I * " 3fot »**« tbe Gburcb." Young Pb' .E's Society CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR: WHERE IT BEGAN HOW IT BEGAN WHAT IT IS HOW IT WORKS. Together with latest revised constitution. Revised and Enlarged BY REY. FRANCIS E. CLARK, D.D. Copyrighted, 1887, by U. S. C. E. publishing department UNITED SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR, 646 Washington Street, Boston. 1895. Price, th^ee cents each; $2.00 a hundred. Young People's Society OF' Christian Endeavor. THIS little leaflet is prepared for the benefit of those who desire to know in succinct form the origin, principle, and practice of the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor. The first Young. People's Society of Christian Endeavor was formed Feb. 2, 1881, in Williston Church, in Portland, Me., by the pastor, Rev. Francis E. Clark. From a small beginning in one church it has rapidly grown until now, after fourteen years, there are over 37,000 societies in all parts of the world, with a membership of two millions and a quarter. The second society was formed in Newburyport, Mass., by the Rev. Charles P. Mills, the pastor of the church, some eight months after the first society was formed. At first the growth was slow, but after a few years it gained impetus and headway, so that now more than 5,900 new societies are added to the ranks every year, an average of over one hundred a week. In 1887 the first society was formed in England, in the town of Crewe, and now the movement is growing there as rapidly as in the land of its birth. About this time, too, societies began to be formed in lands to which American and English missionaries had gone. They 3 are now increasing very rapidly in all these countries, and the Constitution has been translated into about thirty different languages. In 1890 the society first found its way into France, and the General Synod of the Protestant Church has recommended that all the churches in France adopt this means of Christian nurture. In 1891 and 1892 the founder of the society made a world¬ wide tour, visiting large conventions in Australia, where the movement was already thoroughly established, and other meetings in China, Japan, India, Turkey, France, and Spain. In 1894 the society was established in Switzerland and Germany. In this movement all evangelical denominations are repre¬ sented. In America the Presbyterians are still in the lead in the number of societies. In England the Baptists are the leading denomination in Christian Endeavor. In some of the colonies of Australia and in some parts of Canada the Methodists are in advance of other denominations, while in some of the States of the Union the Disciples of Christ and in other States the Congregationalists claim the largest number of Christian Endeavorers. These facts only prove that the society is equally adapted to all denominations in all parts of the world, and show that it is not zzzzdenominational but z'zz/mienominational. Any society belonging to an evangelical church which adopts the leading principle of the movement, including the prayer-meeting pledge, and which guarantees these principles by the name " Christian Endeavor," used either alone or in connection with a denomina¬ tional name, is admitted to all the privileges of the movement. The Junior movement started in a church in Tabor, Io., of which Rev. J. W. Cowan was pastor, though many features 4 of the Junior Society as now developed were incorporated in the Endeavor Society from, the beginning. But, as time went on, and the young people became older, the need for some special work for the boys and girls became evident, hence the surprising growth of late years of the Junior Society of Christian Endeavor. Local unions, early in the movement, were formed for the sake of bringing the young people together for fellowship and inspiration. The first one was formed in New Haven, Conn. They have been very successful and of great value in promoting the growth of the Endeavor idea. From the beginning national or international conventions, have been held, the first in Portland, Me., in 1882, before there were a dozen societies in all the world. With increasing power and influence these conventions have been carried on, and now frequently number forty or fifty thousand in attendance, being by far the largest religious conventions ever held in the history of the world. The United Society of Christian Endeavor is simply a bureau of information. It claims no authority and exercises none. The Christian Endeavor principle is that all authority over a local society is vested in the church and pastor. The United Society simply records the names of local societies, tabulates statistics, issues information in the form of leaflets and booklets, and provides the programme for the international conventions- It is governed by a board of about thirty well-known clergymen and laymen representing the different evangelical denominations. The expenses of the United Society are kept at the lowest point possible, and it is supported altogether by the sale of its. literature and badges, and never asks for a contribution from the societies. The Golden Rule is the official representative of the societies. 