Evening Star Newspaper, July 9, 1896, Page 15

14 THE EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, JULY 9, 1896-EIGHTEEN PAGES, | tor of the church, presided. 4) Speidel was musical director and Mrs. 3. 8. Shedd organist. ‘The church was beau- fl tifully decorated with flags, bunting and Tare plants. After taking the chair and the singing Last Night's Meetings Preparatory to the CE. Convention, Consecration Services Attended by Throngs “of Endeavorers, ‘The meetings held last evening in twen- ty-two churches in various parts of ne city were as suggestive of the character and aims of the great Christian Endeavor organization as any series of meetings which will mark the present annual gath- ering. They were designed to be prelimi- nary to the opening of the convention, which ocevrred this morning, and In a cer- tain sense to strike the key note of the spirit of the entire convention. For this n it was arranged that the topic of the speakers at all the meetings should be the same. The audiences of Christian Er- deayor delegates and residents gathered in the various churches designated lstened to eloquent and earnest speakers, as they the sted subject, which was / “Deepening the Spiritual Life.” As may be reauily derstood, these preparatory servic inspiring as they were in point of nu and enthu: m displayed, were intended to promote the main purpose of these great meetings, namely, the spiritual welfare of the membership. This object, so serious in its aims and so difficult to attain, is not made secondary to mere en- thusiasm and excitement, as characteristic of large assemblies. It is no doubt the testimeny of those who attended the ser- vices last evening that the addresses on such a serious theme, followed by the con- ration services of the quiet hour, com- bined to make an impression which is deep and abiding, and at the same time natural- ly led up to the meetings of today and tho: which are to follow. Although the re: ri weather was not favorable, the rain fall- ing steadily, and at times in a great down- | Four, the audiences were large and the in-! terest was not diminished. NEW YORK AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The spacious anditerlum of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church was well filled last evening, there being few vy seats in the main body of the chu: and the galleries were also occu- pied. While the audience was being seat- ed a strong male voice started a favorite Endeavor hymn, which was taken up by the audience with well-sustained power and several verses were sung. In the ab- sence of Rev. Joseph T. Kelly, who was designated to preside over the meeting, the pastor of the church, Rev. Dr. Radcliffe, performed that duty. A hymn was sung accompaniment of the organ, the a precentor or choir not being Reeded io lead a congregation of such singers. Prayer was offered by Dr. Rad- cliffe, and then he read a selection from the Scriptures, after which another hymn was sung, and with a few appropriate words Dr. Radcliffe introduced Rev. Cort- land Myers of Brooklyn, N. ¥. By an ap- propriate illustration the speaker illustrat- ed the truth that the deepening of the spiritual life was from above. It was to be cone in the world, and while the Christian was to be in the world he was not to be of it. He had a sharp word or two to say about the external form in worship, which jacked the proper spirit. He believed that the process of improving the human heart was by crowding out the bad and by bringing in the good. - A hymn was ng, and then Rev. W. H. Robinson, D. D., of Englewood, IIL, spoke of the inward or spiritual life and its manifestation. The first thing, he said, in order to deepen the spiritual life, was to know the essence of this life. One effect of this life was the realization of the father- hood of God; second, was a longing for a physical body, and the third effort to fill the soul with intense prayer. per spiritual life is the life of Jesus, not only must His words be studied, but His personality must be built up in xercises of a ‘quiet hour,” which the service,“ were conducted by Charles B. Holdrege of Chicago, con- sisting of singing, reading the Scriptures, silent prayer and brief oral prayers from a namber in the congregation. MT VERNON PLACE CHURCH. The preli non Plac ary meeting at the Mr. Ver- E. Church South was largely delegates from North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, with oolly sprinkIng of Washinztonians,who thus had their first glimpse of the ses- sions of a Christian Endeavor convention. The ushers had their first experience in seating a convention audience, and right well did they perform their task. The Mt. Vernon Church choir of the convention chorus had a chance to show what it could do in the musical line, and under ihe efficient leadership of Mr. Page L. merman it estaglished itself favorably in the hearts of the visitors. stor Isaac W. Canter, D. D., of the Mt. Vernon Church was the presiding officer, ard Miss Florence Ball, also of Mt. V non, played the big organ. There was a preliminary song service, led by the C. E. choir, and then Dr. Carter called upon Rey. Rumsey Smithson, D.D., presiding elder of the Washington Metho- dist Church South, to offer the opening prayer. Dr. Smithson prayed for God's blessing upon the gathered Endeavor hosts and the great convention and pleaded for a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the capital city. The 103d Psalm was read responsively, and then Pastor Canter formally but none the less beautifully welcomed the Southern Endeavorers to the church and the city. “The city is one in which not only Wash- imgtonians but every person in the nation should have the deepest interest.” he said. “As you walk along our broad shaded avenues, as you stroll through our beauti- ful parks, as you admire our monuments end our statuary, as you look upon the massive buildings upon every hand where the various departments of government are housed, you will be pardoned if your hearts swell with pride as you think that all these are yours. We welcome you to our hearts -d homes; we welcome you for what you are and what you come to do, and pray that your coming may prove a great bleas- ing upon every resident of our capital.” Another Gospel hymn was sung, and then the first speaker, Rev. W. D. Reid of Mon- treal, Canada, was introduced to address himself to the topic of the evening, “Deepening of the Spiritual life.” He was heartily glad to be in Washington, he said, for it was always a pleasure for him to be in the national capital. Dr. Retd’s Address. Touching the subject of the evening Dr. Reid said: “The subject of which