.-s.'V. r. ,*^: 4 V* •> d^ ."b. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V mo V {/ .-^tv^. ^^. Q- f^ i< :A 1.0 I.I 1.25 150 i 1125 m "'"^ ,^i 1 20 111= 1.4 III 1.6 % &-M VI V c*l -S^ ^m '^4 ■>• /A Photographic Sciences Corporation -V iV \ \ ".. .-' I I ■J, i HISTORY "K I Ml MONTREAL YOONG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (THi; MRsi lo|M)ClAllitN \\\V\ HAVK nv Tin. IK I-IIMRAI. « i )N-| kli;i; I IONS AIDl.H i\ iHi". r.Ki.ciioN (»K iHK UKAi run, i:riI,I)INC, NOW DI.DKAl 1 n Id THF. WORK ON liEHALr OF IHK VOl XC: MTN OF OfR LAND. THI.>F I'AC.l.S arj: rfspfctpui-ia- inscrh)i;i) i;v Al.F. SAM) HAM. tlft»?^ I I r R EFACE. In itrcseptiiv t'l'^ Hiilory of ihc Association, it in;iy lie necessary lo state that for the past three years, no ])nntccl reimrt of the Association lias been issued. IVeling persuaded that nianv friends would value n work, which, while referring to the labors of those years. woulared. :stiniX ^^"d »r of love. le material writers on ■om whose have been Committee ks referred full}- exam- be thought iiaterial for ^^^^^^ \ CHAPTER I. i I i i The principle of Association holds a consi)icuous jjlace among the powerful forces that are now acting upon the world, — silent in its working, and yet powerful in its results beyond all other agencies. The foundations on which this principle is based, are deep laid in the most essential powers and sympathies of our nature. It seizes them all, and combines them in one steady and progres- sive force. Association is Wisdom, Power and Life. By the united counsels of the many thus drawn together, it becomes Wisdom, which is of itself power — power to ascertain the character and extent of evil to be overcome, or good to be secured, and the best manner in which to assail the evil, and bring to bear all avail- able resources against the same. In like manner it is a power fur evil ; and as one sinner can destroy much good, it is when such are combined in a godless confederacy that virtue may take alarm, and be aroused to a contiict which finds in Union strength. Association therefore becomes wisdom and i^ower for evil or for good, in propoi. un as it combines the wisdom and power, and the virtue or the vices of the many ; and while in itself it is only an abstract jirinciple, having no vitality or will, it becomes eni..ied with wont'erful power, and generates even the principle of Lite. "Life depends not upon the existence of any indi\idual par- ticles or even of organic structures, but ui>on a body in wliich many such are organically united, and titly joined together by that whi( h every joint suppiieth, and the whole animated and controlled by one living spirit. And so, it is not in any single separate member of a class of people 'hat their social, civil. i>oliti(.al or religious life ' i is found, but in the association of that class in organized and wdl conducted union." An association of men, to be strong, must contain the ri. Ii and i.oor, learned and ignorant, thinkers, laborers, soldiers to fight-oihers to prepare the way and reuKne obstacles— those that manage the internal business, and the j.oor wise man whose counsel on an emergency may save the city. Thy sc.v.iiUs militant litlow i Have each, O Luril, their post; i As Tliou apj^oim'at, who best doth know The soldiers of Thine host ; ; Some in the van '1 hou cal!\t to d.\ And the day's Juat to share ; And in the rearwaul not a few Tliou only Lidd >t to litar. It i- a blessed encouragement to ali— that in A\ tunes, ages, circumstances, and with whatever of strength or talents they may possess, they may associate together in the Lords service, under the Master's eye, and with His gracious i)romise that if there be only a willing mind it is accepted, " not according to what a man j hath not, but according to what he hath," and to what he pur- poseth in his heart. If, therefore, an association be formed of those wiio love tl;e Lord Jesus Christ, it necessarily becomes a j.owcruil agent fur good. It is a Christian AssociATi..N--"an association based upon Christian truth, animated by Christian motive ; breathing only the atmosj.here of Christian love; inspired by Christian fel- lowship and sympathy; guided and sustained by Christian life; looking for its wisdom and strength to heavenly teaching and bivine power; firmly uniting its bonds by mutual praver. inter- course, and encouragement, and aiming only at the Christian and God-hke ends of mutual instntction, improvement, happiness and rros,)er:ty; and all these for the body as well as the soul, for this < i world as well as the world to come, for eternity as well as time." A Christian Assjciaiioti, therefore, presents to us the combination of wisdom and power, under the guidance of heavenly truth, divine principle and God-like love, for the holiest ends. " Man, in every stage of his existence, is a glorious being. As a child, his glory is that docility by which it is trained and matured for future usefulness, and that artless simplicity and conscious weakness which leads him to seek in others his wisdom and his strength. On the other hand, the hoary head is a crown of glor}', when found in the way of ri^liteousness. In like manner, youth has its glories, for has it not been written, " The glory of young men is their strength." The power of any community is in its young men. For weal or woe, they give it tone and character. Out of its ranks must come forth the husbands, the fathers, the merchants, the mechanics, the civic officers and the legislators, the pillars both of church and state. The well-being of any community rests, therefore, upon the opinions, character and habits of the young men. Such being the relation of young men to every community — such being their supreme importance to its prosperity — it is very evident that an Association of Young Men, on Christian principles, is of unspeakable importance. The leaven which shall purify this mass must be mingled with it ; and the all-pervading and elevating power of Christian ]>rinciple must be brought to bear upon young men through the sympathy and love of young men like themselves. Such an Association is now presented in the organization knowTi as Young Men's Christian Associations, and which have secured the approbation, encouragement, sympathy and assistance of right thinking men in all parts of the habitable globe. These Associations are so constituted as to admit every Christian who desires admission thereto. None need hesitate to unite with it. It is simply, sincere- ly and purely evangelical. Its basis is Christ, and His Gospel as the power of God and the wisdom of God unto salvation to everv time." mation ■ truth, ng. As matured 3nsc\ous and his of glory, er, youth 3ung men its young Out of nerchants, nllars both inity rests, the young tnmunity — — it is very principles, ll purify this td elevating lupon young themselves. Aion knov^Ti ave secured ' ance of right Associations es admission iply, sincere- :is Gospel as Ltion to every ^■^^^^^^^^ one that believeth. Its power is the practical, experimental, saving and sanctifying knowledp^e of Christ formed in the heart the hope of glory. Its instrumentality is the Gospel, as the only regenerator of man, individually and socially. The reception of that Gospel, and love and devotion to that Saviour, are the only qualifications for active mcmbershiij in such an Association. It knows no church in particular, excejjt so far as a member- ship in it gives evidence of these qualifications being possessed by its representatives. There is here no com])romise of doctrine, order or i)rincij)le. To associate Christian young men ; to strengthen and confirm their hope and zeal ; to provide comfortable rooms, and reading for young men generally, whether they are professing Christians or not ; to encourage their friendship ; to aid and assist them in all good purposes ; to deliver them from temjitation ; to present before them the example of loving and cheerful i)iety, and then to lead them by cords of a man to the Saviour and salvation ; to be ready, on any occasion of public calamity or of i)rivate and personal necessity, to lend their services to the cause of suffering humanity ; and to devise and prosecute labors of Christian love among the poor and the destitute ; — this is the sum and substance of the end contemplated by the organization of which the Montreal Young Men's Christian Association forms one of the links in a great chain which now extends around the entire globe, embracing within its Christian bond, people of every clime and tongue. In far-off Kaffre Land ; in the Islands of the Pacific ; amidst the mountains of Switzerland ; in Catholic France and Spain ; among the sturdy natives of Germany; aye, and even in that city of which Petrarch so freely speaks as the " Fountain of grief, abode of anger, school of errors, and temple of heresy — formerly Rome, now Babylon -both false and guilty, through whom there are so many tears and sighs ; O mistress of deceit, O prison of anger, where the good perish, and the bad are cherished and produced !" ; ^^^^^0m^m^^^'^^*^>^^^ i even in Rome itself this organization has effected a footing, and has entered ujjon its work, Tnily- ) God moves in a mysterious way ( His wonders to perform. ■ f L. ^^^^^0^^^^^^^^^^*l^^^^t0^^^$ < ^a^^^^^^^mm Foremost on the list of Associations, stands that of London, England, which is generally designated the " Parent Association." This Association was not, however, the first of the kind in Kwr. land. In a work published in 1864,* it is remarked : " 'I'he simi- larity of religious action in all times may be discerned in the first formation of Young Men's Christian Associations. In 1632, a number of London apprentices, having no other opportunity for religious conversation, save the Lord's day. united together to meet at 5 o'clock, on Sunday mornings for an hours i)rayer and religious conversation, and at six o'clock attended the morning lecture at Cornhill, or Christ's Church. In the life of Dr. Wm. Harris there is mention made of a similar Association, meeting once a week "for prayer, reading, and religious conversation ; for the mutual communication of knowledge, and with a view of strengthening each other against the solicitations of evil com- pany.' " Still later on (about the year 1678) an Association of Young Men was formed, for the puqjose of mutual edification in Godli- ness. At that time many had fallen in with the immoralities of the age, while others were merely living moral lives ; but the faithful preaching of God's Word by Dr. Anthony Homeck, Prebendary of Westminster, and a Mr. Smithies, Sunday Morning Lecturer at Cornhill, had aroused a si)irit of anxious enquiry among the people. Bishop Burnet, in his history, associates with the two names just recorded that of Beveredge, who had (six years prior to this date) been appointed Rector of St. Peter's, Cornhill. The effect of their * Rise and Progress of Religious Life in England j-r ni ])reaching led many young men to seek counsel and advice, and it often happened that the sanie jiarties met time after time on the same errand at their clergyman's house. This led to advice being given them to hold a meeting once a week, on which occasions they might enter into conversation calculated to edify and encour- age one another. In order to secure proper decorum, a code of rules were adopted, and the Association was thus fully organized. The original design was simply to afford each other " mutual assistance and consolation i;^ their Christian warfare," that they "might better maintain their integrity in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation." But a desire to benefit others soon entered into their i)lans; and decision once made, the petition was often presented — Jesus, confirm my heart's desire To work, and speak, and think for Thee ; Slill let me guard the sacred fire, And still stir up Thy gift in me. As sinners saved by grace, they felt it to be their duty to carry the message of salvation to ethers, and the first objects of their solicitude were those with whom they daily associated. A blessing followed those efforts, and new accessions were continually being made to their ranks. Individual effort was the order of the day, and it was decided that " every one should endeavor to bring in one other at least into their Society." As in the present day, so it was in those times ; cases continually presented themselves wherein it became necessary that the bodily wants should be sup- plied, ere the Bread of Life could be faithfully presented to the perishing ones. From the first, these young men made it a practice to bring their good deeds in close proximity to their kind words, and to meet these cases collections were made weekly, and the fund thus provided was entrusted to two stewards, who were chosen annually. When relief wa:s voted, " two or more of the i^^« ice, and le on the ce being )ccasions i encour- a code of ganized. ■ " mutual that they a crooked hers soon le petition ;ir duty to )bjects of )ciated. A [continually ler of the to bring present day, themselves be sup- pted to the )ractice words, I and the ,'ho were ^i ■I nore of the '' 8 serious members were selected to convey the alms, and at the same time to introduce some seasonable discourse suitable to the affliction of the person or family." The following incident in connection with their work is cited by the Rev. Josiah Woodward, Incumbent of Poplar (who pub- lished an account of the rise and progress of these Societies) : — *' I was present ai one of their conferences, when a very poor man came, with most earnest afiiection, to return them thanks for what they had done both for his body and soul. It seems he was a perfect stranger to them all, and to every other person in the place, where God cast him down by a .sharp and long sickness, in which (as he said) his body and soul had like to have perished together. He had lived a very ill life, and been much disused to the ordinances of God, by reason of his sea-faring life : and being now come on shore sick, and being above a hundred miles from his abode and acquaintance, he fell into great want. Upon which, some of this Society perceiving his dis- tress, recommended him to the rest ; and they readily allowed him a weekly pension for eight weeks together, till he was recovereu. And one of the Society being a chirurgeon, carefully dressed a very grievous sore which he had, and by God's blessing restored it to perfect soundness. Others of them went to him and read good books by his bed, which tended to the improvement of God's visitation upon him : they also fetched the minister of the place to him, who visited him often, and prayed by him, and got a collection from some charitable neighbors for him. And upon the whole he recovered, and seemed to be a reformed man, and came there to render his praises to God, and thanks to his Christian friends, for that which had been done for him." Similar Societies were organized in other parts of London, while branch Societies began to rise all around them, and in 1698 thirty-two distinct bodies of them were established within the limits of the city. The movement spread to Cambrid^ e, Glou- cester and other towns in England ; and thence to Ireland, where, under the encouragement of the Archbishop, their success was so marked that in Dublin alone, from beginning with one Society of three or four members, they in a few years increased to nine or ten distinct institutions. The members of these societies, realiz- 1 9 ing the benefits which they themselves had received, gave all possible assistance to others. " I have known some of them," says Woodward, '*who have been at their own liberty, come out of the midst of the city, after their shops had been shut up, three or four miles to the outmost parts of the suburbs, to give instruc- tion and encouragement to a newly planted Society ; returning again a considerable time after night, in all the inconveniences of the darkness and uncertain weather, with the cheering thought of having been well employed." There were, however, some to be found who looked with unfavorable eyes upon this movement ; and Dr. Henry Compton, Bishop of London, was warned that these were things " leading to schism, .spiritual pride, and many other ill consequences." The young men were called upon to vindicate their cause, which they did to the satisfaction of the worthy Bishop, who said, " God forbid that I should be against such excellent designs." So faithful were the members in iheir adherence to their church ordinances, that special public services were instituted in London for their efiiress benefit. By these means they grew in favor with the e(!clesiastical authorities, and their good report soon reached the Royal Palace, and Queen Anne listened with deep interest to the accounts given her of their devotion. With the ascension of King James they were compelled to be exceedingly cautious, and they changed the name of Society for that of Club, and made slight alteration as to their mode of assembling, but otherwise their meetings continued the same. The good efi'ect resulting from these Societies was manifested in various ways, and every move- ment made for the religious or moral benefit of the people was most heartily seconded by the- members. About the year 1729, there was formed at Oxford an Asso- ciation of young Students, the members of which at first read divinity on the Sunday evenings. The summer following they ive all them," me out I, three nstruc- tuming nces of ught of ;d with )mpton, leading lences." ;, which 1, " God ; ) faithful inances, for their A'ith the hed the St to the of King ind they ie slight ise their ing from ry movc- ople was an Asso- irst read inp; they 10 began to visit the prisoners in the jails, and the poor in the town. This Association was known l)y the Students as the Godly Club, and among its prominent members were John anu Charles Wesley, Geo. Whitfield, and others well known in the Christian world. During visits made by members of this Association to London, they became intimately associated with the Young Men's Societies there, especially those meeting in Westminster, Fetter Lane and Aldersgate Street. It was at the latter meeting that John Wesley experienced the power of a divine change wrought in his soul by the Holy Ghost : and his journal abundantly proves that he found his earliest and best coadjutors amongst the members of the London Young Men's Societies. A long interval occurs during whicli but litde is known of these and similar Societies ; but it is not to be supposed that during this period the spiritual interests of young men were neg- lected. Biographies of celebrated men of those times shew that amidst the darkness of the age there were still briglit gleams per- ceptible. The designations given the Societies of this period show that the young men were engaged in work for other classes of the community, but of their specific labors for young men little is known until a very recent period. "The year 1835 was a memorable one in the history of religious work in London. In that year the London City Mission was formed. Its founder, Mr. David Nasmith, had by many years of evangelical labors, made himself accjuainted with the condition of the people of the great cities of England ; and he saw that in order to leach the masses who were sunk in degrada- tion and misery, the agents to be emi)loycd must be men who had some common experience of privation and suffering ; men who had lived amongst them, or had lived under similar circum- stances ; men who know how easily the border line of industry' and integrity is passed under the influence of temptation, and ( 'I ■j: ■ ' i I > r I 11 how hard it is for men once fallen to recover themselves ; Lien who by God's grace had been lifted out of the horrible pit and miry clay, and who could go with the strong sympathies of a common woe, and the practical experience of the only remedy to pluck poor sinners, as brands from the burning, and to lead them to know and trust a loving Saviour." Ly the establishment of the City Mission these agencies were to be brought to bear upon the people, and the wisdom of the attempt has been clearly proven by the great success which has attended the Society's labors. Intimately connected with the work among the peojjle gener- ally, was the important fact that the young men of the day siiould by all means be reached, if ])crmanent good was to be eftected. The question presented itself to Mr. Nasmilh — ''How are the young men to be met and dealt with ? If tliey go wrong, all goes wrong, for they are evernvhere tlie ^/ocrs, whether the thing done be good or evil." The principle adojjted in tlie ca.se of the gen- eral population, furnished a reply in regard to this particular class. Young men who have seen and escaped temptation ; young men who have learned to love and study their Bibles ; young men who, having sought, have also found pardon and strength from iiic Lord Jesus Christ, and are seeking to live as His disciples in the world ; — must be the instruments employed to reclaim, pro- tect, and bless their fellow young men. On the evening of the day on which the London City Mission M-as instituted, a meeting was held, at which was formed a Metro- politan Young Men's Society, of which tlie late Hon. and Rev. B. W. Noel became President. Its meetings were held weekly, but partook more of a social nature, and but little aggressive action was taken on behalf of young men. During the few years of its existence, it served to call attention to the necessities of young men, and lead to the formation of other Societies for their benefit. By these instrumentalities, young men were brought J few years issilies of for their ( I brought r ^a^^^0i^^^^ ^'^^^^^^^"^^^^■^^^^^^^^^^■^^^'^^i^^^^^^*^^^^^^ 12 under public notice, and their dantjers and wants kewi before the eye of the Church of Christ. The condition of tlie young men of the great cities of Eng- land, and particularly of London, was most de])lorable. The hours of business in the several departments of trade were such as to preclude the possibility of any young man being jjermiited to improve his mind, or meet widi those who might encourage him in any way. Frequent efforts were made to reduce the hours of labor, but in most instances the attemjits ])roved abortive. In 1843, some young men employed in the drajjery trade, in Chelsea, organized a Metropolitan Early Closing Association, which even to the present exerts a considerable inlluence on behalf of the class referred to. Work for the religious good of young men was also commenced about the end of 1842, by two small Societies, which were subsequently united under the title of the ''Church of England Young I^Ien's Society, for aiding Missions at iiome and abroad." The truth of the adage, " Man's extremity is God's opjjor- tunity," was now fully proven. V\'e fmd in all ages of the world's history that when great good is to be wrought out, God has pre- pared the man who shall be the instrument in Mis hands of setting in motion the power to be effectual. Such is the case in the history of Young Men's Christian Associations. In 4^42 tliere came to London a younj man' who had been for some years previously an apprentice in a large provincial town. Tliere he Iiad been brouglit under religious influences, had joined llie Church of Christ, and had engaged actively in the evangelistic e.Torls sustained by godly persons in the neigliboriiOod. The circumstances of his own religious converaion, after the exhibition of much rebelliousness of spirit and opposition to the Truth of Gud and the people of God, had produced on lii.s mind a deep impression of the willingness of God to save men, and he came to a resolution that, by the grace of God, he would tell to every one who might come to reside in tiie same ♦Mr. George Wiliiams. I >l 'a;ii ' ill . I' ', i m^^^fl ^0^^^^^^^m^m^^^^^^^^ 13 1 ^ house of business how lie lia.l oljtaineJ mercy, and urge them to seek salvation through "like precious fMiih, nnd tin ..