5 It was adopted by the sixth annual convention of Christian Endeavor societies, and has been indorsed by many societies since. The President of the United Society, as editor-in-chief of The Golden Rule, receives his support from the paper and not from the society. Very little business comes before the international conven¬ tion and the State conventions and local union meetings. No binding votes are taken, and they exercise no authority over individual societies. The officers of the State and local unions freely give their services for love of the cause. To have paid officials in this work is contrary to the Christian Endeavor principles. Little booklets containing a fuller history of the Endeavor Society, "The United Society and Local Unions," "The Work of the Committees," and "The Junior Society," etc., can be obtained of the United Society at the small cost of from two to ten cents each. See price-list in the back of this leaflet. The principles of the Society of Christian Endeavor as they have been held from the beginning and as they have been wrought out in the experience of thousands of societies are embodied in the following pages, which, with a study of the Constitution, will give any one who desires an idea of the Society of Christian Endeavor; what it is and how it works. ORGANIZED EFFORT. The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor is simply ^an organized effort to lead the young people to Christ and into his Church, to establish them firmly in the faith, and to set them at work in the Lord's Vineyard. The main point upon which the Constitution insists is the weekly prayer meeting, which each active member pledges himself or herself to attend (unless 6 detained by some absolute necessity) and to participate in, in so/n e way, if only by the repetition of averse of Scripture. Once each month a special meeting of reconsecration to Christ is held, at which special pains are taken to see whether every active member is faithful to his pledge and true to Christ. The society may, and, as an actual fact, often does, branch out into many other departments of Christian effort, always adapting itself to the local needs of each church, but these rules concern¬ ing the prayer meeting are itnperative; without the/n there can- ?iot be a true Society of Christian Endeavor. A RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. It cannot be insisted on too strongly that the Society of Christian Endeavor is first and last and always a religious society. It has social and literary and other features, but it is neither a social nor literary society. In the Platform of Principles set forth by the President of the United Society when he accepted the position, and since very generally indorsed by the societies and adopted by their conventions, is the following:— " The purely religious features of the organization shall always be paratnount. The Society of Christian Endeavor centres about the prayer meeting. The strict prayer-meeting pledge, honestly interpreted, is essential to the continued success of a Society of Christian Endeavor." A society thus organized among the young people has in hun¬ dreds of thousands of cases led young people into the church and set them at work for the church. A TRAINING SCHOOL IN THE CHURCH. Into this society the new Christian, however young or feeble he may be, may come at once. Here he may at once be recog- 7 Aized as a Christian, may at once have the opportunity and be encouraged to acknowledge his Saviour, and at once be given something to do for him. Jt gives the young Christian something to do at once. It accustoms him to the sound of his own voice in the prayer meeting. It causes him to understand that he has a part to perform in the activities of the church, as well as the oldest Christian. It sen4s him upon a hundred errands for Christ. Very soon he learns that he has a duty in the general church prayer meetings, and he becomes naturally and easily one of the pastor's trusted helpers. We are speaking from actual experience in this mat¬ ter, and are not theorizing. A generation of Christians trained from early boyhood and girlhood in this way, patiently, persistently, kindly, would be a generation of working Christians. This society is also a WATCH-TOWER FOR THE CHURCH. The pastor ought always to attend the prayer meetings and the social gatherings, if possible, and, unseen, keep his hands on the reins of the organization. If he does so, wisely and constantly, he cannot help knowing how the young converts are progress- (ing in the Christian life. If they are faithful to their voluntary vows he knows it, and can mark with joy their growth in grace. If they are negligent he knows that, and can at once look after and reclaim the unfaithful ones. No tnonth need ever go by without the pastor knowing the religious status of each of his young people. THE COMMITTEES. The various committees are essential features of the Young 8 People's Society of Christian Endeavor. With faithful, earnest, intelligent committees, the work can hardly fail to succeed. Perhaps the most important committee is the " Lookout Com¬ mittee." This committee has for part of its work to introduce new members to the society, and it should take great pains that only those who have begim the Christian life are thus intro¬ duced as active members. Quality is