I have been asked to spesk 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 institutions or organiza- tions. Many are exceedingly loyal to some particular institution, and they imagine that because of this they are deeply spirit- ual. This is strikingly exemplified in the bistory of the Jews. What loyulty they exhibited toward their temple, their Sab- M attended by visit bath, their ordinances. When the Romans, under Vespasian, invaded Judea the Jews weuld die, and often did, by the score rather than desecrate the Sabbath in self- defense. Yet they were the men whom Christ denounced as hypocrites, devoid of spiritual life. It shows me that it is pos- sible to have wonderful loyalty and love for our institutions and yet have no spiritual Ife. The devil often deceives men by causing them to believe that loyalty to in- stitutions means religion. Again, spiritual- ity 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 unparalieled zeal in the work of the Lord, slaughtered the priests of Baal withoat mercy. Yea! he almost vanquished the outward form of idelatry, but, alas! in after days he proved that with all his zeal no spiritual life nad been there. Let every Endeavorer make no mistake here, and see that he is not mistaking Christi-n activity for spiritual- ity. Spirituality should mot 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 humarity and morality as a genergl rule are the results of spiritual life, but do not mistake them for the genuine article. Spir- ituality depends entirely upon the rela- torship existing between the individual soul and its God. Deepening of the spirit- ual life depends upon several laws; tha dwelling in your hearts of a hungoring and tlirsting for righteousness and the desire to become more like God. You must also believe that a deeper life is possible for you. In the accomplishment of any object it Ig 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 develop- ed in you there must be a new spiritual birth. Just as well attempt to grow a Held 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 tke grace of God. Yeu must lecome a Christian if you wish to experi- evce 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 must be ready to go. You must listen for the faint- est whisper and obey. Another principle is a rocognition of the great truth that you are aot your own; that you belong bedy, 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 irto 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 reminal Chris- tian while the grim monster tightened his grip upon the vitals, and with awe-struck whisper and blanched face he said he hoped that all would be well.” I have listened to the clear, urging note of tri- vmph of a Paul, who shouted in victory as he passed through the dark waters, ‘I know in whom I have believed.” Death = Jost ita sting and the grave its vic- Rev. Louis Albert Banks, D.D., of Brook- lyn was the second speaker. Mr. Banks Address. Mr. Banks said: Under the old dispensation it was ex- pressly stated that “a dwarf” should not be bermitted 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 privilege 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 pass- es 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 ig- rorance, for instance, is that the unlearned man must forego the keen delight of im- parting knowledge. The heaviest penalty of poverty is that one sq situated may not experience the highest type of joy which comes from relieving distress, so that the saddest penalty of a dwarfed nature is that | it is shut out from the noble joy which en- larged and affluent souls share in bestowing the bread of life upon the hungry. Stanley discovered in “Darkest Africa” a race of small dwarfs, whom he thought to be the oldest ‘types of primeval man, but who, old as they are, have no progress in physical development, intelleectual culture, or moral refinement. Alas! One does not need to go to “Darkest Africa” to find intellectual and moral pigmies. 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 de- veloped and well fed, physica!ly and intel- lectually, and whom ‘men, looking on, sup- pose to be towering giants, who are in heart and- soul the most insignificant dwarfs. There are many things that dwarf a soul; but perhaps the most common and potent cause of all Is the liting in a close, material atmosphere. If we look back over the his- tory 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. It was consciousness of the ever pres- ent God that made Joseph, in his dungeon, a grander personage than Pharaoh on the throne of Egypt. If we turn to that sub- Mme life of Jesus Christ, which must ever be our final appeal in ——— things, we shall certainly see that its supreme charac- teristic is the consctousness of God which pervades it. It is Just as true now as ever that the man who lives in communion 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. The soul that lives only for this world, and through the senses cannot help being narrowed and embittered by the dis- appointments and hurts of life, which ought to sweeten and enlarge the nature. The diamond willow tree, which grows only in North Dakota, and which at first gives tokens of great development. later on dwarfs into a scrubby tree, as its little twigs and branches die down. The great pine tree grows the higher when its lower branches are broken. It is only by catch- ing the inspiration of the upper air, as doe: the pine, that the misfortunes of life shall enlarge instead of dwarfing us. The soul that only lives for the world and its senses cannot help but be narrowed and embit- tered by the disappointments and defeats of life, which ought to sweeten and enlarge the character. The lofty-souled pine, and rot the stunted diamond willow, is the true type of a noble life. S The preliminary meeting was closed with a “quiet consecration hour,” led by Rev. A. D. Thaeler of Winston, N. C. EASTERN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. When the hour for commencing the meet- ing at the Eastern Presbyterian Church arrived last evening there was not a vacant seat in the great auditorium, and it was estimated that at least 1,200 persons, ex- clusive of the large chorus of 150 voices, were present. Rev. Dr. Thomas Chalmers Easton, pas- Mr. George of two appropriate hymns, Dr. Easton made an address of welcome, in which he said, in part: “On behalf of the Christian Endeavor Societies of the Eastern Presby- terlan Church I extend a most cordial wel- come to our guests, the delegates from Mississippi and Oklahoma. We welcome them on account of the love they bear the great Christian church and because they have met here to engage in the work