•hleousnesM uf God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ." So simply and carncsily was this course pursued, that during the five remaining years of his stay in that town, twenty-seven persons were brought by his persuasions to religious decision, "of whom the greater part remain unto this present," active, useful members of the Church, whib "some have fallen asleep," giving rejoicing testimony to the power of Divine grace. On his arrival in London, he found himself in a very altered jiosition. The house of business in winch he was engaged employed about eighty young men, amongst whom there were no signs of religious feeling, the majority being indifferent to all such considerations, and many very profligate. For some time his one work was prayer. He asked that God would open a way of usefulness for him amongst these ungodly comjjai.iuns, and specially that a comjianion like-minded might be sent into tlie establishment. He liad learned the truth of the lines — "Two are better far than one For counsel or for fight ; How can one be warm alone, Or serve his God aright? Happier we each other keep; We each other's burdens bear ; Never need our footsteps slip Upheld by mutual prayer." In due time his prayer was answered, and the companion came. They prayed together, and sought to win confidence by assiduous kindness in their inter- course with their fellow-assistants, and to disarm opposition to their principles by industrious attention to the duties of their calling. Soon they asked one aiui another to join them in their evening meeting for prayer. The Word of God was studied, and the wisdom, blessedness, and peace of the servants of God so set forth, that desires after God were kindled in some hearts, and soon the blessing of the Lord was vouchsafed in the conversion of several who had l>e€n induced to join this little company. Then their place of meeting was too strait for them. To obtain the permanent and undisturbed use of another, application to the principal, Mr. Geo, Hitchcock, became necessaiy, and this was a matter of some difficulty. Able and energetic as a man of business, he had shown no signs of religious feeling, he had done nothing to secure the comfort or welfare of his young men, nor did he check tlic evils which attended i pr = It ion .•iour . .iring were part some jrace. The young iijority woulil IS, and hmcnt. prayed ir inter- inciples ed one Word of rvants of and soon who had was too another, and this siness, he ecure the attended i ^^^^^N^^^^^^^^tf 14 the conduct of lusiness in his cstaWisliment, in common with many others at the time. He was only known as the ciTi])loycr, and in that capacity, tliougli no worse, was not better than tlie rest of liis clasa. Lut tlie youii^- men liail waited on God fur iiis direction and help, and in the strength of faith they went forward with their apphcation. To their surprise, it was received with symjjatliy, with tenderness, with the heart-broken feehngs of a sinner made conscious of his guilt and needs, and earnestly seeking to know and do the will of God. The room was granted, the young men were thanked for their piast efforts and jjrayer.i on behalf of the eslablislinicnt, and the master became from that hour the fatlier of his household, joining with his godly servants in solicitude for its spiritual welfare, reforming every arrangement inconsistent with the conscientious di.-.chargc of the duties or the personal comforts of those he emjjloyed, and in all things seeking to make that household an uoode of peace, a pattern of godliness, a centre of Clirisiian usefulness. During the period of his religious anxiety, Mr. Hitchcock had souglit ttie advice of Mr. \V. D. Owen, the princijial of another large drapery house, whose religious character and benevolent efforts on behalf of their trade h.id made him gencnilly respected, and to him he descriljed the work of God which li.id begun amongst liis assistants. Mr. Owen mentioned the fact to his jirin- cipal assistant, who immediately commenced similar meetings for pmyer and the stuily of Holy Scripture amongst their young men. On tlic 31st May, 1S44, lliis young man wrote to liie originator of llie first meeting, a letter in ihe following terms : — " I have been tnily rejoiced to hear that the Lord is doing a great v ork in your house, and I hope that the leaven thus set will go on increasing alju:. lantly. I am eng:iged here in the same work, but stand almos'. alone ; and from what I have heard, am iiuluccd to sny, 'Come over and hclji us.' We ha\e a jnaycr-meeting this evening at half-jiast eight. Mr, Branch will bo with us. Will you oblige us by your company ? and if you can bring a praying brother with you, do. If you could by any possibility be here at eight, I should be glad ; as I want to advise with you on another subject in reference to our trade, viz., whether anything can be done in other houses." It is amongst the evidences of Divine working in this movement, that a few of the Christian young men living in the house first mentioned hail alreaily agreed "to meet that very evening for the purpose of doing something to originate praycr-meclings in other houses." II I .liii fli] r J I ! ■; IT) This meeting took jilacc, ami was followtd by another in the subsequent week, attended by Chriblian >ouiifj men from both places ; and at this meet- ing, held at 72 St. Paul's Churchynrd, on the 6th June, 1S44, it was decided to form a "Society for Imjirovin;; tlic S[)iritual Condilinu of Vouny Men engaged in the Drapery and other Trades." The name of Young Men's Christian Association was adopted, and a committee of nuinagcment was appointed. The firit cfTorts of tlie committee were .iddrcssed to the work of uniting with themselves tht Chri-.tian men who might be found in other iiouses. Tiiey met from lime to time, with frequent accessions to their numl)er, in a small cofTee-housc in Ludgalc Hill; ami here, as tliey recounted their difficulties, and told one another of the opjiositions and enmities of those who were living without Got], they realized the supjjurt and iilessing of Christian fellowship, and were made glad by the ]iresencc, an I by the gracious encouragements, of the Lord whom they served. The work progressed steadily, and with great encouragement. Quietly and unobtrusively the members engaged in their spiritual work, their numbers increasing, until at a meeting held in March, 1845, the report showed a membership of 160 — a fortnightly meeting, largely attended — and many who had been idlers in the Lord's vineyard, had been roused to activity. To this point the attention of the Society had been directed only to the young men engaged in houses of business, but now a more extended field of labor was entered upon, and having secured the hearty co-opera- tion of ministers of every evangelical denomination, many of whom had accepted oflicc r.s Vice-Presidents, with prominent business men associated in office, and with no pecuniary hind- rance, the work was energetically taken up, and has been carried on without intermission to the present, — with God's blessing so manifestly shown, that the Brethren of London record the fact that ** every year has been one of blessing, characterized by con- tinual accessions of young men to the faith of the Gospel, and of godly young men to the ranks of the Missionary Members of the Association. It may suffice to say that there are now numerous ',_. 1 ( — IC regularly organized branches established throi.izhoui the various parts of the city and suburbs : and that in connection with the Association from one to two tliousand voiuil: men are every Sab- bath afternoon assembled for the careful study of the liible. while every possible agency is put i.ito operation for the spiritual wdfarc (>{ tile young men of that vast metropolis. O may thc-y still lirocccl In jc-ii:,' work hdow, And, following their triumplmiit Iltn 1, Ti> furtlllT (.()lV|llc>.ts ;'(j. m i n 1 i ! 1 V i ii 1 ,1 1 lil >0 I I I ur^^^-^-^ :"' rjznr: '^iT "r^"," - .■ f, :;;> t-- -■' ^^S^-Z. ■oi .- '/.i.- - __^JJ'_ 1^- _!_Jt.T. (jH.\'^'n;R III. 'I'liK Christian Young Men of London, having experienced llic benefits arising from tlicir associated effort, were desirous that other cities should alike l)e henefitted. Arc ordingly, in 1846, a deputation 'lisi'ed Maiv.l.ester, Liver[)Ool, Taunt(..n, Exeter and Leeds, and left in each town t'lo nucleus of an Association. The good work now sj^read rapidly, not only throughout P-ritain, but in rran;rui:s that a sMuil.tr t-fr^rt should I,e "'•■^■V- f, :■ the youiv^ nicn cf their o^.n .ity. Durin- a Ni.it nia.Ic I>y ^r^. Xa.n)i:h, cf London, to Canada, he was instrunxntal in Iho nn-mii- ,ra Young Men's Soricty-the ohject hcing the l.roseninon . .f .iniilir I,! urs to tl;cse undertaken hy the [.ondon City Mission, 'fh^ ,,,,.,,^ ,.,^j^ ^^,,^^ enrolled themselves in this organi/.ti.M v,-ere nnthfl.l in the rerlbrmanco of their diiiics for some time, hut Anally, !or various reasons, the Society dishanded ; I 'It the blessed iiilluenees of t!ie association still lingered. ']-he' trart v.or!: f..r:nerly carried on by the Society was now being 1 rose. ;-cdl, scM^eof i's n^rmer members, associated with youn.^c^ cliristi'.ii i^ifii. ,\: : lOi !g the number were ^ressrs. T. James Claxton, r. E. Grafton, and the late W. G. Milne. These brethren mei for i-rayer over their work an.l in their n:eetings togcth.er h-^d frequently thought over tl:e ..nestion, an[r. * Xow of Toronto. f r t1. ■ 11 % I, %\ ■ 1 I ih / .'ill' / ! il ( \ •V fi- i I'J Marling was a];].uintcJ c';a."Mn;.:i uf llsis euiii:;;ilUc, whirli consisted uf twenty-four ir.c!iiV;crs r'ji.rc'--..-nt!P,g difkTciU duiomin-tions. Of those who fornicd tlic r./.nvn!t^.r, tw o aic ;.ii]I nx'i^.ibcrs of tiic (\n- cral Conimittce,— Mr. Claxtoii, now Trcsitlont, pjul Mr. J. ibylis. In accordance with the rt^ohition, the iiKinl;ers of tlie com- niiiteo entered upon a thorough canvas of ilie churclK'S with which tliey were identified, and at a meeting held upon tlie date specified, rej orted formally as to the numbers likely to join the movement. 'J'liey also presented adraft of the Constitution, which was unani- mously adopted. In adoi)ting this Constitution the title "Mont- real Young Men's Clirislian Asso'iation" was chosen. No jiro- vision was made for a classification of m.mbors such, as at present exists, it having been decided th.at "all vr-.;n;' men v.-jio shall siun the Constitution f-liall be eligible for nv.iiil Lrshij). This portion of the Constitution was the subject of much prayer and consulta- tion. >ranyof lhe;,-oi!ng lu.n desired that the Association should be open to all, >\iiho-at reference to Clir.rch membership, while on the other hand there v.ere not a few wlio desired tlie adoption of a constitution similar to that of the London Association. A com- promise was finally effected, \\ hereb}- the Constitution was adopted as referred to, it being at the same time understood that the oiiiiers should be chc-en fro-ii the class n^.w included in Active Mejubership. *The annual fees were placed at "two shillings and sixpence," (fifty cents;; but it was to be ;in ol^ticiial ///.//Av with member.-, to give more, V.'iih these exceptions, and the month in which the AnnMui Meeting >:',oUid I'e held (April), this Constitution and that iio>v in force are sauilar. 'J lie Constitution l:a\in:: been auoi'ted, it -A-as decided that tile •' i'io\i..-iu.Kil Ceiuili.lttee be requested to procure bigiiatiires to the Constiiution, and that the parties whose sigi..!tures shall ' •: > pi,..uad, -together with thej, ^selves, -do con,^titutv th... ■'.-; i.icinbers ,..:' ihe \ -se'- ; aioM ; and that a meetin^ of lii^ n^.:l;bers l.)e held on the evenim/ of / 20 Tv, .J;,r ll I c 511, ncccn,U.r, to cl„ , officers 10 s.rvo „ntil April " ■; ■ :s ;n..,:,,3 . code of n,.T,a„ „,, ,,„„„,, ,,„ „,„;„ ^j p. K„ of of.c.s and. on™„.o«.as,ro...d«, ,,■,!,, and :,:'•"■""": ''^■*^«^'^' ''--'-" of,,.. ^^ '■W ^. WU ( .,,.dav), and a. a nK-.ting of ,„. (;.„.„, Com- "- u „as d.ad.d .0 s„:nro ,„. ,„, <,f ,„, „„j ,,„„„., „^„ ';;" '-- >'-■.. >K. ,na„,nral Ic u.c „a, d.Iiv.r.d ,0 a large , tu„.h Dunns «.e -rl-.r „,„n.l,s of .ho Association's history i ^ .--n^s of .l,e n,cn,l..rs „.,.. ,,ri„,.i,,a„, for litcar,- pnrs, i ' \'"\ S,., „ „-as ur.cd ,l,a, efforts should l,e ,„a,lc in o,I,cr an.l I "•'7:'>-"^l'>y-n,clisticlaWs;anda.anKv,;n,MU^^^^^^^ ^.Kuv.as resolved ^..Ita, ,1,0, ,,,,,,,,,,.,,,,,,, J,,,,, > -;'- uron a ,,,a„ Lest fitted .0 advance the ol.je, s of the A.' -..on ,n ..rence to Win.in, ,.n, i,. . ^;^Z flu nee. , h,s anesfon „as a, once taken „,,, and the follo.i,,. rq'oi t uas presented by the cotn.nittce .— prcscl?'"", ""■'\°'*"'" "" ■'"°"'^'"" ''-^^ ■">'. .■]. .0 the present tnne, been the .neans of doin,- the an.ont,, of ,ood or of e-re.s,ng that .neasuro of christian intluonco over the youn'. ,nen , of On. connnunity, ,vhich it is ca,.able of bein, tnade to dol uhy .1.- .s I.K. case, they do not no„- atten.pt to she„, their duty is ,0 PO.m out the best ,ncans,,o bo adopted to obviate this lac. usefniness ,„ futnro ,in,e, AVith this object i,. ^ieu. they wot.ld I recommend:— •' ' / I'li ih M m I ( I f I [ 21 only duty it shall ].c to endcavom- to indi:.:o every young man connected with the .^.-wral c!)ur. !icd, either .is members, or hearers, wh,o may be eligible '. , membership, to join the associations. Should this rc-commendation be adopted and faithfully acted upon, the committee confideiitly anticipate a large addition, to the number of members. Suv//J.--.\]\ increased earnestness and diligence on the part of members in carrying out the objects of the association is essential to its future interests antl usefulness. 'J1ie committee desires to impress upon each member that it is his individual duty to do all th.it in him lie>-, to advance and j^romote the best interests of Iiis associate members, and the young men with whom he is connected and that it i^ his privilege to be mucli in prayer that any efforts he may be eiiable.l to put f.jrth, may be abundantly blessed and owned of Clod for his owji and the good of others. y////v/.--'J'hey uould strongly recommend that without delay a room in the central part of the city, suitable to the requirements of the .Association should be procured, at which during stated h«"^irs a person employed by the association should be in attend- ance to give any required information, to such as may apply. The details of the management do not come within the range of the duties now required at tlie hands of the comnn'ttee, but they would suggest, that tlie room should be supplied with a few l^ritish, American n:vJ Provincial Religious paj.ers for the use of members and visitors. Without a room of this kind, the useful- ness of the association will. to a very great extent be curtailed. /:'.v;7//.---In cor.:-.e( :;on with the room, they would suggest that tlie comir.i.tee bj i.-.striicted to make s-,:cli efforts as may be ' " ' most expedient to procure donations of Vrooks chielly of ■";:s cu-acter. with wiurh to f_)rm a library fl.r the use of me;.: -rs ail'' viM;or<. The committee are sanguine that much good w;li )1m\\ from tlie adaiy to secure the services of a christian brother to enter upon iMs .vork. Thoroughly and efficiently to carry out this suggestion, and that given under No. 3 would in i!ie opinio. 1 y^i the commiltee require an aunu.d income of not less llian two hun.lred pounds, and while admitting that this enterposes a fcnuidable obstacle, they are confident that by \ ! 'MM !' m 23 ' little .';'v:!rc!cnial anJ incrcnscd activity on ilic \u\rt of iiiombcrs i)f iliC a.-,so(;i.aiui), an J ilic niciouro uf c.hri.siiaii lihcrnllty wliirh v,\, v.-o"M have a r^it to expect, and would n^ d'r:''! receive fr.^m die Ciiiircli ct' (Ifxl, it may Ijc suniioiD.iL'd ...id .ji ainouiil nf youd be accomplished with (lod's bles.siiiL,', which at present it ivodld be dinicult to conceive. Stronyly impressed with the practicability of this effort bcin^.,' effectually made, and feeling deeply its importance and the duty laid upon our association at least to attempt it, we v/ould .■suggest that your committee be at once instructed to ascertain the amount that can be collected from the members of the as.'ociation and the amount that may with reasonable certainty be depended on from otlicr sources, and if diese couibined would iiuhcir opinion be sufficient to meet the requirements of the case, to place thcnv^clves in communication v.ith the proper oflicer of ilic London City Mission, to endeavour through him to secure the services of an eineient lab'ourer at a reasonable remuneration. /.:rsf/j\ — The coimnittee would call attention to an idea that obtains in the mind of many of this community, that during the l)u:-iness seasc.n " th.e summer months" no christian elTort can be carried on. I]elievirig this idea to be erroneous, they call upon the association to relax none of its efforts, but to labour on bearing in mind the words which have been spoken, " Work while it is yet da_\-. remembertng that the night Cometh in which no man can work." Tlu: committee feel that they have inadequately aP'^ imper- fectly disrha.'-ged tlie duties devolving upon them but they are satisfied t^^.a! if the recommendations abovcset forth be adopted and fii'i- fully acted upon, the association will, with God's blessiir' be the means of doing great good. In his h.inds they leave all its ir:terests, feeling thU he will graciously overrule all decisions to his own glory, and !'■> the best interests of his servants." \ \ I 1 24 To carry tliose siiixgcstions into effect, collectors were ajv pointcd, nlso a Committee to prejiare an addros to tlie Christian I'liMic in rei^. encc to a City Missionary. While the niembers were thus actively engn-od In preparing for tlie future work of the Association, they were not regardless of other matters which affecled the mural welfare of the citw and we tlnd them actively co-operating with the 'IVinperancc So( ieties. and the Sal)l)ath ( )bser\aiice Jro( iely, in their efforts to put down the sale of Into.xi- ( ating !i(iu(;rs (,n the S-.M^ath ; and m all its jiroposed labors on behalf of \(.ung men, the ad\ice of the pastors was invariably t,ik(.n; and when the important i|Ue>tion of engaging in City Mi-i'jn U\)rk wj. nrsl discuN^ed, it was decided that the " Com- m'tU'c diuuld i>1,i(e th< ni^rlvcs iii ( f>mm\ini. ation with the several I't"' -' nl ( '!i r^} men (f the cit)," ;n crder to secure their ad\ice as to ;t> pr.'i ticjbility. 'I'hc rip iil.ir ..n the subject of City Missions was issued '>'tul..r, 1.-5..'. lie obje< • , ( niUempla'ei.l were therein set K'lih, ,;!-, ! donations were .solicited. 'l"he projeil was favorably iV'iived, funds were j.romised, but the Missionary was not so easily obtained. It was felt that the success of the effort del .ended greatly uj)on the i)erson chosen as Missionary. In .1 ne, 1S53, the temporary senices of a member of the Association I Mr. Creenfield) were secured. This brother was preparing for the mini.tr}-, and was therefore able to devote only a portion of his time to nn'ssionary labors. His perseverance and diligence, Jiowc\-er, did much to pirepare the wa\- for his successor. 'I'jiat a permanent missionary might be secured, api)lieation was made, in the spring of 1S53, to tlie Committee of the >b!n. heMer City Mission, which selected and sent out ^^r. Samuel Ma^^ey, whose j.eculiar fitness lor the work, and his faithfulness and diligence in its i)rose(Uti<>n. tended greatly to" its succe-s during the many years in which he labored In connection with the As-ociation. if -1 >l '! [« i ■ i 1 ' ^ tl > I '1:1 \ 4 !i1j I m J « t • i '5J, aiul iinnicdi.itcly com- nicnred his labors. The Missi(jnary, ami his proposc-d labors were iiilrudiiced to the attention of the (."hri>tia!i pulih'c, at a Sijcial Meeting lield in tlie old American I're.-J)} terian Cliurch, on the eNcning of November icth. At the inauguration of this depart- ment it was del ided that the scanicn and emigrants arriving in tile Tort during the summer months should be specially cared for, and that the winter labors should be de\oted partly to young men, and partly to \isitation among the poor. The first ) ear's report shewed — N'isit^ to tlie sick and pour, 1017. \'isits to the Jail on week days. 84 ; in addition, rcl:gif)us ser\ it e was held there every Sab- bath. \'isits to th.e Ho:iitital, 34; to the >ragdalen Asylum, 21. Ships \ isited, j6o. Prayer meetings held, 25. Addresses deliv- ered to Schools, 25. Copies of the .'^( riptures distributed, 27. Tracts distributed, 12.979; ^niall Hooks to children, 1004. During this year the Committee commenced the issue of a series of ^" Papers to Young Men," of which two numbers Were printed — one on " Yoimg Men's Christian Associations," the other entitled, ''All's Fair in Trade." These papers were dis- tributed from store to store; and while tlie Missionary was so engaged, he availed Iiim~elf of proper opportunities for conver- sation with }0ung men, and was t'uis enalilcd to draw dicir .iiien- tion to the paramount importance of religion. At this time there were to be found some, who.beinir but c\\>ual ul 'servers of human life, failed to re.ih'/e die ne>.e-.^;l)- foi our Mission work -arguing that tlie am[.le pro\i>ion of church acu>mmodalion rendered this 20 . V--l„ea.,ho,v,,.„„ ,„,l,„n, '"'" "' """'■'!'■ 7*'---.e».,n.,r,;,;,;::;;: ::;::.x---'^^-).'» ''ii-* meinl.crs. and tlxn ,I ., • , ^ Reeling of ,„„ ,„^, ^,^^_^^^ ,,,,,.,,,,;■•;»;'■;;■'>: '--e.,-,, ,„ ,,„,,„^, ■•'"■'■" iKue CUT l„. „ , Mss,„„nr,es of ,l,e A.ssoci- "-':;:r::v;::::::;:r';''---'^ ■-....... "HI'S !.