of perdition, or 
 hung out upon the lines of the world, and the winds of justice be made to sweep 
 through it, and the moths to be taken out of it. 
 
 There is more for Christian people and more for the kingdom of God to 
 work for upon earth even than that. It is the sublimest of all occupations, and 
 that which is coveted by the angels, next to the throne of God, to seek and 
 to save that which was lost. And it shall be done. This magnificent mission 
 shall be accomplished only by the divine method. It can not be done by any 
 amount of machinery. It can not be done by any process of war. It can not be 
 done by any other means than the Peter method, and the Andrew method, and 
 the Nathaniel method, and the Philip method, and the Christ method. It must 
 be done by soul touching soul and imparting the divine love. 
 
 Christianity is love. There has been too much emphasis laid in these latter 
 days in the Church of Christ upon education and upon benevolence and upon 
 other things which are to help and elevate human kind. We have been placing 
 too much emphasis upon brain in the pulpit; even Christianity is not primarily 
 that. It is love. It is not intellect. It is passion. It is not an idea, not a 
 philosophy, not a science, not anything else than a passion for the souls of men. 
 Why.? Because Christianity was born in love. It had its inception in the 
 heart of God. It was love which produced a Gethsemane and a Calvary and a 
 Sepulchre to save human kind ; and it is precisely that element which must go 
 out from your heart in order to acomplish this sublime mission of which I speak 
 to you to-day, — the King's business upon earth. 
 
 We are so afraid of a little enthusiasm and a little sweat and a little of any- 
 thing except formality and coldness ! My heart is just bleeding and aching 
 when I recall this morning that down in the battle-field from which I come a million 
 
170 Official Report of the 
 
 people in my city never crossed the threshold of a Christian church on the 
 Sabbath Day; and more than a million over across the river in New York live 
 in the same depths of heathenism. The churches of our Divine Master almost 
 without exception are empty. I know only one church in the whole City of 
 Churches that h&s to turn people away from its doors. I believe this morning 
 it is not due to the sin which is binding this world as much as it is due to the 
 coldness which is shackling our Christian hearts. 
 
 I have declared to you this morning that the immortal souls of men amount 
 to infinitely more than that. This kingdom of our Master will never be laid at 
 his feet until we realize that our mission is the highest mission upon earth, and 
 it shall be accomplished by only one method. You can have all the machinery 
 you wish and you can have all the equipments you wish, but it seems to me it 
 is a sad, pitiable thing to hear, pathetic to hear, for any church of Christ to 
 say, " We are in a poor location; we can't be anything where we are." The 
 church at Pergamos was in a poor location. The church of Ephesus was in a 
 poor location, and all the rest of them were in a poor location. They say, 
 " Because we are down-town, we can't do anything." " You can't do anything in 
 down-town New York." " You can't do anything in down-town Brooklyn." I 
 know one poor, weak specimen — the whole church, the board of deacons, 
 trustees, and everything — who said, "You can't do a thing. The greatest 
 preachers in the land have preached in this beautiful church for years, and they 
 have preached to as many as seven people on Sunday night. You can't do 
 anything down here," — and that was in the centre of a quarter of a million 
 people. They were not able to do a thing to save any one. 
 
 If the Church of our Master will rise right up to its level, to its possibility of 
 divine enthusiasm to save the souls of men, you can fill any building on earth 
 and you can save anybody on earth. 
 
 Oh, what splendid opportunities are given to those in the Christian Endeavor 
 Societies to-day, and in every part of this kingdom of our Lord, to save men ! 
 There never were opportunities like those, in every part of our world, that there 
 are in this day, — opportunities in the literary world, opportunities in the scien- 
 tific world, opportunities in the commercial world, opportunities in the profes- 
 sional world, opportunities in the inventive world, opportunities everywhere. 
 We think we have done wonders in these last days, and we have; but I believe 
 in the next twenty-five years we are going to see more wonderful things by far 
 than were ever seen in these last twenty-five years. You will simply laugh 
 about some of the electrical apparatus and steam apparatus and apparatus of 
 other kinds and machinery of these latter days. I should not be surprised if 
 we were to make a journey to the moon within the next twenty-five years. I do 
 not know about it. I have n't bought my ticket for it yet. I do not know that 
 I would go in the first train; but it will not be surprising if we do go. There 
 are growing up in these days more opportunities for young men and women to 
 make a magnificent success in every department of life. Don't you believe it 
 when they tell you you are being crowded out. There is plenty of room at the 
 top, and there will be more. Don't put any confidence in that expression at all. 
 There are opportunities in the moral world, in every part of the world, to elevate 
 human society. You were pleaded with last night, some of you. I suppose, to 
 make better citizens, better government, for a purified political life; and it was 
 declared that that was the arena of most splendid success for young men and 
 women in these days. 
 
 I care not this morning whether you heard that or not. I do declare that it 
 is not true. The best, grandest, greatest arena for the success of young men 
 and young women to-day is to be soul-savers. You could purify the politics of 
 hell, perhaps, and yet that would not be the saving of the lost. The most im- 
 portant work on earth, I have said, is to save men. The most magnificent 
 work given to human kind is to save your fellow men. 
 
 Our churches to-day are not realizing just this message of this morning, to 
 my mind, to one single part of the degree that it has been realized in the days 
 past. With all the splendid equipments we have, with every emolument to 
 
Fifteenth International Co7ive7ition. 171 
 
 advance the interests of our kingdom, with every possibility ahead of us, we 
 ought to accomplish ten thousand times more than we do. 
 
 Ought we to be satisfied with just a few conversions in our society a year, 
 just a few in our churches a year, simply to keep up the record i . No, we 
 ought not to be satisfied with anything less than a Pentecost. If they had_a 
 Pentecost, with the men they had it with, with the money they had it with, in 
 the environment they had it with, what ought we to have to-day? They had 
 three thousand saved in one city in a day. Forty thousand would not be a 
 comparison with a Pentecost; and the same Spirit of God moves and reigns 
 upon earth, and the same Spirit is given to his Church upon earth. 
 
 What does it require.'' It requires simply a consecrated heart, not brains. 
 Not that does God always use. Not ability along indefinite lines, perhaps 
 Not that does God always use. Our Heavenly Father has seen fit to use our. 
 poor efforts. What would some of us do this morning if his mercy had not 
 left it that way ? He uses the weakest instruments upon earth, if they are only 
 consecrated to his service, to save the souls of our fellow men. 
 
 There are pulpits to-day which are being used as the instruments of blas- 
 phemy, — a morocco case, the leaves unrolled, the struggle is simply this: to 
 bring all of Webster's dictionary into a single man's vocabulary, and to place 
 it in grammatical, rhetorical sentences. I have known a man to spend an 
 entire week doing the same thing that they do in order to learn to ride a 
 bicycle, — spending an entire week constructing a grammatical sentence and 
 riding it down the asphalt pavement of some rich church. I would rather 
 utter every sentence ungrammatically, have only twelve words in my vocabulary, 
 if those words could come from a burning heart, all aglow with fire. Twelve 
 words would be enough, — " The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from 
 all sins." 
 
 I don't care whether I can express myself very well or not. That does not 
 amount to much as long as the purpose is plain and the destination is reached. 
 I stand at the foot of my Master's throne and he places the crown of royalty 
 on my poor brow -and the sacred lips give the message : " Well done, good and 
 faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." He will touch my lips 
 and make me never to stutter again. As sure as his throne stands, that will 
 inevitably be the result. It was that same determination that sent Henry 
 Martyn to Arabia, Carey to India, Morrison to China, Atchison to Africa, Pat- 
 terson to the Islands of the Sea, and every man and woman into every part of 
 God's kingdom, which has shaken this world and brought us nearer to his 
 throne. When this is done, oh, what a glorious morning will pleasantly dawn ! I 
 am waiting for it. There is not a pessimistic drop of blood in my veins — not 
 one, because I believe in God the Father, in Jesus Christ the Son, my King, in 
 the Holy Ghost, my helper; and this world is bound to be his. 
 
 I am pleading with you simply to have a share in it, not because it will not 
 be done. It will be done ; but you will be sorry some day that you did not use 
 everyone of those talents to the saving of your fellow men. I am pleading with 
 you for that purpose, because it is bound to come ; but with this great army of 
 Christian Endeavor, and the millions of the Church of our Master, I can hear 
 the tread of the oncoming host this morning, and the battle is soon to be won. 
 
 The next exercise was unrolling the missionary roll of honor. 
 
 Remarks of Rev. J. W. Weddell, Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 In imagination you have before you the roll which records 8,200 societies of 
 Christian Endeavor who have given within the last year to missions, ^150,000 
 and more. Besides this, $200,000 and more have been given to other benevo- 
 lences, making a round sum of $360,000 given by the Christian Endeavor 
 Societies of the country to general missions and benevolence,— a noble record 
 indeed. 
 
 Of this company, the Clarendon Street Baptist Church has a Christian 
 Endeavor Society that has given $1,107 and has the honor of being first. The 
 Calvary Presbyterian Society of Buffalo gives $1,000, and stands second. I 
 
172 Official Report of the 
 
 am very glad, dear friends, that we have such a record as this, and that we have 
 the promise of good things to come in the year which is before us. The only 
 feet that are called beautiful in the Bible are the feet that are moving. " How 
 beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, 
 that publisheth peace." 
 
 I thought, as they were singing here to-day, of the watchmen that shall lift 
 up their voices together when He shall bring again Zion ; how he is bringing 
 Zion by means of his ransomed host. So when we are doing a mission work, 
 giving to Christian missions, we are living the most beautiful and most grace- 
 ful Christian life. I believe also that we are strongest in our Christian life 
 when we are giving in this Christian fashion. There is a text of Scripture that 
 says, "If the salt hath lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted ? " The salt of 
 this whole world is the Church, and the salt of the Church is missions. If 
 the Church shall lose its missionary interest, its enthusiasm for missions, it is 
 like the salt that has lost its saltness, to be trodden under the foot of man ; and 
 it is so trodden wherever churches of Jesus Christ lose the missionary spirit. 
 Thestrengthof our Christian living is in our Christian giving, as the beauty of 
 our Christian living is in our Christian giving. 
 
 The word that our brother accented was "go.'' Some one has put along 
 with it another word, " lo." I should say the two balance each other. In 
 God's Word, at the last of Matthew, it is : " Go ye " and " lo, I am with you." 
 God himself comes into the midst of the people. We go in answer to his cry, 
 following out the Master's direction; and as we go he is with us and we enjoy 
 his presence. 
 
 As we take the roll of the missionary agents of this Society we are laying hold 
 upon the world of Jesus Christ, and we can say, " Gideon is mine." When you 
 and I go forth under the Master's direction and pattern we have entered upon 
 the conquest of the whole world, and the strength and might is with us. 
 
 There in my old city of Chicago a colored man stood up one day, and when 
 questioned as to how he was getting along in the Christian career, he said, 
 " I am having a good time. Oh," said he, " I am having so good a time as I go 
 along as a Christian that when I goes up to the gates of heaven, if they shuts 
 me out, I will say, 'Anyhow, I had a good time getting here.'" 
 
 Fellow Christian Endeavorers, we are having a good time on the way, and it 
 is not to be wondered at. for as Jacob went on his way the angels of God met 
 him. He was going on God's way, and how could it be otherwise than that he 
 should meet God's messengers ? Christian Endeavorers, go God's way as 
 Christ set the fashion,—" Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to 
 every creature. Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." 
 
 Tent Washington. 
 
 By nine o'clock there were about fifteen hundred people in Tent Wash- 
 ington, and the stream of incomers was steadily growing larger. Those 
 who had come early sat quietly and without displaying any of those 
 signs of great enthusiasm that marked Thursday morning, until at about 
 ten minutes after nine the Tennessee delegates, sitting near the front, 
 began to sing the " Nashville, '98 " song, a medley of " Dixie " and 
 " Yankee Doodle." It breathed a good spirit of welcome and broke 
 the damp silence and served to warm up the delegates. There was a 
 hearty round of hand-clapping, and the Southerners began their other 
 song, " Tennessee," to the tune of " America." When there was quiet 
 again some man in the crowd, inspired by a thought of the moisture of 
 the past few days, called out, " How 's the weather down there ?" An 
 enthusiastic Nashville delegate shouted back, " It 's dryer than it is 
 here." 
 
Fifteenth International Conventioti. 173 
 
 Then ensued a remarkable rivalry. The Philadelphians, sitting in 
 the north end of the tent, opened up with their song of invitation and 
 welcome, "Come to Philadelphia in 1898," sung to the tune of "John 
 Brown's Body." It was bright and catchy, and soon many others 
 than the Quaker city folks were sounding forth the strains of the 
 famous old march. They put it through all the verses about four times, 
 and then the Nashville people, growing a bit jealous of the attention 
 the Endeavorers from the City of Brotherly Love were attracting, started 
 up their medley again without waiting for their rivals to cease. The 
 two songs did not harmonize very well, but that mattered not, for 
 there was a touch of friendly rivalry in the effort, and the delegates 
 who were not rivals for the convention two years hence enjoyed the 
 efforts of the two delegations keenly. For a few moments there was a 
 running fire of mingled cadences and chords, and then a crowd of folks 
 in another part of the tent started up a hymn that smothered out the 
 other songs. Finally there came other aspirants for convention honors, 
 — the Endeavor crowd from Louisville, — and their song was prob- 
 ably the prettiest of all, the refrain of "Louisville in 1898" fitting in 
 very nicely with the rhythm of " The Red, White, and Blue." 
 
 It was half-past nine o'clock; Right Rev. Samuel Fallows, D.D., of 
 Chicago, stepped forward on the rostrum and called for order. He 
 then asked Mr. Excell, of Chicago, to lead in the song service. Mr. 
 Excell took the platform and called for " All Hail the Power of Jesus' 
 Name." There were about six thousand voices in the great choir that 
 swelled out the notes of the grand old hymn to defy the pouring rain 
 that was falling by gallons on the canvas walls. 
 
 Rev. N. C. Naylor, of Washington, conducted the devotional exercises. 
 
 The first speaker was Miss Haus, of St. Louis, Mo., whose topic was 
 "The Junior Society of Christian Endeavor." 
 
 Address of Miss Kate H. Haus, St. Louis, Mo. 
 
 The membership of the Junior Christian Endeavor Society should consist of 
 children of all ages, up to twelve and fourteen years — babies in arms, if they 
 can be brought; anyway, have a baby roll attached to your Junior list; you 
 can pray for them and their parents, and by so doing keep the brothers, sisters, 
 and members interested in the younger ones, and often win indifferent parents 
 to a lively co-operation and sympathy in the Junior work. The babies can not 
 become acquainted too early with what ought to be their future home. 
 
 In this primary department of Christian Endeavor and Church work is taught 
 the spiritual alphabet and the simple fundamental principles of Christian 
 mathematics. 
 
 Here they get not only the key-notes that unlock all Bible teachings in words, 
 but they get the heavenly geometrical truth, which, if followed, helps solve all 
 problems of life ; namely, that a straight, pure life is the shortest distance be- 
 tween earth and heaven. 
 
 No church or mission field is complete without this class for Christian train- 
 ing, any more than a district or grammar school would be complete without its 
 primary department. 
 
 The Junior Christian Endeavor is not to take the place of the home training 
 of the parents, or of the Sabbath school or Church, but to supplement, empha- 
 size, enlarge, and help make complete the spiritual life and training of Christ's 
 little ones. 
 
174 Official Report of the 
 
 We have had commentaries, lesson helps, papers, religious magazines, and 
 what-not, to the exclusion of the Bible. The Juniors should be taught to know 
 their Bible as their main object^ not the poll-parrot repetition of verses, with- 
 out thought, but an intelligent, prayerful study of the Bible, that will bear fruit 
 in purity of thought, word, and deed. 
 
 The outcome of such training in mature life should be a clean soul, a pure 
 heart, in a sound body, and all under the control and guidance of the Holy 
 Spirit. 
 
 To have this result means a Junior superintendent wholly consecrated to the 
 work, continually active, and having the help of parents, pastor, church, and 
 seniors, through prayer, sympathy, counsel, and advice. 
 
 There must be no summer vacations for Satan to pull down the spiritual life 
 faster than all combined can rebuild. Continue the meetings all summer, if 
 only one child comes. 
 
 Have the grit. Junior superintendents, of the old Scotch woman who was 
 left alone on the membership roll of her church. When the presbytery came 
 to disband this useless church of one member (as they thought) they were met 
 by her, and she said, " Ye canna disband this church, for I winna be dis- 
 banded," and not gaining her consent, they were forced to continue the faithful 
 church of one member that became, through her prayers and work, a powerful 
 influence for good in that community. Take no vacation unless Satan does or 
 the Bible teaches it. 
 
 Teach the Juniors what God says about idlers in his vineyard and about 
 Sabbath-breakers, and train them to practise the teachings, and we will need 
 no future laws for Sabbath observance, and there will be no more closing of 
 churches and Sabbath schools in the summer. 
 
 How simple and easy would it be to train the Juniors to observe the Sabbath 
 if the Christian men and women would help by their example ! But the Sunday 
 newspapers and elaborate dinner are found in the Christian's home. The ice- 
 cream, milk, baker, and butcher wagons stop at the Christian's door on the 
 Sabbath. The mail, telegraph, and telephones carry the messages of the Chris- 
 tian on the Sabbath. The cars and bicycles hold Christian riders on the Sab- 
 bath, and the riders are not always bound for religious meetings. 
 
 " Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy " seems to be a useless law, 
 broken into numberless pieces, but. Christian Sabbath-breaker, each broken 
 piece cries out to God in judgment against you, as did every drop of Abel's 
 blood shed by Cain cry out for vengeance. God is speaking to this nation in 
 financial disasters, tornadoes, and judgments of various kinds to return to the 
 sacredness of the Sabbath Day and help preserve it for the little ones whom 
 Jesus loves. 
 
 Christians, will you help the Juniors in this vital matter and help keep many 
 little feet from straying? The Juniors should be taught to memorize chapters 
 as well as single verses of the Bible ; taught whereto go for help from tlie Bible 
 — in times of trouble and temptation, in joy or sorrow, sickness or death, study, 
 work, or play. 
 
 Take up in simpler forms all the various kinds of church and committee 
 work that the children can easily be trained to perform well. 
 
 Have the regular officers and business meetings. Train them to systematic 
 giving, as well as to every other work. Train them to loyalty to their own 
 church services. Don't have them mix their interdenominational fellowship 
 with interchurch fellowship so that they become well acquainted with every 
 other church and pastor but the one to which they belong. Train them, so that 
 loyalty to their own church stays by them and is a part of their life as long as 
 they live. 
 
 Use the simpler form of the Junior pledge and teach the Juniors it means 
 just what it says, and when once taken, is taken for life, and though often 
 broken through forgetfulness or ignorance, it should never be wilfully or 
 deliberately broken. 
 
 Oh that we would guard more carefully our lives, and live up to the solemn 
 
Fifteenth International Conve?ition. 175 
 
 obligations of even the simplest Christian Endeavor pledge ! How much better, 
 nobler, and more effective Christians we would become ! 
 
 The lack of a Junior Christian Endeavor Society in any church or mission 
 field shows a careless or sleepy condition of affairs, or something wanting, on 
 the part of those who are supposed to have the spiritual interests of that field at 
 heart. 
 
 How can we hope to see retained among all ages of our Church the child- 
 like faith, character, and love Christ commended and insisted upon his follow- 
 ers having, if the lasting foundation is not laid in early childhood, and we do not 
 do our part toward helping keep the children ever nearthe great, loving heart of 
 the Saviour, so they may never have the opportunity or inclination to become 
 aught else than humble followers of Jesus Christ? 
 
 Let us pray God to teach us to realize the awful issues of eternal life or 
 everlasting death that lie dormant in every little soul born into this world, as 
 thoroughly as Satan knows it. 
 
 The next speaker was Dr. Williams. His subject was " Saved to 
 Serve." 
 
 Address of Rev. Hugh Spencer Williams, Memphis, Tenn. 
 
 The general theme which commands the thoughtful attention of this great 
 Convention to-day is " Saved to Serve." 
 
 Christ stamped "service" with his own image and superscription when he 
 declared that the Son of man came " not to be ministered unto, but to minister," 
 and laid down as a principle in the economics of his kingdom that we are saved 
 in order that we may serve. Service is thus made the most Christlike and 
 divine aspect of our mission as his redeemed. Our purest joys, as well as our 
 highest honors, are experienced and enjoyed as the result of our becoming the 
 " servant " of all. The incentives to such a life of service are truly glorious. 
 
 First, service is self-ennobling. It always brings out the divinest and best in 
 our nature and character. God has made it impossible for us to become true 
 benefactors by any real service rendered in any capacity without also becoming 
 beneficiaries. We truly receive more than we give always. The true giver, the 
 real helper of others, the humble and self-forgetful servant, constantly experi- 
 ences the truth of the Master's maxim, " It is more blessed to give than to 
 receive." This is so; because he becomes rich faster in real assets of ennobled 
 Christian manhood and character by giving, helping, and serving than it is pos- 
 sible by any process of direct bestowments upon him. 
 
 Second, the great moral motor which moves us as a mighty incentive to this 
 blessed service is, as expressed by the apostle, " The love of Christ con- 
 straineth us." 
 
 1. The conception of this infinite love of Christ, which carried him from 
 the throne to the cross and emptied his blessed heart of its divine blood in 
 order to redeem and save me, draws me as a captive and willing slave to his 
 feet, crying, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do.?" The sense of loving 
 gratitude for saving me from the jaws of eternal death overwhelms me, and I 
 bind myself with the cords of my most sacred vows to his holy altar, as a living 
 sacrifice, holy and acceptable in his sight, wanting to be used as he may 
 choose ; not as my own, but his, " bought with a price, even the precious blood 
 of Christ." 
 
 2. The conception of the scope of this love, that " he died for all." The 
 love of Christ outlasts the ages and reaches the remotest edges of the human 
 race. Hence, the redeemed — those who are saved — enter into the Christ 
 spirit at once, because they thus judge that if one died for all then were all 
 dead. Then that the purpose of his death was that they that live should live 
 not henceforth unto themselves, but unto him which died for them and rose 
 again. This was the mighty secret spring that moved Paul to Macedonia as a 
 missionary of the cross; made him enter Ephesus, Corinth, Athens, and Rome, 
 and made his missionary journeys co-extensive with the then known world. 
 Christ had died for a world dead in trespasses and sin, and they that live must 
 
176 Official Report of the 
 
 not live for self, but obey the divine mandate of the Master," Go ye into all 
 the world and preach the gospel to every creature." This same spirit made 
 John Knox cry aloud, " Give me Scotland or I die," and Wesley to exclaim, 
 " The world is my parish," and moved Dr. Carey to leave all for India. In 
 short, this almighty incentive, " the love of Christ," is the esprit de corps that 
 is massing and moving the Church of God in a solid phalanx upon the heathen 
 world, to take and capture it for Christ ; and this is what moved Dr. Clark fif- 
 teen years ago to ask the question how to interest and use the young men and 
 maidens of Christendom for Christ and the Church. 
 
 The third great incentive to serve is the infinite value and greatness of the 
 soul and the eternal interests involved in its salvation. He who understood 
 man as no other being in the universe could understand him asked, " What shall 
 it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul.'' Or 
 what shall a man give in exchange for his soul ? " 
 
 The greatness, the majesty and infinite value of the human soul, when in any 
 measure properly conceived of by the saved, as an object to be rescued from 
 peril, sweeps like a tempest over the mighty deep of the soul until every 
 power is aroused and the passion for lost souls becomes intense and they cry 
 out, " Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I 
 might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people," and with 
 Paul say, " I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, 
 my kinsmen according to the flesh," and like Christ the Master, who wept over 
 Jerusalem, saying, " How oft," etc., " How can we have any conception of this 
 mysterious being, such as will thus stir our souls with a passion for his sal- 
 vation .? " Consider his majestic intellect in the light of his masterly achieve- 
 ments. Man's mind has acquired a knowledge of the structure of the earth on 
 which he lives, familiarity with almost every square mile of its surface, its pro- 
 ducts, and climates; he has fathomed the depth of the sea, of atmosphere sur- 
 rounding it. Then he has time to spare to scan the heavens, count, measure, 
 and weigh the stars that are in sight. Then he invents the telescope that he 
 may sweep the more distant heavens in search of systems which lie beyond the 
 reach of the naked eyes. He still has time and powers unexhausted, and 
 begins to soliloquize thus : Who made all these.'' Who is he? Where is he.'' 
 Whence came he 'i And it is truly marvelous what deductions his majestic 
 mind is capable of concerning the infinite first cause; and he reasons from cause 
 to effect in his great laboratory of facts as he finds them. But the greatest and 
 most wonderful feature of his mental greatness is his power to think upon his 
 mysterious thinking self. He asks. What am I .'' Whence came I, and whither 
 am I going ? Not at all strange that the Psalmist should have declared, " I am 
 fearfully and wonderfully made." This marvelous mind is, however, but one 
 feature or department of this living, thinking, sentient, and active being. In 
 the realm of sensibilities we find the moral powers, consciousness, conscience, 
 love, hate, hope, fear, and all other sentient aspects of our complex being. 
 These are the faculties through the medium of which we come in touch with 
 the infinite. Herein is spiritual hunger and thirst experienced. Intellect finds 
 out that he is but the heart alone, by reaching out the finger of faith can touch 
 the hem of his garment, and the soul is thrilled with the consciousness of his 
 presence and wraps himself in his mantle, like Elijah on Mount Horeb. It is 
 the function of conscience to hear the still small voice of God and recognize it, 
 and of faith to see him. and that of love to lean on his bosom. All this and in- 
 finitely more is to be found in the sanctmn sanctortiin of these emotions or 
 sensibilities of the soul. 
 
 From here we pass to the power which makes man responsible for his acts 
 and his destiny. This mysterious power we call will. This can accept or re- 
 ject any proposition the eternal Jehovah may make to man. " Choose ye this 
 day whom ye shall serve." This in brief is the soul akin to God in its nature, 
 the offspring of the eternal, destined to live with God and enjoy him forever, or 
 to be banished from his presence into outer darkness, lost forever. Is the 
 possibility of saving such a pearl not an incentive to even superhuman efforts? 
 The thought of such a magnificent being as this to be in jeopardy, on board a 
 
Fiftee7itJi International Convention. 177 
 
 sinking ship in a refuge of lies destined to be swept away, leaving him exposed 
 to the fury of outraged justice, must sweep across the heart-strings of the 
 saved and call them to serve in rescuing this great and precious pearl from 
 peril. 
 
 This conception of the majesty and greatness of the soul must excite every 
 I one of God's redeemed to shout, " Throw out the life-line, some one is sinking 
 to-day." Nothing short of some adequate view of the value of immortal souls 
 and the pending peril can arouse the Church to earnest service; but when this 
 great truth dawns upon the minds and hearts of pastors and people they will 
 never fail to be on fire with a passion for saving and serving men. 
 
 The fourth incentive that we shall name is the certainty of the outcome of 
 the service, {a). " The whole earth shall be filled with the knowledge of 
 the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." " They all shall know him, from the least 
 to the greatest of them." So that there is absolute certainty that our labors 
 shall not be in vain. Success is the eternal decree of Jehovah, {b). Not only 
 are we sure of success in our labors to enlighten the nations of heathendom by 
 the spreading of the Gospel of Christ among them all, but the reign of righteous- 
 ness is to be brought in Christ's coming to reign on earth a thousand years, and 
 then is to be a new earth wherein righteousness shall reign, truth shall triumph, 
 virtue shall be crowned as victorious forever and forever. " Holiness unto the 
 Lord " shall be inscribed upon the horse's bridles; every blade of grass shall 
 become an /Eolian harp, as it waves in the breezes of the morning, making 
 music to the coming of the King. The branches of the trees shall clap their 
 hands together in the hallelujah chorus of the universe. Mountain-top shall 
 echo to mountain-top, " Heaven and earth are full of his glory," and Gabriel 
 shall take up the shout that the kingdoms of this world have become the king- 
 doms of the Lord and his Christ. It is only a matter of time. Heaven and 
 earth shall blend their alleluia in one eternal chorus of praises to their conquer- 
 ing King. This unalterable assurance of ultimate success fires the souls of his 
 servants and becomes an all-powerful incentive to diligence and faithfulness 
 until the Master comes. 
 
 Looking at the world this late in the evening of the nineteenth century, with 
 more than two-thirds of its inhabitants who have never heard of Christ, and at 
 Christendom, with its millions of sceptics and scoffers, and many more millions 
 of dead formalists and hypocrites, it would appear as if the number of the 
 finally saved would indeed be small. But upon a closer examination of facts, 
 even within our narrow limitations, we find the reverse of this to be the unques- 
 tionable truth touching this interesting and important matter. We arrive at 
 this conclusion : (i). From Scriptural intimations, that there are multitudes who 
 are his" sheep," though not of this or that denominational fold. Like Joseph 
 of Arimathea, and Nicodemus, they are disciples in secret. They are his, nev- 
 ertheless, and will be revealed as such at his coming, when he shall make up 
 his jewels. (2). From the hope which the Word of God warrants that many 
 shall come from the East and from the West, from the North and from the 
 South, who shall sit with him in his kingdom, who never heard the sweet name 
 of Jesus while here on earth. Listen to the declarations of God's infallible 
 Word. " For when the Gentiles, which have not the (written or revealed) law, do 
 by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law 
 unto themselves: which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their 
 conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or 
 else excusing one another." (Rom. ii. 14, 15.) We are thus led to hope and believe 
 that millions of heathen through the long line of past ages have been saved, 
 through the atonement of Jesus Christ, although ignorant of him. We cannot 
 believe that these countless generations of heathen have been born to be 
 damned. " God so loved the world." " Christ tasted death for every man." 
 "The true light lighteth every man that cometh into the world." So we dare 
 believe and hope that the great God has been gathering golden sheaves from 
 the vast field of heathendom to fill the heavenly garner. (3). We are con- 
 firmed in this intelligent conviction that the throng of the finally-saved will 
 overwhelmingly outnumber the lost by the fact that more than one-third of the 
 
178 Official Report of the 
 
 inhabitants born into this world die before reaching the age of five years, and 
 one-half die under twelve years of age. The blessed Christ has settled the 
 question of their salvation when he said, " Suffer the little children to come 
 unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God." Thus we 
 find that possibly one-half the human race is thus saved before reaching the 
 line of personal responsibility. This we know according to this blessed declar- 
 ation: that every child dying before reaching the line of moral accountability to 
 God goes straight to heaven, whether they be infants born in darkest Africa or 
 India, China or the Islands of the Sea, — Christ claims them as his own. Never 
 went an infant to hell from any spot on the face of the earth. No ! no ! no ! 
 Every one of such is borne from its mother's arms on cherubic wings into the 
 bosom of the Shepherd, who "bears the lambs in his bosom." Alleluia, the 
 mediatorial administration of our King is a triumphant success ! The hosts of 
 his redeemed outnumber the stars and discount the sands on the seashore. 
 Brother, such a prospective salvation is worthy our noblest service. Such a 
 glorious hope must fire with holy ambition. For such prospective triumph it is 
 glorious to live or die. 
 
 Unrolling the roll of honor came next. Mr. W. L. Amerman, presi- 
 dent of the New York City Christian Endeavor Union, was in charge. 
 
 Remarks of Mr. W. L. Amerman, New York City. 
 
 Not every speaker has the manuscript for his remarks in this convenient 
 form. I have five hundred and sixty feet of it here, and am prepared to go on 
 all day. But, prudently, the committee have limited me to five minutes, so 1 
 must unroll it at the rate of something over one hundred feet per minute. And 
 rather than attempt that, I will just, in a word, call your attention to the signifi- 
 cance, not of what is on this roll, but of what is not on it. 
 
 We have here gifts recorded from some 8,200 societies. That does not mean 
 that the other 38,000 gave nothing to the home and foreign missionary boards 
 of their own denominations, but it simply means that they did not ask to be 
 enrolled. 
 
 We know very well that they gave large sums, doubtless a larger sum than 
 the $152,000 which is inscribed upon this roll. 
 
 And we should note also that this $152,000 does not represent the total of the 
 gifts of the members of these societies to Christian work, nor, indeed, to home 
 and to foreign missions. 
 
 Whoever heard, for instance, of a Sunday-school teacher who only gave to 
 God's work what she gave in the collection in the Sunday school ? And yet the 
 great mass of our Endeavorers are Sunday-school teachers. We know very 
 well that their gifts in other ways outnumber their gifts through Christian 
 Endeavor sources ten to one ; but we are speaking of wliat they have given as 
 societies of Christian Endeavor — not the total of their gifts as societies of 
 Christian Endeavor to God's work, but the total of their gifts to the home and 
 foreign missionary boards of their own denominations. 
 
 We know very well that their gifts to their local churches, their own churches, 
 have been far larger than their gifts to home and to foreign missions, in many 
 and many a case. We know that they have given liberally to other objects. 
 We need to realize that this roll of honor is restricted to the gifts of these 
 societies, as societies, to the home and to the foreign missionary boards of their 
 own denominations. 
 
 Those who are familiar with the missionary statistics of the Church, and 
 who know of the thousands of churches in all the prominent denominations 
 that give not one dollar, never give one dollar, to home or foreign missions 
 through the denominational channels, will realize what this record means. 
 
 There are societies here who have found it a struggle to get upon this roll of 
 honor; there are societies here that have never tried to be enrolled, and have 
 never reported their gifts; there are societies here, I believe, and many who 
 are not here, who are struggling to pay their expenses, to discharge their duty 
 
Fifteenth International Convaition, 179 
 
 towards their own church, and who have not been able to give the amount that 
 would entitle them to a place upon this roll of honor. And in spite of all these 
 things, in spite of the limited number of societies which this represents, and the 
 immense amount of money which has been given by those societies in other 
 ways, this roll of honor, thank God, is growing larger every year! 
 
 Then followed the address of Dr. Whitman. 
 
 Address of President B. L.Whitman, D.D., Washington, D. C. 
 
 The two Testaments have a common key-word, " Emmanuel." Its interpreta- 
 tion is " God with us." Its significance is the will of God to dwell in the midst 
 of men, that men may be transformed by the indwelling. The theme appeals 
 to us in three phases : — 
 
 I. A method of 7'evelatio7i. Man has never been left in ignorance of God. 
 Successive disclosures have been made of the divine character and will. As 
 men were able to receive it, the divine purpose has been spelled out. Slowly 
 but steadily progress has been made in the conception of truth. Instruments 
 have been many, but their use has been one. Many forms have been followed, 
 but the central idea has remained the same. Moses looked to Jehovah as Re- 
 deemer. The latest saint finds his faith satisfied by the same thought; only in 
 the fulness and clearness of the thought has there been change. The time 
 came when the message could be delivered in completer form. " God, who at 
 sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past by the prophets, hath 
 in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of 
 all things, by whom also he made the worlds ; who being the express image of 
 his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had him- 
 self purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high ; being 
 so much better than the angels as he hath obtained a more excellent name than 
 they." (Heb. i. 1-4.) In this manifestation the issue of all revelation was made 
 clear. Then " Emmanuel " was written in the beginning of the Gospel in token 
 that the fellowship which God had offered, and to which he called men, was at 
 last accomplished. Christ was but the culmination of revelation. In him God 
 made of himself a personal offering so that men knew that he had accepted the 
 lot of their life to the end that he might win them to his life, and so abide with 
 them forever. This is the theme of Sacred Writ from Genesis to the Gospels. 
 
 II. A principle of life. We have to consider : — 
 
 1. The meeting-point of the divine and the human life. The simplest out- 
 line of psychology will make this clear. Man is partly physical and partly 
 spiritual. The spiritual part is essentially the man. In the spiritual part we 
 find a fourfold function, — intellect, sensibility, desire, and volition. In this 
 fourfold function we have not four different things at work, but one thing 
 working in four different ways. Intellect is the soul knowing; sensibility is 
 the soul feeling; desire is the soul craving; volition is the soul willing. The 
 four functions are closely related. Knowledge awakens response in feeling of 
 satisfaction or dissatisfaction. Feeling passes into desire or aversion. On the 
 basis of desire or aversion will is determined for attainment or avoidance. The 
 step in the process of importance to us just now is that by which we pass from 
 desire to will. Will never acts without desire in the form of motive. Motive 
 is desire accepted as controlling. Unmotived volition is a contradiction of 
 terms. Of course, the choice of motive is not without reason. It is no mere 
 clamor of impulses with ear given to the noisiest. It may be that the impulse 
 weakest at the outset is found to have sanctions which authorize it to take pre- 
 cedence of all others. Once accepted as controlling, the desire or impulse 
 becomes the motive, and will acts according to it. 
 
 2. A new impulse imparted by the touch of God. One has only to regard 
 man in his usual condition to see what is needed. His life is dominated by 
 wrong motives. The inheritance into which man is born is sinful, at least in 
 tendency. Theology easily mistakes an inheritance of consequence for an in- 
 heritance of penalty. But the simple awful fact that faces every life is that, 
 whether as consequence or as penalty, its impulses are largely evil. It is beau- 
 
180 Official Report of the 
 
 tiful to talk about developing the soul into the kingdom, but first we have to 
 reckon with the stubborn fact that until the soul comes under the domination 
 of a new impulse it has no place in the kingdom. 
 
 3. The new impulse become regnant, the source of new life. We under- 
 stand now the importance of the law by which an impulse may become a prin- 
 ciple. Choice may be so often repeated that a habit is formed. On the basis 
 of habit what we call second nature grows up. Second nature is simply the 
 self that is developed by choice, that has become habitual. Whether it is good 
 or evil depends upon the character of the choice. Under the touch of God a 
 right impulse is imparted which is accepted as dominant, and which presently 
 shapes the life. Not without struggle. Impulse is not exempt from struggle 
 because regnant. Only at cost of continual struggle does it maintain mastery. 
 Appetites and appetencies of an ungodly sort assail it constantly. One has only 
 to read Romans to find the outline of the struggle in his own life. Fleshly im- 
 pulses impel downward. Spiritual impulses impel upward. God or the devil 
 — which shall the soul have ? The man who makes his choice of God finds that 
 the earthward impulses have lost dominion over him. With any kind of faith- 
 fulness the upward impulse grows in power. More and more of life is brought 
 under it. Presently every thought and feeling is made subject to the divine 
 will and the divine nature becomes second nature. Henceforth the way of life 
 lies along the heights. 
 
 What has been said may be taken as in brief the natural history of regener- 
 ation. It emphasizes a point we are forever missing, — regeneration, while 
 supernatural in its effect, is natural in its method. There are two methods of 
 self-examination about equally defective. One takes the form of excessive 
 analysis. It treats the soul as one would treat a botanical specimen — and with 
 the same results. It takes it to pieces, labels all its parts, and leaves it a thing 
 of shreds and filaments, with no life and with no use. The other takes the form 
 of incantation. It treats the soul in bulk, regards it as a meeting-place of mys- 
 teries, and waits to see what will come of it. The divine way with the soul is 
 very different from these. It compels recognition of the truth, gives peace in 
 believing, awakens desire after better things, and impels the will to worthy 
 choice. There is no man but needs it. In the most spiritual Augustine's cry 
 finds echo : " O God , thou hast made us for thyself, and our souls are restless 
 until they find rest in thee." There is no man but maybe moved by it. Take 
 the veriest savage, with just soul enough to keep him from going on all fours. 
 He hears the truth. Impulse is awakened. His course is set toward heaven. 
 Somehow, an instinct for better things seems to be everywhere waiting for the 
 voice of God. Christianity is the embodiment of that voice. It is a moral 
 dynamic quickening the entire life. Its literature is stamped with the same 
 purpose. The Bible is not a dictionary, or grammar, or book of etiquette. Its 
 mission is an impulse, illuminating the intellect, transforming the affection, cul- 
 tivating the taste. The manifold work of Christ is but the perfected form of 
 that impulse. As prophet he opens and interprets the world of truth. As priest 
 he satisfies the conscience. As king he takes possession of the will. 
 
 III. A pledge of attainmetit. The motto of the redeemed life is, " Saved to 
 serve." A man has a very meagre notion of salvation — if, indeed, he is saved 
 at all — if he regards his life as an end in itself. Far better is the conception 
 that the saved life is part of the great order in which righteousness is working 
 itself out in the universe. The man who has found his life renewed stands 
 for the first time in right relation to the order of things. We need to keep in 
 mind : — 
 
 I. The universe as law. We have not dropped into a world of chance. 
 Events do not happen. Two and two do not make four to-day and something 
 else to-morrow. An axiom is an axiom as long as the order lasts of which it is a 
 part. Counteracting of effect is not subversion of law. A table may be inter- 
 posed or a counter-attraction applied, but none the less the stone tends toward 
 the earth in obedience to the law of gravitation. As fast and as far as it is left 
 undisturbed the stone will follow the force that tugs it centreward. It is not 
 heavy one day and light the next. The universe is order. It is what it is be- 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 181 
 
 cause God is what he is. Its guarantees of stability are furnished by the un- 
 changeableness of his nature. Because we beheve in him we accept truth with 
 perfect confidence in the result. Two lines started from given points in given 
 directions will move on and on and never meet. They may encircle the uni- 
 verse and return upon themselves, but they will be as far apart as when they 
 started. You can not follow the parallels around the universe; but you know 
 they will never meet, for the power that fixed the relation of those lines is the 
 power that wrote the law of your thought, and the necessity of your law of 
 thought is the guarantee that the facts are as the law declares them. Two 
 other lines will meet a million miles away in space. You have never been there 
 to see it, but you do not doubt it, for God tixed the relation of the lines and the 
 law by which your mind accepts the result. 
 
 2. Obedience as adjustment to fundamental relations. The immediate form 
 of life under the domination of the new impulse is obedience to the will of God. 
 Its ultimate form is free development under a central and symmetrical impulse. 
 Accretion may be from without. Development is from within. The tree does 
 not need a chart of its upward progress, but a vital germ. The soul does not 
 need a book of rules, but a principle of life. You do not find the Bible discuss- 
 ing styles of dress and codes of manners. Its message is, Do the will of God. 
 There is much involved in that, no doubt. " Do thy duty and thou shalt know 
 what it is that is within thee," says Goethe, chosing the words of Jesus. " If 
 any man willeth to do his will he shall know of the doctrine." The whole sum 
 of life is simple : Do the will of God. Life is a circle. We know only a small 
 segment, but it is enough to the show curve. Knowing the formula for the 
 segment, we know the formula for the circle: Do the will of God. This helps 
 us understand how Jesus could speak so confidently concerning man. "Jesus 
 saw not the primeval savage living in caves, fighting with stick or stone. He 
 saw not the half-civilized man of early ages, struggling in constant and fierce 
 rivalry with others in the sharp competition of existence. He saw not merely 
 the hero of Grecian mold or of Roman fortitude. He saw not merely the mod- 
 ern philanthropist perking about a little, beginning to live for others, building 
 hospitals and asylums, and talking about altruism or universal benevolence. He 
 saw the ultimate man, the complete man, the true Son of man who came down 
 from heaven." (Rev. E. B. Mason.) He saw man in right relation to God. 
 
 One of the banks of London had a very unique and ingenious arrangement 
 to watcli its watchman. Each square in the marble floor of the bank rested 
 upon a steel point, and that steel point connected with an electric wire, and each 
 square in the bank was numbered, and each wire numbered. Those wires ran 
 away through the building to the private office of the bank officials. 
 
 The watchman was told to keep awake, and to keep moving. He said the 
 place was safe. So he took a newspaper or a novel, and sat down on a chair 
 by the light. There he would sit and read, when he should have been looking 
 about. One day they sent word to him that his services were unsatisfactory. 
 He went in great indignation to see why he was discharged. They told him 
 that he had been reading or asleep in his chair. He said that it was not so. 
 He knew there was no person who could see him, and there was no person 
 allowed in the building; he knew he had the keys, and the time-lock was on 
 that safe ; so he felt sure no one could have seen him. In indignation he threat- 
 ened the president of the bank for accusing him of telling a lie when he denied 
 that he had sat down at all in that chair. Then they called him into the office. 
 They took out a piece of paper which represented all the squares on the floor, 
 and then, taking the time-lock checks, put them beside it. " Now, my man, at 
 three minutes of eight you stepped on that square, and then on that one, and 
 then on that ; then you immediately turned around, and went back and stepped 
 on this one, and you did not step from this one for two hours. Here it is. 
 Every time you stepped on a square, it telegraphed that you were on it." 
 
 The world is God's. Obedience to God is adjustment to the laws by which 
 the world moves. This is the secret of success in lives that, consciously or un- 
 consciously, have got into line with God. The blossoming of power we call 
 genius is but perfect obedience to law. Success is more than the product of 
 
182 Official Report of the 
 
 work. To succeed, work must be according to law. The seeker after gold may 
 wear himself out d igging on the seashore. To get gold one must dig where gold 
 is. One may blunder on the start, and that is well. One may study gold and 
 the geologic strata in which gold occurs and so come upon it intelligently, and 
 that is better. In either case, when gold is found it is found because the seeker 
 worked in accordance with the law of gold. In absence of such accord there 
 may be much motion, but there will be no progress. When such accord is 
 assured every stroke counts. When a man gets into line with God's law he 
 stands for God. The great workers have always wrought in this representative 
 capacity. Results which stagger belief are simply the product of harmony 
 with the power which rules the universe and which speaks through law. 
 
 3. Life as realization of divine order and application of divine power. How 
 great the marvel is after all the dynamic conception of the universe proves to 
 be the truth, that atoms are centres of activity, that the formula of the molecule 
 is a formula of motion. Oh the joy of the thought that the living, personal 
 God is working through all ! Atom calls to atom, and planet to planet, across 
 immensity; and atom answers atom, and planet, planet, because they are akin 
 by right of birth. Man is no stranger in the world in which he walks. He has 
 only to open his eyes to find God. Let him travel where he will, though it be 
 to the remotest star, he will still be at home with God. The atom is God's handi- 
 work, and so is man. But man's relation to God is unique. God was not lone- 
 some or lacking before man was created. But the glory of the creation is the 
 life which God begat in his own image that henceforth there might be in the 
 universe some to work in God's way. Through them in special sense God 
 works his will. We have only begun to realize the possibilities of our life. But 
 better things are coming. The dawning of the day of triumph already reddens 
 the sky. With better sense of ourselves as instruments of the divine purpose 
 we shall find the day hastened. The vessel for God's filling: the instrument 
 for God's using: the messenger for God's sending; the redeemed for God's 
 witness ; — this is our glory and joy. 
 
 If we have not thought amiss while doing our duty at every turn, we shall 
 be braced for greater faithfulness in two lines: — 
 
 First, we shall be willing to let God provide for part of his work through 
 others. A noble thing is told of Mr. Charles H. Haseltine, whose building stood 
 next the building of the Baptist Publication Society and was burned with it. 
 Mr. Haseltine was teaching his class in Sunday school when some one rushed 
 up to him with the news that his building was in flames. Mr. Haseltine turned 
 again to the lesson. '"But what are you going to do ?" excitedly asked his 
 informant. " I am going to teach this lesson." was the quiet reply. " I am not 
 a fireman and can do nothing to help put the fire out." 
 
 Second, we shall be content to accept God's plans for us as best. 
 
 "Sometime, when all life's lessons have been learned, 
 
 And suns and stars forevermore have set, 
 The things which our weak judgment here have spurned, 
 
 The things o'er which we grieved with lashes wet, 
 Will flash before us out of life's dark night, 
 
 As stars shine most in deeper tints of blue, 
 And we shall see how all God's plans were right, 
 
 And how what seemed reproof was love most true. 
 " And you shall shortly know that lengthened breath 
 
 Is not the sweetest gift God sends his friend, 
 And that sometimes the sable pall of death 
 
 Conceals the fairest boon his love can send. 
 If we could push ajar the gates of life. 
 
 And stand within and all God's workings see, 
 We could interpret all this doubt and strife. 
 
 And for each mystery could find a key. 
 " But not to-day. Then be content, poor heart ; 
 
 God's plans, like lilies pure and white, unfold. 
 We must not tear the close-shut leaves apart ; 
 
 Time will reveal the calyxes of gold. 
 And if thro' patient toil we reach the land 
 
 Where tired feet with sandals loose may rest. 
 When we shall clearly know and understand. 
 
 I think that we will say, ' God knew the best.' " 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 183 
 
 The last speaker was Dr. Chapman. 
 
 Address of Rev. J. Wilbur Chapman, D.D., Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 This morning I want to speak very briefly to all of you on the subject of one 
 baptism with the Holy Ghost for all believers. Many in-fillings with the same 
 Holy Ghost are possible, and sometimes necessary. The last point, — -special 
 anointings of the third person of the Trinity are to be sought for for every 
 special service upon which we enter. 
 
 It will be necessary for you to say with me a few verses of Scripture — not 
 in every case a whole verse, sometimes just a clause; but will you allow me to 
 say the verse first, and then ask you to repeat it with me ? 
 
 This is the first : Acts i. 5 : " John truly baptized with water, but ye shall 
 be baptized with the Holy Ghost, and with fire, not many days hence." Say it 
 with me: "John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the 
 Holy Ghost, and with fire, not many days hence." Second clause: Acts ii. 4: 
 " And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost." Say it: " And they were all 
 filled with the Holy Ghost." The last verse: Luke iv. 18: "The spirit of the 
 Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the 
 poor." Say it : " The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed 
 me to preach the gospel to the poor." 
 
 I dare to assert this morning, with the Word of God for my authority, that 
 every single Christian Endeavorer in this tent, in all these tents, in the city of 
 Washington, in the United States, in America, in the world, may have, if he 
 will, the baptism with the Holy Ghost. It is only necessary that we should be 
 willing to pay the price, for God is no respecter of persons. Some of you here 
 to-day stand for culture. That is no barrier. As an illustration, let me present 
 the woman who is to speak to us in this conference, Mrs. E. M. Whitmore. I 
 believe that she is one of the most remarkable women of this day, — a woman 
 of high social position, and yet a woman so filled with the Holy Ghost that to 
 stand in her presence, even if she opens not her lips to speak, is to feel the 
 mighty presence of God. Some of you do not stand for culture, and possibly 
 you might lay claim to ignorance. Do any of you know who it was that Dr. John 
 Hall said he counted the most influential man in Christian work in the great city 
 of New York, in all his acquaintance with it? Do you know his name.'* He did 
 not preach on Fifth Avenue. He did not stand as the leader of a congregation 
 of millionaires in the city. Dr. John Hall said that the man that seemed to him 
 to be the mightiest illustration of the power of God in all the city was the poor 
 old river thief in days gone by, Jerry McAuley. And I say that if to-day you 
 are pleading ignorance, ignorance is no barrier. The promise is for you. Some 
 people say the baptism with the Holy Ghost is every Christian's privilege. It 
 is not Scriptural to state it. The baptism with the Holy Ghost is every single 
 Christian's birthright. It is his birthright, and it is yours for the claiming. 
 Some of you may say to-day, " Well, I don't stand for ignorance. I stand for 
 quite the opposite." Then I hold before you that man who has been an inspi- 
 ration to me in evangelistic work, that man the very sound of whose name, 
 when I was a student, was an inspiration and an uplifting power, — Charles G. 
 Finney. He was filled — nay, he had been baptized — with the Holy Ghost; 
 and so I state here to-day that this blessing is for you ; and I thank God this 
 blessing is for me. 
 
 I think I ought to give you another verse of Scripture. Listen to it, for if 
 we can not find Scripture to fortify us in this position, our opinions will profit 
 us nothing. The second chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, and the 32d 
 verse : " Repent and be baptized, every one of you, for the remission of sins, 
 and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." But, friends, while it is not 
 inconsistent with the plan of God to give to every one of his children, the 
 moment they enter into saving relations with him, the full baptism with the 
 Spirit, how many people do you know that entered into the full blessing at the 
 moment of conversion .? How many? Well, I know a good many of the Chris- 
 tian workers; I know almost all of the evangelists; I know many of the men 
 and women whom God has blessed. I do not know one single soul, man or 
 
184 Official Report of the 
 
 woman, that entered into the full reception of the Holy Ghost at the time of 
 conversion. Every single Christian has the Holy Ghost for life, and, therefore, 
 if we want the enlarging blessing, we need not pray for his coming. He is 
 here. He abides in me. It is his work to abide in me. If I want to be filled 
 with the Spirit, — nay, if I would be baptized with the Spirit, — I need only to take 
 away the hindrance, take away the hindrance. This morning I talk to you 
 along that line. Now, then, a great many people talk about getting hold of the 
 Holy Ghost, and getting more of the Holy Ghost. Why, bless your souls, 
 friends, you have had more of the Holy Ghost since your conversion than you have 
 used. That is not the need ; that is not the need. I remember going through 
 one of the World's Fair Buildings and seeing, away at the end of the building, 
 what I thought was a man. He had his hand on the crank of a certain kind of 
 a pump, and he was turning it round and round. I stayed in the building an 
 hour, and the man never stopped work for an instant. I said to myself, "He 
 is not constructed on the same plan that I am or he would have grown weary." 
 But when I came nearer to the spot where he stood, I found that it was not a 
 man. It was just the figure of a man, the form of a man, and I found that he 
 was n't turning the crank at all, but that the crank was turning him. Well, friends, 
 that is the secret. I do not want the Holy Ghost that I may mark out a chan- 
 nel in which he may run for me and my glory ; but, before God to-day, I crave 
 for myself and for everj' Christian Endeavorer that the Holy Ghost might come 
 upon 'me and upon you and send us whithersoever God will. That is the 
 secret of power. 
 
 Now, I have an idea. Possibly some of these ministers who know far more 
 about the truth than I would not agree with me. Nevertheless, I think it is a 
 good illustration. I think that when Jesus said, ''John truly baptized with 
 water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence," he 
 was using the figure of baptism as an illustration that the baptism of water 
 stood as "an illustration for what the baptism with the Holy Ghost might be. 
 Now, then, if that is true, I have three points to make quickly : — 
 
 1. Baptism is always a definite experience. How many of you know just 
 when you were converted.^ How many of you? Well, lift up your hands if 
 you know the day and the hour. Up with your hands. (Part of the audience 
 raised their hands). Now, listen to this. How many of you do not know the 
 day you were converted, and yet to-day you say, '" I know I have passed from 
 death to life "? Up goes my hand first. (Others of the audience raise their 
 hands.) Ah, friends, I believe a man may be a Christian and not know just 
 the time he crossed the line into the kingdom. But I do believe that no man 
 in all this world can be a Christian, filled with all the power of God, without he 
 has a definite experience touching the Holy Ghost — a definite experience 
 touching the Holy Ghost. 
 
 If you do not know the day of your surrender to him, make it to-day. If 
 you can not put your finger upon the hour, make it this hour. If you can not put 
 it upon the minute, let this be the minute. Baptism with the Holy Ghost is 
 definite. 
 
 2. Baptism signifies complete surrender — complete surrender. Well, now, 
 take the figure immersion, though I could take the other just as well. When a 
 man presents himself for baptism, what does he do ? Well, he does n't say to 
 the administrator, " I want to be baptized forward.'" or "sideways," or "back- 
 wards; " what does he do ? He simply puts himself without question into the 
 hands of the administrator. Well, my friends, I believe that, whatever your 
 intellectual equipment may be, no man in all the world can receive the 
 baptism with the Holy Spirit without he surrenders absolutely to God every 
 single thing ; give up every single thing, put upon the altar, and then, hands off 
 forever — forever ! 
 
 3. Baptism as a formal rite is the death of self — the death of self. No man 
 can ever claim this blessing so long as he allows the fiesh to come up. The 
 Rev. F. B. Myer says, " If you want a good definition of fiesh, drop the letter 
 ' h ' and spell'it backwards. — s-e-l-f." I heard of a man, one of our own minis- 
 ters, who delivered an address over in London the other day lasting twenty 
 
FiftccntJi Intc7-)iational Convention. 185 
 
 minutes, and in the twenty minutes he used the personal pronoun one hun- 
 dred and twenty times. Well, friends, the Spirit of God does not lead us to do 
 that. The death of self! Have you a detinite experience.'' Will you take it 
 to-day by faith } God help you to do it ! 
 
 Now, then, I think the manifestation depends upon the individual. Some 
 persons think if they were baptized with the Holy Ghost they would be preach- 
 ers, and they would stand up in the presenc of this congregation, and they 
 would sway men's hearts and minds, and sweep them by the thousand into the 
 kingdom. " Ah," you say, " I know that ; that is the reason I want it." Why, 
 friends, there is flesh in that — flesh in that. Hear me when I say that Simon 
 Peter was filled with the Holy Ghost and swung 3,000 people into the kingdom, 
 I know. But hear me again. Stephen was filled with the same Spirit, and was 
 stoned to death. I think the time has come when the influence of Jesus Christ 
 might be further advanced if men should take such a stand for the truth that 
 thev would be actually stoned to death upon the streets. 
 
 The next thing, — if we are baptized with the Holy Ghost, what shall we be.? 
 Witnesses. Where do we begin to witness .? Well, a great many people want 
 to begin at the wrong end, at the uttermost parts of the earth. " Well if I 
 could just go out there to China! " God never sends a man to a higher posi- 
 tion until he has filled to overflowing the lower position — never I What does 
 the Scripture say } •' Ye shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem first, then 
 Judea, then Samaria, then unto the uttermost parts of the earth." 
 
 If you are filled with the Holy Ghost at the Fifteenth Annual Conven- 
 tion of Christian Endeavor, the first thing you will do will be to go back home 
 and let your wife know that you have gotten something that you have never had 
 before, and you won't have to tell her that you have it. A man is respom 
 sible for the atmosphere that is around him. I have a great many persons that 1 
 call friends who make me mad when I come within ten feet of them — well, 
 when I come within a hundred feet. I have other friends if I come within a 
 thousand feet of whom my heart begins to burn, and I say, " This is a fore- 
 taste of heaven." 
 
 Well, I can not say anything about the filling of the Holy Ghost — I make a 
 distinction between the baptism and the filling — except this : if I have had the 
 definite experience, — and I thank God I have, October 16, 1892, — it is written 
 on the book at half-past three in the afternoon. Not perfection ; not sinless- 
 ness; not boasting myself that I am better than other men, for God knows and 
 I know that that would be untrue; but if I have had the definite experience, 
 then if I am going to keep in touch with the Spirit of God, I must every single 
 day be filled. 
 
 I walked along the streets of Northfield, Mr. Moody's home, with the Rev. 
 F. B. Myer, on one of the most beautiful mornings that I think God could 
 make; aiid I said to him, " Mr. Myer, I have had a definite experience. But 
 something is wrong with me. What is it ? " And the great teacher, whom I 
 delight to honor, took my hand in his, and said, "Your difficulty is the same as 
 mine." He says, " Stop a minute. You never breathe out physically without 
 first of all breathing in." Well, now, let 's just stop a second and see if that 
 is n't true ; you begin to breathe now. See how you do it .'' Breathe in first and 
 out second. And the Rev. F. B. Myer said, and I should have gone around the 
 world to have him say it to me, " I need, my brother, and so do you, to keep 
 all the time breathing' in, and breathing in spiritually." That is keeping filled 
 with the Holy Ghost. 
 
 The last point, — special anointings for special service. I think a minister 
 ought never to preach his sermon without waiting before God for an anointing 
 of the Holy Ghost. And I believe, brethren in the ministry, that it be a good 
 thing sometimes if our people would go into our churches and find the pulpits 
 empty while you and I wait for the anointing of the Holy Ghost. I think that 
 no man should ever sing a hymn without asking for the anointing of the Spirit. 
 I believe that no Sunday-school teacher should meet her class without asking 
 for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. 
 
 Harry Morehouse, the great evangelist of years gone by, who came across 
 
186 Official Re fort of the 
 
 to this country and preached in Mr. Moody's church seven nights, on John iii. 
 i6, came back the second time to Chicago ; and they had billed the whole city, 
 that " Harry Morehouse, the great evangelist," was to speak in Farwell Hall. 
 The hour came, and the historic room was filled. Harry Morehouse came out 
 on the platform; to the right of him sat Mr. Moody ; to the left of him, Mr. 
 Jacobs ; back of him, William Reynolds, and I don't know but Mr. Sankey. 
 All about him were the leading Christian workers of that great western city. 
 And Harry Morehouse stood up and announced his text, and then stopped. 
 He read it a second time and stopped again. He read it the third time, and 
 then deliberately closed his Bible, and Mr. Moody said he left the platform and 
 went into the little anteroom. They waited fully five minutes, and he did not 
 come, and then Mr. Jacobs went down. " Why," said he, " Morehouse, what 
 does it mean? Here we have billed the whole city, and Farwell Hall is filled 
 to suffocation. There will be great disappointment." "Ah," said the man that 
 knew his God so well, and was so filled with the Spirit, ''that is the trouble; 
 that is the trouble. It has been all ' Harry Morehouse', and it has been noth- 
 ing of the Lord. And I can not preach." 
 
 And Mr. Jacobs fell on his knees beside him, and Mr. Moody bound his 
 arms about him. And Mr. Reynolds prayed, as tlie tears rolled down his 
 cheeks; and they waited for twenty minutes, and the people sat in silence in 
 the other room. And then Harry Morehouse, with his face shining like an 
 angel's, with his heart burning with that lire that comes down only from on 
 high, stood before the crowd of people and, tilled with the Holy Ghost, he 
 swayed them with the power that comes from above until it seemed as if a 
 hundred people and more had pressed their way into the kingdom. 
 
 O brethren in the ministry, that is what we need ; that is what we need ! 
 To-day I dare to stand and say, with this old Book in my hand, and resting 
 upon it as my authority, that there is not a Christian Endeavorer here but what 
 might go back to his home with his life transformed, if he were only to 
 surrender to the Spirit of God. 
 
 Are you ready to do it, friends ? I don't know but that I am going beyond 
 my bounds; but I will take the liberty. Are you ready to do it.'' We have 
 come to Kadesh-Barnea; Canaan is just beyond us. The fruit of the Spirit is 
 ours for the choosing. Will you enter to-day and put it down, July the loth, i8g6. 
 at 12 o'clock and 8 minutes, " I surrender to God " ? Will you say it, friends? 
 If you will, I would like to pray with you. Will you say it? Every Christian 
 Endeavorer in the house that would just like to say to-day, " I want to enter 
 into the land that flows with milk and honey," stand to your feet. 
 
 The audience rose, as requested, and w^as led in prayer by the 
 speaker. Mr. Sankey sang and led the Convention in prayer, and 
 then the audience was dismissed. 
 
 Wesley M. E. Church. 
 Junior Workers' Meeting. 
 
 One of the most interesting and profitable meetings was the meeting 
 of the Junior workers, held in Wesley M. E. Church. Long before the 
 hour for the exercises to begin the beautiful little edifice was filled, and 
 the delegates sang one after another of the Christian Endeavor hymns, 
 until the musical leader, Mr. Chas. S. Clark, of Washington, took charge 
 of the singing. Secretary John Willis Baer presided, and after a short 
 service of praise, introduced Rev. M. Ross Fishburn, of Washington, 
 who conducted the devotional exercises. 
 
 Miss Grace E. Hyde, of Winchendon, spoke first of " A Model Jun- 
 ior Society." 
 
Fifteenth Internatiojial Convention. 187 
 
 Address of Miss Grace E. Hyde, Winchendon, Mass. 
 
 At a flower exhibition in London there was one plant far more beautiful than 
 all the rest. Beside this plant stood its owner, a little girl in a patched calico 
 dress. When the man in charge told her that her geranium had won the first 
 prize, he asked her how it happened that among so many beautiful plants hers 
 was the most luxuriant. The little girl told him how she had cared for it. She 
 lived in a large tenement-house, but on the tifth floor, where the air was pure and 
 the sun shone all day. Each morning she had put the plant in the east window, 
 where it would catch the first rays of the sun ; in the afternoon she had changed 
 it to the west window, turning it around so that the other side would receive the 
 warmth until the sun went down. Under the influence of pure air and warm 
 sunlight the plant grew in symmetry and beauty. 
 
 In a similar way the model Junior Society expands the lives of the children 
 into beauty and usefulness. Flooded with the warm sunshine of God's love, 
 growing into his likeness by contact on all sides with Christian influences, the 
 children develop into the most beautiful blossoms in Christ's kingdom. 
 
 In the catalogue of the Harvard College Summer School is an announce- 
 ment of two courses in physical training; one is a course in theory, the other in 
 practice. Each is valuable in itself ; one supplements the other ; but to one who 
 is striving for the perfect development of his muscles, of what worth is the 
 theory without the practice .'' In our spiritual training the Sunday school gives 
 the theory of Christian living; the societies of Christian Endeavor, the prac- 
 tice. In the Sunday school children are taught to know Christ and to love 
 him ; in the Junior Society they are taught to work for him. " Love is 
 idle that knows no service. " In a model Junior Society then, the boys and 
 girls are trained to serve. A Junior Society makes service intensely practical. 
 In one of our model societies in Massachusetts, the Juniors were interested 
 in collecting orange-peel for a poor old lady who dried it and sold it for making 
 extract. In another they brought eggs, which were carried to poor sick people 
 or to the hospital. 
 
 At the entrance of a beautiful garden this sign is said to have been placed : 
 "Joy and cheerfulness found in this garden by all who bring them." In a 
 model Junior Society Christ is found by all who bring to its meetings a spirit 
 of willingness to learn about him and to speak for him, a spirit of helpfulness 
 and of unselfish kindness toward one another. 
 
 In a model society the superintendent (who should be a permanent officer) 
 is wise, tactful, loving ; she understands children and guides them trustingly 
 into God's kingdom. The superintendent and her assistants are present at 
 every meeting. The Juniors are attentive, responsive. They play the piano, 
 sing, lead their own meetings. They hold regular business meetings and give 
 committee reports. They have frequent socials. They give systematically for 
 missions. They each have some definite work to do. The boys and girls are 
 taught to show Christ in their lives. A strong testimony in favor of our work 
 is one given by the public-school teachers in a town where it was thought that 
 the Junior Society would be disbanded on account of the sickness of the super- 
 intendent. These teachers said, " The Junior Society must not be given up. 
 You have no idea how wonderfully it has improved the deportment in our 
 schools. We can not spare it." 
 
 An old Scotch woman once thanked her pastor for the helpful sermon he 
 had preached the previous Sunday. He asked her what particular thought had 
 helped her, — if it was the text. No. she did not remember the text. Was it 
 any one sentence? No. she could not recall any special sentence. " Well," said 
 her pastor, "you said my sermon helped you; yet you do not remember any- 
 thing in it. I do not understand you." " It is true," replied the woman, "that 
 I do not remember the text, or any one sentence; but I see the effect in my 
 life. I am a better Christian for having heard that sermon." 
 
 The boys and girls in our Junior Societies may not be able to tell why they 
 love Christ and serve him, or to explain fully the meaning of their pledge ; but 
 if they are so trained that they live Christ every day, then your society is a 
 model Junior Society. 
 
188 Official Report of the 
 
 The next speaker was Miss Jennie T. Masson, of Indianapolis, Ind., 
 whose topic was "A Model Junior Superintendent." 
 
 Address of Miss Jennie T. Masson, Indianapolis, Ind. 
 
 The work of the Junior superintendent is to be done on earth, hence the word 
 "model" does not mean perfect or angelic. It means, the best to be had. 
 Model Junior superintendents are not born, but made. 
 
 Any society can cultivate one, provided there be, to start with, a good-tem- 
 pered Endeavorer in love with the boys and girls. No society lacks such a 
 member. Indeed, once in a while in a society can be found a sweet-tempered, 
 children-loving Endeavorer who can sing and play, give chalk talks, tell fascin- 
 ating Bible stories; who has the power to control ; who is as alert as the sun- 
 rise, as placid as the first lily that bloomed in the Garden of Eden, as definite 
 as a railroad track, as spiritual as the thoughts of an angel, as full-grown as a 
 California welcome. Such, however, is a shming exception. God evidently is 
 not Christianizing the world by means of prodigies. 
 
 Still, the model Junior superintendent has all these qualities. She does not 
 always, however, combine them in her own person. Happy is she if she can 
 herself teach the ready lips to pour out the music of Junior songs. But just as 
 happy may she be to inspire interest and attention and order while some singer 
 from the Junior committee of the senior society performs the pleasant duty. 
 She can talk up such a pleased anticipation of a blackboard exercise that even 
 before the artist comes his chalk-talk will have begun to bear fruit. She can 
 love the children so much that she will not be jealous if others share with her 
 the adoration of the child-hearts. Oh, she can with God's help and the sup- 
 port of the senior workers become an acceptable Junior superintendent. 
 That is the chief motive of this paper, — to inspire some one to try to be culti- 
 vated into a model Junior superintendent. 
 
 This is the report that came the other day from a State superintendent of 
 Junior work, — twelve Junior Societies disbanded because of no one to superin- 
 tend ; and all, very probably, because those who might have done the work were 
 afraid. Afraid of yourself ; afraid of making a mistake ! Probably you will 
 make a mistake, but it could not possibly be so great as the mistake of dis- 
 banding. 
 
 We carry for our motto, " The world for Christ," and yet every disbanded 
 Junior Society, every failure to organize, delays the consummation of that 
 motto. Shall that delay occur because we will not learn the above given mean- 
 ing of a model Junior superintendent, — take the best you have and do the best 
 you can? 
 
 Right here is about as good a place as any to remark that the feminine pro- 
 noun seems to be the one generally used to stand for a model Junior superin- 
 tendent. It is not necessarily true that the superintendent be of this sex. but 
 in this day of the church membership where the women outnumber the men i6 
 to I, it is very probable the Junior superintendent will be a young woman. It is 
 to be hoped that she can secure much help from the young men, for manly in- 
 fluence is most needful to a successful Junior Christian Endeavor Society. 
 
 In the cultivation of a model superintendent, communication with the State 
 Junior superintendent should be kept up constantly. Christian Endeavor 
 conventions, with their inspiration, new ideas and methods of work, greatly 
 assist. A prayerful study of these methods helps the superintendent to decide 
 what can be used in her especial Junior Society. The aid of the senior society 
 is indispensable. The church services are always chief assistants, the superin- 
 tendens advising the boys and girls not only to go to church, but to sit in the 
 church pews with their parents; and this suggests that great bugbear roaming 
 some parts of the world in the shape of the opinion that children should not 
 be allowed to join the Church. I feel toward that opinion as the baby boy did 
 toward the big dog of the house where he was on a visit. Having a dreadful 
 fear of the dog, they talked to him until the coming manly pride was aroused 
 in him, and this was the result. One day while alone in a room the child was 
 
FifteentJi International Convention. 189 
 
 startled by the dog coming in. Watching the child from the next room, they 
 say him start for a chair, remarking aloud to himself, " I 'm not afraid of him. I 
 wish he was n't there," meantime hastily chmbing upon the chair. " I 'm not 
 afraid of him. I 'm not afraid of him. I wish he was dead, for Jesus' sake." 
 
 We need not be afraid of that opinion, for it cannot keep the children out of 
 the Church. We 're not afraid of it, but we wish it was dead ! The model Junior 
 superintendent need not teach the destruction of this idea. Her intelligent, 
 well-trained little Christian Juniors are living arguments in favor of its 
 annihilation. 
 
 So add to the helps mentioned, belief in Junior church membership, con- 
 ferences with the pastor, possession of every scrap of literature regarding 
 Junior work, correspondence with workers in other societies regarding Junior 
 work, correspondence with workers in other States, an abiding interest in the 
 or2;anization of Mothers' Societies, good cookery, knowledge of games, acare- 
 fully-cared-for body, constant communion with Christ. These helps are the 
 scaffolding which God provides for us in building that beautiful character, a 
 model Junior superintendent. 
 
 A discussion of these papers then took place and many present 
 offered suggestions for making the work successful. 
 
 Mr. C. J. Atkinson, of Toronto, Ont., then addressed the meeting 
 on " Some Things To Avoid." 
 
 Address of fir. C. J. Atkinson, Toronto, Ont. 
 
 Avoid doing all the work yourself. The Juniors will learn to do by doing. 
 You plan, they will carry out ; you touch the button, they will do the rest. 
 Juniors are working interrogation points, and only require responsive superin- 
 tendents to suggest the what and the how. Give them something to do or they 
 will soon lose interest. Maintain good order and disciphne by occupying sur- 
 plus time and energy ; remember that it is the idle hands that the father of mis- 
 chief finds work for; it is the business of Junior Christian Endeavor to preempt 
 this field. Teach the Juniors early the valuable life lesson that it is better to 
 try to do something and fail than not to try and beautifully succeed. 
 
 Avoid making your Junior Society your society. Don't selfishly monopolize 
 all the pleasure of superintending. Have several assistants, say one to look 
 after each committee in the society, and place responsibilities upon them. You 
 will thus educate superintendents for other societies and insure the future of 
 your own. If a Junior Society disbands it will be found, in nine cases out of 
 ten — if that number can be found — that it is due to lack of a competent super- 
 intendent. In training superintendents you are not working a question in addi- 
 tion ; it is one in multiplication. 
 
 Avoid increasing members at the expense of thoroughness. Strive for qual- 
 ity, not quantity. Hand-picked fruit keeps much better than windfalls. Make 
 pledge-taking a serious business and the consecration meeting a solemn hour. 
 Deal personally and privately with every applicant for active membership. 
 If possible have them visit you at your home, and with open Bible and bended 
 knee and the Spirit's guidance, draw the lambs gently into the fold. The bless- 
 ing will be mutual, and the superintendent and Junior will be intimate, confid- 
 ing friends ever after. Those little conferences will become the greatest joy of 
 your life, the memory of which will dispel the Httle irritations and add to your 
 zeal in the work. 
 
 Avoid ruts. Variety is required not only to make the weekly meetings attrac- 
 tive, but to maintain interest in the work of the committees. If superintendent 
 and assistants lack original ideas here is a receipt for making a good substitute : 
 get all the text-books, periodicals, and helps on Junior work that are within 
 reach ; have your note-book at every convention where Junior work is discussed; 
 go with it yourself, if possible; swap plans with every Junior worker you meet. 
 Squeeze the best out of all these, sweeten to the local taste, and serve in small 
 quantities. Jam always takes well with Juniors. 
 
190 Official Report of the 
 
 Avoid sentimental gush, a long-faced demeanor, and the calling of Juniors 
 " dear little children." Teach a real, matter-of-fact religion that Juniors can prac- 
 tise in the school-room, running messages, riding a bicycle, or playing baseball. 
 If we must have long faces, let tliem be long crossways. Treat your Juniors 
 not as prudes and prims, but as healthy, fun-loving girls and boys. Boys? Yes, 
 boys; and you can have boys from twelve to sixteen years of age in your society 
 in as great numbers as the girls, if you recognize that they must have exercise 
 sometimes or something will break, and tliat they must have fun sometimes or 
 something will burst, and that they aspire above everything to be considered 
 manly while in their teens. 
 
