^ PRINCETON, N. J. ^^ Presented by W(S\^ .CJ\y-VV^VAX~' Vc3We> . BV 652 .S7 1888 Stall, Sylvanus, 1847-1915. Methods of church work Methods of Church Work. RELIGIOUS, SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL. ./ REV. SYLVANUS STAI.I., A.M., AUTHOR OF "how to PAY CHURCH DEBTS," "PASTOR'S POCKET RECORD," "MINISTERS' IlAND-BOOK TO LUTHERAN HYMNS," EDITOR OF "STALL'S LUTHERAN YEAR-BOOK AND HISTORICAL QUARTERLY," ETC. *'Faith without works is dead.'"— James ii: 26. "To ^very man his work.'' — Mark xiii:j^. NEW YORK: KuNK & WagnalIvS, PoblishLers, Nos, 18 AND 20 AsTOR Place. j888 Copyright, 1SS7, by FUNK & WAGNALLS. PRESS OF FUNK & WAGNAI.LS. IS and 20 Astor Place, NEW YORK PREFACE. ^npHIS volume was begotten of a desire to bring aid to thousands, who, like myself, feel keenly the importance of the great work to which they have been called, and yet who realize the great lack of knowledge HOW to accomplish the greatest good and the largest results. In this book we have sought to bring together the best methods of the best workers, converging from different states and distant lands the separate rays, that they might focus on these pages. In the treatment of the subject, to which, for several years, we have given no little time in gathering material, we have not felt called upon to add another to the many volumes which treat of the importance and imperative necessity of church work, but, persuaded that only those who already have clearly defined convictions concerning its importance would likely peruse these pages, we have given less time to telling "what" and more to telling "how." Neither have we had any pet theories to advocate. We have not sought to show how we would do this great work, but to show how the most successful have done and are doing it. We have not been, nor could we be animated by any higher ambition than the desire to bring to all who are bearing the sacred trusts of a crucified Saviour such aid and assistance as would be found helpful in making possible an acquaintance with the systems and methods which have already proven their worth in actual experience and practical work. Where we have sought to contrast the advantages and disadvantages which attach themselves to any method, we have aimed to do so in a purely unbiased manner. Rather than plead as a partisan, we have briefly stated the arguments upon both sides, leaving the reader, with a knowledge of his own situation, to select for himself. I feel confident that no one who has looked out upon the larger activi- ties of the Christian church can fail to have been deeply impressed with the significance of the great animation which has, especially during the last six years, marked the marshaling of thousands of congregations for Christian work. A number of the methods which God is to-day ill iv PREFACE. blessing with large and beneficent results, are not yet a balf-score of years old, while others have yet to see the fifth and sixth and seventh anniversaries of their beginning. If the forces of evil are marshaling, so are the children of God. The prospect inspires the beholder with confidence, and one of the most hopeful signs of the times is found in the desire of the church to possess herself of those things, whether new or old, which God seals with his divine blessing. In part sixth, under the head of "Financial," we have incorporated most of what was originally published in ' ' How to Pay Church Debts, and How to Keep Churches Out of Debt, ' ' a book now out of print, but not out of demand. To the original pages we have made such changes as are rendered desirable by the years which have elapsed since its first publication. It was our original purpose to incorporate in this volume a full exhibit of the most approved methods of Sunday-school work. The lack of space has rendered it necessary that the matter designed for that department should find for itself a separate place in a book which will be entitled ' ' Methods and Money in Sunday-school Work, ' ' and which we trust will ere long follow the present volume. It has pleased God kindly to own and graciously to bless to the good of struggling churches the pages of " Church Debts," and I now send forth this volume of a larger scope, praying that a like gracious blessing may attend it as it comes to those who in its pages may seek acquaint- ance with ways and methods for enlarged usefulness. SYI.VANUS STALI.. Lancaster, Pa., 3lay 2^th, iS8j. TABIvH OF CONTENTS. PART I. ORGANIZATION. CHAPTER I. Importance op Method in Church Work, 11-15 Importance of the Work of the Church, 11. — The Progress which has been Made, 12. — Vastness of the Work^ill to be Accomplished, 12. CHAPTER IL How TO Make A Working Church 16-40 The Hindrances, 16. — Individual Hindrances, 16. — Lack of Godliness, 17. — Uni- versal Inactivity, iS. — Cure of Fault-finding, 19. — Removing Hindrances, 19. — The Helps, 20.— The Pastor's Influence, 20.— The Power of the Pulpit in Securing Workers, 20.— Pastoral Power in Securing Workers, 22. — Power of a Single Indi- vidual, 22. — Busy People, 22.— The Women, 23. — The Workers can be Found, 23. — Organizing Workers into Classes for Instruction, 23. — Helpful Books, Tracts, etc., 24. — The Family Reading, 26. — A Suggestive Card, 27. — Do not Destroy the Personality of the Workers, 27. — Face-to-Face Work, 27. — Supremacy and Ac- countability, 29. — Plans for Organization, 30. — Plan for Church Work, 30. — Com- mittee on District Visitation, 30. — Highway and Hedge Committee, and other Committees, 30-32. — Implements for Work, '33. — Pocket Cards, 33. — Tracts, 33. — Causes of Failure, 33 — Other Lines of Work, 34.— Musical Education, 34. — The Order of "Christian Workers," 34.— Working Bauds, 36. — Letters of Enlistment, 37. — A Modified Letter, 39. PART II. SAVING THE YOUNG. CHAPTER III. How TO Reach and Save the Young 4^-54 The Society of Christian Endeavor, 42. — Constitution and By-Laws, 43. — By- Laws for the Regulation of Local Societies, 46. — Objects, 49. — Its Rules, 50. — The Committees, 52.— The Experience Meeting, 53.— The Associate Members, 53. — How to Form a Society, 53. — Summary, 54. CHAPTER IV. The White Cross Army 55-59 History of Organization, 55. — Pledges, 56. — Constitution and By-Laws, 57. — Society's Literature, 58. CHAPTER V. The White Ribbon Army 59-62 Its Organization, 59. — Constitution and By-Laws, 60. CHAPTER VI. The Young Christians' Association 62-65 History, 62.— Constitution and By-Laws, 63.— Children's Department, 65. V vi CONTENDS. CHAPTER VII. The Boys' Brigade 65-69 Its Organization and Rapid Growth, 66. — Constitution, 66. — Company Rules, 69. PART III. RELIGIOUS MEETINGS.— I. Sabbath Services. CHAPTER VIII. How TO Secure the Attendance of Outsiders and Members 70-89 Dr. Tyng's Method of Ingathering, 71. — Results of Individual Effort, 74. — The Gospel for the Deaf, 75. — The Attendance of Mothers, 76. — Another Method of Reaching the Non-Church-Going Elements, 77. — Reaching Travelers and Guests at Hotels, 78. — Reaching the Bereaved, 79 — Admission by Ticket, 80. — Holding the New Comers, 81. -Securing the Attendance of Sunday-school Scholars, 81. — Reaching the Non-Church-Going Classes Through the Sunday-school, 84. — Noting the Attendance of Members, 84. — Securing Attention and Attendance by Special Service, 85. — Praise Service, 87. — Notes and Hints, 88. CHAPTER IX. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper 90 CHAPTER X. Sermons to Children 9i-97 The Tendencies of the Pulpit, 91. — Five-Minute Sermons, 91. — Suggestive Books, 92. — "How to Bring the Sunday-school to Church," 92. — Seed Thoughts for Sermons to Children and the Young, 92. — Conscience, 92. — Sin, 93. — Sunday- school Children vs. Those Who Do not Go to Sunday-school, 93.— Omniscience, 94. — Conversion, 94. — The Godly vs. The Ungodly, 94. — True and False Professors, 94. — Effects of Evil Influences upon the Face, 94. — The Heart of a Fountain, 94. — Temperance, 95.— Our Wonderful Bodies, 95.— Letting One's Light Shine, 95. — The Christian Bee-hive, 96. — Christ, the Door, 96. — The Little Foxes, 96. CHAPTER XI. RELIGIOUS MEETINGS.— 2. The Week Day Service. The Prayer-Meeting 98-105 The Importance of the Prayer-meeting, 98. — Plow to Make the Prayer-meeting Interesting, 99. — Mr. Moody's Rules, 100. — How to Get Members to Take Part, 100. — List of Topics, loi. — Helpful Books, 105. CHAPTER XII. Cottage Prayer-meetings 105-107 Advantages of, 105. — Cottage Prayer-meetings in New Testament Times, 106. — Management of, 106. CHAPTER XIII. Meetings for Men Only 107-109 Value of, 107. — A Circular Letter, 108. — Topics, 108. CHAPTER XIV. The Christian Nurture OF THE Young 109-113 Helpful Agencies, no. — The Catechetical Class, no. — Children's Meetings, 112. ^Interesting the Children in the Bible and the Church, 113. CON'TENTS. vn CHAPTER XV. Meetings and Classes for Bibee Study 113-116 The Bible Correspoudence School, 114. — Bible Reading aud Prayer Alliance, 114. The King's Household of Bible Readers (International), 115. — The Assembl}^ Nor- mal Union, 116. — Workers' Training Classes, 116. CHAPTER XVI. Young People's Prayer-Meeting .117-118 "The Missing L,iuk," 117. — The Recognition of the Young, 117. CHAPTER XVII. Mission Service 118-119 Missionary Periodicals, iiS.-rBooks on Missions, 119. CHAPTER XVIII. The Class-Meeting 119-121 The Right Kind of a Class-Leader, 120. — Helpful Information, 121. CHAPTER XIX. Temperance Meetings, 122-123 " The Church Temperance Society," 122.— The W. C. T. U., 122.— Pledges, 123. CPIAPTER XX. RELIGIOUS MEETINGS.— 3. Revivals. Preparations for Revivals 123-130 "How to Promote Revivals," 123. — "Their Place and Power," 126. — Books on, 127. — United Efforts, 129. CHAPTER XXI. The Use op Books and Tracts 130-132 Lists of, 131. CHAPTER XXII. Brief Outlines and Texts on Revivals 132-135 God's Recipe for a Revival, 132. — "Reviving the Work in the Midst of the Years," i32.^Texts, 134. CHAPTER XXIII. Work in the Inquiry Meeting 135, 138 Reasons for Inquiry Meeting, 136. — The Conduct of an Inquiry Meeting at a Season of Special Interest, 136. — Cautions, 137. CHAPTER XXIV. The Care of Young Converts 139-143 Importance of, 139. — Duties to Inquirer After Conversion, 139. — Training, 140. — "Philip and Andrew" Society, 142. CHAPTER XXV. Joining the Church 143-145 Helpful Pamphlets, 145. — Helpful Rules, 145. ^Precious Chapters, 145. Viii CONTENTS. PART IV. SOCIAL MEETINGS. CHAPTER XXVI. Literary and Social Meetings 146-151- Weekly Congregational Social, 146.— Literary Societies, 146. — Constitutions, etc., 147. — Reading Circles, Congregational Libraries, etc., 150. — Chautauqua, Lakeside and Other Classes, 150. PART V. PASTOR'S AIDS. CHAPTER XXVII. Deaconesses 152-154 Great Need of More Helpers, 152. — Deaconesses, Sisters, etc., 152. — History of, 152, CHAPTER XXVIII. Training Schooi^ in the United States 155-156 Schools in Active Operation, 155. — The Training of Laymen for Christian Work, 156. CHAPTER XXIX. The King's Daughters 157-158 Origin and Growth of, 157. — Hints and Helps for, 158. CHAPTER XXX. Parochial Work for Men and Women 158-165 Work Indicated, 158. — Constitution for Woman's Aid Society, 160. — Work in the Church of the Holy Trinity, 162. — General Principles, 164. CHAPTER XXXI. Parish Papers and Printer's Ink 165-166 Expense, 165. — Names of Papers, 166. — Printer's Ink, 166. CHAPTER XXXII. What the Church Officers Can and Should Do 166-170 Work Indicated, 167.— Kind of Men Needed, 168.— Magnitude of the Pastor's Work, 169.— Meeting the Difficulties, 169.— Books of Reference, 170. PART VI. FINANCIAL. CHAPTER XXXIII. How TO Pay Church Debts , 169-187 Difficulties in the Way, 171.— Preaching on the Subject, 171.— A Wrong Policy, 172.— The Pastor's Part in Prosecuting the Work, 172.— Choice of Plan, 173.— The Subscription Plan, 174.— Forms of, 174.— Selecting a Committee, 175.— Suggestions CONTENTS. IX to Committees, 175. — Note Siibscriptioa, 177. — Advantages, 177. — Law Concerning, 177. — Suggestions, 178. — Tax-List Plan, 17S. — Advantages, 179. — Objections, 179.— Apportioning Plan, 180. — Share Plan, 180. -^Envelope Subscription, 181. — Sinking- Fuud, 181. — Pastoral Letter Plan, 181. — Monthly Collection Plan, 182. — Mortgage Donation, 182. — Appeals through Church Papers, 183. — Canvassing Other Congre- gations, 183. — The Defrauding Plan, 183. — Fairs, Concerts, etc., 184. — Are the Churches Able to Pay the Debts? 186. CHAPTER XXXIV. (established churches.) How TO Keep Churches Out of Debt 187-210 Advancing Toward the True Method, 188.— The Pew System, 1S8.— Pew Rent- ing, 188.^ — Advantages of, 188. — Disadvantages of, 189. — Modes of Renting Pews, 189. — At Auction, 190. — Public Rental, 190. — Sittings for the Poor, 191.- — Rental Agreements, 192. — Notices, 193. — Collecting Pew Rents, 193. — Payment in Enve- lopes, 193 — Providing for Deficiencies, 194. — The Free Pew System, 194. — Volun- tary Contributions, 195. — Annual Subscriptions, 196. — Permanent Subscription Considered, 197. — The Envelope System, 199. — Excellencies of, 199. — Securing Pledges, 201. — Forms of, 201 — The Bellefonte Method, 202. — How to Introduce, 204. — Pledges and Collections, 206. — Bills and Reminders, 207. — Conclusion, 207. CHAPTER XXXV. (new enterprises.) How TO Keep Churches Out of Debt 210-222 Dangers in, 210. — Practical Suggestions, 211. — How to Proceed, 211. — Where to Build, 211.— Plans, 212. — Specifications and Contracts, 213. — How Much Money to Invest, 213. — The Final Cost, 214. — The Scriptural Method, 214. — The Tabernacle and Temple, Cost of, 216. — Repairing of, 217. — Sinking-Fund Plan, 218. — Pastoral Letter Plan, 218. — Joint-Ownership Plan, 220. — Joint-Stock Plan, 220. — A Catholic Priest's Plan, 221. — A Good Suggestion, 222. CHAPTER XXXVI. How TO Raise Money for Missions, and Benevolent Work .... 222-247 Need of System, 223. — Giving to Christ, Not to Societies, 224. — Where Most Methods Fail, 224. — Results of System in Giving, 226.— Annual Collection Plan, 228. — Annual Subscription, 229. — Quarterly Collection, 230. — A Quarterly Subscrip- tion Plan, 231. — Monthly Contribution Plans, 233. — By Circular Letter, 233. — Sug- gestive Figures, 235 — Contribution Schedule, 235. — Weekly Contribution Plans, 238. — Basket Collection, 239. — Weekly Offerings, 240. — Plans for Daily Offerings, 241. — The Foundation Plan, 241.- — The Box System, 244.^ — Contribution Boxes at Church Doors, 244. — Private Treasury for Offerings, 244. — Forms of Pledges, 245. — Conclusion, 246. CHAPTER XXXVII. The Sabbath Collection 247-251 How Giving in Worship is Profaned, 247. — The Term "Penny Collection," 247. Announcements of "No Collection," 248. — Luther's "Three Conversions," 248. — The Irreverent Manner of Gathering the Offerings, 240. — Dr. Hugh Miller Thomp- son on "The Lost Act of Worship," 248. — How to Restore Giving to its Place in Worship, 250. — Reading Appropriate Scripture During the Gathering of the Offer- ings, 250. — Passages Suggested, 250. CHAPTER XXXVIII. The Tithe, Free-Will Offering and Alms-Giving 252-263 X CONTENTS. The Tithe a Terpetual Memorial of God's vSovereignty, 252.-11 Was Required from the Beginning, 252. — It is Universal and Perpetual, 253. — Tithes Under the Clearer Light of the Jewish Dispensation, 253.— Various Tithes and Offerings, 255. — The Tithe in the New Testament Church, 257. — How the Church Came to De- part from the Law of the Tithe, 259.— What are Free-Will Offerings, 260.— What are Alms? 261. — Conclusion, 262. PART VII.' BENEVOLENT WORK. CHAPTER XXXIX. Guilds 264-270 The Church's Duty to Care for the Temporal Interests of the People, 264. — So- cieties for Doing the Church's Work, Outside of the Church, 264. — History of Guilds, 265 — Different Kinds of Guilds, 266. — Guild of the Iron Cross, 267. — By- Laws and Constitution of, 267. CHAPTER XIv. Workingmen's Clubs 270-294 Clubs in Great Britain, 270. — In the United States, 271. — Objects of this P'orm of Organization, 271. — Rules of St. Mark's Club and Institute, 273. — A Young Men's Working Union, Objects of, 273. — Workingmen's Club of the Holy Com- munion, 274. — By-Laws and Constitution of, 274. — Building Associations, 286. — St. Mark's Building and Loan Association of Philadelphia, 286.— Constitution and By- Laws of, 286. — Form of Blank Book, 294. CHAPTER XIvI. Beneficial Societies 294-298 Society Organized in Mr. James McCormick's Bible-Class, 295. — Constitution and By-Laws of, 295. — Financial Statement of, 298. CHAPTER XUI. Loan Relief 299-301 The Correct Spirit of Help, 299. — The Loan Department, 299. — Saving Funds, 300. — The Medical Department, 301. — The Legal Aid Department, 301. CHAPTER XLIII. Industrial Training 301-302 Industrial Sewing Schools, 301. — Kitchen Gardens, 302. — Mother's Meetings. 302. CHAPTER XI.IV. Work Among The Sick 303-304 Letters to the Housed, 303. — The Christmas Letter Mission, 303. — The Flower and Fruit Mission, 303. — The Shut-in Society, 304. METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. Part I. ORGANIZATION. CHAPTER I. IMPORTANCE OF METHOD IN CHURCH WORK. NO INTEREST in this world, whether of individual, or corporation, or nation, can compare in magnitude and importance with the work of the Christian church. For six thousand years it has engaged the thought of the King of kings and Lord of lords. For the guid- ance of the church through a period of four thousand years, God sent his prophets, whose toil and interest absorbed every human energy and call for divine aid. The magnitude of this incomparable work was so vast, that, when the fullness of time was come, God even sent forth his only begotten and well beloved Son, who condescended to bleed and die for the salvation of men and the upbuilding of his cause in the world. The apostles also regarded it of such momentous importance that they endured privations, suffered imprisonment and even death itself for this cause, which they must have regarded as equaled by no other cause in all the world. Of all that engages the attention and energies of men, nothing in the sight of heaven rises to the dignity of being worthy of the consideration of angels but the cause of the church, and this alone awakens their intensest interest ; so that the birth of a single soul into the kingdom of grace is the occasion of great rejoicing in the kingdom of heaven. It so rested upon the heart of the resurrected Saviour that He breathed His abiding interest into the command, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost * * * and lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world. ' ' If anything in the universe is worthy of the very best energies and best directed efforts of man, it is the work of the church and the salvation of men. Not only is the work important, but the progress which it has al- ready made is grand and inspiring. Fifteen centuries rolled slowly (ii) 12 METHODS OP CHURCH WORE. away before the living disciples of that despised Nazarene numbered one hundred millions. The next three centuries saw the work acceler- ated with a rapidity five times as great, and the close of the eighteenth century found two hundred millions enrolled. But eighty years, and that vast number was again doubled, making four hundred millions of Christians. And so the good work goes on. We sometimes pray that God would pour out his Spirit as on the day of Pentecost, while the fact is manifest that for each and every day of the j^ear 1887, upon an average, twice as many are being added to the Christian church as upon the day of Pentecost. The power of the truth of God's word is everywhere becoming more and more dominant, while error and unbelief are losing their hold upon the hearts and minds of men. Just outside of the city of Geneva, in Switzerland, there are two rivers which come together at an acute angle ; the one to the left is muddy and turbid, while that to the right is as clear as crystal — yoxi can look way down through its liquid depths, clearly distinguishing that which lies at the bottom of the river. Standing there upon that narrow neck of land, as far as the eye can reach, these two rivers move along side by side, as though divided by an invisible partition of glass. But if you go down the river a mile or two you dis- cover that the clear, limpid water is beginning to be defiled by the waters of the muddy, turbid stream. If you go down the river a short distance further you find that the clear, crystal water is lost in the mingled presence of the muddy, turbid stream. But you go down the river a few miles further, and you find that the mud, and the filth, and the dirt are beginning to settle down to their native earth — the river is filtering as it flows. If you go down to where it pours its great flood into the ocean, and as its flood rolls at your feet, you will find the en- tire stream clear as a crystal. So it is with the stream of truth, flowing from 'neath the throne of God, to be mixed and mingled in the early centuries with doubt, and unbelief, and error, and sin, until multitudes of men all along the ages inquire "Where is truth?" and "What is truth?" But as you come down the centuries you discover that error and unbelief and skepticism are settling down to their native earth, and the stream of truth is growing clearer and purer, and when at last the generations of men shall stand where this great river pours its vast flood into the ocean of eternity, it shall be clear as crystal as when it flowed from 'neath the throne of God. But while we recognize the progress of Christianity and the tri- umphs of the truth, yet we must not shut our eyes to the vastness of the work which still lies before us. If we take the fourteen northern importance; op mkthod. 