<■ i!.lro,l„.,,| ,„ ,l,c p,„,„ „, ,,„. ,, ' '■"' "" ■'"'""""Mional p.efer. •wiiicavor, in accuidaiicc wiili i!,^ .^ ,• ••-"-l S,l,l,,,h School. "■"'■"''"» ""'•■ "■ ""'"« cl,iM,-c„ ,„ ■ '"'^•""" your ,,I,.e,vation. Cul„vateafnu„ily.,,i,i, .nh.MK.i,. „;,. , ,• r . S..cieu. o,. Church. " ^'"'"^ '"="-"'-'-"-'. nn, ..i,,.. AH 'Iciioiiiinaiiijiial .lilTcvn^ .ellca, ChH^ian. shouK, ,. av, • >:; •;;,^^"7^-^-'' '^^^^-^^ -k,,,, Kvan- -el. .'.e .hin,s .hid, „.l.e fV. penco' a ,hl • '"f ^ ''' " '"^'"'^'''^ ^i^'' i'l 'i ' ! I /^ « i; ™ The Ctnnnruicc tliiiiii;;; iS; \. >kj'> iDwards (.•iiUrin;; ni'.irc full)- \.\[>< 'ii ihc Ic-^iliiii.Uc wink cf a N'ouiiu; .Mcn\ Cini-iii.ui A:>.socialiui). aiul a ^jfct-ial Ciimiuiucc ajiiioiiUcxl lo ujn- siJcr the "[iKsitiiins reported. " l-t 'I'liiU ill order -uccofiill) lo cany u\U llicolijccbdriliii .\s-oci.\tiuii, il i-. cf I'.viaiiKnmt iiiii'nn,\iKc lluU mure .ilU.Klivc ami tmniiiiciit n)oin>> lie jiiKcurc"! al a- caily a jiTim.! a-< j>u>m1)1i', aii'l iliai ^'lr.^ll.r aiiaiiiiciiiciils lie iii.iile fiT llie lui'Liiiiii;^ iif >uitaMe iiajiei^ (»eculai :',ii'l lelij^imi^), ami llie ^.v^lal)- li'liineiil of a lir^'c ami ellkieiit library. III ng.iiil lu lhi> ^'ugj^e-'ii'iii ^^e ucnild leiiiaik, tli il il ii -i.aiM.1) rea-niinMc lu e\|iect that muim;' :r,eii with faifui lalilc Imjiie- v^ill lrani^ci> or new mciiilieis \^Ilo may liajijieii to comc in. Now, if \\ e liail jiiea-ant ruom^, comfoiKililc >i'.U'^, a ;^(io(l liliraiy ami lai:^c a>~'ii tmcu! of jL^jiei-, oar loim-. would jin.-ci;u at !ca>t. -ome alliaelioiis to Lompcii-atc in a nn.'a>ure for thu-e llicy liavc left al home. r.c-idt> thi^, llu re are ivvo el.'o>es to ^Ullply, for wlioiii ihe lihraiy i> .•■li-ohitely iiecc^-'ary, and who " oiild be lienehiled mo>l by tl)i> doiiahlc iminovemciU, vi/ : studciU-. and clerks who come from the coimlry, ami who, a> i> the ca>e in mo>l in-taiice>, lia\e no fiieiuK in the city. The latter cla>.s liein^' al lra>iiie>s are ali-er.t all day from their rooms, and as a j;encral tliiiiij do not enjoy the luxury of a -'.me, con-cjaeiitlv. <.in returning after bu'-i- iie-> to tile cold room, ilic\' from noce-sity lo<.ik round for some r^.'.eeable place of re-ort, and in ninety-iiine ca>e> oat of a hundred, tiie ib.i .i.tr..-, lA\ern or yamiiij^ hov.-.; is e!io-eii. Sf.', 'eiiS al^o, aIio-c ttmi>lalioii..,- .re, i' any thin i,', Si'caler than tho.- of llie ;'erk, om account of bcin^ throw n aiuon^^ ciinniaiiioi.-, who, like themse!\c-, arc awa)- from ihe re-train;- of luinie inlluence, ^eiU by '.eir [larcnt- to college, ani fiom them receive their -ujjj'Iic- of miiuey, which Mot being 'iiligcil to ui^rk fir, i- the moie uuhc-itatingly -pent, and in the al)-cnce of religion- inlluence i- u-ually -jieni in <':-Nip.ulon. The-e are the iemiitatiuii-, the in'baer.Cc- of wii'.ch \\ e a- a Wi.uig Men"- ( hii-lian A—oci.i- lion, .' e orj,iii/cd to cor.ntei.'.ct, .; id without .-. j..'c..-uit rcailing room and library. lio.\ i, [{ jio--iblc to ncconip!;.-li -o inij oilaiii an object? 28 '".'■"■'"'" ■■'«'"-«i «■, ,1,0 „.„„■, ., „„.,.'■ ;';"■'•;'■■<■-'■■■• '■«■" -IT •m-l l,v „,, ,,,„,,,,,„ ^f „^_, _,.^. = ■'"' "f ilio .\.,„c,.„i„„, i, '™'-.^"..l«,iMi„„.„i,l,,|„.Mi„i„„,„:V ;, '""; '"'"'•■• ''■"="i."'-irn.„„„;„ - '"-■ "i. c ,-i,v Mi,.i,„: •■,;„,':;""• """"^ ■'■■ - -• A.O. "'^' -" -""ns Nf,.„ -,„„;,,, ,„„ ,,,;^. , ,•, •"■'■■ :"-"'--"°" »■■■ -l" n«l .ncan ■".'■ ».-■ I,"M I. „ „,,i„ ,, , "'" '• '"'°"' "'•"'■ '■'■' "" "- .."\ -— >i<^:::t::Tr'' ""'''' '■■""^ ■■•i-i.i ,. I,.:,,. ,,,;,, , ■ ^ ""•■"■« • ■■■'■•■■ I .h: '.. „ r, „ i ■■'' ""■ ""'■'■>'""• ""•■"Hi>M».-,i ' '■■■'■•■ -I 1 ,•";„■ ..f „„■- A.-,,;,,,!;:;-'"""" "■•"'■"''' "--->■ '•' '<" '■■■""•'■■- "''• "'■;o^-' ''"1 -1 Coii,mi,i„ l:c ,,,,,.„i,„, . , "" ■ '"" "™ '"""'<'y -ucM. ,„„.,„,, „. ,,f;°;;"r"' •■'"-"■^ I- f"„nd ll,o,„«c!v,., ,-v,,,,„i;„ , ' " ^sso, ,.„„„, of A,,,.,!.., ■ "-""'""^ v,,s. ,„„o,„„ on.,l,o,-..„de„cr.,,. Hi iti J ' • ill 1 IP 1 ) . ) ! 4 20 with b il lillic nraclical i\ -iilt. An onciuii}- 'a-Lj ufca.vioi'a.'d as [o ihc cause. It was llicn (>l)scr\ev'. by those whoso .ittciilion was L;-i\cn to the subject, that one oi'e.it ;in[)eclii.ient to .success exibteu in the huiited infonnatioii the Societies possessed of each other's iP,o\e- uients, and tlie indetuiite view.-, prevaiHng anion^^ their members as to tlic precise object before tliem. Xo i)ubH.shcd documents were tlien to be obtained from wliich tliose engaged in ait imder- taking of the kind, could le.irn to wluit extent sucli Associations liad been establi^lied, or wliat measures of success liad attended their efforts. Meeting with difficuUies at ahno^t every step in llieir course, tliey had no means of know ing wlietlier tliose diffi- culties were peculiar to their case, or the common lot of all ; they were naturally inclined to adoiit the former view, and supposing they had more than usual to contend witli, they became in many cases disheartened and discom'aged. In addition to this, it was noticed that the isolated j'osiiions occupied by most of tlie Societies, deprived them of the sym- pathies and counsel of kindied bodies, thus they were left to rely ujiO'i their own resources, and either succmnbed to adverai. influences, or each for itself wrought out a correct policy through a severe exj erience. As a remedy for this state of things, and the evils ensuing out of it, tie suggestion was n-.ade by some of tlie American Ihethren, that a bond of Union ought to be established, the effect of which would be to bring the .\ssoeiations into close and ci'nstant comnnu^ucation, .sccm-ing ll;ereb\- regular interchange of iiUelligcncc, with nuitual sxnipath)- and encouragement. 'The idea was receiict. with co'.isideral.ile fa\or. and after some consideration the First .\i nual Con\ention of the Associations of tlie United States and hitish h-ovinces, was held at Ijuflalo, N.V.. on the Ttli and Slh June. 1S547 I 30 I'K j(Kai Associations ^"-^Ml,oCo„vc,„i„'" "'"""" "^"'■^' «--.,. »en,od a rcpor, of .,,e .or ' "P^^^^"''^'"- -Hi ako ,r.. "-■°". and In rcspo ; ''' """'" '' ''" ""'^"'■" '^ »■ "«cu„, „eid ;„ , ,; !.' ''"'^■''"-°". '■- ■V.oa.,io„. a, a "f.:nion. ■ ■ ■■""■»'■'•>■'-■ ""■"i adhesion to ,!,<. „asi. "■"•^litutiondas.ifw,,..,,, °„ , ■•"■''""»"-■■.•■■ nude i„ ,),, •■^''■-----"^-.::';;n;;:::;''"-'r""" -' ■ "'-'I'osed of ,„e,„|,e,. i„ „„ , , , ■' '"' ""■">l'>-'rsl>l|,. ,,1,^1, i. '--.■cnV effor ere ;;':'''■''?"'■ '^'-'•^'■''■'■•'I '■•'-■' '.«. ''"^■'"""Hofa,,,,,,-,,,. V' " ■^•"" -'-"e-a. ^''"J-"'d!,„o,.,,..a„dVoe „,7''"'"''''^'''"'^'''''W™,,,re ' f, d I ; :u c-lKise of addiiional books. Two members were named as sucli Co.nnmiee, but llie resi.^nation of one. threw the whole of ilie amies upon iho remai,r>ng member, (Mr. Chixton,) who faithfully performed the same, and at a meetin- immediately succeeding his appointment, he reported tluU $.00 had been secured and ex- pended. During the remainder of the year he was indilatigable nr his efforts in the same work, and in November a unanimous vote of thanks was passed for the efficient and successful manner in which he had carried out the wishes of the Ceneral Committee. M this tiuK- the operations of the Associati< . were conducted wiUr the .trictest economy, and we tlnd, in .S55. the Comumtee issuing instructions that a roonr be secured, but the rent not to exceed /is per annum, and the sum to be expended in the pur- chase of^arpels and book shelves was Hxed at/Ji^ or ^.4. The expenditure for shelves was necessitated by tlK^ timely and very ac.eptable donation of nearly 30c volumes. During this year, a conference of !• uroj.ean Associations was held at TaHs (France), the most important result of which was the adoption of a basis of Union amongst the Associations of different countries, which, by recognizing as fundamental the doctrines of Deity and atonenrent of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the avitlionty of Holv Scriptures, was designed to protect the Associations, m after time, against any attempts to introduce unsoimd dodrines. or to secularize their objects. The basis a. adopted read, as follows : — " The Young Men's Christian Associations seek to imitc those y'ung men who. regarding Jesus Christ as theii Cod and Saviour, according to the Ib.ly Scriptures, desire to'be His disci- ples in their doctrine and iluMr life, and to associate their efforts r.r the extension of Mis kingdom amongst young men." The confederated As>o( iations of America, at the .Third Annual Convention, unanimously adopted diis basis. : \ r 1 i U > "^^nmrm^mmm^ V n s .-, "in.u.ar iiad I)oen issued :- - Af'iNTIJK.M. Vul \, \fr. • ,• ^■"'■'"■' '"-"r.'-v,„,,,:,::;';r::;,;-';;r';.;^-:™^».^o,„,,. "f ".i' r.m..,l S,n,,, ,„., ,,^;,i , . \"'-- ">" ^ "'""t™ A..„ci,„:„„« ^-"»- ■ >-"■ A.„c,,,i„ ,,. : , " '■-— .■-'".o„.■ H.o prc.c-na- •^-' '™p'=-^-,.,:,„,,,:,; ::,,:; " ."■;", »^"- .v. ,. ,., on .1,. r,„,u- of „,,,,,„ ,„„,^, ,,. , . "'™ "*"< '■",. 1,0 pr,.e„,„, -"^ "MO ,,,. aJcMoI'"'-'''™""'-^''- "■■'-. N-..r, <.,,,. A-^omtions,ij,poiniincr,lc!,..nic. u-Il ^v , •■• '■• '■:• — -•, -0.,,,;, ,.:;; ;, ' f' "- "™''".^- >--i„„..e„ '- -»™- Jlru:;"" •''■'" "■'■'''---■ "^^■"'•-•-"■■'■^"''■•-•■•C::t:r;::;::::':;:-:- I ll i i I ,i I , ii V * 33 active intcrct in ihcir A^^.cia.ions. 3-1. 'H-t the Delegates be Auni^hcl Willi crcacnlicil. by the oin.er, of the A.^ociaiiun they rej ix^cnl. 4th- 11^-^^ l),.U..atcsi.rcparc ^u■itte. statements of the condition and progress of thetr A.^uciation. 5th. That Delegates inepare beforehand the re.olut.ons and other buMne.s they de.ign presenting to the Convention. ARRANGEMENTS AT MoN IRKAL.-The Committee will be inaltendance to receive delegates on Wednesday, June iSth, after l.o o'elock, at the Rooms. No 205 Notre Dame Street. Delegate, arriving after S o'clock in the evenn^g .ill proceed to the Ottawa Hotel, (registering their names as " Delegates to V M C. Convention,-) ^vhere arrangements have been mado for their tern- porary accommodation, and in the morn'. ■- N^ill apply to the Committee at the Church. , , , • v.^v. The Convcnion will meet on Thursday, . . .c 19. ^t ^<^^ ^ ^^o^^^' "' ^'°^ Cut- KCii. The Committee of arrangements will meet at the Clutrch at half- past eight o'clock, for the purpose of reeeiving credentials, and forming a , roll of the nembers. The Rev. John McLeoo has kindly consented to deliver an Address | before the Convention, on the evening of the 19th. I ater. dispatches, &c., for Members of the C.Mivention, may be directed 10 the care of F. E. Grait.xs, Box 594- ^^'"lt<--l ^^-'^^'^^ ^'^'^^ ^° Canada is 10 cents. . , , . .1 „ Trusting that the Associations will implore the Divme blessing upon the projected Convention, and that grace and wisdom may be given to those who : shall take part in its deliberations, i I am, dear Brother, yours in Christian love, \ F. E. GRAFTON, ■; * Senci.iry ^f- J' ^^^- ^- •'^' t In accordance with this circular, the Convention assembled in the old American Presbyterian Church, corner of St. James ond McGill Streets. At 10 o'clock the meeting was called to order The roll of Associations having been called, 75 delegates • representing 23 Confederated Associations, and 12 delegates from 3 other Associations responded to the call. The Montreal breth- ren ^vho were then present a:- delegates, were : T. J. Claxton, Jas. Bayhs. D. A. Poe Watt, George Childs, R. Miller, F. F.. Grafton, / 't I J ^\■. Ilil.lKud. R. Lnckhait, R. S. Oliver, and James Smith, 3 exceptions these brethren are still active meml)ers). 'I'lie ciations represented were: — Com EDKRATLD A.sSOCIATIONS. St. Jo]ins, Xew r,runs\vi(k. 2 Delegates. Montreal jq <« Kingston 5 «« Hamilton i « Brooklyn, N. Y e " Oswego, N. Y I « Troy, N.Y....-- ^ BufTalo, N. Y 5 .< Newark, N.J ^ « Philadelphia, Pa i «• Ilarrisburgh, Pa \ »« Washington, D. C 9 <« Richmond, Va 2 " Charleston, S. C i " Louisville, Ky i << Ciiicinnatti, 6 " Cleveland, 4 «< Columbus, O I << Springfield, 3 << New Albany, Ind 2 " IndianaiK)lis, Ind i " Othkr Associations. JJoslon, ^^ass 3 Delegates. Portland, Me 2. '• New York 2 •♦ (with Asso- ^'1 ^ ' 11, i'l ■ii f *'! iil L; 35 Tbenorough nv.nch of iho London V. M. C A., was also .cprcsuucd by its President, Mr. Thos. II. CikuUtono, uI>o was uarmly welcomed to a i.anic ii-afion in the dchl.erations. Mr. Wm. II. Xetf, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was chosen Presideut. Several very important resolutions were passed, among the n.ore pvon^inent, being the adoption (as already stated) of the l>ar>s basis K ven at this early date in Association history, the some- ^vhat difficult auction of amusements in connection wuh the , work, had begun to be agitated and a deliverance of the ConNcn- llon on this subject, was made to the following effect : Tint, a> viu.l ,icty a.ul c.-nC p.acUcal .udliue.. a.c i.ti.natcly cun- ..,ca wUh a hc.Ul,y ,hyMcnl .y.en, it is ^c.y advisable, in the .,."-, .-f v,.u.- connnittcc, that A.ociaU.n. .l,.vM. as .u aMK.^i^l. HuUe anan,cn,e U nn- the ,hvMcal innnovcnwnt an,l ac^ e.-iKMuent of their n.cn.hcv. V-si-caal, i. Uu. ncc;.a,v in the A^M,ciation, of ottv la.-,ef eiuc. the ,neu>he,. of .h,ch, ...,e,alh-, ate ;>n.lnca du.in, the day to .e.lenta.y etn.l.ynKnt. . U out any ;p.„tu;.ity whatever of rene.in, their reh^sed and wearied .Mc.u. hy th,.c .enerun, api'liancc. uhiel> are ui.et, t. the y.ut.g n,en of tl,e ^^orlat.on>, .nd Uut, they would he brought under the nUluenees of . cti^e ntetnbers, and led. -perhaps, to the prayer nrcetin,, and Unally to the foot of the eross. Vour coTnnUtiec report the following resolutions : ,st That, as boddy health is inti;nately eonneeted v,ith n,ental a,.d ..n-itual activity and developtnent. anything that conduces to the satne n,u^l be benefici.al. /<•'■ Sf. .nd. That, when properb conducted, gymna^inn,s, batl., and b„.ling allcs-, a,e beneikiai to bodily health and phyMcal development. ' 3.1. That the public sentiment in nrany of our cities in regard to bo. bng alleys renders it inexpedient for this Convention to ,econ.n.end then- estabbsh- mcnt. ,„,, t:,u we look upon bdliards as dctnn>ental to he.dth and nn.al 36 jtli. That lliis ConvciUiuii npi'imcs of every iiRii^cr mcniis Ijciiij; used by ihc Associations for interesting and inij. roving the young men of our cities, and of thus drawing under good and Cluibtian influences, tho~e \vho.--e hearts liave not yet been given to tlic Saviour. 6l!i. 'Hint, hum all the.ic considerations, this ConveiUiun would lesiiect- fully recommend to the Associations, wliosg circumstances render it iiracticabic, ihc eslablidmunl of gymnasiums and ! .;I:s to be as far as poN>ibIc self-sup- porting -that is, to be maintained apart froia the regular dues of the Associa- tions. Tlic principal si)eechcs wore delivered by Rev. John McI>cod, Pastor of the Church in which llie sessions were held, Mr. W. C. Lanydon, of Washington, D. C, and Mr. Gladstone, of London, I'.ng. i;)evolional meetings were held each morning, at 7 o'clock, and a genervil public pra}er meeting lield on Simday, at 4 p. ni., closed a series of meetings which were pronounced to have been deeply interesting. " The Spirit of Gou evidently seemed to be present, and His influence felt in every heart." During the three days' session of Convention, the time was fully occupied with .the business which had called the brethren together, and but little opportunity had been given the delegates to see the city, or to form the aci^uaintance of our citizens, but at the close, they were induced to stay a day longer for that pur- pose, and every possible arrangement was made for their entertain- ment. By invitation of the young men of the Wcsleyan Church, the delegates assembled, on Monday morning, in front of the American Church, where there was in waiting a long line of car- riages in readiness to convey tliem over the city and environs. Ample opportunity was afforded of viewing the beauties of tVe varied scenery, and while visiting the zoological gardens, a photo- grajih of the party was taken. In the evening an entertainment was given in the basement of tlie American Church, where the brethren mingled together in \ II ^i ji 37 social cuinx-rsc, and [.arlook of ib.o gcncruu.-. diccr wli!.:h had been provided. Short fcr\ id speeches were made, and the closing address of Mr. Baylis, President of the Montreal Association, commended the visitors, on their homeward journey, to the protection of the Almight}-, and wished them an earnest and affectionate farewell. These interesting exercises were then concluded by a parting bcnizon from Rev. Donald Fraser, of Cote Street Presbyterian Church. On the morrow, the breUiren took their departure from tlie cil)-, doubtless caiTying with them many pleasing memories of the Third Annual Convention. ■ \. c ) car , Rs7 opened witli a good dv^rcc of cntluiM'asin and v.'th LriglU pru.pccts of usefulness, and the lil-crality of the Chrls- ^'■"1 I'^'l^Ii'- Had j.hued, In the hands of the nienil.ers. the means of extending its operations, and of effecting a larger amount of good than ever before. The large increase of memlK-rs, during the previous year, had warranted the engagement of more central ^>nd commodious rooms, and also of making them more attractive lo young men out of the Association. The coiUributions to the ■niss.on fund also enabled the Connnittee to employ a second ■n.ss.onary. Xotwithstanding these signs of progress, the additions to the membership were fewer than in previous years, and the report of the Committee expressed a t'ear lest '• the attractions sjmkcn of have been too much relied upon, to the neglect of per- sonal exertions on the part of members." It was also found that ^vhile many young men. and others, strangers in the city, had ava.Ied themselves of the advantages offered, the members did not aj.pear to appreciate them to the same extent. The superior acconnnodation of the new rooms, enabled the Committee to put the Library under much more systematic management than for- merlN-, and during the year, a portion of the books (carefully select- ed) were >el apart exclusively for use in the jail and hospital, this portion being placed in charge of the missionaries. In addition to a Sabbath .\fternoon DIble Class, a Vron.h Ih'ble Class was ' ommenced under the alternate charge of Revds. Messrs. Cyr \\-ooIfe. and Tanner, with good attendance and bright promise' A Monday Kvening Uible Class, fbr young men, was also regularly held. ! \m '■i' i!i- I n if r 39 Following u]i a \<\i\n .uloplu-d in i.">56, a scond scries of (eleven) lectures on religious siihjects. for tb.e benefit of the working el.i'-.ies in (Irillintown, were deli\ere/Jirs, are ineligible for membershii) or communion with the \'oimg Men's Christian Association of Montreal, and that a notice to that effect be placed in a conspicuous position in the reading room c>f this Society." This elicited much discussion, but it was resohed that while fully approving the condemnation of slavery, tlnal decision should not be taken until the call for the next Convention should be issued. In March, a letter h'om the Central Committee, named Rich- mond, Virginia, as the next i)lace of meeting, and a^ked a vote of the Montreal .\ssociation on the same. The discussion of the J \ \ ) 40 question was now earnestly entercil upon, and that in a truly ( hris- tian spirit, the meeting having engaged in special prayer before the final \ole should be taken, 'i'lie following series of resolutions Were jiresented by a special Committee, which had been named for the i)urpose : — " That it is inexpedient that this Association should concur in the appointment of Richmond, \'a., as the place in which the next Convention shall be held, for the following reasons : — I St. Holding as we do anti-slavery sentiments, we feel that by sending delegates to a slave-holding locality, our position would be compromised, not merely by the fact of silence virtually im- posed upon us, but also b)' our seeking fellowship widi slaveholders in their own locality. 2nd. That Richmond being a slaveholding locality, our dele- gates, in jjartaking of the hos])ilalIties of their friends, would pro- bably be waited upon by colored persons, perhajjs brethren in Christ, held in bondage by others also professing to be brethren. 3rd. 'i'hat we claim not only for ourselves, but also for colored young men, a right to recognition and fellowship, in the Conven- tion, as brethren in Christ, which right we fear would not be accorded them in a slave-holding locality. Wiereforc, this Association recommends that the Convention be held in Brooklyn, N. Y., and in the event of that locality being chosen, that our delegates be instructed to urge upon the Conven- tion the rights of colored young men to recognition and fellowship, in connection with the Confederated Associations." The feeling in favor of the senlimcnis expressed in these reso- lutions, was shared by a very large majority of tbose present, there were a few, however, who .ought it inadvisable to take the decided stand which was finally agreed upon. These brethren desired that Richmond should be concurred in as th.e place of gathering, and recommended the adoption of the following : ^ ■'I I'.l ■ I f.- ». •--Ib-^ r^ ^Lir; -3 I ■\ ^ !|\ i'V"-^^©«*S--, l_' I .1 Association Building, Omaha, Neb. > ;l IJ. 4 ill 'I ■ ! < if If v\ ; n •• 'I'hnt while wc ( hcri^h tVclin-s of repugnance to that sys- icin which niakci i !)altfls u\ huivian beings, a.nd to those iirinci- j !<.^ wh'di deny cliri^lian lllluwsliii) to l.reiliren in Christ, on .:. ( ount of th.eir colur, we still owe a duty to our Soutlicrn Ijrcthven. wliich we ha\e not yet discliargod. •• That the delegates from Montreal l)e instructed to brim-- [/roiiiinently before the (,'onvention a set of resolutions, to be prepared by the Ceneral Committee, expressive f>f our al)horrence of :,lavery, and our want of sympathy witii those who cherish slave- holding principles, also, if ])ossil)le, obtain a vote of the Confede- r.ition, or an amendment of its constitution, to admit cliristian. brethren, without distinction of ( f)lor, into full membership in our Associations." While the motives of the l.rethrei-i who sought the adoption of these resf.Iutions are worthy of resi»ect, still it was felt certain itijt the di-cus--ion of th.e .[uestion of sla\-er}-. in any of its forms, would not be j.ermitted in the Convention, and therefore, alter e.niiest ])ra\er. the (|Uestion whi( h had occupied (for some weeks) the attention of the bretluvn, w^s decided by the almost unanimous -adoption .jf tlK lollowing resolution, luoved by Mr. V. K. Grafton, seconded by .NTr. J. I5aylis :— " That as the Church of Cod is composed of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, without distinction of sc(ial position, nation or « olor, Soudiern Associations, in refusing meni])ershii) to certain Christian young men on account of color, assume a right incon- sistent wit!; the claims of colorctl Christians to sympatliy and fra- teriial affection, thereibre, A\'u>f:r connected with the Confede- ration, therefore, tliis .