 In conclusion, don't use as many don'ts as I have this morning in the next 
 six months, but substitute instead the verb active, " do." This subject was not 
 of my choosing. 
 
 Miss Nettie E. Harrington, of Janesville, Wis., read a paper on 
 " The Relation of the Juniors to the Older Society." We regret Miss 
 Harrington's manuscript was not preserved. 
 
 Miss Kate H. Haus, of St. Louis, Mo., took charge of the open 
 parliament, and conducted a discussion on " How To Keep the Juniors 
 Interested." The parliament proved to be a lively and instructive fea- 
 ture of the programme. 
 
 Miss Lottie E. Wiggins, of Toronto, Ont., interested her auditors by 
 an address on " The Relation Between the Parents and the Juniors." 
 
 Address of fliss Lottie E. Wiggins, Toronto, Ont. 
 
 We have talked much about the relation of children to parents, but very 
 little about the relation of parents to children. How strange that we have 
 overlooked the divine command to "become as little children," and have 
 always been holding up adults as the examples for children to follow ! Which 
 of us consider the conventionalized, warped, distorted, indirect, half-fair, 
 untrusting mode of thinking of the adult a good substitute for the spontaneous, 
 genuine, direct, just, and trusting mode peculiar and essential to childhood? 
 
 Junior workers are not competing with parents in training the Juniors, but 
 co-operating. We also believe that the best work for the juniors can not be 
 done without home co-operation. Our Juniors are leading their parents 
 deeper spirituality, and thus the Junior Society is fulfilling the predictions of 
 our Lord regarding the foremost age of all history, — "A little child shall lead 
 them." We, therefore, organize a Parents' Society of Christian Endeavor, not 
 enlisting the mothers alone, but the fathers also. Too long the entire manage- 
 ment of the home has been left to the mothers, while the fathers have guarded 
 our larger home, the nation. Both governments have signally failed, and now 
 we learn the lesson that neither home nor nation is well governed unless there 
 are " two heads in council." Parents best realize their responsibility to the 
 Juniors when they live the principles they desire to see the children live. 
 
 How often we find parents lax in their own practices in honesty, and boast- 
 ing before the children of some sharp trick by which they gained advantage in 
 a business transaction ! If they but realized that it is the little leaks that sink 
 the ship, they would be more careful to be true under all circumstances. 
 Parents should be so true that when the Juniors weigh their actions in the 
 balance they shall not be " found wanting." 
 
 " Child-nature " should be studied. The gardener studies his plants and 
 knows how to treat each. The farmer studies his fields and knows what best 
 will grow in every field. But parents think all children alike, recognize no 
 differences in character, and do not adapt plans to develop different natures. _ 
 
 Parents should possess the utmost confidence of the Juniors, sympathize 
 with them in their aims, study their tastes, encourage their development ; 
 should have great faith in the children, that, though mistakes are made, they 
 desire to do the right ; should not make promises unless certain of being able 
 
Fifteenth I>iteniational Convention. 191 
 
 to fulfil them ; should not bribe children to be good by promises of reward and 
 payment for every service. 
 
 Parents should think more about the physical development of the Juniors, — 
 see that they take proper exercise, proper food, and go to bed early. Some 
 persons' digestion has a good deal to do with their religion. Children's tem- 
 pers are often caused by too much pastry and sitting up till midnight. Make 
 allowances for failures. Let the children down as easily as older people. Five- 
 year-old Flossie said to her mother on being reproved, ''When it's me, you say 
 ' cross ; ' when it 's you, you say ' nervous.' " 
 
 Mothers and fathers who expect their children to be angels must have for- 
 gotten their ancestry. As far as possible parents should co-operate wilii the 
 superintendents in carrying out the plans of the Junior Society. The Juniors 
 are encouraged by the interest of their parents, as well as the parents benefited 
 by the Juniors' work. The Parents' Society should meet at least once a month 
 and talk over the work, hear the Junior superintendent's monthly report, pray for 
 blessing on the Juniors. In an informal way parents and workers may talk 
 over the work with mutual benefit; discuss difficulties, but also state the bless- 
 ings and benefits of Junior work. At home the Juniors may be more easily en- 
 couraged to read tlie l]ible and pray every day. Parents may note whether 
 Christian principles are lived in home life, in school life, and in the playground. 
 Parents should not only pray for the Juniors, but with the Juniors. Many a 
 difficulty between parent and child will be sweetly reconciled as, together, 
 hearts are lifted to the Father on high. By this mutual sympathy and help the 
 spiritual life of the threefold nature, which is one in the unity of the spirit and 
 the bonds of peace — husband, wife, and child — shall be exalted, our family al- 
 tars will mean more, and over the homes of our country shall be written, " Holi- 
 ness to the Lord." 
 
 Mr. Thomas Wainwright, of Chicago, conducted the question box, 
 and gave his opinion of various ways for getting along with the boys 
 and girls of the societies. 
 
 The next speaker's topic was " The Pastor and the Juniors." 
 
 Address of Rev. Peter Ainslie, Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Some time ago I stood by a naval constructor as he directed the laying of 
 the keel of a great vessel. He watched it daily, and, after many months, it was 
 successfully launched, with the Stars and Stripes fioating over its newly chris- 
 tened prow. In these days when childhood is largely, and in some cases en- 
 tirely, given over to the Church for religious instruction, it seems to me that the 
 pastor has a magnificent opportunity of aiding more than ever before in tiie 
 building of the child-thought and the child-life. Without discussing tlic hold 
 that the home is losing upon childhood, certainly this condition has tlirust upon 
 the pastor a new and large responsibility. It compels him to be more than 
 ever before the servant of the child. The Junior Society meets the want of 
 forming the children into an organization to bring the pastor in closer touch 
 with them, that he may study their individual lives and press to their hearts as 
 near as possible the divine mold. In fact, this is his business. He is pre-emi- 
 nently in the world to make men and women better; but since it is easier to 
 plant a truth in a child's life than to uproot evil or disfigured truth in a mature 
 life, his opportunity and responsibility are measureless. It is his as never before 
 to directly influence manhood and womanhood and make a safe passage, as far 
 as in him lies, in the launching of human barks upon the rough and pathless 
 sea of life. 
 
 Somebody has said that the child is the best copy of Adam before he tasted 
 the fruit. At any rate, it is the flower bursting the calyx that holds the child- 
 blossom, and the pastor's prayers, words, and life should combine to keep fra- 
 grant the opening flower. He should pray for them individually. It is 
 easier to prevent a leakage than, after twenty-five or thirty years, to attempt 
 to chink a weather-bitten craft. He should know the children by name. " How 
 
192 Official Report of the 
 
 do you do?' and "Good morning," may suit men and women, but "How do 
 you do, Jim ? " and " Good morning, Mary," is the only salutation that will suit 
 boys and girls. He should play with the children. You can not touch men 
 unless you get on equality with them; neither can you reach young children 
 unless you become identified with them in their toys, games, books, and sports. 
 The pastor then must be a child, or, if you choose, " an overgrown boy," as 
 somebody once called Henry Ward Beecher. After all, this is just where Jesus 
 wanted every one of us to make our starting-point, — at childhood. 
 
 The crowd in attendance on the service was so great, and so many 
 could not be accommodated with seats in the church, that an overflow 
 meeting was arranged and held in the lecture-room, speakers from the 
 main meeting going to the overflow^ meeting and repeating their 
 addresses, Rev. Geo. B. Stewart, D.D., Harrisburg, Pa., presiding. 
 
 During the service Rev. Mr. Lamb, of Maine, sang solos and capti- 
 vated his hearers. 
 
 Mrs. Francis E. Clark was present at the meeting, and, although not 
 engaged to take a part in the service, was called upon and was given a 
 warm reception by the audience. Mrs. Clark spoke of methods for 
 interesting young people in the Junior Society, and believed there was 
 no rule that could be adopted as applying to all societies. 
 
 The meeting was closed with prayer by the presiding officer, Secre- 
 tary Baer. 
 
 FRIDAY AFTERNOON. 
 
 " Committee " Conferences and Advance Lines of Work. 
 
 " To the work," said the score of practical conferences along special 
 lines of Christian Endeavor work, held Friday afternoon. The earnest- 
 ness of the delegates and the definiteness of the discussions gave these 
 meetings a character that will be impressed on thousands of societies 
 in months to come. "Advance, Endeavor," was the key-word. " There 
 remaineth yet very much land to be possessed," was the prevailing sen- 
 timent, and in the conferences on old topics, and in those that consid- 
 ered the later enlargements, the desire for greater things was clearly 
 manifest. Especially cheering was the gcod attendance and great 
 interest at the meetings where were considered the Intermediate, Se- 
 nior, Mothers', and Parents' Societies, the work for life-savers, the Trav- 
 ellers' Union, the Floating Society, and the information committee. 
 
 Corresponding Secretaries' Conference. 
 
 This conference was held in the upper room of the Church of the Reforma- 
 tion, Lutheran, corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Second Street, S. E. 
 There was a large number of corresponding secretaries present, a majority of 
 whom took part. Mr. J. M. Lucas, of Des Moines, lo., presided. The object 
 of the conference and the discussion of the work were well defined and out- 
 lined by the chairman. The chairman also spoke in a general way of the sub- 
 ject, defining the duties and work of the secretaries, and then extended an invi- 
 tation to the officers present to take an active part in debating the many points 
 of interest as they were successfully brought out. This request was most lib- 
 erally responded to. 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 193 
 
 It was the evidence of nearly all present that the reason we failed to receive 
 prompt and accurate reports and responses from thousands of our secretaries was 
 the fact that the records of our recording secretaries and church clerks are so 
 poorly kept that it seemed almost impossible to secure the information desired. 
 At this conference it was fully decided that it was a most important duty of all 
 corresponding secretaries to help to inaugurate a glorious reform in their re- 
 spective societies and churches in seeing that the records of the same are more 
 systematically kept. Many plans and methods of work were freely discussed. 
 This was a very enthusiastic, interesting, and successful conference. One very 
 important fact was brought out in the meeting; namely, corresponding secre- 
 taries should be prompt in answering all communications sent to them from 
 proper sources, and be very active in placing in the waste-basket all forms of 
 advertising matter being unduly imposed upon our Endeavor Societies which 
 should not be recognized by them. It was proven to be a fact that many un- 
 scrupulous advertisers are trying to place their wares, etc., in the hands of many 
 of the Endeavorers by using this means of advertising same. 
 
 Junior Superintendents' Conference. 
 
 One of the most interesting conferences of the Convention was the meeting 
 of the superintendents of the Junior Societies, held at the Wesley M. E. Church. 
 Miss Cordelia Jamison, of Beltzhoover, Pa., the State superintendent of that 
 State, presided, and the meeting was one of the largest of the afternoon, the 
 church being crowded by the Junior superintendents and many others inter- 
 ested in that important branch of Christian Endeavor work. A praise meeting 
 of ten minutes preceded the business meeting, Mr. Harry G. Kimball, of Wash- 
 ington, conducting it. Miss Lottie E. Wiggins, of Toronto, Ont., read an in- 
 teresting paper on "Junior Business Meetings," Miss Kate Haus. of St. Louis, 
 following with a valuable paper on "Aids to Superintendents." Mr. Henry 
 Small, of York, Pa., gave many interesting suggestions in an address on " Per- 
 sonal Work." 
 
 A feature of the meeting was a short talk by Miss Elizabeth W. Olney, of 
 Providence, R. L, her subject being " Bands of Mercy." 
 
 Mr. J. A. Shannon, of Kansas City, Mo., illustrated the right way and the 
 wrong way of teaching the Bible in a very interesting story, and for several 
 minutes Mr. Thomas Wainwright, of Chicago, conducted a question box, 
 answering many inquiries as to the best way of conducting Junior work. The 
 exercises were closed by the audience repeating the Christian Endeavor pledge. 
 
 Conference of Missionary Superintendents. 
 
 This was the first attempt at holding a conference of missionary superinten- 
 dents, and though the attendance was not large, the deep interest manifested 
 proved the idea a good one. The leader. Rev. Willis S. Hinman, of Columbia, 
 Pa., opened the conference with prayer, after the singing of two or three mis- 
 sionary songs. In a few earnest words he reminded those present that in many 
 societies the missionary work depended largely on the guiding influence of the 
 superintendents. Then he called for an interchange of thought in answer to 
 the twofold question : What ha^'e you been doing j 7vhat do you propose to do ? 
 
 Miss Frances B. Patterson, superintendent of the State of Illinois, reported 
 the State thoroughly organized. Courses of missionary extension lectures had 
 been held in nearly all the important towns and cities, often under difficulties, 
 especially in the country districts, where speakers were sometimes obliged to 
 drive long distances. The cost had been entirely met by the fees. She had sent 
 out a great deal of literature. The two-cents-a-week plan is in satisfactory 
 operation in many societies. 
 
 The superintendent of one of the districts in Chicago gave an interesting 
 account of the methods used in his district to keep up the interest of the mis- 
 sionary committees. District meetings are held, for which careful programmes 
 are prepared and at which bright, pointed talks on methods are given by the 
 best speakers obtainable. 
 
194 Official Report of the 
 
 Another State superintendent told of work done at the State convention. A 
 room was secured and an elaborate display was made of missionary literature, 
 pictures, books, maps, and curios. Several student volunteers were in attend- 
 ance constantly, who made it their business to talk missions to every visitor, 
 explaining maps, showing curios, and distributing literature. 
 
 Mr. Hinman reported nearly every county in Pennsylvania organized, and all 
 parts of the State kept in close touch with the State superintendent through an 
 efficient corps of district and county superintendents. Missionary extension 
 lecture courses were held in about forty towns and cities, with gratifying re- 
 sults. 
 
 Then followed a half-hour of informal conversation concerning the work, 
 during which there was a lively exchange of questions and answers, helpful 
 suggestions, and bright bits of experience. 
 
 A series of prayers for God's blessing on the work of missionary superinten- 
 dents, in which many of those present participated, brought the conference to 
 a close, every one feeling that the hour and a half had been spent profitably. 
 
 Local Union Officers' Conference. 
 
 The centre of attraction Friday noon for the officers of local Christian 
 Endeavor Unions was St. Paul's English Lutheran Church. A conference of 
 local union officers was held there, with Mr. William L. Turner, Jr., of Phil- 
 adelphia, Pa., as chairman, and with union officers from every section of the 
 country, from Maine to Texas, and from Washington to Florida, in attendance. 
 
 A song service followed by prayer opened the meeting, and then the presid- 
 ing officer announced that the general subject to be discussed was, " How Can 
 We Best Further the Interests of Our Local Unions.?" After several had 
 talked on that topic, opinions were given on how best to conduct the union of 
 societies, and an explanation of the idea of city unions was made. 
 
 The union of widely separated country societies occupied attention for some 
 little time, and later it was agreed that a large attendance at quarterly union 
 meetings might be secured by the liberal use of printer's ink, by following good 
 programmes, and by uniformity as to time. Among others, the presiding officer 
 asked the question," What do you expect of your lookout committees.?" and 
 many interesting and instructive answers were made by the delegates. 
 
 " Where did you get your form of organization .? " was another question put 
 to the meeting. The foregoing is a sample of what was done at the gathering, 
 which was in session for an hour and a half. There is no doubt that when 
 they returned home their respective societies profited to a very great extent 
 from the exchange of views between the officers of the local unions at Wash- 
 ington, '96. 
 
 District Secretaries' Conference. 
 
 Secretaries are always industrious persons, no matter what organization they 
 belong to, but the duties of district secretaries of Christian Endeavor Unions 
 are manifold and seemingly endless. A small but interesting conference of 
 these officials was held at the First Baptist Church, with Miss Martha E. Race, 
 secretary of the Florida Endeavor Union, presiding. The first topic brought 
 up for discussion was that of " The District Secretary." This and each suc- 
 ceeding topic was subdivided, any person present volunteering his or her views 
 on the subject. Some of these opinions showed much serious study, but all 
 concurred in thinking that at least three requisites were indispensable in a dis- 
 trict secretary ; namely, that he should be " business-like," " energetic," and 
 "open-hearted." 
 
 District secretaries have, of course, multifarious correspondence, and sim- 
 ilar heavy work, but the local secretaries are nearly as busy, and have in addi- 
 tion many duties that the others have not. Under this head a world of work, 
 much of it not named in the category of ordinary secretaries, was brought up 
 by those present. One delegate expressed in a nutshell a quality that is 
 wanted in everybody as well as secretaries, — more "grit," less " quit." 
 
Fifteenth Litcrnational Convention. 195 
 
 Sentiments such as these about filled up the afternoon, though time was 
 found near the close to develop old methods and discuss new methods of work. 
 
 State and Provincial Officers' Conference. 
 
 The conference of the State and Provincial officers, which was held at the 
 Sixth Presbyterian Church, Sixth and D Streets, S. W., was one of the most 
 important meetings conducted. Judge L. J. Kirkpatrick, of Kokomo, Ind., 
 president of the Indiana State Union, presided. After a short welcome address 
 by the chairman, prayer was offered by Rev. O. W. Stewart, president of the 
 Illinois Union. Music was furnished by the choir, under the direction of Mr. 
 Sweet, of Colorado. 
 
 The first subject offered by the chairman for discussion was " The Grouping 
 of State Conventions for the Purpose of Enabling Speakers To Attend Conven- 
 tions of Different States with Less Expense to the State." The subject was freely 
 discussed. It was considered feasible to group adjacent States, and a committee 
 was appointed for the purpose of considering such matter more fully, with 
 power to consult with the State officers and make such groupings as might be 
 mutually agreed upon. The next topic discussed was, "The Payment of Expen- 
 ses of State Conventions." It was unanimously agreed that each State com- 
 mittee should see that all expenses of the convention are promptly paid. 
 Especial emphasis was placed upon the duty of such committee to see that all 
 the incidental expenses of speakers are paid, as well as car-fare, that the amount 
 tendered should fully reimburse the speaker for all expenses incurred. It was 
 also urged that the same plan of payment be followed by the district secretaries 
 of the several States in holding district conventions. " The Uses and Abuses of 
 State Papers" was next considered. This topic called forth much discussion. 
 The majority present thought it well for each State to have such paper, provided 
 it be kept under the management of the State committee and made self-sustain- 
 ing. It was considered unwise to allow a private individual to conduct such 
 paper as an individual enterprise without giving the State committee the power 
 to direct its policy and to know at all times the character of the articlts pub- 
 lished. The enterprise in many States has proved a financial failure, and great 
 care was urged in providing for its support by advertisements and circulation. 
 " How To Raise Money for State Work " was the last topic presented by the 
 chairman. The plan which has proved most successful in many States is for 
 the treasurer to send his call for pledges to each society prior to the convention, 
 requesting the society to send in the pledge by the time the convention convenes; 
 also, to have subscription blanks and envelopes distributed through the conven- 
 tion hall, so subscriptions may be made during the convention. Mr. M. M. 
 Shand, of Washington, acted as secretary of the conference. 
 
 Lookout Committee Conference. 
 
 The Lookout Committee Conference was held in the McKendree Methodist 
 Church, with quite a large attendance of Endeavorers from almost every State 
 in the Union. The lookout committee is an important committee of the Society, 
 as its duty consists chiefly in bringing in new members and keeping a sharp 
 lookout ori the old members to see that they do not neglect their duties. 
 
 Mr. Guy W. Campbell, of San Jose, Cal., was chairman of the conference. 
 In opening he spoke quite earnestly of the importance of the work of the com- 
 mittee, which he declared to be quite as essential a part of the Society as any 
 other committee. Some members, he said, were inclined to be neglectful of 
 their duties as Christian Endeavorers. and it thus became necessary for some 
 one to remind them of their backwardness and impress upon them the neces- 
 sity for more earnest consecration to the cause. This it was the lookout com- 
 mittee's function to perform, and the spiritual success of the Society depends 
 largely upon the efficient and conscientious manner in which their duties were 
 performed. 
 
 In the open parliament following Chairman Campbell's remarks quite a 
 number of practical suggestions were made as to the best manner in which this 
 
196 
 
 Official Report of tUe 
 
 work may be performed. Above all things else, the members were most ear- 
 nestly urged always to observe the tenets of the pledge, and not to substitute in 
 its stead any of their ideas as to the best policy for the members of their 
 society to pursue in cases in which special legislation seemed to be necessary. 
 Mr. Campbell suggested the following outline : — 
 
 LOOKOUT COMMITTEE. 
 
 fBring in new members. 
 
 fWho to secure. 
 I How to get them. 
 -i What is to be required of them } 
 
 I How can we insure faithfulness and guard against 
 [_ careless, indifferent, and inefficient members.'' 
 
 T„<- „.j„.-)-;^„ ^f r,<^,„ .,,o,>, f Method of receiving new members by the coww/zV/^^. 
 Introduction of new mem- I ^^^^ introduced to the society, 
 bers to work. \yiovi interested and enlisted in the work. 
 
 f What methods are employed to determine who are 
 DUTIES. -{ Affectionately look after | negligent? 
 
 and reclaim any that are J What course pursued with negligent members ? 
 indifferent to duties as | Shall we e.xpel .^ 
 
 outlined in pledge. 
 
 (^Sundry duties. 
 
 What is being done to maintain the spiritual life of 
 society and membership.? 
 
 {. Meetings. 
 Committee duties \ Reports — Blank 
 
 reports of 
 
 ■j i\epui lb — uitiiitv 
 
 ( United Society. 
 
 1 Duties to pastor. 
 Duties to church. 
 Duties to society — Society in general — Loyalty — 
 Defence. 
 Special duties toward associate members. 
 
 Prayer=neeting Committee Conference. 
 
 One of the most largely attended of the committee conferences was that of 
 the prayer-meeting committees at the North Presbyterian Church. This is one 
 of the most important committees of the Society, and the conference brought 
 together many of the best workers in Christian Endeavor in the United States. 
 
 Mr. H. H. Grotthouse, of Dallas, Tex., was the leader of the conference. He 
 kept things moving right merrily, allowing no time to be lost, and gave all a 
 chance to tell about the methods that had been successfully adopted in their 
 particular societies. 
 
 First, there was a song service, followed by a series of sentence prayers for 
 the work of the prayer-meeting committees. 
 
 The first question discussed was, "What is the ideal prayer meeting?'" 
 These were some of the definitions of an ideal prayer meeting in the opinions 
 of the various Endeavorers : "A place where we get the blessing of God;" 
 " A meeting led by anybody, taken part in by everybody, monopolized by no- 
 body, and in which everybody is somebody;" "A place where Christians are 
 made joyful;" " Not the battle-ground, but just the place where the canteens 
 are filled; " " The place where we bring heaven to earth and we get God into 
 our hearts ; " "A place in which we wait on the Lord for a blessing." 
 
 The leader called attention to the valuable help he had received from 
 "Prayer-Meeting Methods," by Amos R. Wells. He said that if any one 
 bought a copy and found it an unprofitable investment, to send him the bill and 
 he would send checks on his bank-account in heaven. 
 
 A lengthy discussion on topics connected with making a prayer meeting a 
 success followed. The best music to be used, which a majority of the Endeav- 
 orers present thought was the old gospel hymns ; the most profitable manner 
 in which to conduct the prayer meeting ; the most desirable manner in which to 
 select leaders; — these and kindred subjects of interest to the members of the 
 prayer-meeting committees were thoroughly discussed by the Endeavorers and 
 many practical ideas brought out, which the delegates eagerly jotted down in 
 their note-books to carry back to their home societies for the benefit of their 
 
FifteentJi International Convention. 197 
 
 fellow workers who were unable to attend the Convention and hear the talks 
 themselves. 
 
 In regard to the most profitable manner in which to conduct the prayer 
 meeting, the majority of sentiment was in favor of allowing the appointed 
 leaders to carry it on in their own way, but it was suggested that it was not 
 well to have too much prayer, too much talking, or too much singing. It was 
 said tliese features can be used to better advantage if there is a proportionate 
 quantity of each. 
 
 The best method of selecting leaders for the meetings was said to be to so 
 arrange matters that each member would have the opportunity of conducting a 
 meeting as often as possible. 
 
 The conference closed with a number of brief prayers for the blessing of 
 God to rest upon the labors of the prayer-meeting committees. 
 
 Social Committee Conference. 
 
 One of the best of the committee conferences was that of the social com- 
 mittee, at the Church of the Covenant. The programme was much changed, 
 quite informal, and altogether delightful. Mr. Raymond R. Frazier, of Madi- 
 son, Wis., ably conducted the meeting. 
 
 The first speaker was Rev. William Patterson, of Toronto, who thoroughly 
 captivated his hearers by an informal talk, which was both witty and full of 
 good common sense. Mr. Patterson stated that some men can be reached 
 through their intellectual side, some from their physical side, some from their 
 socialside. " I hear ministers preaching sometimes on the topic, ' Will We Know 
 Each Other in Heaven 1 ' " said Mr. Patterson. " Now it seems to me the best 
 way to be sure of that is to get acquainted on earth first. Christ never refused 
 an invitation to asocial gathering. His first miracle was at a wedding feast. 
 I think the social committee's work is the most important of all, because theirs 
 is the duty of bringing in new people." In concluding, Mr. Patterson remarked, 
 " Some folks say I talk like a Methodist, others say I look like a priest, and I 
 am a Presbyterian. I came from Scotland some 200 years ago, but more 
 recently from Ireland ; I live across the line, but while 1 'm here I am trying to 
 be an American. I hope this rambling talk may help to break the ice." And 
 it did. 
 
 Following this there was a general discussion, in which many original ideas 
 were brought out, and which must have proved helpful to all. 
 
 Rev. Henry Faville, of Lacrosse, Wis., then spoke on the need of getting 
 young men in the cities without any social opportunities into the societies. " I 
 was announced to speak on money-raising by social committees. I shall not. 
 I am not in the money business — I am in the young man business," the speaker 
 concluded. 
 
 After another general discussion, the meeting closed. 
 
 Information and Press Committee Conference. 
 
 The information and press committees met at Concordia Church, where 
 under the leadership of Mr. Wm. T. Ellis, of Boston, Mass., questions on the 
 best methods for disseminating Christian Endeavor news were discussed. Mr. 
 Ellis advised the societies to divide up a city into sections, and to have some 
 one attend to supplying the secular and religious papers with news concerning 
 the work of the organization which it would be beneficial to the work to have 
 spread abroad. He advised the committeemen to avoid furnishing the papers 
 with trifling matters, and thought it would be well to have Endeavorers every- 
 where look for and urge the newspapers to furnish the news of their societies 
 on which they wished to be informed. 
 
 Sunday=ScliooI Committee Conference. 
 
 The Calvary Baptist model Sunday-school building — one of the best and 
 most thoroughly equipped in the world — was the scene of a practical and 
 
198 
 
 Official Repoi't of the 
 
 intensely spirited conference. Of the many Endeavorers present were numer- 
 ous pastors, Sunday-school and primary superintendents, and teachers. Mr. J. 
 L. Dixon, of Springfield, Mass., was chairman. 
 
 Inasmuch as not all of our young people are found at the Sunday-school con- 
 ventions, and inasmuch as Endeavorers are always anxious for the best in what- 
 ever they attempt, the chairman presented at the outset the following chart, in 
 which was emphasized the normal and home departments : — 
 
 
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FiftcentJi Intcriiational Convention. 
 
 199 
 
 The question was then asked, " What can Christian Endeavor do in helping 
 to bring about this ideal, so much desired in principle at least, in all of our 
 churches?" Rev. Chas. Roads, of Philadelphia, ex-president of the Pennsyl- 
 vania Union, and a member of the Pennsylvania State Executive Sunday-school 
 committee, made answer in the following: — 
 
 THE SABBATH SCHOOL AND CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR. 
 
 MUTUALLY HELPFUL. 
 TO BECOME ONE AND INSEPARABLE. 
 
 THE SABBATH SCHOOL 
 STANDS FOR 
 
 1. Systematic Bible study. 
 
 2. denominational Ciiristian 
 
 truth. 
 
 3. World-wide organization 
 
 for lessons and missions. 
 
 4. Training to teach the Gos- 
 
 pel. 
 
 5. Soul-winning. 
 
 CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR 
 STANDS FOR 
 
 Pledged all-comprehensive 
 
 Christlike work. 
 Interdenominationalfellow- 
 
 ship. 
 Spiritual power. 
 Training in service. 
 Enthusiasm. 
 
 Let thetn clasp hands. 
 
 CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR IN DETAILED SUNDAY-SCHOOL WORK 
 
 Secures 
 
 Does 
 
 Fills 
 
 New 
 
 Home 
 
 Normal 
 
 Scholars. 
 
 Dept. Work. 
 
 Classes. 
 
 Is loyal 
 To Supt. 
 And Pastor. 
 
 Creates C. E. 
 
 Atmosphere 
 
 In the Sunday school. 
 
 It was designed that the conference proper should divide its time in the 
 consideration of two phases of the Sunday-school committee work: what can 
 Christian Endeavor, and thus the Sunday-school committee, do in helping the 
 Sunday school, first, in what might be termed the more untried ways, — under 
 which were classed the normal and home department work; and, second, in the 
 somewhat well-beaten paths, — as visitation, issuing invitations, and welcoming 
 strangers to the Sunday school.? Owing, however, to the discussion aroused 
 over the first topic, which at times was not a little vigorous, and revealed the 
 fact that the Christian Endeavor Sunday-school committee requires wise tact 
 and the thoroughly Christlike spirit in order to make to-day any helpful effort 
 possible, the principal thought of the conference centred about the normal 
 department. 
 
 Mr. Percy H. Bristow, the salaried superintendent of the Calvary Sunday 
 school, opened the discussion by the presentation of the " Bible club" as in opera- 
 tion in his Sunday school. If any one desires to know how to conduct a suc- 
 cessful teachers' meeting under the broader name " Bible club," he will obtain 
 no little information by writing Mr. Bristow. 
 
 Among the many open doors for usefulness for the Sunday-school commit- 
 tee, as briefly indicated under the second division of the topic, were mentioned, 
 securing new scholars, visitation under the direction of the Sunday-school 
 superintendent, organizing Sunday schools in the outlying districts, conducting 
 Bible study in the jails, old ladies' homes, almshouses, etc. 
 
 Temperance Committee Conference. 
 
 A small but earnest company of workers gathered at the Temperance Con- 
 ference at the appointed time and place. Mr. Geo. W. Coleman, advertising 
 manager of The Golden Rule, Boston, presided. In the devotional service, 
 prominence was given to the sentiments of brotherly union as found in i Peter 
 iii. S-17," Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as 
 brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for rail- 
 ing: but contrariwise blessing." In the same passage is found also an injunc- 
 tion to fearlessness: — " But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are 
 ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled." With the thought, 
 therefore, of brotherly union and fearlessness against a common enemy, and 
 
200 Official Report of the 
 
 after a season of hearty and spontaneous prayer, the company settled down to 
 a serious consideration of ways and means. 
 
 Every one present had some direct connection or special interest in some 
 form of temperance work, and for two hours the discussion of methods went on 
 without any lagging of the interest and without any loss of time. Frequently 
 several men were on their feet at once seeking recognition from the chair. 
 
 In this brief report it will be impossible to even mention any of the very 
 many excellent plans and devices that were suggested for the assistance of 
 workers in every department. A good twenty minutes was taken up in telling 
 how the temperance committee in the local society does its work among the 
 members of the society and in the church and congregation. The most effect- 
 ive methods of using temperance literature was discussed with animation, 
 together with pledge-signing in all its various forms. How to conduct public 
 meetings in the interest of gospel temperance or no license brought out a great 
 variety of suggestions. " Gospel Temperance in the Slums" was a topic not at all 
 unfamiliar to this company of young people, and their discussion of it mani- 
 fested a practical, personal acquaintance with the work. And so on to the end 
 of the list, one department after another of the work was taken up, and the dis- 
 cussion almost without exception was directly to the point and very helpful. 
 
 It is not often that so many divisions of the great temperance army are rep- 
 resented in one meeting as vi^ere gathered together at this conference. There 
 were on the one hand the very beginners in the work and on the other the well- 
 known Edward Carson, connected with one of the national temperance societies, 
 a man who has given the best of his life to temperance work, and who, he said, 
 saw a greater promise for the future of the cause in the children and young 
 people than in any other direction. 
 
 In one aisle of the church sat a man who had been rescued from the drunk- 
 ard's grave by the kind word of a child; in another sat Vice-Chairman Taylor 
 of the Committee of "96, who brought in his testimony as a police judge charg- 
 ing the great majority of cnmes to the evil of strong drink. There were pres- 
 ent and took active part leaders in the W. C. T. U. Nearly every political 
 party was represented and numerous workers in special fields. Notwithstand- 
 ing all the difference of opinions in such a company, on such a topic, there pre- 
 vailed from opening to close a beautiful spirit of brotherly union in which there 
 was abundant room for the many fearless utterances that frequently found 
 expression in the course of the conference. The company adjourned acknowl- 
 edging with one accord that it had been good to be there and that much help 
 had been given and received. 
 
 Good-Literature Committee Conference. 
 
 The conference of good-literature committees was held at the Nineteenth 
 Street Baptist Church, on Friday afternoon. The appointed leader was Rev. 
 W. P. Landers, of Middleton, Mass. 
 
 Mr. Landers conducted the conference upon the plan of an open parliament, 
 throwing into the discussion these topics : " What Is Good Literature .'"' " The 
 Importance of it ; " " The Relation of Christian Endeavor to Good Literature ; " 
 " Its Publication; " " Christian Endeavor Ink;" "The Circulation of Good 
 Literature; " " Sources of Information Regarding the Work of This Committee." 
 
 A large number participated in the animated debate which followed the 
 presentation of each topic. Experiences and successes were related. Many 
 suggestions were offered, among them the distribution of religious tracts 
 through what is known as "silent evangelism ; " the opening of reading-rooms 
 in churches and elsewhere ; the distribution of suitable literature in jails, railway 
 stations, and in car-stables; and the use of the local press in the regular and con- 
 tinued appearance of a Christian Endeavor department. 
 
 The discussion upon what constitutes good literature, and the relation of the 
 Christian Endeavorers to it, was especially helpful. It seemed to be the opinion 
 of those present that "that which emphasized and distributed the good in 
 literature " can be called good literature. The relation of the Endeavor Soci- 
 eties to it is one with that of Christianity. 
 
Fifteenth Liternatioiial Cojivention. 201 
 
 Christian Citizenship Committee Conference. 
 
 About 150 or 200 delegates gathered at the E Street Baptist Church. Mr. 
 Frank E. Page, of Chicago, presided. Earnestness and enthusiasm marked 
 each moment of the meeting, and made up for the meagreness of the attend- 
 ance. Talks of three or five minutes opened the discussion, and were given by 
 Revs. M. R. Lyon and C. S. Bullock, of Chicago, Hon. Mr. Nicholson, of Indiana, 
 Hon. H. L. Castle, of Pittsburgh, Pa., and several others. These speakers not 
 only aroused the enthusiasm of the conference, but spoke of actual good work 
 done, of work planned, and of practical methods. Little time was given to 
 bewailing the condition of affairs. Each speech had the true ring that promises 
 so much for the success of this vigorous forward movement. A delightful solo 
 was sung by a local Endeavorer, and then the discussion became general. 
 Delegates from all parts of the country reported excellent work. Some told of 
 failures, some of perplexities and difficulties; some asked for advice and help, 
 which were readily given. The most inspiring feature of the meeting was that 
 all work done or planned was manifestly in the name and for the sake of Christ. 
 It was a great regret that Mr. E. D. Wheelock, the assigned leader of the con- 
 ference, was unable to be present. 
 
 The Brotherhood Committee Conference. 
 
 The brotherhood committee met at the Western Presbyterian Church. 
 Rev. Rufus W. Miller, the founder and presidentof the Brotherhood of Andrew 
 and Philip, presided, and in opening gave a brief history of the organization 
 with which he is so prominently connected, and compared its work with the 
 work done by the Christian Endeavorers. 
 
 Rev. John H. Elliot, rector of the Church of the Ascension, in bringing the 
 greetings of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew to the sister association, gave a 
 thoughtful and entertaining address on the idea of conducting brotherhood or- 
 ganizations. 
 
 The meeting was thrown into the form of a conference upon brotherhood 
 methods in Christian Endeavor work, and reports were received from various 
 chapters. 
 
 An address was delivered by Rev. John Conkling on work being done in 
 Springfield, Mass. 
 
 Rev. J. Wilbur Chapman, D.D., testified to the benefit of the brotherhood at 
 his home in Philadelphia, where he is pastor of Bethany Church. 
 
 Rev. Howard Wilbur Ennis spoke in reference to the brotherhood work in 
 this city, and the meeting was brought to a close by a devotional exercise con- 
 ducted by Rev. Ford C. Ottmann, of Newark, N. J. 
 
 Missionary Committee Conference. 
 
 The Missionary Committee Conference was held at the New York Avenue 
 Presbyterian Church, Rev. Ira Landrith, managing editor of The Cumbcrtatid 
 Presbyterian, Nashville, Tenn., presiding. The main body of the auditorium 
 was well filled with chairmen and members of missionsfry committees, returned 
 missionaries, secretaries of mission boards, and volunteer missionaries. The 
 conference was designedly wholly informal and seemed to be all the better on 
 that account. There were no long speeches. In the two hours there were 
 more speeches than minutes. The conference was grouped about what the 
 leader called three good "Endeavor G's" — Grooving, Giving, Going. The 
 first section of the conference was devoted to answering the question, "What 
 is your society doing by way of growing in missionary information?" The 
 second section answered the question, " What is your society giving, and how?" 
 and the third, " What is your society doing by way of going to the regions be- 
 yond?" Miss Rice served as secretary of the conference, and recorded the 
 fact, among many others, that there were no less than eleven board secretaries 
 present, perhaps a score of volunteers, and quite as many who, during the con- 
 ference, announced their willingness to become missionaries. Among the plans 
 
202 Official Report of the 
 
 suggested for missionary information were reading-circles, written examina- 
 tions on missionary subjects, talks by missionaries, missionary libraries, maga- 
 zines, etc. Under the subject of giving, the haphazard method was emphatically 
 denounced, systematic and proportionate giving being in high favor. The en- 
 tertainment for revenue only appeared to have but one friend in the conference. 
 A Chicago lady said that in her society the members who thought they could 
 not give two cents a week were told that they should write a letter to the Lord 
 each week, putting a two-cent stamp on the envelope, and thereby tell him they 
 were too poor. 
 
 The singing was led by a young lady and was in all respects admirable. 
 From beginning to end there was not an instant of intermission, every 
 moment of time being taken up by song or speech or prayer. 
 
 Mothers' Societies' Conference. 
 
 The Mothers' Societies of Christian Endeavor held their conference in the 
 Wesley Chapel. The interest of this meeting was largely added to by the 
 kindness of two of the Washington Endeavorers, who, by song and recitation, 
 gave pleasure to the audience. Miss Knight sang a solo very delightfully, and 
 Master Ralph Quinter made a plea for the Juniors. Greetings were received 
 from Mrs. A. B. Fellows, of Chicago, also the assurance from Mrs. Cleveland's 
 secretary that matters pertaining to the right training of little ones was of great 
 interest to her, and that were she in Washington she would extend her earnest 
 wish for the far-reaching good of our conference. From Miss Willard, who is 
 in Ryegate, England, were words of love and encouragement to the mothers in 
 all lands. 
 
 It is very much to be regretted that all of the words of the speakers can not 
 be scattered broadcast through all homes, for the help of mothers not privileged 
 to listen to them. Miss LeBaron, Junior superintendent of the Chicago Union, 
 very forcibly impressed her hearers of the absolute need of the mothers' co- 
 operation to make the Junior Society the kind aimed at. The Mothers' Society 
 of Christian Endeavor is indispensable to the leader and the little ones. Mr. 
 Rader, of San Francisco, made all feel that out in California they knew how 
 to conduct model societies, and that the mothers must not be selfish, but gen- 
 erous, and open the ranks and admit the fathers to the privileges enjoyed by 
 their calling the new branch the Parents' Society of Christian Endeavor. Glad 
 will be the day, indeed, when in perfect atonement father and mother shall seek 
 the highest and best for the children " lent them of the Lord," both delighting 
 themselves in the Lord, and he fulfilling his promise to give them the desire of 
 their hearts, the salvation of these dear ones. 
 
 Dr. Robinson, of Englewood, knew whereof he spoke when he told from a 
 pastor's standpoint the wide range of usefulness that the Mothers' Society of 
 Christian Endeavor has. He cited personal instances in his own pastorate, and 
 showed that the influence was possible to permeate all the interests of the 
 Church. After Dr. Robinson had invoked God's especial blessing on absent 
 mothers, and on all interested in the welfare and training of the young, the Miz- 
 pah benediction was pronounced, and the audience quietly dispersed. 
 
 Intermediate and Senior Societies' Conference. 
 
 The conference of Senior and Intermediate Societies held in the Kendall 
 Baptist Church was probably one of the most interesting meetings held in 
 connection with tlie Christian Endeavor Convention. 
 
 Rev. Charles A. Dickinson, of Boston, Mass., was the first speaker, his sub- 
 ject being "The Chip-Basket." During his talk he said, " The Intermediate 
 Society arose from the systems of divisions in large societies. Their age should 
 be from eleven or twelve to seventeen years, and is very important. These 
 original young people are now old enough to hold ofiice and carry on the work 
 they do. Are we drifting into an adult society or are we to keep to the original 
 purpose," he asked, " that of saving the boys and girls for the Church of 
 Christ ? From the age of seventeen to twenty-five or thirty years the Endeav- 
 
Fiftee7ith International Convention. 203 
 
 orers are ready for absorption into larger church life and should enter the next 
 society." 
 
 He then suggested five classes that are ready for this older society, as fol- 
 lows : (i) the young people who find it impossible to go to the Y. P. S. C. E. 
 meetings any longer ; (2) those who are so absorbed in other church work as 
 to have no energy for Y. P. S. C. E. work ; (3) those who are affiliated mem- 
 bers; (4) those who go to the midweek prayer meeting and do not take part, 
 and those who forget to go to the prayer meetings ; (5) our honorary members. 
 Rev. W. F. McCauley, of Toledo, O., had for his subject " The Membership," 
 about which he talked entertainingly for a quarter of an hour or more. 
 
 Miss Kate Haus, a well-known Junior worker, spoke of " The Intermediate 
 Society's Place in the Church." 
 
 In addition to taking charge of the question box, Prof. Amos R. Wells, 
 of Boston, Mass., spoke on " Organized Systematic Work." 
 
 The meeting was tn charge of Mr. Geo. B. Graff, subscription manager of 
 The Golden Rule, of Boston. The music was made especially interesting by 
 the presence of Mr. Percy S. Foster. 
 
 Floating Societies of Christian Endeavor Conference. 
 
 An earnest company of workers and sailors gathered in Peck Memorial 
 Church, which was effectively decorated. Unique blue and white shields bear- 
 ing the names of Floating Societies and committees were suspended overhead, 
 and a big anchor from the navy-yard, with flags everywhere, gave a nau- 
 tical welcome. 
 
 Here came a naval chaplain, an ex-marine just home from a cruiser, a big 
 gunner's mate from a battleship, and deep-water sailors ; a sailor-boy's mother, 
 a sister who said, " Floating Christian Endeavor was the means of my brother's 
 conversion," and workers from organized work in Portland, Me., Vineyard 
 Haven, Mass., Brooklyn, N. Y., New York, N. Y., Philadelphia, Pa., and Nor- 
 folk, Va. 
 
 A brief praise service was led by one deep-water sailor, and the opening 
 prayer was offered by another. 
 
 In opening the conference, the leader. Miss A. P. Jones, of Falmouth, Mass., 
 said in part: — 
 
 Floating Christian Endeavor workers must never lack two essential quali- 
 ties, — thorough consecration to Christ with a special btirden for souls ^ which is 
 of far greater importance than knowledge of sea life and sailors ; and thorough 
 knowledge of, and loyalty to. Christian Endeavor principles. 
 
 Forty-seven Floating Societies of Christian Endeavor, nineteen on shore, 
 twenty-eight on ships, and eighteen Floating Christian Endeavor committees 
 of five to thirty consecrated young men and women, have been earnestly serv- 
 ing the past year, while work has been broadened and strengthened, with many 
 special blessings to report, far more encouraging than figures would indicate. 
 
 To organize a Floating Christian Endeavor commxiiQe^Jlrst Jiftd your 
 chairman. Choose one who is deeply in earnest for the souls of men, especially 
 seaman. True success never follows forced appoint/nent. 
 
 Appoint a live leader, abounding in faith and resource, for chairman, and 
 one who has made a success in other lines of Christian Endeavor. This chair- 
 man by a tour of the local societies will obtain a picked committee of evangel- 
 istic Endeavorers. 
 
 Avoid haste in organizing either a ship or shore society, unless you have 
 many strong Christians for members, but be led of the Spirit in all work. 
 
 In no way do we interfere with established seamen's work, but there is am- 
 ple room in so great a harvest. In districting a city for Floating Christian En- 
 deavor work, the one which includes established seamen's work may have less 
 assistance, and it should be extended as desired. 
 
 Best results follow work organ izedyfrj/ in seaports. If a State superinten- 
 dent \s first appointed he can not so well urge the work on seacoast societies as 
 for local workers to feel the special call to service. 
 
204 Official Report of the 
 
 Carefully admit members. Quality before numbers. Observe courtesy to a 
 society on a ship when a member of a ship's crew desires to sign the pledge. 
 Systematically solicit comfort-bags, by circular letter, and enclosing the little 
 story " Dan's Comfort-Bag," with description. Examine contents carefully 
 and mark Testaments. 
 
 Even inland societies can have a Floating Christian Endeavor committee to 
 help seacoast work. Fly a blue flag with white C. E. monogram or the C. E. 
 with anchor interlaced, for ship or shore services or for the launch. 
 
 Bits of news come daily from sea and land, — a temptation overcome, work- 
 ers encouraged, a great need met, another life consecrated fully to God's service, 
 and all showing how God owns and blesses Floating Christian Endeavor. 
 
 One member already on the mission field in China as a gospel minister. 
 
 Services held on ships rich in blessing. 
 
 Five Floating Societies of Christian Endeavor report 22 sailors uniting with 
 the church during the year. 
 
 A bluejacket gives $25 to Red Cross for Armenians. 
 
 The Christian Endeavor home for Seamen, in Nagasaki, Japan, founded by 
 the U. S. S. Charleston Floating Society of Christian Endeavor, bought and 
 opened. 
 
 Pray much, plan carefully, work quickly, for time with the sailor is short, re- 
 membering the prophesy in Isa. xlii. 10 can be fulfilled to-day, and that " All — 
 seamen — are brethren." 
 
 Greetings were sent from workers and sailors in distant ports, and from lands 
 across the sea. 
 
 Mr. Lewis W. Destler, of Philadelphia, Pa., gave a clear, enthusiastic des- 
 cription of his Floating Christian Endeavor committee and their work, which 
 is so planned and executed that already ten miles of their city water-front is 
 each week covered by Christian Endeavor visitation and services, resulting 
 beneficially to sailor and worker, and to non-Christians who desire to assist. 
 
 Another Philadelphia worker told of visitation and services. 
 
 An open conference followed. One query, if Floating Christian Endeavor 
 did not lead a sailor away from church or Bethel, to a society^ brought forth the 
 earnest assurance that Floating Christian Endeavor serves faithfully under the 
 Christian Endeavor motto, " For Christ and the C/iurc/iy 
 
 Mr. Deans, of Norfolk, reported their Floating Christian Endeavor com- 
 mittee work among the men in the navy-yard, and services held on naval ships. 
 
 Portland, Me., work was well represented. 
 
 Mrs. Jane Cassera, New York, a veteran sailors' missionary, now of the new 
 Christian Endeavor Bethel, told of her work among ocean-steamship men, the 
 trials and bravery of sailor Christians, and testified to the helpfulness of the 
 Floating Christian Endeavor Society. 
 
 Mrs. J. P. Kelton cordially extended the greetings of Woman's Army and 
 Navy League, of Washington, which has so kindly and practically co-operated 
 with Floating Christian Endeavor in furnishing organs and singing-books to 
 naval ships, and for use of workers among naval men. 
 
 With more earnest consecration for soul-winning and service the coming 
 year, " God Be With You " was sung, and " Mizpah " closed the conference. 
 
 Work Among The Life-Savers. 
 
 The announcement of an illustrated lecture, " Christian Endeavor Among 
 the Life-Savers" as the subject, attracted an audience to the Fourth Presby- 
 terian Church that jammed the large auditorium even beyond the doors. It 
 was an immense gathering, and in spite of the heat earnest attention was paid 
 to every word spoken. 
 
 Rev. J. Lester Wells, of Jersey City, N. J., was the lecturer, and he called 
 upon Rev. S. Edward Young, chairman of the international committee on sea- 
 work of the Christian Endeavor, to preside. After a few words by Rev. Mr. 
 Young, the fourth annual report of the committee was read by Rev. Mr. Wells. 
 
 Full statistics have not yet been gathered on the work for life-savers, but 
 
Fifteenth International Conventioii. 205 
 
 from the United States, Dominion of Canada, the British Islands, and Germany 
 the government reports have been received. The grand total for these four 
 countries alone is 7,339. Nearly all the stations in the United States have been 
 communicated with by the secretary, and up to date about half have reported. 
 These reports reveal the fact that on the average there are five persons to each 
 family. In the life-saving stations there are eight families represented in a 
 crew, eleven in the light-ship, and one family in the lighthouse; thus 21,320 
 souls are connected with the life-saving stations, 6,215 in the light-ships, and 
 34,025 with lighthouses, making a total of 61,560 persons. And we can truth- 
 fully report over 100,000 souls who may or are coming in touch with the influ- 
 ence of Christian Endeavorers in the four countries mentioned. 
 
 Wherever feasible, Christian Endeavor Societies have visited the stations and 
 held thousands of appropriate services for the surfmen. In many locations 
 revivals are reported, and especially along the New Jersey coast, where the 
 work for life-savers first commenced, many from the crews have been converted. 
 The work of these heroes is well known. The name of Maebelle Mason, only 
 fifteen years old, will be associated with Grace Darling in deeds of heroism as 
 a life-saver. Her father was keeper of the Mamajuda lighthouse, Michigan, 
 and while he was at church one Sabbath Day a signal for help came from a 
 passing steamer to that station. Maebelle quickly sprang into the life-boat, 
 and, with great fortitude, pulled the oars two miles to a drowning man. She 
 drew him into her boat half dead, and brought him safely to the island. Well 
 did she merit the gold medal (a Maltese cross) presented by the lake masters 
 of Cleveland, O., and a silver medal presented by the government. But 
 these are only samples of noble characters among our sisters who are charged 
 with responsibility in the lighthouses. 
 
 The world-round representatives of the work in life-saving stations, light- 
 houses and light-ships can clasp hands and band the globe. The spirit of the 
 Master, like an electric current, has gone from hand to hand and heart to heart 
 in the progress of the work. 
 
 As the international committee enters upon the fifth year of our work, we 
 would turn our ears to the future and strive to hear the voices as they come 
 floating over the sea from life-saving stations, lighthouses, and life-ships of the 
 world; voices that call, saying, "Come over and help us." '-Come to our 
 stations and conduct religious services." " Come and cheer us in our lonely 
 and often dangerous tasks." We then turn to hear what Christian Endeavor 
 has to say in answer, and the response is : " Here am I. Send me." Christian 
 Endeavor has found the words of Jesus true : " Inasmuch as ye have done it 
 unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me." 
 
 Next followed the address of Mr. Wells, which was illustrated by stereopti- 
 con views in colors, giving a graphic description of the life and work of the 
 brave men who man the life-saving stations, lighthouses and light-ships of the 
 world, and what Christian Endeavor can do and is doing for their intellectual 
 and spiritual good. Portrayed upon a large canvas screen in pleasing succes- 
 sion were views of dangerous coasts, collisions at sea, storms upon the ocean, 
 ill-fated ships, throwing out life-lines, the rescue of passengers, and other heroic 
 deeds. In connection with the views, Rev. Mr. Wells made a running explana- 
 tory and descriptive talk, which added greatly to the pleasure of the meeting. 
 A large number of persons who had been uninformed in regard to this impor- 
 tant branch of Christian Endeavor work undoubtedly profited to a great extent 
 by the lecture. 
 
 Travellers' Union Conference. 
 
 Evangelist Ralph Gillam, of Maiden, Mass., was leader of the Travellers' 
 Union Conference, at the Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church. While the 
 attendance was small, there were several travelling-men present, and the meet- 
 ing, which was a very impressive one, resulted beneficially. A service of song 
 opened the meeting, the choir of female voices leading in the singing of " I Am 
 Trusting in Thee, Lord Jesus." 
 
206 Official Report of the 
 
 Miss Carrie Burrill, president of the society of the Fifteenth Street Church, 
 welcomed the visiting Kndeavorers. 
 
 After Scriptural reading and prayer by Mr. George W. Brown and Mr. 
 Henry Lee, and a solo by Miss Amelia Tillman, the Rev. Gillam opened the 
 conference by telling his hearers that nine years ago he was a travelling-sales- 
 man, and therefore he knew something of the life of these men. The question 
 now is how to reach them. He spoke of the many great temptations to which 
 these men are subjected, and said that this organization is endeavoring to put 
 them in a position to have them resist these temptations and save their 
 souls. 
 
 Mr. H. W. Johnson, a travelling-salesman for a Philadelphia firm, who was 
 present, gave his experience, and suggested a means of helping his fellow travel- 
 lers. There are 380,000 drummers, most of them between twenty-five and thirty 
 years old. " They are the flower of the men,*' he said, " sharp and intelligent, and 
 if they constituted a drilled army they would be invincible in battle. But," he 
 added, " I am sorry to say there are but few of them who have knowledge of 
 their God," and he said he was glad to know that this organization is making 
 a noble effort to save them. He told of a plan to send invitations to travelling- 
 men at the different hotels for them to attend service on Sunday, and he 
 remembered that on one occasion when this plan was practised, more hotel 
 people attended church than had ever done so before. 
 
 Mr. George W. Brown said he thought this was one of the best movements 
 he had ever heard of. He told his hearers that Christians who do not go out 
 in the byways and hedges, and to the hotels, are selfish. " Keep your Endeavor 
 pledge," he said, "and you will seek to save every one, including the travelling- 
 men, and when the end shall come it will be well with your soul." 
 
 Brief addresses were made, and the meeting closed with a service of song and 
 benediction by the leader. 
 
 FRIDAY EVENING. 
 Tent Williston. 
 
 For the first time during the Convention, Tent Williston was used 
 Friday evening for a meeting-place. It was no small task to put up 
 the big stretch of canvas that went down in the storm of Wednesday, 
 but a big force of workmen was put at it, and before sunset the finish- 
 ing touches were completed, and all was ready at last. As if to cele- 
 brate the occasion, an immense congregation gathered, and the exer- 
 cises were marked by the greatest fervor and enthusiasm. In opening 
 the exercises Secretary Baer paid a high tribute to the energy of the 
 Committee of '96 in so quickly raising the tent. 
 
 Mr. Ira D, Sankey was to have led the meeting, but he was com- 
 pelled to leave town in the afternoon, and in his absence Secretary 
 Baer conducted the service, which, like those in the other tents, was 
 on the topic "Saved to Serve." The opening prayer was made by 
 Capt. H. B. Shaw, the superintendent of the seventh district of the 
 United States life-saving service, coast of Florida. He is an active 
 member of the Christian Endeavor Society. Mr. P. P. Bilhorn, by 
 special request, gave as a solo " Sweet Peace." 
 
 The first speaker of the evening was Rev. S. Edward Young, of 
 Newark, N. J., who is in charge of the work among the life-savers. 
 Mr. Young is a young man of pleasing personality and address, and 
 
FiftccntJi Intcrnatiojial Convention. 207 
 
 his talk presented an eloquent word-picture of the conditions and needs 
 of the brave men who risk their lives to save others. 
 
 After Mr. Young's address the big chorus and the audience sang the 
 stirring hymn, " Throw Out the Life-Line." " Sing it as you never did 
 before," said Mr. Bilhorn. And they did. Mr. Young's address had 
 worked his hearers up to a high pitch of enthusiasm, and such an appro- 
 priate hymn as this gave them an excellent opportunity to express their 
 feelings. " Throw out the life-line," — it was an earnest prayer in song 
 to bring assistance to those unfortunates who are sinking in a sea of 
 temptation. 
 
 "Christian Endeavor and Missions" was the theme of an eloquent 
 address by Rev. J. E. Pounds, D.D., pastor of the Central Christian 
 Church, of Indianapolis, Ind. 
 
 Address of Rev. J. E. Pounds, D.D., Indianapolis, Ind. 
 
 Let me give some reasons for affirming that the Endeavor Society is essen- 
 tially missionary in its nature; that missionary work is not something it may 
 do, but something it must do ; and I suggest that this is true because the 
 Endeavorer makes daily study of the great missionary book of the world, for 
 no one who reads the Word constantly enough to get its real meaning can fail 
 to have the missionary spirit. The Word of God is quick and quickening. I 
 pray for more faith in it, — a faith like that of Jesus. Perhaps there have not 
 arisen in Israel prophets of greater faith in the truth than Luther and Carey and 
 Raikes unto this day. But what was their faith compared with that of the Man 
 of Nazareth,— he who, living between the sectarianism and superstition of 
 the Jew on the one hand and the idolatry and sin of the Gentile on the other, 
 gathered twelve unlearned men about him and taught them apart of the truth? 
 And when eleven of them partially understood what they heard and feebly- 
 accepted it, he confidently declared that the problem of the world's salvation 
 was solved, its redemption from sin begun. The " It is finished " of the Cross 
 is to me the sublimest word of history, sacred or profane ; and to doubt that 
 he who reads God's Word every day will be active in missionary work, which 
 is taught on every page of it, is to doubt the power of truth itself. 
 
 Some have been afraid that the Endeavorers would not be loyal to the teach- 
 ing of their respective denominations. But if humbly reading the Bible every- 
 day will not make the young people of any church loyal to its teaching, then I 
 tremble for that denomination; and if every young man and woman in the 
 world could be induced to make that pledge and keep it, then we might stand 
 on the hill-top and shout home to God, "The victory is won, for the earth is 
 full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." 
 
 Again, the Endeavor Society is essentially missionary because of its definition 
 of Christianity, — that it is a service. "Trusting for strength" suggests the 
 performing of labor rather than the forming of dogmas; and" striving to do 
 what He would like to have me do " implies action rather than sentiment, and 
 there is more religion in motion than emotion or commotion. Various defini- 
 tions of Christianity prevail, with as various results. Many think it a sort of life 
 insurance company, and so seek it as a good place in which to die; this seems 
 passing strange when we consider how very dead they are already. Some be- 
 lieve it to be a resting-place, and thus they seek in it what they call a " church 
 home;" and they seem to 'think of a "church home" much as a dog views 
 his kennel, — a good place to sleep and growl in. Others consider church 
 membership to be a ticket on a through express train to heaven, with no 
 stops, sure to arrive on time in the grand station; and all such want to ride 
 on a free pass and in the sleepiHg-cz.r. The kingdom of heaven is thought 
 by many to be meat upon which they may feed their ambition for personal 
 renown, and so grow great. Others look upon it as drink to satisfy the thirst 
 for social position. " The four hundred" must greatly change their opinions 
 
208 Official Report of the 
 
 before they will be ravished by the thought of a heaven which contains 
 " ten thousand times ten thousand," among whom Lazarus has the place 
 of honor, the bosom of Abraham. The Church has been thought to mean 
 ecclesiastical power, a synonym of which is "pope." The Endeavorer believes 
 that Christianity is service of the Saviour, the result of which will be the con- 
 version of the world to the Christ. 
 
 Another reason for saying the Endeavor Society is missionary is because of 
 its spirit of obedience. " Striving to do whatever He would like to have me do" 
 is so much like " Lord, what wilt thou have me to do.?" that the Endeavorer will 
 be like Paul, zealous for the conversion of the whole world. I once overheard a 
 man say to another, concerning a young clergyman, "Yes, he has studied the- 
 ology, but he has not taken orders yet ; " and using the word in a different sense, 
 it may serve as a definition of a Christian Endeavorer, — one who has taken 
 "orders;" one who, believing in the divine right of the King of heaven and 
 earth to give orders, has taken them to execute, not to argue about. " Theirs 
 not to reason why, theirs but to do and die." It is high treason to argue con- 
 cerning a command ; and treason, being a capital crime, is punishable with 
 spiritual death. There have been plenty in the Church willing to give orders, 
 but too few to take them. But Endeavorers are learning obedience, both in 
 letter and in spirit, and so they are going into all the world, and will go more 
 and more. 
 
 And since the Endeavor Society must do missionary work, if true to itself, we 
 should consider how it can best do it. As a rule, the best way to work is through 
 the regular missionary boards of the Church. Let individual societies do all the 
 special work they will,or can be persuaded to do, but let it be special work. By all 
 means let us have some particular work for our societies to unite in doing, but let 
 it be selected, or at least managed, by the general boards. I have several reasons 
 for saying this. One is that it is in harmony with the fundamental idea of 
 Christian Endeavor that it is a society in and for and through the Church ; 
 this principle is cardinal, — it is vital. The reason why the Society exists at all 
 is the reason why it exists as it is. To train young converts for more spiritual 
 living and efficient service in and for the Church is its mission. There can be 
 no higher calling ; and to do this well is surely a sufficient work for any one 
 organization. But some who do not understand what the real work of the 
 Society is, or else do not appreciate the importance of such work, think that if 
 it does no special work it is really doing nothing. They view it as a Niagara 
 of power, beautiful to look at, but entirely wasted; and being "practical," as 
 they call it, they hasten to dig power tunnels and set this " wasted force " to 
 doing the work they want done. President Clark says, " We have come to the 
 'grind-my-axe ' period of the Christian Endeavor." He is surely right, for it 
 seems that every man with an axe — and every hobbyist has at least one — 
 wants it ground at the Endeavor grindstone. I attribute this rush of business 
 to the scarcity of good grindstones, for it is surprising how few organizations 
 are capable of really helping a cause ; and when a man invents a new reform 
 or a novel plan for "saving the masses," he looks around for some means of 
 advancing it to success. If the Endeavor Society will accept it, the thing is 
 done. The glory of this young Society is its strength. This strength is all 
 expended in doing the work to which God has called it; but the Philistines of 
 glittering theories and petty reforms want amusement; and, can they but blind 
 this Samson to his real mission, they will set him to breaking sticks and carry- 
 ing loads for them, and he will himself perish in the ruin that must surely fol- 
 low. But, thank God, the leaders of the movement understand this, so there is 
 no real danger, for the principle of working in and for and through the local 
 church will be maintained. And then the regular church boards are already 
 the missionary boards of the Endeavor Society, for the Endeavorers are repre- 
 sented in every regular church offering. The amount reported by the secre- 
 taries as coming from the Christian Endeavor Societies is only a tithe of what 
 they have given to missions. They give with the Church, first of all, and this 
 is the best way for them to give ; it trains them to regular and systematic giv- 
 ing, which is more to be desired than much fine gold. And because the regular 
 
Fifteenth hiternational Convention. 209 
 
 boards are our boards they are managing our special work, or we manage it 
 through them. Thus the work does not fall a prey to designing men. 
 
 But hear another reason, — the most important I have to offer. Endeavorers 
 must work through tlie regular missionary boards, that they may learn to do so. 
 Suppose they did nothing but special work for the next ten years. By that 
 time the number of those who are supporting the Church missionary work will 
 be largely diminished, and then what is to become of the general work.? For 
 if our Endeavorers be not trained to work for and through the missionary 
 societies for the next ten years, they will not be in as vital sympathy with them 
 as we could wish, for where our treasure is there will our hearts be also. After 
 a century of effort to get the older people ijito sympathy with co-operative work 
 let us not make the fatal mistake of alienating the young people by giving them 
 work to do in some other way. He who does so will be no true friend to either 
 Christian Endeavor or missions. 
 
 It might also be said that having our Endeavor work in common with all the 
 Church is more in harmony with the Christian union spirit of the Society. 
 On the night of Gethsemane, the eve of Calvary, Jesus prayed the Father that 
 his people might be one. God will answer this, the most earnest prayer of his 
 only Son, as soon as we, his people, are willing. I speak it reverently. Chris- 
 tian Endeavor is the John the Baptist of to-day, standing in the wilderness of 
 sectarianism and crying, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths 
 straight, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 
 
 And the last reason I would suggest for doing our work through the regular 
 church channels is that it is in harmony with the humble spirit of Christian 
 Endeavor. It was of humble beginning, and of humble purpose; it was born 
 to service ; it serves the Sunday school ; it serves the prayer meeting ; it serves 
 the Church in everyway, — by attending all the services; by financial support; 
 by winning thousands to the Church and preserving tens of thousands who are 
 already Christians. If it be true of organizations, as of individuals, that the 
 greatest is the servant of all, then Christian Endeavor is the greatest of all 
 societies; and if it ever falls, which God forfend, it will be by ambition ; for 
 when it shall seek to rule instead of serve, its candlestick will be removed out 
 of its place. The Society is of humble birth ; the pastor of the Williston 
 Church was of humble spirit ; and when the Lord shall come, bringing his 
 reward with him, and shall crown William Carey, the apostle to the heathen, 
 and Robert Raikes, the apostle to the children, he may have a coronet of no 
 less brightness for Francis E. Clark, the apostle to young Christians. And 
 the noble thing about all of these is that no one of them tried to form a great 
 organization, or do a heroic deed ; but when the Pharisees of the Church were 
 bringing their showy gifts of theological arguments and elaborate schemes for 
 "saving the masses," Carey and Raikes and Clark came and cast in their two 
 mites of consecration and service, — their all. Their coming was unobserved 
 by all who were in the temple, except only the Man of Nazareth. By blessing the 
 work so largely he has said, "These have given more than they all." I rejoice 
 to serve a Master who sees such gifts. 
 
 We might also consider, in the third place, the spirit in which the mission- 
 ary work of Christian Endeavor should be done. In a spirit of joy — joy is 
 characteristic of Christian Endeavor, as of mission work. Endeavor work is 
 winsome; it is pleasant. I like Christian Endeavor because I like it. I don't 
 like everything that I like, because some things that I enjoy are not wholesome 
 in their effects ; but when I do like a thing, I like it all the better because I like 
 it ; and in missionary work is found the deepest of even the Christian joys. It 
 is the experience of the great truth, " It is more blessed to give than to receive." 
 The missionary has fellowship with the Christ in the joy of the cross : "Who 
 for the joy set before him" — the joy of seeing the world redeemed more and 
 more — " endured the cross, despising the shame ; " the joy the missionary felt 
 when he declared that he could not understand how heaven could be heaven 
 without some heathen to save. 
 
 Again, the work must be done in the spirit of faith, or "trusting in the 
 Lord," as the pledge has it. " Business in Christianity " is becoming quite a 
 
210 Official Report of the 
 
 motto. It is a good one; but the work of missions cannot be carried on suc- 
 cessfully on strictly business principles. We need principles as accurate and 
 careful as those of business, but as large as those of faith. Business principles 
 do not make enough account of the "silent partner," the " Lo, I am with you 
 alway." The business eye does not see the invisible gold and silver that are in 
 the treasury of the Church. Had Carey waited for business principles he would 
 never have gone to India, or Judson to Burmah. By faith we are saved, and by 
 faith we save. The armies of God, when they marched by faith, have never 
 lacked supplies. Christ is present to multiply the loaves and fishes. All we 
 have to do to feed men is to help them to get hungry; for " Blessed are they 
 which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled." The 
 missionary boards will have no bother to pay their bills if they only make them 
 big enough. There will be no trouble to fill our mission churches to overflow- 
 ing if we only build tht m large enough ; for if we will but prove the Lord, he 
 will open the windows of heaven and pour out such a blessing as there shall not 
 be room to receive. 
 
 And then the work must be done in a spirit of self-sacrifice, — and genuine 
 sacrifice, too, — not the giving-up of a few unwholesome luxuries, but the giving 
 of some of the capital of our money, some of the necessaries of life. A busi- 
 ness man remarked to me recently, " Religion is a very expensive luxury." I 
 intimated that I considered it one of the necessities of life, rather than a luxury. 
 " But," said he, "you know a man must live." " No," I replied, " I did n't know 
 that." John the Baptist did not know it; the martyrs were not aware of it; 
 Peter and John, before the Sanhedrin, did not declare it; but they did say, 
 " We cannot but — we must — speak the things we have seen and heard ; " their 
 Master did not teach it when he said. " It is expedient for you that I go away." 
 The cross of Christ forever contradicts it. We must preach the Gospel, and 
 then if we have enough left to buy a loaf of bread, we may eat it and be inno- 
 cent of the blood of all men. 
 
 But what can we sacrifice, money .^ Yes, we understand that, for except we 
 leave houses and lands we can not be his disciples. Something of self also. 
 I like the old expression, " To spend and to be spent." One who saw Christ 
 die on Calvary spake a truth which, had he understood the meaning of his own 
 words and spoken them in earnest, would have made him immortal : " He 
 saved others, himself he cannot save." The same may be said of his disciple. 
 But what of self can we give up? Something of intellect, perhaps; not that 
 we should become intellectually weak, but intellectually indifferent, not caring 
 whether we be considered great preachers or not ; willing to become fools for 
 Christ's sake; willing to be considered crazy, even if our madness be not at- 
 tributed to much learning, as was that of Paul ; willing to speak the language 
 of the slums where that is best understood ; yea, even learn to live and think in 
 that language and forget the other, as Judson forgot his English. One of the 
 greatest errors of Christians is that they insist upon doing their own thinking 
 concerning matters of which God has spoken. When the Christ says, " Go into 
 all the world," some have dared to express opinions concerning the wisdom of 
 such a course. There is a neglected command in the New Testament. I have 
 never heard it even quoted, except for the sake of the other parts of the verse: 
 "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy .... mindr We will never 
 take the world for the Master until we love him enough with our minds to trust 
 his wisdom above our own. 
 
 We must sacrifice something of the will, too. Paul subscribed his letters in 
 a peculiar way; not " yours truly," nor " yours etc.," but " Paul, a servant (liter- 
 ally, bond slave) of Jesus Christ." A bond slave had no desires, no will, no 
 choice, no method, no motive, no end of his own ; but when his owner said Go, 
 he went. We might sacrifice something of natural love also. Give up home, 
 friends, family, the graves of our fathers, to live in a strange land, — there to die, 
 and to be buried there. 
 
 And then we may have to sacrifice something of spiritual culture. When 
 the Master went apart for an hour's spiritual refreshment and communion with 
 the Father, if the multitude followed after, he turned and taught them instead; 
 
FiftecntJi International Convention. 211 
 
 and some of us may have to fill positions in life and business and society not 
 the most conducive to spiritual growth. We must do it for Christ's sake, and 
 only satisfy our impatient hearts with the thought that we shall be like him when 
 we see him face to face. 
 
 And then we must deny ourselves our self-denial, and give what we give 
 cheerfully. Quit boasting to ourselves and others of our sacrifices; for when 
 we have done all, we have only done that which it was our duty to do. We 
 should wash our faces that we may not appear unto men to fast ; we must take 
 our martyrdom to the stake; give up giving up ; sacrifice our sacrifice; be not 
 only too proud to be proud, but too humble to be humble; counting it joy that 
 we are permitted to suffer for His name's sake. 
 
 Does sacrifice seem hard to you.-' Does it seem like a hard saying, that "he 
 that loveth father, mother, son and daughter more than me is not worthy of 
 me"? I am sure it will not seem so when you consider the last words, "not 
 worthy of me." Then, O Lord, those who forsake these things are in some sense 
 worthy of thee. Worthy of him ! O my soul, who is ! O our Saviour, 
 may we be ! God forgive us if the thought shall unduly exalt us ! Shall we 
 not count all things but refuse that we may win Christ, and at last be found 
 worthy to be with him, where he is ? 
 
 Following Dr. Pounds's address came another appropriate incident, 
 the presentation of a handsome silk banner, suitably inscribed, to the 
 local union which contains the largest number of members who have 
 given not less than one-tenth of their incomes to the Lord. The pre- 
 sentation was made by Rev. S. B. Meeser, of Worcester, Mass. Mr. 
 Meeser's presentation remarks were of a very high order and aroused 
 enthusiasm. For two years past the banner has gone to Cleveland, but 
 this year the NewYork Local Union reported eight hundred and fifty-eight 
 such members, and the banner went to it. When the announcement 
 was made a hymn was started by the New York delegation. The feel- 
 ing was intense. As a sort of relief some of the New York delegates 
 set up a cheer : — 
 
 "Rah! Rah! Rah! 
 Who are we ? 
 N. Y. Y. P. S.C.E." 
 
 The banner was received by Mr. W. L. Amerman, president of the 
 New York Local Union, who made a few brief remarks, expressing the 
 intention of the union to do even better next year, while an enthusiastic 
 New Yorker mounted the platform and waved the big blue and white 
 flag of the union. Then came some singing by the octette from 
 Hampton Institute, and chorus and audience sang " Marching to Zion." 
 
 Rev. J. Wilbur Chapman, D.D., the pastor of Bethany Presbyterian 
 Church, of Philadelphia, was then introduced to deliver the closing 
 address of the evening, on the subject " Christian Endeavor an Evan- 
 gelistic Force." 
 
 Address of Rev. J. Wilbur Chapman, D.D., Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 It is the opinion of thoughtful people in all branches of society that we are 
 coming on to some sort of a great crisis. Some believe that this is the coming 
 of our Lord; others, that it is to be a great uprising of the working forces ; while 
 others simply stand in wonder and amazement and look for they know not 
 what. 
 
 I believe that we are at the beginning of what may be called a great evan- 
 gelistic era, and yet this is to be a work not such as has been conducted in the 
 
212 Official Report of the 
 
 past, but a work peculiarly identified with the pastors of the churches, the mem- 
 bers of the churches, and the societies of the churches. In saying this, I put 
 no mark of disrespect upon God's credited evangelists, for I believe that the 
 office of divine appointment; but in the natural order of things, with the chang- 
 ing of other systems and methods, this new evangelistic era is to be under the 
 control of the Church of Jesus Christ and her specially appointed leaders. In 
 this work the Christian Endeavor Society is to play no small part. I know of at 
 least five cities of importance in our land already planning to enter upon such 
 a campaign with the beginning of the Church life in the fall ; and I am profound 
 in the conviction that the season of 1896 and 1897 shall witness such an out- 
 pouring of God's Spirit, and such an ingathering of such as shall be saved, as 
 we have not seen for many a year. 
 