far more important than quantity in a Christian Endeavor Society. A society of six faithful active members is really stronger than one of six hun¬ dred half-hearted members. Many Lookout Committees have erred in rushing into the society too many who had not read the Constitution or fully understood the pledge. But its most delicate duty is the reclaiming of those who have grown lax and indifferent to their vows. If any active member is away from the monthly Consecration Meeting, the Lookout Committee should know the fact, and should find out the reason for the absence. The very fact that this committee is on the " lookout" will prove a salutary restraint upon many. There are but few young people who stray away who cannot be reclaimed and brought back to their allegiance by a wise and faithful Lookout Committee. The other committees, especially the Prayer-meeting and Social Committees, are scarcely less important, but their duties are easily understood as defined in the Constitution,* and we do not need to dwell upon their work. All these committees, according to their zeal and devotion, can make much or little of their office.. Each one of them affords a grand opportunity for efficient service, if it is rightly used. WHO MAY BECOME MEMBERS? Should there be an age limit? These are questions which *See Model Constitution, Article VI., and By-Laws,A rticle XII. 9 are often asked. We are not in favor of a strict age limit, at least on the older side, since youth and age are such variable terms. Many a man is old at twenty-five. Many a man at fifty is still young. This matter can usually be left to the sanctified common sense of Christian men and women. As a general rule, the older church-members will feel that they can do more good by praying for the young people's meeting at home. Most Endeavorers as they grow older will join the postgraduate ranks as honorary members, or members of the Senior Society, if the church has one. In any event they will turn their ener¬ gies into the other services of the church, putting the burden of responsibility upon the younger shoulders. Still, there are exceptions to this rule. It is very essential that there should be in the society some older young people, say those between twenty and forty, to give stability to the work, and to take the lead in committees. Boys and girls under fourteen should be formed into a Junior Society of Christian Endeavor, with one or more wise and tactful superintendents to care for them, while the boys and girls lead the meetings and do the work. The Junior societies have been very greatly blessed in the training of children. A leaflet describing this branch of the work will be sent free of charge by the United Society of Christian Endeavor to any one desiring to form a Junior society. THE CONSECRATION MEETING. This meeting is one of great importance, and may be made, as it usually is, a great spiritual power. At this meeting, in some way, some expression of renewed loyalty to Christ should be obtainedfrom every active member. When the roll is called it should always be made a very serious matter, and the mere response to the name should be considered a reconsecration. Most societies have found it best to call the roll, not at the 10 close, but during the progress of the meeting, so that each may respond to his name with a prayer, or a word of testimony, or a passage of Scripture; but this method should be varied to avoid falling into ruts or forms. THE ASSOCIATE MEMBERS. The duties of the Active Members are plain enough,—humble Christian living, constant attendance upon the meetings, and constant participation. The duties of the Associate Members are less easily defined. They are the young people, who, while they are not willing to avow themselves active Christians, are willing to put themselves under Christian influences, and are willing to receive the prayers of the Active Members. That they owe something to the society is plain. Habitual attend¬ ance upon the meetings should be required from the "Associate Members, but not participation in the meeting. At the Conse¬ cration Meeting in some societies their names are called for the purpose of finding out if they are present, not for the pur¬ pose of obtaining a renewed consecration. Every good influ¬ ence should be kept around such members, and every effort made to bring them to Christ. The invitation to the prayer meetings should be of the broadest and most cordial character, to embrace not only the members, but all the young people of the church and the community to which the church ministers. THE RELATION OF THE PASTOR AND THE CHURCH. The society is a part of the church. One of its principal objects is to bring all the young people into the work of the church. In this respect, it differs from all other organizations. Its motto is, " For Christ and the Church." Each society is con¬ nected with some one individual church, and its efforts are directed to her upbuilding. The Platform of Principles before ii alluded to says: " The Society of Christian Endeavor is not and is not to be an organization independent of the church. It is the church at work for and with the young and the young peo¬ ple at work for and with the church." Testimonies from hun¬ dreds of prominent pastors relate how this