\sso(iatio)i resign:, its ''onnei'tion with the Confederation, as at present constituted." ^ ''-'-^'^-n Amy realised the importance to ],e attached to '- I-.t,on taken, and also Mt that in voh.nt.ilyuithch-awin. n-on. comnn,nion nith the brethren of the od.er Associations t'^cy would, to son,e extent, be deprived of n,anv sources of en' -nra,en.ent. Mill M.ey evperien.-ed an inuard consciousness that thcir act,on was plea.ing to their rFeavenly Father. They now consKlered it necessary, that Christians generally should he nnde ac,uanued with the ^,cts of the rase, and a Committee was an- ;>o.nted to prepare a cin ular to all Young Men's Christian Asso- nnt.ons, setting forth, in full, the reasons for withdnnval The /ollowu.g will sho. that while the circular was of an explanatory H.aracter, u also conL-mplatcd other important changes. ^.y<'/rvv/.-'^ That in ^■iew of the advantages connected wih the L n,on of the ^'oung >ren-s Christian Associations, on this .-ontment, it is desirabk d,at a Cnion be f.med, based upon the ^ consftution of the present Confederation, but recogniWn^^ the nght of all Chnstian young men .ho hold the doctrinal Wews t.^eren. set f.rth, to n.embership, without regard to national or anv other distin. tion. Theref7)re, resolved, that we prepare a circular to k.ndred Associations on this continent, defining the position of this Association and inviting them to unite to form an alliance on the above basis, and also to express our regret that the position of the Southern Associations compels us to adopt stu h a course ' Ih.s r.rcular was widely circulated throughout the United States and (Ireat Britain, it also appeared in leading papers, and it >s pleasmg to know that the action taken, tended greatly to strengthen Christian brethren, whose s)n,pathies and efforts were engaged in behrdf of the oppressed. Responses were received fron, various parts of the Continent and Kurope The Kingston (i Un ) Association, subsequently withdrew Horn the Confederation and ^'^'^HalilaxrX.S.) Association expressed its sympathv, and u. 'lesire to unite with such a Confl^deration of Associations as that ;iiii I* I ' I J ;' I ' ii\ prnp. ),(•(!. A rc.-i.ilutioi:! i.ff llio Leeds ( I'.ii-laiul) ^^ulng Men"s Allli-^^!:l\■cI•y Society, cxiuessed tlioir giatificaliun a;, tlic course adojiled. and llie \\'ashi!iL;toii (IXC.) As^oi iatioii; A\hilc reL^reltini,' \ ilie stci) I'l'^^'!', expressed tlieir belief that tlie l)rctliren liad acted conscieiuiously, and recorded their pra\ erful regard for o'.ir work. 'l"he San Francisco (Cal.) Association m a most affectionate elas- tic .•:;tated '■ that, altliougli this Association does not see if be its dutv lo witlidraw from tlic Confederation, on llie i.M-ound of ilic cxchision of colored persons from some of the Associations, and the non-recognition., by the Confederation, of Colored \'oung Men's Christian Associations, tlic)" nevertheless condemn the practice as wrong, and rect)gni/e, in the action of the Montreal Association, \sith respect thereto, not a spirit of dis-imion, b-ut J, only a fiir exercise of Chri-'ian freedom. That they, therefore, desire to remain In brotherly correspondence, and fellowship with the Montreal brethren.'" During t'-: year, a jjetiiion was })resented to the different branches oC Covernment, praying for a dis-continuance of ])ul)]ic la1)or on the Sabbath, and the release of go\ernment emijloyoes, from the jierAjmiance of official duties, on tliat day. Also to die Corporation of the cit\'. for the c.itablisliment of a Reformatory, for juvenile offenders. Tiie manifest inju.-ilice of exposing youths lo the contaminatin'- inlUience of old and hardened violators of the law, thus in all probabiiit\- completing their ruin, and making them outcasts and enemies of society, forever, —led tiie Committee to an effort for the establishment of such an institution. On June 2Sih, the uUnost excitement in-e\ailed throughout the city, caused by the news of an ai)palling aceidcr.t, which had occtn-rei-l upon the rivi-r. 'The Steamer " Montreal," (of (^)uebec.) left Jiat city, on the [ire\ious evening. Inning on boari.l about 500 Scotch inunigrants. who had just arrived. \N'ith.in an hour after leaving (Juobec, it was discoxcred that the bc)al v\a> on f\\x\ and I p i I 14 I "> .■• f.u- .ninnl.s ,hc ll.unc, l,nd ..,i.«l ,„d, l,,,,d«.v. tl,:U ,l,crc "..s „.. „o>-,hili,y uf .„ ;,y ,he vcssd, Tl.c s.aK- whid, fulMvcd «- m .s. hc.,«.,c„,i;,„. Jr.,, .,„d „onK.„ ,:„„„, .i,,„„dv« r™,,, ■■.--;I.".n,„, v«sd, on!,- ,„ ,„od ,, n-:„uy sravc. T!,o .S,c.,„or ■■ -N..|..lc,„, ■ whirl, ™s near ,l,c '■Montreal,- when ,l,c r,re broke ""1, .v.. ned a nunrher of ,|,o las^cngcrs and orc«-. (,„ ,|,c arri -1 '■■f .l.e •• N-a,oIeon,- in ,ho wharf of our ,i,y, ,ho cxci.cancnt — mensc. "„,l,cd,,h„fU,cs.ean,or, ahnoM nndcrfoo, '■-"""l.H.o, snn. I,„. shd.crcd fron, i„ ray. l,v a .ail, lay ,l,e |-jK-.ofs„nK.of,hcvi.;,nn. I.i.llo , hildren, fron, ,l,c nnr.li,,,- ■■"'.>■ ")■ '<■ o.«ill, high hopes and swelling hearts, ea.nc to seek a hon.e in tins land. nuring the year ,858, th. accession lo the .ncn.l^crship uas '"•t small, an.l a rcvisi.m of the h'st shewed ihat there ucrc .6, -,nbcrs. TheAs..o and coinciiicnt ihc- nii-'cs oil St. J;une.s Sircct. A sn.iic of rooms, on Mcdill Stixx't, NNcrc un-ULjcd, but wjw not so central. 'The Comniiltee, however, (.leteiniined to make the best [possible use of tlie facilities at their disjjusal; and a cordial invitation was extended to strangers and seamen. The hitter freely aece^tled the imitation, and large numbers assembled there, c\er\- evening. It is worthy of notice, tiiat from the earliest d.i}-s of the .\ssociation, this important, but often neglected c''iss, received ever)- attentioi. at the hands of the niissiunaries ;ind members, and the '' .Seamen's Mission,"" ha^been tabl)ath Morning liible Class was commenced, (the afternoon class being also contiiiucd). 'I'he newly organi/.ed class was of a moresocivil character, and was designed specially for those who were notcon- p.ected with Church lUble Clas.scs. On the loth >LTrch. a daily morning prayer meeting was establisl'ied, and continued in the rooms for s ' O "ILll \\ll(J ('line 1 c- 1. '^"d Counsels to Seamen." These fonm, "'^'-mts, -■•.■•- .o...cc,....o,.,,w.i:r;::r:,-:;:r''r;"''^ > -^^ i}n^. of Philadelphia, "Stand ni, for Te^n. •' ]"^''Cd bv a member- of fh. \ • • •' ' '''""■ distribution. -'""'*^'""' ^^-^^^ '^'- I'-'cd for 'ul: employed, and a greater ntm.bcr of members of ,h . f n ■ ' nKctmj, an 1 m the mi.ssion schools Tl, . ^'^iion.n, extracts, fron. the annual report show the 11 n^'sslonaries during the year :^ ^'^ ^^ '''" ,';'"".^'^^''-°'"'"t-'ne\ulent institutions, - ^•'•son. induced to attend church, over rnnkards indu<:ed to sign the pledge - -^I'ssion prayer meetings held, '•stunated attendance, - y-'Mts to ships and stJamers. . * . " lielhcl services. - a^c^n inlrodii 40-794 '41 ^'73-' 403 272 '76 50 5 ^ i \\ 17 Wc le.ini from llicsc facts iliat llic old and }'(-)ung, sick aiul j,Mur. llic sailor and lamKiiian. and the jioor drunkard, alike >harcd the athantages afforded l)\- die Assoc iation. 'i'he reports for 1.S59. sjieak regretfully of the comparatively ^iiiall iiunilier of rjieinl>ers who took acti\e [jart in the general work among \oung men. ( )n the other liand, the mission work recei\e(l a large share of attention, and the labors of the missionaries were iniuh blesscion. exceeded by $;!co the income of the i)re\ ions vear, and the Committee ( lo.-ed the jear with a balance of $100 on hand. Th.e course of lectures deli\ ered was also one of the best and f:nan( ially tlie mo>t successful of any which had been organized, and tlie reading rooms were well used, .\fter the return of the delegates (2) from the International Con\ention, held at 'I'roy, in Jul), (where they sat as C(jrresponding members), they spoke so earnestly, with reference to the essa\s read, and discussions which had been entered into, resjiecting the working of Associations, and parti( ularly that jjortion respecting the importance of jjrayer meetings, that a Sabbath Afternoon ]'ra}er >Ieeting was com- menced, which rapidly increased in members and interest, and for man\- years continued to attract large nimibers. During the }ear tS6o, (apart from tlie ( ity mission), little was attempted by the Association. In the rooms, in addition to llic usual association gatherings, two weekly meetings were held for seamen, and a .Sal)bath livening I'ethel Service was also held there, w ith. a ^cod attendance. The Sabbath afternoon meetinircon- tinned w ill) increasing interest, and much spiritual gocd resulted therefrom. The press was again emi)]o\e(l for the dissemination of Oosjiel truth. 3 papers Inning been pulilished, entitled respec- tively " Words by the ^^'ay," for seamen, also an edition of the i I mt >i I i ( 48 >-nine nddresscd to mediral Ntudonls. and one, -'riie lilnck and Hark Xight.-' for young men -cnerally. It was al.o tliouglu advisa- Me that fcmalcagcn. y should hv cnij.loycd in the city mission uork, and a lady having been found with spare time, and a heart to the work,, .he was engaged and labored zealously to the entire satis- f.ution of tlie Committee. In May, our present eftu-ient city mi^si.,nar\^!= was engaged, and at r.nre entered upon his work. A sj,e.ial effort was now made to secure a permanent building for use as bethel, and a Committee appointed to consider the matter. ( onsulted with several i^rominent officers of vessels in port. It was suggested that the Hrltish C;o\ernment had, at the time, a number of old war frigates, for wluMi they had .-.jT.rently no more use. they having been replaced by larger ones, 'he autho- rities would, if api)lied to, grant the Asso. iaiion one of these vr.sels for the i-urpose of a floating bethel. In accordance with the suggestion, the following j^etltion was addressed to the Ri-ht Honor.ible the Lords of the Admiralty: •• 'i'he attention of your Lordships is res])e< tfully called to the wants and comforts of ]5ritish ;ind other seamen, in the Port of Montreal, Canada, in regard to worship on the Lord's-day, and other intellectual and religious advantages. For many jears, Divine service has been conducted, in con- nec-tion with the " seamen's mission," on the decks of \essels in the harbor. 'Lhis has always been found both inconvenient and dinlcult, owing chiefly to the heat of summer, and the cold and rains of the spring and autumn. 'I'he number of sea-going vessels which have already visited the Port, this season, is about four hundred, carrying seven thou- sand hands. This is exclusive of lake steamers, schooners and barges, which carry a large number of men, and are constantly in the harbor during the shipping season. *Mr. JoImMillcn. ; II « I il \\ ih 49 Slmnld \uur LnrcMiii-s sec tit U) ,^nint. Imv the i-urposcs of the •• >LMmcn's mission," an old ship of war, whi. h eouKl he hrouyht over the Atlantic, the mission would fit il u]) as a place of public worship for seamen, and would alsi) fit up a siitablc iKMtion of it. as a rea.din- room for them, where they should ]mxc access to hooks, papers and writing materials. IVrsuaded that your Lordships are ever ready to promote the welfare of our seamen, it is not deemed needful to use argument to enforce the request now presented. The commander of a vessel visiting this Port has engaged to bring the ship over the ocean, should one be granted. This com- mander feels a deep interest in the object now presented." 'Jhis petition was signed by His Lordship the Anglican JJishop of Montreal, the Ministers ol each denomination in the city, and a number of leading merchants. It was favorably received by the authorities, and a dismantled vessel was offered, but further enquiry elicited the fact that the expense of fitting up and bring- iivr it to Montreal, would be very great ; this along with other d\m- culties, led to the abandonment of the plan. li T CITAl^TKR Vr. The year ISr,_^ was tni'y a dark one in the history of the A^^o, iation. The mnnbcrshii) had gradually decreased, and for some lime, it was imjiossihlc to <;cnire a quorum, even for the I'lirpose of taking the liallot for any names uliirh were proposed, and this- the prerogative of the meml)ersliip generally, had to he assumed by the members of the Committee, many of whom re- mained true to the trust reposed in them. One by one. the mission stations had been abandoned, and finall\- a meeting was held on the 17th Xo\ember. at which the President. (.\[r. Crafton). slated that the object of the gathering, was to consider the question of disbanding the Association. The attendance, however, was so small, fonly 9 present), that it was deemed inadvisable to decide the matter, until a larger gathering could be secured. Those who r.v/v present, however, favored tlie continuance of the work, and it was resolved : " That a Committee be appointed, consisting of one member from each of the denominations represented in the Assor iation. to take into consideration its present condition, and de\ise some means for its resu.scitation. and report at the annual meeting, to be held on the 24th."' At this time, the Association met in a room, in tlic >rechanics' Institute, having the use of the same for one hour per day, besides every Tuesday evening, for which privilege, the sum of $20 was to be ].aid for 4 months. (July to November), and on the ist of the latter month, the .\ssociation was homeless ; the meetinc^ of the ' ( ^ lA K; ■ \ MU ^'(.•^tioll had. tu a limiicd exicnt. l)ccn -m teil iqion 1)\- llic Cuin- niiitcc. an d til C m;cu nd a> put intu i>r.iiluc at llic adjournc djoi annual meeting, held Deteniber ist. when an el'ticient staff of ofticer;^ was elected, fiuni those who had runsented to act, and a large niiniber of names were proposed for membership. Light, ho\ve\er. appeared from amitlsl the gloom a. '. darkness which had so long encomitas^ed the work. The timeh' visits, to our ( itv. of Ke\. Mr. I lannnont ant other esangelists, had sent a thrill of life thruugh e\cr\- depart- ment (.if the Church of Christ, and the ranks of the nienibershii) gained large accessions of earnest } oung men. who, fillet,! w ith love for Christ and for jierishing souls, entered hearlil\ into Association work. There had also l.)een ( hosen. as e\en from being (as it had for a year or two been) little more than a committee supiiorting, and reporting the ,1 ( il\- mission, with its two missionaries, had become an active organization. ali\e in all its parts, and numbering over joo. Large and etlicienl sub-comn.ittees were cho>en, lo (airy on the several (.lepartmenls of labor, — the mission field, in partieular, reteiving large share of attention. The Committee in charge of this work was supi)lemented by the addition of 2 \ )oung men, to aid in carrying on the numerous meetings established in various parts of the city. An important work was also commenced among the soldiers, then in garrison, and tract distribul<:)rs regularl)- visited the several barracks. In order to reach, more effectual!)', the large numbers of young men who formed the regiments in garrison, a social meeting was held on I-Vbruary 14th, 1S63, to which all the (hristian soldiers were invited. About 75 responded to the in\itation, and they were mucli jileased with the meeting. 'I"hc As,;50ciation had. but fairly, entered into the new rooms, when a fire occurred in part of the same building, and slight damage was done \n the furniture, but repairs had scarcely been rompleted, when a ehange was again iKccssilated, by the J \\ ' I 53 refusal uf lli(.' landlijiil to Ic.^c tlu pixinisc^ fi-r religious nicctiiij^s. .\( (.'ordingl}-, a suite of r(M)ins. .I'ljuiiiiiiL; t!ie I'ost Ol'tue, wcrc nlitaiiK'J, and in Ma}'. 1S63. llio) wlto taken ['(.issossion ol". Ivirly in the year, a letter \\ a > resio!i ol" the " ( "ont'ederatcd Associations" had heen held in Xlv\' ( )rleans. in 1S60, A\hen it was \oted to liold the next Cuinention .it St. I.onis. At the time .ijijiointed, how- ever. se\eial of the States of the I'nion. \vhi( h included a consi- derable nuniljer of the members of the Confederation, were in rebellion r ,-.unsl the United States CiONernmenl. St. I.ouis was so seriousl} menaeed. a^ t() render it misafe to hold the Conven- tion, and the meeting was iiostponcd. The ( i\il war ha\ ing broken up the old Confederation, it w.is thought jiroiier. by the Central (Jommitlce. to re-organi/c upon a new basis, by imiting a// the Associations of the loval States and Ihitl^h Troxinces, to send delegates to the proj-osed Convention. Such were the circum- stances which called forth the invitation referred to. The invitation was accepted, and the delegates (3 in number) were directed, "if the}' see expedient, when there, to suggest the appointment of a pro- \ isional committee, to make arnmgements for ,\u adjourned Con- \ention, to be held in iS6.|. at which the i on^iilution, previously submitted to the Associations, shall be adopted, such amendments being made as a majority of the .Associations shall agree upon, and at which Conventitui. the re-organi/ation of the Confederation shall be comi)leted,— and further, that the .\ssocialions 1)0 invited to hold said Convention in the Cit) of >[ontreal." 'i'hc Conven- tion assembled on the 4th of June, and continued in session for 3 days. Several important matters were discussed, and aniong the resolutions was one strotigly condemnatory oi' slave-holding princi[iles. and expre-^^ing gratiluation "at the >top> already taken by the government of the I'nited States, for the removal of tlie I k A siibscriiiiiun liht was uiic'iK^l and in a lew weeks, nearly 54 L:ront ( ause of slavery, -the stint (>/ <\U iilhinits^' a> it was lerincd. The Conxenlioii ay the C<,Mnniittec was sill Ii. as lu lead to uur reunion w iih the brethren in Con\enlion, and the full reio^'nition of the ri^^lus of all ( hristian brethren, to meet on terms of common eiiuality. without reference to color. The \ear was marked b\- "Treat actixitv in e\er\- deuarlnient of labor. I'he mission work was most energetically carried on, and e\er)- eflbrt was put forth to render the rooms attractive and useful. .Mnio^; e\cvy evening was set apart for some special work : Monday exening, a french i lass : 'i'uesday evening, con- versations on S( riplure '-ubjects, and devijtii)nal everi ises ; Thurs- day, once a fortnight, debate.-) or essa) reading on subjects to be approved Ijy tlie .\>'>oi iatiun ; the alternate Thursday evenings to be de\oted to mu^ical classes: and l''ridav evening's, bible class ; \Vednesday and Saturdav-. were not pr(jvided for, the former being the e\ ening on w hich the weekl) Church meetings were held, and the latter being occupied. b\ most persons, in other necessary dutie>. In October, it was suggested that an effort should bo made to rai>e a fund for purchasing a Library of Reference for the use of meml)ers and Sabbath School Teachers. This sugges- tion was ac ted upon, by holding a social meeting, o;i the 29th December, to w hich all Sundav School Teachers were invited, and which was largelv- attended, by Superintendents and others. The plan was highlv- api^roved of, and the following resolution was unanimously ado[>ted : — ■•'111 u tills mccliiiLj rL'g.inl>llic -ultjccl piuiHi-ciI by ihc .Moiitie.il Vuiiiij; Mlh"- (.'liiisiinn .\s^Mi.i.'Uion, uf funning a liljr.niy of ilTcilmco, including .1 C'im]'lrlc .ui'l c'lricicnt cullccliun uf tlic wtuK- um.Tu! Ik .is>ist in the labour of "~'.jic uf llic 'I'diclicrs of llic Ciiy as an I gent necessity." t I ii U r !, ■ ! I . ' Vi ii. III ^ !i IA i I ;j.) $i,coo \V(.re >ul)Si;rn)csvd tl'.ro iL;Ii, and at Its dose, tlic nicrnbcrs lind cause for renewed ihaiiks to (Jod, for a rontimianrc (A niitward si^ns of fa\or, and for an enlarued sol-.i^re and nv/ans of usefulness. More spacious rooius were se< ured on St. James Slrei ;, and were entered in .Nfay. The Mission ut/.k ",\as prosecuted with more than usual cUcr;;}' and success. 'I lie plan prepatcd and rules ado{)tcd by tlv mission committee of the jireNUOus year, were carcfuily adhered to. and willi a large >taff of earnest wo'kers, the field was full}- occu[)ied. ()f the 13 districts, into which the < ily had been di\i- (\i.'{\, 9 uere taken \\\) by the Associatioii, two of the remaininj^ districts oHercd no field, l^ein.:; inhabited .dmu.-^t b)- I'ren.'h Roman '^"alholics, .and tlie third district was found under tlie cftlcient charge oi a nvission, connected with one of the 1 itv clvarchcs. Twcntv meetiniis were held ueekb-, s,,iiic'i)f the brcth ren ha\!ncr liad to walk twice a week, in fiir wither ;;nd fnul, two and three miles lo their posts. The benefit to those engaged was mn-.\ apparent, some of tiicin ha\ing decided to de\'ote tlu-mselvcs more entirely to inini-<- lerinl r^r missionary labor. The Sabbath l',\cning Meeting whirh had formerly mei on College Street, was, this \ear. tran ierrcr,e name and memory .still li\es in the hearts df thousands, whose li\cs were once • juickened by his fiilh aiid (juiet /cal, and \vho?.e man\ prayers for the seamen i oming to this \>ovi, h:\\>; not remained unanswered. \\ lien tiie Assiu iation took up the field, a }ear or two after his death, it was the onl)- organized .agency at work, for llie sjiiritual good of the seamen, but now others entered die licld. 'I'he Sailors' Institute, founded and managed, for some time, by a member of the Association, sprang out of our seamen's mission, and co operates with us (in their l3elia]f, working more especially for the temporil benefit of sea-fa ring-men. lly the kind co-operation of the .Strickland Society (a society of young ladies attending ^'rs. I.ay's Seminary) the Missionary was enabled to make u\) ship's libraries for small vessels. 'I'liat they were appreciated is clearly shewn bv the fjllow ing e\tra( t from a letter received. "I h.T\e much plcxsurc in inrniining you. tli.il llic limiKs yu) put on hoai'l 1.1 I \(;y.i^c Iktvc bft-ii M-ry much rcn.l .iinl lii_L;li]y ai'i-ricialeil by ilie men aivl hoy- on ]«kw\ ■ an.l \lvy weie greatly 'lili-hieil wlun I loM them ilmt tlicy wcie -ent l»y -oiik- V'.i.'g l.ndii'-, who ueic l.in.l iiioul;!'