 But what can the Christian Endeavor Society do ? In the first place, if the 
 pastor is to be instrumental in this work he will need to have done for him what 
 the people did for Moses; namely, to have his hands uplifted. This may be 
 accomplished by means of prayer. No man in the pulpit can be strong in the 
 best use of that word if he is without this atmosphere; and no man in the pulpit 
 would be weak if a faithful band of people should lift him up to God for a spe- 
 cial manifestation of his Spirit. This is the first move for the Christian 
 Endeavor Society, — pray for your pastor. 
 
 Second, organize praying bands for the lost, and then be definite about 
 your petitions ; ask God for certain individuals, and ask him for them at a cer- 
 tain time. Believe that what you ask you will receive, and set it down as a rule 
 that when one begins to pray for the unsaved he naturally turns to make an 
 effort to help God to answer that prayer ; and if the Christian Endeavor Society 
 of the world could be pledged to pray for the unsaved men and women of the 
 world, this year would witness not one Pentecost, but a hundred, and that 
 would mean three hundred thousand souls for Christ. 
 
 Third, as a preliminary to a special series of meetings in a community, let 
 the Christian Endeavor Societies carry the Gospel to the people who will not 
 go to church to receive it. Every city and town in this country ought to have 
 during the summer months, also September and October, numerous outdoor 
 services, where direct appeals can be made to the unsaved who seem to be in- 
 different, but who actually are longing to know the peace of God. This was the 
 way the Saviour worked; and if on a certain day the whole Christian Endeavor 
 Society would turn out from the Church to preach upon the streets, its highways 
 and its byways, in one day there would be thousands of souls brought to Christ, 
 and tens of thousands more deeply interested. 
 
 Fourth, at the first favorable opportunity make an effort to unite the 
 churches of your cities or your towns in a straight-out campaign in behalf of 
 the lost. The counsel of the pastors will be needed in this; and in behalf of 
 these men of God 1 am prepared to say that hundreds and thousands of them 
 over the country wait to-day for tlie first word of encouragement which would 
 lead them to spring into the very thickest of the fight, and there is hardly a min- 
 ister of the Gospel in the land to-day but what I believe would be willing to 
 enter lieart and soul in this service if he were sure simply of the support of his 
 own people. Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes and look on the fields, 
 for they are white already to harvest; and I summon the great Christian 
 Endeavor Society to follow the Master more closely than ever in these days 
 that are before us, so that this year upon which we now enter may be the very 
 best of our lives in point of victory. 
 
 Calvary Church. 
 
 Another great meeting was held at Calvary Baptist Church. Antici- 
 pating a crowd, Endeavorers and their friends began to arrive before 
 seven o'clock ; and when Rev. Ralph W. Brokaw, of Springfield, the 
 presiding officer, opened the evening's exercises, there was scarcely a 
 vacant seat in the entire church. The first twenty minutes were de- 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 213 
 
 voted to a praise service, and then Rev. Dr. Greene, pastor of Calvary 
 Church, conducted the devotional exercises. 
 
 The first topic, " Frank Talks with Our Associate Members," was 
 divided into two parts. The first address was "Who Should Do It ?" 
 
 Address of Rev. J. L. Campbell, D.D., New York City. 
 
 Associate members occupy a peculiar and interesting relation to our socie- 
 ties. If there are many of them, it indicates that the meetings are attractive, 
 reaching those who are outside and bringing them in. Their number, or lack 
 of number, is a sort of thermometer which shows a growing or a declining 
 organization ; then, too, they constitute in themselves a most important class. 
 While they do not make any profession of religion, they are so far favorably 
 disposed to it that they come out and attend the weekly gatherings. The soci- 
 ety of Christians, the singing, the speaking, and all that goes to make up a 
 meeting lias sufficient attraction to cause them to leave other company and be 
 found there. Many of them are like the young ruler, — lacking only one thing. 
 They will not remam in this position; either they will before long come out on 
 the Lord's side, or they will soon grow weary and drift away and become lost 
 to us. Of all persons anywhere they should be the object of our deepest solici- 
 tude, and most fervent prayers. They are of good character ; they are young ; 
 they are interested; they are yet unsaved. 
 
 1. Who should speak to them ? The pastor. He stands at the head and his 
 example will be contagious. The strong wish of every true pastor is to get 
 into thorough touch with all the young people of his congregation ; he will 
 make any possible sacrifice to bring this about. My friend Uncle Boston 
 Smith visited a Minnesota village where the young people were living in total 
 disregard of the churches and the Sabbath. He went in among them, played 
 baseball with them, helped them win a match game, got hold of their sympa- 
 thies, and then they came to church and large numbers of them were converted 
 to God. Being crafty, he caught them with guile. Other ministers resort to 
 other means, social or intellectual, so as to get near their young people. Once 
 their confidence is won, the steps after that become comparatively easy. No 
 one ought to know how to deal with souls as a pastor can; it is the work to 
 which his life is consecrated ; no matter how eloquently he may preach, it is the 
 man who does the hand-to-hand personal work who is pre-eminently successful 
 as a soul-winner. 
 
 2. Who should do it ? The members of the Church. The Christian 
 Endeavor Society stands for Christ and the Church. The Church should also 
 stand for Christian Endeavor. One of the dangers of organizations of this 
 kind is that the young people may constitute one group, and the rest of the 
 Church another group, and that both may gather themselves in opposite camps. 
 With wonderful wisdom, the leaders of the Christian Endeavor movement have 
 sought in every way to prevent any such line of cleavage. One of the most 
 vital and cardinal principles emphasized in every way is the duty of unqualified, 
 unswerving loyalty to the Church. There is a corresponding duty, too, on the 
 other hand. The members of our churches must not stand aloof from the 
 young people ; there must be the completest reciprocity; action and reaction 
 should be equal ; every chasm should be filled up, and none ever suffered to 
 exist. The future pastors, and deacons, and trustees, and editors, and teachers 
 are to-day in our Christian Endeavor Societies. Our interest in them is simply 
 our interest in the future of the cause of Christ in the world. 
 
 3. W^ho should do it ? The active members. They have as their peculiar 
 work the spiritual interests of the associate members ; they belong to their own 
 years, and come into direct contact with them. In every step and act of life 
 we are molding character and shaping the destiny of those by whom we are sur- 
 rounded, — savors of life unto life, or savors of death unto death. A blithe and 
 merry bricklayer one gloomy day was working upon a scaffold, building the 
 wall of a house, and all the while he wrought he was singing and whistling as 
 
214 Official Report of the 
 
 bright as a lark. Little dreamed he up yonder at his daily task that the melan- 
 choly eye of Thomas Carlyle was sadly watching him from a dark chamber, and 
 that his unconscious, cheerful example led him to re-write and then complete 
 his great work on the French Revolution. Harriet Beecher Stowe, who has 
 just died, and her brother Henry both received their bias toward the colored 
 race through the modest, unconscious influence of a black man named Charles 
 Smith, who was a servant in the farm-parsonage of their distinguished father. 
 How vast the influence of that humble man in the destiny of this nation ! Had 
 the impression made by his life been the opposite of what it was, the history of 
 our country might have been different to-day. The humblest Christian Endeav- 
 orer before me in his or her most unsuspecting moments may be touching springs 
 that will shape the future of the nation and change the history of the world. 
 Solemn, stupendous thought! Not simply what I say, but what I do; not 
 simply what I do, but what 1 am, — this is the measure of my responsibility. 
 We are not going to heaven or to hell alone. Every conversation that you have 
 with an associate member, every contact of life with life, of character with 
 character, of magnet with steel, will endure 
 
 " When the sun grows cold and the stars are old, 
 .A.nd the leaves of the judgment book unfold.'" 
 
 It is yours, therefore, to so live before them that everything you do and say 
 will tell the unconverted about you "more about Jesus." 
 
 4. Who should do it 'i Those Christians among you who are personal friends 
 of the unsaved. Andrew found Simon Peter, and brought him to Jesus; Philip 
 found Nathaniel; Martha found Mary. There is some one over whom you have 
 more influence than all the rest of the Church put together. Use that influence 
 for God; tell your own experience, — how God first spoke peace to your soul. 
 This was what Paul did. When they brought him before courts and kings, he 
 rehearsed the way that Jesus met him at noonday near the gate of Damascus, 
 and how he was saved. This was an argument they could never answer. Do 
 it with your unconverted friend, and a blessing will rest upon your own soul, 
 and God will use you in bringing others to his feet. 
 
 The next division of the topic was " When Should It Be Done ? " 
 
 Address of Rev. W. H. Robinson, D.D., Englewood, III. 
 
 I am to speak to you to-night on "When Should It Be Done?" I have 
 three points that will enable you to know how fast I am using up the time. 
 The first one is that we should decide the question by our own condition, — that is 
 to say, we should have a frank talk with an associate member when we have 
 been impressed by some great truth of emotion ourselves. It don't do to talk 
 to an associate member, or any other young person, — and the younger the per- 
 son you are talking to the truer it is, — on religious subjects, unless you feel it 
 yourself. 
 
 Once there was a very worldly mother who had trouble to make her child 
 mind, and a good, unworldly mother spoke to that worldly mother and told her 
 to use moral suasion with her boy and she could manage him. She said, as 
 some people say, " Go to ; now 1 will be religious." She said to her own self, 
 " Go to; now I will use that kind of a machine. I will use moral suasion on 
 that boy of mine." So she thought up all the good things she could. She got 
 that little boy on her lap and talked machine-talk to him. When she got 
 through, her closing appeal was, " Now, Walter, you will do better, won't you.?" 
 " Why, ma, all the time you were talking your upper jaw did n't move at all, 
 and your under jaw kept a-going all the time." He was an observant boy. He 
 knew that she was talking for the sake of talking, and he watched how that 
 kind of machinery worked. 
 
 So then, when you are going to talk to an associate member, be sure that you 
 have within you something that fills and thrills your own soul. Then is when 
 to do it. When you have a sense of worth of your own soul and the associate 
 member's soul, when you see that neither silver nor gold, nor the election of 
 
FiftccntJi International Convention. 215 
 
 Bryan nor the election of McKinley, when you see that nothing else is of any 
 consequence at all, compared to your own soul, then is the time to talk to an 
 associate member about his soul. And when you feel eternity near you, and it 
 becomes real to you that that other world is so near that the sweet closing of an 
 eye may bring you there, then is the time to talk to your associate member 
 about eternity. 
 
 Point number two is. that the question is also to be decided by the condition 
 of the associate member. 
 
 " There is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to for- 
 tune." And there is a tide in the affairs of the associate members, in his soul, 
 which, taken at the flood, leads on to everlasting life with God and Jesus Christ. 
 Neglected it may never, never again come. There is such a thing as oppor- 
 tunity. Take the associate member when he is in a susceptible mood. Jesus 
 talked with people once about rejoicing, and when did he do \tl Did he take 
 them at a time when they were not enabled to be joyful.? Oh, no. They had 
 been through the villages of Galilee, the seventy, and they returned with joy. 
 They had had some good fortune that they did not expect. They said, " Why, 
 Lord, even the demons are subject to us ! We tried, tremblingly, thy name 
 upon them, and we were able to cast them out." He entered into their joy for 
 a minute, — what tact! — and he said, "While you were passing out the little 
 devils, the demons, I saw as in a vision the prince of devils, Satan himself, as 
 lightning fall from heaven." It is glorious work we are in, but notwithstanding, 
 in this rejoice not especially that the demons are subject unto you, but rather 
 rejoice in your individual salvation, if you have it, that your names are written 
 in the book of heaven. 
 
 Don't you know when any one is in great grief that is the time to say, 
 " Your brother shall rise again," as He said to Martha? And he led her on and 
 on until he said to her, " 1 am the resurrection and the life." So take the 
 time when the associate member is susceptible. There are such times. They 
 have their sorrows and their joys, and if you have a sympathetic heart kindled 
 by a companionship with Him who had such strangely insertive sympathies 
 with the sorrows of mankind, at a time when an associate member feels grief, 
 just then tell him in that susceptible hour of the Man of sorrow, acquainted 
 with grief. In their hour of gladness, when you see they are full of gladness, 
 tell them of Him who was anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows. 
 
 Take the associate member when he is alone. Some man has been writing 
 a chapter in a book lately to the effect that Christianity now works with indi- 
 viduals, whereas heretofore people have been taken in masses. Not at all. 
 God always began with one. He commenced with one man in the Garden of 
 Eden, and it was not until later on that he even had the man's other self, the 
 woman, there. He took one man, Abraham, and out of Abraham's seed he 
 took Isaac, and from Isaac's children he took Jacob, and so on ; and through 
 his one Son, Jesus Christ, he brought in redemption to the world. 
 
 Remember this: that Jesus did not hold an immense convention in a tent. 
 Such things are good, but beware that you who attend these immense meet- 
 ings from year to year do not think that big tent meetings or big church meet- 
 ings are the chosen means of bringing the kingdom of God into the world. 
 They are not. That is indicated when you see him taking Nicodemus alone by 
 night, and the woman of Samaria alone by the well, and when Philip findeth 
 Nathanael and bringeth him, one man, alone to the Christ. Get the associate 
 member alone after meeting. I wish I might tell you of a tree, — I need no 
 picture to see it, — one tree and one piece of sidewalk, seen dimly in the gloom, 
 when my only sister said to me at a time of revival, which was not having more 
 effect upon me than medicine upon a stone statue, " Willie, don't you care 
 anything about these things?" That was the beginning. 
 
 Thirdly, let me say that you are to talk to the associate member whenever 
 the Spirit moves you. I know that is used for a slang phrase, but you know 
 that as that phrase came in its original meaning it is a very sacred one. Was 
 it not when Philip was going down toward the south country, and the eunuch, 
 a great authority in the court of the Queen of Ethiopia, had been to Jerusalem 
 
216 Official Report of the 
 
 to worship and was returning ? He sat in his chariot reading the Word of God 
 and the Spirit of God said to Philip, " Draw nigh to this chariot," and so on. 
 Does the Spirit of God ever say anything to you or to me ? I think it does. I 
 think the Holy Spirit is here now. I think that just as surely as the trade-winds 
 blow across the sea, so surely does that Spirit which Jesus said was like the 
 wind move in its great carrying tide over the ocean of human life. What we 
 need to-day is to hoist the sails. I believe the light is forever shining upon you 
 and me, only we do not put up the shutters. That is all we need. I believe 
 that the river of God is forever about us, only it is so magnificent that we do 
 not realize it. 
 
 There were some sailors once that had used up all the water of the ship. 
 They saw another ship coming. They hailed the other ship with the signal of 
 distress. The answer was, "What do you want?" "Water, water; we are 
 choked for the want of water." " You are in the mouth of the Amazon; dip it 
 up." I know that is an old story, but it applies most perfectly to this thing. 
 The Spirit of God is ready to be given to you when you ask the Father for it. 
 
 I have done with these three points, and am about ready to stop. All three 
 of them sometimes come together. Sometimes the associate member is in a 
 susceptible condition, and sometimes you have a great truth in your heart, and 
 then also you are conscious and he is conscious of the movement of the unseen 
 power which we call the Holy Ghost. Those are the great days when souls are 
 born again. 
 
 And so, in answering this question, I should say, " Speak to the associate 
 member; have a frank talk with him every day. Sunday is a good day. You 
 know events make the calendar and the red days on it, and the calendar does 
 not make the events. There was a Monday that is like our day Monday, — a 
 sacred day in Jerusalem, — a common day. Men went about their business. 
 There was no religion. It was not a worship day. It was a Monday. It was 
 the first day of the week. Sacred day was over. The Sabbath was past, and 
 just then Jesus rose from the dead. Search your Bible through, and find where 
 Jesus says to transfer the Sabbath from the seventh day to the first day. You 
 can not do it. What did it? What put those red letters on the calendar that 
 mean Sabbaths? A mighty event. And so you can make any day — Monday, 
 Tuesday, Wednesday.Thursday, Friday, Saturday — the holiest day in the week 
 for any associate member by making it the day when Christ rose from the dead 
 within their souls and unto new life, and transformed them into his likeness." 
 
 Do not keep after the same associate member all the time. I do not mean 
 that when I say speak to him every day. Don't you be guilty of that machine- 
 work of nagging at one soul all the time and saying, " James, don't you want to 
 be a Christian ? " and then the next day, " James, don't you want to be saved ? " 
 and so on and on. I used to hate those fellows that came after me that way. 
 They never had any effect on me. Don't do that. That is not divine hus- 
 bandry. John Sterling's father gave him some seeds, and John planted them, 
 and the next morning he dug them up to see how they were getting along. 
 Then he put them down again, and the next day he took them up to see how 
 they were getting along again. Poor John Sterling ! He could not wait. 
 
 When the soul of the associate member is in the right condition, and you 
 are in the right condition, and the Holy Spirit moves you, speak to that soul, 
 plant the seed in it, watch over it tenderly, carefully, lovingly, and let it rest 
 until the rain of God shall come down on it.— the early and the later rain, per- 
 haps, and then after a while go and cultivate it a little. You do not hoe 
 
 corn— or we did not when I was a boy, if I remember — more than once or twice 
 before the crop comes. , , , , 
 
 When you have sown that seed go and try another soul, and another and 
 another, and by the time you have got a certain distance it will be time to go 
 back and cultivate again. 
 
 Mr. Fred S. Ball, of Montgomery, Ala., then conducted an interest- 
 ino- discussion concerning Endeavor work. He paid particular attention 
 to the bringing into the fold of active membership the associate mem- 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 217 
 
 bers of the different societies. He wanted to find out, for the benefit 
 of himself and all Endeavorers, the different plans of the several 
 societies for bringing about this much-desired end, and he called upon 
 members and delegates present to explain how they did it. This invi- 
 tation brought delegates from every part of the United States to their 
 feet, who gave interesting data concerning the number of associate 
 members in their respective societies, and their plans of transforming 
 them into active members. 
 
 The meeting closed with an address by the Rev. Dr. Rufus W. 
 Hufford, pastor of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, of Reading, Pa. 
 His subject was " Individual Responsibility for Soul-Winning." 
 
 Address of Rev. Rufus W. Hufford, D.D., Reading, Pa. 
 
 The subject before us is " Individual Responsibility for Soul-Saving." That 
 is a most interesting subject when you come to think of it — a most important 
 subject. It is oppressive in its earnestness, — individual responsibility for soul- 
 saving. There was a time centuries ago when men were discussing the ques- 
 tion as to whether people had souls or not. Some of the Jewish rabbis dis- 
 cussed the question as to whether women had souls or not. A Scotch writer 
 has lately called attention to this : that it is the Lord Jesus who has enabled 
 us to save, who has brought into this world the thought that the soul is worth 
 something, and that it is always worth something, that we are ever to make an 
 effort to save it. Jesus has brought that into the world. He illustrates it in 
 this way : for a long time it was not known that there were any diamonds down 
 at a certain place in Africa ; but once there was a bright stone discovered there. 
 Some one kicked it, picked it up and looked at it, and found out that he had a 
 diamond. He found out that those pebbles there were valuable. 
 
 A short time ago in our own land a man picked up a stone and threw it at a 
 cow. He was driving his cow home and the cow was a little inclined to wander 
 off to the bushes. He picked up a stone to throw at her to make her get back 
 into the road. The stone seemed very heavy. He began to examine it. The 
 weight of it startled him. He did not throw it at the cow. He took it home 
 with him and had it examined and found it was very rich in gold. That man 
 who was poor before that was very soon worth $100,000. He had found some- 
 thing that was very valuable right there in the road. 
 
 We have valuable souls all about us. We are living with them. They are 
 growing up in our households. They are in our Sunday schools and Young 
 People's Societies. They are in the Church and outside of it. They are on 
 every street and highway. Wherever there is a human being there is one who 
 has an immortal soul, that which is infinitely valuable ; and because it is infin- 
 itely valuable, the question comes to us as to our individual responsibility for 
 saving souls. 
 
 In hastening on, I wish to call attention to just this. In the first place, 
 recognizing the value of the soul, we ourselves are to feel that we are to put 
 forth individual efforts to save it. When we talk about a soul being valuable, 
 and working to save it, I think the first impression that is made upon the aver- 
 age person is, I wish I couid get a chance to approach those people. The 
 first impression is, If we could just collect around us those persons and begin 
 to say what we have to say about their welfare ! That is the disposition; that 
 is the temptation; but it is not the wise thing to do at all. We are talking 
 about individual responsibility, and that presents two things. It is the individ- 
 ual who is responsible ; and in order to do his best work he must work upon 
 the individual. It is a very great mistake to suppose that the best work is 
 done, as has been said to-night, by getting people in the mass and talking to 
 them there. 
 
 I think there has been an immense amount of time wasted by young men 
 who have thought that they were suddenly called, without any particular 
 
218 Official Report of the 
 
 amount of preparation, to become Moodys, and preach to the people. I think 
 there has been a good deal of effort wasted just in that way. I do not under- 
 rate, I trust, the efforts that are made in all of our societies. I believe any- 
 body who has the opportunity and ability to talk a minute ought to talk a 
 minute as it is given to him, or two minutes, or even five minutes. He ought 
 not to kill the meeting by talking ten minutes, as a rule. 
 
 But there is something a great deal better than that. It is set forth in just 
 these words, that we are to reach the individual, — the individual is to reach the 
 individual. As has been said to-night, that was the Lord's own method. He 
 who knew the value of the soul reached the soul as a rule in that way. He 
 went to the woman at the well and talked with her. The disciples were sur- 
 prised that he should do such a thing. They did not consider her soul as of 
 any great value. They did not think it was to his credit or theirs that he 
 should be seen talking to her. Yet he did talk with her, and his talk resulted 
 in the salvation of her soul. There was a woman of lower repute even than 
 she, and it was the Lord's teaching that saved her. Mary Magdalene, out of 
 whom he cast devils, was the one who bore the intelligence first that Christ had 
 risen from the dead. 
 
 He gives us this example of reaching the individual soul,— just hunting up 
 some one and talking to that one. It is not a difficult thing to do. Every one 
 can do something for them. We find them everywhere. It may be difficult to 
 get a congregation together, but it is not difficult to find just one. I remember 
 a young man, in a church over in Pennsylvania, who made up his mind that he 
 would fike to teach a Sunday-school class. He had never been a faithful Sun- 
 day-school scholar at all; he had never had patience enough with his own 
 teacher to attend regularly, and did not care enough for the teachings of the 
 Bible to be a good scholar, but he wanted to teach a class. There are a good 
 many such persons fond of having some degree of prominence in some way. 
 He wanted to teach a class. He asked permission to get up a class for him- 
 self, as none was offered in the Sunday school. He thought he would hunt up 
 those who would come in. Permission was given to him at once. He was told. 
 " You can have your class ; get it up and teach it." He spoke to a number of 
 boys, and then on the following Sunday morning he came there and looked in. 
 The 'boys had given him something of an evasive answer, I presume, a half- 
 promise that meant nothing. When he came there in the morning and looked 
 in, hoping to see his boys, he found the pew where they were to be just as his 
 particular part of it had been when his teacher came to teach him. The boys 
 were not there. He went back disappointed with his idea of teaching. He 
 wanted to teach. He wanted that degree of prominence. There is something 
 of that probably in the most of us. We like prominence; we like popularity. 
 We like to have persons around us who will recognize us as a little higher and 
 wiser than they are. , , . , 
 
 There is nothing of this kind needed m what we have before us here to-night. 
 As we think of the individual responsibility of soul-saving it brings to our minds 
 just this: as we have opportunity let each one win one. There is a "win-one" 
 society in this country somewhere. I don't know just where the chapters of it 
 are, but there is such a society, and the very inspiration of it is that one so 1 
 shall try to win another. That is a good thing to do. It would be an excellent 
 thing to make the effort right in one's own household. 
 
 You would be surprised if you were to know how in many professed Chris- 
 tian families there are unconverted young people, who do not go to Church and 
 who are getting farther and farther away from the Church, caring less about 
 the Church. Yet the fathers and mothers in those families may be very devoted to 
 their church; they may go quite regularly themselves ; they may take part in 
 various meetings of the church ; but somehow they are not able to reach those 
 right in their own family. What is the matter? They have not gone about it 
 in the right way ; they have not felt as deeply as they ought to feel, in all human 
 probability, that it is their duty to win those who are right there at home. 
 
 Make it your business in the various relations of this life to pick out one 
 here and one there and follow him up with prayer and talk to him as you have 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 219 
 
 the opportunity, and show kindness to him, so that he will know you feel an in- 
 terest in him. 
 
 You will remember that in the Old Testament Scriptures there is a prophecy 
 of a grand time when the influence of the Spirit of God shall be felt, and it is 
 said that one of the signs of that time shall be that the hearts of the fathers 
 shall turn to the children, and the hearts of the children shall turn to the 
 fathers. That would be a most excellent result, — for fathers and mothers to feel 
 such an interest in their own children that they could go to them and confess 
 mistakes that they had made in their bringing-up ; that they should acknowl- 
 edge the fact that they have permitted their children to go away from them. 
 
 I remember a meeting that I attended not long ago where an old man stood 
 up and said something like this: " Mothers can have an influence over their 
 children. Sunday-school teachers can have an influence over their children. 
 Pastors can have an influence over the different families of the congregation; 
 but it seems to me a very difficult thing for the father to talk to his own sons 
 and daughters about religion." He said, "There seems to be such a chasm 
 between them that you can hardly pass over it." I replied to him in a few 
 words afterwards that there was a time when that was not so, and in every 
 family there is a time when that is not so. There is a time when the father, if he 
 is religious, can talk to his son or daughter about religion without any trouble. 
 He can talk with them about God, about the Lord Jesus who died for them ; 
 about what they owe him, and about this life that is passing; about how much 
 he cares for them, and about when this life is over he will meet them in another 
 and better world. 
 
 One of the finest things in all literature is the letter written by Horace Bush- 
 nell to his own daughter. He was in Europe and seemed not to know whether 
 he would return again. He said to her, "I expect to see you again; but we 
 know not what a day may bring forth. I hope to meet you in that better world, 
 and in order that this may be so we must both be followers of Christ. You 
 must choose him for your Saviour, as I have chosen him for mine." It is 
 always possible in every household for a father or a mother to talk to their chil- 
 dren. Don't let the chasm form at all. Keep close to your children and to 
 your Sunday-school classes. Sometimes we see classes grow up and the teach- 
 ers keep right along with them. The class goes right into the church. In other 
 classes the scholars seem to go away from the teacher. The teacher's influence 
 does not seem to reach them. Somehow the teacher has not gotten hold of the 
 mind and learned to control it. When they are little boys and girls then you 
 can talk to them ; then you can reach them and bring influence to bear upon 
 them; and if that is kept up wisely and persisted in prayerfully it will at last 
 succeed. 
 
 This individual responsibility for soul-saving — we ought to feel it. That is 
 the first and most important thing; let it be in our hearts that it must be done 
 — that something must be accomplished. It is said concerning John Knox, 
 that he said, " Give me Scotland or I die." He must have that nation saved to 
 the Lord. We can take a far smaller contract. We can say, " Give me one 
 soul ; let me follow it up ; let me save it for the Lord Jesus Christ." We ought 
 to feel this individual responsibility. We ought to follow up those with whom 
 we come in contact. We ought not to feel that it is ours to gather them to- 
 gether, but we should reach them individually, as the Lord Jesus Christ reached 
 them. 
 
 The Scripture tells us that " he that winneth souls is wise, and they that be 
 wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament." It does take true wisdom 
 to win a soul to Christ. You can win a soul to yourself. You can bring a lit- 
 tle circle around you and make them love you and follow you, and yet that may 
 not mean that any one of them has been won to the Lord. That may not 
 mean that any one of them has left the sin of this world and entered into the 
 service of Christ. You can win people to the Church, and still you may not 
 have won them to Christ. You can have a great mass collected, and hold them 
 for years, and then they may melt away like snow under the sun. You may 
 win them to your Christian Endeavor, and hold them there for a while. You 
 
220 Official Report of the 
 
 may feel that it is very interesting to keep them there and have them join in 
 your singing ; and yet they may go away, not one of them having been won to 
 Christ. 
 
 " He that winneth souls must be wise." He must put himself out of sight. 
 He mast behold Christ as the Saviour of the soul, and he must make the soul 
 feel that in order to have a hope of life everlasting it must be by a complete 
 self-surrender to Jesus as Saviour, and as Lord and as Master. Then, when 
 they have been won, when they have been gathered in, we treasure them up. 
 We think about them. We pray for them. We feel as the Apostle Paul did 
 when he said that these were the trophies of his work ; that he felt that these 
 were the very crown of his rejoicing, — those who had been saved through his 
 preaching and teaching, and brought to the Lord. 
 
 First Presbyterian Church. 
 
 The presiding officer at the First Presbyterian Church was Rev. Dr. 
 M. F. Troxell, of Springfield, 111., who is the vice-president of the Illi- 
 nois Union. The evening began with a song service, after which Rev. 
 Edward Warren, of Washington, led the devotional exercises. 
 
 The general topic for the evening was " Our Work." The first 
 speaker's topic was " Duties To Be Done." 
 
 Address of Mr. J. Edgar Knipp, Baltimore, Md. 
 
 The common, every-day duties of life must be performed. Such duties are 
 incumbent upon us all, whether we are officers, chairmen of committees, or in- 
 dividual active members of a Christian Endeavor Society. As a river is com- 
 posed of drops of water, a dollar of pennies, and an hour of minutes, so life 
 consists of little duties, characters are formed by daily actions. The student 
 who would become a scholar does not pass by one mighty bound from the bot- 
 tom of the ladder to the top, but attains the desired goal by performing heart- 
 ily the daily tasks assigned by his instructors. The beautiful rose which is ad- 
 mired by all does not develop in one day ; first a bunch of very small leaves 
 appears at the end of the stem; a few days later the tip of a tiny bud is seen; 
 this gradually grows larger and larger, and as the weeks go by it changes into 
 a beautiful rose. Its development was slow. Daily there were supplied to it 
 moisture from the ground, light and heat from the rays of the sun, material 
 from the earth, and carbonic acid gas from the atmosphere. From such com- 
 mon, ordinary materials the lovely rose was formed. 
 
 In the same way the faithful performance of our daily tasks transforms our 
 characters into Christlikeness. 
 
 Of these common daily duties which we must fulfil a very important one is 
 morning secret prayer. As Endeavorers we have promised Christ to make it 
 the rule of our lives to pray every day. We all need to talk over with our 
 Heavenly Father in the morning the work of the coming day; for the Christian 
 who waits until he is about to retire before he communes with God is like the 
 engineer who starts to make a trip with a small supply of water in the boiler, 
 and expects to fill it up at the end of the trip. He is very apt to need, before 
 he reaches his destination, more steam than the water he has will supply, and a 
 long delay and great inconvenience will result. 
 
 We ought to tell our Father in heaven the details of our work and the diffi- 
 culties which will beset us; we need to ask him for guidance and help in 
 overcoming the temptations and difficulties tliat will come upon us. 
 
 By thus telling God the details of our work, and by asking his help in per- 
 forming it, our strength will be renewed and we shall realize more fully and 
 more constantly the presence of Christ with us during the day. 
 
 Many of the failures in our daily living are due to the lack of morning com- 
 munion with God. As Christian workers we do much sowing, but often we 
 reap small harvests. The cause is found in the fact that we have not been a 
 sufficient time alone with God. The busier Christ was, the more time he spent 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 221 
 
 in prayer. He passed the whole night in communing with his Father previous 
 to the choice of the twelve apostles and the preaching of the Sermon on the 
 Mount. At another time, when he was busy preaching the Gospel in Caper- 
 naum, and he was engaged in healing the throngs of sick persons which pressed 
 about him, it is recorded of him that he "arose a great while before day and 
 went apart into a solitary place and there prayed." 
 
 Sometimes when we have a very busy day's work before us, we are apt to 
 hurry through our morning prayer. But it is in just such times as this that we 
 ought to draw very near to our Father, for if we do not, the tendency will be to 
 forget him during the day, when we are actively engaged in our business, or 
 household duties, or even in Christian work. 
 
 Martin Luther, upon being asked one time by a friend what his plans were 
 for the following day, replied, " Work, work from early until late. In fact, I 
 have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer." 
 
 He did not maintain the heavenly life in his soul without continually sepa- 
 rating himself from man and communing with his Father. If he needed such 
 secret prayer in the midst of his work, how much more do we ! As he did, we 
 ought also to spend much time in secret prayer. Perhaps many of us have 
 heard of J. Hudson Taylor's method. As he is kept busy at work continually 
 during the day, and since there is always some one wishing to confer with him 
 about the work, his habit is to rise between three and four o'clock in the morn- 
 ing in order to spend two or three hours alone with God. Is it any wonder that 
 his life is so fruitful ? 
 
 In addition to daily, intimate, morning, secret prayer, we must commune 
 with God by reading his Word. He who enters upon a day's work after praying 
 but without reading God's Word has omitted the more valuable part of his pri- 
 vate devotions. It is more important that God speak to us than that we speak 
 to him. This is what he does when we eartiestly and reverently search the Scrip- 
 tures. Like Samuel, we then say, " Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth." We 
 must come for a personal message as though the Bible had been written for no 
 one but ourselves. 
 
 In what spirit do you inquire at the post-office at your church headquarters 
 for mail in the morning .? Uon't you ask hoping to get a letter for yourself? It 
 may be that you inquire also for the mail of several friends; but how pleased 
 you are if you receive a personal message for yourself! As you stand at the 
 counter, you see a young lady come up who is for the first time takmg a long 
 trip from home. As you watch her, you see how anxious she is to get a letter 
 from father or mother, or perhaps from her most intimate friend. If she re- 
 ceives a letter how glad she seems to be ! Her face is wreathed in smiles. In 
 the same spirit the Bible should be read by us. To it we should come desiring, 
 hoping for, and expecting a personal message from our Heavenly Father. Al- 
 though we may receive some lessons for our Sunday-school scholars, if we are 
 teachers, or helpful thoughts for others to be mentioned in the Christian En- 
 deavor meetings, yet we ought always to be sure to secure God's personal mes- 
 sage to ourselves. In order to do this we must read with the prayer of David 
 on our lips: " Open thou ?n2ne eyes that / may behold wondrous things out of 
 thy law." With our natural eyes we can not see the bones of our hands; but 
 the X-rays can readily disclose them. So the Holy Spirit can reveal to us a 
 personal message when of ourselves we would not see it. The Spirit must un- 
 fold to us the Scriptures. He alone can make known to us God's message. 
 
 As we pray and read the Bible daily, new duties and responsibilities will be 
 revealed to us. To these we must yield a whole-hearted obedience. What we 
 learn we must put into practice. Like clay in the hands of the potter we must 
 be in the hands of God. As it is shaped and molded according to the potter's 
 wishes, so we should submit ourselves entirely to God, to be molded into 
 vessels fit for the Master's use. It is not sufficient that at one particular time 
 we make a complete consecration of ourselves to God. We must always be on 
 the altar, ready to do God's will as it is revealed to us. 
 
 Our daily prayer and Bible reading will help us realize constantly that we 
 are not our own, but that we have been bought with a price. We shall be 
 
222 Official Report of the 
 
 brought to recognize God's ownership of ourselves, so that we shall not ask the 
 question, " How little can I do and yet remain a follower of Christ ? " or " Can I 
 do this and still be a Christian?" but rather we shall want to know: "Lord, 
 what wilt thou have me to do? " And as he makes it known to us in his Word and 
 by his Spirit through prayer, we shall willingly and gladly yield ourselves to 
 God and shall be ready to do whatsoever our Lord the King shall appoint. 
 
 It will not be long before we learn that confession of Christ with the mouth 
 is one of our duties. It is not enough for us to lead upright Christian lives. 
 The secret of our lives must be interpreted to others with the mouth. Jesus 
 himself did this. " He did not trust to the silent influence of his life ; he wanted 
 men distinctly to understand what the root and aim of his life was." 
 
 " In his teaching not only did he reveal the will of his Father and show what 
 the Father is, but he also continually spoke of his own personal relation to the 
 Father. Time after time he told men that he came as a Son sent from the 
 Father, that he depended upon and owed everything to him, that he only sought 
 the Father's glory, and that all his happiness was to please the Father." As 
 Christ acknowledged to men his dependence upon the Father, so we must con- 
 fess our dependence upon Christ. 
 
 May our experience be not like that of a professor in a leading college. He 
 says, " When I was a young man, I thought other young men would resent 
 any appeal I might make to them in regard to their personal relations to Christ." 
 
 How many of us, when we draw a glass of water from the spigots in our 
 homes, think of the source of the water in the mountain springs, and of the 
 pipes hidden under the ground which convey it to our homes? Or when we 
 light the gas in our rooms, do we think of the coal which has been dug from 
 the depths of the earth, and from which the gas is made by means of fire ? In the 
 same way our unconverted friends may see that streams of influence for good 
 flow from us, for Christ said, " He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath 
 said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." From us also there may 
 shine forth a light, for it is written " Ye are the light of the world." The source of 
 our light is God's Word. We dig from the mines of God's truth precious ores, 
 and bring them to the surface, where they are transformed into light by the fire 
 of the Holy Spirit. This light which shines through our lives and the streams 
 of good influence which flow forth from us are seen by our unsaved friends, but 
 they do not think of their source. 
 
 My wife's cousin, a young fellow not yet of age, lived in our house for six 
 months. My dread of meddling was such that I never asked him to be present 
 at family worship, or spoke to him on the subject of religion. He fell into the 
 company of a wild set, and was rapidly going to the bad. When I reasoned 
 with him I spoke of Christ. 
 
 " Do you call yourself a Christian ? " he asked, assuming an astonished look. 
 
 " I hope so," I replied. 
 
 " But you are not. If you were. He must be your best friend. Yet I have 
 lived in your house for six months and you have never once mentioned his 
 name to me. No, he is nothing to you." 
 
 May we never receive such a rebuke as this, but let us rather speak out for 
 Jesus, and tell our friends the blessedness of Christ's friendship. 
 
 To the every-day duties of prayer, Bible reading, sul^mission to God's will, 
 and open confession of Christ, every Christian must add that of support of his 
 own church. Comment upon this duty of church support is hardly necessary, 
 for everyone already realizes its importance. If anyone is not a loyal church 
 member after taking the pledge, he is not a true Christian Endeavorer. 
 
 These five duties I have mentioned must be performed. We may talk of 
 them, consider and meditate upon them, but we must not stop there. They 
 must be done. Let us remember them in a somewhat different order by the 
 letters Y. P. S. C. E., beginning Scripture quotations: — 
 
 Yield yourselves unto God, 
 
 Praying always. 
 
 Search the Scriptures. 
 
 Confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus. 
 
 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise. 
 
Fiftecntii International Convention. 223 
 
 Probably by many present these duties are already considered privileges; 
 but still, to all of us, they are duties to be done. However, if we enter upon 
 them heartily, it will not be long before they will become pleasures as well as 
 duties. According to a fable related by Dr. J. R. Miller, birds were first made 
 without any wings. Then God made the wings, and put them down before the 
 wingless birds, and said to them, " Come, take up these burdens and bear 
 them." The birds had lovely plumage and sweet voices; they could sing, and 
 their feathers gleamed in the sunshine, but they could not soar in the air. At 
 first they hesitated when bidden to take up the burdens that lay at their feet, 
 but soon they obeyed, and taking up the wings on their beaks, laid them on 
 their shoulders to carry them. For a little while the load seemed heavy and 
 hard to bear; but presently, as they went on carrying the burdens, folding 
 them over their hearts, the wings grew fast to their little bodies, and soon they 
 discovered how to use them, and were lifted by them up into the air. The 
 weights became wings. 
 
 This is a parable. We are the wingless birds, and the common tasks and 
 duties of support of our own church, confession of Christ, submission to his 
 will, Bible reading, and prayer are the pinions by which God will lift us up and 
 carry us heavenward. If they are still burdens and weights, let us lift them 
 cheerfully; let us bear them with love in our hearts, and they will become a 
 source of blessing and help to us. On them we will rise and soar towards 
 God. 
 
 After the close of Mr. Knipp's address, the choir sang the well-known 
 hymn, " Banner of the Cross," and then Rev. A. F. Richardson, of 
 Grafton, W. Va., was introduced to speak on " Dangers To Be Encoun- 
 tered." 
 
 Address of Rev. A. F. Richardson, Grafton, W. Va. 
 
 Endeavorers and Friends:— Wi must not imagine for a moment that the 
 most ardent and consecrated adherents and supporters of the Christian 
 Endeavor movement have ever unwisely assumed that such a mighty agency 
 for good would go unchallenged and be exempt from bitter opposition and 
 grave dangers. Such at least has been the experience of all grand movements 
 looking to the exaltation of society, the salvation of men, and the glory of God; 
 and in proportion as the movement has been nurtured by the good, and blessed 
 of God, have the agencies of evil combined to check its influence and minimize 
 its power. 
 
 I can but glance at the dangers this evening, leaving to the Society to weigh 
 their importance, and to a consecrated Christian Endeavor conscience to sup- 
 ply the remedy. 
 
 I. The danger of unlawful personal ambition. Paul says, " If a man 
 strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully." There 
 are summits to be reached, but the paths leading thereto are ofttimes narrow 
 and demand " grit and grace," and the Endeavorer needs to be met at the very 
 base of this ascent by that safeguard of our Lord's Prayer, " Blessed are the 
 poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God." 
 
 Remember that to be a Christian Endeavorer does not secure to you an 
 indemnity on sin ; does not secure to you absolute control over those passions 
 of the human soul that are seeking continually the ascendency, and which, if 
 unchecked, will dwarf into insignificance the lawful ambition and holy enthu- 
 siasm which marked the beginning of your service. We must not forget that 
 association with the blessed Master himself was not sufficient to banish 
 selfishness from the minds and hearts of the disciples, who were unduly con- 
 cerned about the place of honor in his kingdom. History, sacred and profane, 
 teems with instances where principles, grand and glorious in their conception, 
 have been sacrificed upon the altar of unholy ambition and inordinate desire. 
 Remember we are "saved to serve ; " and he serves Christian Endeavor best 
 who serves Christ the best; and truest service to Jesus Christ often means the 
 lowest place in his kingdom; and, thank God, the lowest place in the earthly 
 
224 Official Report of the 
 
 kingdom may mean the highest place in the kingdom of glory. " I am among 
 you as he that serveth ; " and he washed their feet. 
 
 2. The danger of relaxation. We can not believe, as some one has ungra- 
 ciously expressed it, that "the Christian Endeavor movement will prove a 
 boomerang to the Church of Jesus Christ."' Christian Endeavor has already 
 proven her mission divine. Nor do we believe that there can be any rebound 
 sulificient to cause even a serious wavering in the ranks of this mighty army 
 battling for Christ and his Church against the hosts of sin; but there may be 
 an unhealthy stagnation of the tributaries, the loosening of the tension, the 
 unbending of the energies, a relaxation of effort, a shrinking of that fervid, 
 soul-inspiring, and life-giving power which has made Christian Endeavor an 
 almost irresistible force in the Church and in the world since its inception. 
 God's law of growth and development must be applied zealously here as in the 
 other departments of Church work ; the activities of yesterday will not suffice 
 for the needs of to-day; past achievements and past successes, while helpful 
 and inspiring for the conflict yet fiercely waging, are not a safe passport to 
 victory to-day or to-morrow ; and not until " the kingdoms of this world become 
 the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ," dare the soldiers in this army of 
 God relax their vigilance, allow their ardor to cool or courage to wane, or lay 
 down their weapons of spiritual warfare. 
 
 3. TJie danger of sacrificing world-wide endeavor to the narrow limit 
 of sectarian bigotry. There is a tendency, mainly individual, to sever the 
 relation borne by the denomination to the Christian Endeavor movement as a 
 whole ; having received a baptism of Christian Endeavor grace, to withdraw 
 and live in seclusion on the gracious fruits of that baptism ; a feeling of unrest 
 and alarm lest the distinctive denominationalism be swallowed up of the 
 broader interdenominational fellowship. Well, if it be a swallowing like that 
 of the whale with Jonah, why not ? Jonah became a tenfold better man by the 
 operation, and it served, doubtless, to increase the dimensions of the whale ; and 
 as long as it works that way I am inclined to believe that God's children every- 
 where have great reason to rejoice. But we hope that those received and 
 nourished in the bosom of this splendid fellowship will appreciate the necessity 
 of perfect digestion and assimilate all that is true and good and Christlike, 
 and not serve simply as an emetic, as in the case of Jonah. 
 
 The past phenomenal success as well as the future progress and glory of 
 Christian Endeavor rests upon its fidelity to this interdenominational fellowship 
 idea ; and it is this idea brought so prominently before the eyes of the unsaved 
 masses that has done more perhaps than all other methods combined to com- 
 mend this movement to the thoughtful and earnest consideration of those who 
 have hitherto looked with at least suspicion upon the Church of Jesus Christ, 
 apparently hopelessly divided, and ofttimes bitterly at war over creeds and 
 dogmas, necessary perhaps, but not essential to the salvation of a single human 
 soul. The creed of Christian Endeavor may be expressed in one short sentence, 
 " Christ and him crucified." 
 
 4. The danger of entangling alliances. As true as the needle to the 
 pole must Christian Endeavor be to its prime object and mission : go its 
 divinely appointed way, using its divinely appointed means. Christian En- 
 deavor to be true to her mission must have no affiliation with party organization ; 
 as such she cannot afford to risk her future upon the uncertain wave of human 
 aspirations and human passions, to be borne helplessly along upon its crest 
 of fierce fanaticism, but girded in the strength of God. guided in the wisdom 
 of God, her watchword is, " Forward," in the truth and freedom of God. And we 
 place our hearty seal of approval upon the attitude of President Clark and the 
 officers of the United Society in the recent attempts to draw the Christian En- 
 deavor host into the whirl of politics. To suffer this is to rob this movement 
 of its distinctively Christian character, create confusion in its ranks, and place 
 it at the mercy of designing and unscrupulous politicians; not that those who 
 seek such alliance may not be thoroughly honest and conscientiously zealous 
 in their desire of such union, but they are unfortunately misguided in their 
 judgment of Christian Endeavor methods and principles. 
 
Fifteenth Intemational Convention. 225 
 
 Christian Endeavor stands for Christian citizenship, for the abolition of the 
 saloon, for reform in every department of our civic life, for the rescue of the 
 Sabbath and the salvation of all that is good and pure and noble in man; but 
 she must arm for the conflict and enter the arena untrammelled by party feel- 
 ing, party whim, and party lash, the slave only of a consecrated Christian En- 
 deavor conscience, and casting "for God and home and native land" a conse- 
 crated Christian Endeavor ballot. 
 
 Let the consciousness that there are dangers to be encountered in this 
 stupendous but heaven-guarded task of winning the world for Christ not dis- 
 may, nor frighten, but serve to nerve and strengthen for the combat, so that 
 when the final struggle may come, whether we live to share its triumph or not, 
 we may go in the sweet consciousness that we have never lowered the standard 
 of Christian Endeavor. And it may be that some of us, who may never live to 
 share the blessing of another convention, like Moses of old, God will lead in 
 spirit upon the mountain-top and allow our consecrated vision to sweep this 
 land, saved, purified, and glorified through the faith, sacrifice, and service of 
 Christian Endeavor. 
 
 The last topic w^as " Encouragements To Be Given." 
 
 Address of Rev. William Justin Marsha, D.D., New York City. 
 
 I. Encourageitients to be drawn f7-o)n the 7uork already done. It is proper 
 for us to look at the past, to take heart for grace out of it, as well as to avoid 
 its dangers. In one sense, truly, we are to ''forget the things that are behind," 
 but in another sense we may very properly remember them. If we grow more 
 humble in our opinion of ourselves, and more confident in our conception of 
 Christ, by looking at the way over which he hath led us, then it is our bounden 
 duty, as it is our blessed privilege, to consider the past. When we come to 
 consider the Christian Endeavor movement we are amazed and overwhelmed 
 by the amount of good that has already been done. It is a good of a distinct- 
 ive and uniform kind, as I have already remarked; but it is wide in its charity, 
 and many-branched in its blessings. Take any number of The Golden Rule, or 
 look at any denominational paper in these days, and you will be astonished to 
 observe in how many practical directions the work has already spread and is 
 ever extending. 
 
 A movement which lays hold upon so many diverse things as mothers' meet- 
 ings, reading-rooms for sailors, selling Bibles, helping shirt-makers, paving 
 streets, and putting the Bible into public schools has surely shown that it has a 
 right to be, and in its past has manifested undeniable encouragements for its 
 future. 
 
 In addition to all this we would need to see how the latent power of the 
 Church has been brought out, how cordiality has been increased, how denom- 
 inations have been united in spirit if not in letter, and how in tens of thousands 
 of churches, at home and abroad, the mystic initials "C. E." have come — as one 
 pastor has expressed it — " to stand for the five points of modern doctrine, as 
 follows: (i) Christ exalted; (2) Church educated; (3) Christians elevated; (4) 
 Continents evangelized ; (5) Christendom everywhere." When in Rome I did 
 as few Romans do. I went out on the Appian Way to the side of the Appii- 
 Forum and the Three Taverns, of which we read in the twenty-eighth chapter 
 in the book of Acts. I pictured to myself what occurred there on that memo- 
 rable day when St. Paul, having landed at Puteoli and having taken all the 
 weary journey from that seaport, was met here by some of the earnest Christians 
 of Rome. The brethren had heard of the worn traveller's approach, and they 
 went as far as the Forum and the Three Taverns to welcome him. They put 
 their arms around him and gave him such whispered encouragement as the 
 warm Christian heart knows how to utter. They told of the faithful work and 
 witnessing that had been done in Rome, and he in his turn told them of what 
 had been accomplished in Cesarea and Jerusalem and upon the Steppes of Asia 
 Minor. Then the record is that Paul " thanked God and took courage." 
 
226 Official Report of the 
 
 Tidings of what had been done lifted up his heart in the hope that much more 
 might be done. So it may be with us. f^ar be it from me to seem merely to 
 glory in the past of the Christian Endeavor movement; but the sunshine of 
 God's favor on the phenomenal landscape we have left may cheer us for a 
 further progress. 
 
 II. Encou?-age7iients to be drawn from the results atiticipated. In some 
 lines it is dangerous to anticipate results. " The best laid schemes o' mice and 
 men gang aft a-gley." This is when God is not taken into account; but when 
 God is on our side and God's promises have been pledged in our support, we 
 are safe to anticipate results and draw encouragement from our anticipations. 
 What are the prospects.? I will answer you as that splendid old missionary, 
 Adoniram Judson, did, when asked the same question. He had been toiling in 
 darkest heathendom for many years, and apparently there had been few results. 
 " Prospects.-"' he repeated, " They are bright as the promises of God." This 
 I would say to you. Expectancy is the proper thing in prayer; why should it 
 not be equally proper in Christian service ? The first verse of the eleventh 
 chapter of Hebrews tells us that faith is the actual " substance of things hoped 
 for." Hence by faith we may lay hold upon the real substance of the triumphs 
 yet to be. Joab's addresses to his men on the field of battle are even more 
 thrilling than Napoleon's. Take, for instance, 2 Sam.x. 11, 12. The Syrians 
 and Ammonites had massed themselves against him and his army, but Joab 
 was not afraid. He went down the line and cried out to his soldiers, " Be of 
 good courage and let us play the men." He counted upon God's help, and his 
 heart was lifted up in sureness of victory. Christian Endeavor has passed out 
 of an experiment into a certainty. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian 
 Church at its last session simply voiced the overwhelming victory which the 
 young people by their simplicity and faith have obtained in the councils of the 
 elders. The General Synod of the Church which I represent entertains like 
 sentiments, and I fancy that even the General Conference of the M. E, Church 
 has a lurking love for the movement and will yet come around. What results 
 may we expect? Along the line of Christian citizenship, a platform in which 
 Christ's name and Christ's spirit are honored. Along the Ime of purification 
 of the cities, a thousand Parkhursts and enough assistants to place one, at 
 least, in every centre of population. Along the line of temperance, including 
 the deadly cigarette, the utter discouragement and destruction of both tasting 
 and traffic. Along the line of Sabbath observance, including the use of the be- 
 guiling bicycle on that day, a holier reverence for the day and a truer rest in 
 God. Along the line of foreign missions, the Gospel to be preached as a wit- 
 ness to all nations early in the coming century. Along the lines of home 
 missions. Christian Endeavor churches to be built by Christian Endeavor off er- 
 ings in all denominations, as they are being built in the one I represent. Is 
 this anticipation too rosy ? I am certain it is not, if, relying upon the grace of 
 God, the Christian Endeavorers unite in their multitude and in their might to 
 do the work which the Master has put into their hands. 
 
 III. Encouragements to be drawn from the persofial presence of the Trinity 
 in us. One of the notable things in the epistle to the Galatians is that it 
 reveals each person of the Trinity as residing and operating "/« ;//<?." " They 
 glorified God in me " (Gal. i. 24) ; " To reveal his Son in me " (Gal. i. 16) : " The 
 same Spirit was mighty in me " (Gal. ii. 8). As with Paul, so with each one of 
 us. The humblest Christian may have this sweetest and highest of all bless- 
 ings, "the Trinity in me." 
 
 I. The Father in us. What an encouragement it is that we may count upon 
 the inflow of the Divine Life, constant, peaceful, and strengthening, in all the 
 ways and perplexities of service! There are some beautiful incidents of Scrip- 
 ture which illustrate and enforce this truth. In the twentieth chapter of Judges, 
 for example, we have an account of the distressing conflict between the people 
 of Israel and the children of Benjamin, and at the twenty-second verse we read 
 that the former "encouraged themselves in the Lord;''' that is to say, by prayer 
 and fasting tliey opened their hearts to receive the inflow of strength and 
 peace from God the Father of all. We read of a dark time in Daniel's life 
 
FifteentJi International Convention. 227 
 
 when the people gathered themselves into angry knots and scowled upon him 
 and spake of stoning him. (i Sam. xxx. 6.) Then David did what it is our 
 privilege to do, — turned his back upon his enemies and his face unto his God. 
 •' David encouraged himself in the Lord his God." He pulled himself together; 
 he toughened his inner confidence and composure by receiving the power of 
 the Divine indwelling. Referring to these experiences of his, David wrote two 
 of his most striking Psalms. In one of them he said, "Wait on the Lord: be of 
 good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." 
 (Ps. xxvii. 14.) This was written in the wilderness, when he was fleeing from 
 Absalom, and was exiled from God's house; yet in those trying circumstances 
 he had but to look up and breathe into his heart the Father's strength in order 
 to be encouraged. In the other Psalm he says, " Be of good courage, and he 
 shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." (Ps. xxxi. 24.) This 
 was written in a time of great anguish and danger, when he had crossed the 
 Jordan and battle was imminent. Oh, may we thus also realize that the Father 
 is within ! Let us wait upon him there. 
 
 2. The Son in us. Paul, as we have seen, gloried in the fact that God's 
 Son was revealed in him. This rejoicing was based upon the promise which 
 Jesus had made. " If a man love me, he will keep my words : and my Father 
 will love him. and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." 
 (John xiv. 23.) This is a blessed promise, but there is a more blessed one still. 
 It is implied in what Paul says, " Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in 
 my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Cor. xii. 9.) 
 
 The Word here really means that the power of Christ " tabernacles upon " 
 the working Christian, folds a tent of hallowed protection and sure blessing 
 over all his way and work. If this is ijiore blessed, we may go on to tlie tnost 
 blessed of all. " My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ 
 be formed in you." (Gal. iv. 19.) The thought here is so holy and sacred that 
 one hesitates to speak upon it. It is just this : as Christ by tlie overshadowing 
 of his Spirit was formed in the womb of the Virgin Mary, so is the Christ-life 
 formed in our hearts by the same Spirit of God. And it rests with us whether 
 the little babe shall be dwarfed or shall grow to his full strength; shall be 
 crippled or shall be able to exert his full power. What a strange ability we 
 have to interfere with the growth of the Christ-life within us ! No mother, how- 
 ever vile or impatient she may be, is able to will, or would desire to will, that 
 her child be born crippled, or deformed, or lacking in some sense, or limb. But 
 we can will that Christ shall be deformed and crippled within us. By our 
 frivolity or our impatience or by our thoughtlessness we may so impede his 
 growth that he shall not be able to do for us and be in us what he desires. But 
 what an encouragement, what an uplift, what a heartening, to have Christ fully 
 formed in us ! 
 
 3. The Spirit in us. Webster gives as synonyms of the word" encourage," 
 " inspirit," " comfort," and " strengthen." We will see at once how all these 
 apply to the Holy Spirit, who is the " paraclete," or " strengthener," — translated 
 "comforter" m the authorized version, — who abides ever in our hearts. I need 
 hardly say to you that living as we do in the dispensation of the Holy Spirit, it 
 is our privilege to be so filled with the Spirit that we shall be in constant 
 strength and encouragement. 
 
 Have you ever read attentively the little sermon which Rahab preached to 
 the spies? You will find it in Joshua ii. 9-13, — a sermon of only five verses, 
 but full of spiritual truth. The point I would take from her discourse, to-night, 
 is the fact she mentions that her countrymen, when they heard of the approach 
 of the people of Israel, had " no spirit left in them," consequently no " courage" 
 remained. That is the trouble too often with us. No spirit, no Holy Spirit, 
 abides in us "to will and to do; " consequently we find ourselves in desperation 
 and dismay. We have grieved him away because of our inattentions and sins; 
 consequently we have no power. 
 
 I note a very significant scene described in Ezra x. 1-4. The people were in 
 despondency ; their power was gone, their courage departed, the work of refor- 
 mation in worship in the temple delayed, and all was perplexity and wrangle. 
 
228 Official Report of the 
 
 In that juncture Ezra calls them together, and after praying with them and for 
 them, charges that something is wrong with their lives. This boldness on the 
 part of the preacher wins a satisfactory result, for they confess their sins, not 
 in general, but their sin in particular. Then courageously they put that sin 
 away, and power and cheerfulness instantly return to them ; and Ezra, with en- 
 thusiasm breaking over his face, cries out, " Arise, be of good courage and 
 do !" And I note another scene described in 2 Chron. xv. 3-8. For a long 
 season the Israelites had been without a knowledge of the true God and with- 
 out a teacher or priest and without law. Troubles fall upon them, and then 
 they feel out after God, if haply they may find him. Asa is their king, and with 
 wonderful faithfulness he put away the idols, and then the hearts of the people 
 were strengthened. In the eighth verse it is said : " He took courage, and put 
 away the abominable idols." Oh, it takes courage with us to dethrone the idols 
 which so often have robbed us of power and of peace ! May the Holy Spirit 
 show us where the lurking sin is that prevents him fully entering in, to give us 
 the best of all encouragements. I think usually the trouble is that we have not 
 surrendered our wills. 
 
 First Congregational Church. 
 
 " Scatter Sunshine " was the opening number of the praise service 
 at the First Congregational Church. Dr. F. J. Woodman, of Washington, 
 was the musical director, and under his inspiring leadership a hearty 
 enthusiasm was noticeable about the singing. The choir of Mount Ver- 
 non Place M. E. Church was in attendance. 
 
 After the second hymn Mrs. Hattie Meads Smith sang a solo, 
 accompanied on the organ by Dr. J. W. Bischoff, of Washington. The 
 number was warmly received, and proved one of the features of the 
 evening. 
 
 Rev. J. M. Lowden, of Olneyville, R. L, presided over the meeting, 
 and introduced Rev. S. M. Hartsock, of Washington, who conducted 
 brief devotional exercises. 
 
 The singing of " There 's a Royal Banner Ready to Display for the 
 Loyal Soldiers of the King " was followed by the introduction of the 
 first speaker of the evening. Rev. Kerr Boyce Tupper, D.D., pastor of 
 the First Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Pa, 
 
 Address of Rev. Kerr Boyce Tupper, D.D., Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 The influence of a choice book in the formation and development of a 
 choice character none have overestimated. " Next to personal religious convic- 
 tion," writes a gifted author, " the best safeguard for us is a taste for good read- 
 ing." "Whoever," wrote wise Richard de Bury, 500 years ago, "whoever ac- 
 knowledges himself to be an earnest follower of truth, happiness, wisdom, and 
 even faith, must make himself a lover of books." Alexander the Great, reveal- 
 ing valor and patriotic fervor, slept with the Iliad. The life of this same Alex- 
 ander made Charles the twelfth of Sweden a man. Cotton Mather's essay on 
 doing good shaped Benjamin Franklin's life. Abraham Lincoln attributed 
 much of his elevation during his political career to Plutarch's " Lives." 
 
 Never in the history of the world has there been such a demand as at pres- 
 ent for choice literature with which to counteract and destroy the impure books 
 and degrading pamphlets which yearly curse our land. The elder Pliny said 
 1,800 years ago, " No book is so bad but that some part may be read with profit." 
 This was not so then; it is far less true to-day. There are books as barren of 
 example of noble manhood and womanhood as the African desert is barren of 
 roses and peonies. From New York City alone no fewer than 200,000 books, 
 either trashy or impure, are annually sent out. The influence of these must be 
 recognized and heroically and manfully destroyed. 
 
Fifteenth Intertiational Convention. 229 
 
 And most desirable is it that in our day of choice literature, much of which 
 is not essentially Christian, we emphasize the books tiiat tell specially on 
 spiritual growth; books that lead the young of our churches to love what God 
 loves, and to yield their lives in affectionate self-surrender to Jesus Christ. It 
 is well enough for them to read widely in history, Carlyle, Freeman, P'roude, 
 Guizot, Hallam, Prescott, Rawlinson. It is well that they get considerable 
 acquaintance with the world's poets, as Homer, Horace, Dante, Shakespeare, 
 Milton, Browning, Burns, and Tennyson. It is well enough that they read with 
 care the choice works of romance, as George Eliot, Scott, Bulwer, Thackeray, 
 MacDonald, Miss Muloch, and Howells. It is well enough that they read 
 extensively our most gifted essayists. Bacon, Macaulay, Addison, Foster, and 
 Emerson ; but necessary to the spiritual culture of these young men and women 
 is the perusal of books that deal with a higher relation of the soul. 
 
 Let me, therefore, give you a list of 150 of the choicest books, as far as I 
 know, that dwell upon the aspects of spiritual life. 
 
 1. Books that develop the devotional life. 
 
 2. Books that mark out practical methods of Church work. 
 
 3. Books that impart missionary intelligence. 
 
 4. Books that confirm Christian faith. (At this point Dr. Tupper distribu- 
 ted several thousand copies of 150 books on the subjects of choice literature as 
 suggested.) 
 
 Each of the books I have here recommended is worthy of high place in our 
 hearts, libraries, and homes; but best of all is the Word of God, which stands 
 above all other books, its author God, its subject man, its object salvation, its 
 aim the development of the immortal nature. Take this book ever as the arti- 
 cle of faith, the manual of devotion, the charteV of liberty. It is full of the 
 richest strains of poetry, the most memorable of history, the most inexhaustible 
 source of philosophy ; but above all these, it meets the spiritual needs of our 
 race, relieving the conscience, elevating the intellect, illuminating the spirit, 
 and transforming the life. Young men, young women, read it, study it, medi- 
 tate upon it, translate its heavenly thought into your earthly life. Let nothing 
 in our proud world cause you to lose faith in it; but believe in it, and rest on it 
 with a faith which no philosophy can destroy, no sophistry disturb, no scep- 
 ticism touch. 
 
 Rev. Dr. Tapper's address was enthusiastically applauded, and next 
 the choir sang " The Cross of Victory," after which Mr. W. O. Atwood, 
 of Baltimore, Md., conducted an open parliament on the pledge. 
 In opening, Mr. Atwood made it plain that he expected those in the 
 congregation to participate actively in the parliament. He asserted 
 his belief in the Christian Endeavor pledge. " No society," he said, 
 *' can exist for any length of time if organized without it ; one might just 
 as well endeavor to construct a house of bricks without mortar. With 
 the pledge," he added, "it is possible to go out armed and equipped to 
 strike for Jesus." 
 
 For some little time thereafter Endeavorers in all parts of the church 
 arose and briefly stated their views of the pledge. Questions were 
 asked and answered, and, altogether, this portion of the meeting was 
 unique, interesting, instructive, and enjoyable. 
 
 Then followed two addresses on the subject "Our Duty to the Sun- 
 day Evening Service," by two brothers, pastors in Wisconsin. 
 
 Address of Rev. Henry Faville, La Crosse, Wis. 
 
 First, friends, we have to meet certain facts concerning this Sunday evening 
 service. I have a theory that our Sunday evening service ought to be an evan- 
 gelistic service, — fifty-two in the year, if possible. But here is the fact: most 
 
230 Official Report of the 
 
 of us are not evangelists. I am not sure but some of us could be if, in the first 
 place, they would relieve us of all pastoral work and other services in the 
 church, and then entertain us at a hotel, and then appoint committees for the 
 work, and then all of the churches in a town or a city would go in together. 
 
 I am inclined to think that then we might be evangelists, more of us than 
 are. But the fact is, the average minister, at least in my church, — it is the 
 Congregational Church, — is not an evangelist; and we have to meet that fact, 
 that we cannot hold fifty-two strictly evangelistic services during the year. 
 
 We have to meet another fact. The average adult church-member is not 
 greatly in need of an evening service for himself. He ought to be at the morn- 
 ing service ; he ought to be in the Sunday school as a teacher or learner. He 
 goes to the Young Men's Christian Association ; and then he needs an evening 
 with his family, ofttimes — at least, he could better spend the moments there 
 than elsewhere, if he is an active, adult member in the church, I say. I do not 
 preach this, you understand, at home ; but it is a fact, all the same. 
 
 I urge no one to stay at home. But they have duties at home that must be and 
 should be attended to, ofttimes, if they have been faithful to their duties during 
 the day. 
 
 But now, another feature : the average community and city does need the 
 evening service — whether in this city, whether in New York, or whether upon 
 the banks of the Mississippi, where I come from. I found this in my own city. 
 I believe in my own city ; I love its people. We have a growing city. Five 
 years ago it had 25,000 people. It has somewhat more now. But, by a rather 
 careful estimate and inquiry upon the attendance in all the churches — some 
 twenty-six in that city— I found that the average attendance upon the evening 
 service in Catholic and Lutheran and all other Protestant churches was 2,050 
 out of 25,000 people. That means that we are largely not a church-gomg people 
 — certainly not in the evening. 
 
 I think perhaps we are exceptional in the number that attended the evening 
 services there five years ago. But the fact is that there are at least 10,000 
 people in that city who would be far better off in the evening services of our 
 church than in any other place in the city. Granting that there are 15,000 
 who are children, or who have not the physical ability to go to church, — and 
 let that include some of the parents, too, — it is a wide margin to say that 
 15,000 might be at home. We ought to have 10,000, I realize, rather than 2,000, 
 in our churches. 
 
 Now, the question was how to meet these facts. I set myself to work upon 
 them somewhat personally about five years ago, for I wanted to do something 
 for the city, and I came to this conclusion for my own church ; and you will 
 allow me to speak somewhat personally from this time on. 
 
 I felt that we have something to give to the city ; that we must, as a church, 
 throughout evening service, try to do something for at the least 8,000 people 
 who might be in church, who ought to be in church, who would be blessed by 
 an evening service. 
 
 I have this feeling: that many of us, as churches, have got to fulfil this 
 great thought of Christ's, and lose our life as a church in the community, to a 
 certain extent, in order to find it in some larger life. And so I said that we as 
 a church are not to think of our deacons, of our Sunday-school teachers, of 
 our young people, indeed, only, but to think of the eight thousand outside who 
 might be blessed if they would come into church on Sunday evening. 
 
 And so I said this : " We must go upon the principle of giving, as far as 
 possible. In the next place, we must give our best, if we are to do aught as 
 Christians." You know how it is, you pastors at least, if you have any such con- 
 ditions as we have; the pastors, if they have a specially good sermon, preach 
 it in the morning, while the choir always has better music in the morning than 
 in the evening; and I said, "This is wrong if we are to do the work of 
 Christians, and give. We ought to give the very best that we can to this even- 
 ing service." And on that principle we went out. 
 
 There is another thing to consider, also. I am not enough of a preacher to 
 draw men to my church by personal power, atleast in such a city as La Crosse, 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 231 
 
 But I said, " They ought to be helped, and I am here to help them. And now 
 we will add a little something to this." This was the addition: — 
 
 First, additional music in tlie service. 
 
 Second, a programme in which all were to take some part, — a printed pro- 
 gramme, with hymns and responsive readings. 
 
 Now about this music that we added. Tell it not in Gath, sir; I am not sure, 
 but sometimes, in our first vocal — perhaps not in the vocal, but certainly in 
 the instrumental — quartets, the garments of some smelt not of myrrh and aloes, 
 but of the saloon. I am not sure but we had some musicians who knew more 
 about the saloon than about worship. We did not really mean to have that 
 kind. We certainly wanted respectable congregations, and men and women of 
 character in our additional musical service. But at first we did not have all 
 such as we would like. But you may publish it in Eschalon that in the city of 
 La Crosse the most popular music-teacher, teaching vocal music to perhaps 
 twenty in my own church, and teaching instrumental music also, is one who, 
 through this service, by being invited to assist in a Sunday evening service, 
 was taken from the saloon, and to-day is a new man through that instrumen- 
 tality. So 1 am not as fearful as I was at first to introduce occasionally one 
 who is not in sympathy with our work, and who knows but very little about it, — 
 especially in a German and Scandinavian city like our own, — who is but very 
 little acquainted with our methods of evening service. 
 
 We have helped them, and they have helped us. It is true there was some 
 criticism of putting in additional music, such as a stringed quartet. Not among 
 my own people, — for, let me say, I have the best people in the earth outside of 
 your own church, of course,— I want to say that among them there was no 
 criticism, but only a ready co-operation in adding to this service. There were 
 some who were like the old gentleman who was very deaf and yet very argu- 
 mentative ; and he would always get in an argument, if possible, and then would 
 say, " I don't understand a word that you say, but I beg leave to differ with 
 you." 
 
 There were a good many that did not understand our motives, our plans, our 
 purposes, at all; but they begged leave to differ with us. But it has been a 
 success, a great success, in reaching out after some whom we needed and who 
 needed us. 
 
 Let me say that at first we organized a little helping band which was known 
 as the Pastor's Auxiliary. But I wanted that more perfect touch with the church ; 
 and so, a little later, the only addition as far as machinery was concerned in 
 connection with the evening service was this: — 
 
 I said that we ought to have more associate members than we have. Pos- 
 sibly some would come in touch with our society if we should say to them, 
 " We have a little work for you to do in the church ; we want you to help usher 
 in the evening service." And so we have as an addition to the Christian 
 Endeavor Society to-day a committee that is called the Young Men's Auxiliary, 
 with the one purpose of assisting in the evening service, so far as any assistance 
 is needed. It means but very little, — some do not usher for more than one or 
 two months, perhaps, — and yet it sometimes brings a young man in touch with 
 the Christian Endeavor Society. We say to the young man, " Young fellow, 
 we have a place for you, some service that you can do if you are willing to do 
 it; won't you usher for us for one month or two months in our evening ser- 
 vice 1 " Many a time they are glad to do it, and many a time it has been the 
 first step into active membership. 
 
 Don't leave what we call out West the wheel-horses off from the evening 
 service, though you may introduce these associate members of the Society as 
 workers. I mean this: keep upon the committees, keep upon the staff of ush- 
 ers, some of those who are to be depended on through thick and thin, through 
 storm and cold, through hot and dry. 
 
 Christian Endeavorers, don't turn aside entirely from the old deacons or 
 Sunday-school superintendents or trustees or church workers. Remember 
 that they can serve the evening service with you, and without them, even 
 though you should follow our plan, you shall, after all, have not the most of 
 
232 Official Report of the 
 
 stability in your evening service. The deacon and the pastor, however, will 
 get interested, if you make the right kind of a race for the evening service. 
 
 Then Rev. John Faville, of Appleton, Wis., took the platform. 
 
 Address of Rev. John Faville, Appleton, Wis. 
 
 Our Young Men's Sunday Evening Club has solved for us the problem of 
 the evening service. Believing it has some features that will help others, I 
 am to speak of it. Our city of Appleton has fifteen thousand people, seventy 
 saloons, twelve churches, one synagogue, and a Christian college. In six of 
 the churches services are conducted in German ; in none of them are there large 
 evening audiences. The chief industry of the city is the manufacture of paper. 
 
 Four years ago last February I invited twenty-four men to lunch with me at 
 the hotel. (Generalship!) One-third of these men were church-members, one- 
 third attendants, one-third non-attendants. They were business and profes- 
 sional men, ranging from twenty-five to forty-five years of age. They were not 
 doing anything by way of church work except to make a subscription to the 
 current expenses, and not all even that. I unfolded to them my ideas, which I 
 got largely from my brother, as to the possibility of helping the evening ser- 
 vice. Almost without exception they entered heartily into the plan, and Feb- 
 ruary 7, 1892, the club was organized with twenty members, and February 21, 
 we began our first service with its assistance. 
 
 Two general ideas were prominent in our efforts : — 
 
 First, to make a better service. Not to attempt something entirely new; not 
 to depend on innovations nor sensations, but to put more time and money and 
 enthusiasm and consecration into the parts of the service we had. My brother 
 has perhaps sufficiently emphasized that fact, but it is important to keep it in 
 mind. As many a church financial system is good enough if worked at its best, 
 so we believed the evening service in its general design and method was good if 
 worked. Aside from using musical instruments other than the organ, we have 
 had nothing in our service that could be considered an innovation, unless it was 
 the numbers, — simply a better, a more varied and vigorous use of what is con- 
 sidered the standard for this Sunday evening hour in the church. 
 
 Second, general idea. To take the men of the community into partner- 
 ship, as far as possible, in regard to this service, — the men not identified with 
 other churches, and also the men not now burdened with church duties. To 
 make some one beside the pastor and choir and organist and a few stragglers 
 and still fewer faithful church-goers in part responsible for this service. To 
 make it a democracy (not political, here) rather than a monarchy or aristoc- 
 racy, as a service. 
 
 If we made the better service we felt we wanted more people to profit by 
 it. So in order to improve the service and to enlist others, the Young Men's 
 Sunday Evening Club was organized. It is a simple association with a single 
 aim, expressed in its constitution, — " To increase the interest and effectiveness 
 of the Sunday evening service." 
 