13 states which lie east of the Mississippi river — states which are the old- est, have been longest settled, and where the work should find its best development — we discover something to startle us as we examine into the condition of the people who live in the smaller towns, and in the open country districts. In these fourteen states, sixty-one per cent., more than fifteen millions of persons, live in towns of less than 4,000 inhabitants, and only from one-half to two-thirds of this popula- tion attend church at all with any regularity; the actual numbers are probably even less. Throughout the open country there is a large pop- ulation living at a distance remote from any church. In New En- gland, in localities where a careful estimate and canvass of the subject has been made, it has been found that 40 per cent, of the population live more than two miles from the church. In other districts the percent- age is even greater, and in these fourteen northern states the simple question of distance occasions the absence of from four to five millions of people from the religious services of God's house. In the large cities the condition is even worse. In 1880, there was throughout the entire country one Evangelical church organization to every 516 of the population; but when we turn to the large cities we are appalled by the disproportionate relation existing between the number of inhabitants, and the number of churches. In Philadelphia and Boston there is one church to every 1,600 of the population. In Chicago, one to ever^^ 2,181; in New York, one to every 2,468; in St. Louis, one to every 2,800. In these large cities there is not even accommodation for more than one-third of the population in all the churches, and in some of the rapidly growing western cities the disproportion is steadily being augmented. The best interests of the kingdom of Christ demand that ever-increasing activity should be ex- ercised in these growing centres of population. Here it is, where the population is densest, that evil, and sin, and vice, are most prevalent and oppression and wrong most dominant; and here it is, that Christianity finds one of its most important fields of labor. "It is among the suffering classes that its main duty lies. Its province is where the evils of life bear hardest, where injustice is most cruel, where wrongs are greatest and dangers thickest. The work of the Christian religion is most needed where Satanic agencies are most active, where educa- tion and philanthropy fail, where problems exist which only love and mercy can solve, where all other incentives to action except faith grow faint. Therefore it is in the cities that the main energies of Christianity should be exerted to-day." But the obligations for increased activity resting upon the Christian 14 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. church are not circumscribed bj^ the importance of the work in either the open country or the larger cities. The field widens, until in oui own land it spreads from the Lakes to the Gulf, and from Sea to Sea. Duty impels us to enter the broad states and opening territories, whither the vast streams of immigration are pouring their untold thousands from every nation under the sun. If these people came to us from the more affluent classes of other nations, the obligations might be somewhat alleviated; but they come to us as a rule from the people in the humbler walks of life; they come to us in this New World because they have felt the pinchings of poverty and the overmastering competitions of wealth and capital in the Old World. Many of them come from Christian congregations, and in their need, there rests upon us, who belong to the Christian church in this land, an obligation to provide them with Christian privileges. In some cases they come from distant heathen lands, and God is rendering it possible for us to assist in answering the prayer which has so often been upon the lips of the Christian church, "Thy kingdom come." In other instances, those who have gone into the newer districts have gone out from our established organizations, leaving in the east the churches which their own money has helped to build, and the institutions which they have endowed with their own toil ; and, as they have helped in securing to us the church privileges which we now enjoy, it is our duty in turn to help in establishing churches and securing pastors for the new districts whither these people have gone. The vastness of the Home Mission- ary work of the Christian church in the United States is such as was never laid upon the Christian church in any other land. But the magnitude of the Home Missionary work is only surpassed by the vastness of the foreign field. It is a grand privilege to be per- mitted to live in this period of the world when whole heathen nations are being born into the kingdom of Christ in almost a single day. As the resident of a Swiss valley sees the rays of the rising sun gilding the lofty peaks of distant Alpine heights long before they illumine his humble cottage, so, to-day, the rays of the Sun of Righteousness have long gilded the lofty peaks of distant lands, and already the light is breaking in upon the darkness of almost every heathen nation. We gather something of inspiration when we look at the growth and the results of Foreign Missionary efforts, comparing the year 1800 with the year 1880. In the year 1800 there were seven general Missionary Societies. In 1880 there were seventy. At the opening of the century there were 170 ordained European and American Missionaries; eighty years later there were 2,400; and the 50,000 converts had increased importance: of method. 15 to 1,650,000. In the year 1800 the annual contributions for Foreign Missionary work amounted to $250,000, while in 1880 it amounted to $6,250,000; and now, but six years later, the Protestant churches of Europe and America are expending about $12,000,000 a year for Foreign Missionary work, employing 3,000 ordained Missionaries, 800 laymen, 2,500 women, and these all aided by about 30,000 native workers. But while we are inspired with hope by what has already been accomplished, we are almost appalled by the magnitude of the work which still remains to be done. Not counting the 190,000,000 Roman Catholics, and the 84,000,000 who belong to the Greek Church, there are but 116,000,000 nominally Protestant inhabitants of Christian countries, of whom but about 30,000,000 are members of the Protestant Church, and these are called upon to look out upon the nations which include 856,000,000 heathen, beside 170,000,000 Mohammedans and 8,000,000 Jews. By what has already been said, the importance of organization in ac- complishing the work which is to be done by the Christian church be- comes apparent and imperative for three reasons: First, because the work is a complicated and difficult one; beginning under the very shad- ows of our churches, it is fraught with obligations to all classes of the communities in which we live, and reaches out to the ends of the earth. Secondly, because of the 30,000,000 Protestant church mem- bers, there are only 21,000,000 who are really communicant members, and of these, but a small fraction are at present (jarw^.y/Zy engaged in the accomplishment of the great task to which they have been assigned. Thirdly, because of the vast magnitude of the work yet to be accom- plished in the entire world. It is easy to see that organization and method will result in securing a larger cooperation upon the part of all the members of the Christian church, and result in making their efforts more effective in the produc- tion of large results. Method is as necessary in the work of the church as in the work of the world. System is an element of success in any enterprise, and the lack of it always brings unnecessary compli- cations and meager results, leaving even the effort which is exerted without its merited effectiveness. l6 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. CHAPTER II. HOW TO MAKE A WORKING CHURCH. A WORKING church is a useful church. An idle church, if not already dead, is at least a dying church. If it does not entirely die, it is solely because of the new blood transfused from the life cur- rents of other congregations. To give a definite rule, like a rule in arithmetic, which, if followed step by step, would result in producing a working church, is simply impossible. To point out some hindrances, and suggest many helps, is alike possible and desirable, and to this task, asking God's aid, we humbly apply ourself. THE HINDRANCES. No congregation can be successfully organized into a body of faithful workers, until the hindering causes are carefully sought and satisfac- torily removed. The work of analyzing, to discover these hindrances, is as important as it may be difficult ; but no one should suppose that when these are removed, the end is attained, and that the congregation will at once, and of necessity, take upon itself an activity which will naturally find expression in Christian work. The removal of hindran- ces is but like the removal of great oak forests, a work which is only preparatory to the harvests which are sought. The harvest will not come because the oaks are removed, but it is simply made possible by this work of clearing. So the necessity of removing hindrances may be imperative, but is not ultimate. Individual Hindrances. — The hindrances are almost as diiferent as the congregations are numerous, and sometimes even as varied as the dispositions of the particular individuals who may stand in the way of the usefulness of an entire congregation. Of the difficulties which are occasioned in congregations by the presence of some ambitious, self- seeking, vain-glorious individual, be he a self-appointed poor man, or a dictatorial, self-important, "indispensable," rich man, the circumstances are so different, that lack, both of wisdom and space, forbids any attempt at specific suggestions. We trust, however, that the lack of neither of these requisites may be sufficient to unfit for the statement that the day is not far distant, when the church of that God, whose are the cattle upon a thousand hills, shall be liberated from the thrall- dom to both man and mammon ; and, when no man in his presumption, and no man in his wealth, will dare to assume himself indispensable to HOW TO MAKE A WORKING CHURCH. 1 7 the church of Christ. The church to-day is too often lorded over by men whose presence or pittance is regarded as indispensable to the existence of the church. But that God who delivered Israel of old from the lash of her cruel oppressors in Egypt would surely deliver his people to-day if they could only really desire to be free. The sooner any congregation will break loose from, or, if need be, cast off any one who tyrannizes over them, the sooner will they find it possible to labor for God as he has appointed them. If the safety of the individual might warrant the cutting off of a right hand, or the plucking out of a right eye, much more might it be necessary, in a larger body, that one offensive member be cast off, rather than that the whole body should perish. Lack of Godliness. — One of the hindrances not infrequently to be found in congregations is a lack — a universal lack — of vital godliness, of personal piety. The people are very decent, respectable, moral and upright, but they lack a heart that pulsates with love for Christ and for souls. Eloquence maj^ be in the pulpit, the perfection of music in the choir, art in the windows, wealth and respectability in the pews, the entire organic body may be perfect, lacking only a soul, but so long as it lacks a soul it is dead, for when the soul is separated from the body, the body is not a living, but a dead body. An anxious pastor will at once ask the question, what shall be done to arouse, and to en- thuse a congregation in such a state of stupor. The answer may some- times be found by inquiring into the circumstances by which they were surrounded when they went to sleep. The disciples forgot Christ and fell into a state of unconscious sleep even amid the agonies of Gethse- mane, and the Israelites fell into idolatry even amid the thunderings of Sinai. So a congregation may fall into a state of indifference, or of sleep, under the preaching of either the I^aw or the Gospel. If they have fallen asleep under the preaching of the L^aw, then preach the Gos- pel, and if they have gone to sleep under the gentle voice that speaks from the mountain of Beatitudes, then let Sinai thunder in their ears. This principle is illustrated in the natural slumber of the body. If one falls asleep while the cars are in the depot, he will awake when the train begins to move. If he has gone to sleep while the train was thundering over the track, crossing noisy bridges, and passing rocky cliffs which intensify the roar of moving train, just as soon as the train stops, and all is quiet, he is aroused by the unusual stillness. So a congregation may be aroused by changing the love of the Gospel for the thunderings of the Law; or, if the circumstances require, the oppo- site course will prove equally successful. 2 1 8 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. Universal Inactivity. — x'lnother hindrance in the way of large and successful work in some churches is the prevalence of the idea that the minister is to do all the preaching, all the praying, and all the work. In some congregations the occupant of the pulpit is regarded as the only one upon whom the Lord, or the world, can make any legiti- mate claim for any Christian work. By others, the members of the vestry are regarded as alone liable to be called into service. But that any obligation rests upon them to engage actively in advancing the Master's kingdom they seem never to have heard. The vastness of the work calls for the individual and the combined efforts of every professed follower of Christ. The discouraging struggles of a pastor of one of these congregations is aptly illustrated in a dream, which is related by him as follows : "Some time ago I dreamed that I was hitched to a carriage, attempt- ing to draw it through the mud which covered the street in front of ni}^ house. How or why I had been assigned to that position I could not explain, but there I was, pulling with all my might, as though I had been the best carriage-horse in the town. I had reached a point not far from the church, when the mud seemed to get deeper and deeper, and the carriage drew so heavily that I gasped for breath and almost sank down exhausted. This seemed the more inexplicable, when, looking back, I saw the entire congregation behind the carriage, ap- parently pushing it along. But the more I tried, the harder it became, till finally I was forced to stop and examine the difficulty. I went to the rear, where I supposed was the congregation, but nobody could be found. I called, but no answer. I repeated the call several times, but still no reply. By-and-by a voice called out ' Hallo ! ' and looking up, whom should I see but one of the deacons looking complacently out of the window, and upon going to the door of the carriage, what was my astonishment to behold the whole congregation quietly sitting inside. ' ' ' ' The successful churches are those which have the largest percent- age of steady workers; not jerky, spasmodic, easily excited, easily de- pressed ones, but such as keep persistently at it, never relaxing, never discouraged. These count. The pastor of any church soon finds them out. He can rely on them. They beg not — 'excuse me.' Nine- teenth-century Aarons and Hurs, the.se faithful, tireless ones.' ' It is more than idle to say that these inactive ones cannot become ac- tive. Read Ezekiel's vision of the dry bones of the valley. When the Holy Ghost breathed upon them they became a conquering host. Many more of these people than ever j^ou supposed are already alive, and waiting for something to do. The quality of this dormant ma- HOW TO MAKE A WORKING CHURCH. 19 terial is not inferior, nor is it dead. It is often only waiting to be used. Among these inactive ones are to be found the best talents, the brightest minds, and the greatest diversity of God's best endow- ments. Here are men, and women too, energetic, courageous, per- sistent, successful in everything to which they turn their hand. If their hearts can be interested and their talents directed in the channels of Christian activity and work, grand results can be secured for the kingdom of Christ. Cufe of Faidt-finding . — Another hindrance, which not infrequently appears among congregations, is that the great majority of people seem to be too busy in finding fault ever to have any time left to devote to actual work. They are the people who can get into the way of others; they can hinder every good work; defeat every good effort. They predict failure, and then exert themselves to secure the fulfillment of their own prophesies. It has been aptly said that ' 'every congrega- tion is composed of two classes: workers and grumblers. The workers never grumble, and the grumblers never work.' ' If this be true, as it doubtless is, then the remedy for the cure of this evil is very apparent — give every person something to do. In a certain church there was a member who was restless, and had even become dissatisfied. The pastor was becoming discouraged with him, and the members were even wishing that he would find for himself a place in another congre- gation. His unrest became more pronounced, until he finally asked for a letter of dismission, and joined another church of the same de- nomination in the same town. He was at once put to work, and at this present writing this lawyer has, by eight 3'ears of faithful devotion and untiring labor, proven himself one of the most efl&cient workers for Christ. He was simply spoiling for something to do. Removbig Hindrances. — There are few hindrances which will not be removed and evils which will not be cured if a congregation is but put energetically to work. Perhaps, as a rule, the best thing to do is to set a congregation to work, and the evils will correct themselves. Don't spend too much time, or thought, in removing hindrances, but go to work. When a room is filled with darkness, one does not need, in order to be rid of it, to bail it out, to carry it out, or cart it away, in order to make room for the light. All that is necessary is to roll up the curtain, and let the light in at one window, and if the darkness docs not go out at the other window, it is nevertheless immediately dispelled by the light. Let work and workers into the midst of any congregation and idleness and idlers will speedily disappear — they will become work- ers, or seek more congenial surroundings. 20 MEITHODS OF CHURCH WORK. THE HELPS. But as has already been said, the removal of hindrances is not the end, but only the means to an end; and the question still remains, how to make a working church ? The Pastor's Influence. — In the development of a congregation into a body of practical and efficient Christian workers much will depend upon the spirit and temper of the pastor. He should be thoroughly impressed with the great needs of a perishing world, and that he may make others feel deeply, he should see clearly the obligation which rests upon every individual to accomplish for Christ the work which is as- signed to them personally — a work which they cannot delegate to an- other, and which, if not done by them personally, must remain undone to all eternity. The importance of personal work for Christ should so pos- sess his soul that he would communicate it as a contagion to all with whom he comes in contact, and his preaching should be so impregnated with the subject that the very air of his sermons would become infectious. Let a man resolve that by God's help he will live it, and preach it, and pray for it, until it becomes an irremediable epidemic in his congre- gation, and among his people; and if judicious, in an astonishingly short period, he will find his entire time employed in organizing, block- ing out work and directing for the securing of results the most to be coveted. The Power of the Pulpit in Securing Workers. — Perhaps the best place to roll the sense of obligation upon an entire congregation, moving them to a zeal in man-saving and soul-saving, is the pulpit. To aid in this work, the following may prove suggestive: "Go work to-day in my Vineyard." Introduction. The occasion of the parable, etc. I. Go. Culture, usefulness, employment, success, etc., must be sought. Christian work will not come to you, you must go to it. " G(7 ye into all the world," etc. II. Work. The church is not a place for rest or inactivity, it is a place for work — "why stand ye here idle — go work in my vineyard," etc. III. To-day. "Work while the day lasts," etc. Men are diligent, improving every opportunity while the day of possibilities lasts ; Chris- tians defer. Christ wants itnmediate work. — "Seek yo. first the king- dom of God." IV. In my vineyard. Christ appoints the place for us to labor — not in societies outside of the church — ' ' in my vineyard. ' ' All the benevo- lent work of Christian people is to be done through the church. V. In ■^y vineyard. Not in the vineyard of Rev. Mr. Popularity, be- HOW TO MAKE A WORKING CHURCH. 