society has brought back their young people from desultory and unproductive work outside of the church, and has concentrated their efforts in church channels. In the church prayer meeting, the Sunday school, the musical services, the social life and missionary efforts of the church, the young people thus organized can be of untold usefulness. The -pastor should, if possible, attend all their meetings, aid their efforts, and show himself in fullest and most hearty sym¬ pathy with the young life of his church; otherwise he cannot hope for large success. THE SOCIETY INTERDENOMINATIONAL, NOT UNDENOMINATIONAL. The best proof of this is found in the fact that it exists in all evangelical denominations, and is found equally useful in all denominations. In some sections it prevails more largely in one denomination, in other sections in another. The Platform of Principles says on this point: " The basis of the union of the societies is one of common loyalty to Christ, common methods of service for him, and mutual Christian affection rather than a doctrinal and ecclesiastical basis. In such a union all evangelical Christians can unite without repudi¬ ating or being disloyal to any denominational custom or tenet." LOYALTY TO THE CHURCH. This society has been noted in all its history for its strict and unswerving loyalty to the local church. If is in the church, of 12 the church, for the church. It is loyal to its pastor, to its church, and all her interests and meetings, to its denomination and her missionary treasuries. In the heart of the pledge is a promise to " support my own church in every way, especially by attending her Sunday and mid-week services." BUSINESS FEATURES. The business features of the society should not be accorded very much prominence. Sharp parliamentary practice and long or heated discussion should be discouraged. The Society of Christian Endeavor is not a debating society. If questions requiring debate are brought only before the Executive Com¬ mittee (as provided in Article VI., 4), and reported favorably or otherwise by this committee to the society for adoption, much trouble may be avoided. But little money is required for the society, and this can be raised by a monthly pledge of five cents, by an unobjectionable entertainment of which the church shall approve, or in any other simple way HOW TO FORM A SOCIETY. Begin with as many earnest, active young Christians as are available for this work. Do not be anxious for numbers. A very few young people of the right sort can make a strong Society of Christian Endeavor. If the society begins right, it is sure to grow. Do not lower the standard or cater to the worldly laxness of the average Christian by making the way easy. The great danger is just in this line —that many will rush in at first who have no proper conception of their obliga¬ tions, and who will prove a positive source of weakness to the society. Make sure that every one who joins fully understands his duties and obligations, and is willing in Christ's strength to undertake them, Call together the earnest young Christians *3 who are thus willing to pledge themselves to this work; let them adopt and sign the Constitution, which act solemnly pledges them to a performance of these duties; let them choose their officers and committees, and the society is formed, ready to go forward with its work. SUMMARY. The essential features, then, of the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor are: pledged and constant attendance upon the weekly prayer meetings j pledged and constant participation therein by every Active Me?nberj pledged and constant work for others through the committees, and in any way which may be suggested. A few living up to these pledges faithfully will, with the blessing of God, soon become a powerful host in any church. There is no danger that the rules will be too strictly enforced. There is great danger that they will be regarded too loosely. The society that looks to God for all blessings, and strictly observes its vows, voluntarily assumed by each young person, cannot fail. More can be learned concerning the soci¬ ety from a careful study of the Constitution printed herein than in any other way. MODEL CONSTITUTION.* Article I.—Name. This society shall be called the Young People's society of Christian Endeavor. Article II.—Object. Its object shall be to promote an earnest Christian life among" its mem- persj to increase their mutual acquaintance, and to make them more useful in the service of God. Article III.— Membership. . The members shall consist of three classes, Active, Associate, and Amliated or Honorary. _2. Active Members. The Active Members of this society shall con¬ sist of all young persons who believe themselves to be Christians, and who sincerely desire to accomplish the objects above specified. Voting power shall be vested only in the Active Members. 3- Associate Members. All young persons of worthy character, who are not at present willing to be considered decided Christians, may become Associate Members of this society. They shall have the special prayers and sympathy of the Active Members, but shall be excused from taking part in the prayer meeting. It is expected that all Associate Members will habitually attend the prayer meetings, and that they will in time be¬ come Active Members; and the society will work to this end. 