 The conditions of membership in this order we made neither creed nor char- 
 acter, but — a dollar. It was not stated whether it should be a silver or gold 
 or paper dollar, for we organized four and a half years ago, but simply a plain, 
 ordinary dollar. Was it wise to make that one condition for a club that was to 
 identify itself with the Church? Remember what we were after, — simply a 
 better Sunday evening service. One essential was more people. Any man, 
 then, who had any desire to help to this end we wanted. The duty of the 
 members was such that it was no compromise to join the club, even if not up to 
 a standard of life that must be required of a church-member. We were not 
 after the church-members, but those away from the Church so far that they 
 were not even attendants. So we asked a man, not simply to come to church, 
 but to join our club that was aiming to improve thisservice. The invitation to 
 come only would have accomplished much; but to join the club, to invest a 
 dollar, and then be asked to do a little work, to assume a limited responsibility, 
 thai was taking hold of a new side of a man. To ask a person to do some- 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 233 
 
 thing instead of stand around and see some one else do it is a far surer way of 
 winning him. 
 
 With these two dominant ideas we began our work as a club. We have suc- 
 ceeded far beyond our anticipation. We have made a better evening service. It 
 has been a prompt, varied, business-like, religious, people's service. The motto of 
 the Pleasant Sunday Afternoon Association of England, " Brief, Bright, Brother- 
 ly," would not be inappropriate for us. Printed programmes with responsive read- 
 ings, hymns, and order of service are handed each person at the door. We do not 
 confine ourselves to the same musicians for the special music, but try to enlist 
 all who are available. The sermon is usually by the pastor, and has been writ- 
 ten in full and read. The remark of the judge who, when asked what the 
 length of a sermon should be, said, " Fifteen minutes, with a leaning to the side 
 of mercy " has been heeded. As a recorder of facts, I must state that one of 
 the popular features has been the sermon, i. e.,the shortness of it. (Here again, 
 generalship.) Seriously, this is an item. It is better to work a day on a 
 fifteen-minute sermon than a half-day on a thirty-minute. It is better to talk 
 fifteen minutes to seven hundred people than thirty minutes to one hundred, 
 especially if you get practically the same thought in the former address. We 
 have made a better service. It has cost more in time and money, but it has 
 been worth more than it has cost. 
 
 It is, I repeat, a distinctly religious service, but varied in this : it attempts to 
 touch the community on many sides ; e. g., we have one-half dozen times a 
 year special nights, and ask some class or association to be our guests, such 
 as a " clerks'," a " teachers', " a " temperance," a " benevolent society," a " citi- 
 zens', " or a " children's home " night, — City Council and officers. And in 
 such a service there is not only a response on the part of those invited, but a 
 new bond between them and the Church. 
 
 But after all, it was the club itself with us that made the greatest change. 
 We began with twenty members. There are now on our membership roll six 
 hundred and eleven names. Of this number six hundred are living, and over five 
 hundred are now in our city, and but with rare exceptions they can be relied on 
 to assist in helping to make this service a success. They are all but one men 
 under eighteen years of age. They include at least fifty vocations. These men 
 are appointed on committees, which are changed monthly so that none may be 
 burdened with the duties or the honors. The officers, who hold for three 
 months, are an executive committee to make the monthly appointments. We 
 bring the men on in alphabetical order, and the monthly committees are pub- 
 lished on the programme. We know by this who are responsible for special 
 work that month. The success of the service that month rests upon these com- 
 mittees largely, — as far as attending to the detail work is concerned. The 
 attendance on these services has been from the first night uniformly good. 
 The club has held one hundred and eighty-five services. From one hundred and 
 twenty-five to fifty was the average evening audience before it was started. Six 
 hundred and fifty has been the average since, and often a thousand — except dur- 
 ing a few weeks of summer. We as much expect an audience that will fill the 
 church and often require chairs in the aisle as we expect a fair morning audi- 
 ence. Helpful factors, however, are these : — 
 
 The church itself. From the first the club met with a hearty reception 
 from the church. The trustees gave the evening collection to the club to help 
 defray expenses for printed programmes and special music, and the club has 
 never lacked sufficient funds for its work. Our church has in it no cliques and 
 classes that are obtrusive, no " wings" that are trying to take it in different wavs. 
 It has an exceptionally large and vigorous Sunday school, and it is an atten- 
 tive, eager crowd. There are many in it who five years ago did not attend 
 church at all, and there are many young men in the club who without it 
 would be on the streets, or in worse places, Sunday evenings. 
 
 So the results have been far greater than we dared hope along the line f^'- 
 which we were organized, — the improvement of the evening service. This is 
 all the club has contracted to do, but it has done much more than that. It 
 has assisted by its committees in the morning service, increased the size of 
 
234 Official Report of the 
 
 the parish, developed a better social life, helped in the finances of the church, 
 carried on for three years a successful, high-grade lecture-course, identified it- 
 self with the local charities of the city, and in other ways has helped to make 
 the church a " house of life." 
 
 As I try to gather up the elements that enter into this movement, or analyze 
 the forces that have helped to so completely transform our service, and that 
 have helped turn many non-attendants toward the church ; as I try to suggest 
 to others that they can go and do likewise, I find it difficult to express my con- 
 victions clearly. 
 
 We have a good church-building, well located, and are in spirit and make-up 
 somewhat of a people's church. As anotner factor, I had been a pastor at 
 Appleton six years before attempting it. I knew the field. 1 had done consider- 
 able special pastoral work among the men. I had learned from personal con- 
 tact that most men have a warm place in their hearts, if you can reach it, for 
 the Church as an institution; they do not want it to go down. I learned that 
 many a man needs sympathy and encouragement more than he needs condem- 
 nation. I learned that the thing to do to help him is to go where he is, and 
 begin with him there, instead of insisting he must first come where you are. I 
 learned that it was safe to ask a good act of any one, and put the responsibil- 
 ity of refusal on him. I learned that the fear of compromising something, — or 
 somebody, — if you make a new departure in order to win men, is born too much 
 of cowardice and prejudice. I remembered that Christ did not ask Peter to 
 preach the sermon on Pentecost the first time he met him. He, instead, went 
 fishing with him. Call a man a gentleman and he will generally straighten up 
 and try for the moment to be one. Assume he is a rascal and you have lost 
 your grip on him. 
 
 Again, the club's success is in its not attempting to do everything. Some 
 write me, asking if the club has many conversions, and how many church-mem- 
 bers from it, etc. My answer is that the direct religious results have been 
 more than I anticipated, but the club was not born to do everything. Other 
 agents and forces of the Church are to supplement its work. If it helps the 
 evening service its mission is accomplished. It has done much more than it 
 promised, but it has been successful in the fact that it has not attempted to do 
 everything. But beyond this the success has been in asking so many to do 
 something. " A little from many, instead of much from a few," is our church 
 motto. This utilizing just as far as possible as many as possible is one secret 
 of success. My brother has emphasized giving something in this even- 
 ing service to the community. That is good ; that is the unselfish spirit. But 
 there is another side ; viz., each member of the club or community giving some- 
 thing to this service. Give all you can in this service, but get all you can to 
 give of themselves to it, is our thought. So there has been work done by the 
 club. The service has not continued a steady success for four and a half years 
 because it had a club or varied music or short sermons or some favoring condi- 
 tions. Wide-awake men, accustomed to succeed, have put constant work in it. 
 The membership committees have gone after men ; the music committees have 
 given time to their duties; the ushers have been prompt and cordial; the 
 officers, interested in their duties. 
 
 It has been clear from the first that this service would not run itself. These 
 six hundred men have all been placed on committees. Some of these commit- 
 tees some months have nothing to do as a committee, but all are supposed to 
 be interested in the general work, and to turn the tide in favor of church attend- 
 ance. I have never met more faitliful workers for any church enterprise than 
 many of these club-members, who before its organization were doing nothing, 
 and the progress of many shows the principle they are putting into this work 
 is most gratifying. 
 
 But underneath all, I hold, has been as the most important factor, faith in 
 men,— a faith that has dared ask them into this organization on the simple 
 basis of a membership fee; a faith that dares take them into partnership just 
 as far as they would go. To say to men outside of the Church, " This evening ser- 
 vice needs you ; you can help it if you will," touches and inspires the best in 
 
Fifteenth International Convcntioji. 235 
 
 them. So we have tried to make a sweet, Catholic-spirited, positive, Christian 
 service. We have tried to magnify our likenesses and minify our differences. 
 We have tried to turn the current of the community toward the Church, know- 
 ing that under its influences and out of its messages will come better things to 
 the lives of men. And this has been true. One example, to be multiplied by a 
 score: an ex-saloon-keeper is president of our club to-night. It is no mean 
 honor now to be at the head of our association, — a current saying among us being 
 that it is as great an honor as to be mayor of a city, — and yet this man is now 
 worthy of this honor, and he owes this worthiness more to the men's club than to 
 any other one organization or agency. 
 
 So I believe in our Young Men's Sunday Evening Club. The evening ser- 
 vice offers a splendid field for experiments, as has been said. The average 
 morning congregation shows a lively indifference, a masterly inactivity in regard 
 to it. And yet there are conditions that ought to make this service a power. 
 There are plenty of people. Here is a closing hour of the Sabbath, a day that 
 we have devoted to sacred service. Here is an open field, and here are vast un- 
 utilized forces in the men in every community as related to the Church. To 
 multiply agencies, to increase machinery, seems dangerous, but not when, as in 
 the case of our young people organized in the Christian Endeavor Society, you 
 can find unutilized power. Now if the men by any simple association or move- 
 ment can be enlisted in the evening service, there is no danger of the machinery 
 becoming too much for the power. 
 
 This is my suggestion as a possible duty to the service: a rally of the men 
 to make it a centre of influence ; a platform for the best things of God, a 
 Christian force. The Young Men's Club is simply an attempt to utilize the 
 unutilized, to find something to do for every one who is willing, be it ever so 
 little. It says, " Come and help us" instead of, " Come and hear us." It says to all 
 men, •' We want you to make the.Sunday evening hour one that you will not be 
 ashamed to think about on Monday." And I have thought if out of these past 
 failures as pastors to make this service what we wanted or felt it ought to be, 
 we have learned it is not the business of the preacher alone to build it, that it 
 is not the duty of the members who are now doing their sliare, that it must 
 not be laid upon the women who are doing more than their part, that it is not 
 the Christian Endeavorers' mission, though they can help, but that it is the duty 
 of the men, the men who are now outside, and absorbed in other things, to take 
 hold of this work, not alone for their own sake but for the public good; if 
 we, out of the decline of the evening service, learn, as pastors, that we must 
 trust men more, co-operate with them better, then we shall all be benefited 
 by past failures, the Church will in the end be the stronger, and the kingdom of 
 God will be the sooner triumphant in this world. 
 
 Foundry flethodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 The pastor of the Foundry Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. Oliver 
 A. Brown, D.D., presided over the meeting. The musical programme 
 was in the hands of Mr. Russell Barnes, and was a success. After 
 devotional exercises by Rev. Chas. B. Ramsdell, D.D., of Washington, 
 the topic of the evening, "Three Elements of the Pledge," was taken 
 up ; and the first speaker was from England and was royally received. 
 
 Address of Rev. W. H. Towers, Manchester, England. 
 
 My Dear Brethren, Christian Friends atid Feliow Endeavorers: — I rejoice 
 to stand before you to-night as a representative of the Old Country, and to bring 
 you the greetings of our ever-growing Christian Endeavor host from Great 
 Britain. We rejoice for this Christian Endeavor movement. We rejoice in 
 all America, England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. In this church where we 
 meet to-night they have a chapter of the Epworth League. We rejoice for this 
 movement also. I trust that these two branches of Christian work may be 
 
236 Official Report of the 
 
 married very soon. Indeed, I want to claim the privilege of John Bull, and 
 publish the banns here this very night. I hope the next time 1 come to America 
 we shall find that there has been accomplished this union, and that the churches 
 of Christ are realizing through their young people the great prayer of our great 
 Master when he said, " That they all may be one." The one flag that we all should 
 follow should be the standard of Jesus Christ. I pray the unity of Christendom 
 may be so advanced in this nineteenth century that the twentieth shall find the 
 Anglo-Saxon race bandini; together, speaking the same tongue, and following 
 the same Saviour in the same battles; that the world may be one for Christ. 
 
 Our topic to-night is the Christian Endeavor pledge, — the three elements of 
 the pledge. We have but to square our lives according to that pledge, and we 
 shall find that there grows within us an increasing reverence for God; that 
 there grows within us an increasing knowledge of God's blessed Word ; that 
 there grows within us an intense desire to speak to God. 
 
 To-night, in speaking to you of the private devotion of the Christian En- 
 deavorer — oh, 1 would that my God should put words into my mouth, words 
 that should live in all our memories for all the years which are to come ! — let us 
 ever remember that God made us in his own image ; let us ever remember that 
 God loves us with an unspeakable love; let us ever remember that God re- 
 deemed us at an unspeakable cost, — " For God so loved the world that he gave 
 his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth should not perish but have 
 everlasting life." Oh, the love of God! That men would say, "Our Father 
 loves us and provides for us and desires to have us to himself! " Oh, I think 
 that is one of the great mysteries revealed to us in the Word of God that we 
 have been slow to comprehend. God wants us, you and me, for himself. Love 
 ever wants to talk to the object upon which its affection is fixed, and God 
 comes to us to-night, and tells us that if we will come apart from the world we 
 shall have close communion and blessed fellowship with the Father himself. 
 
 Fellow Endeavorers, fellow Christians, in the midst of the worldly excite- 
 ment of the politics of the day, in 'the midst of the distractions of business, in 
 the midst of literary society and of recreation, God says to every one of us that 
 we need to come into our chamber and shut the door upon the world and pray 
 to him in secret; and He who prayed in secret will reward us openly. 
 
 Will you allow me this evening to tell you, very affectionately, in the name 
 of our Master, for the sake of him who loved us; will you permit me to urge 
 upon you the claims of the Almighty in asking us to come apart from the 
 world, and give him our time, and give him our best thoughts, and give him an 
 opportunity to speak to us? Surely, I may speak to you on this subject. 
 
 Now, first of all, God wants us to give time with him for meditation. We 
 do not want to be superficial Christians. We do not want to be carried away 
 merely by a wave of enthusiasm, good as it is; but we want that the fire of 
 enthusiasm shall be aided with the oil of meditation, that God may say to us 
 what was said by the Psalmist in the fourth Psalm, " Commune with your own 
 heart, and be still." 
 
 We want to revere God, and put him first in our hearts and in our lives. We 
 should read his Holy Word. This we promise to do in our pledge. The best 
 time to read the Bible is in the quiet of the early morning, when we can peace- 
 fully commune with God through his Word. 
 
 Look at Martin Luther and the Reformation; at Oliver Cromwell and the 
 Commonwealth. Think you that we should have had Puritanism if the Puri- 
 tans had not loved the Word of God? Look at John Milton, the great poet. 
 They were all men who loved the Bible and who honored God ; and God says, 
 " They that honor me I will honor." 
 
 O fellow Endeavorer, do not begrudge the time you give to God in private 
 prayer, in private meditation, in reading the Word of God. These things will 
 all repay you. 
 
 And then as a part, and as a helpful part, of our private devotion, we come 
 to God, lifting up our souls in prayer; and as we pray to him we find that our 
 voices are never raised in vain. The men who have accomplished the most, the 
 men who have been raised to the highest pinnacle of fame in the realm of the 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 237 
 
 Church, have been those who could wrestle with God in prayer. Oh, if we only 
 knew the power God has given to us in prayer! So it was with Carey, who 
 opened the doors to India, a field to which the Christian Endeavorers are suc- 
 ceeding. So it is with the Armenians of the present day. God grant that the 
 unspeakable Turk may be wiped out of existence. 
 
 Brethren and sisters, I have not said what I wanted to say to you to-night 
 on this first line of our platform, the Christian Endeavorers' private devotion; 
 but, oh, if I failed in delivering to you the message to-night, I pray God that he 
 will take a few crumbs and make them to be a feast indeed ! 
 
 When this great Washington Convention is over, and we have returned to 
 our quiet homes once more to pursue the even tenor of our ways, then shall we 
 say to God, early in the morning, before we start the engagements of the day, 
 " My God, I have come before thee this morning with all the refreshment of 
 the night's rest. I have come to thee this morning that thou mightest renew 
 my faith and renew within me thy spirit in this quiet hour, and that thou 
 mightest speak to me thy will." And when he speaks to you be obedient. 
 When he speaks do his will. Remember it was the great burden of Christ's 
 life to do the will of his Father; and we shall walk in his footsteps when we 
 follow him in the path of obedience and fulfil in the hours of the working-day 
 the commands that were given to us at our private devotion. 
 
 The next sub-topic was " Support of Church Services," and the 
 speaker was the President of the Ohio Christian Endeavor Union. 
 
 Address of Rev. J. H. Bomberger, Columbiana, O. 
 
 I coined a beatitude sometime ago, " Blessed is the pastor who expects 
 much of his young people." I sincerely believe that it will stand the severest 
 practical test; that the young people in almost any congregation are ready to 
 respond heartily to any pastor who will approach them with tact and sym- 
 pathy, with a challenge to engage in church work. Ye ask and have not, be- 
 cause ye ask amiss. I have little to say in defence of those Endeavorers who 
 forsake the assembling of themselves together in the regular services of their 
 own church home. But on the other hand, I believe that ordinarily the pastor 
 is also at fault when this is the case. Let any pastor enter into the interests and 
 thinking of his young people with cordial sympathy, and judiciously, and I 
 doubt if he will ever know a time when they will not loyally rally to him and 
 be ready to manifest their loyalty by regular attendance at the services of the 
 Church. Let him once convince them individually and collectively that they 
 are near to his heart, and he will generally find them near to his pulpit. This 
 end will not be reached all at once, but will be the result of patient irainr'fig. 
 Whether pastors and congregations improve the opportunity or not, it is a fact 
 that the Christian Endeavor Society offers them an inestimably important op- 
 portunity for developing, controlling, and determining the character of their par- 
 ticipation in the activities of the Church. There are few congregations in 
 which, under the inspiration of the young people's movement, a number of 
 the young men and women have not stood ready to offer themselves to the 
 pastor as subjects for this training. Many pastors, wise in their generation, 
 have taken advantage of this God-sent opportunity. As a result, probably 
 5,000,000 of our young people are undergoing the training which will give the 
 character to the church activity of the next generation. Additional impor- 
 tance is given to this when it is remembered that whether this special training 
 is given or not, it has come to be generally admitted that one of the special 
 characteristics of the Church of the next century will be a largely increased 
 lay activity. 
 
 The conception of the relation existing between pastor and people is under- 
 going a clearly defined change. He is no longer merely their spiritual enter- 
 tainer and comforter. He is their leader, the one who inspires them for zeal- 
 ous effort and unflagging endeavor. They do not need so much specific in- 
 
238 Official Report of the 
 
 formation with regard to Gospel truth, as to have those truths, which have 
 oftentimes lost their edge through familiarity with them, made real, brought 
 home by a sort of spiritual shock to their consciences, and all this leading up 
 to noble and Christlike deeds. It has been said of art, " It is its province 
 not to present specific details, but to impart a feeling." He is the truly succes- 
 ful pastor who, through his sermons and his mingling with his people, can 
 communicate spiritual impulses which will manifest their presence by pro- 
 ducing increased activity in all lines of work in the Master's vineyard. *' Sup- 
 port of church services " means, first of all, an atteiidafice upon them so regular 
 that it can be counted on. 
 
 Many a pastor has been kept in a state of chronic disheartenment by his 
 uncertainty as to whether his next Sunday evening congregation would be a 
 churchful or a handful. When the impulse seized them, his people were there 
 in force. Inspired by the memory of a large attendance, he had been led to 
 hope that it would be a permanent thing. In this hope he has prepared with 
 special care for the next Sunday evening, only to find that Rev. Mr. Catch-the- 
 crowd across the way was billed to preach on "How To Be Happy Though 
 Married," and that his sheep have all gone a-grazing in his neighbor's pasture. 
 Now the Christian Endeavor Society has not banished all this, but it has done 
 two things. In scores of cases, and almost wherever the pastor has cordially 
 identified himself with it, it has inspired him with the comforting certainty that 
 he has a loyal band who would be proof against all such enticements to church- 
 wandering, and on whose loyalty to their church and its services their pastor 
 and fellow members could depend at all hazards. And in the next place, it is 
 constantly instilling the idea of unflinching loyalty to the local church and its 
 interests, and faithful attendance upon all its services, into the hearts of 
 hundreds of thousands of those who will make up the church membership of 
 the next generation. 
 
 But this "support of church services" means more than your mere presence 
 there ; it includes the enlistment of your social talents on the side of Christ and 
 his Church. Professor Wells has recently written an admirable little book, with 
 a still more admirable title: " Social to Save." That is a Christian Endeavor 
 idea in large part, — that social pursuits should be made a means of grace, 
 should be utilized for soul-winning. Not social merely for " fun," but social " to 
 save." And the important bearing of this upon my subject will be seen at 
 once, when you remember that the social atmosphere of a congregation often 
 does more to win or repel souls than the pastor's best sermons. 
 
 There are some churches whose social atmosphere is so Arctic that it is diffi- 
 cult to tell whether they remind you more of a cold-storage warehouse or an ice- 
 factory. I have read of a poor fellow who was drowning. One standing near- 
 by ran to his rescue, and picking up a plank, as the first thing available, he 
 pushed it out over the ice through which the drowning man had broken, and 
 called to him to lay hold of it. He tried to, but the end toward him was coated 
 with ice, and his grasp slipped, until in desperation he cried, " In God's name 
 give me the end of the plank that has no ice on it." And how many a one has 
 reiterated that cry in our churches when repelled by our cold and formal greet- 
 ing, if they even got that! You have heard of that commercial traveller who 
 dropped into a church of his own denomination in a distant city one Sunday 
 morning. He felt a little touch of homesickness, and longed for the cordial 
 greeting of fraternal fellowship from some Christian who, though he might be 
 a stranger in the flesh, could be recognized as a joint heir of the kingdom. No 
 one responded to the wish of his heart, either before or after the service. He 
 determined to make the advance himself, so, standing at the end of his pew, as 
 the congregation filed out, taking no notice of him, he accosted a pleasant-faced 
 old gentleman, saying, "Are you a member of this congregation.?" The man 
 answered, " Yes, sir, I am a deacon ; but you have the advantage of me, I do not 
 remember ever having met you," and passed on out. 
 
 And in this way the members of our churches often lose opportunities for 
 social effort for Christ, and in support of the services of their church. It is the 
 aim of our Endeavor Societies first of all to help the young to cultivate the 
 
FifteentJi International Convention. 239 
 
 social graces, and to teach them to look upon them as talents held in trust for 
 the Master. 
 
 No pastor can have a more important ally in his efforts to develop and 
 improve church attendance, and to make the services more inspiring and help- 
 ful, than is right at hand in his Young People's Society, if he is able and willing 
 to utilize it for these purposes. 
 
 The last speaker vi^as Rev. W. H. York, of Ithaca, N, Y., a long- 
 time friend of Christian Endeavor, and a pastor of a Methodist Church. 
 His topic was " Public Confession." 
 
 Address of Rev. W. H. York, Ithaca, N. Y. 
 
 There are two vital elements in public confession. One is the manner of its 
 expression and the other is its constituent composition. 
 
 Some have tried to quiet their consciences with the idea that their duty was 
 done if they lived in such a way as to exemplify the teachings of the Master. 
 They forget that there are about them a multitude of those whose lives may be 
 blameless, who are totally opposed to Christianity, So great has been the 
 power of the Gospel in our land that multitudes have been unconsciously in- 
 fluenced by it, and they are shining like the moon by a borrowed light, but, 
 alas ! like the moon, are destitute of life. They forget that a witness who 
 refuses to testify may be a positive hurt to the case when it goes to the jury. 
 Christian Endeavor defines public confession as taking some part aside from 
 singing, — a verbal testimony given personally ; or, in case of necessary absence, a 
 written testimony may be given. 
 
 It does not for a moment admit that the full duty is done when a song has 
 been sung or a number called out for the rest to sing. 
 
 Much care should be given to the composition of a testimony, for such is the 
 carelessness of some in this respect that it would have been better sometimes 
 that no testimony had been attempted. We are to avoid the public confession 
 of private sins. Ofttimes the influence of a meeting is seriously injured by the 
 indiscreet publications of private matters. The account of a long line of fail- 
 ures in one's attempt to serve the Master may do serious harm to the cause, 
 while a long, inopportune exhortation to others about their failures may fail to 
 help the interest of the meeting or the cause. 
 
 A. public testimony should be, first, a clear statement of personal faith in 
 Jesus Christ, and then a firm testimony of an experimental knowledge of the 
 saving power of this faith. 
 
 The apostle said, '' I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the 
 power of God unto salvation." We are also to confess our great love for 
 Christ. The need of a public confession may be seen in our own lives, for the 
 very beginning of a Christian life involves a confession of Christ. You can not 
 have fire without heat; no more can you have a true Christian fire in your soul 
 without some warmth being felt by others. Public confession is essential for 
 the perpetuity of this experience. It is but a step from silent discipleship to 
 indifference and doubt, then open denial. Public confession of the help 
 Christ gives us helps to continue humility and to remind us from whence 
 Cometh our strength. But more than all else, our hope of heaven is closely 
 allied to a confession of Christ. The Master says, " Whosoever shall confess 
 me before men, him will I also confess before my Father which is in heaven; but 
 whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father 
 which is in heaven." 
 
 Our personal influence will be measured by our public confession of Christ. 
 There is a vast difference between a guide-board standing by the roadside, 
 with its mute utterance, and an intelligent, communicative guide that can 
 answer our questions. Justice to our Master demands that we give testimony 
 for him. Of the ten lepers that were healed, only one returned to acknowledge 
 the power of the Master. How sad must have been his heart as he witnessed 
 their ingratitude when he said, " Where are the nine ? " 
 
240 Official Report of the 
 
 It is sometimes given as an excuse that diffidence is so great that the testi- 
 mony will be unworthy so kind a friend ; but the Scriptures teach us that out of 
 the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. If the heart is filled to over- 
 flowing it will find that testifying for the Master is a delight and a privilege. 
 
 Some falter because they realize that their life is not what it should be; the 
 remedy is easy, — correct the life. It may be that this faltering comes from a 
 false humility and we are mistaken about ourselves. Genuine humility does 
 not hinder service, but adds to its value. 
 
 But the most common hindrance to public testimony is the habit of silence. 
 One has come to feel they have no duty to do, and so think nothing about it 
 and almost feel it an intrusion if the matter is brought to their attention. The 
 recurrence of neglected opportunities soon stifles conviction of duty and they 
 drift on heedlessly. The revelation of the value of a human soul and their 
 responsibility for keeping silent ought to stir the most sluggish. If we would 
 only realize that our testimony is an effort to throw out the life-line, and that 
 if we fail to do this we are in a measure responsible, it may help us to overcome 
 the hindrances that cause us to falter. 
 
 New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. 
 
 The attractions elsewhere had little or no effect upon the attendance 
 at the meeting at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, for the 
 church was crowded to the doors, and the large audience enjoyed two 
 admirable addresses on the topic of the day, " Saved to Serve," excel- 
 lent singing, and a very interesting discussion of how best to serve the 
 pastor. 
 
 Major Charles A. Bird, U. S. A., presided over the meeting, and the 
 chorus of some seventy voices was led by Director J. A, Rose, render- 
 ing in a splendid manner many beautiful selections during the twenty 
 minutes' praise meeting which preceded the devotional exercises con- 
 ducted by the Rev. J. B. North, of Anacostia. As the first speaker of 
 the evening, the chairman introduced the Rev, Asher Anderson, of 
 Meriden, Conn., who addressed himself to the subject of " How May 
 the Society Help the Pastor ? " 
 
 Address of Rev. Asher Anderson, Meriden, Conn. 
 
 A correct answer to the question will bring us to the very root of things in 
 Endeavor life. Indeed, if we do not mistake the purpose of the organization 
 in its inception, it was almost assuredly the object our beloved president had in 
 view when he gathered the young people of his parish in his parlor in Portland, 
 that in training them for Christian work they might become the most useful 
 possible in the church of which he was the pastor. Like all true pastors, he 
 not only saw the great need of developing the lives of young Christians in the 
 work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but he also realized most profoundly how 
 necessary trained workers were if he himself would accompHsh any permanent 
 results in the larger field of his Church. 
 
 It will be a revelation to some, I know, if I say that the pastor needs the help 
 of his young people. To a large extent does it obtain with churches, that it is 
 the individual member who needs the pastor; although he does not consider 
 the very important fact that the pastor needs him just so much. There ought 
 to come a time when the Christian who has been educated in the doctrine of 
 the kingdom of Jesus Christ, and made strong in the spiritual truths of the 
 religious life, and to whom has been discovered the wonderful opportunities for 
 splendid service, should, instead of making such large demands upon the pas- 
 tor's resources, himself provide for the pastor, that the strength of his mmistry 
 might be greatly increased. 
 
Fifteenth hiternatio7ial Convention. 241 
 
 We do not expect in the home that children will remain babies, never grow- 
 ing beyond the solicitous attention of wearied mothers. We do not expect that 
 a young man entering upon a business career will never get away from the par- 
 ticular instruction of his employer. Yet what appears to us so unnatural in 
 every other sphere seems to be the natural thing in the life and work of the 
 Church. Babies are all right, interesting, and full of promise; but babies 
 grow. Some babies presently get large enough to cast aside swaddling-clothes 
 and the nursery bottle, large enough to be profoundly ashamed of baby talk; 
 but how many spiritual babies there are in our churches, who, if they were in their 
 right places, would be in the promising department of the Sunday school. Think 
 for a moment of the years through which they have listened to good, plain, 
 helpful preaching; think how long they have been in the Sunday school study- 
 ing the Bible; and they are still without religious doctrine that is definite, or 
 spiritual faculty that is resourceful for service. I was told only the other day 
 of a man who had been identified with the Church from his childhood, and was 
 a principal of one of the public schools of his city, who asked his pastor in all 
 seriousness how old Jesus was when he preached his Sermon on the Mount, 
 remarking that he must have been about twelve years of age. And the various 
 agencies which are employed under the auspices of the Church are certainly 
 sufficient to create a good deal more intelligence on the part of the members 
 than the average member illustrates. 
 
 The most inconsistent thing in the Lord's universe is an endowed soul ceas- 
 ing to grow in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. The most discourag- 
 ing element in Church life is the spirit which sets aside the importance of 
 coming up to " the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." And on 
 the other hand, there is no element that is at once so inspiring and so helpful to 
 an ambitious pastor as the spirit which, like the noble Bereans, gives itself to 
 study to know whether these things are so or not. 
 
 Those are the workers in the Church and the great helpers to the pastor who 
 know the most about their Bibles. Like all (}aul, a church may be divided 
 into three parts: one seeks for reasons to oppose the pastor; another is indif- 
 ferent, and a third part works in the cause. The Christian Endeavor stands to 
 develop intelligent Bible workers. It makes the pastor's work very hard if 
 doctrine goes without being inculcated, if nourishment is given without becom- 
 ing assimilated, or if direction is given without response in service. It is in the 
 help given to a pastor that the Society really justifies its existence. To be con- 
 spicuous solely as an Endeavor Society, to have no reference to the larger 
 work of the Church life, is totally contrary to both the genius and end of the 
 Endeavor movement. I am not telling any tales out of school when I say that 
 not a few pastors have found a preference bestowed upon the Endeavor meet- 
 ing and not upon the services of the church. Wherever that is known^ the 
 Endeavor Society fails of its purpose and had better disband. Nothing is so 
 natural to life as activity. The absence of force is proof that vitality has ceased, 
 and from these the society that is not doing anything gives proof that it does 
 not really exist. The constitution may be carefully formulated; the pledge 
 may hang like a beautiful painting on the wall ; a number of names may be on 
 the roll ; but if that great work wished for and planned by a wise, judicious 
 pastor is not accomplished it is not a genuine Endeavor Society and does not 
 deserve to be called by that name. 
 
 A soul for hearty service in this cause must be dominated by the Divine 
 Spirit, willing to serve, ambitious to fill some place ; and only under the bless- 
 ing of that Spirit will any Endeavor member make what is oftentimes too much 
 a form. Nor can we come to the place where our consecration will be helpful, 
 except we have received that blessing. Let us compare the careers of Wolsey 
 and St. Paul, the sad lament of the politician who lost all for temporal glory, 
 with that of the Christian servant whose joyful acclaim was, " I have fought the 
 good fight." For Paul's end, if we could conceive the basis of it, we must go 
 back to the time when, flooded with the vision which fell upon him, he cried 
 out, " Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ? " 
 
242 Official Report of the 
 
 Mr. Anderson's remarks were followed by a duet, " Saved by Grace," 
 finely sung by the Rev. B. F. Lamb and Miss Ella Knight. Then Mr. 
 J. H. Banton, of Waco, Tex., was introduced to conduct an open par- 
 liament on the line of Mr. Anderson's subject. Remarks were 
 limited to a minute, and many interesting suggestions were made dur- 
 ing the ten or twelve minutes allowed. One stated that her pastor was 
 helped by the Christian Endeavorers making a special point of coming 
 to church when the weather was so bad that few other people would 
 go. Another explained that he came to Washington at personal incon- 
 venience to represent his pastor. One pastor was helped by excur- 
 sion socials held to raise funds to pay his way to Washington. Then 
 another was helped by one of his congregation seeing to it that stran- 
 gers were brought to the church and made welcome, and so on the sug- 
 gestions ran. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Lamb sang a solo in a very pleasing manner, and the 
 last speaker of the evening was introduced, the pastor of the First 
 Presbyterian Church, Boston, whose topic was " How May the Pastor 
 Help the Society?" 
 
 Address of Rev. Scott F. Hershey, Ph.D., Boston, Mass. 
 
 In this magnificent sunset hour of the nineteenth century we are rejoicing in 
 the fulfilment of the prophecy of the prophet Joel. Young men and women 
 are weaving into the meshes of every-day life, spiritual and immortal dreams. 
 If the spread of the Gospel in the classic countries of Eastern Europe in the 
 first century was of God; if the patriotic and moral, the intellectual and relig- 
 ious, new birth of Central and Western Europe in the sixteenth century was from 
 God; if the great missionary age inaugurated in the first part of the nineteenth 
 century came down out of heaven from God, then is the movement of Chris- 
 tian Endeavor, rising so strangely and growing so rapidly at the end of this 
 century, an unseen but not unfelt ocean wave of divine truth, inspiration, and 
 power, which had its rise at the foot of the Cross. 
 
 The Lord moves swiftly sometimes on his operative providences, and works 
 on a large scale ; as when he led a nation out of Egypt, or gave to his church at 
 Jerusalem its first Pentecost. 
 
 The Christian Endeavor movement is a new Pentecost, which has fallen 
 from God upon the young people of our churches. Identified with this organ- 
 ized effort in Christian life and work are a great majority of the most pious and 
 consecrated of our young people. They constitute the volunteer arm of the 
 Christian activity of the Church, and the recruiting is unremittingly going on. 
 Full of life, consecrated in purpose, ready for duty, these raw recruits stand 
 with the experienced Christians, and are just as ready to be instructed, trained, 
 drilled for the service of the Master and for usefulness in their day and genera- 
 tion. What can the pastor do for these willing and waiting young men and 
 maidens to bring and keep their life and action in harmony with the spirit and 
 mission of the Church and the will of God? They want to be loyal to the 
 Church, true to duty, and faithful in Christian life. What can the pastor do to 
 help them ? 
 
 He must win them to himself, as the proper leader in Christian life and work. 
 Sympathies, most cordial in character and strong in confidence, must speedily 
 be established. Personal attachments must be formed, so strong that they 
 may rightfully be characterized by the word "friendship " — aye, even by the 
 word " love." 
 
 Personal devotion for, personal interest in, and personal remembrance of 
 their followers show the secret spring of the personal power of the great lead- 
 ers of the world. Socrates mingled socially with his pupils in the Athenian 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 243 
 
 gardens ; Jesus bathed with the cool water the tired feet of his disciples ; Paul 
 identified with himself in the work his followers; and in the last chapter of 
 Romans he makes kindly mention, as he holds in loving remembrance, thirty- 
 two of them. 
 
 If the pastor has so won his Christian Endeavor Society his young people 
 are ready as his pupils to receive his teaching. If he has reached their hearts 
 they are prepared to sit under his words. And here, commensurate with his 
 opportunity to teach the values, the sublimities, and the hopes of the Gospel, is 
 his responsibility to teach that Gospel as it flows from the well-springs of truth 
 and undefiled by human theorizing. 
 
 The sole effective remedy for the ills of life and the evils of the country is 
 the redemptive truth of the Lord. The pastor must have ideals of conscience, 
 of duty, and of life. The heroes of patience, endurance, perseverance, and 
 suffering, from Joseph to Paul, and from ancient martyr to modern missionary, 
 must be examples of those ideals each of which is being duplicated in Christian 
 life about us. He must have hanging in the picture gallery of his mind, and 
 cherish in his heart, the high ideals of the Madonnas of art, the Beatrices of 
 literature, and the Jeanne d'Arcs of devotion; and the Jenny Linds and Flor- 
 ence Nightingales and Clara Bartons of charity and service. 
 
 If they are given the truth as it is in Christ, unadulterated and undiluted, 
 both as touching the degrading forces of sin and the elevating forces of 
 righteousness, there will be an accentuated Christian life, in which men and 
 women will stand for both righteousness and right with increased emphasis. 
 
 Leading young life into sweeter and holier ways of affection, into richer 
 experiences with grace and truth, into higher ranges of meditation, into loftier 
 aspirations, into, greater attachment for and clearer understanding of the Word 
 of life, into more sun-lighted walks of trust, into more force and strength of 
 Christian character, into happier and more joyful and more hopeful natures, 
 and as a crown over all, into a larger and more blessed service for God among 
 men, — if this be not the greatest and happiest field for the exercise of leader- 
 ship, then, indeed, are the aspirations of a pastor carnal and not pious. 
 
 The call now is for more intelligent loyalty to the Church to which we be- 
 long. It may sound strange, but it is nevertheless true, that in no denomina- 
 tion is denominational loyalty so lightly regarded as in Presbyterianism. 
 Though considered doctrinally narrow and somewhat creed-bound, the passage 
 into other communions is easier than is found in other denominations, or from 
 other denominations into ours. People of wealth and liberality among Presby- 
 terians make large and frequent gifts to interdenominational institutions and 
 to other denominations; we put no questions about a subscription to a creed 
 to those seeking admission into our communion. There will be no disloyalty if 
 pastors rightly teach the history, explain the triumph, and point out the glory 
 of Presbyterianism. In contributing both to the spirit and form of civil and 
 religious liberty, representative government and equalities of law in the new 
 empire of the western continent, Presbyterianism has won remarkable testi- 
 mony from jurists, statesmen, and literati, from Burke and Macaulay to Carlyle 
 and Bancroft. 
 
 There is another side of Christian Endeavor duty where the pastor's leader- 
 ship must neither be mistaken nor misunderstood. Next to love of God is love 
 of country. Stalwart religion and true patriotism go about over the world, and 
 have come down through the past hand in hand. No one will look to the pul- 
 pit to take the lead in the controversy over the tariff or currency or mere ad- 
 ministrative economy; but the very logic of consistency requires that in every 
 great struggle over a moral cause, in which is involved the complete circle of 
 those moral interests which most affect the welfare of the people, the mainte- 
 nance of free institutions, the preservation of the sovereign rights of the individ- 
 ual conscience, and in all that is closely related to the salvation of souls, the 
 pulpit must go in advance in creating sentiment and leading in action. Here 
 no minister dare abdicate his leadership without humiliating himself before the 
 throne of his own manhood and becoming an imbecile in the judgment of all 
 right-hearted and right-minded people. 
 
244 Official Report of the 
 
 The young people of Christian Endeavor, in all the denominations, will 
 thank me for saying to-night that they are ready to proclaim that there must be 
 no more war between Christian nations, but instead, a high sovereign court of 
 the nations, permanently sitting for the peaceful settlement of all international 
 frictions; that the saloon must be driven from the strongholds of political dom- 
 ination at the ballot-box, in the Legislature, and in the courts of justice ; that 
 demagogues in financial and civil circles shall be held up with increasing dis- 
 approval before the scorn of righteous judgment, and that all interference with 
 organic forms of law, and all attempted subversions of free institutions and 
 general intelligence, whether arising from Mammonism, Mormonism, or Roman- 
 ism, must cease absolutely, so that the nation may fear God, keep his statutes, 
 and enter upon the twentieth century the safeguard of liberties of the world 
 and the guaranty of the peace of the earth. 
 
 Central Hall. 
 
 The meeting was presided over by Prof. J. L. Howe, of Lexington, Va, 
 After the praise service, led by Mr. Charles S, Clark, and Rev. H. R. 
 Naylor, D.D.,had read the devotional service, Prof. Howe introduced 
 Bishop J. W. Hott, D.D., of Cedar Rapids, lo., who spoke on " The 
 Individual Responsibility of Soul-Winning." 
 
 Address of Bishop J. W. Hott, D.D., Cedar Rapids, lo. 
 
 What is it to win a soul ? It is to put in the soul a motive and an inspiration, 
 and about the soul an influence and power, which, combined, will cause it to 
 follow these enticements. 
 
 To win a soul to Christ is to bring into and about that soul so much of 
 Christ as will draw it away from sin and attach it permanently to Christ. The 
 soul left to itself will never come to God. 
 
 The purpose and plan of all grace shown in the Christian system is to so touch 
 the soul by all influences that the strongest motives and solicitations to accept 
 Jesus as the one and all-sufficient Saviour may be brought to bear effectively in 
 human salvation. 
 
 What is the great inspiration to be stirred in the human soul 1 What is the 
 supreme power to be brought to bear upon the heart of our fellow man to lead 
 him to Christ? 
 
 There are many things that may be done and ought to be done. One thing 
 tnust be done. Jesus Christ must be so represented to the soul as to attract 
 and draw it to himself. We exhort too soon and present Christ too imper- 
 fectly. This revelation of Christ will show the soul its own need of him. He 
 is not only the soul's supply, but he creates the demand. This shows a saving 
 Christ, — a soul-cleansing, soul-renewing, soul-inspiring Christ. 
 
 The perfect attestations of Christ before the bar of the human conscience 
 by his chosen agencies and representatives will do all that God can do in win- 
 ning a soul from sin and death. He is the face of beauty, the heart of love, the 
 smile of heaven, the welcome of God, that can alone call the soul out of itself 
 into God. Jesus said, " If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me." 
 
 To make this presentation is, under the superintendence of the Holy Spirit, 
 the supreme business of every true believer in Jesus Christ. It is the great 
 work of the Church on earth. To it every member of the Church is personally- 
 bound with indissoluble bonds. Men are not saved by herds but by indi- 
 viduals. These are not employed in saving others in other ways than as indi- 
 viduals. 
 
 I. The basis of this personal respojisibitity for soiil-saving. 
 
 I. It is not in organization. Oro;anization and organized Christian society 
 are only the aggregation or synthesis of individualism and individual responsi- 
 bility. It is to be feared that sometimes we enter organization with the de- 
 lusive idea that we shall lose or perhaps pool our personal responsibilities. 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 245 
 
 But we can not make even the most splendid organization reach further than 
 the stretch of individuaUty combined in an aggregation of power. The basis 
 of all responsibility is in the individual, and so is purely personal. 
 
 May the importance of this theme be emphasized as it is brought before us 
 in this Christian Endeavor Convention. There is a growing sense of responsi- 
 bility in the use of money, — Christian stewardship, — and it is well. There is a 
 sincere interest in the work of education in all departments, and the cause of 
 good citizenship enlists our hearts, while we have a profound sympathy for 
 the heathen world. All this is intensely well. But while men feel that they 
 must do greater things in these fields, we must emphasize the fact that the 
 greatest of all work is soul-saving. We can not do this by paying money 
 alone, or by proxy. To this work we are held personally responsible. God 
 does not take substitutes for us in the great work of winning souls. 
 
 2. It lies in our adaptation to the work. There is a utilitarian argument we 
 can not but reckon with. What ought to be done at all ought to be done in the 
 best way and by the means best adapted to its doing. Primary obligation rests 
 there. The use of human methods by the Lord is an old subject for theology. 
 For us, as the organization of the young of all Christendom, the question is a 
 practical one. 
 
 You all know this work is largely with the young. It is the young we hope 
 to reach in our homes, in our churches, in the country, in the hamlets, and in 
 the great cities. It is so in most of the foreign mission fields I have visited. 
 This is the age of the young. 
 
 The use of the young, with their power and methods, shows God's plan. He 
 takes the practical and simple and natural and emphasizes its power and 
 makes its ministry divine and mighty. In the Christian Endeavor movement, 
 this is no longer a theory but an attested fact. Thousands of pastors in all 
 parts of the world testify to the power of the young people's organization in 
 leading souls to Christ. They are the very hand-touch of Christ. I once looked 
 a long time at a painting in one of the galleries of Berlin, Germany, represent- 
 ing the raising of the daughter of Jairus, by Jesus. The picture is a beautiful 
 one. The calm Christ is the central figure. Beside him are the father and 
 mother, whose faces of inexpressible sorrow, agony, and anxiety one can never 
 forget. Near-by are the three disciples. The half-grown maiden is just waking 
 from the sleep of death, as the hand of Jesus is reached out to help her. 
 Somehow, as poor a critic of art as I am. I could not help but feel a weakness 
 in the picture. I recalled a work of one of the master's, I think Kranach, 
 which I had seen in the Crocker Art Gallery in Sacramento, Cal. It presents 
 the same scene in almost all the details, only in it Jesus has taken hold of the 
 maiden, and she is alive. It is true to Christ. And he "took her by the hand, 
 and the damsel arose." That touch has warmth and life in it. The young 
 people's organizations are the warm hand-grasp of Jesus and the Church. 
 Without that touch the picture is weak and defective. What personal responsi- 
 bility if your hand fails in the grasping of some soul nearest you! 
 
 The direct command of God no Christian can disregard without disloyalty 
 to him. The Bible plainly shows us that we are our brother's keeper. " Go ye 
 into all the world," as it fell from the lips of Jesus upon the ears of the disciples 
 on the unknown mountain of Galilee, falls still on our ears upon whom these 
 ends of the world have come, with a no less power. After over i,8oo years we 
 are just beginning to see and feel what Christ really is to this old world, and 
 what his commission really means. He is still and now more alive than ever 
 before. In our parlance we have put it, " Go, or send; " the facts are we must 
 do both. You know the command; why should I dwell upon it at length ? 
 What have we to do but to obey ? 
 
 II. What are sotne of the fruits of a sense of this personal responsibility of 
 soul-saving ? 
 
 I. Deep humility before God. Who can do this work.? It must be done 
 under God's directions, by his methods, and all to his glory. We are nothing. 
 All our success will be due to God, and all power and honor his. A proud, 
 boastful, self-sufficient spirit or self-praising spirit is shameful in the professed 
 
246 Official Report of the 
 
 Christian. The prince who came into the death-chamber of his father the 
 king wearing his crown, to see how it would fit, was asked to wait till the king 
 was dead before putting on the crown. As long as God lives it becomes us to 
 go humbly about our work. Let Jesus wear the crown. 
 
 2. It should lead us to the largest possible preparation for this greatest of 
 all works. He who has a note in bank to meet will strive to meet it promptly. 
 He who feels this responsibility will gird himself for the task. 
 
 3. Personal acquaintance and familiarity with the Christ we are to represent 
 to others. Intelligent and reasonable men will not readily follow mere philos- 
 ophies in matters of religion, and especially that which pertains to giving up of 
 sin and to faith unto salvation. Speculation in spiritual things does not reach 
 men's hearts. Paul was a great soul-winner. Though he was a mighty reasoner, 
 he would now belong to the realistic type, and not the idealistic. He would 
 often exclaim, " We know." He put this down in the most trying conditions and 
 places and rested all upon his vision of Jesus. In this " we know "' he was like 
 his Master, however different may have been their methods of knowing or 
 sources of knowledge. This personal knowledge includes the Word of God so 
 constantly emphasized in these great gatherings. 
 
 4. It means that we are to be filled with the Spirit of Jesus by constant 
 communion with him. I once climbed down into the cell of awful gloom in 
 which Lord Byron had himself incarcerated all night, before he would write his 
 soulful description of Venice, the Prison, and the Bridge of Sighs. If he would 
 thus be shut in with the gloom of death that his soul might be chastened with 
 horror of horrors, how much rather should we, conscious of our personal respon- 
 sibility for the saving of souls, be shut in with Christ, and filled with him and 
 his Spirit, when all our success will depend upon the faithfulness with which 
 we should represent him to our fellow men ! 
 
 5. Personal responsibility means personal work in soul-winning. It is this 
 delusive idea of soul-saving in masses that opens the way for the neglect and 
 loss of the individual. Jesus preached his first sermon to one man, Nicodemus, 
 one of the Sanhedrin. His next great recorded sermon is to a lone woman of 
 the Samaritans at the well of Jacob. We may learn some good lessons from 
 him. Often the great sermon of nowadays is lost because it is not followed by 
 personal conversation with the unsaved. In the greatest and most permanent 
 revival I ever labored, in which over 300 persons were converted, nearly every 
 one of these hundreds was brought to Christ by direct personal effort. When 
 a church thus has personal interest in converts they are not so soon let go. If 
 you rescue a man from wreck, and carry him to the hospital, you naturally 
 have a lasting interest in him. It is none the less so in winning souls to 
 Christ. 
 
 6. It will lead us to do that which is nearest at hand. I believe in a call to 
 the foreign field, but somehow can not help questioning the call of a man or 
 woman to that field who has not heart or hand for the work at home. It is 
 doing what is at hand that gives proof to a call to a wider field. The repre- 
 sentatives of the Young Men's Christian Association, who have had such good 
 success in India andother distant lands, had great success in our own land. How 
 can we expect to be of use in the most difficult foreign field when we have 
 been of no use in the comparatively easy field at home? " Return to thy house," 
 was the command to one whom Jesus saved in Gadara, and "declare how great 
 things God hath done for thee." So he would say to us now. Begin with the 
 one at your elbow. There your responsibilities are first and greatest. If you 
 can win souls here you may do so in the foreign fields. 
 
 7. It should lead us to the use of the best and most effective means, and the 
 employment of all our powers, in winning souls to Christ. The presentation of 
 the vast resources and means in soul-winning is beyond this address. One 
 thing it does suggest. Personal responsibility means that we are to use our- 
 selves. Large-hearted sympathy and love are essential. A cold-hearted, dry 
 soul will accomplish but little. Love for the message, love for those to whom 
 we bear it, is essential. The one element of Jesus which surpasses the world 
 and all that went before him and all who have come after him is his love, his 
 
Fifteenth International Cotivention. 247 
 
 great soul. After the accumulating light of eighteen centuries we are just 
 beginning to read that love in some measure of its fulness. That is the Christ 
 power to-day. His spirit of justice, tenderness, and love is our weapon of all 
 mightiness. 
 
 8. It must prompt unwearying patience. Souls are not always won in a 
 day. " Love hopeth all things " in soul-winning. We can not consecrate our- 
 selves entirely to soul-winning unless we consecrate ourselves eternally to this 
 sweet task. 
 
 9. This sense of personal responsibility must prompt ustoself-forgetfulness 
 and to the most thorough work possible to our present state. It will not allow 
 the care for ourselves or for our own ease to let us stop short of our best in the 
 most thorough work. For a soul to be deluded by a false hope, based on a 
 wrong conception of God and our relation to him, or on a false life and charac- 
 ter, is an awful thing. Our anxiety to do much work may lead us to do defect- 
 ive and superficial work. 
 
 A few months ago, in the home of a Christian gentleman in Beatrice, Neb., 
 while at dinner I mentioned an incident in connection with a burning of a 
 home in Dayton, Wash., a few years ago. The gentleman, with a saddened 
 voicesaid,"We lost our all in ourdearold home near Ottumwa, lo. in afire which 
 burned it when I was young." " What," said I, "did you lose .'' " He replied, 
 "We lost all we had in that fire that night. I lost three brothers." I asked 
 how they were sleeping, and why they were not gotten out, since he was saved. 
 Said he, " One was sleeping in the bed with me, and two were in another room." 
 How I wished I had the inquiry back ! — but in my anxiety I asked, " Could not 
 you have awakened your brother.?" I shall never forget the unutterable sad- 
 ness of that face as he said, " I thought I had him awake when I fought my 
 way through the smoke and flame." How sad for you, and you, and for me, if 
 in our appeal to those sleeping in sin we only partially awaken them and have 
 to say at the last, " I thought 1 had him awake; " " I thought I had her heart 
 won to Jesus." May the Holy Spirit fall on us as upon those in the beginning, 
 and use us in winning souls to Jesus, who now places these interests of eternity 
 in our feeble hands ! 
 
 Mrs. Nellie Wilson Shir-Cliffe sang " My Soul Cries Out." An open 
 parliament was then held, presided over by Judge John D. Ellis, of 
 Newport, Ky., when practical evangelistic methods were discussed. 
 
 The beautiful white banner, with the inscription " Christian Endeavor 
 Fellowship, Presented by the United Society of Christian Endeavor," 
 was then presented to Chicago for having the largest net increase of 
 Christian Endeavor Societies during the past year. 
 
 Philadelphia has held this banner for the past two years. It was 
 presented by Mr. William L. Turner, president of the Philadelphia 
 Union, and accepted for the Chicago Union by Mr. Frank E. Page, an 
 ex-president. 
 
 Then Rev. F. C. Ottman, of Newark, N. J., delivered the following 
 address on "The Sword of the Spirit." 
 
 Address of Rev. Ford C. Ottman, Newark, N. J. 
 
 In the Epistle to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul conceives of the Christian 
 as engaged in a conflict. This conflict is not with flesh and blood, but with 
 principalities, and powers, and rulers of the darkness of this world, and wicked 
 spirits in heavenly places. 
 
 In cder to compete successfully with these forces, Paul urges the Christian 
 to he flothed with the armor of God, which has been provided for this purpose. 
 The loins are to be girt about with truth. The heart is to be covered with a 
 breastplate of righteousness. The feet are to be shod with the preparation of 
 
248 Official Report of the 
 
 the Gospel of Peace. The shield of faith is to be worn, and the head is to be 
 covered with the helmet of salvation. 
 
 The only offensive weapon of which the apostle speaks is called " the sword 
 of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." 
 
 We have seen that the Holy Spirit has come into the world on a mission, 
 both to the unsaved and to the believer, and the instrument for the accomplish- 
 ment of this mission is here given us. It is called "The Word of God." 
 
 The Spirit of God is a person, and has come into the world upon a distinct 
 mission. The Word of God is the expression of God's mind and purpose con- 
 cerning us, and this Word is the instrument which is used by the Holy Spirit in 
 the accomplishment of his mission. The Word is here called "the sword of the 
 Spirit," and this is by no means an unusual symbol for the Word of God. When 
 the Apostle John had a vision of the Son of man standing in the midst of the 
 seven candlesticks, he saw issue from his mouth a sharp, two-edged sword. 
 
 It would be impossible to make any mistake as to the meaning of this sym- 
 bol, when we read the statement of Jesus concerning the judgment : " He that 
 rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him : the word 
 that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." (John xii. 48.) 
 
 We read of the sword for the first time in the book of Genesis : " So he 
 drove out the man ; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, 
 and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of 
 life." (Gen. iii. 24.) Evidently the sword here is also a symbol of the Word 
 of God. God had commanded the man not to eat of the tree of the knowledge 
 of good and evil, under the penalty of death ; and when man violated this com- 
 mand, God placed the flaming sword before the Tree of Life, lest man should 
 eat of the fruit of that tree, and live forever, and so violate the integrity of his 
 Word. 
 
 In addition to these references, showing that this symbol is not uncommon, 
 we have the familiar passage in the book of Hebrews : " For the word of God 
 is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to 
 the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a 
 discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Heb. iv. 12.) 
 
 The mission of the Spirit is to convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, 
 and of judgment, and the weapon by which this conviction is wrought is " the 
 sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." We need to remember that 
 this Word of God is the sword of the Spirit, and not of man. 
 
 There is a practical side to this subject that needs to be considered in con- 
 clusion. The Apostle Paul declares that in meeting the temptations of life we 
 need to be armed with this sword of the Spirit; by no other weapon will it be 
 possible to achieve the victory. Just after his baptism Jesus was driven by the 
 Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted of Satan. The 
 final assault was made upon him after the forty days were ended. Jesus was 
 human, and he was hungry. The devil said to him, " If thou be the Son of 
 God, command this stone that it be made bread." This was a real temptation, for 
 Jesus was really hungry: but he won the victory over Satan by the use of the 
 sword of the Spirit. " It is written," he said, "that man shall not live by bread 
 alone, but by every word of God." These words he had found in the eighth 
 chapter of Deuteronomy. The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, 
 served him in the hour of need. 
 
 A second time he was assaulted by Satan — taken to a high mountain and 
 shown the kingdoms of the world. " The devil said unto him. All this power will 
 I give thee, and the glory of them ; if thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall 
 be thine." Jesus, again drawing the sword of the Spirit, said unto him, "Get 
 thee behind me, Satan: for it is written. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, 
 and him only shalt thou serve." These words he found in the sixth chapter of 
 Deuteronomy; and in this second assault he won the victory by means of "the 
 sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." 
 
 The third time he was tempted, when the devil brought him to the pinnacle 
 of the temple and said unto him, " If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself 
 down from hence." And the devil, himself drawing the sword, but destitute of 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 249 
 
 the Spirit, adds still further, '• For it is written, He shall give his angels charge 
 over thee, to keep thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any 
 time thou dash thy foot against a stone. " 
 
 Jesus, answering, said unto him, " It is said. Thou shalt not tempt the Lord 
 thy God." These words he found also written in the sixth chapter of Deute- 
 ronomy. And for the third time the victory was won by means of the sword of 
 the Spirit, which is the Word of God. On a single page of the Holy Scripture 
 Jesus found a sufficient foil to this threefold assault of Satan, and with the 
 wreath of victory fresh upon his brow, went down the mountain-side. 
 
 This is a practical and valuable truth for us to learn : if we are to conquer 
 in life's temptations, we must be armed with the weapon by which alone the 
 victory can be won. This is a spiritual conflict; it is not with flesh and blood; 
 it is against the principalities and powers of evil, and God has given us an 
 armor which affords protection. He has also been pleased to place in our hands 
 this aggressive weapon, " the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." 
 
 Tent Endeavor. 
 
 The services were presided over by Rev, Dr. Wayland Hoyt, of 
 Philadelphia, who made a most genial chairman. He made a playful 
 allusion to the hats of the ladies that caused a great many feminine fin- 
 gers to search for hat-pins preparatory to filling their laps with the 
 achieved dreams of milliners. The praise service was conducted by 
 Mr. E. O. Excell. The devotional exercises, consisting of responsive 
 Scripture reading and an eloquent prayer, were conducted by Rev. L. 
 B. Wilson, of Washington. 
 
 Dr. Hoyt, in explaining the absence of Mr. Giles Kellogg, of San 
 Diego, Cal., who was to have told the story of the Floating Society of 
 Christian Endeavor, said that it would be unnecessary to say that Mr. 
 Kellogg could not possibly be present, as it was perfectly well known 
 that an Endeavorer never failed to be present when he had a duty to 
 perform, if he possibly could. The Floating Society, said Dr. Hoyt, 
 showed the adjustability of Christian Endeavor. It was fitted for 
 churches widely differing in their theology, and was at home and use- 
 ful in every place and among all classes. In lieu of Mr. Kellogg's ad- 
 dress, he read interesting and copious extracts from the report of Miss 
 Antoinette P. Jones, superintendent of the Floating Societies. 
 
 The audience and chorus sang "Throw Out the Life-Line " with fine 
 effect, and then was heard a voice from the other side of the world. 
 Dr. Hoyt introduced Miss Margaret W. Leitch, of Jaffna, Ceylon, who 
 made an address on the pressing needs of foreign missions, in which 
 work she has been engaged for seventeen years. 
 
 Address of Miss Margaret W. Leitch, Jaffna, Ceylon. 
 
 The evangelization of the world should be the great work of the Church and 
 not merely a small part of the Church's work. If the evangelization of the 
 world should be the great work of the Church, then it ought to be the great 
 work of every member in the Church, and it ought to h& your great work and 
 mine. 
 
 Jesus said, " Seek ye first the kingdom of God." First does not mean sec- 
 ond. Are the Christians of America making the evangelization of the world 
 their first, their great, work? Are they consecrating to it their highest talent, 
 their most devoted service? Or are they simply making it a byplay, a May 
 holiday ? 
 
250 Official Report of the 
 
 Nearly all of the great missionary boards are burdened with debt, and as a 
 result reductions have been ordered in many mission fields. Let us try to make 
 vivid to our minds what these reductions mean to the work. As a result of the 
 reductions ordered many mission village schools will this year be closed and 
 some thousands of children turned out, who will eagerly be welcomed into 
 the heathen opposition schools. In these schools they will be taught from heathen 
 books which will be put into their hands; they will be taught to ridicule 
 and make a mock of the birth, life, and death on the cross of Jesus Christ. 
 Young men from the higher mission schools will this year be turned out, men 
 who are being trained for the teachers, colporteurs, and evangelists of the future. 
 The printing and circulation of Christian literature will this year be curtailed. 
 Many trained catechists and evangelists will this year be dismissed, and that 
 through no fault of theirs, and their work abandoned. The hearts of all Chris- 
 tian workers and of all members of the Christian community will, where these 
 reductions are enforced, be appalled, and the hearts of the opposers of Chris- 
 tianity will be elated and jubilant. Hinduism, Mohammedanism, and other 
 false religions will, in this way, receive such an impetus as they have never liad 
 before. The faith of whole communities in the stability, permanency, and final 
 success of Christianity and of Christian mission work will receive a staggering 
 blow, and mission work, in not a few fields, will be put back many years. The 
 heathen and Mohammedans will say, "Christianity has begun to die out in 
 America. The Christians of America are reducing their work this year; next 
 year they will reduce still more, and in a few years the missionaries and their 
 work will be cleared out and Christianity will have proved a failure." And 
 thus the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that name which is above every name, 
 and which ought to be dearer to us than life itself, will be ridiculed and dis- 
 honored by multitudes of people. 
 
 The Hindu and Mohammedan preachers will proclaim the news of this 
 reduction far and wide. Their papers will be full of it. It will be the one 
 great subject of conversation in the villages. How can your missionaries face 
 it? How can they explain it.'' Will they say that the Church of Christ is too 
 poor to carry on the work which it has begun .? Or will they tell the truths and 
 say that professing Christians love their luxuries more than they love their 
 Lord? 
 
 Will these reductions mean nothing to you? They will mean something to 
 the heart of your Christ. They will mean something to those, your most noble 
 missionaries, who are cheerfully giving up their lives to this work. These 
 reductions will break the hearts of some of them. Your missionaries are brave 
 men and women ; they can look death in the face without quailing; but they will 
 not be able to look these reductions in the face without quailing. 
 
 Are the Christians of America too poor to carry on, unimpaired, the work 
 which their fathers and mothers began with so much prayer, sacrifice, and con- 
 secration? I could imagine in this country such distress and wide-spread 
 disaster that, looking up into the face of Christ, the Christians of America 
 might be able to say, " Dear Lord, thou knowest that we can not carry on our 
 foreign mission work." But does any such state of affairs exist? This country 
 in eight months exported to other countries merchandise which it did not 
 require at home, to the value of $600,000,000. Is this a poverty-stricken 
 country ? Of all the changes which have taken place in this country during the 
 past seventeen years, since I went as a missionary to Ceylon, the change which 
 strikes me with the greatest astonishment is the increase in luxuries. Look at 
 the way in which the majority of Christians are living. Are not their homes 
 comfortable and even luxurious? Are not their tables loaded with dainties? 
 Do they not " fare sumptuously every day " ? Are they not " clothed in purple 
 and fine linen"? Do they not have magnificent churches in which they may 
 worship, with one, or perhaps two, highly-paid choirs? 
 
 The Christians of this country expended last year only about 55,000.000 for 
 foreign missions; but last year the people of this countiy expended $22,000,000 
 for chewing-gum ; $50,000,000 for bicycles ;5400,ooo,ooo for amusements: $600,000- 
 000 for jewelry. 
 
Fifteenth Inter Jiational Convention. 251 
 
 Have the Christians of America forgotten that there are in the world to-day 
 a thousand millions of heathen and Mohammedans, half of whom have never 
 heard that the world's Redeemer has come? 
 
 The great work of world-wide evangelization will never be accomplished 
 until Christians deliberately turn away from the pursuit of honor, wealth, and 
 pleasure, and choose instead a life of daily self-denial, in order that they may 
 be able to carry out the great commission, entrusted to them by Jesus Christ, of 
 preaching the Gospel to every creature. 
 
 This vast work can never be accomplished in any easier way. Jesus says, " If 
 any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily 
 and follow me." 
 
 Not only must there be more self-sacritice on the part of Christians; there 
 must also be in future a closer and more personal tie between the home and 
 foreign workers, and a clearer realization oi personal responsibility . 
 
 It is a striking fact that while nearly all of the great denominational boards 
 are in debt, the women's boards, as far as I have been able to learn, are not 
 in debt, and reductions have not been ordered in connection with their work. 
 
 What is the secret of this? The women's work is pledged work. The 
 women's boards present each year to the Women's Missionary Societies of the 
 Church a statement of the sums needed for the support of the missionaries on 
 the field, and their work, and the support of the new work which it is proposed to 
 inaugurate. The women's auxiliaries and State branches become responsible 
 for the support of certain definite missionaries, who thus become their personal 
 representatives in the foreign field, and take shares in some definite part of the 
 work, which thus becomes their own work. 
 
 These Women's Missionary Societies in the churches have, as a rule, a 
 monthly missionary meeting, for prayer and for the study of mission fields. 
 They write to their missionary and hear from her in return, — some ideal socie- 
 ties sending a weekly letter, and some ideal missionaries returning a weekly 
 reply. They pray for their missionary every day and at their monthly 
 meetings. 
 
 When the missionary magazine comes to hand they open it eagerly to see if 
 there is anything from their missionary or about her field or work. Their inter- 
 est and their gifts grow with their growing love for their missionary and their 
 growing knowledge of her work. Is it any wonder that when hard times come 
 these ladies in your churches have cheerfully sacrificed comforts and luxuries 
 rather than sacrifice their pledged work or leave their missionary and her 
 native helpers to suffer? 
 
 This is how the women of the churches conduct their work. But how do 
 the men of the churches conduct their work? Many pastors and churches 
 think they have discharged their responsibility for missions with an annual con- 
 tribution gathered on one Sunday and sent to the missionary society. If the 
 Sunday is hot, or cold, or wet, so much the worse for the missionary cause. 
 
 In the majority of churches there is no monthly concert of missions. No 
 responsibility is felt for the support of any one missionary, or station, or any 
 one department of the foreign work. No one missionary is remembered by 
 name at the family altar. When hard times come the first collection to suffer 
 is the missionary collection. 
 
 A well-known writer has said : — 
 
 " The missionary of Christ with his great commission is treated like a beggar, 
 to be discharged with an alms, and not as a yokefellow in the Gospel, to be 
 supported by daily co-operation. As a consequence, missionary contributions 
 do not grow with the growth of the churches, and missionary interest does not 
 increase with the increase of communicants. Missions to the heathen are not 
 made the first, the great, work of the churches. The churches at present turn 
 over their responsibility to boards, boards relegate it to executive committees, 
 executive committees to secretaries; and thus the work of extending the cause 
 of Christ, which belongs essentially to every disciple, is devolved upon some 
 twenty or thirty overburdened men. 
 
 " This state of things must come to an end. Let every church become a 
 
252 Official Report of the 
 
 foreign missionary society, having its own field or station and its own repre- 
 sentatives, for whose support, through the channels of its denominational board, 
 it is directly responsible. 
 
 " Let the local churches co-operate in the work of missions, without funding 
 their responsibility in a common treasury. Let the burden of support of mis- 
 sionaries and mission stations rest directly on the local churches. Let the trials 
 and discouragements of the foreign field be made an immediate and sole con- 
 cern of these churches, and what a new and wonderful stimulus to prayer it 
 would furnish ! 
 
 '"■Responsibility is the mother of activity.'' Only as Christians are sensible 
 of their obligations will they be moved to active consecration. 
 
 " Let a church have its own missionaries, who will starve unless it supports 
 them, and there will be a possibility that some at home will go hungry in order 
 to feed a far-off workman. 
 
 " The most pressing demand of our day is more responsibility for missions in 
 order to greater importunity for missions. 
 
 " Never can the resources of the Christian Church be laid under contribu- 
 tion until in some way the missionary enterprise is understood to be the prin- 
 cipal business of the Church, a business which can not by any possibility be 
 entrusted to any ecclesiastical commission-house. 
 
 "' Churches to the front!' must be our watchword, and a policy of missions 
 which will multiply a thousand-fold the eyes that watch for their success, the 
 hands that work for their prosperity, and the prayers that plead for their 
 blessing." 
 
 I know a church in New Jersey which is not stronger nor richer than thous- 
 ands in this favored land, but it is supporting, through its own denominational 
 board, two home and three foreign missionaries and nineteen native helpers. 
 
 It raises more for its benevolences than it does for home expenses. Once a 
 quarter, on review Sundays, the whole Sunday school is resolved into a mis- 
 sionary society, and this Sunday school provides the support for one home and 
 one foreign missionary. 
 
 The women of the church hold a monthly missionary meeting and support 
 a home and foreign missionary. 
 
 A few years ago the pastor discovered that the men and boys of the church 
 were not having a proportionate share in the missionary work. In order to 
 inform them and enlist their co-operation, the Friday prayer meeting, once a 
 month, was converted into a monthly concert of missions. As a result the 
 men and boys of the church are now supporting not merely their own mission- 
 ary, but their own mission station in China, providing for the support of their 
 missionary and nineteen native helpers. 
 
 As a further result of this blessed missionary work this church is enjoying 
 an uninterrupted revival, and fifty members were added last year to this church 
 home. "Give and it shall be given you." "There is that giveth but yet 
 increaseth." 
 
 An address on " Christian Endeavor an Evangelistic Force " was de- 
 livered by Bishop Arnett, of Wilberforce, O. Bishop Arnett, one 
 of the trustees of the United Society, was introduced by Dr. Hoyt as 
 one who externally is a colored man, but who has as white a soul as 
 it is possible to find. "Thank God," said Dr. Hoyt, "Christianity 
 knows no color line." 
 
 Address of Bishop B. W. Arnett, D.D., of Wilberforce, O. 
 
 We have met here as Christian citizens, members of the body politic, having 
 the interest of our country and fellow men at heart. We have not come to 
 usurp the prerogatives and authorities of the President of the United States, 
 nor to supersede the National Congress, nor exercise the functions of the law- 
 making power. We are not after the gowns of the Supreme Court, for from 
 their decision there is no appeal. I admit that a few months ago, when the 
 
FifteentJi International Convention. 253 
 
 Supreme Court gave its anti-Christian, its anti-American, anti-human decision, 
 affirming the heresy that the States had the right to discriminate against a 
 human being because his God made him black instead of white, I felt like call- 
 ing a Christian Endeavor Convention to elect Christian Endeavor judges who 
 would recognize the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, for I 
 believe that no man ought to wear those gowns except those who believe in 
 the Ten Commandments, the Declaration of Independence, and the Golden 
 Rule. We have come here to marshal the moral and religious forces under one 
 banner, and that is the banner of the Cross, and to contend against a common 
 foe. But as I look over this vast audience, the question occurs: What has 
 brought these people here ? There can be but one answer, and that is. Love to 
 God and love to man. It was the love of Christ that constrained us to leave 
 our homes and business and make this pilgrimage to the nation's capital. Our 
 love for God and man has enabled us to do our duty to our fellow men, and 
 hath given us power to break down the denominational walls and join in a 
 united effort to put down the foe to humanity. We must declare war against 
 ignorance and sin in high and low places, unfurl the banner of the Cross, draw 
 the sword of the Spirit, and march our united forces against the saloon, the 
 greatest foe of our home and native land. Ignorance and the saloon are the 
 common enemies of all men, all families, all races, and all nations. Therefore 
 all Christians, all denominations, and all religions should form an alliance 
 offensive and defensive against them. We are to find a common ground 
 to stand on. We can all meet at the Cross of the Crucified One. 
 We can all obey the command of the carpenter's Son; we can all serve 
 the Son of Mary; and by being supremely loyal to Jesus Christ, the Son 
 of the living God, we can conquer the world, the flesh, and the devil. The 
 Christian Endeavor Society is an educational force. It is the fond hope of the 
 Society to see the little red schoolhouse multiplied until one shall stand at 
 every crossroad from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and on every teacher's desk 
 the Bible, and from every gable shall float the Stars and Stripes. The educa- 
 tional forces of our country ought to be considered and brought under the con- 
 trolling influences of Christianity ; and one of the missions of the Christian 
 Endeavor Society shall be to make Christianity popular in our homes, social 
 circles, and institutions of learning. Two of the largest denominations of the 
 negro race are organizing the Christian Endeavor Society among the young 
 people ; and soon the pledge, prayer, and song of the Christian Endeavorer 
 will be familiar to our sons and daughters from Huron's lordly flood to the 
 Everglades of Florida. The Christian Endeavor Society is an evangelistic 
 army of men, women, and children, all endeavoring to work out their own soul's 
 salvation. Each individual member is an evangelist, one who believes the 
 history, doctrines, precepts, actions, life, and death of our blessed Saviour, 
 Jesus Christ; authorized preachers, but without congregations, commissioned 
 to instruct in the Gospel, — to preach the Gospel to the poor, to convert the 
 unconverted to the belief of the Gospel, and bring sons and daughters from 
 afar. Our organization is endeavoring to hasten the reign of righteousness 
 throughout the world by practising denominational reciprocity, by recognizing 
 the co-relations of the religious forces, and by inaugurating the era of peace and 
 good-will between men ; and we resolve, in the name of the heroic dead that sleep 
 in yonder cemetery, that in the future we will do all that lies in our power to have 
 in fact what we have in theory, — a government of all the people, and by all the 
 people, and for all the people. 
 
 " The Call to Missionary Service" was the topic of the last speaker. 
 Rev. Arthur J. Brown, D.D., of New York City, secretary of the Board 
 of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Address of Rev. Arthur J. Brown, D.D., New York City. 
 
 I am asked to close the session of this inspiring meeting to-day by emphasiz- 
 ing the thought that the service for which we are saved, while it begins with 
 
254 Official Report of the 
 
 the man on our right hand, belts the globe to the man on our left hand. At 
 our nation's capital, and on ground which teems with patriotic associations, 
 we can not forget that this is our country's providential task. We want to win 
 this land for Christ. God has raised up America for the purpose. Its unique 
 history, its extraordinary opportunity, its unparalleled resources, combine to 
 make that purpose clear. God would make us a new Israel, through whom 
 spiritual blessing shall come to the right. In the words of another, God con- 
 siders that we should be satisfied with nothing short of coming out squarely 
 upon the track of God's own word and providence.. 
 