. to lal>e an iiitcre-t in >ailnr-, anl.Ue, .iiul of uhai it is to be.'' The visitation of tlie irosi-iials, Jail, Ilefuges, and other Institutions, was pron^^lly attended to, and 5770 visits were made to the i^oor and suffering. Several imjiortant changes were made during the year. The work of the Committee having become too heavy for the honorary officers, and the claims of )oung men, especially strangers, upon its good offices being much neglected, it was resolved to engage a General Secretary, who should take charge of this department ; accordingly the writer of these pages was engaged and entered upon his duties early in the month of March. Shortly after this, Mr. Massey's connection with the Association ceased, after.eleven years earr est labor, and the following resolution was placed on record. "Thai tliis Association Muccicly rci;rcls llic neccs^ily of pmlinii with Nfr. Massi.v, v,holKi> hccM counccle'l with u> in Mi.sion-woik for the past dcvcn year, ; and lie has ovv wannc-,t .wishes un- liis succos in whatever ^l.llel■e I'lovi.lcnce may call him to." I lis place was filled by one of the founders of the Association Rev. Chas. P. ^Vatson, who for many )'ears had been a Pastor in London, Ont. Mr. Watson's special attention was directed to young men. For the first time in the Association's History the question of branch association was now n^ooted and was fre.piently discussed. (Jf the action taken in this matter, we .shall be called to speak while recording the labors of a subseijuent year. i I J ^' urn !l 1' li ji h'l M ^ fl I l'\ i; f. ' 'I ViJ \i V:i' ,1.U I ,A< Hi' r .'■'-"» -fin '^r-^. • ' \l \ \ , ^r^-^i' I ;«f. 'Ml-! ■■* t 1 >: 1 1 f r t •) i ! I'' « J f r ' '^ i iJS^ r.rr,trWJ CHAPTER VII. 'Hie year 1S65 was one of outward growth in numbers and influence, but retrogressive in jjoint of missionary lal)ours. The committee liad to contend with sorely straitened finances, and numerous clianges in tlie working staff. Owing to tlie formation of another non-denominational (^il}- Mission Association, it was thought wise, in order to a\oid complications in arrangements, that our Association should withdraw for the tin-.e heing, from general City Misi^ion work. Our missionarj's Ld)ors were therefore during the summer montlis, directed almost entirely to the seamen, while in winter, he was engaged in fostering the coinage meetings, and other labors of the members, in this uKinner, tlie attentiijn of the .\ssociati(;n was directed more towards doing good to. and by }oung men. The work among the soldiers was still prosecuted, the nature of which is well set forth ir.' the following re[)0rt ]iresented by the ( hairman of the Committee charged with the work. " The Tr.Tcl \o)rk .imony; the >()lclicr^, in Cdnncdion wlih llic Association, coiniiiencL'il ihrec and .1 half ycnrs .ngo liy myself in llic Culki^e Street Bar- racks. Tlie two baltailions of (Juanis, on tlicir nrii\al, were vi-ilcl hy Mr. .Ma--ey, your Lite missionary, and myself, Inii an order !ia\ing hecn received from il'.e anlhorities at iiomc, to ilie effect ' that no Tract di-tMlnitors could he allo'.cd to \isit liie hanacks ri,.cupicii liy llie (luards,' we v.rre ol>!iL;ed to (h.'sist ; this order, ho'Aever, referrinj^ to tiij /;,'./■/, of llie Imi r.ick« onl\ , I took llij opiiort'.uuly of L;iviny li.icl- to llie men a- lliey pas-ed in and out from the sUeels ; in liiis wa)' a lar^^e ninnber of religioiis papei> foiirid tlieir \\ay from time t'l time in-ide tile barracks. The work continued in ihi.s manner for nearly three years vvhcii the Ciuaids relmned home, their places heini; fdled by others, 'r \M i :ri ^1 in iV \ , \ 59 ami llic aiilliMriiic^' ni.lfi- li:uin^' icfciciKic: tu llic (iiKiid-. oii/y, wiili tlic avsis- lancc (if f\ni)i;-.,;r yciunc; nirui. tlu-.o of ilio rcL^imcut-, iMj^iilKi' with the lio-jn- !al, c-iiUcciii anil ini.U'l-iMuui-, were ici^ulnrly vi>iuil, almut vlcvcii liumlrcd iracts given auay, on tliu avcr.iL;c, cwvy Sablulli. 'Ihiuugh ill iRaltli, my cnnipani.Mi w.i- oMi^cd l the wnik. Mi'. Hrown, a inuin- bi-T of the A-'icialion, -uucL-clc'l liini, and warmly cntci .d into llic work, I'lin-ing with him three mnvc helpeis. Since then the whole of the ganiMtn, !^uard-iouiu>, canteens, \c , w ith the CACCjition of the ^oih Regiment, have liecn regularly vi-ited anuffieiem time at their di-posal have fre'iuenlly converged with the men, i)re->ing ujimii them earnestly and affection- ately the iinporlance of -eeking the Sa\iuur, and by mi doing h.avc met with nuich lo enci'Uinge them. One brother w rile.- me in Ajiril last :— ' A >oung soldier jirore-.-e-. to have found the Saviour through the in-iuinjeiitality of r.rother I'".' And ihi- i- not a -oliiary iiUanee of good being done. <^)uite a number of M,lilier> from the different regiment- i|uarlered in the city lia\e lately joined one of our churche-, man) of \vhom more or le-- attribute tlieii' eonver- -ion under Uod to the per-onal and alTectionate entreaties of our brethren, Mr. Ihown and his helper-. Ii will aUo be remembered that during the t.iuards" slay here not a few of ihem weie brought to love the Saviour ; the judgmenl day will alone re\eal the inlhience the-e simple me.--engcrs of peace exerted on the heart- and coii-eiences of ihe-e men, many of whom we trust are now with us, brethren in our Lord and Saviour JcsUs Chri-^t. 1 may also state that your Committee last -umnier ajiplied to the proper authoriiies for i)ermission for a member of the a--ociatiim to visit St. Helen's Idand on Sundays during the -ummer with tract-. They immediately ctjiiiplied with the request; an order being given to me 'o cro-s in the garrison boat on Sunday afternoons which I did regularly di-lribuling about 700 tract- c\ery Sabbath among the 6oih Kiiles, Aitillery and i\oyal laigineer- (luartercil there. I invariably received from them, b'.tli officer- and men, the greatest kindne— , many of them frc'iuently evpie--ing tl'.eir gratit\ide to the A--oeialion through me for their kindne-s in -upplving tlier.i with religion- reading. Tinie >'. ' ;iol permit me to _ have freiiueiit convcr-ation with the men, but when opportunities occurred I entered into coiner-aiiou witli them, peiinting out lo them the importance of eternal thing-, a:; 1 wa- alway- listened to, will: ili.iughil"ulnc-- and attention. 'I'hc number td" iMcLs clisiribiitctl, up to Jiiuo, I))' lhi^' iii.slfu- uicntalit}-, was 34.900. ** i 1:1: 60 A very iini>orlam work was coninK-nred in llic fall of 1S64, and ( anifd on during this, and the sutcccdini; )car bv the uiission- •irics of the Assoriation, when it was assinned by tlie Protestant Ibni-eof Indi!stry and Refuge, and has since been (arricd on, most etViciently, by the Committee of management of that valuable Institution. While the work has been transferred from this Asso- ciation, its nnssionary renders valuable assistance during the wmter months. Reference is licre made to that work now [)cr- iiirmed b} the " Out dour relief Committee of the House of Refuge. I'ur some time, diliH iillies had been experienced while dealing with the I'oor, and iiian\- unworth\- ones imposed, not only u],on one missionary, but upon each in lurn. Often, had these dilticuliies been spoken of to each other, when fmall)-, by invitation <'f a C:hristian gentleman, ='= (a member of the Association), the missionaries of the city assembled at his residence, and discussed plans whereby their labors might be rendered more efficient. It was felt that some central jikue should be secured, where all miglit meet, and where the jjoor could also receive relief. The Association rooms were offered for this purpose. Hut a more serious obstacle now arose. To ask tlie jjoor to come, would be a mere mockery, if notliing was I'rovided to relieve their wants. This difllculty was remo\ed by the offer (immediately made) from the gentleman referred to, who agreed to i-ersonally furnish, for some time, all that might be needed. The Lord having oldened the way for the work, it was at once entered upon, and one day in each week was, at first, set apart on which to mevt the j^oor, but the number increased so iaj)idly, that ere loiig the missionaries were daily in attendance. The religious interests of the poor were also attended to. and a i/ra\er mectins was Iield from 9 to 10. a. m., each day. after which the cxami- nali'in of cases presented was entered upon, and relief extended I i I .11 i h !i 1 I ' 1! * Mr. J. .\. M.Tihcu>on. ^^ -I 1 l\ i. '•/ I Gl n^ mi-ht be tl-.uu^lu necessary. 'Vhc umk was ])n)Ui;ht under tlK' notice of tl.c I'Viblic, .nul dunatie.n^ of money, provisions and clothing, were -cnl in to ihe rooms. Durin- the Hrsl year's operations the total amoimt of donations received was $i,n7-75- Number of ca^es relieved ist mondi, 437 ; -'^^^ "^"'^^''' ''^'^3 i 3rd month, 1.892 : vM month, 1,13-' ;-total 5,124. Most fami- lies were relieved twice a week, 06 cords of Wo>k1 were distributed among 437 families; ,,000 lbs. good Soap and 2:8 parcels of Clothing were given to the poor, and many persons were pro\ ided with situations, while several were al^o sent from the City. As already stated, this work, at the end of two years, was taken up by other friends, in whose hands the work has largely grown, but has alwa\.. Ijcen amply provided for. The news of tlie assassination of Abraham Lincoln, President of tliC United States, sent a thrill of horror through, not only the land over which lie had so ably presided for 4 years, (and whose people had just testified their approval of his upright walk, by re- electing him for a like term), but the whole civilzed world was moved with horror and sorrow. At a meeting of the Montreal A'^sociation, held April iSth. 1865, the Committee was instructed " to laepare and forward a letter to the Young Men's Christian Associations of the United States, sympathizing with them in the present aftlictive circumstances of their nation." The letter prepared was as follows : — l",i;i.uvtD Drefuke-V, Wc are proniplcJ by kcWn-. of warm ..iTcclinn .^.ul deep ^ynipallo' l^ aa>hc.> word, of co-a.lolence lo you .u Uii. lime of your n.uion's .adncs^ an.l ^orrow. • Vo.ir l.md i. l!-.;< d.-iy fall of moumiug .iiul l.inicnlalion, for the hr\ml of ihc Lonl hr.^ 1^.n l.-.M I'.cavily upon you. One to ^^luMn all eyes have been lurnca f^)r more t:::^n r>;ir year., a. huhlin- in hi^ Inn-l^, under God, tr J desli- nie.uf your naUon, an I the welfare of millions ln> Muldenly fhllcn, not [ 62 cr.i-lic.l .Iviv.ii l.y ihcnccunr,. '■••.' 1 c.-,iv>. nnxictic- an.] .Tr,i;i.,n> duties uf hi. !ii-li I'j'ilioM .1-, Clii. ;' Kiilii of .-. ...Jity nr.lion, Imt suickcn dijun by tlic cnid lia!i'l of a liiutnl as. a. -in. At tlic liii.c uc wilic. i:.';iiun'< arc n.-ciiiMiiig in oanhly temple-, en ;liis s'licnin funcial .lay, to diup tl.e mnumcr"- tear, to jioiir forth their hiunhic C'/iifc-iiin-. eariiL'-t -upi.licati.'iis tcmlcr Lc-ccchinj;-; and fervent prayers lo the All-Mifiicieiit CikI, that in the day i.f ilieir nation's calamity, He would l.c merciful unto them. Let u-, thou-h dwelling in anollicr land, and beh.ngin- to an.^thcr nalinn, dru]) the .-ympatlietic tear with you who mourn the l(l^^ of yur.r -real an.l j^ood rrc-ident, AnKAHAM Li.NC0l..\. Vour lo>s \\c fee! is, lu no -mall extent, our own !u->. an wc think of you a> a jicoplc, >o long afilieted with the terrilile -Conrgc of war, you, who ju-l a- tlic dreadful .-laughter of the batile-field wa-> di-a]iixariiig before the e\tende'^ li.ii.piiK-^ yet icnuins to l.c tluUC. A> a Vuani^ Men'^ Cliii-liiii Association .^ock to full'il tlie >ncrc.l work lo uliiJi )oa Invc '^ccii cillc.!, l.y >houin- forlh the truth n> it is in Jc.ik. Willi n^-uiuncc^ f.f Mii.:cre cMccni aivl .k-qi .uvl fcrvcnl -ympathy, \Vc aie ilcar I'.rctlircn, iS;c. This letter was received willi inuc h kindness by those lo s\h.)in it was addressed, and repHes full of affection and -rati- tude were received from many of the Associations. In I S66, seventy new members were added, and the Asso- dation once again changed its rooms. While those occupied until May of this year, were very desirable in point of locality and accommodation, it was considered adviNable to remove to less expensive premises, and a portion of the building, at the corner of Craig and Alexander Streets, was leased from the liible Society for a term of } ears, at a moderate rental. 'I'his year was not remarkable for any special efforts beyond diose of former \ears. In September, an exceedingly interesting Dible Class was organized, under the leadership of Principal Dawson, L.L.D. At the opening meeting o\.r 150 were present, and a like niunber continued to be present every Sabbath during the session. The regular meetings of the Association were maintained wiili considerable interest, and with blessed results to : some who attended. Social meetings were held monthly, and proved of great value in rendering members belter acquainted ] with one another, and tended to promote good will and fellow- { ship. The "Fenian raid" took place during this yeai, and the '■ President, Mr. Pentley, offered the services of a number of the members, to aid the Cili/ens Relief Committee in delivering par- cels at the various camps, and at the same time to aid in caring for the spiritual necessities of the volunteers. "v f 64 The offer wns nacpf.I. nnd during the ux-ck or ten days tluu ihe volunteers ucre on duty, e,u h ramp was visited, and in addi- tion to aid rendered to the Relief Committee, the delegates distri- buted a large quantity of religious, and other reading matter. I'rayer meetings uere also held in the ..mips whenever prac- ticable, and the reports of the delegates shewed that every assis- tance in their power, was rendered them l)y the officers. •n.c fu-t vi.ii wa. mn.!. v> the camps at St. Jol,n. an.l .St. Annands. At tl.oc cami,s the (Icleyates were greatly assi.tc.l I7 the kinrlness of Cols. Pip,.,, and I-aneulu) fuini.hed any passe, which might be ncccs.arv, and in other wny, aided them in their Labors. The men gladly received the tracts and l.ai-er,, and wl,en it wa. kn.u n in the camp that they were being dis,ribu,..I Ihe men might be ^een running afur the delegates, and requesting iluu they nnght also have some. .Some of the n,en were very earnest in their thank, an.l the brethren who visited the^e camps, report that they felt themselves amply repaid f„r any inc,.nveniencc they may have experience.!. The subsc- MUent visits to tlie camps at at Huntingdon and Durham, religious services « ere held in Ihe church an,l barrack-room, and were well attended ; the men listened with deep attention to the remarks m.idc, an im .nv^' of \\\-(lnrMl;iy. June 19th. It is not ne- ^e^^^.ry to dwell ni ;i ihc nicetings hold during the 5 days over uliieli ilu* ((in\( ill 11 extended. I'hc labors attendant upon the arrani,'enieni^ net ' ir\ for sik h a gathering were most arduous, and wliile it i-- imi". ^hle to recount all those uho faithfully and imiiringlv laboted, 1! is hut justire that t!ie names of T. James Clnxton. Messrs. J, R. Dougall and D. I'.entley, President, who acted as a Pro\i'.ioiial Committee of anangements, should here be [ilaced on remitl. I'o the assiduous attention of the Honorary l>lerej)tion Couuniiiee much was also due.* 'l"he arrange^ulU^ for the reception and entertainment of the delegates, were pcifcct. Tlic nieeting of welcome was held in the new Amcrit.m rie^bvierian Church, and was jnesided over by Major General Ru-^-^cll, a de\oted, and hum])le c hristian, as well as a brave soldiei. Among the speakers was Sir Henry Havelock, son of one, whose name is "familiar as household words." The speeches were earnest, and as the meeting closed, all hearts were melted into unison, .;nd different nationalities were forgotten. A glance at >one of the leading features of the convention will suffice to sIkw :> nature. . ■! cJtaiiUtcr aiiii tciuioicy :^xc noteworthy. That ■ lions, who had been for years in excited di- '. constant and siill-existing causes of irrita- nvention, upon the boundary-line between . hold endearing commiuiion, and discuss, t questions, without one imgracious allusion .mces, was in itself a marvel. In no former . .n possible, and in it we see tlie power f)f "Its i>i(tn:,ii'. the citizens of i"-' plomatic relaiio.'.v tion, should moc them, and foi .'. ^ and con< hide ir.". to jiast, or jirescv, ,. aiic could this '..•.\ . .i_:.: : " Major Oencr.'i! "i\- • I.. U., Me^.rs. K K i- v i.;cr. aiul ottiers. n, Hon. James l\rrlcr, M I. C I'riiKiial I1.i>*v,h, |„ ; .\1..LC111KU1, J.il.K-. C..u>t, ll.nii I >„•..•.). C:..-..!r> \lr...„ \ \\ it n : 1 J r, ;i Inic Chriiti,i)iit\' to Ijiiid toLTolhci- in lusiiiL; bru'JKrhodd all ttic iiKiiibds of His Ijody. The hiLrher Christian iinitv was ri.'(0"iii/ccl, and a lrcat\- of affection was foiniod. more firm and enduring, we believe, than tan be made in tiie studied words of worldly di[)lomacy. And during the progress of the meetings, and to their close, the delegates from Xorthern States and Soiuhern. engaged in jnMNer andi)raise, and fraternal conimunion with llritish officers and Canadian Christians, as all one in Christ Jesus. That great t-ff(Yti:\- /^owrr »vas embodied in the Conrention. no ob^er\"e^ could doubt. A \iew c>f the si\ hundred delegates in eoimual intellei tual \ igor. Not a few nanies known, and more yet to be known, were there : and the discus>i(;ns, terse, pertinent, and ^harjjly defined, exhibited a power rarely equalled, to grapple with the nio^l dil'ficult themes. And this jjower was rendered si)ecialiy ell'ecti\ e in their discussions. If there be one element of efticiency. more than others, resistless in the mi^)sionar\- mo\enients of the age. it is that fer\id /eal which fires every emotion, and sends f(jrth the words of exhortation like wliitc-heated bolts of llame. reaching the heart^' 'A all hearers. ^Vords of wi^di)m, aglow with lo\e, ami guided b\ the Holy Spirit, find no armor >j'i callou5>nes-> or deiira\it\. which lhe\ cannot pie.ce. 'I'his fervid /eal marked the entire proceedings of the Convention. It need ^(.arcel\ be >.iid tluit such a body was Jiannonioiis ; tor intelligent and zealous Chri^tian^ laboring with a single purpose should be a unit. lUit here lliere was sc.U' ly' a divided xote, or a sNinptum of discord. mt feeling, in tlie di^cusiion-^ of the entire session. We can account for thi^ rare un,;nimit)' onl\ b) the fact that ihe-'C >i\ liundred men. during the i ,'rne>l di^< ussioiis of four days ,ind nights, upon \er\ important .mil dilficitli themes, were actuated b\ the siiV'le desire to .;loiif\ ( .od in the s.d.,itioii oi I I i f tr T-^" rr~ rr — iT-r- j-i- — Tr -TT— .if-:.-ir- :iv-::i7-~:v:i-~X. _V -Jjxr" "i . .' .- J. IId; ':r r CHAPll.R MIL '■\jr .>cvcral }< ir.-> tliv dclo^jntcs to ihe IiUcrnniionnl Convcn- liuii', lia'l cNtcnded iiniLilions to meet in >r()nirc.il. llitlieitD lh(.\- li.ul nut Lccii -u(.(i.->^fi!l, not froni any want of (lc'.irc on tlie \K\x\. of iIk- 'M'ctlirc'i to \isit o\ir city, .)Ui fsuni a tlnii com idiijn tliat the < .lUse woiilti 1 e more htnetlted bv meelinir in other cities. .\t ihe ( 'on\ '.ntion held in All inn)-, it was decided tliat the Twelfth Annual C'dnveniion .should a.^^emble at Montreal, antl accordingly on the \'j\\\ c^f June, 1867, after ■ \.\\<>c of 1 i years, the members <»ncc more well ' d tlie brethren cf ih : Unit- d States and Ihitish I^o\inres. \\liat j^reat charge^ had taken ]ilare in ihe interval ! Political. So. iai, and R'- I'lie I'nited States had j/assed through years of try// during uhiih thousands of it-, yomig men had licii.-.hed on ill.-- battle field, manfully battling to protect and sustain the union, and from these trials, the na.tion had come forth, ptirged of the fearful curse of slaverv, 'J'hc British Pro- .imes, whi'h iIilH were in all matters sep.u-ate and distinct, were now to a great extent united in om- drand Confederation, and nder the title of the Dominion ^d <,'anada, had but a month or so i>re\ious, taken het jilace among ihe nation^ of the earth, as an v<|,iial. In sot ial 1 aring-- ■ nilly great changes had been wrought, while m the Chri-tian worM still greater ad\.ince had been made. In no reSjiect v.a.> ihi-. moi.- evident, on this '• . tinent, than in the grL).. th of Associations. In 1856, 35 Associations were represented by 'jS delegates, now .Montreal welcomed 597 re- gularh, accredited delegates, rcjcesenting ic6 .\ssociations. Ihese I 08 ^.u;N: la.illy ..^rcung lu huM in abc) ,nv. all i-.i>uiial tcclmrs ur .>i/miun^ ^^hi< h miglu mar ihc harmony. Th.u ilK- Coincmiun \va> .omwoscd ..f men wiili th- true ,;,,7v..w-:w/,>.- of spirit and inirposc, uliich carries foruanl the ^'i'tune^ uf Chri.l's kingdom, va,^ evident to all. While they re- , ,,-rii/ed. and wisely dellned ib.eir relation, lo then- various charehes. as bound each to labor for the building up of his own bvaneh of Z.on. ihey yet felt that there wa. a - onnnon platform ,,l„j,i which they could stand, and. joimng hand lo hand, could iiiareh with increased power against the enemy of souls. l-.verv delegate seemed to feel thai he had a work to do, and, ,„ luanble' imitation of his r.reai Ma.ter in His mighty achieve- n.eni nf the world's redempliun. was Mraitened until it he accom- pl,,,hed. -nu: discussions and deliberations all lended lo the one j„,ini. How can we bc'st concentre and intensify our plans for ib.e .a,vin:iofvoungmen? Whal means will mo>i surely reach and .in the thousands now imperilled, or (.n their way to ruin? .\nd •diey returned home filled with a resolute purpose, and fired wilh a holy zeal lo labor more aggressively lo this end." A ^omewhal remarkable coincidence occurred during this convenlion. Il has been recorded in a previous part of this work, how the Montreal .\ssocialion had been foremost in die ranks, lu laking a decided stand against the exclusion of colored brethren from Ib.e Membership of .Associations. Il was now her pleasing lot lu welcome a convention, in uhich for they/r.7 lime,colored young „,en Christian F.rethren -were received a. acediled delegates. A^ a matter of interest, the follouing eUr.cl from the olficial re- cord of the con\ention is inliodnced. ■ 1,. V. C. I'.alo \Nas called upon lo reiiort foi the Colored As- ..,.,a.iLn of NewN-ork City- the ilr.t Association of colored voan. men ever organized. Mr. l-Uo came torward lo the plat- i '< ' t: if IV,; i;it lonn, al llic rc>iiK-l <.t" iIk' PreMtlcni, >iiul ua.-; aTcivcd with llic -rcalc-l cntlui>iaMn l.y ilic Cuiivcntiun. He ^aid : Ml. I'lcM^lem an.l |-Ii,i~ti:in liictliicn,- 1 ixj-icc lh;U, n~ n ivpix-cuLUivc nfilK' N\w.V.,rl.G.!..rc! Vnun-Mcir^airi.tian Aw.Jalinn, I ^tan-1 undn- ihc L;l,,riuu- ll.i-nf IIci M..-1 <-...Kiuiw MajL-^lv, an.l uiu.n ihc-.il ,..f Cana.l.., vvIhto 1 ,nany uHny laxllnxn, -mcc on-Iavd, now, ib.u.k CkI 1 fovov.r free, have f,,un.l an a^vlum. I L...nc l.cf.nc y.m lo rciac.uU llic (n.l Clin^lian A^-.cia- ,i,.n ..f col'.rccl youni; nu-n csor c^lal-li^licd, i.lanU-a by l!>c Young Mcn'> (Jlnislian A^M-Jatinn nf ilic Cily of Xcw-Vurk, ^uni. tl.ac nmnlh^ ago. At our h.M UK-.tiug only dcvui i.a>nns became meml.e.->, bul nou xxe base tifly- luo nanu- ui^.n llie ,.