21 cause he is popular. Not in the vineyard of some minister, because we are attracted by his preaching, his talents, or his social qualities, but in Chrisfs vineyard where we can labor under any supervisor he sees fit to place over us. Close. Work for Christ secures, i. Present happiness. 2. Future glory both for Christ and the laborer. — "Well done, thou faithful ser- vant," etc. Sermons will readily grow out of texts like the following : " To every man his work." Mark 13 :34. "I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day." John 9:4. "I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do." John 17:4. "The Master is come and calleth for thee." John 11 : 28. " Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ? " Acts 9 : 6. " Jesus of Nazareth * * went about doing good. " Acts 10:38. ' ' She hath done what she could. ' ' Mark 14 : 8. " Master what shall I do ? " lyuke 3:12. " Give ye them to eat." Luke 9:13. * ' Go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, that my house may be full." Luke 14 : 23. " What thou doest, do quickly." John 13 •.2'j. " No man cared for my soul." Ps. 142 : 4. "Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up." Mark 9:27, " The poor ye have with you always." Matt. 26 : 11. " And they brought young children to him." Mark 10: 13. " Nothing but leaves." Mark 11:13. " Help those women which labored with me in the gospel." Phil. 4:3. " Why stand ye here all the day idle ? " Matt. 20: 6. " Six daj^s shalt thou labor." Ex. 20 : 9. " The poor have the gospel preached to them." Matt. 11:5. " The night cometli when no man can work." John 9 : 4. " Unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one." Matt. 25 : 15. "Two wagons and four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gershon, ac- cording to their service." Num. 7 : 7-9. " Who gave himself for us." Titus 2 : 14. (Theme — using our lives for others). "Prophesy unto these bones, and say unto them ' O, ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.' " Ezekiel 37 :4. " The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Rom. 13 : 12. "Curse ye Meroz, — Curse ye the inhabitants thereof; because they 22 METHODS OP CHURCH WORK. came not up to the help of the L,ord against the mighty." Judges 5 : 23. Pastoral Po7vcr in Seairing Workers. — Much, also, can be accom- plished in pastoral work. There are always earnest souls in every congregation who are readj- to follow the lead of an active pastor. When these have been sought out and set at work, others will be found, to whom it will be well to bring incentive and encouragement, by showing them that at the beginning the gospel was spread by means of the indi- vidual work and personal conversation of single Christians. (Acts 8:4.) He will gradually discover the natural gifts which qualify for special service, and be able to place his people where they can be of greatest assistance. Power of a Single hidividual. — To encourage those who shrink from the unaided accomplishment of a task of so great magnitude, a ser- mon on the occurrences recorded in the latter portion of the first chapter of the gospel by St. John may prove of great ser\dce. ' ' And the two * * disciples followed Jesus, * * one of the two * * which followed him was Andrew, * * he first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, we (John and Andrew) have found the Messias, * * and he brought him to Jesus. The day following, Jesus * * findeth Philip, * * Philip findeth Nathaniel and saith unto him, we have found him of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Na- thaniel said unto him, can there any good thing come out of Naza- reth? Philip saith unto him, come and spe." Much of the success which attended the work of Christ was secured by the work of single individuals. What may be accomplished by the individual is clearly illustrated in the Scripture in the lives of Noah, Abraham, Shamgar, Joseph, Gideon, Samson, David, Elijah, Paul, and others. Busy People. — Some will plead that they are too busy ; that they have no time. This plea is the best evidence of their fitness. These are the very kind of people whom God has always called into his ser- vice. Peter, James and John were fishermen, Matthew was a tax- gatherer, John and Andrew were disciples of John the Baptist ; and the only one of the disciples who seems to have been a man of leisure was Judas, and he betrayed his Master. Saul was intensely busy per- secuting the church; and if we go back to the Old Testament, we find the same thing true. Moses was called from tending Jethro's flocks to become the leader of the Children of Israel. Shamgar was summoned from goading the oxen to the slaying of six hundred Philistines. Eli- sha was called from the plow to the office of prophet. David was brought from the fields and the flocks to be anointed king over Israel. HOW TO MAKE) A WORKING CHURCH. 23 Amos was employed as a herdsman when he was divinely appointed to prophesy against Israel. When the angels came to announce the birth of the promised Messiah, it was to the shepherds busily engaged watching over their flocks by night. Everywhere in the Scriptures are illustrations of the same fact; and daily experience confirms the same principle. If you desire anything done go to a busy man. Men of leisure never have time for anything. The Women. — Usually many of the most efficient and persistent workers are to be found among the women. The most timid and hesi- tating among these may be encouraged by learning more fully of De- borah, the Judge; and Anna, the prophetess; of Marj^ in her devoted service to Christ ; and of Dorcas, in her ministrations to the needs of the poor. It was the women who were last at the cross, and first at the sepulchre. Priscilla could hospitably entertain Paul, and success- fully teach Apollos. Both the Old and the New Testaments abound in instances where woman was honored with divine commissions which she discharged with marked acceptance and success. Nor were they without their place in the early church, laboring as deaconesses, (Rom. 16 : i), and as indispensable helpers in carrying forward the great work of Christ in the world. The Workers Can Be Found. — In nearly all cases the people will reasonably respond to the call for personal, united work for Christ. If the need for their ser\dce is clearly seen, and methods proposed which have the elements of promise and manifest success in them, the people may quite universally be relied upon to place themselves under the direction of a devout pastor, or earnest leader. If the more mature cannot be enlisted, there is another class in every congregation who will not disappoint a minister, and they are the young. Sometimes it may occur that the 5^oung men, and the young women, because of in- difference or frivolities, may be unworthy or unwilling to render the needed services to the church, but the hope is then with the class still younger. It is the experience of some pastors that in both the devel- opment and the work of the church, the largest, the most fruitful and most permanent results have been secured by taking the young, even as early as ten and twelve years of age, and forming them into classes, and then meeting them every week, keeping them under the influence of an individual purpose for several years until the results were secured. It takes much both of faith and of patience thus to raise up a genera- tion of earnest workers, but the reward is always ample, and the re- sults permanent. Organizi7ig Workers Into Classes for Instruction. — When once an i4 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK, interest has been created, the pastor can then successfully make a call for all who are willing to consider the subject of personal work to meet him at the church or in his study. These — whether many or few — should be organized into a class for special instruction in the needs of the field, and the best plans and methods of organiza- tion for accomplishing the work. We have classes where Sunday- school teachers are instructed for their work. Even ministers them- selves are trained by long years of instruction, study and practice. Why should not the lay helpers be qualified and trained for the most successful accomplishment of the practical work, to which they are willing to devote themselves ? Such a class would be of incalculable service in developing workers, and also contribute greatly to the per- sonal spirituality of the individual members composing it. One even- ing might be devoted to the subject: "How to secure the better attend- ance of the non-church-going classes upon the services of God's house." Another evening: "How to secure the more regular attendance of the members upon the services of the church. ' ' ' 'How may the church most successfully discover and aid the worthy poor?" "What should the church do for the sick ?" "What can be done for the cause of temper- ance in the church and in the neighborhood?" "How to increase the attendance and the efficiency of the Sunday-school." "How to reach and save the unconverted. " Or it may be best to indicate certain lines of work, and then give special instruction to those who are about to en- gage in the same. The index of this volume will be serviceable in di- recting the mind to some one or more of many plans to be pursued, and in the several departments, books, tracts and pamphlets are referred to which will prove of further assistance in many of the lines of work. Starting With a Fezv. — Do not be discouraged with the small num- ber of workers. Jesus called but two at first, then added others un- til he had twelve — not a large number. It is much the best that church work should be a growth. If you work up a great excitement and start off with large numbers of untrained and untried workers, diffi- culties will be encountered, discouragement will take the place of enthu- siasm, and the reaction will be likely to end in failure. It is better that church work should be a growth. You get to know your workers. Your workers will come gradually to understand the work. Nothing great is the product of a day. Helpful Books, Tracts, Etc. — To make a working church, a neces- sary supply of helpful and stimulating books and tracts is indispensable. The supply need not be great or expensive. The books should be biographies of faithful church workers, histories of other congregations HOW TO MAKE A WORKING CHURCH. 25 of large usefulness. After reading the book, loan it first to one, and then to another, requesting each to read, until the Lord has blessed it to the arousing of those who should become active workers in the church for Christ. It would be difficult to give an exhaustive list of such books. The following may prove suggestive: "The Soul Win- ner," 231 pp. (Phillips & Hunt); "The Elder and His Work," 92 pp. (Presbyterian Board of Publication); "Work Among Working Men," 197 pp. (Thomas Whittaker); "The Children and the Church," 108 pp. (Congregational Sunday-school and Publication Society); "Revivals, How to Promote Them," 443 pp. (E. B. Treat); "Lafayette Avenue Church," 308 pp. (Robert Carter & Bro's.); "The Winning Worker," 300 pp. (Phillips & Hunt); "The Prayer-meeting and its Improve- ment," 285 pp. (F. H. Revell); "How to Conduct Prayer-meetings," 315 pp. (D. Eothrop «& Co.); "Children Trained for Discipleship, 114 pp. (Randolph & Co.); "Helps to Official (Methodist) Members," 180 pp. (Nelson & Phillips); "A Model Superintendent," 188 pp. (Harper & Brothers); "Children's Meetings and How to Conduct them," 207 pp. (F. H. Revell); "Practical Work in Sunday-schools," 55 pp. (Na- tional Society's Depositary, London); "How to Build a Church," by Rev. C. L. Goodell, D. D., (Congregational Publication Society, Boston,) 76 pp., price, 50 cents; "Home Thoughts for Mothers and Mother's Meetings," is., 6d., (James Nisbet & Co., London); "Work in Brighton, — A Woman's Mission to Woman," i6mo. , paper, 6d., (Hatchards, London); "Village Morality, — A Letter to Clergymen's Wives and Christian Workers," 6d., (Hatchards, London). Of tracts a long list might easily be named. We give the names and prices of the following on Christian Work and Effort, published by the American Tract Society, 150 Nassau St., New York: PAMPHLETS, etc. Postage on pamphlets 12 cts. on one dollar's worth. PRICE. Gospel Workers. Cross . . . . Working for Jesus. Dickson. Cloth . Religion in Everyday Life. Caird . Gospel Work. Whittelsey and Gardner . How to Meet Objections to Revealed Re- ligion. Whatley Hints to Reapers. Kirk Sunday-school Teacher's Dream A Word to Sunday-school Teachers . Fetch Them in and Tell Them of Jesus Proper Mode of Dealing with Inquirers GEMS OF TRUTH, 32mo. dollar. Postage 12 cts. 2,000 pp. for one 24. How Shall I Honor Jesus To-day ? 57. The Starless Crown. Poetry log. The Inquiry-Room 196. " Make it so Plain " 201. My Class for Jesus 214. Secret of Success 264. Texts for Seekers of Souls . 312. Personal Effort 332. Every Christian a Missionary 343. Not in Vain GENERAL SERIES OF TRACTS. i2nio. 1,500 pp. for one dollar. Postage on 1,500 pp., 20c. NO. PP. 157. To Parents of Sunday-school Children 4 396. Are You a Sunday-school Teacher? . 4 538. One Honest Effort 4 566. How to do Good 8 573. What Shall I Do for Jesus? . . . 4 605. Personal Responsibility ... 4 611. Individual Effort 8 747. Plans of U.sefulness .... 4 PLATE PAPER SERIES, 32mo. 8 pp. for i ct. Postage on 800 pp., 12 cts. NO. PP. 8. Faultless. Mrs. H. Johnson. Poetry 4 9. Heavenly Secret. Poetry . . .4 22. Our Sabbath-school .... 4 24. Shining for Jesus. Havergal. Poetry 8 37. Practical Consecration. J. R. Miller . 12 26 me;thods of church wore. To these should be added a very excellent tract (No. 164), entitled "Individual Responsibility, or Work Enough for Every Church Mem- ber," published by the Presbyterian Board, of Philadelphia. Every pastor should have the three following catalogues which give the titles, and in a few words the origin or purpose of each tract jAiblished by the American Tract Society, viz. : "Origin and Character of the Principal Series of Tracts," etc.; " Descriptive Catalogue of the Gems of Truth," etc.; " For Christian Works — a lyist of Popular Tracts and Pamphlets." These may be had from the Society by asking (enclosing a stamp). Others of the large religious publishing houses also publish helpful tracts, lists of which they furnish upon request. One difficulty in getting people to read even an excellent tract is the imprint. The moment they see the leaflet is a regular tract they are apt to cast it aside without reading. Where the money is at hand, it is often well to reprint on better paper and in more attractive form, putting on the last page the name and location of your church, the hours of ser- vice, etc. It is also well to write tracts just suited to the needs of your own congregation, and the progress and development of the work. The Family Reading. — It is important that the family reading be such as to be helpful to the spiritual life of its members. No pastor in one hour a week can impart an influence of sufficient duration to enable the members of his church to stem the tide of six days of influence im- parted by reading only secular papers and periodicals, to say nothing of the many frivolous, pernicious publications which are so likely to find their way into the homes of Christian people. It is the right of the pastor, if he is to guard the spiritual interests of his flock, and develop the best interests of his church, to know what papers and periodicals, and books too, his people are reading. Proper publications should even be recommended from the pulpit. Committees should be sent out to secure in every family the introduction of the religious paper published in the interests of the denomination with which the church stands connected. Nor should the work end here. There are religious papers which are not denominational in their character, and which serve an excellent pur- pose in broadening one's views, extending the horizon of the spiritual vision, helping us to look out upon our neighbors, and to see what oth- ers are doing for Christ. A working church will be a reading church — readers of religious as well as secular views. It may even be necessary for a pastor to address to his people individually a circular letter inquir- ing the names of every paper and periodical taken in the family. The information thus secured would be valuable, i. It would reveal the fact that many who profess to be too poor to take a religious paper qxi\ HOW TO make; a working church. 27 already taking several secular papers. 2. It would reduce the number of secular papers and increase the number of religious papers circulated and read in the families of the church. 3. It would result in crowding out the worthless and pernicious publications. 4. It would afford a good opportunity to recommend good publications. 5. It would enable the pastor to learn the tastes and consequently the character of his peo- ple better than in any other way. 6. It would make manifest the real influences which must be met by a pastor both in the pulpit and in the pastorate. A Suggestive Card. — A card like the following is used by some pas- tors.* It is attractive and likely to be helpful. MY DUTY TO MY CHURCH Pray for her Pastor, Attend her services, Practice her teachings. Pray for her prosperity, Give to her support, Work for her success, Cordially greet her members, Invite others to her services. Do Not Destroy the Personality of the Workers. — The immediate aim of every one who would organize men and women for work should be the development of spiritual force and personal consecration in the indi- vidual. Organization should never be so elaborate as to sacrifice the individuality, the personality of the workers. The soul of each indi- vidual is to be the centre of a consecrated personal, divine engendered force. Christ commissioned individuals, ' ' Go ye into all the world, and make disciples of all nations." Organization is necessary; individual self-consecration is indispensable. Face-to- Face Work. — The secret of successful church work is to be found in the face-to-face talks of consecrated individuals with the irre- ligious and non-church-going classes. There is a power in hand-to- hand, face-to-face contact of man with man, which can never be found in public address. This is a period when the importance of individual, personal work is recognized everywhere. Every large business house has in its employ many salesmen who travel all over the country to meet customers face to face. To wait until customers should come to *They may be had of the Lutheran Board of Publication, 42 North 9th St., Philadelphia, Pa., at a nominal rate. For a small additional cost the name and location of the church, name of pastor, hours of service, etc., are printed on the back, ready for use. 28 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. Chicago or New York, or an}' other hirge business centre, would be to faih Trade must be sought, or it will be led into new channels by the personal influence of other business houses. Advertising will not an- swer, circulars and letters will not accomplish the result; man is best influenced by the personal presence of his fellow man. Everywhere is this principle recognized in business. Men who would influence others for evil, recognize this principle, and everywhere are they governed by it. There is a power in the warm grasp of the hand. This is what makes the saloon such a power for evil. Politicians influence votes and secure elections by the use of this principle. An earnest Christian worker interviewed a member of a successful political club in Brooklyn, with the following result: ' ' I am desirous to know what you deem to be the secret of the great success of your organization in moving and controlling men. ' ' "The secret is face-to-face talks — personal and direct conversation with men. I would give more for a five minutes' talk to a man, after a hearty shake of the hand, than an hour's bombardment from the platform. There is a power in personal interview and conversation that can never be obtained and exercrcised over men by long-range oratory. Hence we urge our members to make it a point to see every man in their respec- tive districts, and present, in a courteous and gentlemanly way, the rea- sons why such and such candidates should be voted for. Then they make acquaintances and friends, and we are enabled to bring a most ef- fective element of power to bear upon our fellow citizens — I mean the social. ' ' "Of course, no worker could labor efficiciently unless thoroughly instructed in the arguments to be used in support of our cause. This is obtained by public addresses, circulars and newspapers. Many of our young men become so enthusiastic that, after they have toiled all day at business, they labor in the canvass the greater part of the night. We are but two thousand strong, yet we move the city of Brooklyn to its very foundations." "Yes, sir, I believe that any church composed of five hundred people as thoroughly organized and as deeply in earnest for the conversion of a city to Christianity, as the Young Republican Club of Brooklyn for carrying the city election, would be simply irresistible. The church never increased its disciples more rapidly than during the first century, when every disciple felt himself a preacher and talked face to face with the people. Personal conversation is the most invincible weapon on earth. Allow me, as a layman, to say that, in my judgment, the church is largely neglecting this powerful method, and is delivering its messages HOW TO MAKE A WORKING CHURCH. 