 As much as nome missions may mean to us in our national capacity, we have 
 not got to the bottom of home missions until we have grown to feel that to the 
 all-seeing eye of God it is all home, centred on one cross as its one universal 
 axis. How plainly our national history indicates this thouglit of God! Think 
 what purposes had this fertile continent alone, undiscovered for thousands of 
 years. God has intended us to be a missionary nation. When we let our 
 visions span the oceans we understand why God has charged us with such a 
 providential mission. We see millions suffering for the want of that which 
 Christianity has brought to us. I might speak of the blessings of Christian 
 civilization, of schools and books, of justice and social order, of the asylums 
 for the blind and the hospitals for the sick, of all the comforts and con- 
 veniences of the Church, unknown beyond the pale of the true religion. Were 
 the benefits of Christianity confined to this life, foreign missions would yet 
 have a duty. So numerous and mighty are the humanitarian influences of the 
 Gospel of Jesus Christ ! God's grace is not to find the visible missions. We 
 have no authority to go beyond his Word, and that Word, from Genesis to 
 Revelations, in prose and poetry, in prophetic warning, and apostolic preach- 
 ing. Aye, in the words of the Lord, Jesus himself declared that man is sinful, 
 and that the consequences of his sin are something terrific, but God has sup- 
 plied us a way of salvation, and we know it, and in knowing it we are debtor 
 to those who know it not, and are bound by the most solemn obligations of 
 philanthropy to carry the Gospel to all nations, as we can no longer come to 
 these people in the spirit of condescension. Recent events have helped us to 
 a truer understanding of the worth and dignity of man as man; to an under- 
 standing that back of almond eyes and under the olive skin are all the faculties 
 and possibilities of a man. We have learned to respect and admire the intelli- 
 gence of the Japanese and the industry of the Chinese. And if we are to speak 
 of the negro race, I would not only speak of Frederick Douglass and of him 
 who has spoken to-night, but I would think of those blacks who tenderly pre- 
 pared the body of Livingstone, laying his heart in Africa's bosom, and who 
 then carried that body on their shoulders through forests and swamps, over 
 mountains and plains, amid the warring of elemejits, with persistence inflexible 
 and courage superb. These are brother men, men like ourselves in the image 
 of God, for whom, as well as for you and me, Christ died. Ruskin reminds us 
 that mud is composed of clay, sand, soot, and water; that clay may be molded 
 into the noblest work of the sculptors; that the sand may develop into the fair- 
 est opal; that the SQotmay be crystallized into the diamond; and that the water 
 may develop into a star of snow. So with the vilest men; they may be fitted 
 by the Son of God to live forever with God and to stand upon the feet of 
 Christian humanity. If anybody tells you that the heathen can be converted 
 you can say to him, " My dear sir, the heathen are being converted." 
 Since this Convention met one year ago in the city of Boston, how many 
 souls do you think have been brought out of the darkness of heathenism 
 into the light and liberty through the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the foreign 
 field? One hundred thousand. I am told that there are about forty thous- 
 and Christian Endeavorers in the city of Washington to-day. What a 
 great multitude ! And yet if you could get into this great Convention all 
 those who have been converted from heathenism this last year, then the mag- 
 nificent hospitality of the city of Washington would be taxed, for that Conven- 
 tion would be two and one-half times as great as the Convention which now 
 meets here. I fancy sometimes I see them coming, 300 a day, 2,000 a week, 
 
FiftecntJi International Convention. 255 
 
 8,500 a month, 100,000 a year, a mighty but motley host, redeemed out of every 
 nation under heaven, red, black, and yellow, speaking various languages. 
 
 I want to speak a word of sympathetic admiration for the missionaries who 
 are in the forefront in this battle. In addition to the heat, dust, and fevers, fleas, 
 bugs, snakes, and all the discomforts of a typical Oriental country, the mission- 
 aries are frequently called upon to endure great physical danger. This last 
 year many missionaries have been brought into contact with the scourge of 
 cholera; others have lived for months surrounded by smallpox; others have 
 been endangered by mob violence. In the Turkish Empire our property has 
 been destroyed, their work interfered with, their freedom restricted, and their 
 very lives menaced. How many of you know that on Wednesday, March 25, 
 the Sultan of Turkey promulgated a decree ordering every American missionary 
 to leave the empire .-' And if it had not been for the providential discovery of that 
 decree by the British Ambassador, and his prompt peremptory interference, 
 great calamity would have resulted. In the meantime a strange thing is happen- 
 ing at home. Not only many newspapers, but some men in high official posi- 
 tions, one in the Senate of the United States, declared that if our people 
 leave their country to go to a far distant country, semi-civilized, bitterly 
 opposed to their movement, we can not follow them there to protect them ; they 
 ought to come home. And for once I was ashamed of my country. Is the 
 missionary's business less legitimate than the trader's.? Is a man entitled to the 
 protection of his country when he goes to an Oriental country, and does he for- 
 feit that protection when he goes there to preach the Gospel of protection and 
 peace.? In that same Senate-chamber, Senator Frye reminded the people that 
 about twenty years ago England sent an army of 15,000 men down the coast, 
 across 700 miles of barren sand, to batter down iron gates and stone walls, and 
 reach down into an Abyssinian dungeon, and to help out of it one British 
 subject, who had been unlawfully imprisoned. It cost England ^25,000,000 to 
 do it, but it made a highway over this planet for every common son of Briton; 
 and the words, " I am an English citizen" are more potent than the sceptre of 
 a king. And it was because of that reputation, that when Sir Philip Currie, 
 the British Ambassador at Constantinople, drove up to the door of the Turkish 
 minister of foreign affairs, and demanded the cancellation of that order expel- 
 ling American missionaries within twenty-four hours, the Turk cringed and 
 obeyed. 
 
 Mr. Chairman, shall America allow herself to be ridiculed by the Turks.? 
 Shall we vociferously curse England one day, and the next day depend upon 
 her representatives to help us out when our missionaries are in danger.? This 
 is not a question of jingoism, whatever that may be. It is not a question of 
 abusing the Sultan; it is not even a question of missions or religion ; it is a 
 question of treaty, a question of national honor, a question of self-respect. We 
 do not ask any special privileges for the missionary. We simply ask that he be 
 counted a citizen and a man, and that he be protected in those rights granted 
 by treaty to the meanest American, and that it be counted a shameful thing to 
 subject him to the criticism of a pack of men who put expediency before prin- 
 ciple, and up whose backs run cotton strings instead of spinal columns. But 
 of one thing you can be sure. The missionary will not run. Several months 
 ago, when we foresaw the trouble, I wrote to our missionaries in Turkey, assur- 
 ing them that we would stand by them, and giving them freedom of action, and 
 *saying that they had full authority to leave their posts, if they deemed it their 
 duty to do so; and not one man or woman of them swerved. Why.? For the 
 same reason that the Spartans did not run away at Thermopylae; that your 
 revolutionary sires did not run away at Lexington and Bunker Hill; that the 
 railroad engineer did not jump, when he knew that he was facing death ; that 
 the mother did not forsake her boy, when she saw him stricken with diphtheria. 
 The missionary is a soldier. His station is a post of duty, and that missionary 
 stands there. In battle, it is not so hard to be brave. There is there the inspira- 
 tion of bugle and drum, and the sense of comradeship, the relief of action. But 
 the missionary has none of these outward supports. He stands purely alone, 
 far from succor, and entirely unarmed, forbidden to fight, prepared to look 
 
256 Official Report of the 
 
 death squarely in the face. To endure such circumstances requires heroism 
 surpassing that of any battle-field. Yet there they stand to-day in the great 
 Turkish Empire, like that man of whom Victor Hugo wrote in "The Toilers of 
 the Sea," on the point of solitude and danger, exposed to the fury of the ele- 
 ments, the bitterest glare of the sun, the fiercest side of the ocean, and yet 
 standing with patience indomitable, with courage magnificent, battling for the 
 truth and for God. O young men and young women, will you not go back to 
 your churches, sending to these missionaries the inspiration of your sympathy 
 and prayers and greetings, and divide with them a part of the sentiment for the 
 work which the Holy Ghost has laid upon the Church, and the men and women 
 whom the Holy Ghost has sent forth to do it .'' So the march of events gives new 
 emphasis to the glory of God. Criticisms there are, but I am not here to-night 
 to reply to them. With so much warrant for missionary service, I am not stand- 
 ing here on the defensive. I am not standing here to make apologies; I refuse 
 to cheapen this great cause by begging for money. 
 
 General Sherman said that the commanders of the Army of the Potomac 
 failed because they failed to get into action more than three-fourths of 
 their army, and that the commanders of the western armies succeeded because 
 they got into action nine-tenths, and in some instances all of their soldiers. 
 How can the Church of God expect to conquer the world when only one-fourth, 
 to say nothing of three-fourths, is thoroughly alive to the great work of foreign 
 missions.'' At a critical moment in the Battle of Waterloo, when victory and 
 defeat rested in the balance, the Duke of Wellington sent out the command, 
 " Advance all along the line," and because that order was promptly obeyed 
 victory was won. And we want you to go back to your churches, and put forth 
 all of your best efforts, until the Church of the living God shall advance as one 
 man into this great conflict. This is the duty of the hour, and it is a sublime 
 opportunity. The call is clarion ; it is God's orders ; it is Jesus Christ who 
 leads ; it is the Holy Ghost who prompts. 
 
 Dr. Hoyt promised to show the assemblage a truly great and good 
 man, one referred to by Bishop Arnett as a true friend of the colored 
 race, and he introduced Justice Harlan, of the Supreme Court, who 
 bowed his acknowledgment of the great applause which greeted him, 
 but declined to make a speech. 
 
 Tent Washington. 
 
 Tent Washington was crowded at an early hour. The services were 
 presided over by President Francis E. Clark, D.D., the musical director 
 of the evening being Mr. P. S. Foster. The devotional exercises were 
 conducted by Rev. E. B. Bagby. Dr. Clark introduced Mr. Amos R. 
 Wells, of Boston, who has made so wide a reputation as managing 
 editor of The Golden Rule. The popularity of the writer was evidenced 
 by the warm reception he was given. His topic was " The Senior Society 
 of Christian Endeavor." 
 
 Address of Prof. Amos R. Wells, Boston, Mass. 
 
 Ten years ago there were in the world 50,000 Christian Endeavorers. Where 
 have they gone ? Eight years ago the number had risen to 300,000. What 
 has become of these myriads? Seven years ago there were nearly half a mil- 
 lion Christian Endeavorers. Where are those half-million young people now.'' 
 
 Well, some of them are married. I hope all of them are, and married to 
 Christian Endeavorers, too. Some of them are in active business, — I hope all 
 of them are, — and about their Father's business, too. Most of them — nay, all 
 of them, I verily believe — are in the Church, that dear Church to which, with 
 
FiftcentJi International Convention. 257 
 
 Christ, they promised their faithful allegiance ten, eight, seven years ago. But 
 as regards the Christian Endeavor Society where are they — these half-million 
 young people that joined our ranks a week of years ago ? 
 
 1 am really afraid that thousands and thousands of them are in the Young 
 People's Society still. Why shouldn't they be there? Because there isn't 
 room for them. Because during these seven years the Junior hosts have gath- 
 ered and are pouring their fresh young cohorts into the older army. Because 
 during these seven years 2,000,000 young people have flocked to our standard. 
 Because societies that once could rattle around in their meeting-rooms like the 
 filbert in its shell are now holding overflow meetings or splitting up into sec- 
 tions, and hours that once had room for a yard of talk from each member now 
 have n't room for an inch. Why should n't they be there 1 Because they are 
 in the way. Because the younger Endeavorers look to them too much. 
 Because they are taking work right out of the younger Endeavorers' hands — 
 work those hands need to do in order to grow strong. Why should n't they 
 be there ? Because they need to be somewhere else. Because they have 
 become too familiar with the work of the Young People's Society, and it has 
 become too easy for them. Because they need new work, and harder work, and 
 a different kind of work. Why should n't they be there ? Because they are 
 needed somewhere else. Because the Church needs their full time and undi- 
 vided energies. Because when they enlisted under the banner, " For Christ 
 and the Church," it was understood that they were in training for the Church, 
 and a good training-school is known by its good graduates. Because gradua- 
 tion is one of the Christian Endeavor principles — graduation from the Junior 
 into the Young People's Society, and graduation from the Young People's 
 Society into — into what ? 
 
 Not into the Church, for they are in that already. Shall it be graduation 
 into less strict fulfilment of duty ? No ! That would be to graduate backwards, 
 like a crab. Shall it be graduation away from the idea of covenants? No! 
 Graduation from daily Bible-reading and daily prayer? No, no! Graduation 
 from systematic work for Christ and the Church? No! Graduation from 
 regular testimony in a prayer meeting? No! Graduation into what, then? 
 Why, into what shall it be but a Senior Society of Christian Endeavor ! 
 
 The Christian Endeavor pledge is helpful to a young man of twenty-five. 
 Will it not be equally helpful to the same young man ten years later? System- 
 atic committee work gives business-like efficiency to your Christian service now. 
 Will it not do the same a decade hence? Your consecration is fanned to a 
 fresher flame by the breath of each consecration meeting. Will there ever come 
 a time on earth when your consecration will not need periodical revivals? 
 
 Does any one object that our young men and women, leaving the Young 
 People's Society, should, without any Senior Society or pledge, go right on and 
 do for the older church just what they have been trained to do in their Endeavor 
 Society? The objector has forgotten the stimulus that comes from organiza- 
 tion, and the energizing force of definite obligations. One at a time our En- 
 deavorers drop out of the Young People's Society, out of its strenuous atmos- 
 phere of strict requirement and the close shoulder-to-shoulder of its working 
 fellowship. They do go into the full activities of the older church. They do 
 take part in its prayer meetings and do their full share, usually more than their 
 full share, of its work. But any one that knows human nature will know how 
 much more they could do if, on graduation from the Young People's Society, 
 they were received into another eager, compact body of Endeavorers, trained 
 like themselves, using the same methods, seeking the same goals. 
 
 But does any one object that this Senior Society would mean another meet- 
 ing? It would not. The prayer meeting of the Senior Society is the regular 
 church prayer meeting. To this it transfers its full Christian Endeavorpledge. 
 And how much such a phalanx of trained workers might do for our church 
 prayer meetings ! With Christian Endeavor zeal, they would fly to the weak- 
 est point. Are prayers lacking? They would pour them in, — ten, fifteen, 
 twenty, at a time. Does the singing drag ? They would focus their fresh young 
 voices into clarion leadership. Are the speeches too long? The Senior En- 
 
258 Official Report of the 
 
 deavorers would drive in the hot shot of testimony with cannon-ball brevity. Do 
 awful pauses yawn through the meeting ? The Seniors would systematically 
 fill them. The Senior Society meeting is the church prayer meeting. Do not 
 forget that. 
 
 And does any one further object that this will mean more church machinery.? 
 It will not. If your pastor will serve as president, install him in that office for 
 life. You will have no records, and will need no secretary. You will have no 
 money, and will need no treasurer. The simplest of constitutions — send to the 
 United Society for a suggestion of one — and the pledge — that is all you need. 
 No business meetings.'' Once a month, after the church prayer meeting, the 
 Senior Endeavorers should gather under the pastor's leadership and spend a 
 few minutes in prayerful search for new work. " How can we better the church 
 prayer meeting.? " they will ask at these monthly meetings. "How does the 
 Young People's Society need our help?" " What needed work, unattempted 
 by others, can we take up } " What pastor would not rejoice in such a meeting 
 of trained workers 1 Save this brief monthly conference, there is nothing visible 
 about the Senior Society. Its mission work is the Church's, its social work the 
 Church's, its temperance work the Church's, its finances the Church's. The 
 Senior Society would not Endeavorize the Church — though that wouldn't be 
 such a terrible thing — but would simply churchify Christian Endeavor. 
 
 Do you want to make the experiment, pastors? because \iyoii do not want 
 it, no one wants it made ; but if you do want to experiment, it is very easy. 
 Begin with a few. Don't remove all the older workers from the Young People's 
 Society at once. Let them withdraw gradually, in the meantime working to 
 make themselves unnecessary, training their successors as Elijah trained 
 Ehsha. The best way to start is for these older Endeavorers to belong, for a 
 time, to both Young People's and Senior Societies, gradually weaning them- 
 selves from the younger organization. Begin with a few. Single out the young 
 men with mustaches, and the young women with diamond rings on the third 
 finger of the left hand. Add a choice selection from the honorary members 
 and all the past members of the Society you can lay your hands on, and you 
 have the nucleus of a Senior Society. 
 
 Try it, Endeavorers, try it ! Your pastors co-operating, try it ! To strengthen 
 the Young People's Societies, to conserve for the Church their full vigor and 
 enthusiasm, try it! In many parts of Australia and in a few American churches 
 the experiment has been made, and in not a single case has it failed of glorious 
 success. Since the Junior movement, no phase of Christian Endeavor has 
 compared in importance with this. Do not wait for others to move, but be a 
 pioneer yourself! Connecticut, that State of bright ideas, has a Veterans' 
 Christian Endeavor Association, made up of its old State officers. Everywhere, 
 everywhere, Christian Endeavor has trained its veterans. Now let them band 
 together, and forward, march ! for new victories. I hear the tramp, tramp, 
 tramp, of the regulars. They are cadets no longer. Trained, they have 
 found out that they were trained for something. Their manual of arms is not 
 for the parade-ground, but the battle-field. Forward, Senior Endeavor, for 
 Christ and the Church ! 
 
 President Clark then introduced Rev. J. L. Withrow, D.D., LL.D., 
 moderator of the Presbyterian General Assembly. His topic was 
 *' Meetness for the Master's Use." 
 
 Address of Rev. J. L. Withrow, D.D., LL.D., Chicago, III. 
 
 Yesterday, at the Presbyterian Rally, I said I was pastor of six Christian 
 Endeavor Societies. As soon as the service was over, one of my young people 
 came to me with both hands up and said, " Why did n't you say eight societies 
 instead of six ? We have eight societies in our church." 
 
 Now I really begin to think, since I heard that old gentleman a minute ago, 
 that we will have to have a Senior Endeavor, a ninth society. I wondered what 
 on earth he was going to make out of " Senior Endeavor Society." Now I see 
 
Fiftee7itJi International Convention. 259 
 
 it and I approve of it. Whether I can get all my friends to see and approve 
 of it remains to be seen; but I am to have a subject with you to-night, and 
 that is •' Aleetness for the Master's Use ; " under the general topic of the day, 
 " Saved to Serve," a most suggestive topic. 
 
 What fits us for the Master's service — meetness for the Master's use? 
 Well, a pleasant recollection comes to my mind of a colored boy. It came to 
 my mind as these boys walked up here and sang to you; a colored boy in my 
 college days. He was the aid or the assistant to the professor of physics ; a 
 very illustrious and world-wide known man was the professor. Now Buck, as we 
 called him, thought he was nearly as important as the professor. All he had 
 to do was simply to care for the apparatus in the laboratory, to prepare for ex- 
 periments, and then to prepare such instruments as might be used by the 
 distinguished professor. But, oh, how important that young man felt himself 
 to be ! His learning was scant ; all he had in this world was little, except 
 his consciousness that he was the servant of the great professor. He looked 
 down upon us boys sitting in the forms, with a sort of pitiful air to think how 
 little we were compared to him, — we sitting there only receiving, and he serv- 
 ing the great gentleman who was behind the stand. 
 
 Well, I have thought a good many times of that in the course of my life. How 
 it lifts up a man if you are only serving a great deal greater one, and how it lifts 
 up Christians to realize who our Master is ! 
 
 That is a dignitied view of Christianity. That ought to make a man go up 
 toward the Son as he takes hold of the thought. 
 
 But now I am to take the time allotted to me to speak of what fits us for his 
 service; and in order to be as brief and condensed as possible I propose to say 
 first that there are some things he does not require. He does not require great 
 endowments, nor the promise of great accomplishments. First of all, God 
 assures us through Christ as our Master that he does not require for his service 
 that we shall be greatly endowed. Now, do not suppose, do not let any one 
 think, that I have an undervaluation of the importance of endowments, pow- 
 ers of nature, powers of education, or anything of the kind. I have not; far 
 from it. There is not anything in any of our powers equal to the work that 
 God can call us to do. That is a place for the greatest of brains and biggest 
 of hearts in his field of work. The leaders of the world have been the Lord's 
 men, and the leaders of the world to-day are the Lord's men. When he wanted 
 to have a law given us he chose a man whose fame as a law-giver should last 
 while time lasted. He found him in Moses; and when Moses began to give 
 laws all the jurisprudents of the world took pens and stood ready to copy. 
 There has been no improvement on the laws of Moses, and the greatest jurists 
 of the world have in the greatest respect looked to that teacher who was taught 
 in the desert by God as his teacher. 
 
 God wants big men. He can use big men. When he took up that little boy 
 into his own private care and kept him through childhood and until he was thirty 
 years of age, secreted him so no person could mislead his education, and then 
 brought him out on the banks of the Jordan, crying " Prepare ye the way of the 
 Lord, make his paths straight," God had a man there big enough to awake a world 
 that had been asleep for centuries. He uses big men. Men of the world who 
 have been leading characters have been God's men. 
 
 When he started in for a great reformation in his own Church he had a man 
 
 , who was vast enough in all the possibilities of his nature to rise above every 
 
 objection and every position and persecution, and the name of Martin Luther 
 
 can not be blotted out of human history. I could go on and multiply instances 
 
 indefinitelv of great men God has chosen to do his work. 
 
 But while God has chosen these big men for his uses, thanks be to his holy 
 name, we who can not claim any such extraordinary powers he does not require 
 to possess any great endowments. 
 
 I spoke about Moses. Now Moses had a mother. Her name was Jocabed. 
 I venture to say that some of you hardly know where she was born, who her 
 fathers were. I do not suppose Jocabed was ever president of a woman's club. 
 I do not suppose she ever read a paper before a lotus club. I do not suppose 
 
260 Official Report of the 
 
 she ever gave an afternoon tea in her hfe ; but as the mother of Moses she 
 was immense. 
 
 Pharaoh on his throne, proud and tyrannical potentate that he was, had a 
 daughter, and while his miserable bones have mouldered for centuries without 
 respect to his memory, all the world rejoices that his daughter was there to take 
 up the little baby out of the bulrushes. If she had not been there we would 
 not have had the big man. 
 
 It is possible for the Lord to use such a very small thing ! He does not need 
 to use a big man ; he can use the other as well — he can use the commonplace 
 for his purpose. 
 
 I rejoice that Paul, that man whose name stands first, next to Jesus Christ 
 — as big a man as he declared that not many are great among the Lord's men. 
 God chooses the weak things of the world. That is his way. He does not 
 need great endowments. If we have them, he takes them. If we do not have 
 them, he does not need them. Moreover, he does not need absolutely that we 
 shall have great promise of accomplishments in order to get us to accomplish a 
 great deal. I was trying to get a young man a place in Chicago not long ago, 
 and the first question that the proprietor of the establishment to which I applied 
 asked me was, " Where has the young man been ; what has he done; has he 
 been a success .'' " I said, " Well, I am sorry to say the poor fellow has not 
 gotten up very high so far as worldly success goes." The gentleman replied, 
 " Then I do not want him. He could be of little use to me. My business is a 
 big one. I do not want any man around me who has not already given good 
 promise of success. That is a rule in my business." Continuing, the man said, 
 " I am out of patience with these failures in life, and unless a man has proven a 
 success you need not bring him to me." 
 
 That is the way the business man of the world looks at it. Another great 
 business man who hires thousands of men said to me when I was trying to get 
 a young man a place in his factory, " In our factory a man's stool is worth so 
 much to us in his expense account. He has got to know before he goes there 
 how to fill that stool and give good promise that he will succeed. Otherwise, 
 he can not have the stool." 
 
 Now, blessed be the Lord, he does not ask me whether I am to be a great 
 success or not be a great success. You have probably heard people say that 
 often when there are three or four boys in a family, and one boy has not as 
 much brains as the other boys, they decide to make him a minister. If a man 
 does not know anything more than to pray, and sing, and preach, they put him 
 in the pulpit ; but the brainy boys they make business men out of. 
 
 Now I am inclined to think there is a little correction needed on this line. 
 I was talking to one of my fellows about that, and he was speaking of ministers 
 being of the other world rather than of this world : and I said, " Look here, my 
 dear boy, are you not a little wrong about this 1 The largest educational insti- 
 tutions that this country has ever produced have been founded by ministers 
 and controlled by ministers. They were the boys that had no brains, you say, 
 and therefore were made ministers. You are mistaken in that, I am sure;" 
 and I gave that fellow several other illustrations, and I might have added 
 this: " Do you know in the great thought of God it occurred that there had 
 better be a Christian Endeavor movement in the world; and he did not take 
 a business man to tliink it out. " 
 
 All the wonderful wisdom manifested in the management of this unparalleled 
 successful movement has been in the hands of those who, perhaps, when they 
 were boys, were thought by mama and papa to be rather the weaklings; who 
 could not stand the rough work of the world, and so they let them go into the 
 ministry, — praise the Lord! 
 
 Where would we be to-night if they had not? The Lord does not need 
 accomplishments to begin with. What does he need.? I think God requires of 
 us, first, a self-effacing affection for his personality; unhesitating obedience to 
 his word, and abounding confidence in his power to conquer and his assurance 
 of reward. I think those are his positive conditions of fitness. First of all, a 
 self-effacing affection for Jesus Christ, our Master, as a person. Who were the 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 261 
 
 mighty Christians of history? Who are the strongest of them now? Those 
 who believe in a form of religion; who are very much interested in the cere- 
 monials of religion, or creeds of religion. I believe in the creeds of religion. 
 I believe in the ceremonies of religion, but I maintain that is not the begin- 
 ning of power. I believe the first thing is self-effacing affection for Christ. 
 The trouble is that we get our personality between him and us, — our person- 
 ality. I think of what Bishop Phillips Brooks said in his course of lectures, 
 when he talked of the man behind the sermon, the Christian behind the Chris- 
 tian profession, — the personality. How big is that ? Is it so big that you and I 
 are everything, and Christ a small affair? Occasionally I think we regard Christ 
 as a sort of nonentity that the Church has got to talking about, and we have 
 lost the mighty power of a personal view of him. There is something sublime in 
 those old words in the Hebrews, "Seeing him who is invisible." I believe 
 firmly with those who profess that Jesus Christ is the One who was invisible. 
 You recollect that they did seem to have a view within the veil that many of us 
 know nothing about. You take the strong Christians whose names stand out in 
 history: Thomas k Kempis and William Law, that man whose books ought 
 not to be out of circulation as they are. There is a nearness of view that such 
 men had that made them irresistibly mighty in their Master's service. Dear Dr. 
 Gordon, of Boston, that man whom I love as I hardly love any other minister, 
 has written a song that seems to me to surpass anything else he ever wrote, — 
 "My Jesus, if I ever need love thee, my Jesus, it is Now." It was the close 
 approach of his soul to Christ that empowered him, made him fit for 
 service. Nothing else does. When Diogenes asked the monarch Alexander 
 what he could do to serve him, Alexander said to the old sinner, " Stand out of 
 my light." I think we are inclined to get between our Master and the thing we 
 do ; instead of having him everything, we are the big factor. 
 
 Talking to Dr, Clark last night, I was delighted to hear him say what he 
 has said many times before, publicly and privately. When I was expressing 
 my admiration for our Christian Endeavor work, referring to the fact that it 
 is not organized to death, that there is some freedom and liberty, he said, 
 " Oh, it is my constant desire to keep the hand off the ark." Let our personality 
 not come in the way of Christ. Let us first have a self-effacing affection for 
 him. That is the first condition of service. Another thing ; thaf is, we must 
 keep out our professionalism. What an expression that is of Paul, when he 
 says of those in Corinth that one says, "I go for Paul;" another, " I go for 
 Apollos ; " another, " I for Cephas ;" and then some poor little disciple peeped 
 up and said, " I go for Christ." Christ had to come in last, after three others. 
 And so some of you say you are a Baptist, or you are a Congregationalist, or 
 you are a Presbyterian; and another, "I go for the Lutherans," and another, 
 " I believe in the Methodists." Now, is it not quite possible that the Church 
 is ofttimes bigger than our Lord, and that it is often " I am a Presbyterian or 
 a Calvinist" rather than a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ? I fear it is. 
 How is it with you in your Church ? Do you hear more people say, " I am 
 for Christ " than " I am for Cephas," and " I am for the pastor," or " for the last 
 pastor, — I am for the new pastor'" ? Principally for the last pastor. 
 
 Obedience is better than sacrifice. Obedience that is based on a prom- 
 issory note never gets paid. What he wants is obedience to the letter; 
 obedience that is paid on demand. That is the kind of obedience my Master 
 wants of me. Not that I am going to take this, or do this, next week, but do it 
 mow. Procrastination taught me when I was a child that it was the thief of 
 time, and I have learned that it is the forty thieves in one. So I say if we can 
 only get the idea of what it means, be actually ready at any minute, that means 
 everything. 
 
 Friends, it is really good to get one of the great figures of history before 
 you. I like to look at Abraham. He was a man the size of whom you don't 
 see grown nowadays. I want to know if anybody here can tell how black his 
 hair was; how his features looked, and can re-produce them as if a photograph 
 had been taken of his face? How was the strength of that face mostly shown ? 
 It was never shown at all until God called that man to stand out alone from 
 
262 Official Report of the 
 
 the world. Every other man on the earth was an idolater, and God called him 
 to stand out ; and when Abraham heard the voice of God when he said, " Leave 
 your own land and your father's house," he did not tell him where he was to go, 
 he did not promise him afoot of ground, but said, " Go forward." That was all 
 Abraham knew, and he did not liesitate. And when you see him a little later, 
 starting with that only child, on whom his heart was set as never yours has 
 been set on your children, as much as you love them — when we see that man 
 following an unseen God, listening to a voice that was not addressed to his ear, 
 but his heart, and going up one day, the second day, the third day, to the top of 
 the mountain, and lifting up that knife to strike his son, — that is obedience. 
 
 When you and I have the Spirit like that the Lord will make ten men out of 
 one of us. That simple spirit of obedience, the spirit that we are following God, 
 makes us irresistible. That is what we want, — obedience. 
 
 It is told — and I have no doubt it is true — in regard to the first time Mr. 
 Stanley went to Africa, that he was in Paris when Mr. Gordon Bennett saw him 
 and said to him that he wanted him to go to Africa as his representative — I 
 have never seen this contradicted. He went to liis hotel, and knocking on his 
 outside door was admitted, and he told Mr. Stanley what he wanted, and 
 Stanley consented to go ; to go into the interior of Africa where but one white 
 man had ever trod, and no one knew whether or not he was alive. " When are 
 you ready to go ? " said Mr. Bennett. 
 
 " To-morrow morning." answered Stanley. 
 
 That is the kind of obedience I am sure pleases God, — not that I will do it 
 by and by, some other day, some other convenient season, but now. 
 
 There may be somebody here who is not a Christian. If so, he has probably 
 promised himself to become one at some future day. He wants you to do it 
 now, — now. Obedience unhesitating right now ! That is the way every par- 
 ent likes his children to act. I do not like this thing of " Just wait a minute 
 and I will do it." I have heard of a boy who was asked by his mother to bring a 
 pail of water. He said, " By and by." Every few minutes she would say to 
 him, " Have you brought that water.?" and he would answer, " No, but I will 
 bring it in a minute or two." And the day wore on, and at night his mother 
 called him and said, " Have you brought that water ?" and he replied,"! de- 
 clare I have forgotten that pail of water." 
 
 And so it is every day with the children of God, — we are putting off from 
 day to day what we ought to do now. Instantaneous, absolute obedience — 
 that is what we want to be better Christians. 
 
 There is another thing necessary. It is abounding confidence in our Leader, 
 that he has power to conquer. I tell you it is the Christian who believes 
 that this world is to be for Christ that will work for that end. Just as soon as 
 we can get our hearts full of the thought that this world is to be for Christ, the 
 kingdom of God will come. With that thought in our hearts we will become 
 mighty compared with what we were. 
 
 When Wellington was at his best, had never lost a battle, he came on the 
 field one day where defeat stared him in the face. But there went up the cry, 
 " Here come 30,000 men." The soldiers were filled with new courage and con- 
 fidence ; the victory was won. 
 
 We are all familiar with the victory of General Sheridan in the Valley of 
 Virginia, how he turned defeat into victory by coming on the field, because his 
 men had confidence in him as a leader. 
 
 A man who has no faith in the success of missionaries does not contribute 
 to the cause. It is only when we feel that this world is to be for Christ that we 
 are ready to go to work. Christ said to his disciples the first thing, " Go you and 
 stay by this until you receive power from on high, and you shall receive power 
 when the Holy Ghost has come upon you," a full conviction that will result in 
 the incoming of grace that will make us clarified, new men and women. That 
 is an essential of successful service. 
 
 Never since I began to preach has the relation between Master and man 
 been more strained than it is at the present time. In all the country there is 
 anxiety as to what may next come. This anxiety is largely because they that 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 263 
 
 are paid for service are being paid so poorly that the wage question is likely to 
 be a wedge question to split us if we do not have it arranged better than this. 
 When we think of a woman who has to work all day and get but seventy-live 
 cents for making a dozen shirts, a woman finishing off a fine cloak for four 
 cents, working twelve hours in the day, and getting one dollar at the end of the 
 week for her service, it is sad! Think of it. Oh, it is sad we have this way of 
 rewarding work in this world. Our blessed Lord did not look upon this as 
 right. 
 
 When Thomas Hood wrote, 
 
 " With fingers weary and worn, 
 With eyelids heavy and red, 
 A woman sat in unwomanly rags. 
 Plying her needle and thread. 
 
 " Work, work, work! 
 
 Her labor never flags. 
 And what are its wages, — a bed of straw, 
 
 A crust of bread, and rags, 
 That shattered roof and this naked floor, 
 A table, a broken chair, 
 And the wall so blank 
 My shadow I thank 
 For sometimes falling there," 
 
 he did not write from his imagination. It was a real scene tliat Hood 
 described. This day my eyes fell upon some lines written by a privileged 
 friend of the merry poet. Dr. Holmes, who always sung on his pages as if he 
 were full of blithesome gladness, and nothing else. This privileged friend 
 told me that while in conversation with Dr. Holmes he heard him say, " Oh, I 
 laugh outside, but I never laugh inside ; I cannot, it is impossible, the world is 
 so sad. Oh, the poor women ! " he says, " it breaks my heart to think of what 
 the poor women endure. " 
 
 Now let us look at the Lord's side. There came a poor woman with a 
 little box of ointment, and poured it on his head, and the odor of it fills the 
 world to-day. There came another poor woman into his house. She had but 
 a farthing, but she loved God so truly and personally that she put her one 
 farthing into his treasury, and Jesus looking said , " Wherever this gospel shall 
 be preached, it shall be told of her that she has done that. " That is his way 
 of rewarding ; and to you who have not even a penny — not a penny — he care- 
 fully put it down that if you will give but one cup of cold water to thirsty lips 
 because you love him, and for his sake, you will not miss your reward. Do not 
 let us lose heart to think that we are not going to get anything. Let us bear in 
 mind that our life here is brief, but in the world to come we are to have life 
 everlasting. 
 
 Christians, let us get ready, recognizing the conditions, and then we will 
 all meet together in a day of rejoicing, to sing of the reward. 
 
 The last speaker introduced vi^as Rev. Frederick J. Stanley, D.D. 
 Mr. Stanley, while now residing in New York, spent many years of his 
 life in Japan. 
 
 Address of Rev. Frederick J. Stanley, D.D., Newburgh, N. Y. 
 
 Touch the Christian Endeavor button, as electric current, and the thrill is 
 f^lt at the four corners of the globe. 
 
 This world for Christ ! Most certainly. The decree declared, per Psalm ii., 
 verses 7 and 8: " I have declared the decree. . . . Thou art my Son. . . . Ask 
 of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost 
 parts of the earth for thy possession." 
 
 The four grand lines along which the Christian Endeavorers now labor, as 
 four cardinal points of the compass, "The World for Christ," the north, or 
 magnet, to which the needle ever points, guiding the unified body. " Evangel- 
 istic Endeavor," " Christian Citizenship," and " Rescue of the Sabbath " are 
 the other three cardinal points. 
 
264 Official Report of the 
 
 Four great movements in this last century — as tlie century of centuries. 
 These by young people, as a rule, and for the young. 
 
 Modern Sabbath school (Robert Raikes, little over forty), in 1781, for the 
 young; modern mission movement, in 1794, by young William Carey, and in 
 1806 by young students in Williams College, of America ; Y. M. C. A., in 1844, 
 by young George Williams, in London; the climax of all, the young pastor in 
 Portland, Me., in 1881 (only fifteen years ago), giving to the Church the Chris- 
 tian Endeavor organization, for and by the young of the world. This is the 
 culmination of all the previous great movements of this marvelous century 
 of centuries. 
 
 Nearly one and a half millions of communicants sit down to the Lord's table 
 in heathen lands to-day. A hundred years ago scarcely a hundred, says one, 
 and but five missionary societies, whereas, to-day, there are 139, besides their 
 many hundreds of auxiliaries. 
 
 What means this.-" The time has come for the Christian Endeavor army to 
 march in and largely be God's instrument to take this world for Christ. 
 What hath God wrought already in this century? 
 
 The Bible translated into 386 languages and dialects, so that nine-tenths of 
 all the race can read (not do, but may read) the Word of God in their own 
 tongue ; whereas, one hundred years ago, but forty-four languages all told, as the 
 result of eighteen centuries' translation previous to this nineteenth century. 
 Only "make Jesus King," a voice from the distant lands to the Church of 
 Europe and America, accentuated by the fact that every nation echoes the plea 
 around the globe to-night. 
 
 Were our ancestors of seventy-five and a hundred years ago to return for 
 twenty-four hours to this mundane sphere, they would stand aghast at the won- 
 derful achievements, as they look at this world moved mightily by gas, steam, 
 and electricity ! 
 
 But gas, steam, and electricity have been latent powers in and around this 
 earth for thousands and millions of years. Only within the past seventy-five 
 years have these latent powers been developed to produce such marvelous 
 results. 
 
 Twenty-five years hence some will stand on the platform and marvel that for 
 centuries the Church allowed the powers and talents of the young to remain 
 latent, and only within the past half-century — it will then have been in 1920, 
 A. D. — shall these powers of religious activity have been developed to bless the 
 Church and mankind in bringing this world to the Cross, to crown Him King 
 of kings and Lord of lords. 
 
 Dr. Stanley wanted a new interpretation of the letters Y. P. S. C. E., so that 
 it might read "You Preach Salvation, Christ Everywhere." The Christian 
 Endeavorer should be world-wide. Gladstone had said that the great question 
 before the world was Christianity as the thing wanted for uplifting the people; 
 and the great Chinese diplomat, Li of China, had pleaded with a Baptist mis- 
 sionary to send more Christian missionaries to China to lift up the people of 
 his country. If the Christian Endeavorers did not go into the whole world with 
 their Society some other organization would be raised up to take its place. 
 
 SATURDAY HORNINQ. 
 
 Tent Williston. 
 
 The Junior rally took second place to no other meeting of the Con- 
 vention. Its size was not even limited by the confines of Tent Willis- 
 ton, but stretched out onto the White Lot, where thousands gathered to 
 see and hear. The enthusiasm was unsurpassed. Again and again and 
 
Fiftec7itJi hiter7iational Convention. 265 
 
 again did the audience rise up and cheer and applaud and wave handker- 
 chiefs, fans, hats, and umbrellas. No one who did not see the thrilling 
 sight can appreciate the beauty and inspiration of the great Junior rally. 
 
 The Juniors themselves, all except the seven hundred on the plat- 
 form, occupied the seats in the front of the tent to the number of more 
 than a thousand. They bore their banners and badges, and were an 
 impressive spectacle. A large band of Juniors from the orphan asylum 
 were among the last to arrive. On the platform was a scene lovelier 
 than any of the city's floral displays. The Juniors were massed to- 
 gether with beautiful effect. A hundred girls all in white, bearing Ameri- 
 can flags, and wearing red, white, and blue sashes, occupied the front 
 rows. Behind them were a large company of Juniors in various foreign 
 costumes, each carrying the flag of the nation he represented. Still 
 further back, and to the sides, were the Juniors of the chorus. 
 
 Several songs by this chorus, under Mr. Percy S. Foster's leadership, 
 opened the exercises. How they did sing ! And how they were 
 applauded ! 
 
 Rev. Joseph Brown Morgan, of Chester, England, led the devotional 
 exercises, in which the Twenty-third Psalm was repeated responsively. 
 A welcome in verse was manfully delivered by a Washington Junior, 
 Raymond Miles. 
 
 Address of Raymond Miles, Washington, D. C. 
 
 Juniors from North and West and South, 
 
 All over our broad land, 
 The boys and girls of Washington 
 
 Together with you stand. 
 We want to bid you welcome here, 
 
 But find no word to say 
 How earnestly and joyfully 
 
 We greet you all to day. 
 It 's " Welcome home " we say to you — 
 
 This is your city, too. 
 Dear to each boy and girl beneath 
 
 Our own Red, White, and Blue. 
 
 To vou, dear friends from other lands, 
 
 Who've journeyed far to come. 
 We give an earnest welcome now 
 
 From every heart and home. 
 You can not feel like strangers here — 
 
 Such thing could never be. 
 " One is our Master, even Christ, 
 
 And brethren all are we." 
 And tho' we work in different lands, 
 
 Our work is still the same, — 
 To do what boys and girls can do, 
 
 In Jesus' blessed name. 
 
 * 
 
 And as friends speak this afternoon 
 
 Strong words of help and cheer, 
 Hark! From Juniors everywhere 
 
 A mighty chorus hear ! 
 From Juniors who. with their own flags, 
 
 Christ's banner lift unfurled, 
 And who, with glad, unfaltering step, 
 
 Are marching round the world. 
 Then let us pass the greeting on. 
 
 And so — in our small way — 
 Help make the world the happier place 
 
 Because we met to-day. 
 
266 Official Report of the 
 
 The presiding officer, Rev. George B. Stewart, D.D., of Harrisburg, 
 Pa., responded. 
 
 Address of Rev. Geo. B. Stewart, D.D., Harrisburg, Pa. 
 
 Oh that I were a poet ! I never wanted to be able to compose poetry so 
 much in my life as I do now, for nothing but poetry of the most rhapsodic 
 character could give expression to our feelings of delight in responding to this 
 most cordial and happily expressed welcome. It has fallen to my lot to make 
 answer to this address of welcome, and unfortunately, you have to listen to 
 nothing but prosaic prose of the most prosaic character. 
 
 It may have seemed to some of you a few moments ago that I used language 
 of extravagance when I asked the question whether heaven could be very 
 much better than this. It at least seems to me that we have to-day a very large 
 section of heaven here. Our Lord has given us abundant assurance that 
 children are to be there, and are to be there in force. The Word of God said 
 that the streets of that New Jerusalem were to be filled with boys and girls. It 
 would not be heaven, it seems to me, if there were no children there. What is 
 home without children in this land 1 Would God that every home had chil- 
 dren ! Oh, that the condemnation of society might rest upon those homes that 
 scorn children ! We here to-day not simply give our endorsement to Junior 
 Endeavorers and our efforts to save the children, and make them of value in 
 their young years unto the State, but we here give our most solemn pledge to 
 the land that the Christian Endeavor Society the world over proposes to put 
 its seal of approval upon childhood. I rejoice that it has given me the privilege 
 to-day to preside over this rally. 
 
 What are boys good for ? Lots of things. They make men of them, and 
 that is one of the best things. And the girls 1 Why, they make women of girls, 
 and that is a great deal better. You never heard of a man selecting a man for 
 a wife. Why, we would not have one. A boy said to his father, " Papa, when 
 I get to be big I am going to do just as you do. I am going to have a soft 
 snap and make Ma run around and wait on you and do everything you want 
 her to do." Oh, that to me — I do not mean it in its servile character, there is 
 altogether too much of that — but that to me in its essence is the proud dis- 
 tinction of woman. She serves the home; she serves the country; she serves 
 her God. Girls, be such a woman! Boys, never get in late! Always be in 
 the front row ! Be assured that your best days are coming, and they are many. 
 Somebody has said, " Oh, for the glad days of youth and its careless abandon 
 and its freedom from care, thought, and anxiety ! " I tell you what it is, boys. 
 If I know anything about life the best of your life is yet to come. There is no 
 joy, there is no happiness, there is no blessing like the blessing that comes to 
 men in the pursuit of the higher callings of manhood. When you go out into 
 the activities of life, when you go out into the full power of your vigorous and 
 mature years, then indeed have you come into the blessings of life. I heard 
 Sir George Williams — a name that is known around the world and always 
 honored wherever known — I heard Sir George Williams say a few months ago, 
 in Exeter Hall, " There are some who think that youth is the happiest period 
 of manhood. I want to say to you young men that the very happiest period of 
 a man's life are the years between seventy and eighty. You will never know 
 what happiness is until you come to those mature years of seventy and eighty. I 
 know what I am talking about," said he. But some one spoke up out of the 
 audience and said, "Yes; but you must live as boys and young men as Sir 
 George Williams lived to be able to say that." And that is true, too. _ Start 
 right and you will go right. Success is at the top. You must begin right at 
 the bottom if you wish to get there. 
 
 I respond with all my heart for myself, for this large representation from 
 America on both sides of the Lake and below, and in the neighborhood of the 
 Gulf, for the countries beyond the sea that is called Pacific, and beyond that 
 sea which is anything but pacific, to bid you a cordial welcome. It is a great 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 267 
 
 joy to us to be in this Junior rally, to be present with you in this promised 
 heavenly Jerusalem, the capital of the universe of God. 
 
 After song by the chorus, Dr. Stewart said : — 
 
 We will now attend to the Junior exercise, which has been arranged by Mrs. 
 James L. Hill, of Salem, Mass., entitled, " The Juniors' Love of Country," and 
 it will be rendered by the Washington Juniors. 
 
 The exercise, "The Juniors' Love of Country," was prepared to give 
 special emphasis to good citizenship. The love of home is felt in 
 every land, and good citizenship is as appropriate to one clime as to 
 another, and flourishes in every soil, and so boys and girls represent- 
 ing the loyal Juniors of different nations spoke the praises of the vari- 
 ous countries in which Junior Endeavor Societies exist. At the begin- 
 ning of the exercise a young lady personating Christian Endeavor, and 
 called Saint Christian Endeavor, came upon the platform leading a 
 procession of forty-eight girls, dressed in white, with red, white, and 
 blue sashes, each bearing two flags and representing the states and 
 territories of our own land. After some very pretty movements the 
 marchers halted in a double semicircle about Saint Christian Endeavor, 
 and made a thrilling effect by lifting their ninety-six flags and singing 
 " The Star Spangled Banner." The marchers then withdrew and 
 Juniors gave brief recitations on patriotism. 
 
 At the end of the second section of the march, which contained dif- 
 ferent figures and evolutions from the preceding one, the girls halted 
 in a column four by twelve upon one side of the platform, and the Jun- 
 iors representing the different nations, with their various banners, 
 came in upon the other side. In this position all the boys and girls of 
 the Queen's countries having Junior Societies ( England, Ireland, Scot- 
 land, Wales, Canada, Australia, and India) sang responsively, with the 
 girls of the flag march, " God Save the Queen" and "My Country, 
 'T is of Thee," each company in turn holding aloft its flags while sing- 
 ing its national air. The marchers then withdrew, passing under the 
 English and American flags crossed above them, and left upon the 
 platform all the foreign Juniors, who gave brief recitations expressive 
 of their individual love of country. 
 
 The third section of the march contained the most complex evolu- 
 tions of all, and the coiling and uncoiling of the two lines of marchers 
 seemed like a brilliant dissolving view. The marchers having halted 
 in the form of a semicircle. Saint Christian Endeavor, with the mission- 
 ary and temperance committees (important factors in good citizenship), 
 ca<ne into the semicircle space. As the scenes at the close of the two 
 previous marches gave emphasis to the patriotic idea, — the first march 
 terminating with " The Star Spangled Banner " and the second making 
 conspicuous the banners of different nations. — so this section of the 
 exercise gave special prominence to the religious element, and with 
 Christian Endeavor flags held aloft, all sang " The Banner of the 
 Cross." Missionary and temperance recitations and songs followed, 
 and then came the fourth and final march. In this the marchers came 
 
268 Official Report of the 
 
 up in twos, in fours, in eights, and in sixteens, and halted in solid pha- 
 lanx sixteen abreast. All the Juniors of all nations and committees 
 who had taken part in the exercises quickly grouped themselves 
 around the marchers, and together with the whole Junior chorus, who 
 had risen in their places, chanted with great impressiveness, " Trusting 
 in the Lord Jesus Christ for strength, I promise him that I will strive 
 to do whatever he would like to have me do," the Junior Christian 
 Endeavor pledge set to music by Mrs. Hill. All the Juniors remained 
 standing, and the audience rose, and the orchestra lending its aid, all 
 joined in singing as a final full chorus, 
 
 " Christ for the world we sing, 
 The world to Christ we bring." 
 
 President Bagby, of the Washington Junior Union, was introduced, 
 and spoke of the fact that the day was Mrs. Hill's birthday, and that 
 the Juniors wished to remember it. She was then presented with a 
 large bunch of roses by a tiny girl. Mrs. Hill, who had been received 
 with much enthusiasm, made an appropriate response. 
 
 Dr. Stewart then introduced President Clark, and he was given a 
 hearty greeting by the boys and girls. 
 
 Address of President Francis E. Clark. 
 
 Dear Juniors, Boys and Girls : — I am put down on the programme for a greet- 
 ing; but I do not bring greetings. I want you to send the greetings. I want to 
 take the impression of this great audience and this beautiful sight with me all 
 the coming year. One week from next Thursday, on the 23d of July, Mrs. Clark 
 and 1 sail for the other side of the sea. We shall see many Juniors in many 
 lands, and I want to take with me your greetings, and I want you to send them. 
 I thmk you are all ready to send them, and when we get to these lands and 
 look into the faces of strange Juniors with different complexions from yours, 
 and in different costumes, we shall think of this beautiful sight and the greet- 
 ings that you send. Now I am going to ask you to send them by standing 
 and waving your flags or your handkerchiefs, or if you have not any handker- 
 chiefs, by clapping your hands, and then I will take them with me. Over there 
 they do not like whistling, but they like every other kind of demonstration ; just 
 as much noise as you can make, except whistling. 
 
 Now in the first place, we are going to Germany, and we shall see some 
 German Juniors. Do you want to send your greetings to them ? If so, let me 
 know it. (Great cheering and waving of flags and handkerchiefs by the chorus.) 
 There is a cheer from the Juniors, and now I want to take the same greetings 
 of the audience here as well as the audience there. (Cheering by the audience.) 
 Then we shall go to Scandinavia, to Sweden, to Norway, and Denmark. Do 
 you want to send your greeting to those countries? If so, say so. (Great cheer- 
 ing and waving of flags and handkerchiefs by the chorus and the audience.) 
 And I shall go to France probably for two or three weeks, and see something 
 of the Juniors in sunny France. What will you say to them ? (Great cheering 
 and waving of fln<:;s and handkerchiefs by the chorus and audience.) And then 
 to Old England, dear Old England, Mother England, as we all love to call her 
 just as much as Mr. Morgan or Mr. Towers or any of the English friends who 
 are here. I shall go to Great I5ritain before the end of the year probably, and 
 what message will you send to the Juniors of dear Old England, Scotland, and 
 Ireland t (Great cheering and waving of flags and handkerchiefs by the chorus 
 and the audience.) That is the best of all. And then before the year is over I 
 expect to go to India and see a great many of the dusky Juniors. Do you send 
 a cheer for them, too ? (Cheering and waving of flags and handkerchiefs by the 
 
Fifteenth lutcrfiational Convcntiun. 209 
 
 chorus and audience.) And one more country I expect to visit, and that is 
 South Africa, — Cape Town, and Port Natal, and those countries, — liave you a 
 cheer for them ? ((ireat cheering and waving (jf flags and handkerchiefs by the 
 chorus and audience.) I thank all of you Juniors. I go loaded down with all 
 these messages and Ijlessed greetings. 1 am glad to take them. Just a minute 
 longer. 'I'here are two or three here who are going to speak about fifty words 
 each, and I know you will all be glad to iiear tliem. They are from far-off 
 lands. They are especially connected with Junior work, every one of them; 
 and first I will present the Kev. Fred. C. Kline, formerly of Jaijan, the fir.st 
 Methodist Protestant missionary of the world and the founder of the first Junior 
 Society in Japan. 
 
 Mk. Klink: Having assi.sted my wife to organize the first Junior Society 
 among the Japanese, about five years ago, I bring you most heartily tlieir cor- 
 dial greetings. They hail you in Christ's name, and they wish for you every 
 earthly good. They pray the Master to abide in your hearts unto the enrich- 
 ment of you in all spiritual forces and agencies, that you may become mighty 
 in the Word of God, successful in leading others to Christ, and to exalt his 
 name supreme among the nations. Christian Endeavor, live forever ! 
 
 Prksiuknt Clark: And another, Miss Anna V. Webb, of Spain, who 
 formed the Junior Society three years ago in San Sebastian, Spain. 
 
 A letter from Miss Webb was read : — 
 
 Dear friends, as one of our number is going to the great Convention we had 
 thouglit to send you this letter, and we are so glad to do so. We are very happy 
 because we can be members of the Junior Endeavor .Society, and now we wish 
 that n(jt only was there one Junior .Society, but many, anfl we ask (iod that he 
 will estaljlish and create a great many more, both of Young People's and 
 Junior Societies. Our .Society now bids to you good-l)ye, and sends you all our 
 love and the praise of a hymn that we all know in England : — 
 
 "Jesus loves me; this 1 know, 
 For the Hible tells me so ; 
 The little ones to him belong; 
 They are weak, but he is strong.'' 
 
 President Clark : Just one more; and any one who goes out will mi.ss 
 something, I assure you, for the last one who brings greetings is from far-off 
 China, from .Shanghai, — Miss Mary Posey, from the Southgate Presbyterian 
 mission in .Shanghai, where are some of the noljlest Juniors in all the world. 
 Miss Posky : With a heart full of love and gratitude to (Jod, and prompted 
 by loyalty and devotion to you, our flear Doctor and Mrs. Clark, for coming 
 into our midst a few years ago, when fiod sent you to us, we, the superin- 
 tendents and teachers and members of our Junior band in Southgate, Shanghai, 
 China, extend to you most cordial greetings, and may Gorl bless you and the 
 noble work of the Y. P. .S. C. V^. We want this banner (presenting beautiful 
 silk banner) to speak a message of love to our Juniors and to those interested in 
 Juniors, in Junior work, especially to those who have been so much to us in help 
 and prayer. We want it to speak a message of joy, and tell you how it is for 
 us who are engaged in the blessed service of bringing the Gospel to those who 
 know it not in heathen lands. We want it to be a mute appeal to you to do more 
 ancl diffuse the blessed (Gospel among races in other parts of the earth. Many of 
 our dear Juniors a few years ago had no light of the world to guide them. Now 
 they rejoice in the same Saviour that you and I do to-day. I want to call your 
 attention to this little Chinese girl (referring to a representation of a Chinese 
 girl on the banner) with large feet, with natural feet, the kind that God made for 
 her in the first place. She is pointing there to her flag. You see the cross of 
 Christ has obliterated the dragon. Now these dear children here to-day 
 should welcome this glorious thing, for the dawn of this light is just breaking 
 in this far-off land. 
 
 President Clark: I am very glad, indeed, to accept this beautiful ban- 
 ner, .so beautifully presented by Miss Posey. I can assure her and the Juniors 
 
270 Official Report of the 
 
 of Shanghai that we will prize it among our dearest treasures, and that we shall 
 keep it not only as individuals, but as representatives, if we may, of you, and 
 we will keep it safely for you; but the Junior member of my family is Mrs. 
 Clark, and 1 want to hand it over to her, to give it in her safe-keeping, and then 
 I will know that it is all right. 
 
 Mrs. Clark, in response to calls for a speech, said : — 
 
 I remember three or four years ago in Shanghai taking a wheelbarrow ride 
 with the lady who has just brought this banner, and as my education in wheel- 
 barrow riding had been somewhat neglected, and as the Chinese wheelbarrow 
 is often more complicated than an American one, I distinguished myself by 
 falling off ; but when we arrived at our destination, and I saw those little Chinese 
 boys who sent this banner, my heart was touched, and I am sure if you could 
 see those boys you would all want to send not only your greetings, but your 
 prayers and your sympathies to the boys and girls in China. I thank you for 
 my share in this. 
 
 Dr. Stewart : And now we are about to close this meeting. I am sure 
 that the missionary to Iceland who described heaven as a very warm place was 
 right. For it is very warm here and it is very heavenly ; but before we close and 
 have the benediction we will listen to a song which was sung in the early part 
 of the service, and for which numerous requests have come from the audience. 
 
 The chorus repeated the hymn, " Who Will Follow Jesus ? " 
 After benediction, at 11.30, the meeting adjourned. 
 
 Tent Washington. 
 
 No gospel gathering is so thrilling as one that brings together large 
 bodies of men grandly in earnest for Christ. Is that because of the sad 
 rareness of the sight .-' At any rate, the masculine regiments that 
 thronged into Tent Washington for the evangelistic meeting for men 
 only, the splendid men's choir under the leadership of Mr, P. P. Bil- 
 horn, that gave its ringing Gospel invitations, the cries of " Amen ! " and 
 *' Praise God ! " and " Hallelujah ! " from the throats of enthusiastic men, 
 the magnificent singing of those thousands of men, the strong appeals 
 of the manly evangelists, — men every inch of them, — all this was 
 glorious. 
 
 The songs were mainly patriotic, and great enthusiasm was mani- 
 fested for "America" and "God Save the Queen." Mr, Bilhorn's 
 sweet songs, too, were very popular ; but one of the features of the 
 morning was Consul Booth-Tucker's little Prussian violinist, with his 
 broken phrases and his singing instrument. Secretary Baer presided, 
 and introduced the general secretary of the Young Men's Christian 
 Association of Washington, Mr. W. N. Multer, to lead the opening 
 devotional exercises. 
 
 Mr. Multer called on the men to sing again the second verse of 
 " America," and then to give the Gospel hymn, " Come, Thou Almighty 
 King," to the same tune. This was done with fervor, and after an 
 alternate reading of selections of the Psalms, Mr. Multer led in prayer. 
 
 " Throw Out the Life-Line " was next sung, under the leadership of 
 Mr. Bilhorn, who tried his favorite plan of raising the key half a 
 note at each succeeding verse. This kept the voices going higher and 
 higher, until they rang forth with a power that was unsuspected at first. 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 271 
 
 Secretary Baer then introduced the first speaker of the morning, Mr. 
 C. N. Hunt, of Minneapolis, president of the Minnesota Christian 
 Endeavor Union, a lawyer who has abandoned his profession to work 
 for Christ. 
 
 Address of Mr. C. N. Hunt, of ninneapolis, Minn. 
 
 Heb. ii. 3, " How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation ?" and there 
 is no answer to the question. If there had been God would have put it in his 
 Book. It is asking the question, "What shall it profit a man if he gain the 
 whole wodd and lose his own soul?" There is no profit. It is only loss, loss, 
 eternal loss. I want to bring to your attention two or three verses of the Book, 
 — for I am going to stick pretty close to the Book, that is all I have, — one of 
 which is in John xii. 32, " And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all 
 men unto me." 
 
 I am glad to say to-day what you already know : that what we most want to 
 think about here, in a meeting of men, is that Jesus Christ was a man. I am 
 also glad to say that Jesus Christ was a young man. Jesus Christ died for 
 men. Jesus Christ lives for men. Jesus Christ lives in men. Jesus Christ to- 
 day works through men. The invisible Christ in the world to-day is in men, 
 dwelling and abiding there by the Holy Spirit. 
 
 Now turn again to the third chapter of John, and I read these words: "Ex- 
 cept a man be born again he can not see the kingdom of God." . . . "Verily, 
 verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of the Spirit he can not enter the 
 kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is of flesh; and that which 
 is born of the Spirit is Spirit." 
 
 Here is the entrance into this Christ life. Men have long been seeking to 
 live a true life, an abundant life, but it is only found in Jesus Christ, who said, 
 " I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in 
 and out, and find pasture. ... I am the way, the truth, and the life." 
 Jesus Christ came not to take away from men honor or reputation, ability or 
 power. He came to give men honor, reputation, ability, and power. I may 
 be mistaken; I have been in political life, I have been in legal life, ten years; 
 I have met men along the plane which men of business and professional men 
 walk — I say I may be mistaken, but if I can see aright the future I believe 
 to-day that the shortest cut to any place of position and power in this govern- 
 ment, nation, or state is by upholding boldly, manfully, everywhere the princi- 
 ples of Jesus Christ. 
 
 I heard a woman say from this platform the other day just what I wanted to 
 say, and I am glad to say it, taking it from a woman's lips. She said, speaking 
 geometrically, that "the shortest cut between earth and heaven is a religious 
 life." But I believe something that has not gotten into the hearts of men: that 
 the shortest cut between the lowliest place on God's green earth or under his 
 blue sky, not only between earth and heaven, but between such lowly place and 
 the White House on the hill yonder, is a righteous life. 
 
 The kingdoms of this world are not only to become, but they are becoming 
 now, and will continue to become, the kingdoms of the Lord and Christ. And 
 so I am glad to-day to uphold to you this great salvation. I can not tell you 
 what it has done for me. I can not tell you where it has lifted me from, or to 
 vv^at point it has lifted me. I can tell you this : that when God's Word entered 
 my heart — there it is (holding up the Bible) — ■ then it was my blinded eyes were 
 opened; then it was I had a vision, not only of heaven above, but of heaven 
 here below. I believe what John saw on the hill of Patmos is not very far 
 away: "And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God 
 out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a 
 great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men." 
 Is with man — not with angels, but with man. I am glad to say it, because I 
 find everywhere, as I go about over the land preaching this blessed Gospel of 
 Jesus Christ, men say, " You are visionary ; you are up in the sky." Down our 
 way preachers are often spoken of among some people as "sky pilots." 
 
272 Official Report of the 
 
 Now there are a great many places in this earth not very far from where we 
 are standing, in this beautiful white city of America, that are very, very black. 
 If there are any great lights in this Convention, in the Christian Endeavor Con- 
 vention anywhere, oh, I tell you there are plenty of places for them this side of 
 heaven ! 1 do not much believe they will get into heaven hereafter unless they 
 get into heaven right here now. 
 
 That is why I think it is a great salvation. It is a great salvation because it 
 saves a man. Now I am going to say what some of you may not agree with, 
 but I have found it to be true, and so I am going to say it. It saves man 
 from himself. If I were to spell devil I would spell it with four letters, s-e-l-f. 
 I do not know how you may be. I heard a brother who was being examined 
 the other day say he did not believe in a personal devil. I do, and I don't 
 know anything about theology either, and 1 don't know very much about heaven, 
 and I don't know and don't want to know very much about hell. But I 
 do know if I could get rid of self and of selfishness that heaven would become 
 very much a part of me and my home, of my daily life, of my mingling with 
 my fellows, of my social and of my municipal life, and of my life as connected 
 with this great government. 
 
 And so we are saved from ourselves. I am not going to speak very much of 
 the greatness of this salvation as it pertains to heaven, because I would not 
 speak of that of which I do not know ; but all I say as I go about among men 
 and see men who are giving all their time and talent to the tilings that fade and 
 perish, is " Oh, to get a vision of Jesus Christ, and his righteousness, and his 
 power, and kingliness, and his manliness, then these lesser things will fade 
 away ! " 
 
 Jesus Christ is here now in this place as the Saviour of men. How may a 
 young man cleanse his ways .? The great Psalmist said, " By taking heed there- 
 to." We have gotten too far away from the Word of God. This greatness of 
 salvation in Jesus Christ is going to take us right back to the simplicity of the 
 Word of God. I tell you we need it everywhere. You tell me that the principles 
 of this book are not practical in politics ? I tell you that they are, and the poli- 
 ticians, not only of this fair city, or that congregate here, but of all the fair 
 cities of this fair earth, are, within the next ten years, — and I am not a 
 prophet, or a son of a prophet, — going to recognize the fact. But that salva- 
 tion must come in you, and through you. Jesus Christ saves cities, he saves 
 nations, he saves states, he saves societies, he saves homes, only as he saves 
 the individuals. You can never get away from that. 
 
 There is only oneway I can read logically or legally in this book, whereby 
 Jesus Christ can save men; it is by saving man. That is how. And you, and 
 you, and every brother on this earth can only be saved in that way, for we are 
 all brothers in Jesus Christ, thank God. Paupers may be fit for princes, and 
 princes may be fit for something less, —they very often are, are n't they .?— but 
 Jesus Christ knew not only what was in men, but what man might become as 
 the love of Jesus Christ entered his soul ; and so, I say, Jesus Christ saved men 
 as the seed of this book commenced to find a lodging-place in their hearts. I 
 do not think it necessary to know anything about theology to be truly religious. 
 I know nothing about theology. Men become very prosperous farmers without 
 knowing anything about agriculture, in a technical way ; men become lovers 
 of flowers, and cultivate them, without knowing much about the science of 
 botany ; men become successful politicians without knowing anything about 
 political economy. And so I believe that the religion of the Lord Jesus Christ, 
 from the Word of God itself, must find a lodgment in your souls, and that it is 
 something to save you. It is not going to be a process immediate. I am not 
 going to live for selfishness and sin here, and then, when I die, because I have 
 sung songs, be transported to heaven ; nor will I, because I have neglected some 
 theological doctrine, or plan, be sent to the lowest hell. But if I refuse Jesus 
 Christ, the great light of the world, if I refuse to let him into my life, seeing his 
 wonderful light among men ; if I refuse to let that power have control over me, 
 what then ? Have 1 not, deliberately, chosen the darkness, and has not God 
 made me a free moral agent, to choose the light or not to choose it.? Jesus 
 
FiftcentJi International Convention. 273 
 
 Christ did not come to condemn ; he came to save the world. And you have 
 the proud position of being one of his lieutenants, one of his captains, in this 
 great salvation work , — every man here, and every man you may come in con- 
 tact with. I think we all want to be saviours of men. I am thankful to do any- 
 thing for this great salvation. 
 
 In '32, it is said, one wandered by the shores of Galilee. He looked at 
 the footprints of the Christ on those shores. He saw what he had done, what 
 he was doing, and then it was that he said, rising out of his darkness and unbe- 
 lief, these wonderful words that may bring light into many a soul to-day : " If 
 Jesus Christ be a man and only a man, I say of all mankind I will cleave to 
 him, to him will I cleave alway. If Jesus Christ be a God and the only God, I 
 swear I will follow him through heaven and hell and earth and sea and air." 
 And so will I ; and any man who will may not only be saved, but better than 
 that — according to the motto of yesterday, starting from the place where he 
 lives, he may be a saviour of men. That is the greatest business God ever 
 called any man to, for he gave it to his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. 
 
 Mr. Baer: First and last there are many amusing things that come to a 
 convention. President Clark received a letter, I think since his arrival in 
 Washington, urging this great Christian Endeavor Convention to take steps at 
 once to kill the two Salvation Armies in this country, the American Volunteers 
 and the Salvation Army. The writer said that the mission of the Christian 
 Endeavor was to kill them. Well, I am very sorry indeed that the writer takes 
 a different platform and view from what I think you do. I regret that Mr. 
 Ballington Booth was unable to accept the invitation to be present with us here 
 in Washington, but I am glad to say to you that the commander of the Ameri- 
 can forces of this great world-wide Salvation Army is with us. The Salvation 
 Army, like Christian Endeavor, has gone around this wide world saving souls 
 for Jesus Christ. In America it is America for Jesus Christ. I am glad to 
 introduce the new commander, who recently came to us from India, Commander 
 Booth-Tucker. 
 
 Address of Commander F. De L. Booth-Tucker, New York City. 
 
 Mr. Baer and Friends .• — I am sure the warmth and heartiness and spontane- 
 ousness of your reception will do what Mr. Baer stated some one has suggested 
 — it will kill me. I think if Mr. Ballington Booth had been here it would have 
 killed him also, and then you could have put us both in a grave together. And 
 I am sure there is enough fire and fervor in this meeting, and enough faith in it, 
 to have had a resurrection. That would have been the best of all. 
 
 I accepted this invitation with great hesitancy because I felt that at the 
 present time I have come to America very much in the position of a learner. 
 However, I am an American citizen, and am proud to be one. My ancestors 
 have been American citizens, so I am only following in their footsteps. Yet, I 
 feel that I come on this occasion as a learner, because 1 have spent twenty of 
 the best years of my life as a missionary in India. I feel I have all my experi- 
 ence to gain, and I come in the position of a baby American citizen. But some- 
 how or other the baby is always an interesting member of the family. I belong 
 to the family, and I shall realize after this meeting more than ever that I am a 
 real member of the family, and have been accepted as such. Even if the baby 
 coos it is interesting; if the baby caterwauls, it is almost as interesting. Some- 
 body must run for the bottle, and if the bottle is not at hand they must get the 
 comforter, and there must be something done. I feel proud of this oppor- 
 tunity, but, as I say, I feel unequal to it. I suppose, however, even in the posi- 
 tion of a learner, the pupil-teacher going on with his learning may at the same 
 time say a few words. 
 
 I feel there are classes of Christian Endeavorers for whom it is not necessary 
 for me to say a word here to-day, but perhaps there are some others who may 
 be somewhat in the same position that I am ; that whereas they may have been 
 American citizens a long time, perhaps they have not been followers of Jesus 
 Christ for a long time, and perhaps their Christian endeavors have been of a 
 
274 Official Report of the 
 
 limited character and were not commenced a very long time ago. Well, I 
 would like to stand before you to-day and say there is encouragement for every 
 one of us. As I came here to-day I thought, Supposing I were to go around and 
 ask all the Christian Endeavorers here in Washington what they would like me 
 to speak about from my own little bit of personal experience of Salvation war- 
 fare — what they would like me to mention. It came to my mind that the 
 problem was, Who are we to Christian Endeavor in the way in which the one life 
 we possess shall be used most for the glory of God and the salvation of souls? 
 How are we to do it .? How are we to Christian Endeavor.? I feel very much 
 afraid to go on and give any ideas of my own, because you have had this laid 
 down to you so often and so much more clearly than probably I would be able 
 to make it — so clearly that you can hardly have further light thrown upon the 
 matter. Yet, as a representative of an organization which has made a special 
 study of the art of saving souls, which has made that its special object, which 
 has been created for that purpose, I feel that I may say something. 
 
 We now have on an average some 250,000 kneeling at the penitent form year by 
 year, seeking salvation there. Out of those 250,000, from the lowest calculation 
 some 25,000 are drunkards. I think that may encourage me a little, not for my 
 own sake, but because I am the representative of that Christian Endeavor work 
 which is carried on by the Salvation Army throughout the world; a work that 
 has its representatives, no doubt, in this city, and that has its representatives, 
 no doubt, by many thousands, in this country, that has a representative on this 
 very platform, who was formerly a Prussian Cavalry officer, and who was 
 reduced to the lowest depths of degradation by drink, until he entered one of 
 our American Salvation Army meetings on the Bowery of New York as an ordi- 
 nary bum, dressed in rags and tatters. He was sleeping at the time in a lum- 
 ber-yard, and came and knelt at the penitent form, and sought salvation, and 
 found it. He went back to the lumber-yard every night and slept for fourteen 
 nights until he got his first job. Now you see him on the platform, and he is a 
 beautiful sight to look at. I would like you to have a look at him. 
 
 Dr. Nyce came forward at Mr. Baer's invitation, and said : — 
 
 My precious friends, this is one of the greatest honors which God has ever 
 bestowed upon me, that he has called me_ before you to give my testimony for 
 his glory and his honor. From the position I was in the blood of Jesus alone 
 can save. I know that his blood can cleanse and save even a drunkard like I 
 was once. From rags and tatters I came to Christ, and I cried out, "Jesus, 
 save me, or I perish," and the Lord spoke to me ; and my rags fell off and new 
 clothes were put upon me, and he gave me a new heart ; and to-day I am proud 
 that I am a follower of Christ Jesus, my blessed Master. 
 
 Commander Booth-Tuckek : Now, I tell you, I have come to the country 
 with fear and trembling. I thought, as I stepped on American soil. Now I 
 am going to tread the soil trod by the saintly Charles G. Finney, who has had 
 more influence upon my life, so far as religion is concerned, than anybody out- 
 side the Salvation Army. I say, I came to this country of great religious lead- 
 ers with fear and trembling; but I turn with a measure of comfort and 
 satisfaction to that organization which has been made up of little people, and I 
 think that is perhaps why Mr. Baer picked me out, — when I was the wrong 
 person for him to pick out,— why he invited me to come and speak on behalf 
 of the little ones; speak a word to the little ones; and I might say to you who 
 are not Talmages, and Cuylers, and Finneys, and who are not the great leaders 
 we have had in this country, that there is a chance for all of us; that Ciod 
 Almighty has a need for you and me, and I will rise up and try to do my best. 
 
 There is no telling what we can do until we rise up and try to do it. I was 
 myself one of the most bashful young men that ever walked the face of the 
 earth ; one of the most timid ; one of those who possess by nature very little natural 
 courage. Some seem to have courage born in them. I liad not. What cour- 
 age I have has come by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and through his 
 precious blood. I was one of his cowardly ones, and I look back and see how 
 
Fifteenth International Convcjition. 275 
 
 he has raised me up ; and so I say there is not an old man nor a young man 
 here whom he can not take hold of and whom he can not use. 
 
 I was looking at those wonderful verses the other day in the good Book 
 where a description is given of Moses and the burning bush ; how he stood in 
 the desert and looked on that marvelous sight, — the bush that was burning, 
 yet was not consumed. While he was looking at it he received that wonderful 
 call of his to go forth to the salvation of Israel. He was at the time a common 
 shepherd; he was in hiding somewhere — in concealment, in such circum- 
 stances that when the call came to him it came to him as a surprise and seemed to 
 him an impossibility. I think I can see him pleading with the Lord. "The 
 fact of the matter is, I have a family and a business here demanding my pres- 
 ence." I can see him arguing the matter out with the Lord, and saying that he 
 would have to take care of those poor sheep. It seems ridiculous that under 
 such circumstances he should stop to argue that it was important for him to 
 give his attention to a few paltry sheep, but yet that is probably what he did: 
 and he probably said when he came along there that the other shepherds had 
 gotten the start of him, and that after he had begun to have some business he 
 ought not to be called away ; that he was a man eighty years old, and that 
 there were others who could be called. Finally, he probably said, " I am a 
 stammerer; I am not an eloquent man. Though I passed my examinations in 
 Egypt with credit, and graduated yonder and passed one thing and another, 
 yet still, as a speaker, I was a stammerer, and therefore there is no use for me 
 to go. In the debating societies in Egypt they used to make fun of me. I 
 never could make a speech. So there is no use of my going. There are others 
 better qualified than I am." 
 