of saving precious souls; a work which we hope will not stop until the wave rolls over the capital, and that after they go home, there will be such a wave sweep over this country as has not been known since 1857 or 1858. “This is the object of this convention. We meet in no partisan spirit and simply to point men to Christ.” Dr. Easton con- cluded his address by saying that he had received a telegram from Dr. Wharton of Baltimore, who stated that he would prob- ably be uiiable to be present to take part in the meetings, as had been announced. Rev. Dr. James A. Worden of Philadel- phia, superintendent of Sunday school work in the Presbyterian church of the United States, was the next speaker. He said in part: “In the primeval forest we de not find all the trees of one kind, rather there is a plaasing variety. The animal kingdom is not confined to one species, and the genus homo exists not in one spe- cies, but in several, and there is also al- most an endless variety in the mineral Kingdom. We ought to expect at least as much variety in the kingdom of God, and so we find that the great religious world is divided into denominations. “I believe that denominations were or- dained of God as firmly as I believe that the trees are ordained of God. Not only do I believe that these denominations exist by the permission of God, but I believe that the head of the church has given to each a mission to perform, and if it does not perform it the mission goes unperforned. I believe that the great Methodist church during the last 150 years has had a mis- sion to perform, and that it has performed that mission grandly and in such a way that no other denomination could have per- formed it. So with the Baptists and the Lutherans, the Presbyterians and all the other great divisional sections of the Chris- tian church.’ Dr. Worden then argued from the Bible that while these divisions must of necessity exist, the church of God is a unit. After prayer by Rev. T. A. Wigginton of Oxford, Miss., “A Quiet Hour” was con- ducted by Rev. O. W. Siewart of Macki- naw, Ill. MEMORIAL 11 AN CHURCH. A more eloquent address than that deliv- ered last night by the Rev. Dr. Arnold Streuli at the Memorial Lutheran Church has seldom been heard at the national capital. The reverend speaker Is a Lutheran minister from Manchester, England. His theme was that which inspired all the other ministers who spoke to gatherings of Endeavorers—“The Deepening of the Spirit- ual Life’—and his remarks were at once so simple; so easily understood; so graphic, and so impressive, and were delivered with so much genuine fervor and inspiration, in such graceful diction, that his auditors will remember it for many a day. And there were many who listened to him, The prettily decorated church was well filled with Endeavorers, and the badges of many cities and states were noticeable. The meeting was presided over by Rev. Dr. Butler, 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 con- clusion he announced the invocation hymn as being particularly appropriate for ren- dition at such an initial meeting, and, led ty the choir, the entire assemblage sung the meaning stanzas with expression that showed how earnestly their hearts prompt- ed their lips. After the reading of the fifteenth and sixteenta chapters of John py 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, and that all might be inspired and moved to be Christians in reality rather than merely Christians in name. ‘Three verses were sung of the forty-frst hymn, beginning: - “Holy Ghost, with light divine, Shine upon this heart of mine Dr. Butler then introduced Rev. Dr. Rufus W. Hufford of Reading, Pa., as the first speaker. Dr. Hufford’s face bears a strik- ing resemblance to that of Senator Daniel. It pleased him, he said, to see so many of the congregation from his church in Read- ing present, and he expresased his pleasure in a graceful way. Approaching his subject he portrayed the beneficent results that would ensue and be enjoyed by all who would endeavor to decpen their spiritual life. The deepening of the spiritual lite would make the individual more a Chris- tlan at all times and in all places; it meant that he would come to value his Bible more, to use it more, to read it more, and get more comfort from it. It meant’ that the Christtan would understand his relation to God more; would regard himself as God's child, realizing the fact that he is moved by the Holy Ghost. It meant that he would love the world’s amusements less and spiritual things more. The average Chris- tian needed his spiritual life deepened in order that he might enjoy his existence. It was possible that there were Many, it was true that there were some, attendants upon the Christian Endeavor’ convention that were in need of a deepening of the spffitual life, and he pleaded with his hear- ers to look into their hearts and find if they were not in need of a deepening of their religious lives, and to supply the de- ficiency. At the conclusion of Dr. Hufford’s dis- course two verses of “Hear us, oh Savior!” were sung. Then, in a few pleasant phrases, Dr. But- ler introduced Dr. Streull. He is a young man whose manner and general personality are attractive, and whose bright face ac- centuated his expressions of pleasure at being with the Endeavorers. His address heightened the excellent first impression he made. There was never a time, he said, when Christianity was so popular, and {t might happen that it would become too popular. There were countless thousands who professed religion, but who were religious only In name. Men were too apt to underrate the pledges which Christ de- inanded of them, and it was only by a deep- ening of the spirit that those pledges could be realized and fulfilled. True Christianity, he said, could be divided into three parts Individuality, entire surrender and con- tinuity. Especially necessary was the realization of individual importance as a Christian. God never saves men in crowds, he declared. Men speak of saving the masses, but with God every soul was iso- lated. In God’s sight every being was’ an isolated individual, one is known from the other and each is singled out and known by Him no matter how great the crowd. Christ died for every one individually, and there- fore individual consecration to Christ was the duty of every Christian. The absolute necessity of the entire surrender of the spirit to the worship of Christ and of con- tnulty in devotion were portrayed in strong colors and with bold strokes. At the conclusion of Dr. Streuli’s address a “quiet hour’ was indulged in, during which many of the Endeavorers present delivered short addresses, interspersed with stirring hymns. This part of the meeting was presided over by Rev. A. F. McGregor of Woodstock, Out. GUNTON TEMPLE MEMORIAL. 