29 to the crowd, where the personal is lost in the general. Speaking to everybody in the mass often influences nobody in particular. ' ' "But you forget, my political friend, that it is urged on us, in season and out, that the world is to be saved by preaching. ' ' "Yes, yes; but these men forget what preaching is. It is not merely talking from a pulpit or platform. He who utters Christ's truth, whether in the pulpit or out of it, whether by the tongue or by the pen, is a preacher. All I have been claiming is that conversation is a great ele- ment of power which the clergy are unwise to neglect. They may rest assured that no politician can neglect it and be successful, and I just as firmly believe in it as an indispensable instrumentality in the conversion of souls. There is no good reason why we children of this world should be wiser in our day and generation than you children of light. ' ' The mistake too often made by incautious workers is that they seek too much in the first interview. To urge upon an unconverted man an immediate acceptance of Christ, and union with the church, is to seek too much in a moment. The human mind is so constituted that it can deal with but one thing at a time. The mind advances cautiously, step by step. The way up the mount to the bleeding, dying Saviour on Cal- vary's Cross can not, and need not, and will not be attained by a single leap. It is rather a journey to be taken step by step. When once at the foot of the cross the personal surrender may be immediate or grad- ual, but the approach to the cross is always gradual. So, do not attempt too much in a single interview. The acceptance of an invitation to at- tend church for a single service, the reading of a good book, an intro- duction to the pastor, or any small beginning which should be carefully followed up. Supremacy and Accountability. — I,et every man to whom is committed a department of work be supreme in that department. No man can reasonably be held responsible for results which he is not free to work out. Make him supreme, but let the pastor hold him to a strict account for satisfactory results. If he proves himself incompetent he should be removed, and one more worthy substituted. But some may say that such changes are often attended with disastrous results. Sometimes they are ; yet less frequently than is supposed. The transferring of a negligent or incompetent leader is apt to incite the entire congregation to greater eifort and greater devotion. It is not right to sacrifice the cause of Christ to the personal pride of an incompetent person. It must however be admitted that there are cases where great caution is needed. Much depends upon the surrounding circumstances. A church is not unlike a boat. In a small boat you must move about with caution, lest 30 METHODS OP CHURCH WORK. you overturn the boat and endanger not only the comfort, but the lives, of all on board. In a large boat you may move at will and even with recklessness, and your movements will have no perceptible effect upon the progress of the boat, or upon the comfort and safety of others. So in like manner the same decisive dictation which may often be necessary in a larger congregation would prove not only hazardous, but even ruin- ous to a smaller one. PLANS FOR ORGANIZATION. There are many plans for organization and methods by which the entire congregation may be arranged into classes and enrolled for work. These methods will be found in the various chapters following, where they have been arranged in harmony with the general order and classi- fication adopted in the preparation of this volume. The following plan of church work was originated by Rev. Theo. A. K. Gressler, D. D., of the Baptist Church of Brooklyn, N. Y., and first submitted to practical trial in the city of Elizabeth, N. J. It was sub- sequently adopted, substantially as given below, by the First Baptist Church, of Augusta, Ga., under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Skinner. With various modifications it has been tried by other churches in various parts of the country. We give the plan in his own language: " The Theory upon which church work proceeds is this, that Christ calls none as idlers into his vinej^ard. Somewhere there is a place for every member of the church, excepting only those who are laid aside by chronic illness or debility.* Where personal tastes influence a de- sire for one kind of work, let that taste by all means be consulted ; where, after trial, any of your members desire a change of place from one commiftee to another, it is generally best to yield readily to individual preferences. '^ Plan for Church Work. — Carefully select your best men and women for the chairmanship of the committees named below. Call these to- gether and divide your whole church membership by specific assign- ment into the committees as follows: "/. A Committee on District Visitation, who shall at once divide the portions of the city contiguous to the church into districts of convenient size to be distinctly defined and numbered. The committee to subdivide itself under the direction of the chairman into twos, and to assign a dis- trict to each sub-committee. This committee shall visit every house in its district, shall seek personal religious conversation where desirable, * A place of usefulness in the service of Christ is found also for them through the agency of The Shut-in Society, which see in the later pages of this book. HOW TO MAKE A WORKING CHURCH. 3 1 and report cases of interest promptly to the chairman, who shall at once refer them to the pastor, or to the chairman of some appropriate com- mittee. They shall leave in every house Cards of Invitation to the ser- vices of the church. A majority of the ladies of the church should • serve on this committee. ".?. A Highivay a7id Hedge Committee to labor with boys and young men who frequent the street corners, the railroad depots, or the saloons, and to devise means for securing their attendance upon divine service on the Lord's Day, and upon the Bible school and evening meetings. The committee to be watchful of opportunities presenting themselves in travel, in business intercourse, or in other casual meetings, for inviting non-church goers to the house of God. Young men in business, whose opportunities for work are often accidental and infrequent, have a place here. "j. A Committee on the Bible School, of which the superintendent shall be chairman, whose duty it shall be to promote, in every practi- cable wa)^ the interests of the school; who shall visit absent scholars upon notification that a scholar has been absent two Sundays, and shall seek new scholars for the school. "/• A Committee on the Social Visitatio7i of the members of the con- gregation, whose duty it shall be to visit persons coming as strangers and attaching themselves to the congregation, to call upon such mem- bers of the congregation as seem otherwise neglected, or wherever their visits may for any reason promise to be beneficial. "5. A Committee on the Sick, who shall visit any member of the con- gregation that may be sick, endeavor to provide them with volunteer nurses whenever necessar}^ and to take cognizance of such cases of sickness in persons unattached to any church where their visits may be acceptable and promotive of good. "<5. A Committee on Tract Distribution, who shall district the neigh- borhood after the manner of the district visitors and distribute tracts throughout their several districts once a month. This is a feasible work for the children of the church. "7. A Committee on Strajigers, who shall take their places at the doors at the opening or conclusion of every public service, and welcome strang- ers, introducing them to members of the congregation, and securing for the pastor's use the addresses of such as propose permanently to attach themselves to the congregation. They shall also, on each Saturday evening, address a card of invitation to guests at hotels near the chiurch who spend the lyord's Day in the city. "<$', A Committee on Ptayer Meeting Absentees^ who shall seek absen- 32 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. tees from prayer meeting and urge upon them the duty of attendance. This committee need not have more than about seven members. It will be found to be one of the most useful and beneficent lines of Chris- tian endeavor. "9. A Lecture Committee, who shall provide for the delivery of free lectures and make necessary arrangements for their success. "/o. A Committee on the Poor, who shall seek the relief of any cases of destitution occurring in the districts covered by our work, who shall solicit gifts of clothing for poor children who would otherwise be de- prived of the privileges of our Sunday-school, and generally to seek to relieve the burdens of poverty resting upon such as, having no claim upon the funds of the church, are yet in any sense connected with our congregation. The committees to be limited in its expenditures to the funds collected by itself for its own work. ''11. A Committee on Missions to present to the 'Church at Work' items of interest concerning Home or Foreign Missions. Also to supple- ment by personal solicitation, when necessar}^ the public appeals for missionary contributions. ''12. A Committee on Temperance, to present the 'Church at Work' a monthly report of the general progress of the great reform, and to labor by especial effort to bring the slaves of appetite within reach of the saving power of the gospel. "zj. A Committee on Finance, to collect and disburse the funds used for purchasing tracts and for printing. ' ' The motto to be printed on all cards and circulars of invitation in the words 'The; Church at Work,' under which designation a meeting is held once every month, excepting July and August, when each com- mittee reports a detailed account of the work done during the month. This meeting is open to the public, and such exercises are had as serve to quicken enthusiasm and interest in the various forms of beneficent enterprise. At these meetings no action is taken involving the ex- penditure of church funds, excepting such as is of a character merely recommendatory. ' ' The plan is inaugurated by appointing the pastor and other persons a committee to assign every member a place on some committee. Let it be the duty of the pastor and deacons or elders to assign each new mem- ber, as he joins the church, to some one of these specified lines of duty. Individual preferences should always be consulted in these assignments. Since failures in the monthly reports are fatal to the success of the entire enterprise, the chairman of any committee who fails for two consecutive meetings, without excuse, to report on the work done, loses his chair- manship, and a new chairman must at once be appointed. HOW TO MAKK A WORKING CHURCH. 33 ^^ Implements for Work. — i. An attractive card of invitation contain- ing notices of all church services is indispensable. Do not practice false economy here. A common card goes into the coal scuttle. Get some- thing so attractive that people will keep it on the parlor mantel, or in the card basket. "2. Pocket Cards of a cheaper kind, containing invitations to services on one side, and striking scripture invitations on the other, for the use of committees other than that on District Visitation. "3. Tracts. Avoid the old 4 page 8 vo. tracts. Hardly anybody reads them. The small tracts on tinted paper are more convenient and at- tractive. Run every tract through the press again and print at the bot- tom of each: ' If you have no stated place of worship come to Church. You will be welcome.' ' ' This entire plan proceeds upon the assumption that the church is un- der obligation to minister to the physical, the intellectual and the spir- itual needs of the world. Christ never ignored the lower needs, nor can we if we would preserve an attitude of fidelity to the spirit of his life. It is not a money-making plan, hence the lectures are free. If there is such a thing as Christian science the church ought to give it to the world. The people who most need enlightenment cannot pay an en- trance fee. It will be best on all accounts to issue tickets. The privi- lege will be better appreciated and you can control the character of your audience. " It is a matter of prime consequence that the chairmen of the several committees be persons of intelligence and executive ability. It is indis- pensable that these qualifications should meet in the chairman of the Committee on District Visitation. The success of your entire effort is contingent upon finding persons with the requisite ability, enthusiasm and persistency to keep the several committees diligently employed. " Causes of Failure. — There are many reasons why this plan, or any other, may fail. It will certainly do so if you fail to realize that no ma- chinery will ever run itself. Behind the most perfect and best adapted organization must be the divine life to energize our effort. This work must be undertaken in prayerful dependence upon the Spirit of God. Do not mistake fatalism for faith, however. The man who hits a mark generally aims at it. The church that accomplishes anything will be a prayerful church at work. ' ' But there are some specific causes of failure of which the follow- ing are among the more prominent : " I. I^ack of persistency on the part of the pastor. "2. Indifference or weariness in the chairmen of committees. 3 34 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. "3. Failure to hold meetings for reports. "4. Mai- adjustment of your plan to local environments. ' ' Manj^ other plans for developing church activit)- have come to the knowledge of the writer.* Some of these might be employed as sub- stitutes for the foregoing plan or in modifying it, a few of which are here named. ''Other Lines of Work.- — In many churches, particularly those con- tiguous to, or lying in the poorer districts of our cities, or large towns, there is an industrial school committee, consisting of a small number of la- dies competent for the work, who could do immense good. I^t them meet once a week with the little girls of the vicinity to instruct them in sew- ing and in other branches of woman's industrial art. Give them ideas of tidiness and of fonns of household decoration, suited to the sphere of their own homes. Wonders could be accomplished in the transform- ation of entire neighborhoods by some such means. '' Musical Education. In one of the churches of New York Citj- the following excellent plan is caiTied to great success. A very competent organist is engaged, whose salary is sui^plemented by the privilege of using the Sunday-school room during the day time for giving instruc- tion in music to the scholars of the school. The price of a ticket enti- tling the holder to one lesson of 20 minutes is 50 cents. None but reg- ular scholars of the school can obtain these tickets, which are good for vocal or instrumental instruction. Each ticket-holder arranges for a lesson at a specified time, and forfeits the ticket in case of failure to put in an appearance. The church where this plan is being tried is in one of the poorest neighborhoods of New York City, and yet the success of the plan is above exaggeration. A premium is thus put upon member- ship in the Sunday-school, and many scholars are added every year on this account alone; a large chorus-choir is thus secured for the church, which renders the most difficult compositions of the masters with sub- lime effect, while at the same time the influence of this form of culture must be far reaching in its elevating effect upon the surrounding com- munity." THE ORDER OF' "CHRISTIAN WORKERS." That eloquent preacher. Rev. Dr. Deems, pastor of the Churcn of the Strangers in New York City, suggests the following to pastors and Christian laymen: ' ' A chapter of this order may be established by the pastor of any church, and should include only the members of that particular church. * Rev. Theo. A. K. Gressler, D. D. HOW TO MAKE A WORKING CHURCH. 35 If, however, he be pastor of several churches, as is the case frequently in countr}' places, he may unite all his people in one chapter. ' ' To become a member of the order the applicant signs and files with the pastor the following "'Pledge. — ^I hereby deliberately, solemnly and sincerely promise that I will be a faithful Christian worker, as the I^ord shall give me wisdom, strength and grace. ' ' In the same manner I promise that I will do all in my power to pro- mote the increase, the harmony and the power of the order of Christian Workers, for the glory of our L,ord and Saviour Jesus Christ. ' ' In the same manner I promise that I will endeavor to institute reg- ular daily family prayer in any family with which I am domesticated, and, when married, will see that such worship is sustained in my own family. ' ' In the same manner I promise that I will honor the Lord with my substance, by setting apart a fixed portion of my whole income for the Lord's special work; of which portion I will contribute at least one-half to the support of the church of which I am a member. ' ' In the same manner I promise that I will communicate with my Leader personally or in writing every month; and will assist him by all means in my power to promote the spiritual welfare of my class. ' ' In the same manner I promise that if I become a Leader I will com- municate in person or by letter once a month with my Captain, and will obey his call to attend a meeting of the Leaders; and, if I become a Captain, will in the same manner communicate with my Guide; and, if I become a Guide, will implicitly carry out all the directions of my Commander. ' ' In the same manner I promise that I will not seek any office in the Order, nor will decline any to which I may be appointed; and that if, for any reason, I should resign or be requested by the Commander to retire from any office, I will cheerfully return to one of the classes and diligently work therein. Name , Address , I. As soon as ten have enrolled themselves, the Pastor appoints one of them the Leader, the Pastor himself having charge of them until the Leader is appointed. The classes should be of men alone, or women alone. "2. After the first appointment, which should always be by the Pastor, the vacancy occasioned by the removal of the Leader to the office of a Captain may be filled by the class by election of one of their number. 36 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. New members should be assigned to one of the classes as soon as prac- ticable after they join the church. No new class should be formed until all the existing classes are filled. "3. When five classes have been enrolled, the Pastor selects one of the Leaders to be a Captain; and when there are five Captaitas he selects one of them to be Guide. "4. Every ten persons constitute a class, led by a Leader; every five classes a company, led by a Captain; every five companies a band, led by a Guide; and the pastor is always the Commander, and he and the Guides and the Captains constitute the governing power of the whole Chapter. "5. So the Pastor can reach the whole body through the Guides, and they through the Captains, and they through the Leaders. Thus a compact organization for Christian work is made through the whole church. "6. In a church in which two hundred and fifty are enrolled there will be twenty-five Leaders, five Captains, one Guide, and one Commander. The Chapter would consist of seven persons." working bands. The following method has been in successful operation, and is suggest- ed by Rev. J. Byington Smith, D.D.: "I divide the church into Working Bands of from twenty to thirty each. In a church of about 300 members I have twelve of these bands. One is composed of young men, two of young women. These combine as a union band of young people, for the general purposes of a young people's association. The balance of the church are distributed into nine bands, according to districts or families. Each band has a leader and assistant, the one a man and the other a woman, who are to oversee the work of the band. With all the assistance they can secure from their working force, they are to induce each one of their number to at- tendance at the preaching, prayer-meeting and Sunday-school services, to look after them when sick or in distress, or when neglectful of the church, and to interest them in an^^ plans which the pastor or the church may devise for benevolent or other enteq^rises outside the servdce in the sanctuary, and bring to the notice of the pastor anything which may require his attention. They are to hold meetinge of their own, arrange for family prayer-meetings, devise plans for reaching non-church goers and bringing them into church and Sunday-school, and any other work which may tend to the interest of the church and the kingdom of Christ. These leaders, or some representative of each band, to make a HOW TO make; a working church. 