 So I wonder how many there are here saying in the same way, " Send whom 
 thou wilt, but send not me." But you know the Lord put his foot on every 
 objection ; and Moses with his family, and Moses with his business to be left 
 behind him, and Moses the old man of eighty, and Moses the stammerer with- 
 out ability, without courage, was selected by God to do that great work that he 
 did. Moses was the one chosen by God. 
 
 I look around me now and I am convinced of the fact that there are plenty 
 of Moseses. And there are burning bushes for you to look at. The Christian 
 Endeavor is a big bush blazing with the power of God, and though it blazes 
 away it is never consumed. The Salvation Army is a big burning bush which 
 is burning away and yet is never consumed. And (iod speaks to us through 
 these burning bushes and says, " I want to send you out for the deliverance of 
 nations, or for the deliverance of drunkards, for the deliverance of backsliders, 
 and I want you to rise up and put aside your excuses. I want you to do what 
 Moses did, to settle the question on the spot and rise up and say, ' Here am I, 
 send me.'" Realizing your weakness and realizing your unworthiness for the 
 position, yet with all the difficulties to overleap you will surmount those difficul- 
 ties by the grace of God, and say, " I will go at once, and I will seek to save 
 that which is lost." And mark my words; the weakest of you will become the 
 strongest, and the most narrow the most wise, because the mere fact of your 
 weakness will cast you more utterly on God Almighty for the help and assist- 
 ance which he is ready to give. 
 
 Now I want you to make this meeting a settling-point in which you shall go 
 forth anticipating some difficulties to meet you. I want you to make up your 
 minds that this shall be a meeting from which you shall go forth to accomplish 
 in the name of Jesus something great. Persist until you get it; seek until you 
 find it ; knock until the door of opportunity is open. 
 
 I remember reading about the great General Garibaldi — that on one of his 
 campaigns he camped one night, and as the soldiers were sitting in their tents 
 a woman came to the opening of the General's tent crying, and he had her brought 
 in to him. The General had a great heart, and he asked her what was the 
 matter. Was she in need of money .•' If so, she should have it; he would help 
 her. She said no, that it was not money that she wanted, but that she had 
 lost a little lamb ; that the lamb had been the pet of the household, and that 
 she could not bear the thought of not seeing it again ; that she had searched 
 
276 Official Report of the 
 
 everywhere without success, and she was despairing of finding her pet. 
 Garibaldi turned around to his staff-officers, his generals, and majors, and 
 others, and he said, " Gentlemen, let us go and find the lamb for the poor wo- 
 man." The officers looked a little curiously at one another as they started off 
 with their sabers dangling and clashing at their heels. They went out, and 
 after a time had elapsed, one after another came back to the camp without the 
 lamb, and darkness set in. But Garibaldi did not put in his appearance; he 
 did not return till the other officers had gone to sleep for the night. When the 
 sentinel in the morning came to wake up the General he found him sleeping 
 soundly, a little extra tired, and he had to shake him to awaken him. "Gen- 
 eral, it is time to be marching ; " and as the sentinel shook him he noticed that 
 there was something a little big in the General's overcoat, and upon examining, 
 there was the little lost lamb. He had searched until he had found; and not 
 until he had found that lamb did he return to the camp and seek his rest that 
 night. 
 
 When the angel of death comes, when the sentinel of the skies comes and 
 lays his hand on you and tells you it is time to take the last march to the land 
 beyond, shall he find the lamb in your bosom } Shall he find you have sought 
 until you have found? In the slums, in the saloons, in the highways and 
 hedges, — you will find your lamb if you will but search. 
 
 The example of the Salvation Army stands before you as a testimony that 
 God will use the weak thing, and I tell you — • and with this I will sit down — 
 I once made up a little jingle, and it has been a great comfort to me : " The joy 
 of joys is the joy that joys in the joy of others." There is no joy like that joy, 
 — the joy of being the saviour of souls. 
 
 When I was in India there was an officer engaged in our work who was a 
 High Caste Brahmin. He had been very delicately brought up as a boy in the 
 city, and he was sent out to do work where the food was poor and the sur- 
 roundings bad, and he had many difficulties to contend with. He went forth to 
 his work. The leader over him was a delicate young girl, a solicitor's daughter, 
 who had left a home of luxury to go out and labor for the Lord. She was very 
 anxious about this dear officer. She wrote him a letter and said, " I know it is 
 very hard for you, and I know the food you have to eat is bad, and the people 
 you come in contact with hard to get along with but do it ifor Jesus' sake." 
 And he replied, " Do not be anxious for me; the Master's blood is always before 
 my eyes, and nothing appears difficult." 
 
 I would write those words upon your hearts. I would give you that as the 
 talisman of victory, — "The Master's blood is always before my eyes, and 
 nothing appears difficult." 
 
 Secretary Baer then introduced Rev. J. Wilbur Chapman, D,D., of 
 Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 Address of Rev. J. Wilbur Chapman, D.D., Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 I have a verse of Scripture with which I should like to start my few remarks, 
 in which every man among us to-day believes. I remember making this same 
 statement at the beginning of an address in a Western city, and a man sprang 
 to his feet and said, "That is untrue, for I do not receive a single word of the 
 Scriptures." Nevertheless, if there should be a man in such an unfortunate 
 position as that here, I say again, I have a verse of Scripture with which to 
 start my remarks in which every man believes, even though he turns from the 
 Book. 
 
 I remember at another meeting, some time ago, when I made this statement, 
 a man came to me after the meeting, and said, " That is not true, for I do not 
 believe in the existence of God." If there should be a man in such darkness as 
 that here this morning, still I repeat that statement. My verse is one in which 
 we can all unite and agree. Hebrews ix. 27, " And as it is appointed unto men 
 once to die." We believe that, don't we? You all believe that. But the part 
 of the verse I want to emphasize is what follows : " But after this ; " " But 
 
Fifteenth hitcrnational Convention. ^11 
 
 after this; " -'But after this, the judgment." "The judgment!" I am not 
 concerned about it myself, for I believe in Jesus Christ as a personal Saviour. 
 I have his own word for it that I shall not come into condemnation. I am not 
 concerned about it myself, for I have the words of the great Apostle Paul when 
 he said, "There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them which are in Christ 
 Jesus." But my heart goes out to the man in bondage, to the man who is a 
 slave to his appetite and his passion ; and I say to you since sitting in this meet- 
 ing this morning and listening to the powerful appeals of the brothers that have 
 preceded me, I never in all my life have had such a longing as I have this 
 moment to go out to endeavor to turn men away from the wrong lives they 
 are leading. God send us out after the lost, that they may flee from the 
 wrath to come ! 
 
 I will tell you why I wanted to speak on this subject. First of all, it is a 
 very personal thing. I suppose you can say this morning, as I can say, that 
 you have friends in this world that would die for you. I know I have them. I 
 believe I know people in this world for whom I would count it a great honor 
 and privilege to die. I believe you know them. But, my friends, while you 
 have people who would die for you, there is not a man in all the world that is 
 human that could ever stand for you at the judgment. Personal! Personal! 
 
 I was on my way from New York City the other day, and picking up one of 
 the great metropolitan papers I read the story of an old Irish woman who had 
 been doing everything in her power to save her boy from drink. She had 
 washed for the money to send him to the Keeley Institute, and that had failed. 
 The conduct of the boy grew from bad to worse. Finally she said, " I think I 
 will go to the court and I will ask his honor, the judge, to commit you, and if 
 you are free from it for thirty days, possibly I can help you." And she took him 
 to the court and told the stoiy to the presiding judge, and finally the time came 
 for the commitment. He was standing before the judge, and he was half 
 through with the commitment when the old Irish mother started back, stagger- 
 ing down the aisle, reaching out her arms, and when she reached the judge's 
 desk she said, with tears rolling down her cheeks, " O your honor, I can 't do 
 it. He is my only boy, and my heart will break if he goes. I can not, I can 
 not." And she fell at the feet of her boy ; and when the officers picked her up 
 and carried her out for medical attention, the physician said it was too late, she 
 had died of a broken heart. 
 
 My mother has been twenty-five years in the skies, but if she had lived until 
 to-day — and God bless her, she would have died for me — yet she never could 
 stand for me at the judgment. Personal ! Personal ! 
 
 I will give you another reason. I have found that when men are insensible 
 to the plea that is found in the Word of God sometimes they are made to 
 stop at the cry of this word. Hear it ! Hear it ! Judgment I Judgment ! Some- 
 times a man hears it in the ticking of a clock at midnight as he lies in his bed. 
 Sometimes he hears it above the great din and bustle and roar of the city. 
 Judgment ! Judgment ! And you know, men, I believe that the very sound 
 of the word causes many a man to stop and think who, without it, who, but 
 for that stopping to think, would have gone down to hell. And so this morn- 
 ing I sound it out. 
 
 One of my friends was conducting a series of meetings in the Southern cities. 
 There was an old sheriff who was well-nigh persuaded to become a Christian. 
 He attended the meetings from day to day, and as I say, he was almost per- 
 suaded; but he did not make up his mind, and the meeting closed without the 
 sheriff becoming a Christian. My friend returned to that town a year later 
 and he met a man who said, " The old sheriff is just about ready to die, and 
 he is still unsaved." My friend went into the room and sat down by his bed. 
 He held his thin white hand in his, looked into his dim eyes, and then said, 
 " Mr. Sheriff, the doctor says your end has almost come, that you are about to 
 die." When he said " die " the old sheriff's hand began to tremble and twitch 
 and his eyes to flash. " Yes," said he, " I am going to die, and I tell you, sir, 
 I am not afraid." They say the old sheriff was one of the bravest soldiers in 
 the South during the war, a man who had faced death a hundred times, who had 
 
278 Official Report of the 
 
 marched in obedience to his master's command again and again up to the can- 
 non's mouth. " I am not afraid," said he. My friend said he waited for a 
 second and then said, "Well, Mr. Sheriff, it may be you are not afraid, but 
 how about the judgment; are you ready for that.-"' And the old sheriff drew 
 away his hand, closed his eyes, and great tears began to trickle down his thin 
 cheeks as he replied, "The judgment, the judgment! God pity me, I am not 
 ready, I am not ready." 
 
 To-day I stand with this old Book back of me and say that every man who 
 dies unforgiven must stand face to face with the God against whom he has 
 sinned, and I sound out the note oi judgment that you may stop and think. 
 
 But that is not all. I believe that the very thought of the word and the day 
 makes men honest and true. The fact is most men out of Christ are not honest 
 about spiritual things. You know that as well as I do. For example, a man 
 says he can not be a Christian until he has the feeling. That is dishonest. No 
 man ever had the feeling of a lawyer until he practised law; no man ever had 
 the feeling of a merchant until he bought and sold goods ; and no man can 
 have the feeling of a Christian until he takes a stand for God. But many men 
 declare that they can not be Christians because there are hypocrites in the 
 Church. Of course I believe that; I know that there are hypocrites in the 
 Church. I have been a minister of the Gospel for fourteen years. I have had 
 four churches in that time, and I have had hypocrites in every one of them. I 
 believe that. I never shall forget one church that I had, but I never tell 
 where it was any more. I once made a mistake and gave the name of the city 
 and had to make so many explanations and apologies on account of that mis- 
 take that now I simply say that I was the pastor of a church in a certain city. 
 There was a man who had a seat four rows from the front — I would not call 
 him a gentleman, but a man. When I announced my text he always began to 
 read the hymn-book; and when he got tired of that he would read his church 
 paper while the sermon was going on ; and when that failed to interest him, he 
 would bow his head as if he were asleep. That was his Sunday life. We had 
 prayer meeting Friday evenings, and this same man would stand up and pray. 
 I wish you could have heard him. He had the most sanctimonious way of 
 shutting his eyes and kind of rolling them upwards. With a most pious voice 
 he would pray. Indeed, he looked so pious that one might almost imagine 
 wings to be sprouting, and think that that man would soon depart and leave 
 us; and I might say that many times in the depth of my heart I wished he 
 might. That was his Friday life. Hypocrite! Hypocrite! Why, I dare to 
 say that I believe that man was one of the chiefest of all hypocrites, and his 
 name, I am sorry to say, was on the roll of my church. Ah, but men, five seats 
 back of him there sat the sweetest Christian woman I ever knew. I never 
 knew her to utter an unkind word in her life; I never knew her to do an incon- 
 sistent thing. I can put my hands over my eyes now and hear her voice as it 
 rose above the singing of the great congregation. I turn my eyes backward 
 and I think of a dear woman years ago in the State of Indiana, who was the 
 sweetest Christian mother that ever God gave to a boy. And I say the Church 
 may be filled with hypocrites and yet there was enough sweetness and con- 
 sistency in the life of my mother to offset it all. The man who dares to say 
 that he is out of the Church because of the hypocrites in it is untrue. 
 
 Infidels are as a rule untrue — not always. I count it an honor to know 
 some who are honest infidels and honest men. Such a man says, " I can not 
 believe what you believe, but you go on according to your own way of thinking 
 and I will not disturb you." On the other hand, I have no sort of confidence in 
 the man who sticks his thumbs in the corners of his vest, and, not believing 
 himself, tries to sneer me out of my hope for eternity. 
 
 Then again we meet the man who is not in the Church because he says it is 
 an old-fashioned religion — that he has grown away from it. Has Gladstone, 
 the greatest mind, possibly, that thinks in the world to-day — has he grown away 
 from it? 
 
 My friend the Hon. Wallace Bruce told me that he sat one day under the 
 influence of the splendid oratory of Ingersoll. He heard IngersoU say, "When 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 279 
 
 I think of the Christians and their Bible and their God I am thankful I am not 
 a Christian." " And then," said Bruce, " he gave one of those word-pictures 
 that fairly set people wild with enthusiasm." " I would rather," said Ingersoll, 
 " be the humblest German peasant that ever lived, sitting in his vine-clad cot- 
 tage over which the grapes hang, made purple by the kiss of the setting sun as 
 it sinks in the west, at peace with his friends and surrounded by those he loves, 
 shod with wooden shoes, clad with homespun, without thought of God — I 
 would rather be such a German peasant living as he did than to be the might- 
 iest Christian in the land." " And I tell the truth," said Ingersoll. And when 
 he said it, men sprang to their feet and shouted with enthusiasm. 
 
 Why, men, that is a play of the orator on words. I do not profess to be an 
 orator, but I will change the word so that you can share in the picture. When 
 I think of all that infidelity has done, nay, of all that it has failed to do, I am 
 glad that I am not an unbeliever. When I think that it would take from me 
 the hope of one day looking into the face of my mother I am glad that I am not 
 an infidel. When I think it would reach down into the depths of my heart and 
 take from me the thought that one day I shall see my child, bone of my bone, 
 flesh of my flesh, I thank the God in whom I believe that I am not an infidel. 
 I would rather be the humblest German peasant that ever lived, shod with 
 wooden shoes, clad with homespun, sitting in my vine-clad cottage, over which 
 the grapes hang, made purple by the kiss of the sun as the day dies out from the 
 skies, at peace with the world, at peace with my God, my family about me, my 
 open Bible on my knee, and singing with those whose voices would join my own 
 that wonderful song of the great Martin Luther, " A Mighty Fortress Is My 
 God," — I would rather be the humblest German that ever lived than be the 
 mightiest infidel that ever trod the world — yes I would, a thousand, thousand 
 times. Men, what do you say .? (Shouts of "Amen ".) 
 
 " It is appointed unto men once to die, after this the judgment." -You say it 
 (indicating). You say it (indicating). 
 
 The congregation here repeated the verse. 
 
 " It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment." God 
 save us all from it ! (Cries of " Amen ".) 
 
 I have just a word to say as I go on to the end. It is a place where a man 
 is going to meet his conscience. As Sam Jones has said, " Where he is going 
 to meet his record." The colored people in the South have a song they sing 
 which I like. It is, " He sees all we do, he hears all we say, my God is writing 
 all the time." It is a place where a man is going to meet his sin. God save 
 him from it ! 
 
 I have come to the end of my message. I beseech every one of you here 
 this morning to lay hold of Jesus Christ. Ah, men, you are going to need him. 
 You will need him when trouble comes, when death is upon you, when tempta- 
 tion rises before you high as a mountain. But you will need him most of all at 
 the judgment. 
 
 Twenty-five years ago, when I was a boy in Indiana, one morning early the 
 nurse, who had been in the household for years, knocked at the door of us 
 children. She called out, " Boys, boys, if you would see your mother alive, 
 come quickly." Although it is twenty-five years ago, it seems like yester- 
 day. I was the oldest boy. I jumped up from bed and hurried the others into 
 their clothing. Hurry though we did, when we reached the door of the room that 
 had been like heaven to us for a long time, — for our mother had been suffering 
 there for months,— hurry though we did, the same nurse met us at the door and 
 said, " Children, she has gone home." If ever there is a time in a boy's life or 
 a man's life either, for that matter, when he feels as if his sun had been blotted 
 from the heavens, it is when he hears those words, " She has gone home." My 
 father was there, and we crossed the threshold and knelt down where he was 
 already kneeling by the bedside. When he heard us there he lifted up his face 
 and turned to us and said, " She has gone ; but thanks be unto God, her Saviour 
 is still here." And we got down on our knees, and he put his arms about every 
 child that he had brought into the world, and he commended us there to the 
 Saviour. We took her to the cemetery there in Indiana and laid her to rest 
 
280 Official Report of the 
 
 and I went across the State the other day just to stand at her grave. If I could 
 have opened the casket and have seen what was left, I think I should have 
 said, " Is this all ? " Listen ! I think the angels would have said, " This mortal 
 has put on immortality, this corruptible has put on that which is incorruptible." 
 And I think I could shout until the angeis would hear me, " Thanks be unto 
 God who giveth me the victory through the Lord Jesus Christ." 
 
 And men, you will need him, oh, you will need him ! What is the word 1 
 
 The Congregation: The judgment! 
 
 Dr. Chapman: What is it again.? 
 
 The Congregation: The judgment! 
 
 Dr. Chapman : " It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judg- 
 ment." How many of you men here in this men's service this morning before 
 God and under the touch of the Holy Ghost will dedicate your lives from this 
 morning to do something for men ? Who will promise before God that from to- 
 day you will make an honest effort to live a clean life ? Think of it, men. Who 
 will so do ? (Cries of " I will.") 
 
 Tent Endeavor. 
 
 The canvas of Tent Endeavor, Saturday morning, framed a compo- 
 site photograph of American womanhood. Within its vast embrace 
 there were gathered several thousand representatives of the " gentle 
 sex," and the few men present in the shape of ushers and reporters 
 only served to accentuate the preponderance of femininity. 
 
 Shortly after the exercises began half of the seats in the tent were 
 occupied. Long before the addresses commenced there were few va- 
 cant places, and besides a fringe of just as attentive listeners were all 
 around the big inclosure. The choir, composed of hundreds of wo- 
 men's voices, sang well. In the great semicircle of the chorus plat- 
 form there was scarcely a place unoccupied. 
 
 The regular exercises were commenced with the singing of " Tell 
 the Glad Story Again," by the audience and the choir, which had by 
 this time assembled, under the direction of Mrs. Frank Byram, of 
 Washington. This was followed by " Anywhere, My Saviour," and 
 several other hymns. 
 
 Mrs. John Willis Baer, wife of the secretary of the United Society, 
 presided. Mrs. Francis E. Clark conducted the devotional services. 
 
 Remarks of Mrs. John Willis Baer, Boston, Mass. 
 
 Dear friends, we are not only saved by Christ, but we are saved for some- 
 thing — we are saved to serve Christ. Let us in our meeting this morning re- 
 alize that God is showering blessings upon this Convention. Let us use these 
 blessings to elevate our spiritual life, to elevate our hearts and minds, so that 
 when we go from this meeting back to our homes, we may lead more consistent 
 lives, and live nearer to Christ. For that reason this meeting was called; let it 
 be evangelistic in spirit. Let us all feel that there is something for each one of 
 us to do. Let us forget for the time this great crowd of people, and let us close 
 our eyes to this throng and try to feel that we are in a small room together, 
 sisters in Christ; that we are expected to do something for him. Let us open 
 our hearts to receive the blessing which he is so ready to bestow. 
 
 All the speakers this morning are ladies who have been wonderfully blessed 
 of God in their special lines of work. These lines of work they will not pre- 
 sent in full this morning in any way, as that was not the idea of this meeting. 
 It is purely an evangelistic meeting, and they will bring in their lines of work 
 only as they best illustrate their efforts for Christ. 
 
Fifteenth International Co}ive?ition. 281 
 
 The first speaker of the morning — it seems specially fitting to me — is a Wash- 
 ington woman. She is a woman who has been called to a grand work, the 
 work of the Florence Crittenton Missions of this country. We all know of the 
 great work which that mission has accomplished. Thirteen years ago it entered 
 into the heart of a very noble man to found a mission in New York City in 
 memory of a beloved daughter whom he lost at that time. Would that there 
 were more man who were like minded ! This man, not satisfied with founding 
 only one mission, has followed it up; until now, after thirteen years of existence, 
 there are thirty-four organized missions with the Florence Crittenton name. 
 
 The lady who is with us this morning has been very much blessed in lier 
 work in this special line. As superintendent of the national organization of the 
 Florence Crittenton Mission Mrs. Kate Waller Barrett, of Washington, will 
 now speak to you. 
 
 Address of firs. Kate Waller Barrett, Washington, D. C. 
 
 We, as an American people, are proud to be able to say that the blot of 
 slavery has been wiped from our escutcheon. It is not true. There is a slav- 
 ery in our midst to-day that knows no North or South, no Mason and Dixon 
 line. These slaves are not of an alien race ; they are our own Anglo-Saxon 
 daughters. Knowing as a Southern woman may know the evils of slavery, I 
 unhesitatingly say that in any aspect the slavery of which I speak is far worse 
 than the slavery of the negro was. Immorality was one of the worst effects of 
 the slavery of the negro. Here are a race of slaves kept for immoral purposes 
 alone. The negro slave was a chattel, it is true, but he was a valuable chattel. 
 His preservation and well-being meant added income to his master; but the 
 white slave, the "slave of civilization," has no such monetary value in her mas- 
 ter's eyes. Experience and proficiency do not add to her value ; she soon 
 becomes an incumbrance, and the insatiable desire for variety which led to her 
 acquirement pleads that she be gotten rid of as quickly as possible, so that her 
 master may be left free to enslave fresh subjects. The swiftly succeeding steps 
 of the brothel, the jail, the hospital, and the potter's field she is quickly 
 hurried through. 
 
 The negro slave had but few rights in the eyes of the law, but he had some. 
 The white slave has none. The State of Missouri has declared by a decision of 
 its Supreme Court that the general character for unchastity in a woman im- 
 peaches her character for veracity as a witness. It further goes on to state 
 that "such character in a man does not in like manner affect his character for 
 veracity." So far as I know, this is the first State to legally declare such an 
 attitude, but one familiar with the police court annals has had ample opportu- 
 nity to discover that there is an unwritten law to this effect everywhere. Not 
 only is her character for veracity impeached, but the belief seems to have 
 gained undisputed ground that because a woman has lost her chastity, or her 
 virtue, as the common expression goes she has lost every virtue. 
 
 Often the slave has been bought and paid for by her master. If not, sne is 
 owned body and soul by the keeper in whose house she lives. A great moun- 
 tain of debt has been piled up against her, her trunk has been "nailed to the 
 floor," as they express it, to show the impossibility of moving it. If she dares 
 to leave under these circumstances she is arrested for stealing, for even the 
 clothes she wears do not belong to her. Knowing as they do the slim chance 
 for justice which they will have when once the hand of the law is laid upon 
 them, they dread arrest more than they long for safety. Intimidated by the 
 iron will and marble heart which is a characteristic of the keepers, — for as low 
 as a woman sinks when she lives from the earnings of her person, she who 
 lives upon her sister's earnings sinks still lower, — knowing no law, friendless 
 and hopeless, is it any wonder that when once brought, snared, or coaxed into 
 this slavery, she should not have the nerve to make the effort to free herself? 
 You say, Why does n't she run away ? Perhaps she has starved as a virtuous wo- 
 man and she does not think that the world will be any kinder to her because 
 she has lost her virtue. Everybody that comes in contact with her is in a con- 
 spiracy to keep her where she is, for personal reasons. 
 
282 Official Report of the 
 
 There is a very prevalent opinion that women are harder on their sinning 
 sisters than men are. Even Dr. Lyman Abbott takes that view in his eloquent 
 sermon on the social evil. I do not agree to this. Women are not responsible 
 for the views they often express. They are like the chameleon ; they take 
 their color from any object to which they cling. Most of them cling to some 
 man, and so it is his sentiments and not hers that she often voices when she 
 condemns our compassionate, our unfortunate, sister. I have not yet seen a 
 woman cast a stone at one of her fallen sisters that the stone was not slipped 
 into her hand by a man. 
 
 The illogical ideas and methods which have been put into effect from time 
 to time in dealing with this class are enough to excite the wonder of any reason- 
 ing person. Segregation, compulsory examination, attempting to elevate it 
 into an institution, — almost every one of them has had as its object to sur- 
 round this evil with as many safeguards as possible, to make it safe and 
 pleasant for the male sinner; to put upon the weaker shoulders all the burden 
 and disgrace. But the talk of robbing prostitution of its material evils; the 
 offering up upon the altar of a false hygiene the bodies of hundreds of women 
 with like possibilities as ourselves of happy life and glorious immortality ! The 
 thought is appalling, even if it were proven to do all for the human body that 
 its friends claim for it. What gross materialism that which would save the 
 body and do nothing whatever for the soul. The worst thing about prostitu- 
 tion is prostitution; the physical diseases which inevitably accompany it are as 
 nothing compared to the moral disease which necessarily follows it. It is not 
 the diseased body we deplore ; it is the diseased mind, the prostituted soul. 
 This body of ours, care for it as we may, will soon lie in the dust, with no wor- 
 shippers but worms, but the prostituted soul lives on through eternity. 
 
 When I contrast the just and equitable laws that govern the relationship of 
 the sexes among animals with the social laws of human beings; when I re- 
 call the thousands of girl-mothers in the Florence Crittenton homes, going 
 through the trials of motherhood without any strong arm to protect or comfort 
 them ; when I think of the selfishness, and cruelty, and suffering that my own 
 sex has to endure in the unjust relationship of the sexes; — if I thought that this 
 was God's doings I would be an infidel. You who believe that it is so, get 
 down upon your knees and pray to the terrible God that you worship that he 
 will turn back the wheels of progress and make us once more as the beasts of 
 the field. But we know that it is not so. He who is " the same yesterday, to- 
 day, and forever" said to her taken in the sin, " Neither do I condemn thee. 
 Go, and sin no more." He declared God's attitude to be hatred for the sin, but 
 love of the sinner. 
 
 Secondly, I want to show how God has blessed our work among this class, 
 in spite of the difficulties which lie in its way. There are many movements on 
 foot to carry the Gospel to these poor outcasts. I stand here as a representa- 
 tive of one of the largest of these movements, the National Florence Crittenton 
 Mission, that has as its object the regeneration of these wandering children of 
 God. We have thirty-four rescue homes, where any unfortunate who comes to 
 us will be gladly welcomed, and everything done to help her back into the paths 
 of rectitude. Our beloved president, Mr. Charles N. Crittenton, has put him- 
 self into God's hands to carry on this work, and every year a princely fortune 
 is spent by him for its maintenance. 
 
 Our being able to present our work here before this splendid gathering is in 
 direct answer to prayer. For many years it has been our earnest prayer that 
 this magnificent gathering of consecrated young womanhood — the future wives 
 and mothers of the nation — should open their ears to the truth upon this most 
 important subject. I have attended many of these inspiring gatherings, and 
 my heart has gone up in deepest thanks to God for the founders and officers of 
 this Christian Endeavor movement. 1 have listened, as one after the other has 
 brought in the report of the sheaves gathered; but I have felt that the circle 
 would not be complete until this neglected corner of the vineyard had been 
 tilled. Ah! my dear friends, you who have put on the whole armor of God 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 283 
 
 and gone forth in this warefare against sin, can you find a more necessary, or a 
 more promising, or more Christlike campaign than this? 
 
 Many of these for whom I plead are guiltless of any thought of wrong. 
 Their tender years, their innocency, their gentle disposition, will convince you 
 of this. True, many of them are weak ; but Isaiah tells us we must " strengthen 
 the weak hands," and again we are told that " God hath chosen the weak things 
 of the world to confound the things that are mighty." Many of them are great 
 sinners, but He came not "to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." 
 Our faith reaches out to claim the promises of God, that "though your sins be 
 as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." We believe it is as easy for him to 
 save a Magdalene as it was to save the beloved disciple, and that when she is 
 saved she is just as thoroughly saved. He who knows the secrets of all hearts 
 knew that a redeemed woman could be trusted, and he sent Mary Magdalene 
 forth to his disciples to testify to the great fact of the resurrection. To the power 
 of this fact we owe it that we to-day have our Mary Magdalenes in every depart- 
 ment of life, and in every city almost, testifying to a risen Saviour, who is able 
 to save and to keep. 
 
 The time is short to do this great work in. The average life of an aban- 
 doned woman, according to the statistics in Europe, where they are registered, 
 is only five years. We must be up and doing. " Work while it is called to-day, 
 for the night cometh when no man can work." 
 
 The next speaker introduced was very early called to Christian 
 service in the Young Women's Christian Temperance Union. 
 
 Address of Miss Belle Kearney, Flora, Miss. 
 
 Never in the history of the world has the influence of women been felt so 
 strongly as now upon all great questions that affect the human race. She has 
 attained for herself a position that shall not be taken away from her, in law, in 
 society, in religion, in politics. Above all, as a leader of philanthropic move- 
 ments she stands pre-eminent. 
 
 A presiding elder of the Louisiana Methodist Conference in a letter written for 
 his church paper sometime since took occasion to say, " These W. C. T. U. 
 women want the earth, the smaller stars, and the nebulae." As the boys 
 say, we do not deny the allegation, nor do we defy the alligator. Our brother 
 was exactly right. We do want the earth for Christ, and all the smaller stars, 
 if they are inhabited by sin-sick souls, such as those in this world; and we 
 would like to brighten the nebulas, if the haze is as cloudy as some people's 
 perception and as dense as their prejudices. 
 
 This has been essentially a woman's century. Thank God, the next century 
 will be humanity's. 
 
 As is well known, the civilization of all lands depends upon the position that 
 women occupy. Look at China, where superfluity of girl babies are put to 
 death and where woman is regarded as very little better than the lower ani- 
 mals. Look at India, where children are wedded almost at their birth, and if 
 the husband dies the child wife has to go perpetually unmarried and wear the 
 sables of mourning and disgrace. Look at Turkey, where women are shut up 
 in harems and live only to serve their lords and masters, going through life 
 veiled and dishonored. Look at Corea, where women are regarded as of such 
 little importance that they are not allowed to look out of a window without the 
 consent of their husbands, and when their children are caressed by one of the 
 opposite sex, they are regarded as forever contaminated, and the only expia- 
 tion they can make to their parents is to commit suicide, which they do 
 continually. 
 
 In comparison to the women of the East, look at the English-speaking 
 nations of the Western Hemisphere, — at Great Britain, for instance, where 
 women are given the highest education, and where they are allowed to exercise 
 the elective franchise for all offices, except Parliament; where they go into 
 political campaigns like men, mount the rostrum, and occupy pulpits. Look at 
 
284 Official Report of the 
 
 Canada, where almost exactly the same conditions prevail. Look at the T .-Jied 
 States, where women are admitted to every position of honor to which they 
 aspire, from managing a farm or a silver-mine to pleading a case befoie the 
 Supreme Court or performing a difficult surgical operation. My obser\ation 
 has been that, favored as women in many countries are, it is in the United 
 States that they have come nearest to entering into their full possessions, 
 although Great Britain is ahead of us along the line of women's political eman- 
 cipation. In many other respects, it is very far behind. 
 
 I visited the San Sebastian catacombs with a party of friends who were with 
 me at Rome. In the shaft that leads to the vaults beneath we were met by a 
 bare-footed friar, dressed in a gray gown with a rope around his waist, who 
 presented each of us with a little wax taper and led us to the altar, where they 
 were lighted by the fire that burns there continually. Then one by one, in a 
 long procession, we moved toward the catacombs. An iron gate slammed 
 behind us with a thunderous sound, shutting out the world. We found our- 
 selves in a long, dark, narrow passage with vaults on either side, many of which 
 were open, revealing their horrible contents. The way led down forever, it 
 seemed, into miles of subterranean passages, each step more and more slip- 
 pery and uncertain, and the darkness deepening ; but our hearts did not fail us, 
 for each had a light in her hand, whose flame was started at that altar. Ahead 
 of us was our guide, who knew every step of the way, every defect in the defile, 
 and almost every skull in the open graves. 
 
 Those of us who have selected the narrow way, especially the leaders of 
 reform movements, are set apart in isolation from the multitude. The way is 
 dark and the atmosphere dank and cold. We pass daily by open sepulchres 
 where lie the ashes of dead hopes; but our hearts do not fail us; we do not 
 shudder nor turn back, for each has a lamp in her hand whose flame was 
 started at the altar of consecration, the brightness of which will lighten the 
 way for our own feet, and, thank God, for the feet also of those who shall come 
 after us. 
 
 Ahead is Christ, our guide, who has been along these same sad paths and 
 knows every step of the way. The lamp in his hand is the light that shall 
 bring all men to the knowledge of our Lord and to the glory of that unending 
 day when his will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven. 
 
 I don't know what you think about it, but I think the women who lead phil- 
 anthropic and religious enterprises are the bravest women on earth. God only 
 can ever be able to know the crucifixion they have endured in carrying the 
 blessed tidings of this latter dispensation to the souls of the starving and the 
 heavy-laden. From the beginning they have been laughed at and reviled and 
 scorned ; but they have gone on their way undaunted, knowing that they were 
 fulfilling a divine commission and were backed by the power of God. 
 
 " They did not hope to be mowers 
 And gather the ripe golden ears, 
 Until they had first been sowers, 
 And watered the furrows with tears." 
 
 None but God can ever know the crucifixion of having to go into homes 
 where there is an utter lack of sympathy, where in each smile there lurks a 
 sneer. None but God can know the hardness of pushing the work in places 
 where people do not care to receive it ; the constant strife witli the liquor traffic 
 and the political power back of it; standing for principles that the world 
 regards as useless or insulting; the battle of radicalism, which means Christ 
 brought down to dull earth, against conservatism, which means selfishness. 
 No one but God can know the loneliness of spirit, the bodily fatigue, the con- 
 stant strain on brain and heart and nerve, that fills the days of these workers ; 
 but we are willing to undergo it all if by our sufferings one soul has been 
 brightened or one community brought into touch with God. 
 
 The women of these philanthropic and religious movements are life-saving 
 women. They walk up and down the rock-bound coast of the world waving 
 the danger-signal to the souls that pass by on the great deep of temptation. 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 285 
 
 They too have worn steep paths into the stony ground; they too have felt 
 the icy winds and tasted the brine of the salt spray; they too have slipped 
 upon the rocks and been swept into the sea of eternity; but their places are 
 supplied. The watch is kept up; the signals are given. Storm-tossed craft 
 sail by into the harbor of peaceful lives under the shadow of the Most High. 
 But out on the ocean there is now a floating spar too far away to catch the 
 gleam of the danger-signal. In this sad world there is many a face that 
 tells the tale of a heartache, and many a life that bears the history of a wreck- 
 age. 
 
 In this world daily there is a conflict being waged between the home and 
 the saloon. The liquor traffic, an indomitable host of blood and iron, is bear- 
 ing down upon us. Our homes are being wrecked ; our hearts are being 
 broken; mothers are crying out in woe unspeakable, "O saloons, give me 
 back my sons." 
 
 Oh, the heartache of the world ! Oh, the pain of life ! Oh, the mystery of it ! 
 My friends, I ask you to-day in the name of God to help ease the burden, to 
 cool the fever, to still the throbbing, aching pulse in the heart of humanity. 
 
 Mrs. Baer : I am sorry to tell you that the next speaker on our programme 
 is not with us this morning. We are very sorry not to have Mrs. Whittemore with 
 us this morning, and doubly sorry for the reason which prevents her being here. 
 I have a letter which I will read to you, explaining that her daughter Emma, 
 seventeen years of age, is suddenly and hopelessly ill. I know you will all 
 unite together in raising a prayer that this dear girl may be restored. 
 
 At these annual gatherings we all delight to call ourselves a Christian En- 
 deavor army. We have with us a representative of another branch of God's 
 army which has done an equally good work with us in another way. I take 
 pleasure this morning in introducing to you a representative of the Salvation 
 Army. We had hoped that you would have the privilege of hearing the daugh- 
 ter of General Booth this morning. Consul Mrs. F. De L. Booth-Tucker ; we 
 had also hoped that Mrs. Ballington Booth of the American Volunteers might 
 be here ; but Mrs. Booth-Tucker has met with a painful injury, and Mrs. Balling- 
 ton Booth was unable to accept the invitation of the committee. I take great 
 pleasure, however, in presenting Major Swift, of the Salvation Army. 
 
 Address of Major Susie Swift, New York City. 
 
 Mrs. Chairman and Dear Friends : — I regret with you the enforced and unex- 
 pected absence of my dear leader, Mrs. Booth-Tucker, but I feel so deeply the 
 value of the moments which you lend me in her name that I dare not waste 
 them even in expressions of regret. 
 
 I trust that I may be able to make you hear me ; and yet if my voice is not as 
 strong as I could wish, will you bear with me when I tell you that for weeks it 
 has been keyed to the low pitch of sick-room and death-chamber, and that I 
 have learned to hush it, as we do instinctively hush our voices when we stand 
 in the outer court while a soul is passing to the presence of the King. 
 
 I have taken it for granted that, leaving out of sight all questions of specific 
 religious creed, I speak to women who desire to better the world ; to women 
 with aspirations, with plans, with purposes; and I rejoice to know that I need 
 waste no moments in speaking to you of those generalities which are some- 
 times styled "the elevation of the masses," but that I may confine myself to the 
 practical knowledge which I have gained during the twelve years in which God 
 has privileged me to work among a people who, their enemies themselves being 
 judges, have had exceptional success in the single point of making bad people 
 good people. 
 
 My own call, when I rose from my knees, after the fifteen minutes' face-to- 
 face communion with the Lord Jesus Christ which changed all life for me, 
 was to the poorest and to the lowest and to the weakest and to the worst. 
 When I came face to face with Jesus of Nazareth, and recognized him as a 
 living spiritual presence, and felt as never before that Jesus of Nazareth, who 
 fared coarsely, and dressed roughly, and who went to the stupid people and to 
 
286 Official Report of the 
 
 the ignorant people and to the bad people, was not only my Saviour but my 
 personal Friend, 1 wanted to follow him ; and I believe that that is the universal 
 experience of the truly converted soul. 
 
 But you say, Are we all to become missionaries and all to be workers? Yes, 
 in that Christian Endeavor means, if we believe the Word of God, Christian 
 success. Yes, in that the bettering of the worst and most miserable must be 
 our chiefest aim. 
 
 My own conceptions of human need have somewhat altered. My views per- 
 haps have widened. I stand before you to-day more cognizant of the miseries 
 of the rich, more appreciative of the fact that soul starvation may exist in those 
 whose bodies have never hungered, than on that day twelve years ago when I 
 vowed myself to the service of God's weal<;est, and worst, and furthest-strayed 
 children; and yet I believe that the soul-starved rich are best helped by us 
 Christians keeping before us that original conception of going first and fore- 
 most, of going in thegreatest numbers, of going with the most persistent inten- 
 sity, where the need is greatest. 
 
 I feel so strongly the limitations and perversions to which the human intel- 
 lect is subject, and I realize so strongly the almost infinite capacity for confu- 
 sion and misunderstanding and interpretation existing in our human vocabulary, 
 that I hesitate to make my estimate of the soul status of any man or woman, for 
 this world or the next, existent upon their religious belief. At the same time I 
 am forced to the conviction, after these years of experience, that direct belief 
 in a few fundamental points is absolutely essential to us if we want to help up 
 to God the people who are farthest away from him. Our own articles of war, 
 our own profession of faith in the Salvation Army, only brings out such points 
 as we consider to have the most definite effect on a man's own character, and 
 therefore on his power of helping others. First and foremost as Christian work- 
 ers, you and I, if we are to go to those who are sunk in sin with a method which 
 is to be of the slightest avail to them, must believe in a regenerative religion. 
 
 Mrs. Barrett was speaking about the girls whom she gives her life to help. 
 My mind went back to my own first tentative effort at rescue work, long before 
 I realized that the power of God on the human soul could change all life and 
 all purpose, long before I realized the full force that is bound up in that word 
 "regeneration." 
 
 My mother had sent me, in one of my vacations from Vassar College, down 
 to New York to bring her back a servant. In a way that I need not stop to 
 tell you of, a girl whose eyes blazed fire had planted herself in my way and 
 said, in spite of the superintendent of the Intelligence Office, who tried to pre- 
 vent her from even speaking to me, with her soul in those black eyes, " Oh, take 
 me. 1 heard you say you wanted a girl to go up into the country. I want to 
 be good. I know," she said in her brusque way, " I have raised the devil 
 for six years, but I want to be good ; and if you will only take me and give me 
 a chance, I will promise to serve you faithfully." 
 
 In my girlish ignorance and inexperience I only faintly appreciated the past 
 that lay behind that other girl ; but something in my heart was reached and I 
 said, " By the grace of God, she shall have a chance to be good." I took her 
 up with me. I told my Christian mother just as little of what I understood of 
 her story as I could. I took her up into the fresh, green country, and put her 
 under the charge of a Christian housekeeper, who regarded it as her God-given 
 mission to trv to help the servants under her to be good. Mary wanted to be 
 good, and I thought her Christian surroundings would help her; but I had noth- 
 ing in my heart to put into her heart, and after about six weeks of the country 
 life and of the hygiene, and my own careful study of her, and all I could do 
 for her, my girl came to me again, and again her eyes blazed fire. She said, 
 " I am going back now. I have tried to be good, but I can't do it. Your re- 
 ligion is not strong enough for me ; " and looking into my own heart and my 
 own life, I realized that had I been born where that girl was born, had I been 
 bred as she was bred, had my playground as a child been in the streets and in 
 the city slums, had my only pleasures in my growing girlhood been pleasures 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 287 
 
 with poison at their heart, the semblance of religion I had would not have been 
 strong enough for me, either. 
 
 But the day when I rose from my knees at the penitent form of the Salvation 
 Army, after 1 had laid my hopes, my aspirations, and my all at the feet of the 
 God who took my body and soul, one of my first memories was of the black 
 eyes of that girl far away in New York City; and I said, "Thank God, I have 
 got a religion now that is strong enough for Mary." 
 
 After these twelve years I feel that I have a religion in my own soul strong 
 enough for all the lost girls like my Mary, and that the regenerative religion of 
 Jesus Christ is the one for the lost, and the fallen, and the outcast. Then, too, 
 we must have a belief in God's will and God's power to do all that is necessary 
 to make people good. People say sometimes, " Do you really believe that 
 God will take the desire for drink from a drunkard ? That is as much as to say 
 that he will make a new coat for a drunkard's stomach." Thank God, we of 
 the Salvation Army believe that if it is essential to make a new coat for a 
 drunkard's stomach to make a sober man of him, that God who fashioned all 
 that delicate, sensitive tissue that we call the mucous membrane is able to re- 
 make it as well. In every land our annals tell of men and women who testify 
 that the very desire for evil of all sorts has been taken from them. 
 
 I wish to God I had time to tell you how God can alter the whole brain 
 habit of the sceptical, and make believers out of those whom we call born infi- 
 dels. We must believe that God will give us a definite consciousness of the 
 forgiveness of sin. '" Heaven itself can not make my past as if it had never 
 been," said a fallen girl of New England to me one day, a girl who had been 
 ruined before she was twelve years old by her own father. '• No," I answered, 
 " heaven itself can not make a past like yours as if it had never been, but the 
 love of Jesus Christ can, and the love of Jesus Christ can enable you to save 
 other girls like yourself and help them up to him." 
 
 Finally, 1 want to speak for a moment on a qualification which has not the 
 slightest possible connection with any doctrinal views, and yet which is the 
 foremost essential for us as Christian Endeavorers, as Christians who are put- 
 ting forth real efforts for the salvation of other souls. That is, personal holi- 
 ness of heart and life ; we must not only be given up to God's service, but 
 possessed of him. A full soul, a soul that is cleansed from all sin, is the kind 
 that looks attractive to the sinner. On beyond the change of heart and life 
 and will that is involved in conversion, there is something more, something 
 further, — the cleansing of our hearts by the inspiration of God's Holy Spirit, 
 that we may by his grace perfectly love him and worthily magnify his holy 
 name in our lives. 
 
 I do not say that no one can work for God without this, but I do say that 
 until we have that perfect cleansing and that full possession we are checked 
 and hindered and hampered and thwarted at every turn. The pure in heart see 
 God in this world as well as in the next. I have hinted already that my own 
 communion was interrupted by sceptical doubts and seasons of darkness, but 
 once I surrendered my all to God, brain and mind, as well as body and soul, he 
 made me understand how it was that the peace of a Christian could indeed 
 flow as a river. The path of the Christian brightens more and more steadily 
 unto the perfect day, as we are promised in the Bible it will do. 
 
 Do you really believe that it is possible for you, dear sisters, to have the 
 mind that is in Christ, to be kept from wrong feeling and wrong desires, as well 
 as from wrong words and wrong actions? If you do not, let me ask you to 
 study your Bible, to ask all living witnesses, to fully inform and establish your 
 own mind as to what God's will and purpose for you is. But if you believe this 
 morning that this is attainable for us, then let me beg you to surrender your all 
 to God, going out into the dark with him alone. God's path for me did indeed 
 involve going out from my country, out from my church, out from my home, 
 out from my friends, to poverty and to exile and to strangerhood ; but in going 
 out into the dark with God, one finds himself in the light with him, and hidden 
 in his presence the surrender seems absolutely nothing. 
 
 One of our slum workers, who was a cultured teacher in a Brooklyn semi- 
 
288 Official Report of the 
 
 nary, said, after she had been at her work in the slums, her work of attending \\-\p. 
 sick and caring for little children and speaking always to the poor and ignorant 
 for a few months, that she used to lie on the floor in prayer at night and say, 
 " O my God, I am brain hungry.'" The weeks went on; her work went on, and 
 her knowledge of God grew. I came face to face with her one day and said, 
 " Well, dear, are you brain hungry still ? " She said, "Ah, Major, I have not 
 stopped to think for weeks whether I was brain hungry, because I am so soul 
 satisfied." 
 
 After the cleansing must come the indwelling, and then the love of God and 
 the grace of God and the peace of God rippling out of us naturally and spon- 
 taneously will make our Christian work so effortless that even the glorious 
 blessed name bf your Society will seem to you at times almost a misnomer, 
 because the Endeavor will have no conscious effort, the burden being laid on 
 the indwelling Christ. 
 
 SATURDAY AFTERNOON, 
 
 Capitol Hill. 
 
 What a spectacle ! The wide space enclosed by the east and west 
 wings of the national Capitol was one sea of human beings, a flowing 
 sea, with currents and tides, with streams of humanity pouring into it 
 from all avenues, with great bays stretching out along East Capitol 
 Street and Delaware and Maryland Avenues, and with three mighty 
 waves breaking upon and covering the flights of Capitol steps. 
 
 Fifty thousand souls, to judge from the more than five thousand in 
 the choir, — that great choir which, ranged upon and around the centre 
 steps, was only the shining nucleus of the throng. A dazzling sight 
 indeed was that fair bank of human flowers, those thousands of young 
 girls in their fresh gowns of pink and white and dainty blue. And a 
 manly sight were the regiments of tenors and basses. In front was 
 seated on a platform " Uncle Sam's " white-uniformed Marine Band. 
 
 And to the right and left, as far as could be seen, reached a mass of 
 heads. In the shadow of the beautiful dome the mass was light with 
 straw hats ; in the bright sunshine it was dark with umbrellas. As the 
 shadow spread, the crowd brightened. Sparkles of gay color every- 
 where, — umbrellas of every brilliant hue, and in hundreds of places 
 there rose above the assembly the red, white, and blue banner of the 
 Convention, Ohio's garnet flag, New Jersey's orange and black, Penn- 
 sylvania's blue and red, and many another State ensign. 
 
 An unequalled setting for such a glorious scene were the lovely 
 Capitol grounds, shining in the afternoon sun ; the new national 
 library,- — a superb piece of architecture; and that building of build- 
 ings, that epic in stone, our national Capitol. And the Capitol win- 
 dows were crowded, and the crowd overflowed on to the library 
 grounds, and surged up on the pedestals of statues and the bases of 
 fountains ; and pushed hard on the full areas allotted to carriages. 
 Yet it was, of course, a joyous and an orderly crowd, and the police 
 had nothing to do but enjoy it all. 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 289 
 
 And the white figure of George Washington rose serene from the 
 midst of it all. Was the spirit of the great patriot there, rejoicing over 
 this, the mightiest gathering of young patriots ever seen in the country 
 he loved, or in this wide world ? 
 
 Never before has our government permitted the area around the Cap- 
 itol, the very heart of the nation, to be used for other than governmental 
 purposes. And indeed a governmental purpose was that, since the 
 50,000 represent nearly 3,000,000 young people whose force of char- 
 acter will make them the country's governors before many a moon has 
 passed. That grand exhibition of young manhood and womanhood is 
 the clearest omen yet seen of the coming time when Christ, whose 
 right it is to reign, shall be supreme on Capitol Hill. 
 
 The trustees of the United Society filled one stone outpost. Justice 
 Harlan's strong face and giant form was conspicuous in the fair setting 
 of the topmost rows of the chorus. The speakers' stand was filled 
 with Dr. Clark, Secretary Baer, Chairman Smith, Director Foster, Dr. 
 McCrory, of Pennsylvania, and Dr. J. Z. Tyler, of Ohio. 
 
 "Holy, holy, holy," — fit opening chorus, that ! And how the over 
 4,000 young voices bore that glorious hymn to heaven ! Dr. McCrory 
 offered prayer, and then Dr. Clark made a brief address. 
 
 Remarks of President Francis E. Clark, D.D. 
 
 This is not to be a speech-making occasion. I regret to say that Hon. John 
 Wanamaker, who was announced to speak from this platform, has been obliged 
 to return home. His name was put on the programme when he was upon the 
 water, returning from Europe. We could not wait until he got here for his 
 acceptance, but we thought he would be able to be with us. He found he could 
 not, and has been obliged to go home. 
 
 This will be essentially a Christian citizenship praise meeting. We have 
 speeches often. It is not often that we can have a chorus of 4,700 voices. I am 
 sure that we want to hear them sing, and to join with them in their songs. 
 
 Just a word before I present the banner to the local union that has reported 
 the best work in promoting Christian citizenship. 
 
 What a glorious spectacle is this, — these tens of thousands! I think this 
 scene will be photographed upon our minds as long as we live. We shall never 
 forget the sight at the capital of the nation. 
 
 It means that Christian Endeavor stands for Christian citizenship. That is 
 the significance of this meeting. It does not mean that we are partisans, that 
 as a society we belong to any one political party. It does mean that because 
 we are Christians, we are Christian citizens. It means that we stand for tem- 
 perance, for purity, in a word, for righteousness; and I am glad to say that one 
 city union has obtained, by its specially good work in Christian citizenship, the 
 banner. Many cities have done excellently, but Cleveland excelleth them all. 
 
 Last year Syracuse had the banner. She deserved it, and she held it nobly. 
 She has done good work this year. Other cities have also done nobly, notably 
 Chicago; Hamilton, in Ontario, across the line, — Christian citizenship means 
 just the same thing in Canada that it does in the United States, — Hamilton, 
 Ont., should have honorable mention ; also Newark, N. J., and Jamesvilie, Wis., 
 and others. 
 
 But there is one city that especially deserves and will receive the banner. In 
 the estimation of the committee, the city union of Cleveland has reported the 
 best work. 
 
 In the name of the United Society, I present this banner to the representa- 
 
290 Official Report of the 
 
 tive of Cleveland, the Rev. J. Z. Tyler, D.D., who will accept it in the nanie of 
 the fair city by the lake. 
 
 Take it, Cleveland. Take it, and keep it as long as you can. 
 
 Remarks of Rev. J. Z. Tyler, D.D., Cleveland, O. 
 
 Fellow Citizens (applause). Fellow Endeavorers (Cries of " That's better"): — 
 From the salt marshes of Syracuse to the forest by the unsalted sea, the 
 banner moves westward. It stands not simply for Christian Endeavor. It 
 stands for citizenship exalted. No clearer demonstration of the divine touch 
 upon the heart of him who has led us in this movement can be found anywhere 
 than in the suggestion that Christian Endeavor shall give special attention to 
 Christian citizenship. 
 
 I believe that the Christian Endeavor movement has done more to contrib- 
 ute to the new patriotism than any other one thing, for it must be recognized 
 that there is coming a civic revival throughout the Republic. This does not 
 mean that Christian Endeavor is in any sense to ally itself to any one party, 
 whatever may be its purpose, its principles, or its record, but that every En- 
 deavorer stands for himself, and will do his duty as a Christian citizen. 
 
 I shall carry this banner with pride — a just pride, I hope, — back to that city 
 which had the honor and the pleasure of entertaining the convention in 1894 ; 
 and we shall hold it until some other city shall be able to take it from us. 
 
 After these stirring exercises came the praise service. Of course 
 the Marine Band made matchless music. Of course the fifty regi- 
 ments of Endeavorers zealously applauded each patriotic piece, gayly 
 swinging fiags and hats and umbrellas to the more sprightly tunes, such 
 as " Yankee Doodle." And of course Mr. Foster's tremendous chorus 
 took hold on the very heavens. The international hymn, " America," 
 " There's a Royal Banner," Dr. S. F. Smith's " The Cross and Vic- 
 tory," and Mr. Foster's own " Loyal Soldiers," — those v^^ere the songs 
 they sung. 
 
 Finally came the march down historic Pennsylvania Avenue. The 
 Marine Band led the way with inspiring strains. There followed the 
 trustees of the United Society. Dr. Tyler bore his Christian citizen- 
 ship banner. In the centre were the officers of the United Soci- 
 ety. Very appropriately there followed the noble Committee of '96, 
 and then came the mighty army of Endeavorers, pouring down Cap- 
 itol Hill in an endless stream. 
 
 The route of a mile and a third was lined all the way with a dense 
 crowd of spectators. All windows were filled. The Endeavorers sang 
 as they marched, the favorite song being, of course, " Onward, Chris- 
 tian Soldiers." As they passed the gayly decorated State headquar- 
 ters they saluted, and similar honor was rendered to prominent 
 Endeavor leaders of whom the procession caught sight. 
 
 The procession was dispersed at the Treasury Building. 
 
 SATURDAY EVENING. 
 
 Meeting of Citizens of Washington in Tents Washington and Endeavor. 
 
 It had been a matter for regret at earlier conventions that those 
 living in the city so generously opening wide its doors have been in so 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 291 
 
 large measure barred out from the meetings. At Washington special 
 provisions were made for the citizens. Meetings especially for them 
 were held in Tents Washington and Endeavor on Saturday evening. 
 These were intended to set forth the aims and possibilities of Chris- 
 tian Endeavor, and the speakers were all trustees. 
 
 In Tent Washington Rev. J. Z. Tyler, D.D., told some of the objects 
 that Christian Endeavor does not aim at. It does not seek to carry 
 out any one's pet schemes of social reform. It does not strive for size, 
 but for strength. It aims at the enthronement of Christ. It aims to pro- 
 mote religious activity by working outward from within. It aims to 
 exalt in Christian life the idea of a covenant. 
 
 Bishop Alexander Walters, D.D., spoke powerfully of the inspiration 
 that had come from the scenes of the afternoon at the Capitol, and 
 felt that the city had not been praised by the committee as highly as 
 it deserved. His race had been set free by a declaration issued from 
 a spot not far from that tent, and Christian Endeavor is engaged in 
 freeing souls from slavery to sin. 
 
 In his effective way Dr. Wayland Hoyt described Christian Endeav- 
 or's efforts to win the young. When William the Conqueror sailed to 
 take England, a golden boy was the figurehead of his vessel, pointing 
 to the goal. Christian Endeavor seeks to secure the devotion of the 
 golden youth to Christ, thus pointing the way to a noble future. It 
 does this by making Christ supreme, and by training them for service. 
 
 After the speaking the audience listened with delight to several 
 selections by the Hampton singers. 
 
 The " ebonized trustee," as Dr. Hill styled Bishop Arnett, gave the 
 first address in Tent Endeavor. He said that the Society aims to make 
 a good man out of a bad man, and then to make every man feel his duty. 
 If a man has true religion, the devil will know it, as well as God. The 
 best way to test a man's religion is to ask his wife about him. The 
 Society aims to make patriotic citizens, and the scenes witnessed this 
 week are greater than any of the historic scenes of the time of Lincoln 
 and Grant. 
 
 Rev. William Patterson said that we are told a woman's history 
 can be written in a few words : She was born, she lived, she chewed 
 gum, she died. So the history of many a man could be written in 
 a few words : He lived, he dressed himself nicely, he chewed tobacco, 
 he swung a cane, and after a while he died. Christian Endeavor gives 
 a purpose to life. It means practical work, too, and not mere theory. 
 A man might write a whole book on the theory of the bicycle, on how 
 to get on, and how to start, and all that, but you put him on a bicycle, 
 and say, " Off you go," and off he does go - — to the ground. 
 
 Dr. Beckley stated the work of Christian Endeavor as teaching the 
 young to do something. God help a man that can do anything. You 
 do not want him; you want a man that can do something. It is fos- 
 tering the true Christian fellowship. He would not waste his breath in 
 talking about Christian fellowship as a sentiment ; we need it as a 
 power. 
 
292 Official Report of the 
 
 The fellowship of Christian Endeavor, it was pertinently suggested 
 by Dr. Hill, who presided, was illustrated by the fact that the speakers 
 were a Methodist, a Baptist, a Congregationalist, and a Presbyterian. 
 
 State Rallies and Receptions. 
 
 Washington hospitality was so hearty that all the visitors would have 
 been glad to stay longer. Illinois found this out when trying on Satur- 
 day night to plan in regard to a special train for the return trip. Votes 
 were taken for one day after another with so little result that finally 
 those that had decided at all on the day of their return were asked to 
 rise, and very few responded. With such feelings between hosts and 
 guests the State receptions, the delightful social feature of the week, 
 could not fail to be a great success. The common thought took a 
 pleasant form of expression in the case of Iowa, which had a double 
 reception at the church assigned as its headquarters. The society en- 
 tertaining the State held a reception in the lecture-room, and then all 
 adjourned to the church, where the compliment was returned. Penn- 
 sylvania had to have two rallies in different audience-rooms of the 
 church, because the attendance was so large. Enthusiasm ran high in 
 all the gatherings, even those where but few delegates could be ex- 
 pected, as at the rally of New Mexico and the Floating Societies, 
 while Chatauqua salutes and applause were as frequent as in the largest 
 meetings of the Convention. 
 
 At almost all the receptions the exercises included addresses of 
 welcome by representatives of the local church and Endeavor Society, 
 with a response by some State officer. In addition to this some of the 
 States had arranged more or less elaborate programmes with a number 
 of speakers. The president and secretary of the United Society were 
 in demand and spoke at several places. Rev. B. Fay Mills spoke at 
 the New York rally, and Dr. Crafts, who also addressed the Endeavor- 
 ers from the Keystone State. Ex-Governor Ordway and a Nebraska 
 Indian delegate addressed Dakota's rally. Rev. Stanley Matthews, 
 D.D., of England, was at Ohio's reception ; Rev. Thomas Marshall, 
 D.D., of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, was welcomed 
 by Illinois ; and Maine claimed once more Dr. Clark, and Mr. William 
 H. Pennell, whose home is now in Washington. Wisconsin and Indi- 
 ana were entertained by graphic accounts of their journey. 
 
 Music, of course, played a part in the programme. The Canadians 
 sung their national hymns, and Massachusetts kept "Boston, '95," in 
 mind, not only by the many "white and crimson banners," but by sing- 
 ing by three hundred of the Boston choir. State songs or songs and 
 hymns written for the occasion were heard at the receptions of Massa- 
 chusetts, Maine, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, and New Jersey. 
 
 The thought of future conventions gave color to some of the gath- 
 erings. Tennessee was tired out with celebrating the promise of 
 '• Nashville, '98," but not too tired to celebrate some more. Kentucky 
 consoled herself with the thought that for many the road to Nashville 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 293 
 
 must lead through Louisville. Pennsylvania with flags and songs 
 roused enthusiasm for the State convention at Scranton in the autumn. 
 
 There was entertainment of lighter sort. Light refreshments were 
 served. Alabama and Louisiana had an exhibition of the phonograph. 
 Introductions in many of the rallies were accomplished by means of 
 cards furnished each delegate and bearing his name. In some cases 
 these were used later for collecting autographs or for playing a game. 
 Those furnished Rhode Island were pleasant souvenirs bearing the 
 picture of the new church building soon to be erected by their hosts, 
 the Mount Pleasant Congregational Church. Oklahoma and Missis- 
 sippi were given photographs of the Eastern Presbyterian Church, their 
 headquarters. 
 
 Indiana returned the compliment of the souvenirs and kindness that 
 they received by presenting their hosts with a silk flag. Massachusetts 
 expressed its feelings in a similar way, and there was not a State that 
 would not have been glad to join Kentucky in passing a vote of thanks 
 by rising. The evening had strengthened greatly the ties between 
 entertainers and entertained, as well as those between delegates from 
 the same State. 
 
 SUNDAY MORNING. 
 
 Church Services. 
 
 The clause of the pledge relating to daily reading of the Bible was 
 the topic for Sunday morning's early meetings. When the hour for 
 the Sunday school arrived, the Endeavorers in great numbers came 
 with it. They were interested to see the model arrangement in some 
 of the larger schools, and they were not less interested to join in study 
 of the Word. 
 
 By the time for the church services to begin the churches were over- 
 flowing. A Washington paper remarked that the visitors had been in 
 all respects teachers by object-lessons, and that Sunday's lesson 
 showed how practical Christians observe the Sabbath, the unusual 
 feature of the text being, " Do as I do, and not merely as I say." 
 
 It was not because the capital is at all lacking in strong preachers 
 whom the visitors would have enjoyed hearing, but it was according to 
 custom, that the pulpits were chiefly filled by leading ministers in 
 attendance on the Convention, and naturally most of them were influ- 
 enced in their choice of themes by the thought of the special character 
 of their audiences. Many of the delegates went to their church head- 
 quarters, but they also scattered much. 
 
 The Christian Endeavor meetings in the evening were characteristic, 
 testimony, prayer, and song filling the minutes to the utmost ; and no one 
 was heard to complain that the young people did not remain to the sec- 
 ond service. In the majority of cases this second meeting was a preach- 
 ing service, but several pastors improved the opportunity to arrange 
 " platform meetings," widi many brief addresses from different visitors. 
 
294 Official Report of the 
 
 SUNDAY AFTERNOON. 
 
 Denominational Missionary Meetings. 
 
 One of the valuable new features of the Convention was the holding 
 of denominational missionary rallies separate from the denominational 
 rallies, that have already become so familiar and popular. In twenty- 
 two different churches were gathered the young people of twenty-two 
 different denominations to listen to their missionary leaders and the 
 most prominent pastors in their churches while they stirred them with 
 the thrilling pictures of missionary heroism, or moved them to greater 
 zeal and consecration by strong representations of the present mission- 
 ary crisis, — the debts of the boards, the many open doors, the appal- 
 ling need of money and of men. 
 
 Whenever the denomination had a church in Washington, the rally 
 was held in that church. Several of these rallies, compelled to meet 
 in churches of another faith, had much to say about establishing 
 churches of their own in the capital city. 
 
 It would be impossible in our limited space to give full accounts of 
 these twenty-two crowded sessions. Only a few glimpses are possible. 
 
 The three denominations most prominent in Christian Endeavor — 
 Baptist, Presbyterian, and Congregationalist — occupied the three 
 great tents. 
 
 Large space in the meetings was given, of course, to the missionaries 
 now in this country. The main feature of the Methodist rally was the 
 stirring address by that heroic missionary to the far North, Rev. Eger- 
 ton R, Young, of Canada. The eloquent Miss Margaret W. Leitch, of 
 Ceylon, spoke to the Congregationalists, together with the home mis- 
 sionary. Rev. Warren Goff, Rev. Rufus Clark, of Japan, and Dr. Todd, 
 of Turkey. " Uncle " Boston Smith, that original home missionary of 
 the Baptists, famous for his chapel-car ministrations, addressed their 
 great rally, and also Rev. W. H. Sloan, of Mexico, and Rev. W. M. 
 Thomas, Burmah, who has translated the Christian Endeavor pledge 
 into two languages, and said that, if God gave him more tongues, he 
 would translate it for still other peoples. Rev. George P. Goll, the 
 Lutheran missionary, who has established thirteen Lutheran Christian 
 Endeavor Societies in Liberia, spoke at the Lutheran rally, which was 
 especially notable for its size and enthusiasm. The Friends listened 
 to a missionary returned from Palestine, who sung them an Arabic 
 hymn. The rally of the Reformed Church in America was addressed 
 by Rev. Henry Stout, D.D., returned from their field in Japan. From 
 the United Brethren mission in Western Africa came Rev. L. O. Burt- 
 ner, to carry Africa's appeal to the young people of his church. Three 
 Mennonite home missionaries told their rally about their work among 
 the Indian tribes in the West. 
 
 These gatherings were conspicuous also for the presence of mis- 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 295 
 
 sionary secretaries, who wisely made use of this splendid opportunity 
 for reaching their young people. Among these were the Congrega- 
 tionalists, Dr. C. C. Creegan and Rev. A. F. McGregor, of Canada ; the 
 Lutheran, Dr. Hartman ; the Baptists, Dr. Mabie, Dr. Seymour, and 
 Dr. Morehouse ; Miss M. Catharine Jones, of the Presbyterians ; the 
 Disciples, Rev. B. L. Smith and Rev. F. M. Raines; and Dr. Fuller- 
 ton and Rev. J. W. Laughlin, of the Cumberland Presbyterians. 
 
 Among the prominent speakers were : Southern Presbyterians, 
 Professor James Lewis Howe, a trustee of the United Society ; Dr. 
 James L. Hill and Bishop Arnett, two trustees, who addressed the 
 African Methodist Episcopal rally ; Canon Richardson, another trustee, 
 who addressed the Episcopalian rally ; Rev. B. Fay Mills and Dr. 
 Wallace Radcliffe, who spoke to the Presbyterians; Dr. J. Z. Tyler, a 
 trustee. Dr. F. D. Power, Dean Willett, of the Disciples' Divinity 
 House of Chicago University, and Miss Jessie H. Brown, editor of 
 The Lookout, all of whom spoke to the Disciples ; Bishop Walters, who 
 addressed the African Methodist Episcopal Zion rally; Dr. H. S. 
 Williams and Rev. Ira Landrith, editor of The Cumberland Presbyterian, 
 who spoke before their own young people, the latter also addressing 
 the Welsh rally, which brought together many Welsh Endeavorers, a 
 large part of whose exercises were in their native tongue. There 
 were besides, of the Lutherans, Miss Laura Wade Rice, editor of The 
 Children's Missionary, and Rev. W. S. Hinman, so prominent in young 
 people's work ; of the United Brethren, the musician. Rev. E. S. 
 Lorenz; President T. H. Lewis and Rev, R. B. Whitehead, of the 
 Methodist Protestants, who also held a very enthusiastic meeting of 
 the National Christian Endeavor Union of their denomination. Then 
 there was Rev. W. E. Barton, D.D., the Congregationalist ; Dr. 
 Clarence Barbour, the Baptist; and Rev. P. A. Canada, Dr. Barrett, 
 and Rev. G. A. Conibear, of the Christians. 
 
 Dr. Bell, United Brethren missionary secretary, illustrated his address 
 with charts, and many of the speakers used similar aids. The United 
 Evangelical rally took earnest and practical steps to help that young 
 denomination start out in missionary work. The Free Baptists' lis- 
 tened to some of their most active home and foreign missionaries. 
 The Church of God Endeavorers held an interesting rally, addressed 
 by Dr. Allen and Rev. C. L Brown. The Moravians filled the church 
 at their rally, which, as befits this denomination so prominent in mis- 
 sionary activity, was one of the greatest enthusiasm. 
 
 Altogether, these meetings, though held at a time when the heat was 
 almost intolerable, were strikingly vigorous, and are sure to result in 
 greatly increased study of denominational missions and rapidly growing 
 contributions to denominational treasuries. 
 
 Central Hall. 
 
 Mr. Shaw, in the absence of Rev. Dr. Cuyler, who led the Sabbath 
 observance meeting in Central Hall, said that the presence of more 
 than 2,000 Endeavorers there that sultry afternoon was proof that the 
 
296 Official Report of the 
 
 attendants on these great conventions came for spiritual purposes, and 
 not merely for a junket. The meeting opened with the repeating, by 
 all the company, of the fourth commandment. Mr. Foster had charge 
 of the singing. Rev. J. E. Gilbert, of Washington, conducted the 
 opening devotional exercises. 
 
 Mrs. McEwen, wife of Dr. H. T. McEwen, the chairman of the com- 
 mittee that cared for the great New York Convention, was forcible and 
 truly eloquent. Rev. J. B. Davison, of Milwaukee, spoke nobly of the 
 harm Sabbath desecration was doing to the laboring man, and how the 
 Sabbath is " God's bridge over the chasm between Christ and Chris- 
 tian wage-earners." Dr. Alexander Alison, of New York, poured out 
 for half an hour a fusillade of fact and argument, right to the point, on 
 Sunday desecration in all its forms, by newspapers, saloons, bicycle- 
 riders, railroads, and the like. 
 
 The audience, in spite of the great heat, were enthusiastic and eager 
 listeners. The meeting ran far beyond its time to hear that eminent 
 reformer, Dr. Wilbur F. Crafts, president of the Reform League. 
 With sparkling anecdotes and strong truths and cogent logic, he 
 pleaded for God's day. 
 
 Remarks of Treasurer Shaw. 
 
 There are some people who try to give us the impression that Christian En- 
 deavorers come up to their conventions simply to have a kind of excursion, a 
 good time, a picnic, as they call it. I wish they could look in upon the great 
 congregations that are gathered this afternoon. They would then understand 
 that we mean business when we come to a convention. If we did not we should 
 not be here at this hour, and under the pressure of this atmosphere. We are 
 not here for fun. We are here for business. I consider this one of the most 
 important meetings that will be held during this great convention. I greatly 
 regret that our honored friend and leader. Dr. Cuyler, is prevented from being 
 here on account of a sudden attack of illness. His heart, I am sure, is with us. 
 His prayers are for us. We know that though he is absent in body, he is pres- 
 ent in spirit. We shall pray for him that many years of earnest faithful service, 
 such as he has rendered in the past, may be yet in store for him, and that his 
 voice may still be lifted for every cause of righteousness and of truth. 
 
 Dr. Clark received a letter yesterday from a good friend who was very much 
 disturbed about some reports in the papers. I have also been interviewed by 
 several good friends about some reports in the papers. I understand that one 
 of the leading New York papers has advertised a special Christian Endeavor 
 Sunday edition, with contributions by the officers of the United Society of 
 Christian Endeavor. Well, for ways that are dark and tricks that are vain, 
 the Chinese are not the only people that stand in the front ranks. There are 
 some managers of newspapers who stand there. We have good friends on the 
 press. They have done magnificent work for Christian Endeavor and for the 
 cause of Christ during these passing days. On the wings of their papers they 
 have sent out messages of truth and of righteousness ; but Dr. Francis E. Clark 
 is not contributing to Sunday newspapers, if he knows what he is doing. Gen- 
 eral Secretary Baer is not contributing to Sunday newspapers, if he knows what 
 he is doing. Sometimes editors of newspapers may secure a contribution weeks 
 in advance, and hold it and use it in a Sunday edition without the con- 
 sent of the writer. That has been done in more cases than one. So don't be 
 disturbed, friends, even if a contribution by Dr. Clark should appear in the 
 Sunday edition. Don't be disturbed about Dr. Clark's orthodoxy on the ques- 
 tion of Sunday observance. I pledge you my word, and I have his statement 
 for it, that he is not now contributing, and he will not contribute, to Sunday 
 
Fifteenth International Convcntioji. 297 
 
 newspapers; and where he stands the other officers of the United Society of 
 Christian Endeavor stand. 
 
 Furthermore, another good friend writes that he has seen in the public press 
 that a delegation of Christian Endeavorers from New England left home last 
 Sunday to come to this Convention, and that another delegation from the West 
 arrived here and spent last Sunday in excursions to some of your places of inter- 
 est. I want to say that the tickets held by these Christian Endeavorers are 
 excursion tickets from the New England States, and that they were not good 
 for passage until last Monday. They could not be used on Sunday. I want 
 to say that the excursion tickets from the West were not good in the territory 
 of the Trunk Line Association until last Monday morning; and I do not believe 
 that any of our Christian Endeavorers paid double fare from their homes in 
 order to take a little horse-car excursion in the city of Washington. 
 
 It is not necessary for you to believe even everything that is published in the 
 newspapers in Washington. So don't get worried about these things. Don't 
 think the whole Christian Endeavor movement has gone over to the enemy be- 
 cause some newspaper may happen to make a mistake ; don't think, either, that 
 every man or woman wearing a Christian Endeavor badge on the streets of 
 Washington is a Christian Endeavorer. Some of them may have been able to 
 get badges. I want some other card of membership, or certificate of member- 
 ship, than the mere fact that these people are wearing Christian Endeavor 
 badges. Everybody in Washington is so proud of Christian Endeavor that 
 they would all like to wear a badge, whether they deserve it or not. If you see 
 anybody disgracing the cause of Christian Endeavor, and they happen to wear 
 the badge, don't say they are Christian Endeavorers. Rather give us the bene- 
 fit of the doubt, if there is one, and don't go off and sit down under the juniper- 
 tree and mourn for the depravity of the young people in these days. 
 