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 are entertaining their visitors at the latter building, reserv- ing the church and its charms for the gen- eral 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 somewhat somber appear- ance of the church, and to render it one of the handsomest auditoriums yet presented to the Endeavorers. The pulpit was banked with flowers, while just over the reading desk was draped ‘Old Glory.”Rev. Howard Wilbur Ennis, the presiding officer, opened the program by announcing the hymn, “Sunshine in the Soul,” which was sung by the audience, led by a plano, played by Miss Nellie King, the organist of the church. During the singing of this hymn Rev. Mr. Ennis introduced a pretty feature, namely, the ladles present carrying ths stanzas, while the gentlemen came in*on the chorus. 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 ab- sence of any railroad accidents, and then asking a blessing on the officers of the everybody “present. concluding with tos every! present, conc! wi Lord’s Prayer, repeated by all present. A = hymn preceded the-reading of the Scrip- tures, 2d Epistle to the Philippians, by Rev. Ralph Gillam of Walden, Mass., and then, after “Hear Us, O Savior," Rev. Mr. En- nis delivered a few introductory words, during the course of which he remarked that Endeavorers are “the great army of the very best of the very best nation The first speaker was Rev. J. W. Fifield, who is a young man, with the air of a scholar. Mr, Fifield’s Tall. Mr. Fifield said: I thank God for this great convention. Fcr twelve months we have felt the mighty heart beat of the 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 Pal- estine once a year the children of Abra- ham 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 an Washington, the capital of our country. 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 moun- tains tower above her foot hills, our great plains throw their ripening harvests be- yond her valleys; as our cities throb with pewer and flash with glory undreamed of in Palestine, so should this gathering re- ceive such stowers of blessing and strength as never fell on the people gathered on the sacred hills cf Zion and Moriah. Does the spiritual lve need deepening? it requires not a careful study to learn that something is wrong in the spiritual world. Few chapters are alded to the acts of the apostles. Out of an upper rocm, with souls aglow, deep prayer and the Holy Spirit dwelling in flames upon them, went a humble unlearned band. But they shook Jerusalem; their voices rolled Uke great thunders through the hollow ard meaningless worship of their tune. Times have greatly changed. We have no upper room for prayer. Our greatest room is the basement where we hold socials. We do have a prayer meeting, but in it we re- peat poetry and have long, cold pauses. We are learning splendidly how to stop. No wonder that the church stands power- less before a devil-tormented world. Only a deep spiritual life will be felt in the times in which we are living, and if it re- quired consecration and holy impulse to reach men eighteen centuries ago, how much more does it require it now? How may the spiritual life be deepened? ‘The whole philosophy of the large Chris- tian Hfe is found in Mark's gospel, where it Is recorded of Christ that “He ordained twelve that they shculd be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach and have power.” He alluded to the power that lay in the apostles’ lives, and show- ed that it came from the fact that they had taken time to be with Jesus, and were willing to be guided by Jesus. We must not only believe in Christ, we must obey Him. Until we keep His commandments and feel that His will is supreme, we shall never have power. I urge that upon you. What might a deeper spiritual life ac- complish? God's power is hard to measure. God in the hearts of a few in Germany dreve papal bigotry to the Tiber. God in the hearts of a few scholars in England placed the Bible in the hands of the com- men people until Tyndall's words came true that the plow boy of Saxony knew nore cf the Scripture than the pope him- self, It has beaten the fetters from the negro; lifted woman from the place of a slave, and made her the queen of a home. What might not be done if all who bear the name of Christ were only given over to His service. We need a deeper spiritual life. We need Christ's guidance and pow- er. Oh, children of God’s right hand, en- list. 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 be- fore for the splendid triumphs of the gos- pel ‘Deepening the Spiritual Life, of the evening, is an excellent subject with which to open a religious convention, and it received a well deliverel discussion from the Rev. F. P, Ramsay, a pastor from At- lanta, Ga. Mr. Rams: Mr. Ramsay asid: What is spiritual life? It is to be dis- tinguished from the business, the social and even the religious life. These forms of activity are not separate from spiritual ac- tivity, in such @ sense as that a man lives @ 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 Lusiness 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 degcee of beauty and efficiency, im those who have no spiritual life at all. As by spiritual life we mean right spiritual life, as against wrong activity on the spiritual side of our being, we must contrast the spiritual life with the 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 cannot live spiritually alone any more than he can live physically alone. And a man lives a right spiritual life when he lives in communion with righteous spir- its, and he lives a wrong spiritual life when he lives in communion with sinful spirits. How to deepen the spiritual life was next considered. I sum up all that I have to say on how to deepen the spiritual life in one word—live—it we must live in commun- jon with God we must live in comraunion with Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is God in touch with man. It is through Christ that man may communicate with God. And we must live in communion with the Holy Spirit. We can have no vital connection with Christ, and it is through the Holy Spirit that Christ becomes vitally connect- ed with us. To commune with the Holy Spirit is something inward and immediate. Life in communicn with the Holy Spirit must be on the part of the human spirit a life of obedience, of love and of faith. 