'This Constitution, which, in its important features, is substantially the same as that adopted by the first society in Portland, Feb. 2, 1881, has been prepared with great care, and met with the very hearty indorsement of the Fourth National Conference, to which it was presented. It has been revised and approved by the Trustees of the United Society, at a meeting held October, 1887. It is not necessarily binding upon any local society, but is to be regarded in the light of a recommendation, especially for the guidance of new organizations and those unacquainted with the work of the Society of Christian Endeavor. It is hoped, however, for the sake of uniformity, that the Constitution, which deals only with main principles, may be generally adopted, and that such changes as may be needed to adapt the society to local needs will be made in the By-Laws. Even if the language of the constitution of some local societies would vary from this Model Constitution, it should be borne in mind that only those societies that adhere to the prayer-meeting idea, as embodied in Article VII., and the main features of committee work, can properly claim the name of Christian Endeavor societies. The specimen By-Laws, which are here appended, embrace suggestions for the government of the society which have been found successful in many places. Each one is approved by experience. 15 4. Affiliated or Honorary Members* All persons who, though no longer young, are still interested in the society, and wish to have some connection with it, though they cannot regularly attend the meetings, may become Affiliated Members. Their names shall be kept upon the list under the appropriate heading, but shall not be called at the roll-call meeting. It is understood that the society may look to the Affiliated Members for financial and moral support in all worthy efforts. (For special class of Honorary Members, see Article XI.) 5. These different persons shall become members, upon being elected by the society, after carefully examining the Constitution and upon signing their names to it, thereby pledging themselves to live up to its require¬ ments. Article IV.—Officers. 1. The officers of this society shall be a President, Vice-President,! Re¬ cording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and Treasurer, who shall be chosen from among the Active Members of the society. 2. There shall also be a Lookout Committee, a Prayer-meeting Com¬ mittee, a Social Committee, and such other committees as the local needs of each society may require, each consisting of five Active Members. There shall also be an Executive Committee, as provided in Article VI. Article V.—Duties of Officers. 1. President. The President of the society shall perform the duties usually pertaining to that office. He shall have especial watch over the interests of the society, and it shall be his care to see that the different com .nittees perform the duties devolving upon them. He shall be chairman of the Executive Committee. 2. Vice-President. In the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall perform his duties.! 3. Corresponding Secretary. It shad be the duty of the Corre¬ sponding Secretary to keep the local society in communication with the United Society and with other local societies, and to present to his own society such matters of interest as may come from the United Society, from other local societies, and from other authorized sources of Christian Endeavor information. This office shall be permanent, and the name shall be forwarded to the United Society. 4. Recording Secretary. It shall be the duty of the Recording Secretary to keep a record of the members, to correct it from time to time, as may be necessary, and to obtain the signature of each newly elected member to the Constitution ; also to correspond with absent mem¬ bers, and to inform them of their standing in the society ; also to keep correct minutes of all business meetings of the society; also to notify all persons elected to office or to committees, and to do so in writing, if necessary. *This class of membership is provided for Christians of mature years, especially for those who have been Active Members, and who desire to remain throughout their lives connected with the society. Young persons who can be either Active or Associate Members should in 110 case be Affiliated Members. fit is suggested that the Vice-President shall also be secretary of the Executive Committee. 16 5. Treasurer. _ It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to keep safely all moneys belonging: to the society, and to pay out only such sums as shall be voted by the society. Article VI.—Duties of Committees. i. Lookout Committee. It shall be the duty of this committee to bpng new members into the society, to introduce them to the work and to the other members, and affectionately to look after and reclaim any that seem indifferent to their duties as outlined in the jpledge. This committee shall also, by personal investigation, satisfy itself of the fitness of young persons to become members of this society, and shall propose their names at least one week before their election to membership. ?