37 report to the church at a stated time about once in three months. The bands are arranged by the pastor and deacons. "The special advantages of this plan over some others are, it interests every member of the church, so far as they can be reached, in every work of the church. What is the work of any, becomes the work of all, and makes the responsibility felt by every one; the whole membership of the church can be reached personally in a very short time — when any measure is devised by the pastor, he has but to notify the leaders, and in a single day, if needs be, the attention of the whole membership may be called to it personally — it puts the pastor in such connection with his people, that with no delay he can send his special message along the whole line. As my custom is to have an annual roll-call of the church, the leader is able to bring a report for his band of all who do not report for themselves, and the church can know who and where its mem- bers are. " It is not claimed that this method is perfect, and it is not set in cast- iron rule. Each pastor can exercise his own judgment in modifications of it. Myself and my church are gratified with its working, and it seems worthy at least of being suggested in connection with other methods which are being devised for promoting efficiency in church work. ' ' LETTERS OF ENLISTMENT. In order intelligently to assign new members to special departments of Christian work, the Rev. N. B. Remick, pastor of the Ninth Presby- terian Church, of Troy, N. Y., places in the hands of each new member received in connection with the church, a neat four-page circular, size 8>^x5>< inches, printed on three sides, fourth page left blank. The circular reads as follows: "Ninth Presbyterian Church, Troy, N. Y. " 'yJ/y heart for Christ, and uiy hand for the Church.^ "a word from the session. "Believing that you desire the extension of the kingdom of God on earth, and that you are interested in the prosperity of your church, the Session send you this schedule, inviting you to help us in carrying on the activities of the church by undertaking specific duties. The Ninth Church can succeed only in proportion as it enjoys your active co- operation in one or more branches of Christian work. ' ' We do not for a moment forget that holy living, secret and family prayer, private study of the Bible, liberality in giving as God prospers 3$ MEJ'fHODS OP CHURCH WORK. US, regular attenaance upon the Sabbath services and personal labor for the conversion and sanctification of souls,, are among the supreme duties of our Christian life. But leaving the performance of such duties largely to the promptings of the individual heart and conscience as illumined by the Holy Spirit, we cordially and earnestly request you now to unite with us in this scheme of Christian work. " 'Seek that you ma}^ excel to the edifying of the church.' "p:Ersonai. work. " 'To EvKRY Man His Work.' — Read Matt. 2^:14-^0; Luke i3:6-g. ' ' In connecting myself with the body of believers known as the Ninth Presbyterian Church of Troy, N. Y., I confess myself not only in need of the benefits derived from fellowship with those who have been called by the same sovereign grace, but also under the responsibility of aiding in so far as I may be able to carry on the work for the Master into the fields of personal effort that have been opened before this church. I shall, therefore, be glad if I can be of service in connection with those specific branches of work named below, before which I have placed a -(-. In these, I trust, I may be able to be 'not barren, nor unfaithful in the Work of the lyord.' If it shall appear, later, that I have time and talent to take up other work, it shall be my pleasure to do so, thankful for the exalted privilege of being among those who are ' workers together with God. ' ' ' prayer meetings. " I. Will attend the Wednesday Evening 'Family Gathering.' "2. Will attend the lyadies' Tuesday Afternoon Pra3^er Meeting. "3. Will attend the District Prayer Meetings. " SUNDAY-SCHOOI.. " I. Will teach in Sunday-school. "2. Will gather scholars for the Sunday-school. "3. Will attend the Teachers' Meeting following the 'Family Gath- ering,' Wednesday evening. "4. Will look up absentees from \\\y class. "5. Will attend the sessions of the Sunday-schools. "young peopi^e's meetings. " I. Will attend the Monday Evening Young Men's Meeting. "2. Will attend the Monday Evening Young Ladies' Meeting. "3. Will attend the vSunday Morning Prayer Meeting. ''4. Will attend the Sunday Evenijig Young People's Meeting. HOW TO make; a working church. "59 "5. Will attend the Meetings of the 'lyook-up I^egion.' "6. Will attend the Meetings of the ' Remick Mission Band.' ' ' VISITING. " I. Among the Sick. "2. Among absent members in my district. "3. Among the new members of our Church, and strangers. "generai,. " I . Will distribute religious papers and tracts. "2. Will cultivate flowers for the church and for distribution among the sick. "3. Will endeavor by personal effort to lead others to Christ. ' ' 4. Will endeavor to assist in church music. "5. Will endeavor to find out all who do not attend any church, and urge them to attend some church regularly. "6. Will assist in the work of the 'Ladies' Aid Society.' "7. Will assist in the work of the 'L,adies' Missionary Society.' "8. Will be a Temperance Worker. ' ' 9. Will invite strangers in the city to our church meetings. " 10. Will help my fellow members in every way within my power. ' ' What are you now doing for the Church ? "If there is an5^thing you are willing to do, not mentioned above, state it in one of the blank places under the appropriate heads. Name, Address, "Please sign your name and address where indicated, and give this paper to your Pastor or to the Elder of your church district." A modified I^ETTER. The following confidential circular letter is a representative of a some- what modified class, in which the pastor seeks to acquaint himself not only with what may be the wish of the members concerning the depart- ment of work which they prefer, but seeks to obtain other information which would be helpful to him as pastor of the people whom he thus addresses, ( confidential. ) "Questions Touching Life and Service. " To be Answered Only for the Pastor's Eye and Information. ' ' If you find questions that do not appertain to you, pass your pen through them. If you have to ansvv^er ' No ' to any for reasons you 40 METHOD OF CHURCH WORK. wish to explain, kindly communicate with me that you may not be mis- understood. I. Is family worship a part of the daily life in your home ? '2. Do you attend regularly on church? Morning service? Evening service ? ' 3. Do you attend the Prayer Meeting? ' 4. Do you regularly participate in the Communion ? '5. Are you connected with either of our Sunday Schools? If so, which? ' 6. Are you engaged in any other Mission Work or School ? State what ? 7. Do you belong to any one of the Ladies' Working Societies, as an active member or contributor? Please to state how? 8. Do you contribute regularly to all the benevolent enterprises of the church? 9. Have you any plan for systematic Bible Study ? 10. Have you any systematic plan of giving to God for the support of the ministry in our own land and among the heathen ? II. Have you any systematic plan of giving to the Poor? 12. Do you ever think of bringing a Free-will offering to God according as He has blessed you ? 13. If never before, will you this year adopt a plan of systematic giving to God? 14. Will you assist the Pastor and Elders of the church in calling upon and welcoming the new members? See i Cor. xii. 15. Will you endeavor to break up the conventional stiffness and unchristian inhospitality towards strangers that characterize almost all churches; and, instead of passing them by, extend to them a kindly greeting and cordial welcome, as you may find them in your pew, in the aisles or lobby of the cliurch; and so fulfill the law of Christ? (i Peter iii., 8; Matt, vii., 12). "16. Will you try to attend all the church services whenever the house is open for worship ? "17. Will you try to be in your seat when the sendees begin so as not to disturb those who are punctual ? "18. Will you ask God to help you to win at least one soul to Christ and salvation this year? "These questions are asked with the simple design of helping to ' keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.' (Jude, 24.) Affectionately, your pastor." Part II. SAVING THE YOUNG. CHAPTER III. HOW TO REACH AND SAVE THE YOUNG. THE hope of the church and the hope of the world is with the young. If the young people of the next generation could be kept from form- ing the habit of intemperance, only a few years would elapse until one after another, in quick succession, the intemperate classes and moderate drinkers would have passed away, and this would be a temperance land. If the young of the rising generation could be saved from profanity, Sabbath desecration, vice and immorality, and could be imbued with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and be brought to reconciliation with God through his Son, in a very few years this nation would not only be called a Christian nation out of mere compliment, but it would be such in deed and in truth. If the young who are rapidly coming upon the stage of action could be schooled to become faithful workers for Christ, only a few years would need to elapse before this world could be laid as a sparkling jewel at the feet of the world's Redeemer. The great trouble is, that the children come under the influence of the church, and of Christianity, during their very earliest years, and then so many pass beyond the reach of its suasion and power, to find in the world the influences which form their characters for irreligion, and often times for infidelity and sin. Many others who remain within the realm of the church's influence fail to flnd anything in which to actively employ their talents. What little is done, is done by the older members, who assume all the burdens and all the responsibilities. They erect the churches, they pay the minister, the sexton, conduct the prayer-meet- ings and discharge the offices of the official boards. No work is blocked out, and nothing is done to engage the effort, and thus to secure the more abiding interest of the young in the church. An Englishman once said: "You can make something out of a Scotchman, if you catch him young." The rising generation, of all nationalities, can only be developed into efficient Christian workers if they are set early to work. Many of the methods which have met with the largest success in in- fluencing the young are the growth of more recent years. Among C41) 42 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. these may be named ' ' The Society of Christian Endeavor, " " The White Cross Army," "The King's Daughters," "The Boys' Brigade," various forms of "Guilds," "Workingmen's Clubs," " Beneficial Soci- eties," " Sewing Circles, " " Kitchen Gardens, " " Chautauqua Classes, " "Bible Correspondence Schools," "Worker's Training Classes," "Pa- rochial Associations, " " The Shut-in Society, ' ' and numerous other or- ganizations. Most of these, together with all of the older methods, such as Catechetical Instruction, Christian Nurture, and various other forms of reaching and saving the young, will be treated in the later pages of this volume, and in the various chapters to which the}- sever- ally belong. In this chapter w^e purpose to treat of the ' ' Society of Christian En- deavor," "The White Cross Army," "The White Ribbon Army," "The Young Christian's Association," and "The Boy's Brigade." THE SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR. The Society of Christian Endeavor is the outgrowth of an association formed by Rev. F. E. Clark, then of Portland, Maine,* to meet the needs of his individual congregation. With this one society, formed in the winter of 1 880-81, the Society of Christian Endeavor had its begin- ning. In 1884 there were 156 societies; in 1885, 253 societies; in 1S86, 850 societies. These societies comprise about 50,000 active and associate members. They are located in thirty-three different states and territories. The largest per cent, in any one portion of the country is in New England, the home of the work. "In New England alone there are 430 societies. The reason for this larger proportion is plain. Here the work originated; here the press and the pulpit have taken it up and brought it before the people; here are the homes of those gentle- men who were instrumental in its start. ' ' The society is suited to the needs of all denominations, and its 850 societies are distributed about as follows: Congregational 432, Presby- terian no. Baptist 79, Methodist 34, I^utheran 4, Reformed 16, Epis- copal I, Union 20, Undenominational 6, Unknown 142. The membership of this society has increased as follows: In 1881, 60 members; in 1882, 200 members; in 1883, 2,691 members; in 1884, 8,905 members; in 1885, 14,892 members; in July, 1S86, as reported at Sara- toga, 50,000 members. In view of the large results w^hich have already been secured, we have deemed it proper to give as full a presentation of this society as ♦Now pastor of Phillips Church, Boston, Massachusetts. HOW TO re;ach and save The young. 43 our space will allow. The following is from the little book entitled "The Children and the Church," by Rev. F. E. Clark.* ' ' In the winter of 1 8S0-8 1 , in connection with some Sunday-school prayer-meetings, quite a large number of boys and girls of my congre- gation seemed hopefully converted. Their ages ranged from ten to eighteen, most of them being over fourteen years old. They were bright, earnest, natural 3'oung Christians, with all the faults and all the virtues and promise of ordinary boys and girls. "The questions became serious ones. How shall this band be trained, how shall they be set to work, how shall they be fitted for church mem- bership? Is it safe, with only the present agencies at work, to admit them to church membership? These questions were pressing for an immediate answer, for a few months of inaction and sloth might blast many of these budding Christian characters. Stimulated and guided by an article of Dr. Cuyler's, concerning a young people's association in his church, I asked the young Christians to my house to consider the formation of a society for Christian work. They responded in large numbers; and after talking the matter over, finding them willing and eager to enter upon active religious duties, we formed a Society of Christian Endeavor of some sixty members, all of whom signed their names to the stringent rules of the constitution, after having them fully explained, and apparently with an understanding of their purport. Thus it will be seen that this movement originated in an hour of prac- tical necessity and to meet a felt need; and it has been, we think, from the beginning, a humble, tentative, flexible effort to train young Chris- tians for usefulness and service in the church of God. It has not been claimed that this is the only way or the best way to train young Chris- tians; only that it is one way which has received some signal marks of the divine approval. Perhaps an adequate idea of the purpose and object of the society can best be derived from the Constitution and By-Laws of the Young People's Society op Christian Endeavor.! "Article I. — Name. This Society shall be called the Young Peo- ple's Society of Christian Endeavor. "Article II. — Object. Its object shall be to promote an earnest *"The Children and the Church," by Rev. F. E- Clark, loS pp., Boston Congregational Sunday- school and Publication Society. This is a most excellent volume, and should be read by all who design organizing one of the auxiliary societies. fConcerning this Constitution, its author, Rev. F. E- Clark, saj'S: "This Constitution has been prepared with great care, and seemed to meet with the very general endorsement of the Fourth Annual Conference at Ocean Park. It is not intended to be binding upon any local society, but is 44 MKTHODS OF CHURCH WORK. Christian life among its members, to increase their mutual acquaintance and to make them more useful in the service of God. "ArticIvE III. — Membersliip. i. The members shall consist of two classes, Active and Associate. " 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 results above specified. " 3. Associate Members. All youg persons of worthy character, who are not at present willing to be considered decided Christians, may be- come Asssciate 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 Associ- ate members will regularly attend the prayer-meetings, and that they will in time become Active Members, and the Society will work to this end. "4. They 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 tip to its requirements. "Article IV. — Officers, i. The officers of this Society shall be a President, Vice-president, Secretary and Treasurer, who shall be chosen from among the Active Members. "2. There shall also be a I^ookout Committee, a Prayer-meeting Committee, a Social Committee, and such other committees as the local needs of each society may require, each consisting of five Active Mem- bers. " Article V. — Duties of Officers, i. President. The President of Society shall perform the duties usually pertaining to that office. He shall have special watch over the interests of the Society, and it shall be his care to see that the different committees perform the duties de- volving upon them. "2. Vice-president. The Vice-president shall perform the duties of the President in his absence. "3. Secretary. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep a record of the members, and to correct it from time to time, as may be necessary, and to obtain the signature of each newly elected member to the Consti- tution; also to correspond with absent members, and inform them of their standing in the Society; also to keep correct minutes of all business to be regarded simply in the light of a recommendation, especially for the guidance of new organ- izations and those nnacqviainted with the work of the Society of Christian Endeavor. It is hoped, however, for the sake of uniformity, that the Consliiutioii, which deals only with main principles, may be generally adopted, and that such changes as ma\' be needed to adapt the society to local needs will be made in the By-Laws. 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. HOW TO RKACH AND SAVE THE; YOUNG. 45 meetings of the Society; also to notify all persons elected to office or to committees, and to do so in writing, if necessary. "4. Treasjirer. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to safely keep 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 bring new members into the So- ciety, to introduce them to the work and to the other members, and to affectionately look after and reclaim any that seem indifferent to their duties. This Committee shall also, by personal investigation, satisfy themselves 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. "2. Prayer Meeting Committee. This Committee shall have in charge the prayer meeting, shall see that a topic is assigned and a leader ap- pointed for each meeting, and shall do what it can to secure faithfulness to the prayer meeting pledge. "3. Social Committee. It shall be the duty of this Committee to promote the social interests of the Society, by welcoming strangers to the meetings and by providing for the mutual acquaintance of the mem- bers by occasional sociables, for which any appropriate entertainment may be provided. ' ' 4. Each Committee shall make a report in writing to the Society at the monthly business meeting, concerning the work of the past month. "Article VII. — The Prayer Meeting, i. It is expected that all the members shall be present at every meeting, unless detained by some absolute necessity, and that each Active Member shall take some part, however slight, in every meeting. The meetings shall be held just one hour, and at the close, some time may be taken for introduction and so- cial intercourse, if desired. "2. Once each month an Experience, or Consecration, Meeting shall be held, at which each Active Member shall speak concerning his pro- gress in the Christian life. If any one chooses, he can express his feel- ings by an appropriate verse of Scripture, or other quotation. "3. At each Experience, or Consecration, Meeting, the roll shall be called, and the response of the Active Members who are present shall be considered as a reneAved expression of allegiance to Christ. It is ex- pected that, if any one is obliged to be absent from this meeting, he will send the reason for such absence by some one who attends. "4. If any Active Member of this Society is absent from this monthly meeting and fails to send an excuse, the lyookout Committee is expected 46 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. 