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. Spiritual life must dictate wht to read and what to think about, and our intellectual activity must be in the service of the spirit. This spiritual intelligence must dominate our physical life. The preservation of health and the purgation of passion, and the regulation of such merely animal passions as eating and drinking, all must be baptized in spiritual- ity. One’s whole religious life should be more spiritual. Let us be ever looking at Christ, for whom we work. Consciousness of aim is intelligence; consciousness of Christ as the aim is spirituality. We must also make our whole social life spiritual, and beware lest we, at least momentarily, lose consciousness of the spinit of Christ. And also our whole business life we must make spiritual. It is so easy in business to become merely conscientious, obedient to rule; it Is so easy to fix the attention on the business instead of on Him tor whom we do all our work, and it is so easy to think of the people about us and forget the Christ within us. “Work out your own sal- vation with reverence and awe, because it 1s God who worketh in you.” ’ A growing feature of religious is a “quiet hour,” and that it is capable of considerable development was demon- strated when Rev. Ralph Gillam, following slightly along the lines of a C. E. consecra~ tion service, went straight to the hearts of his hearers in an earnest fifteen-minute talk. This was followed by prayer and praise closing the evening's service. KENDALL BAPTIST, the topic °s Address. gatherings In spite of the dreary weather without and the steady drizzle of rain the whole even- ing, all of the delegates, about seventy in number, who hed thus far arrived from Kansas were present at the Kendall Bap- tist meeting last night. In addition, there were present a good number of delegates from Florida and a couple of other states which have their headquarters in the neighborhood of 9th and B streets south- west, the location of the Kendall Baptist Church. Many members of the congrega- tion were also present, and almost taxed the capacity of the church. Rey. Theren Outwater presided over the meeting, and, after having several C. E. songs sung, he called upon Mr. Gales, from Kansas, to read the CIII (103d) Psalm. Mr. Gales also offered prayer, and Rev. Qutwater then cordially welcomed the Christian Endeavorers in a most hearty manner. Rev. C. 8. Mason of Los Angeles, Cal. was then introduced. Mr. Mason’s Address, Mr. Mason said: 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 serpent in the wil- Gerness, even so myst the son of man be lifted, that whosoever ‘believeth 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 Holy 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 im- press 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, falti, meekness, temperance. Jesus was courte- ous, patient. When reviled He reviled not again. When persecuted, He opened not bis 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. We see Christ in the garden, and we en- ter into His suffering; but we have the as- surance 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. At the conclusion of Rev. Mason's very interesting address Mr. H. C. Pierson and Miss A. S. Wingate sang a duet. During a song by the congregation thir- teen additional delegates from Kansas ar- rived at the church, where they remained through the meeting. Reve Amos R. Wells of Boston next ad- dressed the audience on “As a man think- eth in his heart, so he is.”” Mr. Wells’ Address. Mr. Welis said: Endeavorers, suppose you could get out cf your body, suppose you should meet it on the street tomorrow. You probably wouldn’t recognize it. And I wonder how many of us, if our bodies were taken away tomorrew, would recognize our souls. An angel came to a maiden with a message to ‘Sttend the marriage supper of the king's son. She began to adorn herself with fine raiment and ornament her beautiful hair, but the angel said: “Nay. Your clothes and jewels are not invited to the feast, only yourself.” Then her garments faded away at the angel’s touch. She saw lying at her feet not merely her dress, but her tody in it with its white hands, fair face and glcry of sunshiny hair. Then the angel assured her she was ready for the fei At the touch of an angel there will fal away from you all worldly dress and you will be reveeled before God. When tbis transformation comes, when you yourself stand off by yourself, with nothing that is not yourself wrapped aout you, I know a rotent charm that will show you all. It is a single sentence from the Book of Books: “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” What is it to pray? Let the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight. It is to be willing that our lives should be turn- ed inside out. Of course there are many details of thought and life that God would rot have us write down in our diaries or publish from the house tops. Delicate re- serve will be even more common in heaven for all its clear vision than on earth. But when any deed or thought or feeling is hidden, because we would be ashamed to have it ki.own, then we, too, have passed the life of peril. If your prayers are not the eager outcry of your heart you might as well turn a prayer wheel with the Bud- dbist. If your eyes alone read the Bible and its precepts are not engraved upon the tablets of your heart you might as well be reading “Tom Sawyer.” If the words you speak in prayer meeting do not come from your heart they will never reach other hearts. Though your entire breast be cov- red with badges, you are no true Endeav- orer unless you are one inwardly; unless the pledge be written on your heart. How life is simplified when we cease to look on the outward appearance and look only on the heart. No inore worry over what men may say, for God is talking to our hearts. No more fear for the future, for our rank in the kingdom of carth or the kingdom of heaven, for the kingdom of heaven is with- in us. A quiet hour was then conducted in a most successful manner by Rev. Charles Roads of Philadelphia. VERMONT AVE. CHRISTIAN CHURCH. Prompt'y at 8 o'clock last night, the hour set for beginning the Endeavor services at the Vermont Averue 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 Whem All Blessings Flow.” At that hour the church was well filled. Nearly all of the Indiana delegates were present, and their numbers were aug- mented by their friends and the regular parishioners of the church. Before the ex- ercises were haif over every seat wes tak- en, and a number were compelled to go away disappointed. And it was a disap- pointment, for the exercises were most in- teresting and instructive. Rev. Dr. Power, in opening the exercises, referred to the joyous expectation with which the