• Prayer-Meeting Committee. It shall be the duty of this com¬ mittee to have in charge the prayer meeting, and to see that a topic is assigned and a leader appointed for every meeting, and to do what it can to secure faithfulness to the prayer-meeting pledge. 3. Social Committee. It shall be the duty of this committee to pro¬ mote the socialinterests of the society by welcoming strangers to the meetings, and by providing for the mutual acquaintance of the members by occasional sociables, for which any appropriate entertainment, of- which the church approves, may be provided. 4. Executive Committee.* This committee shall consist of the Pastor of the church, the officers of the society, and the chairmen of the various committees. All matters of business requiring debate shall be brought first before this committee, and by it reported to the society either favor¬ ably or adversely. All discussion of proposed measures shall take place before this committee, and not before the society. Recommendations con¬ cerning the finances of the society shall also originate with this committee. 5. Each committee, except the Executive, shall make a report in writing to the society, at the monthly business meetings, concerning the work of the past month. Article VII.— The Prayer Meeting. All the Active Members shall be present at every meeting, unless de¬ tained by some absolute necessity, and each Active Member shall take some part, however slight, in every meeting. To the above all the Active Members shall pledgeX themselves, understanding by " absolute necessity " some reason for absence -which can conscientiously be given to their Master, Jesus Christ. Article VIII.— The Pledge.X All persons on becoming Active Members of the society shall sign the following pledge: — •The object of this committee is to prevent waste of time in the regular meetings of the society by useless debate and unnecessary parliamentary practice, which are always harmful to the spirit of a prayer meeting. flf this exact form of words is not adopted, it is earnestly hoped that it will not be weakened or toned down, but that a pledge embracing the ideas of private devo¬ tions, loyalty to the church, and outspoken confession of Christ m the weekly meet¬ ing will be adopted. 17 Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for strength, I promise Him that I will strive to do whatever He would like to have me ao ; that I will make it the rule of my life to fray and to read the Bible every day, and to sup- fort my own church in every way, especially by attending all her regular Sunday and midweek services, unless prevented by some reason which I can conscientiously give to my Saviour; and that, just so far as I know how, throughout my whole life, I will endeavor to lead a Christian life. As an Active Member, I promise to be true to all my duties, to be pres¬ ent at, and to take some part, aside from singing, in every Christian Endeavor prayer meeting, unless hindered by some reason which I can conscientiously give to my Lord and Master. If obliged to be absent from the monthly consecration meeting of the society, I will, if possible, send at least a verse of Scripture to be read in response to my name at the roll-call. Signed, Article IX.— The Consecration Meeting. 1. Once each month a consecration or covenant meeting shall be held, at which each Active Member shall renew his vows of consecration. If any¬ one chooses, he can express his feelings by an appropriate verse of Scrip¬ ture or other quotation. 2. At each consecration meeting the roll shall be called, and the respon¬ ses of the Active Members shall be considered as renewed expressions of allegiance to Christ. It is expected that if any one is obliged to be absent from this meeting, he will send q message, or at least a verse of Scripture, to be read in response to his name at the roll-call. 3. If any Active Member of this society is absent from this monthly meeting, and fails to send a message, the Lookout Committee is expected to take the name of such a one, and in a kind and brotherly spirit as¬ certain the reason for the absence. If any Active Member of the society is absent and unexcused from three consecutive monthly meetings, such a one ceases to be a member of the society, and his name shall be stricken from the list of members. Article X.—Business Meetings and Elections. 1. Business meetings may be held in connection with the prayer meet¬ ing, or at any other time in accordance with the call of the President. 2. An election of the officers and committees shall be held once in six months.* Names may be proposed by a Nominating Committee appointed by the President, of which the Pastor shall be a member ex officio. Article XI.—Relation to the Church. This society, being a part of the church, owes allegiance only and alto- fether to the church with which it is connected. The Pastors, Deacons, llders or Stewards, and Sunday-school Superintendent, if not Active Members, shall be, ex officiis, Honorary Members. Any difficult question shall be laid before them for advice, and their decision shall be final. It shall be understood that the nomination of officers or other action taken by the society shall be subject to revision or veto by the church; that in every way * Once a year, if preferred. 18 jS