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 Soci- ety 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 VIII. — Business Meetings and Elections, i. Business Meet- ings may be held at the close of the evening prayer-meeting, or at any other time in accordance with the call of the President. "2. An Election of Officers and Committees shall be held once in six months. Names may be proposed by a Nominating" Committee ap- pointed by the President. "Article IX. — Relation to the Church. This Society being in closest relation to the Church, the Pastor, Deacons, Elders or Stewards, and Sunday-school Superintendents, shall be, ex-officiis, Honorary Members. Any difficult question may be laid before them for advice. "Article 'K.— Withdi'azuals. Any member who may wish to with- draw from the Society, shall state the reasons in writing to the Lookout Committee and Pastor, and if these reasons seem sufficient they may, by a two-thirds' vote of the Society, be allowed to withdraw. "Article XI. — Miscellaneous, i. Any other Committees may be added and duties assumed by this Society, which in the future may seem best. "2. This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds' vote of the members present, provided that notice of such amendment be given in writing, and be recorded by the Secretary, at least one week before the amendment is acted upon. By-Laws for the Regulation of Local Societies.* "Article I. This Society shall hold a praj-er meeting on evening of each week. The last regular prayer meeting of each month shall be an Experience, or Consecration, Meeting, at which the roll shall be called. "Article II. — Optiorial Method of Conducting the Expej-ience, or Con- secration, Meeting. At this meeting the roll may be called by the *If it is thought that these rules and regulations are unnecessarily long, it should be borne dis- tinctly in mind that these specimen By-Laws are simply suggcstio^is. It is not recommended that they be adopted entire, as in the case of the Model Constitution, for all of them would not be adapted, perhaps, to the need of any one Society, but from them all valuable hints may be derived for the governnienl of local organizations. The fundamental principles of the society are exceed- ingly simple (as explained elsewhere), and only so many of the above rules need be adopted as seem necessary to the easy working of this plan for Christian nurture. Undue attention to rules and parliamentary law is to be deprecated, and the fundamental fact that the object of this Society is solely for Chyisiian work and growth should uevcr be lost out of sight. HOW TO REACH AND SAVE THE YOUNG. 47 leader during the meeting, instead of at its close. /After the opening exercises, the names of five or more may be called, and then a hymn sung or a prayer offered. Thus varied, with singing and prayer inter- spersed, the entire roll may be called. "Artici^E III. This Society shall hold its regular Business Meet- ing, for members only, at the close of the first regular prayer meeting in the month. Special Business Meetings at the call of the President. At all business meetings, the Associate Members shall be privileged to take part in the discussion, but shall not be allowed to vote on the question. "Article IV. — Other Committees may be added according to the needs of local Societies, whose duties may be defined as follows : — " The Siinday-scJwol Committee. It shall be the dut}' of this Com- mittee to endeavor to bring into our Sunday-school those who do not attend elsewhere, and to cooperate with the Superintendent and officers of the school, in any ways which they may suggest for the benefit of the Sunday-school. " The Calling Committee. It shall be the duty of this Committee to have a special care for tho.se among the j^oung people who do not feel at home in our midst, to call on them, and to remind others where calls should be made. ' ''Music Committee. It shall be the duty of this Committee to pro- vide for the singing at the Tuesday evening meeting, and also to turn the musical ability of the Societ}- to account, when necessar}^, at public religious meetings. ''Missionary Committee. It shall be the duty of this Committee to provide for an occasional Missionary Meeting, to interest the members of the Society in all ways in missionary topics, and to aid in any man- ner, which may seem practicable, the cause of home and foreign mis- sions. ' ' Flozver Committee. It shall be the duty of this Committee to pro- vide flowers for the pulpit and to distribute them to the sick at the close of the Sabbath services. " Temperance Committee. It shall be the duty of this Committee to do what may be deemed best to promote temperance principles and sen- timent among the members of the Society. " ArticIvE V. — The election of Officers and Committees shall be held at the first business meeting in and A Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the President, of which the Pastor may be a member, ex-officio. ' ' While membership on the board of ofl&cers or Committees of this 48 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. Society should be distributed, as evenly as the best good of the Society will warrant, among the different members, the offices should not be considered places of honor to be striven for, but simply opportunities for increased usefulness, and any ill-feeling or jealousy springing from this cause shall be deemed unworthy a member of the Society of Chris- tian Endeavor. When, however, a member has been fairly elected, it is expected that he will consider his office a sacred trust, to be consci- entiously accepted, and never to be declined except for most urgent and valid reasons. The above clause of the By-laws may be read before each semi-annual election of officers. "Article VI. — All applications for membership shall be made on printed forms, which shall be supplied by the Lookout Committee, and returned to them for consideration. Names may be proposed for mem- bership at the close of the Experience Meetings, and shall be voted on by the Society at the following Business Meetings. The Lookout Com- mittee may also, in order to satisfy itself of t]je Christian character of the candidate, present to all candidates for Active Membership the fol- lowing card to be vSigned: — "Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for strength, I promise him that I will try to do whatever he would like to have me do ; that I will pray to him and read the Bible every day, and that, just so' far as I know how, throughout my whole life I will try to lead a Christian life. Signed, . "Article VII. Persons who have forfeited their membership may be re-admitted on recommendation of the Lookout Committee and the pastor, and a two-thirds' vote of the members present at any regular Busi- ness Meeting. "Article VIII. New members shall sign the Constitution and B}^- laws within two weeks from their election, to confirm the vote of the Societ3^ "Article IX. Any who can not accept the office to which they may be elected shall notify the President in writing before the next Busi- ness Meeting, at which the vacancy shall be filled. "Article X. Membership tickets may be furnished to all members of the Societ}^, admitting them to all the sociables. The Social Com- mittee may furnish tickets to members for their friends, providing they are suitable persons, admitting them to the sociable dated on the ticket. "Article XL The Lookout Committee shall read the names of any who may cease to be members, and give the reason why their names should be taken off the list. "Article XII. Cards of Dismission to other Christian Endeavor HOW TO REACH AND SAVE THE YOUNG. 49 Societies stiall be given to members in good standing wlio apply in writ- ing to be released from their obligations to the Society. This release to take effect when they shall become members of another Society; un- til then, their names shall be kept on the Absent I^ist, Members re- moving to other places, or desiring to join other Christian Endeavor So- cieties in this city, are requested to obtain Cards of Dismission and Recommendation within six months from the time of their leaving us, unless they shall give satisfactory reasons to the Society for their further delay. These cards shall be good for six months only. " ArticIvE XIII. Members who can not meet with us for a time are requested to obtain a lycave of Absence, which shall be granted by the Society on recommendation of the I^ookout Committee and Pastor, and their names shall be placed on the Absent List. "Article XIV. members shall constitute a quorum. "Article XV. These By-laws maybe amended by a two-thirds' vote of the members present. * " It is to be seen from this Constitution that the sole purpose of this organization is to promote, in every way possible, the religious life of its members. It is not a literary society, although if it is thought best in any particular instance to promote the attractiveness of the society, one evening of the week may be set apart for literary exercises under its auspices, provided these exercises in no way interfere with the religious life of the members. It is not a social club for young people, although once each month, at least, there should be a social gathering where the boys and girls may be assured of a good time; but this is for the sole purpose of making the distinctively and avowedly religious aims of the society more attractive. In short, the sole object of the organization is to make religion, child religion, a natural, rational, permanent part of the child's life; to make the I^ord Jesus Christ to appear the children's friend, and his active, acknowledged service something to be entered into and enjoyed by all young persons as heartily, zealously, and con- stantly as their studies and their games. "To be more specific, what in detail are the objects of this society? "First, it will be seen that one great object of the organization is to provide a natural and pleasant channel through which young people and even little children may every week acknowledge Christ. "Active membership implies, according to the constitution, that one is trying to be a Christian, and every one that joins it promises and ex- * Copies of this Constitution and By-Laws printed in cheap pamphlet form, together with other useful .aids in the formation of a Society, can be had in a tract entitled "Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor— What it is and How it Works, " published by the Congregational Publishing Society, Boston, Massachusetts. 4 50 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. pects to perform a Christian's duty. The ver}^ act of joining, where the rules are strictly lived up to, is a confession of allegiance to Christ. "In the second place, some such agency as this gives the young people something to do; and as eveiy pastor knows, nothing stimulates the budding activity of the Christian like having some means of expending his energies. "In the third place, another great object of this society is to give the pastor and older Christian friends of the 3^oung people an opportunity of knowing constantly their religious status. No one who belongs to this society need ever drift away from the anchorage of a religious hope without the fact being very soon known to older friends, who can hope, by wise and loving counsel, to bring back the wanderer to his old mooring. "A fourth object of this society is to form a stepping-stone to church membership; or to vary the figure, to make a temporary shelter, into which the young convert may be immediately received and kept in com- parative safety from the roaring lion, until the church is willing to re- ceive him into its fold. "A fifth object of this association is to increase the efficiency of its members for future service in the church of Christ. ' ' As to its Rules. These rules are strict, and are meant to be strict. They provide that only those who give good evidence of conversion to the Ivord Jesus Christ shall be active members of the society. The as- sociate members, too, while Christian character is not required of them, do, thereby, in becoming associate members, put themselves directly under religious influences, and by the very terms of the constitution indicate that they are willing to have the prayers of the active members especially offered for them. The committees are held strictly to their respective labors, for each one is expected to report once each month as to the duties performed during the past four weeks. But the peculi- arity, and, to a large extent the efficiency, of this society depends upon its prayer-meeting rules and their observ^ance. "Let us repeat this section of the constitution relating to the prayer- meeting with emphasis, for in proportion as these rules are enforced and lived up to will this organization be of real value. The Prayer-meeting. It is expected that all the active members of this society will be present at every meeting, unless detained by some absolute necessity, and that each one will take some part, however slight, in every meeting. The meetings shall be held just one hour, and at the close some time may be taken for introduction and social intercourse, if desired. Once each month an experience-meeting shall be held, at HOW TO REACH AND SAVE THE YOUNG. 5 1 which each member shall speak concerning his progress in the Chris- tian life for the past month. If any one chooses, he can express his feelings by an appropriate verse of Scripture. It is expected that if any one is obliged to be absent from this experience-meeting, he will send the reason for such absence by some one who attends. ' ' If any member of the society is absent from the monthly experi- ence-meetings, and fails to send an excuse, the lyOokout Committee is expected to take the name of such a one, and, in a kindly and brotherly spirit, ascertain the reason of the absence. If any member of this so- ciety is absent and unexcused from three consecutive experience-meet- ings, such a one ceases to be a member of the society, and his name shall be stricken from the list of members. "Once a month, with more than usual strictness, the rules require eveiy member to be present-, and the roll is called to find if any are ab- sent without excuse. Those who are then absent from the monthly ex- perience-meeting are interviewed by the I^ookout Committee before the next meeting, and it is found that when this precaution is taken, the same ones are rarel}^ absent from two consecutive monthly meetings ; while if they are absent from three in succession, and take no pains to ask for an excuse, the evidence is quite conclusive that such no longer deser\'e to be reckoned as active members, and their names are dropped from the roll. The society is thus continually self- weeded, and cannot contain for any great length of time many who are not genuine Chris- tians. All are expected, too, as we have seen, to take some part in every meeting, and voluntarily agree, when they join the society, at least to repeat a verse in the weekly meeting. "This is the principal and distinguishing rule of the organization, and we may be pardoned for referring to it again, and for dwelling upon it at some length, since it marks the differance between this and other societies of the kind, and would frequently, we think, make all the dif- ferance between a real, live young people's meeting and the old young people's meetings or young old people's meetings which exist in so many churches. "The rules require, too, that the Prayer-meeting Committee shall see that topics and leaders are provided for every meeting; that the Social Committee shall furnish games, readings, music, etc., for a monthly sociable; and that the Lookout Committee, most important of all, shall, as before hinted, not only find new members for the society, and decide upon their fitness to join, but shall also keep a watchful eye on every member who has signed the constitution, to see that each one lives up to his voluntarily assumed religious duties." 52 MKTHODS OP CHURCH WORK. The following portion of this article is from the pen of Rev. F. K. Clark, in a pamphlet tract, entitled " Young People's Societ}^ of Chris- tian Endeavor; What it is and How it Works." It is substantially Chapter V. from "The Children and the Church," somewhat con- densed. ' ' A society thus organized among the young people has proved itself to be in man}^ cases a half-way house to the church. "Into this society the new Christian, however young and feeble he may be, may come at once. Here he may at once be recognized as a Christian, may at once have the opportunity and be encouraged to acknowledge his Saviour, and at once be set to work for him. To use another figure, this society bridges the dangerous gap between conver- sion and church membership, which is often a long one in the case of young disciples, an interval when many stray away, and are lost forever to the church and the Christian cause. ' ' This society is also a training-school in the church. ' ' It gives the young Christian something to do at once, ' ' It accustoms him to the sound of his own voice in the pra5^er- 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 sends 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 matter, and are not theorizing. A generation of Christians trained from early boyhood and girlhood in this way, patiently, persistently, kindly, would be a genera- tion 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, and, unseen, keep his hands on the reins of the or- ganization. If he does so, wisely and constantly, he can not help know- ing how the young converts are progressing 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 month need ever go by without the pastor knowing the religious status of each of his young people. " Tlie Committees. The various committees are very important fea- tures of the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor. With faithful, earnest, intelligent committees, the work can hardly fail to sue- HOW TO RKACH AND SAVE; THE YOUNG. 53 ceed. 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 needs to take great pains that only those who have begun the Christian life are thus introduced as active mem- bers. But its most delicate, and at the same time important, 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 stay away who can not 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. " The Experience-meeting . This meeting is one of great importance. It may be called by various names: 'Experience,' 'Consecration,' ' Progress,' or simply the ' Monthly Meeting,' but whatever name it is called it should and may be made a real power. At this meeting, in some way, some expression of renewed loyalty to Christ should be ob- tained from every Active Member. When the roll is called it should be made a very serious matter, and the mere response to the name should be considered a reconsecration. Some societies have found it best to call the roll, not at the close, but during the progress of the meeting, so that each may respond to his name with a prayer, or a word of testi- mony, or a passage of Scripture. This plan for many societies is the best. " The Associate Mejnbers. 