Christian Endeavorers had look- ed forward to this convention. Tonight in twenty-two of the churches of the city the Christian hosts had gathered to study the subject, “Deepening the Spiritual Life.” It Was a most beautiful theme for all disci- ples of Christ. Owing to the unavoidable detention of Rev. Dr. Tupper of Philadel- phia, who was to deliver an address, he would call upon Bishop Fallows, pastor of the reformed Hpiscopal Church of Chicago and trustee of the United Society of the Christian Endeavorers. Bishop Fallows made av impressive address. It was, he said, one of the duties of ChristiaA En- deavorers to respond to the call of duty. He considered it a pleasure to take the place of an absent brother. He referred to the mystery of life. No one had ever solv- ed it. The spiritual life depends upon in- telligence and love. Love, which is not a mere sentiment, but a divine principle of the heart, regenerated by the love of God. Referring to the text of the evening, he said the church life must be deepened y bringing Lefore the mind clearly and vivid- ly the life and death of Jesus Christ. The principles of life are founded in Him. The spiritual life is in Him. To deepen it we must study the life of Christ. Be intelli- gent students of the Old Testament, for in it was hidden the New Testament. After the singing of several hymns, Rev. Dr. J. E. Pounds, pastor of the Central Episcopal Church of Indianapolis, was in- troduced. His address was stirring and full of good advice. Rev. A. D. Thaeler of Winston, N. C.,was to have conducted “a quiet hour,” but he was absent, and the time was filled in by individual extemporaneous prayer. A fea- ture of the exercises was the visit of a number of delegates from Michigan. They came in the rain singing a hymn. At the church dcor @hey gave their delegation cheer, “Hurrah, hurrah. Michigan, Michi- gan. Rah! Rah! Rah!” Among them were Messrs. Chas. D. House, Morenci, Mich. John A. Jchnson, jr., of Manistee, Mich. Glen Buck, Wm. L. Shultiss, Bert Cham- berlain and D. W. Newton of Grand Rap- lds, Mich., and George B. Gow, Cadillac, Mich. HAMLINE CHURCH. The singing of “Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow,” by the choir and con- gregation, standing, opened the consecra- tion services last evening at Hamline M. E. Church, 9th and P streets. Nearly every seat in the body of the church was occupied, the larger part of the congrega- tion being visiting Endeavorers. Each wore the convention badge, while the in- signia of the different states were also very much in evidence. Earnestness dnd fervor marked the services throughout, the con- tinuous and general uttering of “Amen” being conspicuous during the prayers and addresses. Promptly at 8 o'clock the services began with the singing mentioned, and at its con- clusion Rey. W. R. Stricklen, pastor of Hamline Church, announced that Rev. Chas. Roads, pastor of St. Paul’s Church, Philadelphia, would conduct the opening religious exercises. Rev. Mr. Roads called for the hymn, ‘ome, Thou Almighty, Kindly Help Us.” Next he invoked Di- vine blessing, after which “Though Trou- bles Assail, Though Dangers Affright,” was sung. Rev. Mr. Stricklen stated that the in- clement weather was probably delaying the arrival at the church of some of the Endeavorers, and that pending their com- ing another hymn would be sung. Rev. W. F. Wilson of Toronto, Canada, was introduced as the first speaker. Rev. Mr. Wilson is a man of striking person- allty and effective voice. In opening he stated that he came from the protection ington have taken your visitors by storm with your kindness and love.” Mr. Wilson’s Address, Mr. Wilson said: Meeting within the confines of this great city 1s the largest retigious gathering ever convened on this continent. We have come over all the seas, and rep- resent nearly every color and tongue found abong the tribes of the earth, inspired with an o’ermastering desire to know more of Christ, and be more lke Christ, that we may do more for Christ. Is this our desire? It’s our need. This subject is natural to Christians for discussion. The command of Carist to His new-born church was “‘Tarry ye in Jerusa- lem until ye be endued with power,” and you remember He spent His last hours on earth in talking with the men whom He had chosen, taught and inspired, that they should be baptised with the Holy Ghost, transforming them into torch bearérs of the truth, and enabling them to witness and preach with such divine unction that thousands were daily added to the follow- ers of the cross. Yes, we need this power as pastors in the study of the world, in the deepening of our spiritual life, and in the proclamation ‘of the unsearchable riches of Christ to a ‘sin-smitten world. ‘The church is splendidly equipped for service. She has matchless scholars, fault- less orators and gencrous supporters on ‘every hand. Her opportunities were never as world-wide as they are today, and yet | ‘she is not succeeding as she ought. Ignor- ance superstition, cruelty and sin still hold sway over large portions of this Christ-re- deemed world. And why? Because we, as workers, lack that power that made Elijah, Daniel, Peter Knox, Livingston and Spur- Beon Irresistible for God. May the Holy Ghost of Pentecost come upon us, to fire our sermons, spiritualize our worship, deep- en our piety and quicken our zeal in the service of Christ. Christ's promise to the individual is life; Christ's promise to the church is power, under the Holy Spirit. May this convention have both. No national distincuons can prevent us from enjoying the fullness and richness there is in Christ. Paul, the Hebrew Luther, the German; Duff, the Scotchman, Father Mathew, the Irishman; Carey, the Englisaman, and Summerfield, the Ameri- can, all enjoyed this priceless power. No educational distinctions need prevent us from enjoying this baptism of power. The religion of Christ is profound enough to engage the thought of a Newton, yet simple enough for a little child A few weeks ago Gladstone, the states- man, bowed with his gardener at the same adtar, and drank of the same divine stream, blending their voices in prayer and praise to the glory of Him who came and redeem- ed their souls. No ecclesia:tical distinctions can keep us from this fellowship; Jesus Christ came, the son of man, to the sons of men. : 1am 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 En- deavor 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 one spirit, one Lord, one faith and one baptism. How is this power secured? How is any power secured? By complying with the conditions that sur- round it. i We must desire this power. Our Savior said Blessed are they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” To our desire we must add capacity to receive, and determination to keep, this heaven-given gift. This baptism of power touches our facul- ties and swings them into harmony with God. 