 There are no stronger, more enthusiastic observers of the Sabbath Day, and 
 none that stand with a stiffer backbone for God's holy day, than our Christian 
 Endeavor members. 
 
 Address of Mrs. Henry T. Mc Ewen, New York City. 
 
 It is as significant as it is important that God no sooner founded the home 
 than he instituted the Sabbath. The intimate relation between the home and 
 the Sabbath is woman's justification for being the Sabbath's defender. 
 
 The evening of the sixth day witnessed the completion of God's creative 
 work. The home was its consummation. The morning of the seventh day 
 dawned not for toil, but for rest. God, who instituted the Sabbath, himself ob- 
 served it. What a perfect day — the earth without sin, the curse unknown! It 
 was the foregleam of that " rest which remaineth for the people of God." 
 
 That man would fall, and that he would have to earn his bread in the sweat 
 of his brow, did not surprise God. The Creator knew man's possibilities and 
 limitations. Six days of the continuous toil in the arduous struggle for bread 
 was all that the human frame could endure. In the battle of life, the needs of 
 the body would stifle the cry of the soul. The physical would be provided for 
 at the expense of the spiritual. For these reasons God ordained that the Sab- 
 bath should be observed by man. The body needed it for rest ; the soul, for 
 worship. 
 
 God penned the fourth commandment "for the whole man, for all races, for 
 all times. During the centuries since creation man's nature has not changed. 
 We have the same weak bodies and tempted souls which were the portion of 
 Adam and Eve. Our physical and our spiritual natures must be renewed to 
 live. The observance of this commandment conditioned man's existence at 
 the beginning, and will condition it to the end. "Remember" is employed 
 to recall the past, guard the present, and secure the future. Sabbath desecra- 
 tion means individual and national desolation. It was not vengeance but 
 mercy which dealt sternly with the gatherer of sticks on the Sabbath. " Better 
 that one should die, than that the whole nation should perish." Of all the 
 peoples of that time, the Hebrews are the only ones who have survived the 
 
298 Official Report of the 
 
 shock of centuries. Sabbath observance has to do with national perpetuity as 
 well as with individual purity. Benedictions followed the keeping of this cov- 
 enant as surely as curses its violation. 
 
 Christ came not to destroy the law but to fulfil it. To fulfil means to fill 
 full, or to fill completely. Did Christ fill full this law.'' We find that his cus- 
 tom was to be in the synagogue on the Sabbath Day, engaged in worship. He 
 also fills up the law with acts of mercy. He wrought seven miracles on the 
 Sabbath. Three of these were performed in the synagogues. Two were to 
 heal women. Acts of necessity were justified by the Master. He had no cen- 
 sure but rather approval for the disciples who, as they walked through the 
 fields on the Sabbath, plucked the heads of grain, rubbing them out in their 
 hands. It was he who said, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man 
 for the Sabbath." Falling from his lips these words meant for all men, as 
 opposed to any class or portion of men, and they meant for the whole, or eniire 
 man, as opposed to any portion thereof. Underneath each jacket two natures 
 struggle in mighty combat. Subordination or supremacy, rather than co-ordi- 
 nation and co-operation, seem to be the watchwords of these combatants. Even 
 Paul found that when he would do good evil was present with him. Man's 
 soul is as surely related to God as his body to the earth. Outdoor sports with 
 siren voice are luring him to mountain and sea; science, art, literature, stimu- 
 late his intellect; " But what shall it profit a man, if he should gain the whole 
 world, and lose his own soul 1 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his 
 soul?" Trained body and disciplined mind must be crowned by sanctified 
 soul, if you are to have the complete man. Starving the spiritual, in order 
 that you may surfeit the carnal, is demon's, not divine, work. He would be a 
 generous master who gave six-sevenths to his servants and retained one-seventh 
 for himself. What shall we say to this Master who not only gives us six- 
 sevenths as our own, but would give us back, fuller in measure and richer in 
 kind, even this one-seventh, when we hallow it to him. God did not make the 
 Sabbath for God, but for man, the highest, noblest, truest, completest man. 
 
 Sabbath desecration is not merely robbing God of his glory ; it is even more 
 surely robbing man of his perfection. Esau, selling his birthright for a mess of 
 pottage, was afar-seeing and wise man in comparison with those who for pleas- 
 ures of body barter the wealth of the soul. 
 
 Alarmed at the prevalent and growing Sabbath desecration, and knowing 
 that it imperilled the home, as well as the Church and the nation, a number of 
 women of several Christian denominations met in the Calvary Baptist Church, 
 New York City, Dec. lo, 1894. 
 
 Several phases of Sabbath observance were discussed, and a committee 
 was appointed to consider a plan by which women might unite to secure a bet- 
 ter observance of the Lord's Day. After deliberation the Women's National 
 Sabbath Alliance was organized, a constitution adopted, and officers chosen. 
 Our honored president, Mrs. Darwin R.James, has the confidence and affection 
 of all Christian women. There are eleven vice-presidents, representing as 
 many denominations. Christian Union and co-operation are thus realized. 
 
 All who become members of the Alliance subscribe to the following 
 pledge : — 
 
 We, women of America, recogfnizing' the American Christian Sabbath as our rightful inherit- 
 ance, bequeathed to us by our forefathers, as the foundation of our national prosperity, as the 
 safeguard of our social, civil, and religious blessings, as the conservator of the rights of the wage- 
 earner, do hereby pledge ourselves to resist, by precept and example, whatever tends to under- 
 mine Sunday as a day of rest and worship; such as the Sunday secular newspaper, Sunday 
 social entertainments, and Sunday driving or travelling for gain or pleasure; and we further 
 pledge ourselves to use our influence to create a right sentiment on all aspects of the Sunday 
 question, especially in reference to traffic of every kind on that day. 
 
 Pioneer work is never easy. Crowns succeed, they never precede, triumph- 
 We have, however, been encouraged by the cordial response we have received 
 from Christian women in different States throughout the Union. Our aim is 
 to form auxiliaries in every city and town, that our personal, united effort may 
 be felt by those who profane the Sabbath, In order that all Christian people 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 299 
 
 may be alert to the peril and opportunity of the Sabbath, we desire every min- 
 ister to preach on this theme. We realize that every woman in America is an 
 uncrowned queen. Her subjects are numerous and loyal. To render her reign 
 beneficent is our desire. Said a gentleman not long since, " Your pledge is 
 almost as strict as the traditions of the Pharisees. I take the Sermon on the 
 Mount as my rule of life, and in it I do not find any Sabbath-keeping enjoined. 
 I think the Sabbath was made for man." 
 
 How can he read, " Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God," 
 and forget the Sabbath, instituted by God to bring him near to God.? Do we 
 find either God or purity in the Sunday newspapers.? Are we made purer by 
 the Sunday concert, baseball game, or so-called popular amusements? Do 
 we go there to meet or catch a vision of God? How can he read, " Blessed are 
 the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy," whilst he demands that his Sunday 
 dinner-table shall be supplied with oysters on the half shell, or that the con- 
 fectioner shall deliver his desserts on the Sabbath ? By what right, human or 
 divine, does he deprive others of the rest of the Sabbath that his creature com- 
 forts may be supplied ? How can he read, " Blessed are they which do hunger 
 and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled," when selfishness is his 
 controlling motive? Is it necessary, or merciful, that the post-office be open 
 on the Sabbath, or that letters be delivered? 
 
 Christian women wield an influence which can not be weighed or measured. 
 Not only can this influence be felt in our homes, but in business and social cir- 
 cles American women possess a power not felt in other lands. What Drum- 
 mond says is pre-eminently true of America: " Christianity is not all carried on 
 by committees, and the kingdom of God has other ways of coming than 
 through municipal reforms. Most of the stones for the building of the city of 
 God, and all the best of them, are made by mothers." But true as this is and 
 ever must be, it is not less true that the number of business, professional, and 
 laboring women outside of the homes is increasing with every year. The 
 Union Signal is responsible for the following very significant statements : " In 
 this country 2,500 women are practising medicine, 275 are preaching the Gos- 
 pel, more than 6,000 are managing post-ofiices, and over 3,000,000 are earning 
 independent incomes. Since 18S0 the patent office has granted over 2,500 
 patents to women, and in New York City 27,000 women support their husbands." 
 
 Women of vast wealth have a responsibility entrusted to them. Said a 
 
 clergyman not long since, " Mrs. owns a controlling interest in the stock 
 
 of the mines in which my people work. I can not get suitable elders for my 
 church, because the mines are operated on Sunday, and my men must either 
 
 work or leave. Mrs. is a Christian woman, and I can not believe that she 
 
 knows of or comprehends this." How can Christian women oblige others to 
 do unnecessary work on the Sabbath, or themselves set the fashion by enter- 
 taining, or attending, dinners, teas, and receptions on the Sabbath ? 
 
 Of the one hundred thousand who, according to the New York Herald, were 
 out on their wheels, in Greater New York, Sunday, June 21, do you suppose 
 that all were Hebrews, or that they all belong to the so-called working classes? 
 A recent number of the L. A. W. Bulletin says, "Those who are disposed 
 to decry Sunday wheeling should remember that the first Christian Sabbath 
 was the occasion of a Sunday outing and a discourse on the way by the 
 founder of Christianity. No one would now venture to doubt but that, if 
 Cleopas and his companion had possessed bicycles they would have ridden 
 them that spring day on their journey of threescore furlongs to Emmaus." 
 Why did not the writer tell the whole truth, instead of a half of the truth, 
 which is often the worst type of a lie? Did he not know that the apostles and 
 disciples so strictly observed the Sabbath that not even one of them went to 
 the tomb in which their Master's body lay that sacred day? As the women 
 hurried along that memorable morning of the resurrection they do not even 
 seem to have known that Pilate had placed a Roman guard and fixed the seal. 
 Cleopas and his companion were not desecrating the Sabbath by walking to 
 Emmaus. Not till the Sabbath was past did their Master rise from the dead. 
 It was to complete a hasty and imperfect burial that the women hurried to the 
 
300 Official Report of the 
 
 tomb that early morning. Not even their devotion to Christ could lead them 
 to break the Sabbath which they and their fathers had hitherto kept. If you 
 are a Hebrew, and devoutly keep the Jewish Sabbath, we shall not question 
 your Sabbath observance; or if you are a Christian and keep the first day of 
 the week, we shall be satisfied; but that to which we object is that you are a 
 Gentile on Saturday, and a Hebrew on Sunday, thus violating both letter and 
 spirit of the Sabbath. The day is thus turned into one of revel, instead of 
 rest; it is made to minister to selfishness, instead of holiness. If we should 
 read in to-morrow's papers of thousands of men, women, and children fainting 
 at their work for lack of food, a cry of horror and anguish would be heard. 
 Purses would open, hands and hearts would be busy supplying the need. Yet 
 to-morrow thousands of men, women, and children will fall under the strain and 
 stress of temptation because their souls have not been fed. Shame on a peo- 
 ple's conscience where to starve is more awful than sin ! 
 
 " Keep your conscience pure, untainted, 
 Be existence short or long ; 
 Hold aloft the golden watchword, 
 Love of right and scorn of wrong." 
 
 It is a siege, not a skirmish, which we have undertaken. To the women we 
 appeal against the Continental, in behalf of the Christian, Sabbath. " Who 
 knoweth but that thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? " was 
 the challenge with which Mordecai aroused Queen Esther. Her sacrifice and 
 heroism saved a nation. If we rescue the Sabbath, we shall have saved a 
 nation. 
 
 Address of Rev. J. B. Davison, Milwaukee, Wis. 
 
 Everybody knows that a broad chasm separates a large portion of the wage- 
 earners from Christianity. It may not be deeper than in former years, but it is 
 there. I ask you to consider two propositions in reference to this chasm. 
 
 1. The Sabbath has been made one occasion of this terrible chasm. 
 
 2. The Sabbath is a bridge over this chasm by which these wage-earners 
 may be led to find and know Christ. 
 
 The Sabbath is the most prominent outward representative of Christianity. 
 Satan has so bewildered his servants' eyes that the Sabbath has seemed to 
 them a hobgoblin, full of gloom and evil forebodings. Looking through this 
 distorted vision of the Sabbath at the Church, the Christian religion, and even 
 heaven itself, they have all seemed to many sombre and forbidding. A refined 
 lady said to me, " I used to think if heaven was an eternal Sabbath I never 
 wished to go there." 
 
 Some of us have often looked or talked as though the Sabbath were a dull, 
 gloomy burden. The joy of the Lord has not so filled our souls as to shine out 
 of our faces and ring out of our speech. So we have led men to think Sabbath- 
 keeping is probably a duty essential to salvation; but it is awfully dull. So, 
 while they hope to keep their last Sabbath holy, and would not wish to go fish- 
 ing that day, they prefer to put off such evil days, and with them they put off 
 Christianity. 
 
 Again, some Christians have gone to church while their employees in the 
 factory or kitchen were bound to incessant, needless toil, and so were taught 
 to hate the Sabbath and the Church. Many who would not do this individually 
 have been partners in the same iniquity as members of a corporation. Others, 
 by riding on Sunday trains, going to the post-office Sunday, taking Sunday 
 papers, asking that their freight be carried on Sunday, or in other similar ways 
 have helped to hold in bondage to greedy employers and a thoughtless public 
 millions whose bodies, brains, and souls cry out for release from this Sunday 
 slavery. 
 
 Some Christians have said, " I keep my employees at work Sunday to prevent 
 them from doing something worse." Others refuse to help release men from 
 Sunday slavery lest they may not use their freedom rightly. Dare a Christian 
 thus excuse his own disobedience to God and his cruelty to his neighbor.? 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 301 
 
 Again, many Christian communities have allowed saloons, theatres, etc., to 
 run wide open Sunday, inviting multitudes to ruin. In these and other ways has 
 this memorial of the resurrection been perverted into a means of opening and 
 widening the terrible chasm between tlie sons of toil and their loving Heav- 
 enly Father. One of God's chief blessings is thus turned into a curse. 
 
 It must be restored to its original beauty and glory. Then will it be a bridge 
 over the foul chasm of unbelief, upon which thousands of wage-earners shall 
 be led up from the dark morass of discontent into the sunlight, hope, and joy 
 of God's love. There will they learn to know the tender heart of the Carpenter 
 of Galilee, and be awakened to a full consciousness of their own manhood, 
 their dignity as sons and daughters of God, co-workers with Jesus, and heirs of 
 heaven. 
 
 The consciousness of the need of rest, and the yearning for something 
 higher, nobler, are clearing away the mists by which Satan has hid God's true 
 Sabbath frt)m these toilers, wearied, well-nigh crushed under the daily grind of 
 machinery and trade. And, lo ! they see in it one of their best friends. In 
 their own bodies, nerves, brains, homes, yea, their whole social and moral na- 
 ture, they are reading this unchanging law: Rest thou one day in seven, or 
 suffer — suffer in shattered health, nerve, and brain, shortened life, shadowed 
 home, and weakened moral power. They see that on this law, as positive and 
 irrevocable as the law of gravitation, as its solid foundations, rests the lower 
 end of this bridge of divinely appointed Sunday rest. On this bridge that 
 leads up over this chasm toward the Church of the living God, yea, toward God 
 himself, thousands of the wage-earners are seeking to plant their feet. 
 
 Six years ago the barbers in Cleveland commenced to demand Sunday rest, 
 and persevered till, by special State law, it was made such to all barbers in 
 Ohio. Later, the barbers of Chicago have struggled vigorously for the same 
 blessing. Recently the grain shovelers of Buffalo struck, demanding Sunday 
 rest and payment of wages somewhere else than in the saloon. The whole 
 country knows how the retail clerks of Chicago have pleaded and worked for 
 Sunday rest. These are only samples of the way God's Spirit is awakening 
 wage-earners all over the land. 
 
 In my Milwaukee home the retail clerks are in the midst of a similar strug- 
 gle. For twenty years all Sunday laws had been a dead letter in the city, with 
 no attempt at enforcement. Fifteen hundred saloons were wide open. More than 
 nine-tenths of all classes of retail stores were open a large part of every Sabbath. 
 More than ten thousand men were engaged in Sunday work. Lady clerks, as well 
 as gentlemen, after standing behind the counters eighty hours in six days, were 
 compelled to stand there several more hours on Sunday. They found it was 
 killing them. They organized, they discussed, they agitated, they pleaded with 
 their employers, till more than ninety per cent agreed to close. A few refusing^ 
 seemed almost to compel all. Their only hope of safety was in appeal to the 
 law to compel the few. They found that, as Horace Greeley said, " The law of 
 rest for all is essential to the liberty of rest for any." The week after the 
 " world's week of prayer for the Lord's Day," which President Clark invited all 
 Christians to observe, a merchant was found guilty by the jury of violating 
 Sunday law. That same week our (Governor ordered that the State militia 
 should cease their long-time habit of going to and from camp on Sunday. 
 Now the liquor power is seeking to thrust their clerks back into bondage; 
 but, mark this fact, the Federated Labor Union of our city proposed to help 
 these clerks. It was referred to all the unions of the different trades, dis- 
 cussed in each, and then the Federated Labor Union voted $50 to help these 
 clerks win their case in court. Remember, most of the members of these 
 unions are Germans. Are not our working men climbing out of their darkness 
 onto this bridge of Sunday rest 1 
 
 This is especially true of the railroad men. To the World's Congress in 
 Chicago came Hon. L. S. Coffin, sent by one hundred thousand railway employ- 
 ees, to plead in their behalf for the abolition of Sunday traffic. Thirty thousand 
 of the Brotherhood of Trainmen said, " We believe the Sabbath a God-given 
 blessing to the laboring man, and when its hours are encroached upon by the 
 
302 Official Report of the 
 
 greed of capital we would be less than free men if we did not enter our earnest 
 protest; and we do trust a thougiiiful and Christian public, and the corporations 
 we are connected with, will accord to us this rest day as our imperative need 
 and our most sacred right." 
 
 Twenty-two thousand railroad conductors said, "We believe when this 
 day is secured and used as the best good of each demands, it becomes the im- 
 passable barrier to the encroachments of capital upon the rights of labor." 
 
 The locomotive engineers said to Vanderbilt: "This great strain of mental 
 and physical faculties constantly employed impairs the requisites necessary to 
 make a good engineer. Troubled in mind, jaded and worn out in body, the 
 engineer can not give his duties the attention they should have. Give us the 
 Sabbath for rest after one week of laborious duties and we pledge you that, 
 with a system invigorated by a season of repose, with a brain eased and 
 cleared by hours of relaxation, we can go to work with more energy, more 
 mental and physical force, and can do more and better work in six days than 
 we now do in seven." 
 
 The leading organ of the Knights of Labor is demanding not merely talk, 
 but united action to secure rest on the Sabbath for the laboring classes. 
 
 The editor of The Outlook finds the women in tne tenement-house districts 
 of New York, generally, crying, "God bless the men who try to close the 
 saloons Sunday." One said, " I tell you, we are living a new life here. Chil- 
 dren who have never seen their fathers sober on Sunday see them at home 
 sober every Sunday now. Women who have never before since their marriage 
 seen their husbands sober on Sunday pray to God on their knees, ' Bless the 
 men who shut up those places that made hells of our homes.' " 
 
 Truly, the wage-earners are crowding the lower end of this bridge. But we 
 must not let them stop there. They need God's soul-rest still more than rest of 
 body. They need a day to get acquainted with wife and children. They need 
 still more a day to get acquainted with God, and learn the joy of talking with 
 him. So, then, the bridge must reach clear across the chasm, and have a solid 
 abutment on this side. 
 
 That abutment must be God's law of holy rest shining through the lives of 
 his people, making them radiant with joy in God and love to their fellow men. 
 It is our business, fellow Endeavorers, to furnish this abutment, and to lead 
 these masses clear over the bridge into the liberty of sons and daughters of the 
 Almighty. 
 
 I. We must do this by our example. When God s truth is translated into 
 and shines through human life, it becomes a living power. We can not win 
 men over the bridge unless they see the Sabbath law dominating our lives and 
 making the day to us intensely holy and happy. While we have any fellow- 
 ship with such unfruitful works of darkness as Sunday papers, trade, or trains, 
 we can not help the slaves of Sunday toil to see the beauty of rest in God. 
 
 2. Wlaen our hearts love, and otir lives honor, the Sabbath, we can begin 
 to educate the masses, American and foreign — especially foreign. Ignorance 
 and prejudice are the chief causes of opposition to a true Sabbath and to Sab- 
 bath laws. The light of truth will scatter these, and that only. The majority 
 of non-church-goers have even yet no clear idea on these matters. 
 
 Great care should be taken to enlighten all the people as to the close rela- 
 tion of the Sabbath to the foundation, growth, and safety of our Republic, and 
 as to the reasons why Sabbath laws are needed. Thousands suppose they are 
 merely to upbuild the Church and to promote religion. All good laws promote 
 religion, but that is not the purpose of Sunday laws any more than of other laws. 
 Their purpose is to protect liberty, health, home, and character, and thus pro- 
 mote national prosperity. Sunday laws require nothing religious. They pro- 
 tect one's right to rest, and give him a chance to worship God, if he wishes, or 
 to refrain from all worship, if he so prefers. 
 
 3. Again, if we would lead these toiling masses over the chasm, we must 
 get very near them. We must know their heart-throbs. Through our sym- 
 pathy they must feel the sympathy of Christ. 
 
 4, We must help them secure justice and fair play. Especially must we 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 303 
 
 help them secure universal half-holidays every week, — one-half day for home, 
 nature, and physical recreation ; one whole day for God, home, and soul-growth. 
 In every practicable way help them secure a chance for Sunday rest. Stand by 
 every business man who closes store or factory Sunday. Patronize him as far 
 as possible. Bring all possible pressure to bear on any who refuse to close. 
 Make clear the mischief of Sunday amusements to man and the State. 
 
 Elect true men to office, and stand by them when elected. Awaken the 
 public to demand of every officer the fulfilment of his sworn obligation to be 
 true to God and man. 
 
 Finally I call upon you all gathered in our nation's capital, Hear the cry of 
 the millions in the mail and railway service, and awaken the people all over the 
 land to persistently demand that our government cease to defy God by com- 
 pelling its citizens to trample on the law of God and the State by rushing Sun- 
 day mail-trains all over the nation and opening a post-office in almost every 
 city and town. This is the main root of our nation's Sunday lawlessness, 
 watered, it is true, by the saloon and some of the foreign immigration. But for 
 this main root we, the people, are directly responsible. The Sunday post-office 
 led to the Sunday store, and the Sunday mail to the Sunday trains and papers, 
 all which threaten the destruction of Church and nation. 
 
 Gen. A. S. Diven, thirty years manager on the Erie Railroad, said, " The 
 refrigerator-car removed the last excuse for a Sunday train." Vanderbilt said, 
 "Though one great road can not stop alone, all roads can stop together with no 
 damage." No train, unless it be a short early milk-train, can have any reason- 
 able excuse. Sterilized milk is likely soon to do away with all necessity for 
 that. 
 
 Shall we sit still and let our nation go on crushing the life out of these mil- 
 lions.-' Let us speak in behalf of the bill to stop Sunday mail and interstate 
 commerce with a voice that shall be heard through the whole nation. Let us 
 go home and arouse every philanthropist to cry out, "Let these millions go 
 free and enjoy God's rest. Give them a chance to rise up to the highest man- 
 hood." Such a law would free nearly as many from slavery as the Emanci- 
 pation Proclamation, and be as great a blessing to the nation. Shall we here 
 and now swear eternal warfare against this and every other form of Sunday 
 slavery 1 
 
 Address of Rev, Alexander Alison, D.D., New York City. 
 
 The Sabbath Day, day of rest, cease day, or day of cessation from earthly 
 toil, is a very old institution. It is older than our country, older than Christian- 
 ity, older than Judaism. It is older than the Ten Commandments, for there it 
 is said, " Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy." That word " remem- 
 ber" is significant. The implication clearly is that that which is here enjoined 
 was before the enactment concerning it which was written by the finger of God 
 upon the tables of stone. The fact is that the Sabbath is older than human 
 sin. It was given to man prior to the fall. It has, therefore, survived the 
 tragedy of Eden. In Gen. ii. 2,3, we read, "And on the seventh day God 
 ended his work which he had made ; and he rested on the seventh day from all 
 his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sancti- 
 fied it, because that in it he had rested from all his work which God had created 
 and made." 
 
 There is a craze in these days for the old, the ancient, the antique. Talk 
 about the antique ! We surely have it here. The oldest institutions we have 
 are the family relation and the day of rest. But some one says it was the 
 "seventh day which God sanctified and blest, not the first day of the week." 
 Look closely at the passage, " God re.sted on the seventh day of his own work." 
 On what day were Adam and Eve created ? Was it not on the sixth day of 
 the creation period .'' What was the first day of Adam and Eve's earthly exist- 
 ence ? Was it not the day following the sixth day of the creation ? What day 
 was this ? Was it not the Sabbath Day .'' What, then, was the first day of the 
 human week? Was it not the Sabbath Day? Adam was appointed to work, 
 
304 Official Report of the 
 
 was he not? Read the verse, Gen. ii. 15, "And the Lord God took the man, 
 and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it." Adam, in a 
 perfect state, was not to be an idler ; but he is not to begin his week of work 
 in the garden until he has first enjoyed a Sabbath Day. The first day, there- 
 fore, of the human week is the day of sanctified rest. 
 
 After that, six days of honest toil. Then the first day of the second week is 
 a Sabbath, and so on. Is not this a sweet suggestion of the time to come, 
 when the first day of the week would be formally, technically, and ofiicially 
 recognized by the resurrection of our blessed Lord as the first day of the be- 
 ginning of the work of a redemption applied to man's salvation? The Sabbath 
 Day, then, is a day to be revered. It is the one day that is dignified as the 
 crown of creation. It precedes man's toil as it succeeds the work of God. 
 Again, it is not only the crown of the creation, but it is the crown of the re-crea- 
 tion. It follows the divine work of re-creation, as it follows the divine work 
 of creation. If it could be said, when God finished the natural creation, " Be- 
 hold, it was very good," it could be so said when he completed the work of 
 re-creation or redemption. 
 
 If we really appreciated the force of the fourth commandment, we would 
 be able to decipher the full meaning of the Saviour's words when he said, 
 " The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." The day of 
 rest is essential to man's highest welfare. It is essential to his life physically, 
 mentally, and morally, or spiritually. The Sabbath Day he can not get along 
 without. One-seventh of the time he needs. France tried one-tenth. What 
 was the result? In answer, the epidemic in man and beast, and the revolution, 
 or reign of terror. 
 
 Voltaire, the brilliant French infidel, spoke like a philosopher when he said, 
 " If Christianity shall ever perish from the earth, you must first destroy the 
 Christian Sabbath." Another Frenchman, many years ago, said to an Ameri- 
 can tourist, "If France shall continue her existence as a nation, she must 
 adopt your American Sabbath." 
 
 The American Sabbath ! I like that expression. It has the right ring to it. 
 There is an American Sabbath ! And it is the Bible Sabbath, too. Our 
 fathers of immortal memory brought it with them across the sea. The family 
 relation, the Bible, the Lord's Day, — these three were brought here by our godly 
 ancestors. They believed in this blessed trinity, those sturdy pioneers. And 
 they believed in it so thoroughly that they were prepared, if need be, to die 
 rather than surrender it to the advocates of a false philosophy and a false 
 religious system. 
 
 But there is not only a religious side to the subject of Sabbath observance. 
 There is also a secular one. We have a right to make and to enforce human 
 statutes that shall call for the observance of the laws of God. As a matter of 
 fact, we have in every State in the Union but one what might be called fairly 
 good Sabbath laws. One State has repealed its laws on the Sabbath. We 
 hope, ere long, to have this changed. We are glad the showing is so good as 
 it is. Let us see to it that laws now in existence are enforced. Public senti- 
 ment is always potential. Christian sentiment, if crystallized, can control pub- 
 lic sentiment anywhere. A great city daily recently said in an editorial, " If 
 the Christian people of this city would unite as touching the suppression of any 
 evil in our midst, the evil could be crushed in a month." This means that a 
 united Christian sentiment will surely constrain the newspapers to be its allies. 
 They know the power of united Christian sentiment. The trouble is with 
 Christians, that they differ so much in regard to methods and details. 
 
 It is only by indifference of Christian people, a sentiment below par on the 
 
 Eart of our Christian people, that it can ever be possible for the American Sab- 
 ath to be in danger. 
 The Anglo-Saxon race owes everything to the Sabbath. What is the great 
 race in civilization? Is it not the Anglo-Saxon? Let us remember that no 
 country has retrograded where the commandment " Remember the Sabbath 
 Day to keep it holy " has been sacredly obeyed. This is true in Great Britain, 
 New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and all the grand old States of the 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 305 
 
 American Union. What has made the East and South will make the North 
 and West. 
 
 There are portions of our country where the Sabbath Day is the worst day 
 in the week; we can reverse this if we are willing. The home mission prob- 
 lem in all the denominations will be largely solved so soon as Sabbath laws 
 are enforced. The Sabbath question is fundamental. It underlies everything. 
 If the Sabbath goes, so does the Church, the Bible, and the family. Who will 
 care to go to church or read the Bible if the Sabbath becomes a dead letter? 
 
 Let us remember that man is more than animal. He is made in the image 
 of God. The beast is to rest one day in seven. The fourth commandment 
 enjoins this. Man, as an animal, is to rest also. But he can do what the 
 beast can not. He can enter into fellowship with his Creator. This he is to do 
 on the Sabbath Day. He is not only to rest from labor, from the gathering of 
 his daily food, the manna, on the Sabbath Day, but he is to worship God. 
 
 A healthy arousing on the part of all who profess to be followers of the meek 
 and lowly Jesus will in the next decade restore our fair Republic to its old-time 
 devotion to Sabbath-keeping. Then shall we develop a true and abiding pros- 
 perity. Sabbath observance is more at the root of national prosperity than any 
 questions of tariff or finance. Politicians reason out along their own lines the 
 way to good times. May we never forget that God only is the true statesman. 
 He holds the destinies of nations in his hand. His sceptre is the sceptre of 
 universal dominion. Hear him, as he says," Them that honor me I will honor; 
 but them that despise me I will lightly esteem." 
 
 Members of the Y. P. S. C. E., let us never forget that he who fights for 
 God, for truth, and freedom, shall never fight in vain. 
 
 Address of Rev. Wilbur F. Crafts, Ph.D., Washington, D. C. 
 
 The centre of peril and of hope to-day is the Sabbath, the citadel of Chris- 
 tian morality. One of our chief perils is in the breaches made in that citadel 
 by the Sunday papers, the Sunday cycle, and the Sunday trolley. One of our 
 chief hopes is in the re-enforcements that citadel is receiving from the oncoming 
 hosts of Christian Endeavor. 
 
 The most plausible argument against the strict observance of the Sabbath 
 is the specious claim that " the complicated civilization of the nineteenth cen- 
 tury" requires that Sabbath observance and Sabbath laws should be relaxed. 
 Nay, this is a new reason why they should be maintained and strengthened. 
 Did Adam, to whom the Sabbath law of work and rest was given before the 
 fall, — did he, who knew nothing of "cut-throat competition," and "soulless 
 corporations," and "hard masters," and wearying "tricks of trade," need a 
 Sabbath law more than we do to-day, when sin has put its curse into the Edenic 
 blessing of labor? At Sinai, where the Sabbath law was reproclaimed, did 
 those Hebrew herders, moving on at three miles an hour, need a law to protect 
 them against the overstrain more than the engineers of to-day, who drive their 
 iron dragons a mile a minute with hand on the throttle, eye on the track, every 
 power alert? Did those dozen farmers from whose social plowing-bee Elisha 
 was called to be a prophet, — I have seen in that region a modern plowing-bee 
 of eighteen, — did those farmers, gossiping together as they kept step with their 
 slow oxen, need a Sabbath law more than the motor-man who harnesses the 
 lightning to his electric car, and drives through crowded city streets, where a 
 moment's inattention may cause the loss of a pedestrian's life and his own 
 position? 
 
 Turning to the more recent times, when the foundations of this Republic 
 were laid on the Bible, the Sabbath being assigned a prominent place among 
 American institutions, did our fathers, when they lived half a mile apart, cur- 
 tained at night with the soft velvet of silence, need a day of protected quiet 
 more than their sons in the tenements of to-day, where going to bed at night 
 is often like the "charge of the light brigade," — noises in the flat above, noises 
 in the flat at the right, noises in the flat at the left, noises in the flat below; the 
 high fiddle-diddle of a midnight dance on the floor overhead; the crash of a 
 
306 Official Report of the 
 
 family jar just beyond the wall on the right ; a piano through the wall at the 
 left making love on that side and hate on this side at midnight; while the flat 
 below does its share in the torture by an early start on a fishing-excursion 
 to murder sleep in the morning? 
 
 When nearly all the work was in the open air, in forest and field, was there 
 more need to protect the toilers' right to one day's release from labor, than now, 
 when many thousands work at night and in the mine, and thousands more in 
 stifling shops? Is there more excuse for keeping thousands toiling on the Sun- 
 day mail now, when a letter is carried from New York to San Francisco in five 
 days, than in our fathers' day, when such a journey took five months ? Was 
 there less excuse for our fathers to issue Sunday papers when news crossed the 
 Atlantic in two months, than there is for us, when the news of Europe reaches 
 us by telegraph the day before it happens? More than ever before, we should 
 see to it that neither ourselves nor others cause any Sunday work except of ne- 
 cessity or mercy. 
 
 Canada leads the world with its recent votes for prohibition and non-secta- 
 rian schools and rest for street-car men. A few weeks ago I started for Chicago, 
 and told my wife to go to Halifax. She likes to go there. Halifax is the upper 
 end in that contrast of cities. Canadian cities are nearer heaven than any 
 other cities. Toronto, with no Sunday papers, no Sunday mails, no Sunday 
 street-cars, no police gazettes, and 10,000 majority for prohibition, is more than 
 half way from Old Rome to the Holy City. 
 
 But it would tax to the utmost the talents of the professional optimist, who 
 makes himself the special attorney for the defence of the present, to prove that 
 our country has progressed morally in this last third of the century; that is, 
 since the war. l3uring that time unimpeachable statistics show that the con- 
 sumption of liquors, and, partly as an outgrowth of that, divorces and murders 
 also, have increased three times as fast as the population; that, as additional 
 outgrowths of the liquor increase, lynchings, labor riots, and municipal corrup- 
 tion have outrun, in our land and time, all other records. A recent gathering 
 of physicians from all parts of the country sadly agreed that impurity, another 
 branch of that same trunk, is also increasing apace in all our States. Most 
 serious of all, the assault upon the Sabbath is also increasingly effective just 
 when its walls should be strongest for the defence and rescue of imperilled 
 morality. 
 
 The trouble is that while Sabbath observance as a personal duty is more or 
 less urged by the churches, the Sabbath as a social institution, which mani- 
 festly can not be defended by one church or one denomination, but only by 
 united, organized action in town and state and nation, is not recognized as a 
 part of the work of associated churches. All the Sabbath associations in the 
 country have fewer men and less money for their work than the churches of a 
 single city of 10,000 population. There are but nine men in the United States 
 giving their time to the defence of the Sabbath. Temperance makes a some- 
 what better showing, though not more deserving; but the whole force engaged 
 in Christian reforms is but a squad of raiders, whose function is only a recon- 
 naissance in force, preparatory to the onward march to ultimate reform triumph 
 which must be made by the whole grand army of the Church of God. Upon 
 Endeavorers, as the Church of the twentieth century, I wish to urge earnest 
 consideration of the question whether the hour has not come, in the closing 
 years of this century, for moral reform, the child of Christianity, which is 
 treated as a distant and poor relation, to be taken into the family ; that is, 
 whether moral reform should not be made as much a part of church work as 
 missions, of which it is indeed a home branch. 
 
 The Methodist Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church have both 
 established temperance committees, and recommended the churches to take 
 collections to enable them to promote this reform. The United Presbyterians 
 have taken like action as to national reform. What is only a committee now, 
 its support only enough to make the Church's neglect the more visible, will, in 
 the twentieth century, in every church, be a " Board of Christian Reforms." 
 The churches should do more or less. They should cease to recognize, by 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 307 
 
 resolutions, that the crusades against intemperance, Sabbath-breaking, im- 
 purity, and gambling are a concern of the Church, or else attack these evils 
 with something more than resolutions. They should shoot something be- 
 sides paper balls, unless the paper consists of greenbacks. 
 
 As the best work of a law and order league is not to do the work of public 
 ofHcers in enforcing law, except enough to show that it can be done, but 
 rather to make the officers do their duty, so the best work of a Sabbath 
 association is not to do the work, except temporarily, which in this case be- 
 longs pre-eminently to the united churches, but rather to arouse the churches 
 to their manifest duty in this matter. 
 
 Meantime, let each Endeavor Society prepare the way of the Lord by adding 
 to its plan a Sabbath observance committee, and let that committee, for one 
 thing, follow the example of the Endeavorers of Mount Vernon, New York, by 
 securing the Sabbath closing of the post-office by a local petition to our noble 
 Postmaster-General Wilson, who has deliberately adopted the local optiort 
 plan originated by Honorable John Wanamaker. 
 
 Toronto, a city as large as Washington, which has grown faster than any 
 American city except Chicago, shows that no Sunday work whatever need be 
 done in the post-offices. Telegrams Saturday night and Monday morning 
 provide for all emergencies. But if, in our large cities, it be deemed impracti- 
 cable to ask for complete suspension of Sunday work at first, a reduction or 
 re-arrangement may often be secured. For instance, here in Washington, let 
 Endeavorers lead a movement asking that, first of all, the four carrier de- 
 liveries at hotels and newspaper offices, the only outside deliveries by carriers 
 in our country anywhere, which have been put on without the authority of 
 law, be discontinued ; also, here and everwhere, the unauthorized collections 
 from street boxes. As on the Sabbath men must go to the office if they wish to 
 get mail, by analogy they should go there if they wish to send it. Let us also 
 ask everywhere for the discontinuance of the wholly unauthorized and utterly 
 unnecessary Sunday sale of stamps, called for mostly by shiftless loafers. And 
 as a fourth petition in large cities, let us ask that in the inside Sunday work 
 of the office rights of conscience and the right to rest shall at least receive 
 larger consideration. 
 
 The movement against Sunday work in your local post office may well in- 
 clude petitions to Congress for a law against Sunday work in the national 
 capital, and in the mails, and wherever else the control of Congress extends. All 
 this can be covered by the adoption in churches, labor unions, and other soci- 
 eties, of this resolution : — 
 
 Resolved. That our president and secretary are hereby authorized to petition the Honorable 
 Postmaster-General, in our behalf, for the discontinuance of Sunday work in our local post-office, 
 and also to petition both houses of Congress for Sabbath laws that will suppress unnecessary 
 Sunday work in the nation's capital, in its mail service, also, and wherever Congress has juris- 
 diction in this matter. 
 
 For another thing, let that Sabbath committee urge that Christians by their 
 patronage encourage those daily papers that have no Sunday editions, among 
 which are some that have no superiors in influence ; for example, among morn- 
 ing papers, The PhiladelpJiia Ledger, The Baltimore Sun, The Pittsburg 
 Cotmnercial Gazette., and The Chicago Record. 
 
 Do not be stayed one moment in your course by that musty chestnut, " It is 
 the Monday paper that makes the most Sunday work." The newspaper men 
 who say that assume that there is no work required in distribittiitg Sunday 
 papers far and wide, with roaring trains and huckstering cries. As Mr. Moody 
 said recently in Boston, the worst thing about the Sunday paper is that it em- 
 ploys in sinful Sunday work two hundred thousand newsboys. At the very 
 hour when they should be learning Christian morality in church and Sabbath 
 school they are sent into the devil's Sunday school of Sabbath-breaking and 
 law-breaking. Those who take a Monday paper make no Sunday work neces- 
 sary, for Horace Greeley, except two years of war time, made the best of Mon- 
 day papers without Sunday work, and called the Sunday paper " a social 
 demon." 
 
308 Official Report of the 
 
 Happy is the man who comes to this meeting untarnished by its tricks, who 
 has not bought a Sunday paper even in a set of Endeavor reports, when he has 
 the opportunity of another full set in a paper that keeps the Sabbath. 
 
 Do you excuse yourself for buying a Sunday paper, when, as to-day, it has 
 some good reading? Or do you witli equal shallowness of sophistry defend 
 taking a Sunday train to go to a religious service? Both cases are exactly 
 parallel with the excuse ot the highwayman who " robs the rich to help the 
 poor." We have no more right to steal tifne from God and man than to steal 
 money, whatever we do with the stealings in either case. God did not write 
 the fourth commandment longest for us to treat it as least. 
 
 Another thing the Sabbath observance committee of each local Endeavor 
 Society might do is to circulate a pledge against using the cycle for pleasure 
 on the Sabbath. Of course, there is no more objection to riding to church 
 afoot than to walking afoot, and every church should provide a cycle stall. But 
 all Sunday pleastire-xxdixn^ comes under the ban of Isaiah's profound injunc- 
 tion to turn away from selfish " pleasure " and so make the Sabbath a higher 
 "delight." 
 
 Most of all should the Endeavor Sabbath committee scatter Sabbath reform 
 literature from door to door, as the Endeavorers of St. Paul did through all 
 that city, and so contributed to its deliverance from a despicable "ring." 
 Some of this literature should be in foreign tongues, such as Rev. J. B. Davison, 
 of Milwaukee, has used effectively in that State. But American church-mem- 
 bers need light hardly less. The firm that is breaking down the Sabbath is the 
 firm of Thoughtlessness and Selfishness, and while Selfishness may fairly be 
 called the foreign partner. Thoughtlessness, the American and Christian part- 
 ner, is also the senior partner. Less than a quarter of a million are to-day at 
 work behind the screens of the saloons. Ten times as many, mostly Americans, 
 and many of them professing Christians, more or less regularly do unmerciful 
 and unnecessary work on the Sabbath in connection with Sunday trains, Sun- 
 day mails, and Sunday papers, for which Americans are chiefly responsible, 
 and wiiich the churches might stop if they would. 
 
 It is amazing to what extent not only church-members, but even minis- 
 ters, break the Sabbath, many of them having done it so long that they now do 
 it unconsciously, and need what Miss Willard, in large charity, calls " the arrest 
 of thought." Nine-tenths of the Sabbath-breakers need no other 'arrest." 
 Their excuse is the child's " I didn't think." But that is the very thing heads 
 were made for, not merely for hat-racks. 
 
 A month ago a temperance lecturer, whom I love for his fearless eloquence, 
 while scoring the churches, and justly, for neglect of the liquor problem, in an 
 illustration told us he was going that Saturday night to take a train which we 
 knew would be a Sunday train before he left it. He would break a specific 
 commandment of God in order to upbraid another distant audience for neglecting 
 an implied command. A few days afterward a bishop, whom I also love, told 
 me, without apology, that he was to take a train that Sabbath Day to reach a. 
 missionary committee in New York the next day. A Sabbath later I called on 
 a preacher and was told by his son that he had preached elsewhere that morn- 
 ing, but would be home on the Sunday afternoon train. A few minutes later I 
 called on another preacher and found a huge Sunday paper scattered over his 
 porch. In Baltimore, one Sabbath evening, a preacher in introducing me to 
 speak on Sabbath reform, told his people he had come eighty miles since the 
 morning service to hear my address. 
 
 Even more than the arrest of Sunday liquor-sellers, the " arrest of thought" 
 is needed by the Church. Let the Endeavor committee "serve the papers" 
 from door to door in well-chosen literature. 
 
 Never before were such varied arguments available, for we have the utter- 
 ances of labor unions as well as of churches, of science as well as of Scripture. 
 Professor Hodge, of Clark University, Worcester, with Voit, and Pollikofer, 
 and Haegler, of Germany, have shown, in an argument which, as expressed by 
 the latter, received a hygienic medal at tlie Paris World's Fair, that the night's 
 rest does not balance the day's work, and that the corpuscles'of the blood and 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 309 
 
 the nerve cells need frequent additional periods of rest of thirty hours or more for 
 their restoration. Thus the latest science, as often before, confirms the earli- 
 est Scripture. Let us not forget, as we gather in the nation's capital, that the 
 Lord's Day is not only the Rest Day also, and the Home Day, but also especially 
 the Weekly Independence Day. 
 
 Popular government is more secure under the British flag and ours than in 
 the French and Spanish republics, largely because the Sabbath gives our work- 
 ing men what theirs lack, — intelligence, conscientiousness, and the spirit of 
 equality, three necessities of life in a self-governing people. A king, about to 
 demolish a historic building, as old as his capital, to put something more 
 modern and ornate in its place, saw, when a stone or two had been removed, 
 this uncovered inscription : " These gates, with their country, stand or fall." So 
 in our midst stands the Sabbath citadel of liberty and morality, built of linar- 
 ite granite, and of Plymouth Rock. Let not the Church, let not the State, mar 
 that citadel; let not vandal hands, native or foreign, especially our own, tear out 
 a single stone ; for it is the testimony of Continental and South American his- 
 tory, in contrast to that of the British Empire and the American Republic: 
 With These Gates of the Sabbath our Country and our Christianity 
 Stand or Fall. 
 
 Tent Washington. 
 
 The Evang'elistic fleeting. 
 
 It was a big meeting. It was more. It was a great meeting. The 
 limits of Tent Washington could not contain the thousands who 
 thronged to the popular evangelistic meeting on Sunday afternoon. 
 But more important yet, the immense congregation was pervaded by a 
 deep, quiet spirit of resolution, that found magnificent expression 
 before the meeting closed. 
 
 Rev. B. Fay Mills was the sole speaker. His text was Rev. v. 6, 
 and the general theme, " In the midst, a Lamb as it had been slain." 
 It was a wonderful sermon, of unexpected character, but the more 
 powerful for that. It was primarily an address to Christians, pleading 
 for the Christ-life of sacrifice. 
 
 " Self-interest, we have been told," said Mr. Mills, " is the first law 
 of life. It is not. It is the first law of hell. Everything that is to 
 live must have the slain Lamb in the midst. There is no law that 
 ever has been enacted, or that will be enacted, that has in it the prin- 
 ciple of selfishness, that can endure. 
 
 "The call of the Lord to us is that we should lead sacrificial lives. 
 Think of it; the Church of God has been in this world i,8oo years 
 and more, and still the world is unsaved ! I would not lessen the 
 force of the call, ' Come to Jesus,' but the message I bring to-day is, 
 'Come with Jesus.'" 
 
 With many more words of eloquence did the preacher hold up the 
 Lamb that was slain, pleading that Christians would follow him in sac- 
 rifice. Then he solemnly put the question to the Christians in the 
 audience, whether they were willing, beginning that afternoon, to under- 
 take the life of sacrifice ; to make life and love one ; to count not their 
 own lives dear unto them, for the sake of their brethren and compan- 
 ions, and for the sake of their Lord, the slain Lamb. Just as rever- 
 
310 Official Report of the 
 
 ently, hundreds and thousand of the Christians present upraised their 
 hands in an " I will." 
 
 And then Mr. Mills called upon those who were not Christians, who 
 desired this same Christ-life of sacrifice, to rise and affirm it. One, 
 two, three, a dozen, a score, a hundred — but it is the work of the 
 angels, and not men, to count the number of those who turn to Christ. 
 Each heart was moved deeply ; to thousands the occasion was a very 
 Hermon, where they beheld Christ transfigured. 
 
 MONDAY MORNING. 
 
 Tent Washington. 
 
 One of the most powerfully affecting meetings ever held was that in 
 behalf of our suffering fellow Christians that have suffered and are 
 suffering such inhuman cruelties at the hands of the fiendish Turk. 
 The great throng that crowded Tent Washington was at many points 
 moved to tears, and at others aroused to the highest point of excited 
 indignation. Best of all, the addresses sought not only to stir the 
 emotions, but to excite practical action ; and in this they will undoubt- 
 edly prove richly successful. 
 
 Rev. F. D. Greene, a missionary from Van, Armenia, author of 
 " The Armenian Crisis," had set sail for Turkey six years before that 
 very day, and had now returned, a missionary to Christendom. Shame 
 that such a missionary should be needed ! He was not there to make 
 a plea for the Armenians. He was there to say that God's thunder- 
 bolts are hot, and that they may fall on London, on Washington, or on 
 St. Petersburg, even before they fall on the Sultan of Turkey. " Here 
 we are, singing ' Let a little sunshine in ; ' but how about those terrible 
 darkened lives in Asiatic Turkey ? " There are two and a half millions 
 of Armenians. There are the same number of Christian Endeavorers. 
 Fifty thousand stood in that grand demonstration before the Capitol ; 
 fifty thousand Armenian martyrs stand now before God's throne, having 
 given heroic testimony on earth ; and these are all men, the bread- 
 winners, and not women and children, as were many gathered there. 
 Whole villages are running out to our relief-agents, crying pitifully, 
 " We are hungry." Their children dig up the grass and eat the roots. 
 Every glass of soda-water you save, every car-ride, saves the life of an 
 Armenian for a week. American citizens have suffered wounds, tor- 
 ments, the loss of all their goods, the loss in one place of $100,000 
 worth of property, and not a cent of indemnity has been paid, or a 
 single apology rendered, or a single criminal punished. The passport 
 of an American citizen in Turkey is not as much protection as the old 
 clothes of any Englishman. You talk about balance of power ; is there 
 no balance of justice ? 
 
 " I wish my voice had not gone somewhere," said hoarse Dr. Hoyt, 
 introducing Miss Krikorian. " I feel as if it were under Turkish rule." 
 
Fifteenth International Convefttion. 311 
 
 Miss Rebecca Krikorian, of Aintab, Turkey, was an Armenian lady, 
 dressed in the beautiful native costume. Her sweet face was unutter- 
 ably sad, and only to look at her brought tears irresistibly to the eyes. 
 Her voice was full of a fearful pathos, and had an indescribable under- 
 tone of horror, as, in faultless English, spoken with a quaint foreign 
 accent, she painted some of the scenes that might be revealed of that 
 hell upon earth into which the Turk has transformed fair Armenia, — 
 men buried alive under heaps of festering corpses ; women compelled 
 to eat their babes that have been roasted before them ; tongues cut out 
 that refused to profess Mohammedanism ; their hands and feet cut off 
 one by one, and eyes dug out ; and such common horrors only the things 
 that can be told, while worse, far worse, are things which no man, even, 
 would dare whisper to another man. 
 
 Said that eloquent missionary. Miss Margaret W. Leitch, of Ceylon, 
 at the close of her address : "Miss Krikorian's aged father, a Chris- 
 tian minister, has just been released from a loathsome Turkish dun- 
 geon. Her two brothers still are there. Yet no word of hatred for the 
 Turks passes her lips, but only the prayer for their conversion. This 
 is the kind of Christian the missionaries to Turkey have been making. 
 She is a Christian Endeavorer as well as you. Shall we desert her ? 
 No ! I take this emblem of liberty and safety, and throw it over her 
 (flinging about the Armenian an American flag), and say to her, 'The 
 people of America will not desert you.' "' 
 
 This scene, so thrilling and effective, seemed to bring the meeting 
 to the highest possible pitch, but it was reserved for Rev. B. Fay Mills 
 to reach the climax. A clear statement of terrible history prepared 
 the audience for a fearful arraignment of the English and American 
 governments, which, being abundantly able to end these outrages, had 
 perfidiously on the one hand, and cowardly on the other, refused to in- 
 terfere. The Canadians and Englishmen on the platform sadly as- 
 sented to the truth of the terrible charges of broken faith brought 
 against English statesmen, especially since Mr. Mills fairly acknowl- 
 edged that English protection alone maintained in Turkey our mis- 
 sionaries and the noble Clara Barton. The vast audience of Ameri- 
 cans, of all parties, assented, in a passion of shame and rage, to the 
 charges brought against our own government at home and its repre- 
 sentatives abroad. The vast audience sprang to its feet in its excite- 
 ment, shouting, waving their hands, and manifesting in every way 
 their condemnation of the weak, inhuman, cowardly, selfish, unchristian 
 way in which our government, with more reason to interfere than any 
 government, has joined all other Christian lands in their inhuman 
 indifference. 
 
 Tent WilHston and Tent Endeavor. 
 
 The World's Union Meetings. 
 
 Monday morning was a glad and significant day, not only for Chris- 
 tian Endeavor but for the whole cause of Christ as well. It witnessed 
 
312 Official Report of the 
 
 the wonderful scene of a great multitude of Christ's disciples assembled 
 from all parts of the earth solely in behalf of universal fellowship. The 
 North gave up and the South kept not back. East and West sent 
 their messengers. All spoke of the glad day that surely is coming 
 when they all shall be one. 
 
 This first meeting of the World's Christian Endeavor Union will be 
 a marked event in the history of Christian Endeavor. It was seemly 
 that the programme proper should begin by the responsive reading of 
 the Saviour's prayer for unity. 
 
 The various national flags that decorated Tent Williston were not as 
 numerous as the living foreign representatives who were seated upon 
 the platform. The first speaker was Rev. J. G. Hildner, the pioneer 
 of Christian Endeavor among German-speaking churches. He told 
 graphically the story of the beginnings of the movement among the 
 Germans of this land and the fatherland, and as he concluded was 
 given a vigorous Chautauqua salute by the congregation. Persia, with 
 its 3,000 years of history, had a message for this youngest of all the 
 great religious organizations, that it sent by Rev. Jesse M. Yonan, who 
 claimed for Persia the first Christian Endeavor Society, the three wise 
 men who banded themselves together to seek the new-born Saviour. 
 
 A surprise was given the audience after Mr. Yonan's address, in the 
 presentation of the Committee of '96. It is needless to say that the 
 most royal ovation that Endeavorers know how to offer was accorded 
 to these noble servants of Christian Endeavor. As the members of 
 the committee were introduced one by one, each was greeted with a 
 hearty cheer. When all had retired from the platform, save Chairman 
 Smith, he stood silent for a moment, and then, slowly and reverently, 
 repeated this Scripture, adding no words of his own : " Not unto us, 
 not unto us, but unto thy great name, O Lord, be all the glory ! " 
 Before the committee was allowed to leave the tent, Dr. Clark pre- 
 sented to the District of Columbia Union, through Mr. Miles M. Shand, 
 on behalf of the United Society, a beautiful silk banner, as a souvenir 
 of the Convention. 
 
 The Hampton Octette, which early in the Convention won the 
 hearts of the delegates by its sweet melodies, sang several songs, and 
 was received worthily. Great Britain then gave its greeting — and 
 a splendid greeting it was, telling of wonderful work done by Christian 
 Endeavor, and of the delightful prospects for still greater things — 
 through Rev. Joseph Brown Morgan, the president of the British Na- 
 tional Christian Endeavor Council. Mr. Morgan closed his thrilling 
 address by an urgent invitation to all the Christian Endeavor world 
 to visit London in 1900. Naturally, the Endeavorers answered this 
 with unbounded applause. 
 
 Many countries that could not have personal representatives present 
 sent fraternal greetings by cable or by post. These were next read. 
 All of them bore the same glad tidings of the cause that is speeding 
 onward gloriously. "The time is coming," said India's spokesman, 
 Mr. S. C. K. Rutnam, " when we shall have an International Conven- 
 
Fifteenth hiternational Convention. 313 
 
 tion in India." Africa, too, put in a claim for an International Con- 
 vention, through Rev. George P. Goll, who told some thrilling inci- 
 dents of the Christian Endeavor spirit in Africa. 
 
 The introduction of visiting missionaries, a unique and impressive 
 feature of the programme, was then announced by Dr. Clark. A 
 Jamaica pastor brought a message of cheer from his sunny land. 
 Nellore, India, was represented by three missionaries. India was again 
 heard from in the person of Commander Booth-Tucker, who left the 
 shores of India last February. His speech thrilled all hearts with its 
 note of hope and courage. Persia again spoke through two mission- 
 aries, and Sierra Leone, Africa, delivered a hopeful message through 
 two representatives. Dr. Cyrus Clark, of Japan, spoke briefly, and he 
 was followed by missionaries from India, Chile, the great West, and 
 the Holy Land. New Mexico, with its burden of Romanism, sent a 
 plea through one of its workers, and still other missionaries from 
 Africa, Chile, and China briefly addressed the Convention. Tarsus, 
 which is "no mean city," pathetically said through its representative 
 that Turkey could not invite a Christian Endeavor Convention to meet 
 within its borders, because the sword and persecution are the only wel- 
 come that await Christians in that dark land, once lighted by the pres; 
 ence of the great missionary apostle. 
 
 A meeting of the charter members of the World's Union on the plat- 
 form of Tent Williston was held at the close of this service. 
 
 In Tent Endeavor, where Treasurer Shaw presided, another great 
 session of like character was held. Mr. Shaw is a breezy presiding 
 officer, and since the meeting was one that was worthy of all the en- 
 thusiasm that could be manifested, he set the audience to applauding, 
 "just to find out how." After they had proved themselves masters of 
 the art, he introduced Rev. Arnold Streuli, of England, whose address 
 was one of which his fellow British Endeavorers could be proud. The 
 presentation of the Committee of '96, and an address by Rev. W. H. 
 Towers, followed. 
 
 Armenia's woful message was next brought to the Convention by 
 Rev. H. S. Jenanyan, who moved the audience greatly. He was fol- 
 lowed by natives of Persia and India, Then came the most impressive 
 incident of the service. Mr. Shaw called on all the delegates who 
 were missionary volunteers to ascend to the platform. There they 
 were grouped in a semicircle, thirty-nine of them. While thus they 
 stood, all clasped hands, and a sentence prayer was offered by each. 
 A few words were spoken to the audience, pointing out the need of 
 Christian gifts to send these missionaries abroad. Every one in the 
 great tent bowed in prayer, while supplication was made that Chris- 
 tians at home might be consecrated to the work of giving to the cause 
 abroad. All who were willing to make this new consecration to a life 
 of giving for the sake of the Gospel were called upon to rise, and al- 
 most the entire audience stood on its feet. Thus was brought to a 
 close this splendid fellowship meeting. 
 
 Greetings by cable and letter were read from many Endeavorers in 
 
314 Official Report of the 
 
 distant lands. A large number of national flags were received from 
 foreign lands and were displayed. There were flags from England, 
 Japan, France, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Germany, Mexico, Norway, 
 Liberia, India, and China. 
 
 MONDAY AFTERNOON. 
 
 Central Hall. 
 
 The United Society officers and trustees gave an informal reception 
 to the State officers in Central Hall. The building was filled with a 
 joyous company, — the picked young men and women of a continent. 
 In all parts of the hall was eager conversation, as the workers from all 
 over the land interchanged greetings. Dr. Clark made an address 
 which was received with every demonstration of esteem and affection. 
 Ice-cream was most appropriate on that hot day, and cooled every- 
 thing but the fervor of this cheery intercourse. Such blessed gather- 
 ings are coming to be especially characteristic of the great conventions, 
 and of themselves would amply justify the existence of those conven- 
 tions. 
 
 nONDAY EVENING. 
 
 Perhaps Paul, who saw unutterable things, or John, to whom the 
 heavens opened, could portray in truth all of a consecration meeting at 
 an International Christian Endeavor Convention. Certainly no one 
 else can. The superlative of expression has been exhausted on other 
 meetings ; how, then, shall the indescribable climax of the Convention 
 be described. It will not be attempted. The visions of that sacred 
 hour, the resolutions then kindled, the vows registered, will be treas- 
 ured by thousands and thousands. To those who were not there but 
 a bare, expressionless outline of the proceedings can be given. 
 
 There were eight consecration services, four in churches, one in a 
 great hall, and three in the Convention tents. Not all of these places 
 were as well filled as the tents, but each meeting was a blessing. In 
 the churches Rev. J. Wilbur Chapman, of Philadelphia, Rev. John 
 Faville, of Appleton, Wis., Rev. John Neil, and Rev. W. F. Wilson, of 
 Toronto, Ont., preached consecration sermons, and Rev. Ford C. Ott- 
 man, Mr. Charles N. Hunt, Rev. Ralph Gillam, and Dr. Chapman 
 conducted the closing consecration services. Rev. B. Fay Mills both 
 preached the sermon and led the consecration exercises in the enthu- 
 siastic meeting in Central Hall. Neither speakers nor audiences will 
 forget these powerful sessions. 
 
 We greatly regret we did not secure the manuscript of Messrs. 
 Faville, Neil, and Wilson. And only extracts of Dr. Chapman's and 
 Mr. Mills's sermons were secured. 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 315 
 
 Extract from Sermon of Rev. J. Wilbur Chapman, D.D., Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 Text: — And we came to Kadesh-Barnea. — Z>^«;!. ;. ig. 
 
 The children of Israel furnish a perfect type of the Christian with an aver- 
 age Christian experience. Egypt stands for the world; Canaan stands for the 
 life of surrender; and all the wanderings between Egypt and Canaan represent 
 the experiences which come to us simply because, like Israel of old, we are not 
 willing to trust God. The Pillar of Cloud going before them was like the Spirit 
 of God convicting us of sin; the Red Sea stands for our conversion. The 
 manna sent from heaven is a good illustration of the Word of God. upon which 
 our souls feed. The water bursting from the rock is the type of the Holy Ghost, 
 which every Christian has, whether he is in Canaan or out of it. 
 
 But there is more to the Christian experience than this, just as Canaan was 
 before the children of Israel. When they reached Kadesh-Barnea they had 
 come to a crisis. God intended that they should enter in Canaan at once. 
 Before them was rest, fruit, communion with God ; back of them was the wilder- 
 ness, and there were just two things they could do : the first was to go back to 
 the wilderness — that meant fighting and failure, lusting and idolatry and mur- 
 muring; the second was to cross over the line and forever be at rest. 
 
 God has brought us to a crisis in this conference. Many of us have been 
 living the average Christian experience, but now we are at Kadesh-Barnea, and 
 we may go over into Canaan if we will. To fail to go over means to lead the 
 carnal Christian life, with its envyings, its strifes, and its divisions. To cross 
 over means to enjoy all the fruit of the Spirit, uninterrupted communion with 
 God, and the fulness of the Holy Ghost. This may be God's last call to you 
 to enjoy the life of privilege. When the children of Israel failed at Kadesh- 
 Barnea they never again had the opportunity of going in. Their failure to go 
 in also kept out Kaleb and Joshua and the others who wanted to pass over. 
 Your failure may keep out some one over whom you have an influence, and 
 before God you will be responsible. One step alone settles it; if you are willing 
 to submit your will and to believe God, you may enter to-day into a perfect com- 
 munion with God, which is the life of privilege, and is therefore every Chris- 
 tian's birthright. 
 
 At the close Dr. Chapman asked all those of his auditors who 
 wished to go over into Canaan, to enter this life of perfect surrender, 
 and those who would pray that God would make them willing to be 
 made willing to make the surrender, to stand. A large number all over 
 the house arose. He then asked them to come out into the aisle and 
 kneel down by the altar. They bowed for a few moments in silent prayer 
 and sang softly a prayer hymn. Dr. Chapman asked if there were not 
 some in all parts of the audience. Christians and others, who desired 
 an interest in the prayers about to be offered. A great many hands 
 were uplifted in response to this invitation. Prayers were offered by 
 himself and others that all might be able to make this surrender and 
 go over into the Canaan of a new life. The kneeling Endeavorers 
 resumed their seats and all joined in singing, very appropriately, " I '11 
 Live for Thee." 
 
 Extract from Sermon of Rev. B. Fay Mills. 
 
 I would ask your most prayerful attention to the thoughts that are suggested 
 in the prayer we have prayed so frequently, as recorded in the sixth chapter of 
 Matthew, tenth verse: "May thy kingdom come ... on earth as it is in 
 heaven." We have all said it hundreds of times ; and of all the millions that 
 have ever prayed it how many have ever really expected the answer.? How 
 many people have applied to it the principle that Jesus taught when he said, 
 
316 Official Report of the 
 
 " Whatsoever things ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye have received 
 them, and ye shall have them." The things we pray for are that God's king- 
 dom may come, and that his will may be done on earth as it is in heaven. Now 
 we know what the popular idea of heaven has been in the past. I doubt 
 whether there is any popular idea of heaven now prevalent among the people. 
 I scarcely know two people who have the same thoughts concerning heaven. 
 We used to have an idea of heaven as a city, — a material sort of city, with bat- 
 tlements and gates and streets and mansions. 
 
 I think most of us have come to be moved away from some material ideas 
 of heaven, until at last probably all of us here would agree to define heaven as 
 a perfect society of perfect individuals. No man can be in heaven alone, no 
 matter how happy he be in his individual consciousness. No man can form a 
 heaven alone. 
 
 Our conception of heaven must include individuals in a perfect society. We 
 are told in the Bible that in heaven there will be no hunger and no thirst, no 
 oppressive heat, no pain, no disease, no death, and no sorrow, no impurity and 
 no selfishness. Now I do not want to destroy anybody's hope in anything that 
 is worth hoping for. I would not want to say that we shall not be translated to 
 some place of perfect felicity; but I do want to say with tremendous emphasis 
 that any such conception of the work of Christ is but a partial comprehension 
 of his mission, and is not a description of the great purpose of Christ, which 
 did not primarily concern some far-off heaven. 
 
 God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the 
 world, through him, might be saved. And there is a certain sense in which no 
 man living on the earth can be fully saved until all those who live about him 
 are also fully saved. No man can be perfect alone. No man can be saved 
 alone, and there never will be heaven anywhere except there is an association 
 of men that are living in absolute unselfishness ; and wherever that exists the 
 kingdom will have come as it has already in heaven. I believe it is a place 
 where our activities shall be devoted in a larger and more effective form to the 
 transformation of this world. 
 
 I do not believe that we will change our prayer, but that we will labor that 
 God's kingdom may come on the earth " as it is in heaven." We have these 
 words put on our lips as the direct language of the Master, and the devil never 
 executed such a triumph of his art as when he turned the attention of the dis- 
 ciples of Christ away from the transformation of this world. To be a Christian 
 is to be a laborer together with him who was, as Christ, reconciling the world 
 unto himself. 
 
 The very first words that Jesus uttered in his mission were these : " The 
 kingdom of heaven; repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." The con- 
 ception of the Jews that it was to be a terrestrial kingdom was a correct one. I 
 do not know of but one place in all the Gospel where Jesus refers to heaven in 
 any sense that might be rightly interpreted in the ordinary idea. His call was 
 a call to man to come and help him in the establishment of peace upon the 
 earth. 
 
 I do not believe that the Church, for the most part in the first century, had 
 any other idea than that the disciples were called to work for the triumphs of 
 Jesus in this world. I even believe that Paul, up to a certain period of his life, 
 expected to see the earth transformed and the kingdom of God fully estab- 
 lished before he should be taken away. The eyes of the apocalyptic seer saw 
 the New Jerusalem, the city of God, descending out of heaven to abide up- 
 on the earth, and he gave to the' people the great vision almost at the close of 
 his wonderful book. He tells us that he heard the voices crying out in heaven 
 and singing, " The kingdoms of this world are to become the kingdoms of our 
 Lord, and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever." 
 
 I am not mourning because some old doctrines are losing their grip over the 
 hearts of men. I can occasionally weep a little on account of tender-hearted- 
 ness, but I never weep on my own account, as I see the faith of men being 
 strengthened, and their conceptions being enlarged. And while our great con- 
 ventions are passing their resolutions, the Presbyterians, the Congregationalists, 
 
Fifteenth Intematiojial Convention. 317 
 
 the Unitarians, and all the rest, defining what they mean by the Christian reli- 
 gion, the day of our Lord is coming as a thief in the night, and the hearts and 
 minds of the people are being changed into the conception of Jesus Christ in 
 such a fashion that we will have to be one under the power of the Lord. 
 
 Do you not see that when the old overmastering passion of the ministry and 
 the Church shall not simply be to defend its dogmas, but to establish the king- 
 dom of love, before we know it we will all be so heartily engaged in work for 
 the same thing that we will be practically one ? Even now, when we are engaged 
 in this limited fashion in a practical effort for the uplifting of men, here come 
 men of twelve different denominations — all Christians — and join their hands. 
 For what.? Not that we may lift up any of our peculiar standards of doctrine, 
 but that we may have a practical aim in trying to do something in a practical 
 fashion. 
 
 And I can conceive that as the Spirit of God goes on diffusing this great 
 thought among men, we will have to be bound together. I can see a 
 united Protestant Church, clothed with power and inspired in such fashion 
 that men shall not think of what they think, but rather of what they do; 
 and I can see the Protestant Church look into the face of her mother, and see 
 the old Roman Church, purified by this inspiration, with all of its history of 
 noble achievements as well as its history of shame and sorrow, united with the 
 child for this and this alone, — that God's kingdom may come,and his will be on 
 earth as it is in heaven. 
 
 Further than that, even to the mother of Rome, I can see that old Greek 
 Church, called out of its slovenly inactivity by the great thought of establish- 
 ing the kingdom of peace — one united Church of Jesus Christ. 
 
 Back further than that: turning to that one that was the mother of us all, 
 crying to God's ancient people that they may come and see the Messiah visible 
 in what he does for men, until there shall be a mighty union of all the so-called 
 Christians with all the Israelites; and I am willing that they shall lead us if 
 they will as we call the heathen world into this glorious fellowship, until in 
 the darkest corners of the earth the kingdom of peace shall be established. 
 Come and let us make a heaven below, into which the heaven above shall flow 
 until they both shall be one, bound together in the manifest spirit of Christ, 
 the Son of God. 
 
 And I come to say more than that; that I believe that not only is this the 
 inspiration that is availing now and that will avail until the final triumph 
 comes for the purifying, unifying, and empowering of the Church, but for the 
 regeneration of society through the instrumentality of the Church. May it not 
 be that just such a company as are gathered here this evening, who shall give 
 themselves to the answering of the prayer that you have heard thousands of 
 times, and let that kingdom come in you as it has come in heaven, and in the 
 trade and intercourse of our fellows and in our politics, — may it not be that this 
 company might make of this capital city of our country and of the com- 
 munities of our homes, cities of God; and all cities throughout the nation 
 might catch the inspiration, and one nation with the spirit of Pentecost might 
 lead every other nation of the world into a holy fellowship of serving Christ? 
 
 Tent Williston. 
 
 Treasurer Shaw presided in Tent Williston. Here, as in the other 
 two tents, a special song service, perhaps the best of the Convention, 
 was given by the choir. Mr. Foster's singing of "Just as I Am " was 
 notably affecting. The antiphonal singing by the choir of " Bringing 
 in the Sheaves " also made a wonderful impression. In the beginning 
 of the service it was announced that 31,112 delegates, representing 
 every state, territory, and province in North America, had registered 
 at Washington. Many others present did not register. 
 
 All applause was stilled throughout the rest of this service and the 
 
318 Official Report of the 
 
 services in the other tents. A period of silent prayer preceded the 
 preaching of the sermon by Rev. James I. Vance, D.D., of Nashville, 
 whose subject was " The New Faith of the Old Gospel." 
 
 Sermon by Rev. James I. Vance, D.D., Nashville, Tenn. 
 
 Text. — May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is 1 — Acts xvii. ig. 
 
 What is true religion.'' Christianity makes a distinct and unique contribu- 
 tion to the solution of that problem. Religion is as old as the race and older, 
 but there is that in the Gospel of Jesus Christ which is ever new. We speak 
 of the " old, old story ; " we sing of the " old-time religion ; " we read of " the faith 
 once delivered to the saints ; " but the fact is there is that in the Gospel which 
 never grows old, and which to the men of every generation will go down under 
 no other caption than " the new." 
 
 Worship is no new thing. Men have always worshipped something, some- 
 how. Prayer is not new. Reverence, adoration, faith in the hereafter, is as old 
 as the race. But as Paul preached Jesus Christ in Athens, the scholarly men 
 said, "Here is something brand new, something that has never before sug- 
 gested itself to the thought of the world in connection with religion; something 
 out of the ordinary and commonplace." They were philosophers who said this ; 
 not twilight mystics, but men of profound thought, before the majesty of whose 
 intellectual greatness the world still bows, and in whose presence certain agnos- 
 tics of our day, who strut across the stage, squeaking themselves hoarse with 
 " We don't know ; we hope so, but we don't know," seem but pigmies. 
 
 These philosophers of the Epicureans and Stoics, struck with the originality 
 of Paul's faith, gathered around him and said, "May we know what this neiu 
 doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is ? " 
 
 The Gospel is not novel, but new. This characteristic of his teachings 
 Christ emphasized again and again. He approached man's religious life from 
 new standpoints, punctured spiritual delusions, and upheaved effete customs. 
 A common phrase on his lips was, " Ye have heard how it hath been said by 
 them of old times, but I say unto you — " He spake as never man spake. 
 Jesus was the greatest iconoclast that ever lived; and these people who boil 
 with indignation in their frenzied hostility to everything that is new would 
 have been found in the company that tried to cry down our Lord into silence. 
 
 The new in a doctrine is not always its damnation. It is well enough to 
 revere the Fathers and to respect the way the thing has always been done. Still, 
 the world can never get to anything better along that track. Suppose the 
 Fathers had always acted on the principle that they must do the thing the way 
 it always had been done.? To-night we should be back in the year one. The 
 best way is not the way it always has been done, but the way it never has been 
 done ; and the world has moved out into light only because every age has had 
 some great souls whose faces were turned toward the morning. 
 
 The new in Christianity has ever been that which was hard to accept. We 
 naturally read our customs, prejudices, and experiences into everything about 
 us. Hence, when Apostolic Christianity preached its doctrines to surrounding 
 Paganism and Judaism, the tendency was for the environment to project its 
 preconceived opinions of religion into the new faith. The result was that very 
 early Christianity was corrupted. Pagan feast-days found their way into the 
 Christian calendar, Judaistic rites fastened themselves upon the Christian cult. 
 There was a paganized Christianity, or a Christianized paganism. In so far 
 as Christianity has failed, its failure has been due to the failure to apprehend 
 and lift up into importance those celestial marks by which Jesus Christ has 
 differentiated his Gospel from every other religion under heaven. 
 
 These marks are the " new faiths " of the old Gospel, and together they con- 
 stitute the sum total of true religion. 
 
 What is true religion? What are its fundamental characteristics? It 
 touches three realms in the individual life: first, that of the consciousness; 
 second, that of conduct; third, that of destiny. What is true religion in its 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 319 
 
 contact with the inner life? What is true religion in its influence upon conduct? 
 What is true religion in its conception of destiny ? Dr. James Stalker has given 
 this admirable summary of the religion for young men. He says, "Let it be 
 not a creed, but an experience ; not a restraint, but an inspiration ; not an insur- 
 ance for the next, but a programme for the present, world." 
 