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 Mem- bers 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 so- ciety is plain. In many societies attendance upon the meetings is required from the Associate Members, but not participation in the meetings. At the Experience Meeting in some societies their names are called, for the purpose of finding out if they are present, not for the purpose of obtaining a renewed consecration. Every good influence should be kept around such members, and every effort made to bring them to Christ. ' ' How to Form a Society. Begin with as many earnest, active young 54 METHODS OP CHURCH WORK. Christians as are available for this work. Do not be anxious for nitm- bers. Think more of quality than quantity. Half a score of those who are earnest and consecrated are worth in this work ten score of half- hearted ones. A very feiv j^oung 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 lax- ness of the average Christian by making the way in easy. The great danger is just in this line — that many will rush in at first who have no proper conception of their obligations, 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 Chris- tians 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 com- mittees, and the society is formed and ready to go forward with its work. ''Summary. The essential features, then, of the Young People's Societ)^ of Christian Endeavor are: Pledged and constant atttendance upon the weekly prayer-meetings; pledged and constant participation therein by every Active Member; pledged and constant work for others through the committees, and in any waj' which may be suggested. A few, living up to these pledges faithfully, will, with the blessings 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 obser\^es its vows, voluntarily taken by each young person, can not fail. More can be learned concerning the so- ciety from a careful study of the Constitution, than in any other way perhaps. " -'' The printed proceedings of the Annual Conferences contain much that is valuable, and show the rapid growth of the society, and give also the names of churches where societies are established. No Society of Chris- tian Endeavor can afford to be without a copy of the new book by Rev. F. E. Clark, entitled "Young People's Prayer-meetings, In Theory and Practice, with Fifteen Hundred Topics," published by Funk & Wag- nails, 20 Astor Place, New York; 167 pp., i2mo., cloth, price 60 cents. * Constitutions, reports. Stmday-school Committee cards, and all other information concerning the Society of Christian Endeavor, can be obtained of the general secretary, Mr. George M. Ward, Box 1235, Boston, Massachusetts. THE WHITE CROSS ARMY. 55 CHAPTER IV. THE WHITE CROSS ARMY. ^T^HK White Cross Army was commenced by tiie Rt. Rev. Dr. Light- -*- foot, Bishop of Durham, in the Diocese of Durham, early in 1883. This society has for its object the attainment of personal purity, first in its members, and secondly in securing a purer public sentiment, and right legislation. The first organization was formed in the Bishop lyightfoot Institute at Bishop Auckland, in a crowded meeting of men only, where nearly one-half of the audience came forward and enrolled themselves as members. Strong branches were soon formed in such seats of learning as Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh. It spread rapidly into various parts of England, Scotland and Ireland. From these countries it spread to Africa, India, Australia, Canada and the United States. The first organization in this country was formed by Rev. B. F. De Costa, D. D., pastor of the Church of St. John the Evan- gelist, in the city of New York. It has now spread throughout the United States, and branch societies are to be found in connection with churches of all denominations. One of the most important human fac- tors in this movement has been the brave, pure-hearted and noble Miss Ellice Hopkins, who was associated with the Bishop of Durham in the very beginning of this movement in England. Notwithstanding her po- etic talents, literary qualifications, and ample means at her command for living a life of ease and pleasure, she has nevertheless consecrated her time and talents to the work of the White Cross, the saving of the pure, and the rescuing of the fallen. It is from her pen that many of the most admirable tracts have come, which are now used in furthering this movement. The effort in this country has been to associate the White Cross movement with existing societies. Most of the Young Men's Chris- tian Associations in England have formed branches. In the city of Glasgow the Young Men's Christian Association has now more than 230 branches, and every branch has the White Cross attached, making in that city alone a total membership of about 9,000. In New York City the Young Men's Christian Association branch has also enrolled upwards of 1,000 members. The National Woman's Christian Tem- perance Union has organized the same purity movement, which forms a "department for the promotion of social purity, cooperating with the White Cross, ' ' the aim being to save women through the agency of 56 METHODS OF CHURCH WORE. women, while at the same time they seek to extend the literature of the White Cross among men. It has also been associated in many con- gregations with organizations previously formed. In some instances the movement has takeh upon itself, under a new name, a somewhat modified or enlarged form. In the Protestant Epis- copal Church the "Iron Cross," designed exclusively for workingmen, aims at temperance, reverence and chastity. The Bishop of Central New York not long since instituted ■ the ' ' Silver Cross, ' ' a Diocesan society for boys, designed to advance temperance, purity and reverence. Whether the organization is separate or attached to other societies, associations or guilds, the essential thing is to maintain the five-fold pledge intact. The cards used both for men and women are as follows: The White Cross. Branch. My strength is as the strength often, Because my heart is pure. PROMISE BY THE HEIvP OF GOD 1. To treat all women with respect, and endeavor to protect them from wrong and degredation. 2. To endeavor to put down all inde- cent language and coarse jests. 3. To maintain the law of purity as equally binding upon men and women. 4. To endeavor to spread these prin- ciples among my companions, and to try and help my younger brothers. 5. To use every possible means to ful- fill the command, "Keep thy- SElvF pure." MEN'S CARD. The White Cross. FOR SOCIAIv PURITY. My strength is as the strength of ten. Because my heart is pure. PROMISE BY THE HEI.P OF GOD. 1. To Uphold the law of purity as equally binding upon men and women. 2. To be modest in language, be- havior, and dress. 3. To avoid all conversation, reading, art, and amusements, which may put impure thoughts into my mind. 4. To guard the purity of others, es- pecially of the young. 5. To strive after the special blessing promised the pure in heart. WOMEN S CARD. Notwithstanding the fact that the Central Council or Committee have often undertaken municipal work, such as closing of disreputable houses, the rescuing of children from haunts of vice, the suppression of indecent displays upon bulletin-boards and in shop windows, the correction of The; M'HITE CROSS ARMY. 57 evils which render it impossible in overcrowded, unsanitary tenement houses to observe the decencies and privacies of family life, yet the Work in the separate branches is frequently not sufl&cient to engage the time and sustain the interest of frequent meetings. It has therefore been found desirable to associate this purity move- ment with parish organizations already existing. For, in some cases, where societies have been formed upon this basis alone, it has been found difficult to provide action sufficient to keep up life and zeal. ' ' The design, as respects organization, is to render it as simple and flexible as possible, consistently with the maintenance of discipline. Cumbersome machinery is to be avoided. The following set of rules will generally answer, though they may be modified to meet special cases. " I . This association shall be called the Branch of the White Cross Army. "2. The object of this branch shall be the elevation of public opinion regarding the law of personal purity, and the maintenance of the sam^ standard for men and women. "3. The management of the branch shall be intrusted to a committee of not more than ten members, including the president, vice-president, recording secretary, corresponding secretary, and treasurer, all of whom shall be elected annually by the members. Any vacancy occurring may be filled by election at the next following meeting. ' ' 4. The branch shall consist of ' members, ' not less than eighteen years of age, and 'associates,' not less than sixteen years of age. The latter shall be admitted to such meetings only as the committee shall deem advisable; while it is understood that all candidates for member- ship are baptised persons. "5. The members and associates shall be admitted after being pro- posed in writing by a member of the branch and approved by the com- mittee. Every person so admitted, on signing his name, shall receive a copy of the rules and regulations of the White Cross Army and a card of membership. "6. The committee shall have full power to suspend or dismiss from the branch any member or associate for reasons which shall appear to them to be sufficient, and to erase his name from the books. "7. The ge7ieral work of the branch shall be carried on under the guidance of the central association when formed. "8. All expenses shall be defrayed by voluntary contributions. " 9. The regular meetings shall be held quarterly, and special meet- ings at such other times as may be deemed expedient by the committee. 58 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. " lo. All meetings held in connection with this association shall be opened and closed with prayer. "Where a branch is formed in connection with a church, it is sup- posed that the clergyman or one of his assistants will be the president, though that may not be regarded as absolutely essential. The presi- dent must, at least, be a person of sound judgment and recognized Christian character, while all the officers need much discretion for the performance of their duties. ' ' Every new branch generally begins with an interest on the part of one or two individuals, who should look around carefully and discover who is most likely to join the movement. When five or six persons have arrived at some definite understanding, it may be well to call a conference composed of a larger number; and, if the work is regarded with favor, a general meeting of men may next be convened, and an organization effected. "The work is to be done, first of all, by quietly calling the attention of associates and younger brothers to the subject of purity. This may- be effected by delicate but plain reference to what seems to be required, or by putting a particular White Cross tract in the way of being read. Do not appear obtrusive." With regard to the age of admission, the Bishop of Durham fixes sixteen; others fix the age at eighteen. In some instances where the members are required to be eighteen years of age before they can be admitted to the ranks of the White Cross, a society known as ' ' The Knights of Temperance," a purity society for boys, is organized, and subjects which are suited to their age are presented for their considera- tion, until they arrive at the years which render them eligible as mem- bers of the White Cross.* *The literature of the White Cross Army is published by Funk & Wagnalls, 20 Astor Place, New- York, i;. P. Dutton & Co., 31 West 23d St., New York, and by the Woman's Temperance Publication Association. Orders to be addressed to "The Union Signal," 161 La Salle St., Chicago, 111. The "So- cial Purity Series," published by Punk & Wagnalls, are issued bi-monthly, at 25 cents per annum. The six pamphlets for 1S87 are as follows: " The Woman Condemned," by Kate C. Bushnell, M. D.; "The White Cross," by Ellice Hopkins; "By This Sign Conquer," by Josephine P). Butler; "Low Morals in High Places," by Joseph Cook; "The White Cross," by Rev B. F. DeCosta, D. D.; "Spirit of the Living Gospel," by William T. Stead; "Social Purity: the Latest and Greatest Crusade," by Frances F. Willard, issued in 1886. 5 cents per copy; 25 copies, 3 cents each; 50, or more, 2 cents each. Messrs. E. P. Dutton & Co., publish the following: "An Address to the Members of the White Cross Army," by the Right Rev. the Bishop of Durham; "The White Cross Army: a State- ment of the Bishop of Durham's Movement," by Ellice Hopkins; "Per Augusta ad Augusta," by J. F. H.; "True Manliness," by J. E. H.; "Man and Woman; or The Christian Ideal," by EHice Hopkins; "Wild Oats or Acorns," by J. E. H.; "The Ride of Death," by Ellice Hopkins; "The Black Anchor," by Ellice Hopkins; "The American Zulu," by Ellice Hopkins; " God's Great Gift of Speech Abused," by Ellice Hopkins. These are in small pamphlet form, and sell at 3 cents per copy, or $2 per 100 copies. Besides these there are quite a number of "Special Papers," published by the same firm, all of which throw much light on the society and its workings. THK WHITK RIBBON ARMY. 59 Miss Ellice Hopkins, in writing of the public meetings lield in En- gland, says: "The order of the meeting is a very solemn one. The principal speaker gives the opening address. The chairman then passes the ' Ob- ligations ' one by one, those who consent to take them as the principles of their daily conduct being asked to hold up their hands to God; be- fore the last, from its peculiarly responsible and solemn character, there is generally five minutes' silent prayer before the hands are held up to God. By this simple action the men are made to feel their responsibility, and to commit themselves at any rate to the acknowledgment of right principles, which surely is in itself a great step to forming a more right- eous public opinion, even where right principle is not always acted up to. Then comes the enrolling of those who are willing to take a step further and come out actively on the side of right. Earnest Christian men are placed at intervals down the room, each undertaking a row of men, paper and pencil being rapidly passed down the ranks, and the men willing to enroll as soldiers of the White Cross Army inscribing their name and address while a hymn is being sung. The Card of Membership is given out at the first meeting of Members. As soon as the lists of names are completed and passed up to the platform, the re- maining speakers are asked to address the men, after which the meeting is closed by the Doxology. "The meetings of the Members are to be held quarterly, and can be taken up either by (i) an earnest address and a simple devotional ser- vice, or (2) by a medical lecture — a thing unspeakably needed. Some intelligent, earnest Christian man in every Sunday-school should be able to establish a branch of the White Cross Army." CHAPTER V. THE WHITE RIBBON ARMY. ^ I ^HIS new phase of the temperance movement grew out of the united -*- study of the International Sunday-school L^essons for December 7th, 1884, from Prov. 23:29-35, which was upon the subject of temper- ance. In Bethany Sunday-school Hall, Philadelphia, Pa., the advance study of the lesson by the teachers on the preceding Monday evening was attended with such marked interest, that the pastor was requested 6o MKTHODS OF CHURCH WORK. to repeat the lecture upon the Sunday evening following. At the after- noon session of the Sunday-school, just preceding, the Superintendent arranged, instead of the regular "platform lesson," to have several young men present some startling facts concerning strong drink. It was resolved to organize at once a Temperance Army, and as it had been born in the church and Sunday-school, it was resolved to distin- guish the movement by calling it the White Ribbon Army. A simple pledge was at once prepared, and 450 signatures were secured that same afternoon. The news of the movement spread to other schools, which had also been brought into sympathy with the same movement, by' the study of the same Scripture lesson. A special meeting of the "Superin- tendents' Association ' ' was held on the fifteenth of the same month, when the incidents of the movement in Bethany Sunday-school were related, and it was resolved to extend the movement into all the schools of Philadelphia. The work was duly organized by the election of an Executive Committee, under whose supervision the work has been greatly extended, overleaping the boundaries of the city in which it was originated, and spreading into all portions of the country. The Pledge, Certificate, Constitution and By-Iyaws of the Bethany Sunday-school are as follows: "Thk White Ribbon Army. " Organized December 7, 1884. "With charity for all and malice toward none, to make an aggressive campaign against strong drink, and to save men, women and children from the curse of rum. Uniting ourselves under God as our captain, we will show our colors as a witness for the right, diligently work against the traffic in liquor, and strive, by all proper means, to lift men to a noble life. "BETHANY DIVISION, PHII.ADEI.PHIA. " This is to certify, That is enlisted No in the Temperance Army this day, having signed the pledge ' not to use alcoholic or intoxicating liquors as a beverage, or encourage the use of them in others.' "Witness our Signatures : "Arthur T. Pierson, " First Officer. "John Wanamaker, " Second Officer. Constitution. "Article i. — Name. This organization shall be known as the White Ribbon Army. THK WHITE RIBBON ARMY. 6l " Article II. — Pledge. No member sliall make, buy, sell or use Al- coholic or Intoxicating lyiquors as a beverage, or encourage the use of them in others. "Article III. — Membership. Any person may become a member, by signing the Pledge, and shall be recognized by wearing a White Ribbon. " Article IV. — Officers. The officers of this organization shall con- sist of First and Second Officer, Adjutant, Secretary and Treasurer. "Article V. — Committees. Section i. The standing committees shall be known as the Executive, Public Meeting, Pledge and Visiting Committees. "Sec. 2. The Executive Committee shall consist of the officers of the organization and the Chairman of the three other standing commit- tees. "Sec. 3. The remaining standing committees shall consist of five (5) members each, who shall be appointed by the First Officer. "Sec. 4. Standing committees shall elect their own chairman. "Article VI. — Meetijigs. Public meetings shall be held monthly. "Article VII. — Amendinents. Amendments to the Constitution shall require a two-thirds' vote of the Executive Committee. "By-Laws. ''''Duties of Officers and Standing Committees. ' ' Section i . The duties of the First Officers shall be to preside at all public meetings and to act as President. "Sec. 2. The duty of the Second Officer shall be to act as Vice- President. "Sec. 3. The duty of the Adjutant shall be to assist the First and Second Officers. ' ' Sec. 4. The duty of the Secretary shall be to keep a full record of all public meetings. "Sec. 5. The duty of the Treasurer shall be to take charge of all moneys. "Sec. 6. The Executive Committee shall have full control of all matters pertaining to the organization. "Sec. 7. The Public Meeting Committee shall arrange for all pub- lic meetings. "Sec. 8. The Pledge Committee shall have charge of all pledge books, certificates and ribbons. ' ' Sec. 9. The Visiting Committee shall solicit, personally, signatures to the pledge at all public meetings. 62 me;thods of church work, "Sec. io. The Public Meeting, Pledge and Visiting Committees shall report to the Executive Committee, who shall report at the monthly meetings." CHAPTER VI. THE YOUNG CHRISTIANS' ASSOCIATION. THE increasing attention given to the cultivation of Christian char- acter, and Christian work in the youth of the church, is one of the most hopeful signs of the times. Any scheme which has proven itself of value in the actual development of such desirable ends merits the careful consideration and the earnest cooperation of all Christian people. The Young Christians' Association, although not being spread so ex- tensively, is yet older than either the Society of Christian Endeavor or the White Cross Army. Its history is given in its hand-book as follows: "During a union revival at Indianapolis, in the winter of 1876-77, quite a number of earnest Christian boys were thrown together in work for the salvation of their companions. They held nightly meetings for prayer and Bible study, that they might be successful in winning souls during the inquiry service. They were instructed and encouraged in the work by the older workers. A large number of boys were converted through this influence. As the meetings drew to a close, the thought of giving up the work was painful. They realized that such 'youth's work for youth ' was needed all the time, in all parts of the city. And then the first Youth's Christian Association sprang into being. ' ' Feeling the need of organized effort for spreading these associations throughout the country, a national executive committee was soon formed, by means of which a number of associations were started in Ohio and Indiana, and, upon the removal of one of their number to Illinois, in that state also." This society, begun in 1876, has been established in about 150 com- munities or churches. It is not connected with the Young Men's Christian Association, excepting as one good work is related to every other, but is adapted to the needs of churches and Sunday-schools. It is organized in the church, and is of the church. " It is a voluntary organization of young Christians for self- training THB YOUNG christians' ASSOCIATION. 63 and organized Christian work upon the basis of a thoroiigh consecration of every faculty to the work and the laying aside of whatever mere pleas- ures hinder the highest ^isefulness,'" ' ' It proposes to fit its members for Christian usefulness ( a ) by giving as thorough a familiarity as possible with the English Bible through systematic, united study; ( b ) by discussing and planning for the growth in Christian character of each member ; ( c ) by direct all-the-year-round effort for the conversion of their unsaved companions, and the bringing up of worldly young Christians to the standard of thorough consecra- tion; (d) by children's meeting which point the children directly to Christ, and endeavor to train them up to an intelligent and heartfelt Christianity. ' ' The following is the Constitution and By-Iyaws of the Young Chris- tians' Association:* "Article i. — Name, Object and Means. Section i. The name of this Society shall be the Young Christians'' Association. "Sec. 2. Its object shall be tzvofold: ist — The thorough spiritual de- velopment of its vicjnbers and the Christian youth of the community. 