>11. Ou." aligiou^ meetings have ln■^^c.l f. be a .leci.led sucee^^, an.l ue have abea.ly beci able lo ^^ilne.. >umc uf liie ble.-e-l result, unenaliug fnan ihcu,. We feel. Mr. I'.eM.lent, ihal ihe i.aelieal work .,f rc- f..,,n ,u.l ,eeun-imeli.,n f,.' nur b^elhren of ihe South, nu.4 be M,eiation, thai ^^ecle.ireto r,rm -nnilar ..ne^ .ulM.le ..f the City ■>( Xe^^-Vork. The polilieian. of the c.MUUrv nuv do nu.J. to ree-.n^truet -eiely, an-l o-are the freed..m of the ^nn. „f AHiea, but we need the relining proees^e^ .f Christianity In make „: then, g,.„l, irue, n..ble eUi/en^ an.l u..,r>lni>i.ers of Go-l. it i^ ihi, that i^ the mu^l powerful ageni in the wnrk. Thanking y-u, tian brellncn, for y^ur kind weleon>c, I ean only s.y that, ^^i.h the b.le^Mng of C;o "f iim resuluiion was uttered Washington Cily.) and h\.-.!icJ, That the (. ..iinnillee on .\-v.,eiaii'Mi> ■■. u..- .-.,..■- - .tn.ele-l to rci^.n .ueh nua^ure. a^ in their ju-lgmenl uUl be^t pn^mote the fonnali.n> of ^■..;ng Men'. Chri.lian A^Mxiathm- amung the colore-l brethren Ihro'ighout the L'nitea Stale- aiu! the ihiiisli Province-^." ""■riic iMllle liad l.een fuught--lhe Nielory won -might had been overcome- ri^;ht. was tlie victor;— For right i- right, >iucc (hmI i-> Co'l, An-l right the day nnt-t win ; To ih.ubi wiiuia, bo (!i-loyalty, To fancr \vo\il(l be ^in. M I 70 The tinic of lliL •..n\cntiun was alinot lm lu^ivcl)' (!c\otcd to bi'isincs^, llic oiil} I' -'- i.uioii fiom this lulc lia\ iiii; been made for th.e jiurpose of attei;. "ig a Coiicert of Sacred Music, ^\hich was gi\eii on Thuisday c ; ning, at the \'icloria Skating Rink. At this Concert, the Orclioira niu-ilered 50 i)erforn rs, and tlie dionis consisted of 200 voices, tlic wliole being coiiductcd by Professor Torrington. I'etweeii three and four lliousand jiersons were jircsent. On Monda)- following tlie clo^c of the lonventioii, the delegates, by invitation of (the late) Mr. Joh.n Redjjath and Mr. Josei)h Mackay, sjieiu the day in a 'ccial w.iy, on the l.ieautiful grounds of the former, and it was not until the shadows of c\ ening were growing long, that all had departed. V>y night most of the delegiUe.s had said good-b\e to the friends by whom they had l.ieen entertained, and had gone to their homes in various parts of the continent. In a previous cha[>ter we ha\e ref^rretl to a proposal that I'.raiK'h .\ssociations should be formed. This was now < arricd into effect. A meeting, called by ad\ erlisement. .as held in Point St. Charles on the 20lh December, 1S66. for the purpose of taking sudi stejis as might be nccessr.r}- for the orgari/ation of a Young -Men's Christian .\ssociation. I'he attendance was large, and after discussion a Constituti*.in was adopted, and oftice-bcarers elected. A Committee was appointed to meet with the otlicers of th< Montreal .\ssociation. and on the 7th Jan.jary. 1867, this Com- nn'ttee submitted as the result of the^ix labours a draft of B) -Laws I'repared by them wi- the assistance and co-opieration of the . Montreal .Wociation. Their Report ^..mi/.ation of the Point St. Charles .\s- the ■' Montre>'.! Young Men's Christian -led. 'i'his Pram h • vntiniied its opera- tions for two \ear-. wlv. . it was disbanded. While the energie fS our members liad (durhv^ the early Cjeneral Ci^mmittee ol was adopted, and the sociation. as a P>ran( h Association "' was < o. »\ \ 71 I'art (jf the y<.ar) Iilvp to >i great c\t<.nt a1i>oil)od in jiroparation fwr the ronvciition. th.c general work liad pkjI liceii neglected. 249 new menil)er> were added tu the roll, and tlie ini>sion meetings were sustained witli nndiuiinished number^ and interest, \\-hile conversions in some of them, nnu h encouiaged the workers. A course of lertures w;is deli\ered -classes in l-'reneh, and for Liter- ary [iursuits, wc-re organized, an<] Prim ipal Dawson's iiihle Class, wu'^ reorganized after the snmiiKr vacation, with an attendance equal to, if not exceeding that of former _\ears. and as a result of the convention, three liberal sub'^criptions were proffered, condi- tionally, that a building should be erei ted for the Association, but after careful inquiry, the conclusion was arrived at, that the time had not vet ( onie when it would be possible to carry out such an enterprise, although the hope was exi)ressed that the day was drawing nii:h. when, bv the liberalitv of the wealthv merchants of the >ion. and dciK-ral Committee. Prior to their departure from theCitv, a t";irewe!i so< iai gathering was held, and at the conclusion (jf an aflecting and earnest address the General and Ca[)t. Malan retiuesled thai tlieir names sluiuld be retainei.1 upon the roll of members, with the>e words added thereto: "Absent on duty." 'i'he subjeiii.l>on i.f Cic-.Tr .M;ilaii 72 • was feared tliat di^t;;:' .miccs woiild cn^iic. .\ttcmi(jii was, Iiuu L-\cr, again drawn to the ii..; ortanco of Midi an el'fort, and after < onsiil- tation witli llie Mir.!;.r> of tlic City, and also liasing received a>^tirani e from tlie !' 'it c Aulliorities tliat they would protect, to die extent of their j- ''er, thos^ who iniL^ht take pari in the meet- ini;--. the field was entir-d upi.Mi. and three stations were selected,- - I'oint St. Charles, the wharf, and Hochelaga. 'I'he iiio-,t success- ful was that held upon the wharf, \,hich resulted in the con\-ersion of some precious souls, One \ounL; man awakened at this meet- ing, subseqiientl)- became a decided Chri^lian, and is now a most dj'oted and •>ucceS',ful .Nfinister of the Gospel. The workings of the Association during 1869 and the greater ])Ortion of the fi;llo\'ting years, were silent _\el effective. N'o s])ecial outward signs were \isil)le. yet the attention of the Chris- tian Public was being graduall}- drawn to the im])ortant objects had in \ iew b\- its members, and the pn^^perity, whii h by Cod's l)le>:>ing attended the efforts of the pa^t, ga\e promise of greater success ill the future, if the}' should j)ro\e faithful to the trust com- mitted to them. A pleasing feature of a meeting held Aj)ril 4. nSjo, was the attendance of His Royal Highness Prince Arthur, on which occasion an address was jtresented to him. He remained during the greater part of the e\eriing, and took cunsiderable interest in the short addresses deli\ered b}- some of the mem- bers, and also in the detailed accouiu of the workings of the Association, as given \.y the President, (Mr. Claxlon). 'Hie latter part of the saiiie jear saw the successful inauguration of a plan for the erection of a building for the .\sso( iation. and the (ordial manner in whi< h the same was recei\e(l by all (lasses of the t (^mn. nity, clearly demon-itraled, not only that the building was felt to be a necessiiv, but also that the frienc is o f th e Associ.'.ion were willi ng to (urnish the necessary funds. .V detailed account of all the steps taken in tlii^ im])()rtant !i i I ■i ( ! 'I , ! 73 1 invcincnt uill be ;^ivcn in a MibsciiuciU (liaplcr. During; tlic )(.ar large act t•^^ion.s were i.iailc lo ihc iiK-inbLTshiii, which now iuiinbcri.d 6:4. The Library was also increased, over 300 volumes havinij been given by the Pre-^ident. The special labors among N'oung Men were aNo much ble-^sed during this and ihc two suc- ( ceding )ears. In December, 1S70, an Act of Incoritoration was procured, empowering the Associati(jn to hold proi^erty, and, in accordance with the Act, a new constitution and by-laws were adopted. At the close of the year 1S72, the i^osition of the Association, financially and otherwise, was most satisfactory. 'I"hc year 1S73, has been marked by a measure of success in almost every department, c'lual to, and in some instances sur- j)assing that of any former year. The Mission work, although scjmewhat curtailed, has been most energetically prosecuted. The [)rinc ipal field occupied has been that among the seamen, and almost e\ery vessel entering the port has been \isited, and the sailors spoken to. concerning t'lOse things which pertain to their eternal welfare. A number of earnest workers, under the direction ijf the chairman, h.ave ably se'-onded the labors of the Missionary, and have united in making the Hethcl Service alike interesting and profitable. The Harbor has been divided into 10 districts, and the tract distributors have Iteen almost invariably received kindly, and ui sonie instances have received thanks from the the seamen for tlieir services. Over 45,000 pages of tracts have been distributed, while 6:6 visits have been made to river craft, and over 300 to sea.-going vessels. In addition the Missionary's report All the meetings of the Associ.uion ha\e lieen well sustained, and a marked spiritual interest has been ap]>arent among those who attend. In special efforts on behalf of }Oung men, the results are cheering. Kmployment lia> been obtained for many, while over 300 Were directed to comfortable boarding places, Upwards of 200 ndditionnl mL•mlH•r■^ ha., iianics arc on ilic liocu. Uiiue to niinihcrs. as w l ual objects, lioly stix-i . \aluc tlian numerical ]<., aiul feci tliat the hopes < 74 ^•n retei\ed. making over i loo whose \\"c would n(jt attach undue impor- .ow that, in the altainmeiu of all si>:rit- ,. of iharatler is of infmitely greater .ns. \\"e look l)a< k o\er the past \ears, the mo^t snnnuine ha\e not been dis- apjjointed by the mea-uie of goodness and mercy which (lod has shewn towards the .\ -^ocialion. The success whi( h has been ranted greatly augmcu;- its rcsponsibilil}-. for not only must its tforts be sustained, but ,dso enlarged. If (]od has so approved, ho can disrcg.ird tlie work without blame, or cooperate without l>lcNsing? The Meml)i.r> of the Association ha\e. in their daily « .'.Ihn.;, intluetK e u\ir il-.MUsands of \ oung nien. If the Hoi)' .Spirit • ' ■''■" ■'■ 1'' bliN^ till- (.ffwits ui.ule. who shall tell to what a height " ■:■ T.tl'- '■! ''i-\.i;i!i4 ;.i.v\tr N'.liiih em.m.acs tVwm thcv'rosscjf » ';-t. -! !i r I i; tie N'n'.iiig Men ..f'his j^waX t itv ? iVi r"'T ■T;rr^ (.llAl'I'l'-R IX. \'c,ir li\- \c.ir llic ix-i)(iil> of tb.c CuinniitlLc- iikkIc ixlcrciicc to ihc liix^iii:; need which c\i>u.'d for a luiiUliny, wlicrcin rooms \W\'A\\ l)(j ijcrinanciuh secured, hul il s( andy entered into the ininds of the ino>l saii-uine to suL^gest a hiiildiiiL; te, where, in tile .\ssocialion. witli other reHgious >oc ielies. might .secure com- f(jrtable rooms. This hope wa-. liowever frustrated. ^n(\ as years l)assed by. and the brethren liecame more icHuinted. that it ever a /u'liu: was to l)e obtained, it must be by determined elfort on the l>arl of the Members of the As^^ociation. Many were the prayers offered, and time silent in lareful dehljeration upon liic nuestion, but no h'ght seemed to penetrate the darkness wliich surrounded it. The voluntary ofler m.tde by three gentlemen, to con- tribute towards a building fund, was wehomed as a harbinger of brighter davs. But die hoiie was short lived, atid nothing further was done, publicly, until 1868. although the matter had been privately discussed, and j.rior to the departure of Major General Russell for Kiigland. he expressed an earnest de-^ire to see the Association placed in possession of a building.' and oflered to lend his assistance in every possible way fur the allainmeiit ot that object. A nuntber of prominent cili/eUs were invited to meet :' the Ceneral at a private residence, before his departure, and it was intended to lay liefore them the iiropo--ed vcheme. and m-ge its adoiJtiun, but much to the di.sa|>i>oiniment of the triends ol the cause, the elTort was ("rustrated by the failure of one uho was to : I r 7G i/ut who when tlic time laiiie, never iiiun- ■- greatly di->eour;iged the brethren who the matter, and fur two \ears nothin-j lia\e taken the in'tiati tiuncil the Milije( t. '. had ]iie\ iou-«I_\ taken further was done. On 'rhur>tlay, 22\.<\ SciJlernher, 1S70, Mr. K. A. Iliiniell, of Aurora. III., (a Chri^tia) /.rother wlio has lieen grea.lly Idesscd in his lahors in ( urnie<"ti<)n v.,'; A>so(iations) arrived in Montreal, and suggested that a serie- ' '■ Meetings, (known as '* I,aymcn's Insti- tutes") sliould be liei'! Huring the (.onsiiliati' in .Nfr. (!hi\lon ( President) expresseil i' j strcjng desire he ha.d for many 3 cars felt, tiiat a huilding should he sei ured. and it was ihouglu that perhaps the time liad come, wlieii an ajipea! miglit lie made to the Chris- tian l'ul)li( un behalf of sueh a plan. A(A(jrdingly arrangements \\ere made for a l.a\nien's Insiiuite to be lield in the Rooms. The order of services to l)e as follows : UN I'kiji\\' 11\imn(;, Si.i'iiMia:K 23rtl. IiiiMi : I'l'I'-"Ii,i1 ]\cliyiun. .iml "ur PciMjiial 01)lii;.iliuii-i to Cliii'jt. Opcnal liy i\c\. S. J, IIlnikr. I'ivc Miiiute A, tiiian> slunilil >luily t" lie iicrMJualiy moic allraclivc. Opened liy Ml. K. A. Blk.nell. l'"i\c Minute A(ldre-.>e>, Oue^tiuii>, d~=C. MuNHA^ .\i ri:K.Nuo\, .Si im i;-M1!i;k. 20lh. Thi Nil, : Woiiiau's Chri^li,;'! Wurk : What i^ it ? .iii'l how -hall it be done f Opened 1 y Mi. K. A. IUrnkli.. l'"i\e Minute Addi..- '.■^, (^ue^-lioii'^, &C. MuNMAV !'\I.MM;, Si ITHMIIFK 26tll. Till, Nil : -Keligi'in in the l\.inily. Opened liy the l\ev. Dr. HuKNs. I'ive .Minute Addie-e-, Question'-, iSrc. Tll^UAV \;il.UMi(iN, .Sll'l I.MIIKK 271I1. Till Ml. : I'lie < )l>lii^aliuii '.' Cb iNtian lUi^incss men. 1 ive Minute Addie-e>, Questions, &c. i"l ^a. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I III 1112,5 m 4U 12.0 1.8 1.25 1.4 1 6 •• 6" >- Va dm. A c^j y Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIM STREET WEBSTER, N.Y 14580 (716) 872-' 503 i^ 4b. 4? .<$" Q i-P, S 1 6^ I^ l| , 1 I Ji 77 'I'ho iiiajurii) "\ i\k>v M(.'cling> w-.ic thiiil\- .utcndrci. hul interest was awakeiieil in the Association, and its work. A I'uldif Meeting was fi^ed lor I'riday evening, to be held in .Me( hanics' Hall and during this day Messrs. Cla\ton and r.urnell waited upon some friend>, pressing ui)On tlieni the thiiins of tlic Asso- ciation. Mr. Claxton generous))- licaded a ^ulix.ription list wiili the sum of $::.5oo (>uh>e4uently increased) and his example was \ery liberally followed by Messrs. ]•',. K. dreene, 15. Lyman, II. .\. \el>on. J. Duncan .md others. 'I'he prompt and kindly mari- ner in whii h the request was received, inspired hope that the effort might prove succe^^sful. In the afternoon, a few members mot in the Library, and engaged in supi)licating a blessing upon the enterprise. The evening meeting was a fitting termination to the Series. The Hall was crowded, and the addresses by the I'rc- •^ideiu, Rev. rrofe:>^or McVicar(L. L. I).). Rev. John Totts, Rev. Dr. Dunii and Mr. Diu-nell, were listened to with marked interest. The attei..ion of the audience was directed to the work which had been entered upon, and it was stated that at least $40,000 would be required to erect a -.uitablc building, r>efore the meeting closed it was announced that the sub- scription list had reached a grand total of $13,301. These sub- ^criptions l)eing made conditionally that $^5,000 should be secured before i|)un-.il'iliiv aii-ing friiin i Kiiins \\!ii< h tlic tciLiiiih ini-ht make, in the cnciU of their reinu\al being d'.in;incled. and ii was not unlil Xuvember, 1S71, lliat satisfactory arran_'eiiieni>~ i ould be made for the relimiuishnKiU of llicir leases. Um \\hi( h a further sum of $1,^50 was jiaid. Hy the Act of Incor- I'uratiun |.a>^ed December, 1S70. a " Hoard of Director;, ' was named, t-onsi^ting of 15 members, with the Presidents for the time being of the Montreal Auxiliary 15ible Society and the Canada Sunday Scliool I'niun. a-> e\-oft"icio members, and at a n^eeting lield U> tuber 30. 1S71, this Hoard elected as its officers, Mr. T. Jaines Claxton, Chairman ; 'I'homas Craig, Treasurer : A If. Sand- ham. Secetary. During the earlier part of the )ear, the A^^ociation tuidired to the Dible Society, the use of a store in the new building, free ol rent, and this was secured to them by the Act vf Incoi|iora- tion. Subse(iuenl arrangements, whereby an exchange of stores was eflected, necessitated .some slight alterations in the Act. Possession of the site having been obtained, jilans were inyited, and when the Board met ai the time apiiointed for their rece})- tion, 7 designs were submitted for comj^etition, and the vote being taken, the design furnished by .Mr. .\. D. Steele, a member of the -Vssociation, was adopted. On the 19th of February, 1872, the contracts for the se\eral parts of the work were awarded, and the erection of the building was immediately thereafter com- menced. On the afternoon of .Saturday, September 7, the inter- esting ceremon\ of laying the comer stone was performed by Mr, Clnxton. in the presence of a very large gathering. The chair was occupied by the Hon. James Ferrier, .NT. F. C, and .-.ddresses were delivered by the Chairman, Revs. Dr. Hums, Geo. H, Wells, J. Potts, nm\ MeNsrs. Claxton and Russell. The trowel used on the (xcasion was in silver, massive, yet chaste in design, and bore, anv ; other emblems, a view of the new building, and this in- I) I i 70 -< riiaioii : '" PicseniLd lo T. I;inii.s (?l;i\ton. on l.niiv^ the rnnu-r vi()ne of ihe new A^-^Oi i.ui.in I5uilciini,', Soiit. 7, 1S72." In ilic rcjiiKr nIuHc was (lciiosik<( Cui.nl.i ; -I'Lciincn^ nf ilie tmiciiL-y iS the N.iiii'iN Piwv'mn.'-. iif ilic hi'iuiiiiiiii ; liKcuisc -(.\li,\I -jx-ciiiKus uf tlie -il'.cr coiiKiijo iif 'inat I'lili.iiii. In ilic-c u.i>> ailtlol a ^i.i.i.1iulii in lnoiuc uf n lucil.il icCLiiily picjuicil li\ il'c Mt^si^. Wytm, .if Luivlnn, ^Fai^.), lo coin* iiKiiKir.Ue llio trccliuii of llic Iniililinj;. AicninjKiiiyinjj llic^c were copits of e.uli il.iily ]i,ij>cr, I'lciicli nivl l"n};li(.i,ui<)n ; ami the last lep.iit nf the l^ible ami Suivlny SthrMil Sr.eicties ; nml, fiiKil!), .1 leji'iit k'{ the IiUein.itiunal ( 'Mineiui'in i,f \'i.i.nj^ Men's Lhiis- Tun A-^oeiniiuii^. On the li'i ff the \h>\ \v:i- in^ciihol : -"M..iitreal \'oiiny MenV ( liii-ii.ui .\--'«.iaiii>n, fwiimkil 1S51, aii'l iiicrpoiatcJ JS70. --Tlie luiiKr -l"iie 'if 'hi- l.uiMinL; \\a- laiil Seplenilx.' 7, 1S72, liy T. fames (.la\l ptc-iilent nf tl\e .\--'ieialinn." 'I'hcn filh-w- a li-t of ilie nanK> >>{ the "ificei^ nf ihc A^^ooiaiiun, n!-f) the names .if liie aieiiiteci> nn.l luiiMer-i. Mr. A. ('. HuKliinson w.ts (hoscn as f^ujicrlntonding-Archi- te'( t. and the crcc lion of the building lias been cniTied to completion in a manner most satisfactory to the Hoard of Directors, and to the friends of the Association. It is a cause for thankfulness that iiu accidents have occurred to n.iy of the workmen engaged thereon, and that the services of ilcdication are entered upon free from any thoughts or otilward ( ircumstances other than those of ilie most encouraging nature. It is true that a large amount is still required, ere tlie building shall be free of debt, but the silver and the gold bel<.)ng unto the Lord, and we believe that He will incline the hearts of the people to give of iheir substance to this cause. The t oinpletion of the building ha^ long been looked forward to. Ihe project \v.is »(incei\ed in pia\er; it has l)cen l)rosecuted in prater; the corner stone was laid in jirayer; and, we now dedicate the building in the same prayerful sj^rit. (Quot- ing the words of one of the speaker, at the ceremony of laying the ! ! so foundation stone, wc say . " Tlic buililing stands out as a noljle tAj.rcssion of the uniict^ id non-di-nominaiional rrotcslantisni of Montreal, and of iIk- ;'; crality of the liti/ens. It will be a gathering jilace for \'i)Un.. Men laboring for Christ. In it will be laid plan>. and schcnics dy: the winning of souls. \\'ithin its walls, Voang Mtn from all Jk.is of this 1)road lontinent and from Ijcvond the sea. will re.u\\ mindful of what had been done here. Here in this Ijuilding, the Dible .Society will meet and jiray over its great mission, and here the .Sunday Sthool I'nion will also meet, and last, but not least, llie Tr.ui Society will i arry out its intluential work for Jesus ! Hundreds and thousands of Young Men will hereafter call on this Association for counsel, foi comjjanionship, and for simitual help. .\nd from these rooms must go out a band of Young Men ready to work for the Lord. In view of these facts, the scriptural question may be appropriately put : " .\nd who then, is willing to consecrate himself this day to the Lord?" Over two )ears of .ictive and careful development of those plans to wliich the Association had been led, hitherto crowned by the abundant blessing of God, have placed the Association in a l)Osition never before occupied. While the labor necessary has t>een freely given ; tl.i arrangements ha\e demanded care and anxious thought, and eiii. tiled the burden of pecuniary responsibility upon some. The ( Irace of God, and tlie generous support received from friends have light. >ed iTie labors and (heered the hearts of those charged with the work, still while such has been accorded. i li j I 1^/ "^r* ""■ '" •^'' •' ■'•^'~ ^ > " ■-< J-' '-^ "^"ri ri f-1 r-< r-1 ri f-i r- 1-1 r~~r . ?=T='f-=T=rt'T' ''■ xX ^/S^ *^^ >^ ^ .**. © /\' \_/^ 1 —yJ ! f 1 .i_ r^er5c3ffTr^n= -jBZIia.- 1 L^v ••.:5=5 |fe^i-;-ff f s 0y^ii^ Association Building, St. John, New Brunswick, r I 1 ' ■ ' I i (i ) 1 n • 1 1 ; ! I !) 1 ' 1 1 ■ , 1 i ' I: i l\ \ ; 81 it is but jr.-t thjt a Tlw words be added by way cf memorial of those wlvD ha\eboriie a pruminem pari in the building eiUeriiri>e. The nanie of oar Tresident. T. James Claxlun, lias been men- tioned ni.eady. Hut for his generosity, his judgment, and loving zeal, tlie work could not have been carried on with the degree of hucce-- which has l.Ken attained. Not only by liberal subscrijJtions has he aided, but the burden of its financial arrangements has almost exclusively been borne by him, and his brethren composing the Hoard of Directors, have also conferred upon him the honorable but arduous position of Chairman of the Building Committee, since which appointment \ ery many hours of valuable time have been devoted weekly to the work. He has been aided in his labors of love l)y members of the Board, which is composed of a number of the mo>t influential christian merchants, of the city. 1 I \fX±^z^-J. p T T- -7r TT I t '■ TT-- i r -3n i j_--ii .-.i _^. rr- tl TJ CHAPTER X. 'J'he elementary idea of ihis Asso'iation is work. 'I'he iiicinl)Crs l)aiul themselves together to work for (Jhrist, and the Association opens so many fields of labor, that the work is always ahead of the worker. Do what we will for Christ, more remains to be done. Open air and cottage meetings, hotise to lioiise visitation, tract distribution, and \isiting the hospitals and jails are all \ital agencies in the great work of e\angclization, — the work with which the .\ssociation— as well as our churches are charged. Wherever there is a sinner to be saved, there it is the duty of the christian to labor. In all these fields the members of our .