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 Me 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. We should use this power, and thus help to bring the kingdoms of the world to a knowledge of our God and of His Christ. 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 promises of Christ. After the singing of another hymn Rev. William J. Harsha, D.D., of New York city wes introduced. Dr. Ha Dr Harsha said: The keynote of the convention is to be struck tonight from forty-four individual harps in twenty-two different churches. That keynote ts infinitely sweet and in- spiring. It awoke an echo in my heart at once and wooed me to Washington. Who would not be glad to have a part in the blessed thought and work of “deepening the spiritual life?” The best way I know of to deepen the spiritual Hfe is to dredge the river-bed through which God promises to set afiow the full and satisfying currents of His life and His peace. There are three important words which we should consider carefully: 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 mor effectually than false motions. These are rocks, rooted often in our past, which must be loosened and casi out. Some of them have crystalized round the word “peace.” There are some young people who think that peace means a sort of Christian Nir- vana, a state of abstraction, absorption in the infinite or self surrender to nothing- ness in general and nothing in particular. It means to them quietness in all circum- stances, passivity in prayer meeting, and a superior disdain for soclables. All this is a grave mistake. We live in a practical age, and the promises of God apply to practical people. If the divine ‘e Talk. peace fs 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 ab- sorb inspiration 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 de- partments, and we are to be surcharged with energy to assist in all branches of the great work. Well. then, if peace consists in mere self-abncgation and abstraction to external forces, it has no place in our pro- gram. It is out of its proper environment in these stirring times. This conception of it is clearly erroneous. Peace is consistent and co-existent with the intensest activity. A river may run through the busiest cities without losing ita deep steadiness and gentle murmur. Our Lord Jesus w: called the “Prince of Peace” (Isa., 1x:6), and yet He was the most practical of workers. 2 This is the opposite extreme into which young people fall. If they escape the error of supposing that peace consists In mere contemplation, they are apt to suppose that it may be found by running about in ceaseless activity. A life of active philan- thropy may give jey to the heart and cause a certain quiet satisfaction to de- scened upon the soul, but this may not be genuine peace. Faithfulness at the ser- vices of the church and attendance upon Christian Endeavor gatherings tend to pro- duce peace, but in themselves they are not of its real essence. Conventions such as this inaugurated tonight conduce to the de- sired end; but we should never confuse the means with the end. Let us never forget that peace is the gift of the risen Christ. Peace should mean always that quietness of soul which results from fulines of divine indwelling and blessing. Peace versus Compromise—we have con- sidered two extreme views—here we have the mean, but it is not “golden.” Compro- mise has often been tried, but it does not secure permanent or genuine peace. Never take a half-hearted course to avoid tur- moll. Of two pains you may choose the less, but never of two evils in the sense of sius. Of two sins choose neither! Pilate sought peace by compromise, with disas- trous results. Of Tiberius the same is true. Menahem tried to buy peace. He gave the King of Assyria a thousand talents of si ver that “his hand might be with him. But Gideon and David and Daniel were content to fight and endure until the “Lord sent peace” as a reward to faithfulness. That is the difference. You may win Peace, or you may try to buy it—buy it by lying words—buy it by bare connivances—buy it by treachery to your fellow-men and to your own soul. This may bring a spurious lull; but it will be onty the lull before the storm. I do not think any of you Christian Endeavorers will try to compromise with outside evil. But I am afraid that you may be tempted to deal too gently with sin in your inner hearts. “River’—This is the second word in God's sweet promise which we need to con- sider carefully. What a beautiful figure does the word present to our imaginations! “Peace as a rive: Men come and go, but God's peace flows on forever. It is not compared to a stag- nant pool, for peace is not mere quietness and abstraction as we have seen. It is not likened to a clear lake, or a deep reservoir inclosed in the distant hills, shut off from the homes and haunts of men; for peace is not mere inteliectual elevation and absent from the distressing cares of life. It is not compared to the mighty sea which some- times sleeps ard 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 tos by the hurricane and driven in fury the snarling rocks which line the shores. “The ked are like the troubled sea when nnot rest, whose wat cast up mire and dirt.” But “peace is Like a river” in the hearts of those who receive its gentle, cooling, constant, unruflled water Abana and Pharpar were considered sacred by the ancients, as the Ganges and the Nile are now con. d sacred by moderns, because they were and are posed to flow straight down from heav« to bless mankind. I need not tell you that the river of peace is the only stream that realizes this belief. It flows from God. The rains and showers, the dews and me shows feed the rivers, and all these from above. The overflowing heart of the Christian is the sympathetic When the one says: “My cup is full of blessing,” he may be very selfish and self-centered. But when he says “My cup runneth over,” you may depend upon it that he will be a blessing to others. Hearken—This is the most fmportant word of all, when we consider that it tains the condition of the promise God makes as to peace, “OQ that thou wouldst hearken.” It is a touching plea. All of God’s promises are conc if we fulfill our part of the conte: will not fail in His. Usually these conditions are to be summed up in the word “Obedience.” God is infinitely anxious that we shall obey, that we shail “hearken” to His ¢ mandments, in