 I do not see why we should have a different religion for the old and for the 
 young, one sort of religion for men and another for women. God's salvation is 
 one, a quality of life rather than a form of character, and identically the same 
 for all, always. He has never saved but in one way. Therefore what is good 
 religion for young men is good religion for all men, for all sexes, for all classes, 
 everywhere. 
 
 Nevertheless, I think Dr. Stalker's admirable summary states but one side 
 of the truth. I should rather put it this way: True religion is not only a 
 creed, but an experience; not only a restraint, but an inspiration; not only an 
 insurance for the next, but a programme for the present, world. 
 
 In the realm of consciousness, Christianity is not only a creed, but an experi- 
 ence. I n the realm of conduct, Christianity is not only a restraint, but an inspira- 
 tion. In the realm of destiny, Christianity is not only an insurance for the next, 
 but a programme for the present, world. These are the new faiths of the old 
 Gospel. 
 
 True religion is not ottly a creed, but an experience. 
 
 It is certainly a creed. Think of having a religion without a creed ! Think 
 of trying to believe, and having nothing to believe in ! You might as well try 
 to nourish an elephant with syllabub, or hang a planet on a moonbeam, as to 
 have a religion without a creed. Creeds are to religion what the bones are to 
 the body, what scaffolding is to a house. They are not life, but they are essential 
 to life ; and a vast deal of the minimizing of creeds that is indulged in nowadays 
 is either palpable absurdity or sheer ecclesiastical demagoguery. 
 
 But creeds are nothing new. The world has always had its creeds — not so 
 good, to be sure, in the quality of the truths embodied as the creeds of Chris- 
 tianity; but admirable, nevertheless. The dearth of the world has never been 
 a dearth of abstract truth. The main trouble has been that the truth has been 
 a thing apart from the life. 
 
 Christ teaches that a creed is worth nothing by itself. It must be incarnated. 
 It must be clothed with flesh and blood. The place to keep it is not on a parch- 
 ment page or a library shelf, but in the life. That is the glorious thing about the 
 person of Jesus. He is divine truth clothed in flesh and blood. He is heaven's 
 creed incarnated. 
 
 We must do vastly more than hold our creeds. We must experience them. 
 When Nicodemus came to Christ to inquire the way of life, Jesus said, 
 " Nicodemus, you must be born again. You are a teacher of the Jews, and are 
 familiar with religion as a system. It must become your life." 
 
 To the woman at the well in Samaria, he said, " Whosoever drinketh of 
 the water that I shall give him shall never thirst, but the water that I shall 
 give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." 
 What are we to understand by that central and cardinal fact of the new dis- 
 pensation—the indwelling of the Holy Ghost in the believer's life — if it be not 
 that our creeds are to become our experience, and our truths to pulsate with 
 our life-beat? 
 
 Here is the mistake which many of us have made. We have deemed it 
 sufficient to stop with an orthodox subscription. The Church has had too 
 much of the spirit of a North Carolina elder, who was denouncing evangelists 
 as unpresbyterian ; and when asked whether the evangelists were not saving 
 souls, replied, "Yes, brethren ; but for God's sake, let's save them according to 
 the constitution." 
 
 We have substituted ecclesiastical machinery for Holy Ghost energy. We 
 have mistaken pleasurable emotions and approval of pious efforts for regen- 
 erated life. There is many a man who will applaud to the echo Daniel's 
 allegiance to God, but who will not make the first effort to live Daniel's life. 
 That is not Christianity ; it is only baptized paganism. You can't make a 
 
320 Official Report of the 
 
 lawyer out of a ream of legal cap and a copy of the State code. You can't 
 make a physician out of a box of pills and a case of surgical instruments. You 
 can't make a merchant out of a show-window and a full-page advertisement in 
 the Sunday morning papers. Neither can you make a saint out of the Shorter 
 Catechism and the Prayer-Book. 
 
 True religion is an experience. It is God in the life. It is not so much 
 copying after Christ as it is having Christ formed within you, the hope of 
 glory. The denominational name is not the great thing. The experience is 
 the same for all churches. What makes one a child of God in the Presby- 
 terian Church is precisely the same as that which makes him God's child in 
 the Baptist, Methodist, or Episcopal Church. It is the experience of God's 
 life. The trouble too often is that we lift our denominationalism into undue 
 importance. Men come into contact with our ordinances and forms, and are 
 made churchmen. We need Christians rather than churchmen; and it were 
 as easy for a boy to become an astronomer by looking through a telescope as 
 for one to become God's child by subscribing to a creed. 
 
 Wanted: A religion that is not only a creed but an experience, a religion 
 that incarnates its convictions until its truths pulsate with the heart-throb of 
 its own being. 
 
 True religion is not only a restraint, but an inspiration. 
 
 It is certainly restraint. It is manifestly a poor religion that does not put 
 fetters on vice and curb the unholy appetites within us. The Gospel frowns 
 down on all that is sinful, saying to every disciple, "Abhor that which is evil, 
 cleave to that which is good." Calvary is not in conflict with Sinai. Christ 
 came not to destroy, but to fulfil the law. 
 
 " In vain we call old notions fudge, 
 
 And bend our conscience to our dealing ; 
 The Ten Commandments will not budge. 
 And stealing will continue stealing." 
 
 But there are numbers who stop here. Their piety exhausts itself with a re- 
 straint. They regard religion as a pruning-knife whose only mission is to lop 
 off their excesses and debaucheries. If you ask them what it means to be a 
 Christian, they will tell you that it means not to do so and so. They dwell much 
 on what they must surrender. It is a dreary prospect that confronts them, — 
 sacrifice, self-denial, Puritanism. Christ moved on away beyond that. He sub- 
 stituted the " Thou shalt" for the " Thou shalt not." He taught that religion 
 was to be a restraint, to be sure, but a restraint only because it had become a 
 glorious inspiration. He put a spring in the step and a song in the heart of all 
 those who follow him, when he said, " If ye love me, keep my commandments." 
 Here is a black abyss of awful danger, and yonder is a man running from it 
 with all his might. You do not need to build a barrier to keep him from top- 
 pling over the brink into that black pit of horrors. His safety is in that which 
 speeds him in the other direction. There are Christians who crawl as near to 
 the brink of the non-permissable as possible, and who think that the Gospel's 
 mission is to exercise some sort of restraint that will keep them from falling 
 quite over. The true Christian needs no such restraint. His face fronts away 
 from evil. He is running Godward with all his might. His inspiration is his 
 restraint. 
 
 I do not believe that religion was ever intended to be an incubus to life. We 
 have trouble enough without making our faith an additional burden. The Gos- 
 pel is intended to help us front life's duties with courage, endure its misfortunes 
 with serenity, surmount its obstacles with hope, and achieve its victories with 
 humility. What an unspeakable blunder to quench all this with the dismal 
 creed that one's piety is as potent as it is sombre, and that glory and gloom are 
 synonymous ! 
 
 Away with all such. The religion that God gives is an inspiration. He curbs 
 the evil by enabling us to fall in love with the good. The religion that would 
 capture the world must be an inspiration. The faith of those heroic souls 
 whose sacrifices and martyrdoms have glorified the history of the Church has 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 321 
 
 been not merely a restraint, but an inspiration. The men and women who this 
 hour, in far distant heathen lands, amid privation and persecution, proclaim 
 the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ, have for the sustenance of their souls 
 not a dismal restraint, but a glorious inspiration. While Parliaments and Sen- 
 ates, while statesmen and sovereigns, have let a year and a half go by in discus- 
 sing what shall be done to stop the atrocities of the brutal Turk and minister 
 to the pitiable sufferings of stricken Armenia, a woman more than seventy- 
 years of age, with a red cross on her breast, has crossed the seas and mountain 
 wilderness, carrying bread and love to the starving thousands of that smitten 
 land. God bless Clara Barton! Hers is not a religion of restraint, but of un- 
 conquerable inspiration. 
 
 Fellow Endeavorers, if your religion is to bless the world it must quit think- 
 ing of what it needs to sacrifice. It must be song, not dirge. There must be 
 some magnetism, some glory-crown, upon it that will transform its very defeats 
 into victories. It is said that a brave British ofiicer led his regiment through 
 the darkness of the night, over a dreary trackless waste, guided only by one 
 bright star, on which he kept his eye steadily fixed. In the gray dawn of the 
 next morning, when the battle was joined, he was the first to fall, mortally 
 wounded. As his superior officer leaned over him, the dying man's brow was 
 mantled with a blush of pride, as he said, " Did n't I guide them straight, sir?" 
 
 May we see the star, my brothers. May the glorious hope with which God 
 dowers his children shine out so bright on the sky yonder that it shall be our 
 guide through all the wilderness and night of this lifetime. Then what matters 
 it if death does come in the morning. It will be given us to look up into the face 
 of him who is the great Captain of our Salvation, and say, " Did n't I guide them 
 straight .'"' 
 
 Wanted _: A religion that is not only a restraint, but an inspiration ; a restraint 
 because it is an inspiration. 
 
 True religion is not only an insiiratice for the next, but a progranune for 
 the present, world. 
 
 It is certainly an insurance for the next world. Think of a religion without 
 a hereafter! It is like a kingdom without a monarch, or a nation without 
 citizens, or a ship without a sea on which to sail. Think of religion without 
 the supernatural ! It is stark idiocy. A good woman in Nashville, where I 
 live, has a sceptical husband. He is troubled about the supernatural ; can not 
 believe in the supernatural. Some time ago she went to one of our pastors, 
 and, telling him of her husband's spiritual difficulties, asked him to preach a 
 special sermon on "The Supernatural." He consented, and laid himself out in 
 the construction of an elaborate discourse that would annihilate the most pug- 
 nacious scepticism of the supernatural. The Sabbath morning came for the 
 delivery of this masterly piece of pulpit apologetics, and the good woman was 
 there early, and with her infidel husband occupied a conspicuous seat in a front 
 pew. Hardly had the text been announced and the preacher well begun his 
 introduction when his sceptical auditor dropped his head and started for the 
 land of Nod. He slumbered soundly through the entire sermon, awaking only 
 to catch the flashes of the closing pyrotechnics in the preacher's peroration. 
 The minister left his pulpit that day a sadder but a wiser man, convinced that 
 the only effect of his sermon had been to make a supernatural fool of himself 
 in attempting to discuss religion with a man who began by denying the exist- 
 ence of the supernatural, without which there can be no religion. 
 
 But religion is not all supernatural and hereafter. It is a mistake to suppose 
 that the Gospel is only a scheme by which to dodge hell, or a contrivance by 
 which to get into heaven. Selfishness is none the less damnable because it 
 gets itself baptized with the name of religion. True religion is vastly more 
 than insurance against fire in the world to come on the one hand, or an endow- 
 ment policy for the hereafter, on the other. 
 
 It is chiefly a programme for the present world. Christ taught this unmis- 
 takably. He said something about the hereafter, to be sure, but only enough 
 to assure us that it is there, and that the way to attain the best there is to be 
 and do the best here. When we are converted we are started out on service. 
 
322 Official Report of the 
 
 We are not to be so much concerned about getting up to heaven as with get- 
 ting heaven down to earth. All that Christ had to say to the woman taken in 
 adultery was, " Go, and sin no more." When Zaccheus was converted, instead 
 of regaling his religious imagination with visions of the bliss of paradise, he 
 gave half his goods to the poor, and to all whom he had defrauded he restored 
 fourfold. No wonder the people began to ask whether the end of the world 
 was at hand. If a few conversions like that were to take place here in Wash- 
 ington, we would begin to suspect that the millennium was just over the hill-top. 
 Wanted : A religion that is not only an insurance for the next, but a pro- 
 gramme for the present, world ; that goes about doing good now ; that can ex- 
 change its surplus for a trowel and melt its dogmas into deeds ; that founds 
 asylums and hospitals, visits the sick, comforts the disheartened, clothes the 
 naked, and that by thus making this life worth while, makes heaven a surer 
 heritage. 
 
 The new faiths of the old Gospel ! Let our religion be all of this and it will 
 need no further defence. We have various kinds of evidences for the divine 
 origin of the Christian religion, — prophecies, miracles, providences, evidences 
 external and internal. It seems to me there should be something in the Gospel 
 itself to certify its divinity. The sun does not need to prove that it shines. It 
 just shines. So, if Christianity is of divine origin, there should be that within 
 it that would ray out the divinity ; and there is. Let the Gospel be itself and it 
 will need no other apologetics. 
 
 Ninety-nine hundredths of all the attacks made by infidelity are directed 
 against a caricature of Christianity. Men have gone down into their prejudices 
 and preconceived opinions, and brought up a conception which they have called 
 the Gospel, and they have attacked that. 
 
 Infidelity has taken it for granted that Christianity is only a creed, a formula 
 of words, a dry, dead dogma, and it has pitched into that. Perhaps it has 
 rendered'service of some value in exposing mental frauds and heaping sarcasm 
 on the Pharisaism that professes more than it puts in practice. Christ himself 
 has done as much. 
 
 But wait till the creed becomes an experience, wait till the truth takes hold 
 of the life, substituting base passions, transforming character, begetting higher 
 ideals; then infidelity's guns are spiked. Let the sceptic himself get an experi- 
 ence of God in his own life, let him form a personal acquaintance with the 
 Almighty, and he will get a conviction of the reality of religion which all the 
 devils of doubt can not quench. Infidelity has taken it for granted that religion 
 is only a restraint, and it has ridiculed the endless forms, the petty rules, the 
 prayers and liturgies, the sacraments and vestments, with which the mortal 
 would fain fit himself for immortality. But wait till a man's religion becomes 
 an inspiration. Watch it lifting him out of selfishness and vice, and sending 
 him out to do the best and most self-sacrificing things for the world. Infidelity 
 has no ridicule for that, and its shaft falls harmless from an unnerved hand. 
 
 Again, infidelity has taken it for granted that the Gospel is only an insurance 
 for the world to come. It has denounced the a fortiori God who brings crea- 
 tures into existence to be damned; or after he has done his utmost, can only 
 keep a certain proportion of them out of the torments of hell-fire. It has 
 branded as infamous the God who, sitting safe in some distant heaven, sates 
 his greed for adoration on the prayers of his victims, while humanity writhes 
 in the throes of innumerable ills. _ , ^ , ,,r • •„ • ^ , ,. 
 
 But wait till it gets a better conception of God. Wait till infidelity sees 
 divinity, in the person of Jesus Christ, coming down into the lost world to carry 
 out a programme of infinite sympathy and transcendent relief for suffering 
 brothers and sisters. Infidelity can not criticise that God. Then wait till men 
 and women baptized with the Christ-Spirit go about the same blessed ministry, 
 reaching out helping hands to all around them, and finding God in the pauper 
 at their door and the consumptive in their hospital. That Gospel is not infa- 
 mous ; it is divine ! It needs no trumpet blast to announce it, for itself is its suffi- 
 cient vindication. 
 
Fifteenth Internatiojial Cofiveution. 323 
 
 You say you can not believe in tlie liereafter. It is far more important that 
 you believe in the now and the here. 
 
 These are the new faiths of the old Gospel. They clothe Calvary with 
 perennial rejuvenescence. This is the sort of religion for which this Christian 
 Endeavor movement among the youth of militant Christendom stands. We 
 do not make creeds; we try to be the creed. We do formulate rules that shall 
 act as barriers to keep us from falling into the devil's domains, but we try to 
 get so far over on God's territory that no barrier shall ever be needed.. We 
 have a blessed hope for that life beyond death's shadow, but we believe it is to 
 them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for immortality that the 
 gates of light swing large and free. We believe that the things which unite us 
 are greater than the things which divide us, and so we stretch hands electric 
 with the fellowship of grace across denominational walls, and salute one another 
 in the new faiths of the old Gospel,— not only a creed, but an experience; not 
 only a restraint, but an inspiration ; not only an insurance for the next, but a 
 programme for the present, world. 
 
 With that experience surging within us, with that conduct making seraphic 
 every ministry, and with that destiny arching its glory across our pathway day 
 by day may we go back to our churches and homes from this place where we 
 have seen the Lord. 
 
 We shall need him to go with us. He himself is the Gospel. He is the way, 
 the truth, and the life. He is the life, our experience. He is the truth, our 
 inspiration. He is the way, our example as we try day by day to make religion 
 a programme for this present world. 
 
 Don't you see what it all comes to at last? The "new faiths of the old 
 Gospel " means, not the dead Christ, but the Christ of Galilee and Bethlehem 
 and Calvary alive in you and me who walk the earth to-day. 
 
 There is an old Indian legend that once the Great Spirit visited his people, 
 and, before he went away, promised to return again. That they might recog- 
 nize him on his return, he left his image on the stone face of the mountain. It 
 is said that one old Indian gazed constantly upon the stone face by day, 
 dreamed of it by night, and looked often and anxiously into the faces of his 
 brothers and sisters to see if he could distinguish its lineaments there. At last, 
 after the nation had been purified by peace, they looked into the old prophet's 
 face and discovered that all unconsciously it had been transformed into the 
 likeness of the Great Spirit, who had returned and become incarnate in his rapt 
 follower. 
 
 Only a stumbling story of a heathen people, but it is the parable of Christ 
 and his disciple. May we long for his coming with such intense yearning that 
 directly we shall be what we would see, and until the old, old story of Samaria 
 and Gennesaret, of Capernaum and Bethsaida, and of the Christ who glorified 
 these holy places with his blessed presence shall live anew in the faiths of us 
 who try to follow him. 
 
 The hymn " Scatter Sunshine " was sung, and then Mr. Shaw began 
 the consecration service with a brief but earnest address urging all his 
 hearers to take Jesus Christ into their lives and live as he would have 
 them live. 
 
 Then each state, territory, and foreign land represented in the Con- 
 vention was called upon, and one delegate from each arose to his turn 
 and responded by a verse of Scripture, or of a hymn, or by a word of 
 greeting and love, renewing vows of loyalty to the Saviour. In a num- 
 ber of instances the whole delegation arose and recited the chosen text 
 in unison, or sang the verse. 
 
 It was a most beautiful and impressive service, and a spirit of deep 
 reverence pervaded the whole vast assemblage. At the close four 
 
324 Official Report of the 
 
 verses of the hymn " Just As I Am " were sung softly, sweetly, as a 
 prayer. 
 
 Then came the Mizpah benediction, the hymn " God Be with You 
 Till We Meet Again," and the last meeting at Tent Williston was a 
 thing of the past. 
 
 Tent Endeavor. 
 
 Tent Endeavor held the largest crowd in its short but eventful expe- 
 rience the closing night. The throngs were early entering its openings, 
 and long before the hour for the meeting to begin arrived the streamers 
 were a-tremble with the vibration of the songs poured out beneath 
 them. Half a dozen different hymns were being sung simultaneously 
 in different sections of the audience, and yet no inharmonious results 
 were observable. In the seating of the delegates the representatives 
 of the various States were grouped together, the various State delega- 
 tions having been divided into three parts, so that each could be 
 represented in all of the three tents, where such important exercises 
 were to be held. When the regular praise service began the singers 
 who had been following their own leaders joined right heartily, under 
 the baton of Mr. Excell, and after " Keep Step with the Master " was 
 rendered a grand chorus outpoured, " All Hail the Power of Jesus' 
 Name." 
 
 The presiding officer. Secretary John Willis Baer, announced that 
 Rev. F. W. Gunsaulus, D.D., of Chicago, who was expected to have 
 delivered the sermon, was unavoidably absent. He read a telegram 
 announcing that death in Dr. Gunsaulus's church prevented his attend- 
 ance, and a great chorus of regretful exclamations arose, but quickly 
 changed to pleasurable applause when Rev. Dr. Wm. Patterson, of 
 Toronto, Can., was announced to take the noted Chicago preacher's 
 place. Mr. Excell sang, by request, " Let a Little Sunshine In." 
 There was singing by the Hampton Octette. Again the Endeavorers 
 were treated to the peculiar singing heard only among Southern negroes. 
 Now plaintive as a wail, now joyful as a paean, the voices of the boys 
 arose in quaint unison, and there was no one in the audience, probably, 
 who was not touched or impressed by the singing. The devotional 
 exercises were conducted by Rev. Thomas Marshall, D.D., of Chicago, 
 111., closing with a strong and impressive prayer. Mr. Baer, in a few 
 complimentary words about the choir, announced that it would sing the 
 anthem, " Awake the Song." The music was rendered in a truly 
 splendid manner, and the applause was so great that the anthem was 
 repeated. There was more applause when Mr. Baer announced that 
 the composer of the anthem was Mr. Excell. 
 
 That popular Canadian trustee. Rev. William Patterson, then 
 preached the sermon. He was received with a glorious Chautauqua 
 salute. His eloquent sermon was suggested by the " prophesying upon 
 dry bones " of Ezekiel, and was an earnest presentation of the power 
 we all can gain through brave and entire obedience to the Spirit. " It 
 is better to be a man," said he, " than to be an angel. We can do a 
 
Fifteenth Ititemational Convention. 325 
 
 work that angels cannot do. We can know things that angels desire to 
 look into ; for how eagerly the angels would descend into the slums, 
 if it were permitted them, to lift up the fallen ! " 
 
 After Mr. Excell's impressive.singingof " It Pays To Serve Jesus," Mr. 
 Baer introduced the consecration meeting. 
 
 The State responses were much as in Tent Washington. After Flor- 
 ida's reply Dr. Hoyt offered fervent prayer for all Endeavorers at 
 home, that the spirit of the great Convention might come upon them. 
 Maine, where the pledge was born, reasserted her allegiance to its 
 promises. By raising their hands, all in the great congregation joined 
 Maine in her vow, and Dr. Muir sealed the vow with prayer. Pennsyl- 
 vania's magnificent pledge for work along all lines of Christian En- 
 deavor was also adopted by rising, Rev. J. M. Lowden offering prayer. 
 
 And in the closing minutes, when the Holy Spirit seemed resting on 
 every heart, Mr. Baer called upon all to join him, prayerfully, — with full 
 resolve, if at all, — in a personal promise, before the end of the year to 
 speak to at least one soul out of Christ, and to try to bring him to a 
 knowledge of the Saviour's love. To this high purpose nearly all the 
 assembly rose. Dr. Power, of Washington, prayed for (lod's blessing 
 on the great endeavor, Mizpah was pronounced, and with Mr. Patter- 
 son's benediction the blessed service was at an end. 
 
 Tent Washington. 
 
 It was Tent Washington that saw the greatest, of all the great meet- 
 ings, — a crowd that stretched out into the White Lot beyond the walls 
 of the tent ; large state and provincial delegations, and many foreign 
 representatives. Rev. Dr. McKim, of Washington, and Rev, A. L. 
 Geggie, of Truro, N. S., conducted the opening devotional exercises. 
 The spiritual song service, and Dr. Clark's impressive opening words, 
 helped to prepare the vast congregation for Bishop Baldwin's message 
 of power, and for the covenant time that ensued. " Ye shall receive 
 power " (Acts i. 8) was the text of the sermon preached by Rt. Rev. 
 M. S. Baldwin, of London, Ont., Lord Bishop of Huron. 
 
 Sermon by Rt. Rev. M. S. Baldwin, D.D., Huron, Ont. 
 
 My Dear Christian Friends : — I understand that this is a consecration ser- 
 vice, and the text I have therefore chosen is one which speaks of power. It is 
 from the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, eighth verse : 
 
 " But I shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon thee : and 
 ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto 
 the ends of the earth." 
 
 When we look up on a starry night upon the sky it seems as if the stars are 
 scattered in rich profusion, without order and without symmetry; but the as- 
 tronomer tells us that on the contrary all those bodies move in the most exqui- 
 site harmony, and have so moved for ages past. It is just thus with the Word 
 of God. There seems to be a great many books, a great many subjects and 
 themes, but the Bible contains but three histories. Now the three histories 
 which it contains are as follows : the history of Israel, the history of the Cliurch 
 of God, and the history of the governmental nations of the earth. Now these 
 three histories move around one common centre, and that common centre is the 
 
326 Official Report of the 
 
 stone Jesus Christ, the stone which the builders refused but which God has 
 made the corner and glorious stone of Christ. Now let us observe that those 
 three histories revolve around that one centre. Thus Israel to-day stumbles 
 upon that stone of Christ Jesus, and Israel in her synagogue is saying, The 
 Messiah has not come, because Israel stumbles upon this glorious stone. 
 Then we come to the Church of Christ, and it is built upon this stone, and the 
 Church's one foundation, Jesus Christ, our Lord; and when we come to the 
 governmental nations of the earth we find that the stone which is cut out with 
 hands is that stone which will destroy all human authority, overturn all power, 
 and constitute that one stone, the solitary earth, and that stone is Jesus Christ, 
 so that to-day we find that all lines in the Bible converge upon that one glori- 
 ous Being, one majestic object, and that object our Lord, Jesus Christ. Now, 
 bearing this in mind, let us come to ask. What is power .'' Now just as in the 
 Bible there is one centre, so we find that God in the Holy Ghost has come to 
 magnify that one centre, that the whole work which he does upon earth, and 
 in the Church of the living God, is to exalt Jesus Christ, to uplift him, to make 
 him Lord of all ; and therefore when we go into the pulpit and on the platform 
 with some other object before us, to endorse this Church, to uplift this commu- 
 nity, to teach this science, to advance this theory, God, the Holy Ghost, can not 
 and will not help that work, and it must pass with the weakness which it de- 
 serves. But I will say to all Christian workers that the first thought to bear in 
 mind is this : that God the Holy Ghost has given to those consecrated men, 
 and to those women whose lives, whose voices, whose beings, God and the Holy 
 Ghost can use to the personal exaltation of Jesus Christ our Lord. Bear this 
 in mind. Let me ask you in the next place to notice how it is he works. Let 
 us look at the first dispensation, the dispensation of the Father. It was the 
 time of preparation, the time of growth, of expansion. Then came the short 
 dispensation of the Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. That was short, but it never 
 was intended to be permanent, and I would ask you to notice that however de- 
 sirable our Lord's personal acquaintance might have been it taught them that 
 there was something better, something even better than his own dear holy 
 presence. 
 
 And what is the distinguishing characteristic of the dispensation in which we 
 are now living.'' It is summed up in this sentence : "God was in you." It is 
 this idea that alone dominates. In that first dispensation God was above ; in the 
 second he was by the man's side ; in the third dispensation God is within us. So 
 that a man who is holy is a man in whom God, the Holy Ghost, dwells in power, 
 and it is only when we grasp this truth that we grasp what power means. It is 
 God, dear friends, swelling within you. Now in the next place, let me ask you 
 if you observe how he manifests himself? There was only one building ever 
 erected which was without windows, at least intended for man, and that was 
 the Tabernacle, in the first instance, and the Temple in the second. Now 
 when we came to the Tabernacle, we found, as we studied the Word of God, 
 that there were absolutely no side lines, no windows, no piercings in the wall, 
 no light from the roof, no light anywhere from the outside, but you came into 
 a room that was still bright, and that brightness came from the Jews called 
 the Minorah, that is, the seven bright candlesticks, and that was the light of 
 the sanctuary. Now let me say that in the Church of the living God there 
 ought to be no windows ; we ought to receive no light from the windows. I 
 wish to be distinctly understood here. In the ancient Tabernacle, the high 
 priest and the priest did not learn from Israel. They did not learn God's 
 efforts from the nation at large; they learned it from the light of God himself, 
 for the Holy One of Israel was afire. Now when we come to the Church of 
 the living God to-day, we find people coming and saying you want business 
 principles. I wish to say that business principles are the ruin of the Church of 
 Christ. We want no business principles if the Church is to do the work of 
 God and to be mighty, by the pure, the blessed, theme that comes from the 
 truth itself. How often is it that some grand church, perhaps, with a huge 
 congregation, has fallen into debt, or perhaps broken down from some cause 
 or another, and there is a great gathering of people, and some one stands up and 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 327 
 
 he says to them, " Well, you must introduce business principles if you wish to 
 succeed ; " and he suggests a larger organ, a greater choir, and a more splendid 
 building, and this is the outside light. These are the windows that men put 
 into the fabric, but which are unhallowed in the sight of God, which, let me 
 say, that power will come when the Church kneels down and discards all 
 human teaching and against the teaching of the Holy Ghost. What is needed 
 is a deeper piety, a profounder grasp of the truth that is in Jesus, and then 
 members will receive power after that the Holy Ghost has come upon them. 
 
 Again, let me ask you to notice in the next place how that blessed Spirit 
 works in regard to the individual. We shall receive power. Now power is 
 never given except for activity. God gives nothing to man who is going to idle, 
 to waste, or to squander time. The arm that is slung is not the arm to be used, 
 and God, the Holy Ghost, never comes except to help that great Church of 
 God, and he never comes to help us except as we are going forth to teach the 
 language, to gather and prepare the sheaves against the coming of the Lord 
 and Saviour, Jesus Christ. A regiment that is lying in barracks wants no 
 ammunition for the war ; it is in the day of battle, it is for the campaign, and it 
 is for the day of trial he needs to be armed with all the necessary adjuncts for 
 successful fight ; and so it is that the ideal Church will rest and rot under the 
 sun, but the weak, as far as regards human oversight, will grow strong, and that 
 is putting forth its power for the conquest of the world and to gather souls 
 against the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now I would ask you to notice. 
 Christians, how he watches us individually. I hear sometimes Christians say, 
 " We want to get more into the world, we want to become more detached from 
 the things of time and of tradition, and it is this tliat our consecration meeting 
 is for." Let me say, dear friends, that the only way we can become detached is 
 by becoming attached to the Lord Jesus Christ. You cannot hold together the 
 world until you are made one with the Lord Jesus Christ, and therefore growth 
 in Christ. Becoming detached from the world is by the process of growing in 
 union, in oneness, in the blessed perfectness in the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us 
 ask ourselves how does the winter go ; how does it come to us and how does it 
 go? 
 
 And I would ask you, in the last place, to observe that which is the work of 
 God, the Holy Ghost. He has to give us a power to do three things, and if 
 you will look at those three you will see they are just what the Lord taught. 
 They are, first, to teach us to deny ourselves, to take up our cross and follow 
 the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, people say, " Well, we do deny ourselves." Here is 
 a man who says, "I will give up tobacco ;" another man says he will give up wine ; 
 another man says he will give up some luxury; but that is not denying ourselves, 
 that is denying ourselves the use of tobacco, the use of wine, the use of luxury. 
 But how did Peter deny our Lord? Why he cursed and he swore, and he said, 
 " I do not know the man." Now our Lord would have us deny ourselves and 
 say we do not know ourselves, that we are willing just to go where he pleases. 
 We are to deny ourselves, and say, " Not my will, but thine, to be done." Look 
 at those two Moravian missionaries who went to the Lazar-House of South 
 Africa ; they went to the leper-house there and said, " We wish to go and preach 
 to your lepers." " Well," they said, " you can not enter here because you would 
 take the infection with you." "But," they said, "we are anxious to go." 
 " Well," they said, " if you go to the lepers you must stay with them." They 
 said, " For how long?" "Well," they said, " until the leprosy blanches your 
 own cheek and you lay down and die as lepers yourselves;" and they looked 
 out on that great world, and then they looked up at the Lord Jesus Christ, and 
 they said, " For that, O Lord Jesus Christ, we will go." And they went there 
 and preached the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, and told it to dying lepers, 
 from year to year, until the leprosy palsied their arms and made white their 
 cheeks, and at last laid them low in the lepers' grave. Yes, that is denying our- 
 selves, and we ought to take up the Lord's cross, our cross. We are to take up 
 the cross he gives us, not his cross, because his cross was dying for a lost 
 world, but the cross he gives us, and follow him. Young people of the 
 Christian Endeavor, are you ready to follow the Lord Jesus Christ? Look at 
 
328 Official Report of the 
 
 the depth from which he came to the height to which he rose. Dear mem- 
 bers of the Christian Endeavor, follow Jesus, and the Lord God, the Holy 
 Ghost, will strengthen you. He says, " My grace is sufficient for that, for 
 my strength will be made perfect in your weakness," and when he comes it will 
 be to anoint you to be prophet and to be king for the sake of the Lord Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 The world is dying all about you; opportunities lie on every side; there is a 
 multitude of voices saying to you everywhere, " Go, for the fields are wide and 
 the harvest rich," and I wish to say however weak, however feeble, however 
 helpless, you may be, God will give you power as you go forth in the name of 
 the Lord Jesus Christ. And let me conclude by saying this is a message that you 
 have to tell, — tell the lost, tell the sick, — that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses 
 from all sins. Tell the lost that God says, " Come and let us read together, 
 though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow ; though they be 
 red like crimson they shall be as wool." 
 
 The doctrine of substitution is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When Bar- 
 abbus came out he said, no doubt, to himself, " Am I afraid, am I afraid 'i " and 
 people gathered about him and said, " Barabbus, you are afraid," and he said, 
 " Who made me afraid ? " And they said, " You see that lone man there, that 
 lone man of whom all Israel has heard, who went about doing good, Barabbus, 
 he is to die in thy stead and be crucified in thy room." Young man. tell it to 
 the world about you, and God will bless this Gospel, — "that God so loved the 
 world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should 
 not perish but have everlasting life." There are some to whom the Lord will 
 say at the last, " Come, ye blessed, receive the kingdom prepared for you ; " 
 some that he will bid sit on his throne; some upon whose heads he will put 
 crowns; and some that shall reign as kings in heaven forever — and who are 
 they 1 Not the young men and young women, the rich, the great, or the honor- 
 able of the world, but those dear servants of his that uplifted the banner 
 of Jesus Christ to the world. 
 
 " Saved by Grace " appropriately sang the chorus after the sermon. 
 Dr. Clark then took charge of the meeting, urging that the delegates 
 let nothing come between them and God. 
 
 Remarks of President Francis E. Clark, D.D. 
 
 And now, dear friends, we come to this hour that we have been looking to for 
 so many days, this crowning hour. I always come to it myself, when it is my 
 duty to lead the consecration meeting, with trembling. And I say, " Who is suf- 
 ficient for these things.?" 1 fear that I may get in the way, that something or 
 somebody may get between us and God. I fear that some words may not be 
 spoken to his glory. Yet, I do not know that we need have these fears, for I 
 think that this may be of all services the most simple, the most natural, as it is 
 the most sweet. We have come to-night to the close of the Convention. We 
 have been preparing for it during all these days; surely we are ready for it now. 
 There are but three things for us to do. I believe that a true consecration meet- 
 ing must have an upward look, if it would be a sincere consecration meeting. 
 If we are looking at each other, or thinking of each other; if we are thinking 
 of an eloquent address, or what somebody is to say, it will not be sincere in our 
 heart that we can give our word and devotion. But if first of all we look up to 
 God — -O friends, that is it, look up to God, and I pray you in these opening 
 moments look up to him, for the presence of God is here this evening. He is 
 looking at us; we may look up into his very face to-night. For a moment, in 
 the stillness of this hour, look up into God's face. It demands something else, 
 it seems to me ; it demands not only an upward look, but an attentive ear. It 
 demands that we ask the question, " Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" We 
 can not consecrate ourselves until we have made that plea and asked that question, 
 — "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" O friends, there is something for 
 each one; why is it that you liave come here? The registration committee tells 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 329 
 
 us that there are between 30,000 and 40,000 Endeavorers in town. Do not think 
 of the masses, but think of yourselves; why are you here? How does it happen 
 that out of the million of Endeavorers in America you are here, you are one; 
 what does it mean, this high privilege? You have come here, one out of a hun- 
 dred, one out of a thousand, perhaps, from your section. Why is it? In order 
 that you may hear God speak, and that you may take home the message. You 
 come with a tremendous responsibility, the weight of responsibility that rests 
 upon you who can come to such convention and such a consecration meeting. 
 You have something to hear; you have a message given to you; you have some- 
 thing to take home, or you are recreant to your high trust and to your high 
 privilege. Christian Endeavorers, listen, listen if you would consecrate your- 
 selves. What has God to say to you? What have you to say to God? Ask 
 the question, "What wilt thou have me to do?" and now listen for an answer. 
 And one other thing is to obey when you have prayed. Oh, did you not hear 
 in that moment of silence some word ? Did you not think of some new thing at 
 home, of something for your church, for your pastor, for your weekly reports to 
 your meeting, for your Sunday school, for some associate member, for some 
 who have not come to Christ? Did you not hear God speak to you and give 
 you a message for some one, tell you some thing? 
 
 And then the remaining thing is to go and do. We have heard, we have 
 sung, we have talked together, we have inspired each other's hearts, we have 
 lifted up our eyes, we have listened with open ears, and now go and do ! Do 
 you remember what Dr. Bonner says about the apostles as he imagines them 
 talking together on their way to Galilee? He said to them,"! go into Gal- 
 ilee; meet me there," and they walked along on that long journey to meet 
 Christ in Galilee, and Dr. Bonner imagines them talking together, and Peter 
 says — what more can he say? — " He has told us of his love. He has said, ' I 
 call you no longer servants, but friends. ' He has given us his love." "Yes," 
 says John, " and not only that, but he has told us of the peace which he gives, the 
 peace which surpasseth the understanding ; what more is there that he can give ? " 
 " Yes," says James, "not only has he given us peace and love, but he has given 
 us joy." And they wonder what our Lord has to say to them that he has not 
 said to them, and they go to Galilee, and he meets them there and he says to 
 them — what? Nothing about peace, nothing about joy, nothing about love. 
 He has said all these things, but there is a more imperative message and a 
 more important message for them just then ; he says, " Go, go, go into all the 
 world and preach my Gospel to every creature." So, Christian Endeavorers, 
 he has been talking to us about peace, joy, and love, the sweet thought that 
 surpasseth understanding, the love which is his to give, the joy which has made 
 our hearts swell in this, the most spiritual of all the conventions that the Chris- 
 tian Endeavor Society has perhaps ever held. And now there is something 
 more. In this closing consecration meeting he comes to us with another voice. 
 We go to our homes. Some of us leave in an hour's time, and the most of us 
 to-morrow, and the message is, " Go, go, go, Christian Endeavorers ; you have 
 heard of peace, joy, and love, all of these things have come to you in the Con- 
 vention, and now go and preach my Gospel, and do my will." O Endeav- 
 orers, in this consecration hour, in this closing blessed service, as you look up 
 and as you listen, will you hear? Will you obey ? Will you go? Will you go and 
 do his will ? God grant it; God grant it. Go and do his will. God grant it. 
 
 In hushed and reverent tones " Just As I Am" was sung, and the uni- 
 ted prayer was offered aloud in concert, " Create within me a clean 
 heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." " O God, open 
 thou my lips and my mouth shall show forth thy praise." 
 
 So was introduced the summoning of the hosts to the altar of their 
 vows. South Carolina, the first State called, declares the Lord its rock 
 and fortress. Wisconsin in an original poem proclaims "Forward" 
 its watchword. West Virginia, a goodly delegation, quotes Paul's, " I 
 
330 Official Report of the 
 
 press " as its motto, and sings, " We 're Marching Upward to Zion." 
 "Washington for Christ!" "I can do all things through Christ," 
 cries the next State. Virginia, a solid delegation near the rear of the 
 tent, takes as its own the motto, " This one thing I do." " I can not 
 be everywhere, I can be somewhere ; I can not do everything, I can do 
 something ; what I can do I ought to do, and by the grace of God I 
 will," is the beautiful vow recorded by Vermont. Utah follows with a 
 word of Scripture, Texas sings a verse of its noble State song, and 
 then Tennessee arises and expresses its gratitude to God for his an- 
 swer to prayer in giving it Nashville, '98. The State's familiar and 
 impressive response, "Where He Leads Me, I Will Follow," is 
 sung with fine feeling. " South Dakota for Christ " follows, with the 
 motto, " Not to be ministered unto, but to minister." In excellent uni- 
 son Rhode Island quotes a verse from the Psalms, and Pennsylvania's 
 multitude arise and pledge themselves to remain true to their covenant 
 obligations, — devotion to Christ, church loyalty, soul-winning, mission- 
 ary extension, good citizenship, and Christian fellowship. Oregon's 
 one delegate vows "This one thing," and Ohio, a great company, says 
 of the Lord that he is their strength, their refuge, their fortress. 
 North Dakota sweetly sings, " My Life, My Love, I Give to Thee," 
 New York's large delegation quotes the Convention motto, " Not by 
 might, nor by power," and New Mexico sings, "Nearer, my God, to 
 Thee." The orange and black of the New Jersey flags are upraised as 
 the host of delegates sing softly, " My Jesus, I Love Thee. ' 
 
 The home friends and the Endeavorers the world around, who could 
 not share the Convention's blessings, are remembered in special prayer, 
 and the roll-call is continued. New Hampshire, which re-afiirms the 
 pledge, Nevada, Nebraska, Montana, Missouri, Mississippi, Minnesota, 
 and Michigan are called, and most of them quote Holy Writ as consecra- 
 tion vows, and Missouri adds a verse of " Missouri for Christ." A 
 special consecration hymn, written for this Convention, is sung by 
 Massachusetts to the tune of the Portuguese Hymn. "The love of 
 Christ constraineth " Maryland, and she thrills the vast concourse of 
 people by her " Maryland, My Maryland." Maine repeats the first 
 clause of the pledge ; Louisiana is "for Christ and the Church ; " Ken- 
 tucky sings its beautiful State hymn, to the tune " My Old Kentucky 
 Home." Another State song, " Iowa for Christ," succeeds, and Indiana 
 proclaims its Endeavorers ambassadors for Christ. Illinois's State 
 president speaks a few sentences, and the delegation sings, " My Faith 
 Looks Up to Thee." 
 
 Idaho and Georgia have Scriptural vows, and Florida avers that 
 " the fairest of our flowers are lives of noble endeavor ; our sweetest 
 fruits, their deeds of loving service ; and our brightest sunshine, that 
 which streams into our souls from the Sun of Righteousness." " Flo- 
 rida for Christ ! " Eight Floating Society Endeavorers find God in 
 "the uttermost parts of the sea," and sing prayerfully, "Jesus, Saviour, 
 Pilot Me." This prompts the Convention to unite in special prayer 
 for sailors and all upon the deep waters. 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 331 
 
 " For me to live is Christ," says Delaware. Connecticut would pre- 
 sent its bodies as living sacrifices. Colorado can do all things through 
 Christ, and would lift up the Saviour. Canada's united and robust 
 delegation responds in vigorous tones with the first two verses of the 
 twelfth chapter of Romans. California's young people, realizing their 
 especial responsibilities for next year, look to the Lord, who says, " I 
 will keep." "Arkansas for Christian Endeavor" cries one of the 
 smaller delegations, which then sings " My Faith Looks Up to Thee." 
 The associate members at this point are remembered in prayer. Ari- 
 zona next responds with a faithful saying, John v. 4, and the last 
 State, Alabama, takes as its own the ambition that Paul records in 2 
 Cor. V. 9. Afterward a soldier spoke the desire of the Christian En- 
 deavorers in the army. 
 
 What follows graphically portrays the universal fellowship, and 
 moved all hearts. Foreign lands were asked for a consecration senti- 
 ment. Mexico is the first to respond. Great Britain follows, impres- 
 sively quoting the Saviour's prayer "that they all may be one." 
 Australia has a message from the Book, and Persia declares that " the 
 ends of the earth shall see the salvation of God." A thrill of emotion 
 passes over the meeting at Turkey's significant response, given by an 
 Armenian : " Who shall separate us from the love of Christ .-' shall 
 tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or 
 peril, or sword ? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquer- 
 ors through him that loved us." 
 
 A native Chinaman speaks for the delegation from China, " Let all 
 the people praise thee." Japan prays to be consecrated to the Lord's 
 service; Liberia sends a written response; Germany answers in the 
 tongue of the fatherland ; and Africa, with missionary zeal, says, "Let 
 the old pray and give ; let the young prepare and go." The District of 
 Columbia, the Convention's hosts, came next, with the song by the 
 chorus and other Convention workers, " My Life, My Love, I Give to 
 Thee." 
 
 Thus end the voluntary responses. The sense of sacredness and 
 nearness to the Master that has pervaded the meeting is increased, 
 and the verses that Dr. Clark afterward gives are repeated with fervor. 
 To the choir he suggests, " I will sing unto the Lord as long as I 
 live." To the clergymen, the shepherds of the Christian Endeavor 
 fiock, is given the Scripture, " Make me to understand the way of thy 
 precepts ; so shall I talk of thy wondrous works." 
 
 Are the young men in the Church ? Behold the multitude that next 
 rises, and let your heart take courage. Thousands of bright, strong, 
 manly young men get up and quote, " I have written unto you, young 
 men, because ye are strong, and the Word of God abideth in you, and 
 ye have overcome the wicked one." A still greater mass of people 
 arise when the young women are requested to stand and testify, " A 
 woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." 
 
 There are yet other pledges, and the service grows in intensity. The 
 active members of the Society promise, " I will never forget thy pre- 
 
332 Official Report of the 
 
 cepts, for with them thou hast quickened me." In response to the 
 appeal to " all who love the Lord Christ," nearly the entire company 
 recites, " Lord, thou art the strength of my life ; of whom shall I be 
 afraid ? " In tender tones Dr. Clark asks that the associate members 
 unite in the song that all are reverently to sing, " Nearer, my God, to 
 Thee." 
 
 The last moments have come. Every one is standing. As a final, 
 complete, and comprehensive covenant, the thousands upraise their 
 right hands — what a sight it is ! — and repeat the first clause of the 
 pledge, holding their hands aloft while a prayer of consecration is 
 offered. How many associate members take this vow for the first time 
 only the watching angels know. The gavel strikes the platform railing 
 in token of the adjournment of the Fifteenth International Christian 
 Endeavor Convention. "The Lord watch between me and thee, when 
 we are absent one from another" is repeated, and with "At the Cross" 
 on their lips and in their souls, the delegates go out into the night, with 
 hearts enlarged and purposeful. 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 3S3 
 
 EVANGELISTIC MEETINGS. 
 
 " Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts," was 
 the District of Columbia consecration verse at Boston last year. Relying upon 
 the principle contained in that verse, and upon the Holy Spirit, for constant 
 direction and results, the work was undertaken and carried on. 
 
 Through correspondence with presidents and secretaries of local unions, 
 leaders for evangelistic meetings were appointed, and companies organized 
 several weeks before the Convention. In order to equip themselves for the 
 work these bands held meetings for prayer and consultation before starting, and 
 on the way to Washington. By far thfe most effective work was done by those 
 bands whose leaders had time to learn their place of assignment and acquaint 
 their workers with the nature of the service expected of them. While not at all 
 underrating the labor of others, the preparation for the campaign the Chicago, 
 New York City, and New Jersey bands rendered was especially valuable. 
 Meetings of remarkable power were held by these workers at the new post-office 
 building, Central Power-station, jail, workhouse, and in the " Division," the 
 scarlet plague spot of Washington. AH of the bands that filled their appoint- 
 ments did nobly, as visible results clearly show. Over three hundred were 
 personally dealt with ; one hundred and sixty-nine requested prayers for them- 
 selves ; eighty-one manifested deep concern for their souls; and twenty-seven 
 professed to give themselves to Jesus. (These figures do not include the large 
 Monday meetings at Central Union Mission, the leaders of which did not 
 report.) But neither statistics nor time will reveal all the good done. In all 
 there were eighty-three meetings held, mostly in open air. The audiences num- 
 bered from twenty to two thousand, aggregating twenty-five thousand. Inside 
 meetings were held at homes and hospitals, jail, workhouse, chapels, missions, 
 in two Sunday schools, and in four churches on Sunday evening, taking the 
 place of the regular evening service. There were three Gospel teniperance 
 meetings held by the Rev. W. P. Ferguson. The leader's reports indicate that 
 the Holy Spirit was present in power at nearly every one of these meetings. 
 
 From one mission chapel came the report, "Thirteen requests for prayer; 
 many outside quietly listening," from another, "Several gave themselves in full 
 surrender to God." From the two Sunday schools and four churches good 
 reports have been received. From the jail and workhouse the report is, " Most 
 wonderful meeting we ever attended. The prisoners cried aloud for mercy, and 
 testified to the saving power of Jesus. Tracts and Testaments were given; 
 thirty requests for prayer." 
 
 From the Division work the report was "One meeting; power of God won- 
 derfully manifested." Another, " Nineteen requests for prayer ; five professed 
 surrender; nine names and addresses of anxious ones secured." Another, 
 "Thirty requests for prayer; nineteen seekers' cards signed." Still another, 
 "Very peculiar meeting; hand-to-hand work by women with women and men 
 with men. Fully one hundred persons spoken to and plead with; fifteen 
 requests for prayer; two seekers spoke." At one of these Division meetings 
 (which were held from ten to twelve o'clock at night, using the Gospel wagon); 
 "a young lady worker noticed a young man standing in the crowd while ' Sun- 
 shine' was being sung, apparently interested. The leader was directed by her 
 to him. He was prayed with there, and at the hotel where these workers were 
 stopping. He gave himself to Christ, and later went down into the Division, 
 where he was well known, and gave his testimony. He is of good family, and 
 holds a responsible position in a large business house." At the new post-office 
 there were several gangs of men, one gang composed of Catholics. When the 
 meeting began, this gang, or their boss, turned on steam to disturb the service; 
 but every time he did that the Endeavorers struck up a hymn, and finally they 
 tired him out and the meeting ended in "good cheer and hand-shaking all 
 around." * 
 
334 Official Report of the 
 
 On one of the bicycle runs, a party took refuge from a shower in the 14th 
 
 Street car-barns, and while waiting for the rain to subside held a praise service. 
 
 Miss Deborah K. Knox, of Pawtucket, R. I., who led the meetings at Bethany 
 
 Chapel, besides doing valuable personal work, distributed a large number of 
 
 tracts. 
 
 The New Jersey Endeavorers held a meeting at the Newsboys' Home, which 
 will result in the formation of a Junior Society there. 
 
 Rev. E. D. Bailey, of the Central Union Mission, writes : " The evangelistic 
 services at the Mission were among the best of the Convention. The testi- 
 monies of Mission converts and Christian Endeavorers mingled constituted a 
 service which for strength and effectiveness is rarely ever exceeded. Each 
 service was larger in attendance than the preceding, the large auditorium 
 being filled. The Gospel wagons were used each evening, their services cul- 
 minating in the service at Market Space at six o'clock, Sunday p. m., where an 
 immense throng, estimated at three thousand, listened attentively, and joined in 
 a most thrilling Gospel service. The enthusiasm broke all bounds and mani- 
 fested itself at every turn of the service." The superintendent at the new post- 
 office says, " The meetings held here by the Christian Endeavorers were very 
 satisfactory. I have only words of commendation respecting them." 
 
 THE BIBLE STUDIES. 
 
 One of the most practically helpful parts of the crowded Convention pro- 
 gramme was the series of Bible studies conducted by President G. S. Burroughs, 
 D.D., of Crawfordsville, Ind. The large New York Avenue Presbyterian 
 Church was crowded daily, before the morning sessions. Note-books were to 
 be seen everywhere, and were liberally used to supplement the excellent syllabi 
 printed in the programme. 
 
 President Burroughs is a clear, dignified, attractive speaker, and held close 
 attention from beginning to end. Each day a single book of the Bible was 
 studied, — "Amos, the Prophet of Righteousness," "Hosea, the Prophet of 
 Love," "Galatians, Glad News of Freedom," "First Corinthians, Practical 
 Christianity." These were chosen as illustrations of the method of Bible-study 
 the leader advocated, — the study of whole books at a time, especially of the 
 key books ; and all the hundreds of Endeavorers that took this valuable course 
 will be far better Bible students hereafter. 
 
 SEEKING GOD EARLY. 
 
 In a Convention where the deepening of the spiritual life was made the 
 prominent topic, the early morning prayer meetings, three in number daily, 
 naturally held a most important place. Unity of purpose was given by assign- 
 ing on the programme a special topic for each morning. These topics were 
 drawn from different clauses of the pledge, after the first day, when the subject 
 was " Prayer for the Convention." As at Boston, much inspiration was gained, 
 and the thought of the hour was made more definite and practical by reports 
 from those that had been engaged in evangelistic work on the day before. A 
 good variety was to be noted in the ways in which the different meetings were 
 conducted. One would be made by the leader largely a Bible-reading, the pas- 
 sages having been assigned to different ones before the opening of the meeting. 
 Thus these gatherings were helpful both because of their spiritual uplift and 
 because of their suggestions of new methods. 
 
 On Friday there was an innovation that proved to be well worth repeating. 
 It was but one of the signs of the growing interest in Junior work, and was an 
 
Fifteenth Internatioial Convejition. 335 
 
 early morning meeting for Juniors. Led by two Juniors and attended by 
 others, it attracted a large number of those engaged in Junior work. An excel- 
 lent chalk-talk and one or two short addresses were given, and many took part 
 in the prayers and testimonies. 
 
 RESOLUTIONS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS 
 OF THE UNITED SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR. 
 
 Resolved. That the heartiest thanks of the Trustees of the United Society 
 of Christian Endeavor and of the entire Convention are most certainly due and 
 are hereby most gladly expressed : 
 
 First. To the Capital City of Washington, for its welcome, metropolitan 
 and national in every way. 
 
 Second. To the painstaking, persistent, to the least and last thing, attentive, 
 and splendid Committee of '96. 
 
 Third. To the enthusiastic and admirable preparation and service of Colonel 
 Bright, Sergeant-at-Arms, United States Senate, and to the Capitol police. 
 
 Fourth. To the United States Marine Band, for its surpassing music, both 
 on the stand and in the parade. 
 
 Fifth. To the police of the city of Washington, for their constant courtesy, 
 care, and unrelaxing attention. 
 
 Sixth. To the great and wonderful Washington Christian Endeavor choir 
 — never was there a choir so large, better trained, readier in various service. 
 The harmonious songs on the Capitol steps, like the sound of many waters — 
 who that heard can ever forget that wonderful sound and scene ? 
 
 Seventh. To the press, for every possible attention and for such full and 
 accurate reports. 
 
 Eighth. To the Government of the United States, for its use of the White 
 Lot, and for the liberty of gathering at the east front of the Capitol. 
 
 Ninth. To Col. John M. Wilson, Superintendent of Public Buildings and 
 Grounds, for his invaluable aid in the arrangement for the places of meeting. 
 
 Tenth. Nor in any wise should most grateful thanks be omitted to the 
 beautiful and thoughtful attention and service of tliose on whom the conve- 
 nience of the members of the Convention was most dependent, the motor-men, 
 drivers, and conductors of the street railroads of Washington. 
 
336 
 
 Official Report of the 
 
 NUMBER OF SOCIETIES, JULY, 1896. 
 
 UNITED STATES. 
 
 Alabama 
 
 Alaska Territory . . . 
 Arizona Territory . . 
 
 Arkansas 
 
 California 
 
 Colorado 
 
 Connecticut 
 
 Delaware 
 
 District of Columbia . 
 
 Florida 
 
 Georgia 
 
 Idaho 
 
 Illinois 
 
 Indiana 
 
 Indian Territory . . . 
 
 Iowa 
 
 Kansas 
 
 Kentucky 
 
 Louisiana 
 
 Maine 
 
 Maryland 
 
 Massachusetts . . . . 
 
 Michigan 
 
 Minnesota 
 
 Mississippi 
 
 Missouri 
 
 Montana 
 
 Nebraska 
 
 Nevada 
 
 New Hampshire . . . 
 
 New Jersey 
 
 New Mexico Territory 
 
 New York 
 
 North Carolina . . . 
 North Dakota .... 
 
 Ohio 
 
 Oklahoma Territory . 
 
 Oregon 
 
 Pennsylvania . . . . 
 Rhode Island . . . . 
 Soutli Carolina . . . 
 South Dakota .... 
 
 Tennessee 
 
 Texas 
 
 Utah 
 
 Vermont 
 
 Virginia 
 
 Washington 
 
 West Virginia .... 
 
 Wisconsin 
 
 Wyoming 
 
 Young 
 
 
 Interme- 
 
 Peoples. 
 
 Junior. 
 
 diate. 
 
 107 
 
 22 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 17 
 
 3 
 
 
 122 
 
 29 
 
 
 779 
 
 442 
 
 II 
 
 220 
 
 ICO 
 
 
 528 
 
 192 
 
 5 
 
 70 
 
 30 
 
 
 77 
 
 56 
 
 
 166 
 
 44 
 
 
 144 
 
 20 
 
 
 37 
 
 14 
 
 
 1,802 
 
 836 
 
 17 
 
 i>352 
 
 498 
 
 II 
 
 38 
 
 8 
 
 
 1,302 
 
 468 
 
 I 
 
 982 
 
 349 
 
 2 
 
 337 
 
 82 
 
 2 
 
 62 
 
 13 
 
 
 610 
 
 170 
 
 4 
 
 365 
 
 107 
 
 
 917 
 
 461 
 
 9 
 
 914 
 
 318 
 
 3 
 
 589 
 
 314 
 
 5 
 
 42 
 
 6 
 
 
 846 
 
 379 
 
 2 
 
 47 
 
 22 
 
 
 54' 
 
 214 
 
 2 
 
 9 
 
 6 
 
 
 302 
 
 103 
 
 
 778 
 
 390 
 
 
 28 
 
 7 
 
 
 2,971 
 
 1,104 
 
 5 
 
 222 
 
 45 
 
 
 "3 
 
 23 
 
 
 2,311 
 
 716 
 
 II 
 
 137 
 
 26 
 
 I 
 
 304 
 
 134 
 
 I 
 
 3-273 
 
 1,224 
 
 8 
 
 145 
 
 65 
 
 
 64 
 
 10 
 
 I 
 
 209 
 
 65 
 
 
 349 
 
 121 
 
 I 
 
 408 
 
 174 
 
 3 
 
 45 
 
 26 
 
 
 327 
 
 124 
 
 I 
 
 178 
 
 22 
 
 
 232 
 
 94 
 
 4 
 
 225 
 
 50 
 
 
 539 
 
 237 
 
 4 
 
 19 
 
 6 
 
 
 26,203 
 
 9969 
 
 114 
 
 Mothers' . 
 
 Senior. 
 
 Al 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 
 
 337 
 
 CANADA. 
 
 Alberta 
 
 Assiniboia 
 
 British Columbia . . 
 
 Manitoba 
 
 New Brunswick . . . 
 Newfoundland . . . 
 Nova Scotia .... 
 
 Ontario 
 
 Prince Edward Island 
 
 Quebec 
 
 Saskatchewan .... 
 
 Total, 
 
 FOREIGN 
 
 Young 
 People's. 
 
 Junior. 
 
 Parents' . 
 
 Mothers' . 
 
 12 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 47 
 38 
 
 7 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 "7 
 
 21 
 
 
 
 152 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 394 
 1,817 
 
 42 
 261 
 
 
 I 
 
 63 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 224 
 
 58 
 
 2 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 2,879 
 
 410 
 
 2 
 
 I 
 
 Total. 
 
 14 
 
 54 
 
 43 
 
 138 
 
 164 
 
 5 
 
 436 
 
 2,079 
 
 65 
 
 3>292 
 
 Africa 
 
 Asiatic Turkey . . 
 
 Australia 
 
 Austria 
 
 Belgium 
 
 Bermuda 
 
 Brazil 
 
 Burmah 
 
 Chili 
 
 Colombia 
 
 China 
 
 Egypt 
 
 England and Wales 
 
 France 
 
 Germany 
 
 Guatemala .... 
 Hawaiian Islands . 
 
 Holland 
 
 India 
 
 Ireland 
 
 Italy 
 
 Japan 
 
 Labrador 
 
 Laos 
 
 Madagascar .... 
 
 Mexico 
 
 Norway 
 
 Persia 
 
 Samoa 
 
 Scotland ..... 
 South Sea Islands . 
 
 Spain 
 
 Siam 
 
 Switzerland .... 
 
 Syria 
 
 Sweden 
 
 Turkey 
 
 Upper Hebrides . . 
 West Indies .... 
 
 Total, 
 
 Young 
 People's. 
 
 Junior 
 
 Interme- 
 diate. 
 
 Senior. 
 
 33 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 1,850 
 
 150 
 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 14 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 36 
 I 
 
 4 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 3,062 
 66 
 
 245 
 
 I 
 
 
 18 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 117 
 
 II 
 
 
 
 52 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 63 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 93 
 
 
 
 
 55 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 300 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 7,1 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 60 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 S.929 
 
 465 
 
 I 
 
 4 
 
 Total. 
 
 38 
 
 2 
 
 2,004 
 
 2 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 3 
 
 14 
 6 
 I 
 
 40 
 
 2 
 
 3>3o8 
 
 66 
 
 9 
 I 
 
 128 
 
 58 
 2 
 
 66 
 I 
 
 10 
 
 93 
 62 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 10 
 
 315 
 
 7 
 3 
 I 
 
 41 
 I 
 
 63 
 6,399 
 
338 
 
 Official Report of the 
 
 RECAPITULATION. 
 
 United States . . 
 
 Canada 
 
 Foreign 
 
 Floating Societies 
 
 Young 
 Peoples. 
 
 Junior. 
 
 Interme- 
 diate. 
 
 Mothers'. 
 
 Senior. 
 
 Parents'. 
 
 26,203 
 
 9^969 
 
 114 
 
 47 
 
 21 
 
 
 2,879 
 
 410 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 2 
 
 5.929 
 
 465 
 
 I 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 Total. 
 
 36,354 
 3,292 
 
 6,399 
 80 
 
 46,125 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 
 
 339 
 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Addresses of Welcome 77i 9o 
 
 Atkinson, Mr. C.J 189 
 
 Ainslie, Rev. Peter 191 
 
 Alison, Rev. Alexander 132,303 
 
 Amerman, Mr. W. L 178 
 
 Anderson. Rev. Asher 240 
 
 Andrews, Prof. VV. W 94 
 
 Armenian Meeting 310 
 
 Arnett, Bishop B. W 252 
 
 Associate Members 213-216 
 
 Baer, John Willis ^Annual Report^ .... 85 
 
 Baer, Mrs. John Willis 280 
 
 Baker, Mrs. Ruth B loi 
 
 Baker, Rev. Smith 47 
 
 Baldwin, Rt. Rev. M. S 70, 162, 325 
 
 Banks, Rev. L. A 16 
 
 Baptism with the Holy Ghost 183 
 
 Barbour, Rev. C. A 61 
 
 Barrett, Mrs. Kate Waller 281 
 
 Bible Studies (Burroughs) 334 
 
 Broad, Mr. W. L 137 
 
 Booth-Tucker, Commander F. DeL. . . . 273 
 
 Bomberger, Rev. J. H 237 
 
 Brotherhood Committee 201 
 
 Brown, Rev. Arthur J 253 
 
 Burroughs, President G. S 334 
 
 " California, '97" 143,152 
 
 Calvary Baptist Church (Wednesday night) 46 
 " " " (Thursday night) . 108 
 
 " " " (Friday night) . . 212 
 
 Campbell, Mr. Guy W 195 
 
 Campbell, Rev. J. L 50, 213 
 
 Carroll, Rev. H. K 115 
 
 Castle, Hon. H. L 129 
 
 Central Hall (Thursday night) 129 
 
 " " (Friday morning) 163 
 
 " " (Friday night) 244 
 
 " " (Sunday afternoon) 295 
 
 " " (Monday night) 315 
 
 Central Presbyterian Church (Wednesday 
 
 night) 52 
 
 Chapman, Rev. J. Wilbur . . 183, 211, 276, 315 
 
 Christian Citizenship 99-i53i 224, 289 
 
 Church of the Covenant (Wednesday night) 60 
 Church Services (Sunday morning) . . . .293 
 Citizens' Meetings (Saturday evening) . .290 
 
 Clark, Mrs. Francis E 153 
 
 Clark, President Francis E. (Annual Ad- 
 dress) 80, 268, 328 
 
 Closing Consecration Meetings (Monday 
 evening) 314 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Coleman, Mr. Geo. W 189 
 
 Committee Conferences 192-206 
 
 Congress St. Methodist Protestant Church 
 
 (Wednesday night) 65 
 
 Consecration 168, 309, 315, 328 
 
 Capitol Hill 288 
 
 Corresponding Secretaries 192 
 
 Crafts, Rev. Wilbur F 305 
 
 Dangers To Be Encountered 223 
 
 Davison, Rev. J. B 300 
 
 Denominational Missionary Meetings. . .294 
 
 Denominational Rallies 96-99 
 
 Derrick, Rev. W. B 40,117 
 
 Dickinson, Rev. Chas. A 163 
 
 District Secretaries 194 
 
 Dixon, Mr. J. L 198 
 
 Dobbins, Rev. Frank S 72 
 
 Dow, Hon. Neal 99 
 
 Dyott, Rev. L. R 56 
 
 Early Morning Prayer-meetings 334 
 
 Eastern Church (Wednesday night) .... 19 
 
 Ellis, Mr. W. T 197 
 
 Encouragements To Be Given 225 
 
 Epiphany Protestant Episcopal Church 
 
 (Wednesday night) 6g 
 
 Evangelistic Force, Christian Endeavor as 
 
 an 252 
 
 Evangelistic Meetings 333 
 
 Faville, Rev. Henry 229 
 
 Faville, Rev. John 232 
 
 Fellowship 224 
 
 Fennell, Rev. W. G 68 
 
 Fifield, Rev. J. W 25, 106 
 
 First Baptist Church (Wednesday night) . 48 
 First Cong'l Church (Wednesday night) . . 73 
 " " " (Thursday night) . . 100 
 
 " " " (Friday night) .... 228 
 
 First Presbyte'n Church (Wednesday night) 72 
 " " " (Thursday night) 120 
 
 " " " (Friday night) . . 220 
 
 Floating Societies 203 
 
 Foreign Missions 249 
 
 Foster, Mrs. J. Ellen 123 
 
 Foundry M. E. Church (Thursday night) . 114 
 " " " (Friday night) . . 230 
 
 Frazier, Mr. Raymond R 197 
 
 French, Rev. J. Clement 52 
 
 Friday Afternoon (Committee Conferences) 192 
 
 George, Rev. A. E 69 
 
 Gillam, Rev. Ralph 205 
 
340 
 
 Official Report of the 
 
 God's Plan 179 
 
 Good-Literature Committee 200 
 
 Graff, Mr. Geo. B 202 
 
 Greene, Rev. S. H 92 
 
 Grotthouse, Mr. H. H ig6 
 
 Gunton Temple Memorial Church (Wed- 
 nesday night) 24 
 
 Gurley Memorial Church (Wednesday night)56 
 
 Hamilton, Rev. Franklin 65, 120 
 
 Hamilton, Rev. J. W 60 
 
 Hamline M. E. Church (Wednesday night) . 34 
 
 Harsha, Rev. Wm. J 37,225 
 
 Haus, Miss Kate H 173 
 
 Hay, Col. John 76 
 
 Henson, Rev. P. S 152 
 
 Hershey, Rev. Scott F 242 
 
 Hinman, Rev. Willis S 193 
 
 Hott, Bishop J. W 244 
 
 How May the Pastor Help the Society ? . . 242 
 How May the Society Help the Pastor.? . . 240 
 
 Hufford, Rev. R. W 20, 217 
 
 Hunt, Mr. C.N 271 
 
 Hyde, Miss Grace E 187 
 
 Individual Responsibility for Soul- Winning2i7 
 Information and Press Committee .... 197 
 Intermediate Society of Christian En- 
 deavor 163, 202 
 
 Invocation Hymn 76 
 
 Jamison, Miss Cordelia 193 
 
 John Wesley African M. E. Zion Church . 43 
 
 Jones, Miss A. P 203 
 
 Judgment 276 
 
 Junior Society of Christian Endeavor 
 
 173- 186, 193 
 
 Junior Rally 264 
 
 Kearney, Miss Belle 283 
 
 Kelly, Dr. E. E 143 
 
 Kendall Baptist Church (Wednesday night) 30 
 
 Keyser, Rev. Leander S 53 
 
 Kirkpatrick, Judge L. J 195 
 
 Knipp, Mr. J. Edgar 220 
 
 Landers, Rev. W. P 200 
 
 Landrith, Rev. Ira 201 
 
 Lane, Rev. C. S 160 
 
 Leitch, Miss Margaret W 249 
 
 Life-Savers 204 
 
 Local Union Officers 194 
 
 Lookout Committee 195 
 
 Lovejoy, Rev. G. E 73 
 
 Lucas, Mr. J. M 192 
 
 MacArthur, Rev. R. S 144 
 
 Mason, Rev. C. S 30 
 
 Mason, Rev. J. E 44 
 
 Masson, Miss Jennie T 188 
 
 McCrory, Rev. J. T 125 
 
 McEwen, Mrs. Henry T 297 
 
 McGill, Rev. D. F 134 
 
 Meetness for the Master's Use 258 
 
 Memorial Lutheran Church (Wednesday 
 
 night) 20 
 
 Men's Meeting 270 
 
 Metropolitan African M.E. Church (Wed- 
 nesday night) 39 
 
 Metropolitan M. E. Church (Thursday 
 
 night) 99 
 
 Metropolitan Presbyterian Church (Wed- 
 nesday night) 68 
 
 Miles, Raymond 265 
 
 Miller, Rev. R. W 201 
 
 Mills, Rev. B. Fay 309,315 
 
 Missionary Conference 193 
 
 Missionary Service, The Call to 253 
 
 Missions 201, 207, 294 
 
 Morgan, Rev. J. B 68 
 
 Mothers' Society of Christian Endeavor 153,202 
 Mount Vernon Place M. E. South Church 
 
 (Wednesday night) t .... 14 
 
 Myers, Rev. Cortland 10,168 
 
 Neil, Rev. John 165 
 
 New York Avenue Presbyterian Church 
 
 (Wednesday night) 10 
 
 New York Avenue Presbyterian Church 
 
 (Thursday night) 133 
 
 New York Avenue Presbyterian Church 
 
 (Friday night) 240 
 
 Nicholson, Hon. S. E 137 
 
 Nineteenth Street Baptist Church( Wednes- 
 day night) 57 
 
 Opening Sessions (Wednesday night) . . 8-72 
 Opening Sessions (Thursday morning) . . 75 
 
 Ottman, Rev. Ford C 247 
 
 Our Work 220 
 
 Page, Mr. Frank E 201 
 
 Pastor and Society 242 
 
 Personal Work 275 
 
 Pledge. Private Devotion 235 
 
 Pledge. Public Confession 239 
 
 Pledge. Support of Church Services .... 237 
 
 Pounds, Rev. J. E 31, 207 
 
 Prayer 155,221 
 
 Prayer-meeting Committee 196 
 
 Presentation of Banners 83, 88, 95 
 
 President's Annual Address 80 
 
 Private Devotion 235 
 
 Race, Miss Martha E 194 
 
 Rader, Rev. Wm 42, 109 
 
 Ramsay, Rev. F. P 27 
 
 Reid, Rev. W. D 15 
 
 Resolutions 335 
 
 Responses to Addresses of Welcome . . 78, 92 
 
 Richardson, Rev. A. F 223 
 
 Robinson, Rev. W. H 11, 214 
 
 RollCall — Tent Washington 329 
 
 Roll of Honor 160, 171, 178 
 
Fifteenth International Convention. 
 
 341 
 
 Ross, Hon. John Wj 90 
 
 Russell, Rev. Howard H 141 
 
 Sabbath Observance 295 
 
 Salvation 271 
 
 Saturday Afternoon (Capitol Hill) .... 288 
 
 Saturday Evening 290 
 
 Secretary Baer's Annual Report 85 
 
 Senior Society of Christian Endeavor, 202, 256 
 
 Service 175 
 
 Service, Rev. Robert J 78 
 
 Shaw, William . . ■ 296 
 
 Slocum, President W. F 149 
 
 Smith, Mr. W. H. H 77 
 
 Social Committee 197 
 
 Social Purity 281 
 
 Society and Pastor 240 
 
 Soul- Winning 15S, 211, 217, 244, 285 
 
 Spiritual Life 8-72,323,325,328 
 
 Spiritual ^ower 162, 165 
 
 Stanford, Rev. P. T 58 
 
 Stanley, Rev. F. J 263 
 
 State and Provincial Officers 195 
 
 State Receptions 292 
 
 Statistical Report 336 
 
 Stewart, Rev. Geo. B 266 
 
 Streuli, Rev. Arnold 2J 
 
 Strong, Mr. W. H 43 
 
 Sunday Evening Service, Our Duty to the, 229 
 
 Sunday-School Committee 197 
 
 Support of Church Services 237 
 
 Swift, Major Susie 285 
 
 Sword of the Spirit 247 
 
 Temperance ... 99, 100, loi, 102, 114, 123, 128, 
 132, 136, 137, 141, 152, 284 
 
 Temperance Committee 199 
 
 Tent Endeavor (Thursday morning) .... 89 
 
 " " (Thursday night) 148 
 
 " " (Friday morning) 153 
 
 " " (Friday night) 249 
 
 " " (Saturday morning) . . . 280 
 " " (Monday morning) .... 312 
 " " (Monday night) 324 
 
 Tent Washington (Thursday morning) . . 75 
 
 Tent Washington (Thursday night) . . . 139 
 " " (Friday morning) ... 172 
 
 " " (Friday night) 256 
 
 " " (Saturday morning) . . 270 
 
 " " (Monday morning) . . 310 
 
 " " (Monday night) .... 325 
 
 Tent Williston (Friday night) 206 
 
 " " (Saturday morning) . . . 264 
 
 " " (Monday morning) .... 311 
 
 " " {Monday night) 317 
 
 Thursday Afternoon (Denominational 
 
 Rallies) 95 
 
 Towers, Rev. W. H 63, 235 
 
 Travellers' Union 205 
 
 Troxell, Rev. M. F iii 
 
 True Religion 318 
 
 Tupper, Rev. K. B 228 
 
 Turner, Mr. Wm. L 194 
 
 Vance, Rev. James 1 318 
 
 Vermont Avenue Christian Church (Wed- 
 nesday night) 31 
 
 Walters, Bishop A 103 
 
 Wanamaker, Hon. John 140 
 
 Watson, Rev. P. P 45 
 
 Weddell, Rev. J. W 171 
 
 Wells, Prof. Amos R 256 
 
 Wells, Rev. J. Lester 204 
 
 Wesley M. E. Church (Friday morning) . . 186 
 West Street Presbyterian Church( Wednes- 
 day night) 62 
 
 Whitman, President B. L 179 
 
 Wiggins, Miss Lottie E 190 
 
 Williams, Rev. Hugh Spencer 175 
 
 Wilson.Hon. W. L 148 
 
 Wilson, Rev. W. F 35,158 
 
 Withrow, Rev. J. L 258 
 
 Women's Meeting 280 
 
 World's Union Meetings 311 
 
 Work, Rev. C.L 61,155 
 
 York, Rev. W. H 239 
 
 Young Men's Sunday Evening Club . 232, 235 
 Young, Rev. E. R 48 
 
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