\ssociation have been called to work, and the good result- ing therefrom has been great. Doubtless many hundreds have received benefits from the efforts thus put forth, and while it is not best, that all should be manifest here on earth, still our Heavenl) Father docs at times cheer the workers by shewing them proofs i)f the jiower of His word to save men, and the truth of the utterance of Jesus—" .\nd I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me." Su( h encouragement is gi\en in some of the (uises mentioned ii^ this chapter, and in selecting the following extracts from the reports of the Missionaries, and working members of the .\ssnriation. the object has been to present such as tended to illustrate the nature and importance of the work. The extracts witlioul reference to names or dates, might ha\e been extended, but a few relating to ea( h department of labor, will suffice. i ■ i 1 ■ t I , _ ■i 1 i 1 '1 i ' il 1" . ■ ^ I ij k it 1 t 83 \\|i)M, I III. I MJiiKAN l>. •' I I.iiri)a>t >e\tii ii)kl. !iai|» iiKOiiin^. finiinl .i Jolitiitc (.•iiii\;iaiU f.iinil) fruin I".i)l;Luu1. fatlicr, ihoiIkt and t-ij^ht >inall rhildrcii ; had >lc'iil on ihc dci k of the xlcinci all night;- no money tolniyfood : ga\c the mother a i|uanerufa dollar (^5 cents) to l)uy food, and got from the iteuard of the hoat some liot water and tea ; they enjo\ed their hreakfast. and -eemed better after- wards." " Met a \oung man. his wife, and her ni'>ther, recently from I'.nyl.md, in great distress; took a small rmjin for them, giivc them a few articles of (heap furniture : got the two men situations, and some sewing for the women. (This family is now comlortaMe, and regularly attend puhlic worship.") AMONG im: sKAMt.V. ■' spoke to a \oung sailor, who was an a\\ lul swearer : he listened carefully as I talked and pra\ed with him ; gave him the tract entitled "• 'J"he Swearer's I'rayer." •' \Vent on Ixiard the ship T. Descended into the fore< a>lle and found 1 j to 16 men there. Sal down among them a» one of themselves, and told fliem th.u as a friend I had come to talk to them of good things. Many \oices said they were glad to see me ; read and e\i)0'anded a passage of s( ripture. and engaged in praNer. every knee being bowed, and all silent." "Went on board the ship Si»oke to the men about the soul .\m\ eternity ; the eyes of one of them were filled with tears. I remarked that as the ship was about to lea\e. probably our next meeting would be at the judgment. He confe-^-ed with emotion, which for a time choked his utterance, that lie had been living in the neglect of his soul, but resoKed to do better in future." •' .\ young saihjr informed me that he Iie.ud me at a Uethel Ser\ice .; }ears ago. and told me what I >aid in the applic.iiion. ' h S4 Ik said I gave Iiim a tr.it t einiilcd •' Xu.ilTs CuiiciUlts," lie luok It with him c\er\- voy.i-o since. l)Ut \\\is \\rc( k<-d la>,t spline,' and lo>i it ' "■ V>:tcd the ship : a \oung Kul, one of the crew, was . onvcricd to God while in this city last .se.ison ; he still holds on to the faith, and is hiijhly spoken of by the men.'' ■*.\ Ck-nnan sailor said, Sir, you -avenie this bible about two ve.irs a^o, for which I thnnk you; I have alwa\s c.trried it with nie -incc. and have read it. About a year ago my ship was wrecked, and in the hurr\ to get off the wreck my bible was left behind. I n.-as sorry for its lo>s for I was fond of that bible, it had ain-ays been a comfort to me -Do you know, sir, a few d.iys nftcr I tcached Iiome it was sent to mc. It was taken from the «Teck and sent to mc by a sailor \\ho li.id rem.iincd after I had l-.-A. I wa- glad to see it again ; 1 h.ive read it much, and I thank \ou again for it.' IN IHi: MOSIMT.AL. •• A girl of 1 8 dying ; have often spoken to her on religion ; ha\e hope> of her salvation." '• A young Englishman, a stranger to religion, when first visited three months ago, now gives evidence of a sound con- version . it is a pleasure to visit him.'' " Fo.^nd a young women, I have often >poken to, in dying ' ircumvtanres ; I first met her in Jail : she read my tracts with attention, and solicited a bible, wliirh T gave her ; at the exjjira- tion o! her -entente, being unwell. I obtained her admission to the nosj.stal: her health improved; I then get her into the Mngd'.len Asylum ; !ier health .igain failed, and now .she is once more m the ho^i.it.il. She was happ)- to see me. I con\ersed and read with her. .she feels herself a sinner, has no liope in herself, and is trusiing alone in the atonement of Jesu.s Christ." ;" 1 i. ■J I i f 11" I- I 85 " I'cHind a 111.11) in one v( tlic wards of llic Nfontrcal (li" ;.i.il Hospital drawing near lo dcnlli. in great distress about liis soul. Ik' lived his eyes ujion nie in ihc most imploring manner, and said, ' ( )li sir, do -how ine the right way.' and prayed most earnestly for men.y through Christ. Fie has .•^ince died. There war? hope in his death." " N'eiterday, at the service held in the I.e( ture Room of the Hospital, a young man seemed tjuite broken down ; called to con- verse witli him and some others who manifest an interest in Divine truth ; he was much affected as I s[)oke to him, and felt that it was a sad thing to live without Ciod, and without hope, in tlie world* I lad been awakened at one of our meetings, and by reading a tract, entitled, ' Kternal Separation.' " " Mr. H was anxious to see mc. He desired to say that he had been greatly benefitted by my labors in the Hospital. He h.id been a long time ill, and had known four men (one lately dead) who were in a penitent and serious state of mind, througii ihc instrumentality of the .Sabbath Kvcning Meeting. One of them had wept hours in his presence, and two of them might then be said to be in a hopeful state, one going 250 miles east, and the other 400 miles west, to their homes, and taking with them, he hoped the love of Christ in their heart." IX THE PRISON. Met a man, a father o<" a family, gave him a tract. On my next visit found he had been deeply impressed with its contents, and had enclosed it in a letter lo his wife, .\fterwards learned that on the evening of his discharge, he read a portion of the Word of God and prayed with his family for the first time in his life. -, ; IS 1111: UWKLLIN'oS OK IHE POOR. " X'isiled a \oung woman dying of consumi>tion ; pointed her ~-? 86 to the I.aml) i,\ {'.o>\. (This v.juny woiiKiii u..^ \i>iicd -cveral times. She s.iid ihj Missionary was ihc only Christian friend whu vi^itcd her. Th, re waN hope in her death.) ' " X'isited Mrs. , and found a tract tluit I gave to her liad l)een bks-ed ; she gave it to lier husband, who has recently iK'i^iin to ] .ay in the i'.unily." •' Mrs. , h, s been a very drunken eharaeter , of late she lias l,cen sober, and e\i.res.ses herself as very thankful for my visits." '• Visited a sick man. I'his i)ersc.. has saved up all the tracts which have been given him, and ha-, sent them round the coimtry after reading tliem '.Mnself, hop • g to bencfV odiers in this way." "January S. Very cold. Vi>iu.i Mr. li. ; neither wood, bread nor money. Co' them -onie n^od and other necessaries.'" " Dec. .-4. \'isited L. at recjuest of a gentleman who had been applied to, but who could scarcely realize the 1 ., .ibility of su< h want existing. Found the tale to be loo true. In a back yard, over an open shed were two rooms, only a board thick for walls, and the (racks i^.-tered and covered w.'th old pajvers. In one of them, extended oii some boards, lay what might be termed the skeleton of a man, uorn by disease and suffering. I found that his wife was givin. ' im some broth which she had begged. Learned that the man : : been a hard-working laborer, and had consumption. The struggle for cxist- lly with no bread nor money, the wife e first lime, to beg for food. (^iOt him e where he died in course of a few His widow and child were c.ired for caught c d, thus leadir. encc had been long, till had gone out that day. : moved to a comfortable, weeks, ha])py in the Lc by kind friends." ^ AMONG II \TI,K\ ASIJ DKGR.AUKD. "A j.oor drunkard. ;ed and careless, was found seriously i t I \ V, i • ."[;* ' .» t ( '' 87 ill, fif consumjition. I"or weeks, llie nii.s'^ion.ivy's \i-;its were appa- rently vain ; Imi giMdiially, the man's mind ojiened to tlie truth, and, for scime weeks pre\i(jus to his death, lie u;a\e evidence of a work of grace in his heart.'' ■' H ha\ing kept his pledge, for Ne\er il weeks, and regii- !arl\- attended our meetings, was to-day furnislied with a complete suit of second-hand clothes, which made him look (piite another man. He was verv thankful." " \'i>ited a famil)-, formerly in comfortahle cin unistances. I'ound them in a miserable garret, and rea( hcd them hy cliiiihing a ladder, and < reejjing througli a hole in the floor. The youngest ( hild lay dead, on a board, the whole scene ]iresenting as much misery and degradation as sin and drink could produce. (This man afterwards signed the I'ledge, and continued firm as an abstainer.)" " .A woman tells me tlie tracts left with her husband ha\e l)roved a blessing, and that he has entirely left off drinking." " Met an imfortunate female on the stejjs (;f the Parade (Ground. Gave me her name. Said she had no home, and w ould like to reform. (Ia\e her a letter to the Feniale Home, and sjioke to her of Jesus. \\'as pleased to hear that she is now in the home, and ajjpears to be really thankful."' .AMONG VOUNG MK\. "Spent some time trying to get work for a broken hearted )Oung man, just arri\'ed : took him from a ta\ern to a (heap board- ing house." " A \ery interesting young man from Dul)lin, who can.ie to this city so weak as to be forced to go to the hosi)ital. ("letting out, he was brought to the rooms, and was pro\ided for at the St. .Andrew's Home, where he speedily grew weaker. .\ comfortable bed and sufficient food were arranged for, and the \oung man freed lie might be spared to make some leturn. He seemed to be a decided belie- ver. A letter which r.i rived for him just after his death was re- turned to tlie Dublin ^'oung Men's Christian Association, along with a letter to his parents, whose address was not known. That, association found out the home of the young man ; and his father and mother, aged servants of God, have since expressed their gratitude for the care taken of their son." •'A young man came to tlie rooms, on a cold, wet morning. He was wet to the skin, and sat shixering before the fire. Enquiry jjroved that he had been without food for two days, and had wan- dered the streets all night. Food was procured, and he was after- wards taken to a boarding place, and his expenses ]>aid for two or three weeks, until he fully recovered . strength. A situation was obtained, but he gave uay to the tempter, and drank, thereby losing his situation. Time and again was he tried, and as often did he fall. Almost disheartened, the Missionary- scarce knew how to act, but finally, secured him a place in the- country, but again he fell, and shortly afterwards got into prison. On his discharge, it was thought best to remove him to another cily. He left, deter- mined, as he said, to redeem his character. On his arrival in the city chosen, he was cared for by a christian man, taken to church, and was, finally led to give his heart to the Saviour, and for se\eral years, has been a consistent church member, a staunch teetotaler, and now fills a very imi)ortant position, in a large busi- ness house. He is rxv: hajip)- with his family, and is in ajjosition of more than usual coiufort. He is verily a brand plucked from the burning.' *J i (I I I :■■ I' : '■I ; i I I' I ■ ll 1 ! » ; J ii I II I ? 4 1 ■ii; I'i a ■Hi « :i [■■Wl I H n' 1 11;" ; li I m Ill .»'i i I i '' il i: I. i !) > 89 TRACT nisTRntrrioN. "{lavoa tract to Mrs. , it was read again and again by her sick daughter, to wliom it was made a great blessing. She has since died very hai)[)y, trusting in Jesus as her Saviour." •' A man has reccntl) joined one of the churches in this city, who was led to Christ, through reading a tract hai.ded to him while walking on the wharf.'* •' Visited some barges, was well received. Had long conver- sations with the men, some of them Roman Catholics, but who seemed to desire more knowledge of those things referred to in the tracts given them the last Sabbath." " The tract you gave me last year has sh.own me the error of my i)ast life, and I am now trying, by the help of God, to walk the narrow way." So said a man whom I met, the other day, while di^ilributing tracts upon the wharf."' I\ COTTAGE PR.WER .MEETINGS. " I., family. The father, a quiet, sensible man, but not much troubled about his soul. The mother, deeply impressed at our meetings last winter, and especially at the meeting held on last Tuesday evening, said she .sat down and wept when she got home, and then went and talked to a neighbour about it. Seems now to be happy, and resolved to live in the service of God." " As a result of our meetings, during the last winter, several of those habitually attending have resolved openly on a change of life." " Although, below the a\erage in numbers, our meeting has been an interesting one, and several persons have acknowledged faith in Christ, for the first time at it. '• I J)0 Siu h is the outside work of the .\>^so< ialioii. Its special labors fur ihc welfare <'f }«iuiil; men. t;enernlly, cannot be over- estimated. r.iMrding iKi.ises and ^iiuali- other modes adojjtcd, whereby their icmjioral and >i)iritnal interests are i areU for. seem to demonstrate the iinjortance of uKMiiiaining an Insiimtion, who^e primary object i-. the •'saKation of Noun^' mci." ( i 1 , \<\ » I? ,:f t) ■I ' ill ■■«, ' ".i 52T-:^?' CHAPIKR XI. Ha\ing I1UVV coiiii)lctcd our Rl'\ icw of the i>ri).;ic>s of tl>c Montreal Association, k-t us yl.uicc for a time, at the a li.uc elapsed since the first .\sso< iation bcLjaii its life in London. ()i\\\ 22 \ear>ago the first .Vssociation of this kind was planted in Auieri( a : but now, hundreds are spread o\er the continent, and. almost d.iily, new ones are formed. When we think of all the \ast array of holy app!iance>> wliich these in->titutions ha\e evoked : of the hearts and hands, so man\ and so earnest, en-a-cd in the work ; of the result.) so beneficial already acccjinplishcd ; of suc( ess so great, that the very name of .Xssociation i> becoming; a very synonym for practical work, we are leil to exclaim "• W'iuit hath (Jod wrought." -Most assuredly He has blessed the seed which was planted in faith. The founders of the first Associ.:iion were men of faith : they belie\ed that there was a c.ill to a. peculiar form of Christian work, not attemjiled by any other institution. 'I'hey believed there was a field in which to plant a seed to be scat- tered and a glorious harvest U) be gathered in ; but how little did the founders of this enterprise think that in a (cw lirief years, the results of their toil would be so great. It has been said that "nothing is so .successful as success." Here we have an institu- tion whiut their work varies. It is mainly a work of peace; yet we have een that in limes of war, it can organize a commission that sheds the love and light of Christianity over all the horrors of the battle- field. If all the Christian Associations in existence in the United .States in iS6i, had done no other work that year, th.in the pro- nioiiun of that Commission, the good erfe( ted would ha\ e justified all tliat has ever been claimed for them. Some idea of the Associations of America at the i)resent day, may be gained from the following statistics ( ompiled from the reports of the Central Executive Committee, just published : — Associations at i^resent on the roll, 924 ; of this number, 439 reported at the last Convention ; 3S1 report 63,790 members ; 272 rei)ort aggregate expenses at $272,654; 38 have buildings valued at $1,754,450 : 34 have building funds amounting to $439t937- 'Hie aggregate value of buildings and building funds is, $2,187,394, shewing an increase over the previous year of $401,951, while in addition 3 Associations are now erecting buildings which will be completed during the current year. 167 rejjort libraries containing 149.319 volumes, and valued at $149,687 ; 319 report 743 i>rayer meetings, held weekly in the rooms, while almost every Association report other religious meetings held outside. IJible and Literary Classes are also main- tained by many. V ', I; 1 I :' 1 1 I! 1 I ji i' t ' ir I «i 1;'] 4> a> o -T3 fcJO 3 ca o ,'i:'li| 1..'; ,li "'^:m s; ... *l -a c cs o -T3 I '1 I I c pa o '^< i^ .1 f \i I I i t ; i', u ' I 1 M: ^^i 97 In the Dominion of (.\inada great i-rogress lias been made during the past few \ears. In (Ontario tliere are j,^ Associations known to i^e working. Many of these Associations have been planted In- active members, wlio liave carried witli them tlie desire to hd)or in other towns to which iliey liave been removed. The ProviiKe of Quel)ec has but two Associations, ^^ontreal and Quebec. This is easi]_\- accounted for b}- tlie o\erwhehning majority of French towns and \ iHages tliroiighout tlie Province. In New Brunswick there are 14 Associations, in all of which there arc indications of a good degree of earnestness in the work. Xova Scotia outstrips all other Provinces. In tliat Province there are 77 Associations, of whicli 6 or 7 ha\e building funds, and others are moving towards the same. Prince h^dward Island reports one Association, at Charlottetown, and a new building fcr its permanent home has just been dedicated. Of the pAiropean Association, it is not our purpose to speak at length. There arc many points of difterence in the working of old world associations, as compared with those of the new v.'orld. They are, however, one in die earnest desire to work for the sal- \ation of souls. Bible classes are a special feature in their work, and very great blessing have resulted therefrom. In many of the large cities, buildings have been erected, and have become central points for all christian work, and a helj) to the pastors and churches for there all denoininations meet on common ground to organize and carry out works of ch.arity and love, and the little rivalries and jealousies, which among the best christian people sometimes arise between congregations, to mar and chill the service of the Master, are soon forgotten. We give illustration.s of two or three of the more pronu'nent Association Buildings, in I'.ngland and Ireland. The London Association Building may appear, at first sight, somewhat insigni- ficant, but like its \mi)retending origin as an .\ssociation. the o ', J , t ' 1 \ { ] \ > • 1 ; i I 98 exterior of the building gives but little idea of the commodious ]"i;;lls and reading rooms, \vhi':h extend to the rear, the entrance to \\hi( h is only shown. In concluding this brief review of the i)rogress made by the Associations, we desire to g;\e God, the IIo!)- Spirit, all the glory of that success. That the Spirit is the grand operator in this enterprise, is evident in the greatness of the work, and the weakness of the instruments emi)loyed in cflecling it. Hmran power could no more ensure success, or effect the conversion of one soul, than it could create a world. " Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts." Without this almighty force, and light, and unction, all labors would fall to the ground. Finally, brethren and friends, we ask your aid in this work. Help us by your prayers for the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit. Help us by your liberality. In this respect, we have much to call forth gratitude, but as the sphere of usefulness becomes enlarged, the needs for increased liberality, on the part of our friends, become greater. An increased spirit of jtrayer, and enlarged bene- \olencc, do not, however, comprehend all that is necessary to secure the more rap'd advancement of our work for the Master. There must be personal exertion for the securing of this great object. With prayer, liberality, and personal exertion, there can be no doubt that our Association will take a higher stand than ever in the work. The field is large, and waits but the entrance of the laborers, but if we would reap /icrcaf/e>\ the seed must be sown now. T.el us, therefore, work while it is day. In the n.'iuic of GckI advancing, Suwinj; \ \>y morning light, ' Cheerily, llic furrows tinning, Laboring on w itli all our might, Looking not to far off future, r)oing w ork ^vliich nearest lies \ Sowing comc> l.tfore the reaping, Kc<-t at last, is kabor's prize. lii : .( It 1 ' ' '-'."-!' .yt^wmr^^m^^^mmimmi \ \ \ li 1 1 i I ■ i,. n. 1 1 i 99 Siamlinij >iill i^ daniici-ous ever, Toil is iiieaiu for Clirisliaiis now ; I.Ll llicic be, when evening cmncth. lie not swcnl upon ihy biow. And llic Mailer shall come smiling, When work slops, al set of bun, Saying, as He pays thy wages, " Good and faithful man, well done." i 'I. ■lii » !i^ i' < i i 1 t 1 1 1 fi I '< 'i •i-i L-L, The Pa Ris Basis. Basis of the Young Men's Christian Associations, adopted at the Conference of European Associations, held at Paris in 1855, and since adopted by the International Convention of the United States and British Provinces : — " The Young Men's Christian Associations seek to unite those young men, who, regarding Jesus Christ as their God and Saviour, according to the Holy Scriptures, desire to be His dis- ciples in their doctrine and in their life, and to Associate their efforts for the extension of His kingdom amongst young men." 1 I ' of tl\e A^ssociatioi), 1872-73. Pnsidcnt : T. James Claxton. / 'iu'PresiJotts : S. Caldecott. Hugli Watson. Treasurer: Tliomas Craig. Chas. Gushing. George Young. Secretary : Alfred S'andliam. CommUfee : F. W. Radford. W. Sloan. J. H. Redfern. Jas. Ross. R. G. Brown, |. Murphy. ). M. M. Duff. D. Bentley. James Bayiis. I'Ved. Birks. Geo. Bishop. J. Iloughan. C]eo. K. Jacques, Jr. J. Richards. C. S. J. Phillips. Missionaries : — J. Millen, \Vm. Wright. Standing Co-mmhtees. Mission.— Y. \\. Radford, Chairn-an ; ^V. Sloan, W. P. Weir, I^. M. Taylor, and J. Houghan. MemhcrsJiip. — James Ross, Chairman ; D. Bentlej-, G. Bishop, F. Birks, J. Murphy. Roon}s and Library. — J. M. M. Duff, Chairman; H. Watson, C. S. J. Philiips, AV. Drysdale, and C. Morton. Lectures^ Classes and Meetings. — C, Cusliing, Chairman ; J. H. Redfern, J. Richards, \V. J. B. Patterson. Finance. — Geo. ^'oung, Chairman ; S. Caldecott, J. Bayiis. Einfioynienf. — R. G. Brown, Chairman ; (]. Y.. Jacques, J. R. Dougall. ISoarding House. — Alf. Sandham, Chairman ; W. \Vright, J. C. Simpson. II !i; ,■■: ■:''i ii i !!| i I I ' I Hii' : I'. James Claxton. !