order that He may ope the sluice gates and let into our hearts the Sreat torrent of His love and prac Afar in the hills I see a great fountain of clear, blue water. It is inexhaustible in supply and of a refreshing coolness. The shadows of surrounding shrubs and trees sleep upon it, and it is of enchanting beauty to look upon. Yet it manifests an eagerness to break its banks and get away to the valleys. It seems to know that the country below is barren and dusty. I can see the wide wilderness covered with sage brush and buffalo grass. All this would be fruitful soil if the water in the fountain could be brought to it. But there is no way. At the one side of the barren is the supply, at the cther side the pressing need rd demand. How shail they be brought tegether? Then I see an army of work- ers, with drills and blasts and great dredg- ing machines run by steam. They cut and bore and break and dig. By and by channel made, and a rill of silver trickles dowr the mountain side. The channel is deepened. The last barrier is blown away with a great noise and a mighty shout on the part of the Specta- tors, and then—then a river rolls down. At first it seems a torrent of joy and excite- ment; but at length it settles down into a deep ard glorious river of peace. And I hear a voice saying: “The obstacles have been removed. The dry and fruitless hearts of my people are made clear to receive abundant waters from the fountain. They have hearkened to my commandments and ever more their peace shall be as a river— full and sweet and calm and powerful.” At the conclusion of Rev. Mr. Harsha’s address Rev. Mr. Roads stated that it was his blessed privileze “to call you into si- lence before God—that is, outwardly quieg, but open heavenward!y—so that we mey rear God speak.” The singing of several hymns was the beginning of the hour of guiet prayer that concluded the services. METROPOLITAN A. M. E. CHURCH. The Metropolitan A. M. E. Church was the scene of one of the most interesting services held by the Christian Endeavorers last evening. There was a large attend- ance in the handsome edifice, which was most tastefully decorated with bunting and American flags, this work having been designed by Miss Jennie M. Spears, presi- dent of the Society for Christian Endeavor of the church, and executed by her asso- ciates. On the platform were the following dis- tinguished clergymen: Bishop W.J. Gaines, Bishop W. B. Derrick, Bishop J. H. Arm- strong, Rev. Dr. H. T. Johnson, Rev. Dr. L. J. Coppin, Rev. D. W. Jones, Rev. E. Hubert, Rev. William Rader, Rev. T. Y. 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 James Allan Johnson, pastor of the church. The meeting was opened with prayer by Bishop Gaines and by singing by the choir of 125 voices, under the leadership of Prof. J. T. Layton, chorister of the church. The feature of the musical program was a solo, “God is Love,” by Miss Helen Adams. Bishop Wm. B. Derrick of New York de- livered a stirring address on the spiritual life that should be inculcated by the Chris- tian Endeavor Society into its members. Bishop Derrick’s Talk. Bishop Derrick said: Life may be defined as follows: Anima- tion, vivacity, briskness, vigor, energy and 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 Christen- dom. As the believer sinks into spiritual life he becomes more and more dissatistied with self; his hunger and thirst increase and be- come eager for the body and blood of Christ, and with increased desire for the sincere milk of the word, as it ts a well- known fact, 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 t satisfied with one spiritual meal a day. but like Daniel, he sits three times a day with his window open toward Jerusalem feasting on the spiritual manna, in the meantim claiming: “The Lord is my shephe shall not want.” * * © “He prepar table for me in the midst of my eneric My cup rauneth over,” Earnestness is one of the chief character- istics of the believer whose life deepens daily and hourly in the spiritual wave is never formal. The heart which he submerged into the sea of spiritual life is always struggling toward God—fecling that it ts all its business here below to run the race with patience, looking unto Jesus The deeper the believer descends into the well of spiritual life? the more convinced is he of the efficacy of the blood of Jesus, and as the life deepens and expands in the spir- itual atmosy here it becomes more acquaint- ed with the way to obtain the precious love —to consider 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 Ged. By constant supplication at the throne of grace the believer gathers strength which affords him powerful resistance, so when tempted he yields not to the temptation, but continues his pleadings for consolation in Christ, comfort of love, bowels of mer and for complete fulfillment of the joy as is promised in the Word of Divine Truth, that believers may become more and moro like unte his Lord and Master, having the same love, being of one accord and of one mind—discarding anything which is done through strife and vain glory, but accept- ing all that in lowliness of mind and sin- cerity of heart. Another feature which is a source of great comfort to those who are deepening in spiritual life daily is that they can thank God that they enjoy unint peace in the midst of many trials. tions and trials are the ploughing neces« sary to meke way for the heavenly seed end prepare them to bring forth some fruit in life or death, whether it be in the for- mer or in the latter, they always manifest the blessed state of soul by its overflowing good will to all that come in their way. Accepting the truth that God locketh not at the outward appearance, but upon the heart—believing without modification the Scripture declaration as uttered by the apostle: “Of a truth God is no respecter of persons.” Of one blood God made all na- tions to dwell upon the face of the earth. ‘These conclusions are only reached by those who are Jeepening and widening In the realm of spiritual development and are thirsting after righteousness, and with burning ardor in the soul feels the impres- sion of those inspiring words of the apos- tle, “Forgesting the things which are be- hind and reaching forth to those which are before, I press toward ihe mark of the prize of my high calling, which is in Christ Jesus.” z Such a state of mind and heart is the strongest evidence of a genuine spiritual- ity. To grow deeper in spiritual life I would suggest the following rules of conduct: (a) Heartily repent of your sins, original and actual. () Believe the Gospel of Christ in sincer- ity and truth. (c) In the power which true faith gives