•;. \'. Mnscley, C'lias. Alexander. Henry Lyninn, \y. Clendenning. J30ARD riir j;)|Hp:r.TOR: J. Torrance. CI. \'oung, W. Reid, 1). Morrice, L. Paton, N. S. Whitney. r. Craig, R. Irwin. H. A. N'elson. I-,. K. Greene. RlILDING pOMMITTEE. r. James Claxton, Chairman. H. Lyman, C. Alexander, K. K. Circcn, ^^'. Clendenning. Tlios. Craig, Treasurer. .\ir. Sandham, Secretary. j3oAivn:ccl ih.it fur so-»ctI .iiul ui:uniaiiK(l 1/} \oluntary loiitril unions, a certain asso- cuiion \x\ ti;c 1 it)- of Moiiireal known as •■'riic >rontreal \'oung Mcn'-i Chri^ti.in Asx^ iation,'' and that the objects of the said a^^ociation uoiild he hetter attained if the >anie be invested with corjjoralc powers ; and whereas it is evpedient to L,M-ant the ]*r.iycr of the viid j.etition ; therefore. Her Majesty, by and with ihe adviic. and (.tui-vnt of tlie Lei;i^laHiie of Queliec, enacts as fo3!o\v» : I. T. Janie-> ('laxton. H. A. N'elsoii. K, K. (Ircene. A. S. Wood. X. >. Whitney. W. Clendenning. Chas. Alexander, Thos. Crai-. David Centley. Ceori^e Dislioi), Alfred Sandham, (ieorge Voung. Wni. Reid, j. Redi-ath Dougall, James C. Simpson, and M:ch other persons who are now members of the said association, or shall hereafter unite with them, under tlie provisions of this act ::nd ihe by-laws made under authority thereof, and their successors, >h3!l be. and thej- are liereln' constituted a l)ody politic and cor- jxjrate under the name of " The Montreal Young Men's Christian Association," and ma\-. by any legal title, acquire, hold and enjoy any estate whatever, real or personal ; and may alienate, lease, or othenuse dispose of the same, or an}- part thereof, from time to lime, and as occasion niay require, and otlier estate, real or per- sona!. m.-iy acc^uire instead thereof; provided that such real estate >hrJI not exceed the annual value of ten tliousand dollars beyond the requirements of the said corjjoration ; provided always that the "^iJd cor|>oration shall not sell or transfer any of the property S \ ■I • 1U7 (A tlK' >;ud Luriiuratiuii at an\ lime, uillioul ,i \uw n\ ilic iiKiii- bcTs llicicuf liting tn">l taken, .uul a inajurii) nf llirec fuuillis of the whole authori/ing siuh >.ile <>r tiMii^fer. aiul fur tlie taking of Mich vote, a ineetin;^ shall be < ailed, nolit e of wliieh iiKctin;^ shall be given .it least thirty da vs jMevious ih(.reio, and no such sale or transfer, shall in anv wav affe< t the riirhis of the " Mon- treal Auxiliary Dible Society," Canada Sunda) .S( hool I'nion and Religion 'I'ract Society, as secured to iheni, by this ad and such sale and transfer shall be held tc ha\e been made subject to all such rights. 2. The projiert) of the said » urpuraliuu shall (.ousisl ol the following : the present jiroperty o( the as>ocialion. the life, annual or other suljscripiions of meniber>. donations, beiiuests or legacies made to the corporation, and the moneys arising from fines and forfeitures lawfully imjiosed by their by-laws, .ill iirojieriy and funds permanently invested, and the revenues llurLof. .md all smns which may hereafter be received b) the curpuraiiun fur life sub- s( ri[)tions of members, or from legacies, bciuests or donations, amounting to twenty dollar> or upwards, nul specially made for other purj'oses ; .md the capital over and above the simis reijuired lor the establishment, and maintenance of the said .issociation shall, from time to time, be invcsteii in real or immovable jjro- perty, cil\- of Montreal consolidated mud, or in bank stock, and ih e rents, mierols or otner mcou. isim: from sui.h mvestments. together with all moneys .irising from other sor.rces, shall be aji- l)ropriated low.irds the objects of the said associ.uion, and the defraying of the e\j*enses of the corjjoration. Th e said corporation ma}, ai an\ lime herealter, erect a )uild m- >\- tlu purposes of th e said cor])oration, which aid build- ing shall be known as " I'he Muiure.il \'oung Men's Christian Associali(»n Building and Bible House." There shall be apportioned and set aside, fur ihe use of the ;! 108 "MontrtMl .\u\iliar\ lliMc Su< icty.' tlic ( '.in.uKi Sunday So to It ere( te'! a simp, ci' -tore on the grouiul l](jur, uitli i cellar un- derneath, twenty t'eei .^.de within walls on the corner of Kadc- gonde and Craii,' >tree;^, nml extending' the uh(jle dejith, also a room in the said bmldin.'. (if ^uitaMe diinensi(jns for a committee room for the said " Montreal Auxiliary Bible Society, Canada Sunday S( IkjoI I'nion and l\elii^iou> Trai t Societ}-," to be u^ed in « ommon as a union depository, free froni rent. The management of the said building >luill be \ested in a bo.)rd of directors of not less than hfieeii in number, and of uhich board of directors, the president for the time being of the Momrral Auxiliary Hible Society, and uf the Canada Sunday School I'nion. ihall be (\\-i]f/it-i(> members. ( )ne third of the said board shall retire anmiall)', but shall be eligil>le for re ele< tion. and none but a( ti\e members of the saitl corijonuion shall be elected to said board. The tnst board of directors ^hall consist of 'I". I.imes Claxton, v.. \' . .Mosele). Chas. Alexamler. Iknr)' l.\man, W. Clen- denning, J. J'orrant e, G. \'oung. W. Kcid. I). Morrice, l>. Paton, N. S. \\hitney. I". Craig. R. Irwin. H. A. Xelson. and K. K. (jreene. The constitution and objects of the said corporation of the Montreal Young Men's Christian .\s.>,ocialion, shall, at a meeting to be conxened for that jjurpose within tweh e months from the passing of this a< t. be dcie'inined. and shall l)e declared to ije the basis upon which the said corporatio)'. is established, and such constitution shall be unalterable, and shall be ena( ted by a by-law to be entered in a register kejjt for the jnirpose of recording the In-law s of the corporati'.Mi. and copies of any bylaw from such register, cerlihed by the -ccretare. of the said corporation, shall be pii!:;ti /.icii- c\idence of ilieir contents in all courts, and a copy n the said register of tlie bv-law establishing the constitution * I 11) I : I ■ I ^. 109 ;irorc->.iid. iLTlirK'd 1)} llic SCI rclan- sliall be (l(.'[iO>:iccl in ihc (ifluc (jfthc i>rollKjnot.ir\- of llio Superior Court at Montreal, and roijics thereof certit'ied li\- the said [)rothonotar_\-, sliall also I'C priiiui facii e\iden( c of ll.eir hall '.naintain : and may rejjcal or amend the sanu, from time to time, save and except the by-law establishing its constitu- tion, observing alwa\s however such formalities as by such by- laws may l)e [prescribed lo that end, and generally shall have all the cor[)orate powers, necessar}- to the ends of this act, and may impose luies not exceeding five dollars for every infraction of a by-law. 5. The b}-laws of the said association, not being contrary to law. shall be the bv-laws of tiie C(;rporation herebv constituted, until they shall be repealed or altered as aforesaid. I 110 (). L'mi! i.)lhci> sliall l)c clci-kd .u( urding to ihc hylaws of ilic ( oiporatiiin. tlic present ufliccrs of the association sliall be those of ih.e eoii>oralion. 7. All >ul)S( riptioi:s and all penalties due to the corporation under any l)v law, may be recovered b\- suit in the name of the eorporation ; but any member may withdraw tiierefrom, at any time, on payment of all accounts by him due to the corporation, inclusive of his subscrijjtion for the year then current. 8. No per:,on tnherwise competent to be a witness, in any suit or prosecution in which the corporation may be engaged shall be deemed to be incompetent to be such witness, by reason of his bring or having been a member or officer o{ the coriJOiation. 9. The said corporation shall have full i)owers to collect and enforce by suit at law. or other legal process, the pa\nient of all subscriptions or instalments of sul)S( rijilions, w ilh legal interest thereon, from the time said [ia\inents are demanded or may be- come due. 10. The cori)oration shall make annually to llie legislature, a full reiiun of their pro[)eriy, real and personal, and of their re- ceii)ts and e\i)enditure for such period, within the fust twenty da)s 0'" e\ er}- session of the legislature. 4: K'.'i! ^V'?'"Ox<''^-/^J'/r^ ' s ) y I V i,l! i' I il • 1 //// ,lct lo auiciid the Act j./. J'^icton'a, chapter 59, iiititu/ec/ : ''An Act to incorporate tlr^ Afontre'i! Voiiug Mcjis Christian Associationi' \\'iiF.RK.\.s •■ the Montreal \'oung Men's Christina Asso- ciation " liPive petitioned for an amendment to their (harler of ineorporntion, \i/ : the act i)assed by the I.egislatiu'e of the Pro \ince of ()nel)ec. in tlie tliirty-fo'"'th \-ear of Iler ^^ajesty's reign, iK'ing clinpter fifty-nine, intituled : " An Act to incor})orate the ^fontreal ^'om•lL; Men's Christian Association," and it is expedient to grant the prayer of their petition ; Tlierefore. Her >rajesty, ])y and with the ad\icc anrl consent of the said Legislature, enacts as follows : I. The sei'ond section of tlie said art is hereby amended by striking out the < lause. ]iro\iding for the apportionment and set- ting aside of a shop or store, on tlie groimd floor, w ith a cellar im- derneath, and a room for a committee room for the useofihe Montreal Auxiliary Pible Society, the Canada Simday School Union, and the Religious Tract Society, and by substituting in lieu thereof the following pro\ision, vh : "there shall be appor- tioned, set a^ide, and ajjproijriated to, and for the use of the Mont- real Auxiliary liible Society, the Canada Sunday School Union, and the Religious 'I'ract Society for ever, in the building so to be erected 1)\- the Montreal Young Men's Christian Association, a shop or store on the ground floor, with a cellar underneath, thirty feet wide within the walls on Radegonde street, ami extending the whole depth of the building, for the said Montreal Auxiliary bible So( ict\ . the Can.id.i Sunday S( hool Union, .uul the Reli- gious Trai t Society, to be used in ( onmion as a union depository, free from rent, and from said shoj) (;r ^tore there shall be parti- tioned off a ( ommittee room lor the joint use of s.iiil societies." W I f 5 I A" 1 Coii.-,litiitioit ihio/'fiJ Xo7ciitl't-r 2S//1, iSji, in iVin/iiiViCi' nuf/t i/ii Act i, /^,ts.u;I Di\-(iiihcr 24tJu iS/O. COXS'I'lTUTION. Articlk I. I'liU A-^fKiaiinii slnll 1.0 called "Tiii:: \'orN(;' Mkn's Ciiki^tian A^^oclA'^^lN.'■ Akiici.k II. This A->ociaiiuii scck^ to unite lho>(,' young iin.n, who icgan ling Jesus Cliiist as iheir (lod and Saviour accordini^ lotlie Holy Scriiilure>, desire to he 1 lis diseii)le> in their doctrine ami in theii life, ami to associate iheir efforts for ihe cMension of Ilis KinL,'doni aniung >"">'& i>ien. Anionic its olijcCls shall he, the lelii^ious and mental improvement of its niLiidiers, especially in cniinection with the study of the scripiures ; and the providing of means wherehy young men coining as suangers to the city, may he hrouglit under re- ligious inthu'nces. Ariui.k III. This Association adopts as the hasis of all its ])roceedings, lliost fundamental i^vlnciples of livangelical Christianity on whiti all Orthodox Tiotcstant Churches are agreed, and will never admit any intei meddling wiili those matters of I'aith and Polity on which such Churclies difTer, Ariici.e IV. Thi • Association shall he composed of .lifi:r, .-IsiOiialc, J.ijr, and I/i.i<»< /cription for Aciive and Associate Memher^ shall not he less than One l.ollar, payahle in advance. The Association shall liavc power to espcl members. ii.'n ! r 1 1 I 'II I t. ( } i!. 113 Artici.k V. The general olijocts of tlie A-vocialion -hall liccnnicil out iin.lt-r tlio maingemcut of a f.cncial Coininiltce, uliicli shall cuu-i-t of a Prc-i.lciil, Nice- Proi-leiit, a Secielary, a Tiea>urer, aiiil not !e>-. than -even members. Ariici.e VI. Tlie Real K-tate owned hy llie As-ociation shall lie lieM in tlie corporate name of the A>»ociaiMn, and shall be ve-ted in a Hoard of Ti-u.>tees, to consist of the IVe-ident, Sc* ». ry, niid 'rre.astuer of the .V-ociation, and two mem- bers of the IJoanl of ) i. , to be Jeclcd by the Association at its Annual Meeting. The jiowers o. I: Tiarslees '•- cxj-ire after ilio Animal Meeting next succeeding that at whicii they are elected. All -uch Real Estate shall be under the inanagemciit of a I'.oard of Directors a- j.rovided for by the Act of Incorporation, Ariici.k VII. An Annual .Meeting sliall beheld in the month of X.)veiuber to receive the Report of the General Committee, Hoard of Directors and Trustees, and elect iheir successors. Aktici.k VIII. All elections shall be by iuUot, uule-s ordered by a unanimous vote. Artici.i-; is. All meetings of tlie Association and Ciencral C>iUiniittce, -h.dl be opened and closed with pr.ayer. Thirteen members -hall be a .luorinn of the Associa- tion, and five of the f>-eneral Committee. ARTui.n \. It .shall be cumiieteiil fur the Cicneral (.■onnnitttc, with the approval of the. Association, lo engage such j)ersons as may be deemed necc-sary to carry out the object?; of the Association. i« ]iV-LAWS. Ak I KM I. >riMi;ERsuir. I. — All i'i(iposiiion> fur iiuinliLi>liiii >liall he inndc in writing hy an Aciive Menilicr, at a rctjiilar iiKclii ;,' of llie As'^Dcialiun, and shall contain the name in full, llie residence, the ciiurch of which the candidate is a member, or if not a cluuch-meinher, the congregation with which he is connected, and >hall lie signed by the pn)]io-cr. Elections shall not take place before the next succeeding business meeting. Ail nvw members shall be rerpiired to sign the C'ltistilution and Ily-Laws bcfure being cmolled. 2. — The Members shall seek out young men taking vip their residence in the city, enileavoiir to bring them imder moral and religious influences, and, by every means in their power, to -urround them with Christian Associates. Members shall also exert themselves to interest the churches to which they rtsptetively ))elong in the objects aiid welfare of the As' ociation. They shall labor to induce all suitable young men of their acfiuaintance to comiect them-elvcs with tlie Association, and use all piacticnble means for increasing it- membership, activity and usefulness, ARIIlI.I. 11. -l)llli:!3 111 OllICERS. I. — It shall be the duly of the Presiilent, or in his absence, of a \'ice- President, to preside at all Meetings of the Association and General Committee, and to preserve in strict exercise the rules established by Parliamentary order. 2. — It shall be the duly of the Treasurer to receive all monies, and to disburse the same under the direction of the Ceneral Committee. lie shall keep a full and correct account of his transactions, and report to the General Committee when so required, and to the Assuciation at its Annual Meeting. 3. -It shall be the duty of the ."Secretary to keep a correct record of the proceedings of all mcLlings o. the Association, and of theCIcncral Committee ; to keep a full and complete register of the name, residence, and church of each mendjcr ; to notify all Officers and Members of tluir election or appointments ; and to prepare the work for the business meetings. He shall, under the direc- tion of the General Cuniinittee, conduct the cnrrespundence of the Association, r.nd keep copies of all lellers \« ritten, and fyles of those received, lie shall a!-o prepare the Annual Report of the General Committee. 4. --The General Committee and Hoard of Directors shall report at eacf nu.nihly business meeting, and at the annual meeting of the Association. m TF ii . 1 1 I; I !' I ! ', , 1 ,1' I, I ^:. il: 1!.: < 115 Auilill. lit. M \M>l.\i. < \>MM1 1 111 S. Tilt I'lC-iilclU. uilll lll^- >.m' liiHl nf llio ( IclKT.il ( 'i'l,lllliU(.C, -il.lli .11 l-cijllt llic fciliuwiiiij Slamiiiij^ Cuiniuiltic- : A (.'i nimiltcc "n Mcinln.'r>liii) ; a Coin- miUoc uii Ro(jin^ :i:iil i.ihr.ii) ; a Cuinniillcc on Mi----ii)n^; a C'iiiuiiitti.c in\ 1 .ccUuc.^, Cla^.ics aii'l McLiiiii;^ ; a C')ininillt.c mi I'iiiancc : a CiMiiiniUcc cii I'.inployniciil ; ;;nil a (.'oiumitlcc <hall W i.\-i'j/iii\< iiKUihei-i uf eacli Staui>i of luc uicinhcrs, uj \\hiiiu all pioj-.o.-iliuiis for incinhership .sliall be rcfcrrcil. They hhall >eciiie the eo-operaliou of an atlise member in each ICv angelical Cinuxh in the city, who sliall rejiort upon iiiupo>itions referred to liiin, .seek out new meml)cr.^, ami eii'lcavor to i U-ie.-t liii eonyiey.itiun in tlie Association. J. - -Tlij Comniitlee on Kuuih> an 1 Libr.ii}-, sh.ill have the eliaij^.^ of rooms of the A.s^oc .ai'oii, l make piuvi-ioiis for fiiriiishin.Lj, liyhlinj^, warniiny .and keeping the same in oider ; tlie)' sliall Use all suitable mean.- for llic in- crease and preservation of the library ; pro\ide papeis and peri'-^dicab for the readini; rooms ; and shall iipprove all iiubruatioii-. pie\ioUs to their admission into the librarv and leadinji rooms of the .\s>oeiation. 4. -The Coiiiiiiiltee on Missions, sh.dl consist of fne niLinbers, and it shall be their duty to superintend the Mission work ol the As-ocialion. 5.---Tlie Committee on Lectures, Classes anil Meetings, shall consist of I'nc members, and shall pro\idc for the tlelivery of Lectures or Sermons ; have cliarge of Hible and Literary Classes, and all meetings nut under the direction of the Committee on Missions. 6. -The Committee on I'inaiice sh.dl consist uf three members ; shall di:\ise means for obtaining necessary funds for the Association ; and shall CNaniine and approve all accounts referred to them by the Gcner.il Committee ]irevious to their payment by the 'I'reasurer. 'i'he 'I'reasurcr sliall be an (M- member of this Comniillee. They shall abo collect the membership subscriptions. 7. The Cominiitee on l-^mi)loyment, -hall cc icci-ivcd. 2. A in.ijniiiy of the vole^ ca-l --hall lic an Llccliun. J. Any niLiiil'Ci- nf the (.■■cncml Cuniniitli.c aliM.inin;^ hini-clf from tliicc c(iii-ti;iui>i; nionlhly n\ci.tin^'s of the (."tnnniiHtc wiiliout '•ullkicnt iea>on, -hall \acaiL' lii- nfficc. All \ae.incii.- -hall lie I'llleil liy the deneial Comniiltec. AiMii i.i; \'. Mi.i.riMis. 1. A ie;'nlaiMeelini' iif the A-.- '(.iation --hall he held every Tuoxlay DO * ' eveiiin^:;. A !m-ine-- Meelin;,' ^hall he held on the Second 'I'ueMlay of each month. 2. -'J'he (ieiieia! Coniniiltee -"hall meet eaeh month ipie\iou- to the rej,^!- l.ir l)U-ine->- meeting of the Assock "ion. 3. -Sjieeial nieelini;- of the (Jeneial Connnitlee may he calle of the C'umniittec. .'^l^eeial Meeiiny- of the A--"eiation -h.ill lie held at the written rei|ue-t of ten nieniliei-, oral the opiion of the rre>ident, to he called hy puhlic advertise- ment. AKIICia, \'i. -Al.l IIRAIIUNS. I. — No alterations or addilion> >hall he made lu the>e l?y-I.a\vs, except bv a iwo-lhirds vole of the memheis pre-ent at a business meeting. A montli's notice of the proposed chanj^e shall be given to the Absociation. 2.— Any ]>yLa\v may lie su-peiuled for lite lime being by a two-thirds vote of ihe members present at a business meeling. ■:. TTT ■ I '! ■ m 'I I I "> I ': I I A h 1ST OF f EMBERS. Li 11", Mkmuers. Rl\'. John Alexander. Cluirlcs Alexander. l')avid Uentley. T. James Claxton. John Dougall. John Rcdpalh i^ougall. 1'. K. Cireene. ^\'. I'redcrick Kay. David Lewis. Ijcnjamin Lyman. Joseph Mackay. H. A. Xelson. Major (len. Russell, C. 15. David Torrance. Geo. ^\'inks. K. Wiman, (New York.) James Court, David Davidson, J. W. Dawson, LL.D., F.R.S. ILjNORARV Mi:.M!iERS. Lieut. Dutton, R. N. R. Major C. H. Malan, Laird Paton. And all Ministers of l-Aancielical Churches in the citv. The general membership of the Association consists of 503 acti\e, and 525 .\ssociate members, making an aggregate of 1093. u SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THE BUILDING FUND or I in: Montreal Young Mens Christian Association. i". Janice Claxtoii $3,500 I.. K. fjicciie 2.500 1 1. A. Xtlson I, :,oo liciij. Lyman 1,000 A. S. \\\)fM| 1,000 Iliin. J. FcnicT, M.L.C 1.000 -McLacliInn liro>; 1,000 1,000 1,000 600 500 Andrew Allan Rolicit AiuKixjn John Tlini-oll \. Lrawfidd John Duncan 300 "Cialhern iV Caverhill 500 W. Clcndinneng 500 James Jolniston 500 (i. A. < liccne 500 Alex. Hum in :;oo I".eo. If. Lewis 250 (lenige Voung 250 Kolicrt I'oi-;)th 250 Win. Reid 250 James Henning 250 L. \". Moseley 250 H. Gibl) 250 R. C. Jainicson .S. Carsley T. McLennan *r. Inglis ■\V. M. Rice Wm. Xotinan 250 250 -^50 200 200 200 fieorge W. .Mo.vs 200 Canli 15io^. & Co. r. JJayJis O. S. Wood Mary C. Lyman. 200 200 2 CO KX3 N. S. Whitney 200 .\. I L Torrance 200 ILjn. Judge Turrance 200 1 1. Slinckell 200 T. M. Roberts 200 'rho>. R»)l>ertson 125 I'". Sclioles 100 John Leeming 100 (leo. S. I?rush 100 A. C"anlin 100 J. C. Simpson 100 Dun, Wiman iK: Co 100 J. 1'.. LearuKjnt 100 C. M. Alexander 100 1 lemy Morion 100 'I'lios. Allan & Co 100 J. Richards 100 Juhn .S. Warnock 100 Charles .S. J. I'liillips 100 I'^dward I'2vans 100 F. >L H. Smith 100 Cieo, liishop 100 1'. W. Radford 100 W. C. Dutton 100 R. M. llarnard 100 Robert l'''celand 100 Hugh Watson 100 R. J. Reekie 100 M. Laing 100 A. H. Stewart loo T. .S. \"ipond 100 A. C. I lutchison 100 T. Craig loo John I'ealherslone 100 J. J. Williams 100 Miles Williams, Jr 100 v. S. Ross. R. Patterson . . . Charles Morton . A. Rough J. D. DougalL. S. Caldecolt ^^rs. McLachlan. L K. Ward P. IL Ihuton .. . Wm. .Moo 1 1 III 1 J. I.i\iiig-ton I .1. Jack , laiiu'-i M()f«lic I ■\V. llcid I C". A!c\anilcr i (i. Cir.ilinin I II. I'ulmcr I \V. J. I'attcrsi.n i k. K'llviiinii i 1.. ■.Mil'li^ 1 ( ;. C'liL-ncy I I,ainl I'aton I j. (.'ami)licll I W. Ma^tcmian i 'I'lioinas May i\: Co i \V. 1). Vuile I ( Icfi. Armstrong i W. Craig I W. J. McMa-tcr^; Co '1'. Jiadciiach J. W. Campbell ( Jcmi^'c C. DcZouchc A Kriciid WiiK Hro\Mi K. C. Sinipscjii W.J. Taylur \. Waiigh (1. Hodges -M. McKarlane W. I'. Roger A. .McMa>ter 1). &. J. Tce'^ Areli. Swan John WockI J. Mayers Sam. Moiion I. A, 15a/in \V. II. Fills |. I^'armont "ll. .M. McInto>h M. H. Gault R. \V. Cowan A. McMa>ler I). \V, Ro>s 1'. I.annonth \V. O. lUiclianan II. Molt I). R. \Voo Seminar\-. . . . \ ^ W. J. H. ratter>on '..... 25 J. Tumkins 25 Cash 25 J. Ilurd 25 W. W. Sargent 25 Ru^^ell & MclA\in 25 W. W. CJardner 20 Rolierl I knder-on 20 C. W. Jones 20 Wni. Sloan 20 Wm. II. Orr 20 Cieo. ]■;. Tabl) 20 John Ferguson 20 John I'hillips 20 1 1. 1 lenderson 20 Thomas Chaml>ers 20 W. Ireland 20 Sirickland Societvt>f Mrs. I^v's t 20 >ennnary \ S. r. Kowell 20 W. Smaill 20 U. C. Ilolden 20 1 high Cochrane 20 J. II. Welsh 20 K. C. Mcl.einian 20 .\mnunts under $20 245 20 SUBSCRIPTIONS FROM ENGLAND. Ixdf. St-ns Jt Co., I.r.ndon /"lOO J.':3Jic- Mcl.r.r«.n iV ^■L•llhc^^"•. '^lancIidcT loo IJ.-U^n. Mr I).i\i.l Kii-.cll, I'-.f. 1!., .ind M;ii..i- Malnn co ! j.v. R-jL,.cr! .V Co., lirndfniv 25 k. -kT 20 Kc3-::;i A: Ktmp, Roclxlale 20 W'tn. Iltr.ttic, Manclic-tcr 25 \Vm. Mtl.irtn Jv; Sun-, (il.-i-.;,'. i\v 10 31. M.:n A: Co , MniiclicMcr. 10 <»;]]:«.-->, GariitL-Jt v^ Co., I5iadf.ini iq A. A: S. Henry \ Co., Mnncln-sltT 10 SjnaSIcr Amount-; ' 50 ^-y _^iri^' 10 10