2nd — The conversion of all unsaved youth zvithin the bounds of its influence. "Sec. 3. The means of effecting this object shall be: Faithful observance of all our chicrch duties ; the holding of our own meetings ; using personal efforts among the yoking for their conversion; cooperation in the work of Young ChT'istians'' Association extensio7i throughout the land; and, above all, the viaintenance of a consistent Christian character. "Article II. — Officers a7id Elections. Section i. The officers of the Association shall be : A President, Vice-Presidents, a Secretary and a Treasurer. "Sec. 2. The officers shall be elected semi-annually by ballot, at a regular business meeting in January and July. "Article III. — Standing Committees. Section i. There shall be the following Standing Committees, each, except the Executive Com- mittee and Devotional Committee, to consist of not more than three members, namely: An Executive Committee, a Membership Committee, an Invitation Committee, and a Devotional Committee. "Sec. 2. The Executive Committee shall be elected semi-annually by ballot, and shall consist of four members. The Devotional Committee shall consist of the President and Vice-Presidents. The other commit- tees shall be appointed semi-annually by the President. *This is the generally accepted Y. C. A. Constitution, and the one recommended by the National Committee. Only the Sections, however, that are printed in italic type are essential to every y. C. A. Constitution, 64 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. "Sec. 3. The President shall have power to fill a vacancy in, or to re- organize, any or all of the Standing Committees which he appoints. "ArticIvE IV. — Regular Meetings and Dusi7iess. Section i. There shall be a worker's kneeling held each week under the general direction of the President/^ "Sec. 2. There shall be a regular quarterly business meeting. "Sec. 3. There shall be at least one Children's Meeting held each week. ' ' Sec. 4. Seven members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. "Sec. 5. Any officer failing to attend any business meeting, and not giving a satisfactory excuse, shall be considered as having vacated his office. "Sec. 6. Any vacancy in office may be filled by the Association. "Sec. 7. There shall be a regular weekly Gospel Meeting under the care of the Devotional Committee, or one under other auspices in which the Association shall do gospel work. "Article V. — Membership. Sec. i. The qualificatioyis for member- ship shall be: An exemplary Christian character; the evidence of a sincere desire to work for Christ; membership in good standing in some evangeli- cal church; and such consecratioii to the Master's service as excludes all questionable amusements, and pledges a givijig up, if necessary, of Jinques- tionable pleasures for the sake of the ivork. "Sec. 2. Any young person reported by the membership committee as possessing the full qualifications, shall become a member upon receiving the unanimous vote of the Association, signing the Constitution, and paying a y earl 3^ fee of fifty cents. "Article VI. — Section i. This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds' vote of the members present at a business meeting, such amendment having been dul}^ proposed in writing and recorded one regular meeting previous to final action." The local Young Christians' Associations are organized into State Societies, and these have again been formed into a National Associa- tion.! *The "Worker's Meeting" is a gathering of the members for sj'Steraatic Bible study, prayer, and consultation as to methods of Christian work. The President leads or appoints a leader. UsualU' every member leads in turn. t Beside various hand-books, circulars, etc., containing the Constitution and By-Lawrs and other helpful information which may be secured upon request, the Association also publishes the " Na- tional Young Christians' Association Worker," issued monthly at 25 cents per annum, all of which may be secured by addressing John C. Carman, National Secretary Young Christians' Association; 36 South Union street, Rochester, N. Y. "The; boys' brigade;. 65 Children's Department. "ArTicIvE I. — Name and Object. Section i. This organization shall be called the Children's Department of the Young Christians' Associa- tion. "Sec. 2. Its object shall be the conversion and Christian training of its members, with a view to the fuller organization and perpetuity of the Young Christians' Association. "ArticIvE II. — Meetings. SECTION i. Its meetings shall be held weekly, in charge of the leader. "Article III. — Officers and Duties. Section i. The officers shall be a Secretary, Treasurer and Lookout Committee, who shall be chosen every three months. "Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to call the roll and keep record of the exercises of all meetings, making a report each week. "Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive all free will offerings, and pay out the funds as directed by vote of the members. "Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of the Lookout Committee to seek after the absent ones and bring in new members. "Sec. 5. These officers shall give a general report at the close of their term of office. "Article IV. — Membership. Section i. Any boy or girl maybe- come enrolled as a member, who has been present at two meetings and promises regular attendance and good behavior. "Sec. 2. When any member has been absent from three meetings in succession, without good excuse, his name shall be dropped from the roll. "Article V. — Amendmeyits. Section i. These Regulations may be added to or amended upon a recommendation of the leader and a two- thirds' vote of the members." CHAPTER VII. THE BOYS' BRIGADE. ^T^HB key-note of the Boys' Brigade is ' ' The Advancement of Christ's -*- Kingdom Among Boys. ' ' The movement was organized in October, 1883, in the Woodside Mission Sunday-school, Glasgow, Scotland. It was begotten of a desire to organize some movement which would be successful in retaining in the school the boys of ten years and upwards. 5 66 METHODS OP CHURCH WORK. It was found that of the four hundred boys upon the roll of that Sun- day-school very few remained in connection with the school until they attained the age of seventeen years. "The Young Men's Club and In- stitute," organized in connection with the Mission, having a fellowship meeting on Sunday, a debating society on a week-night, together with a large library, comfortable reading and recreations rooms which are opened every night in the week, — these advantages were open to young men of seventeen years and upwards, and it was found that the mem- bers were almost entirely recruited from without, and not from the Sun- day-school as should have been the case. The Boys' Brigade was there- fore organized, having the double purpose, both of retaining the boys in the Sunday-school until they became seventeen years of age, and also of bringing them under the influence of a rigid discipline. The object is to teach them habits of reverence, obedience, discipline, and self-respect, which shall constitute the foundation on which to build useful Christian lives. This was the inspiration of the original company, now known as the ' ' First Glasgow Company of the Boys' Brigade. ' ' The movement was received with universal favor, and companies were speedily formed in connection with other Sunday-schools. From Glas- gow the movement spread to Edinburgh, and thence to lyondon, and then all over the United Kingdom; until at the close of the year ending April 30, 1885, there were five companies, with 20 officers, and 268 boys. At the close of April, 1886, there were 44 companies, 136 officers and 1,999 boys. During the next five months 27 new companies were formed, increasing the number of boys enrolled to 3,500. The Consti- tution of the Boys' Brigade we give below. "Constitution of the Boys' Brigade. "(Adopted at Meeting of Council held at Glasgow on 28th September, 1S85). " I. This organization shall be called the Boys' Brigade. "2. The object of the Brigade shall be the advancement of Christ's Kingdom among Boys, and the promotion of habits of reverence, disci- pline, self-respect, and all that tends towards a true Christian manliness. "3. Military organization and drill shall be used as a means of se- curing the interest of the Boys, banding them together in the work of the Brigade, and promoting among them such habits as the Brigade is designed to form. Strict discipline and obedience shall be enforced by all officers. "4. All Boys between the ages of 12 and 17 shall be eligible as mem- bers of the Brigade, and in applying for membership cards they shall fill up a form of application, agreeing to comply with the Rules of the THK boys' brigad:^. 67 Company, and to set an example of good conduct to fheir comrades and other boj^s. Members shall be expected to do all they can to further the object of the Brigade. "5. The Brigade shall be composed of Companies, which shall be con- nected with Churches, Missions, or other Christian organizations. "6. The Companies shall be officered in the proportion of one officer to about twenty Boys, by gentlemen desirious of promoting the objects of the Brigade. Each company shall be under the command of a Cap- tain, whose Junior Officers shall be lyieutenants. The Captain shall ap- point Non-Commissioned Officers by promotion from the ranks. "7. Three or more Companies in any town or district may form themselves into a Battalion to be designated by the name of such town or district. The Officers of such Battalion shall constitute a Battalion Council, whose duties shall be to appoint a Battalion President, a Bat- talion Secretary, and a Battalion Treasurer, to admit new companies to the Battalion, to approve of the appointment of Officers, to make rules for the effective management of the Battalion, and, generally, to do whatever is necessary to promote the object of the Brigade in its neigh- borhood. The Battalion Council shall return stastistics and report pro- cedure, as required, to the Executive Committee. "8. Companies in towns and districts where no Battalion has been formed shall have a local designation, shall be under the management of the Executive Committee, in conjunction with their own Officers, and shall communicate directly with the Executive Committee. "9. The Brigade Council shall consist of the Captains of all the Companies, or such other Officer of his Company as the Captain may depute. The Council shall meet at least annually, at such places as the Executive Committee may appoint, to receive reports from the Execu- tive Committee, and to discuss the affairs of the Brigade. One-fifth of the number of Companies on the strength of the Brigade shall form a quorum. The Council shall elect annually, by ballot, a Brigade Presi- dent, a Brigade Secretary, a Brigade Treasurer, and an Executive Com- mittee for the ensuing year. The Executive Committee shall consist of the Brigade President, the Brigade Secretary, and the Brigade Treas- urer, ex-officis, and five other members. Three shall form a quorum. The Council shall have power to review the actions of the Executive Committee. "10 The Executive Committee shall call a meeting of the Brigade Council, at such place as they may appoint, upon a requisition to that effect being presented to them, signed by seven or more Officers of the Brigade. 68 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. " 1 1 . The Executive Committee shall have supervision of all the afifairs of the Brigade, shall have power to enroll Companies and Offi- cers in towns or districts where no Battalion has been formed, and shall provide application forms, membership cards, statistical schedules, and other necessary publications for the whole Brigade, as may be required. " 12. Each Company shall be expected to contribute a small sum an- nually towards the necessary expenses of the Brigade. "13. This Constitution shall not be altered except by a majority con- sisting of two-thirds of the number present at a duly called meeting of Brigade Council, and notice of any proposed alteration, which has been duly intimated to the Brigade Secretary, must be sent by him to each member of Brigade Council, at least one week previously." Mr. John T. Napier, in the Sunday-school Times, says of the Bo5^s' Bri- gade : ' ' And now let us look at the actual working of a company of the Boys' Brigade. The stranger's attention is, perhaps, first drawn to the existence of the Brigade by seeing groups of smart-looking bo3^s, in military cap and belt, moving toward a particular hall or school-room. The school with which the boys are connected may be Presbyterian or Baptist, Methodist or Congregationalist; for, of course, the Boys' Bri- gade is undenominational, and denies its benefits to no evangelical de- nomination. If the stranger, by grace of the captain, obtains entrance into the drill-hall a few minutes before the hour for drill, he will find the non-commissioned officers already there, setting the floor in order for drill. These non-commissioned officers are boys of above fourteen years of age, chosen from the ranks, generally in virtue of the double qualifications of having distinguished themselves by the accuracy of their drill, and by passing a written examination in the knowledge of the drill. As the hour for drill strikes, all the boys are in the room, and the company is ordered to fall in. The first exercise is prayer. All heads are uncovered as one of the commissioned officers — the cap- tain, or one of his lieutenants — offers up a short series of appropriate petitions. When this prayer is concluded, regular military drill begins, and continues for about three-quarters of an hour. If the company is one of first-year bo3^s, they are generally drilled without arms; and the rule is to follow in drill the regular army manual, Field Exercises, the first and second parts. Second-year boys are supplied with rifles, nearly four feet long, and constructed like the army rifles in every particular, except that they do not fire powder and shot. In this case also the army Rifle Exercises are followed in drill under arms. When the drill is closed, a brisk military h3nnn, like 'Stand up for Jesus,' or 'On- ward Christian Soldiers,' is sung; after which come brief addresses to The; boys' brigade;. 69 the boys, a prayer — possibly the Lord's Prayer, in which all join — and often the singing of the National Anthem. Then, at the fitting word of command, the boys break ranks, and go home." The character and influence of such an organization in the Sunday- school may be judged of also by the following Company Rules: "company rules. " I . Members must at all times set an example of good conduct to their comrades and other boys. "2. At the Company Bible Class there must be quietness and atten- tion, and at all times perfect reverence during prayer. "3. Members must conduct themselves in a quiet and orderly manner when going to or from parade. "4. Members must come on parade in uniform, sharp to the hour, looking smart and clean, and must always bring with them their Hymn- cards and Membership-cards. "5. Members must give prompt and cheerful obedience to the orders of their officers and non-commissioned officers, and will be held respon- sible for making themselves acquainted with all the orders posted on the Company Notice Board. . "6. Members must always salute their officers when they meet them or go up to address them, either on or off" parade, and must always use 'Sir' when addressing an officer. "7. During drill there must be no talking in the ranks, except when 'standing easy.' "8. Any Member who misses two drills rvtnning, without good and satisfactory reason, shall be struck off" the roll. "9. Any Member changing his address must at once intimate the change in writing to Captain Smith, and to the non-commissioned officer of his squad. "10. A Company Record-book shall be kept, in which every boy's conduct, good or bad, shall be duly recorded. The record in this book shall count more than anything else either for or against a boy's pro- motion." Any one desiring to look further into the workings of the Boys' Bri- gade will be furnished with a copy of the manual, annual reports, and such other information as may be desirable, by addressing the Brigade Secretary, Mr. Wm. A. Smith, 22 W. Nile St., Glasgow, Scotland. Part III. RELIGIOUS MEETINGS. CHAPTER VIII. SABBATH SERVICES. HOW TO SKCURS The; atte;ndance; of outside;rs and m:e;mbe;rs. TN considering the important theme named at the head of these Hnes •^ we do not propose to ourselves an exhaustive disquisition of the sub- ject. Neither do we propose to be false to facts, and undertake to prove that the churches are losing their hold upon the masses, and that but few any longer attend upon its services; nor do we purpose to claim that all respectable people are faithful followers of Christ and regular attendants upon the sanctuary, and that all which now remains to be done is to gather at our stated services the few who have remained away from church, and the millennium will be at hand. We propose none of these things. It is manifest to any observant mind that the church has a stronger hold upon the people to-day and that a larger percentage of the people attend upon its services than ever before; but it still remains true, that vast millions of our population are yet unreached by the gos- pel, and the question comes to the heart of every anxious pastor and earnest Christian layman, "What can be done to reach these multitudes of unsaved people ? ' ' We simply propose to present those plans which have proven themselves helpful to the pastors and lay workers who have learned their worth in actual work. In presenting these methods we shall, where possible, prefer to do so in the language of those who have been their advocates. A method, well adapted to the work of large congregations in the cities, was developed by the Rev. Stephen H. Tyng, Jr., D. D., who be- gan with a few persons gathered about him in a rented hall, but who speedily drew to himself a large, wealthy and influential congregation which he organized for Christian work.* In December, 1876, he made a very full report of the Parish Church of the Holy Trinity to the con- gregation, classifying the work under the three-fold division of Ingath- ering, Training and Christian Work. The following is from the first * The name of the present pastor is Rev. Wilbur F. Watkins, D. D. (70) SABBATH SKRVICBS. 7 1 division of this sketch, entitled ' ' A Sketch of the Mission Work of the P£.rish Church of the Holy Trinity, Madison avenue and Forty-second street. New York City." DR. TYNG'S method OF INGATHERING. "1, Ingathering. First there is the people's service every Sunday night. It is advertised. Popular hymns are sung, and the preaching is made very illustrative, and the pews are, by the courtesy of the pewholders, practically free. The strangers who come are met at the door by the Committee on Strangers, who form the Board of Ushers, and who do their Christian work in that way. They receive no compensation. They invite people to seats; and, if they are strang- ers, find out whether they belong in the city, if possible get their ad- dresses, and, if they are living in the city without any church, report their addresses to me on Monday morning. "After the people's service we always have an informal prayer- meeting, when we pull in the net and find out how many persons have been impressed; and at the close of that meeting we hold an inquiry- meeting for the instruction of the inquirers. At the people's service a collection is made for the missionary work of that service. This helps sustain a missionary, who looks after the work that is developed by the service. It also provides a sufficient number of copies of the ' People's Pulpit.'* These are gratuitously distributed at the close of the meet- ing. On Sunday evenings we use a short service of our own, which is modified from the Episcopal service, and has the approval of the Bishop. ' ' Next in order are the week-day evangelistic services, which are held on every night. A meeting of young converts and of inquirers brought out on Sunday night is held on Monday evening. It also in- cludes young Christians who have recently joined the church, and those who are proposed as members. The object is instruction in the Word. After that we have an inquiry meeting for any persons who may have wandered in, not being Christians. "On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, we have evangel- istic preaching either by myself, or my assistant, or clergymen whom we invite. These services are held in the chapel or in the church, ac- cording to the season of the year. In midwinter they are held in the church, in spring and fall in the chapel, and during the summer in the tent. The Gospel tent was only a change of base for our regular opera- tions. *A pamphlet report of Dr. Tyng's sermon of a previous Sunday evening. 72 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. ' ' On Friday evening we have a similar meeting, with the Lesson of the hitcrnatio7ial Scries for the next Sunday as the topic. At that meeting all the Sunday-school teachers of our church and mission schools are expected to be present, together with the congregation that attend the evangelistic preaching. My address is expository for the aid of the teachers, and hortatory to adapt the topic to the unconverted. On Saturday evening we have a Christian workers'' meeting, which is conducted by the laymen, without a minister. * ' In these public services the laymen take part. They are informal services. Sometimes we give prominence to testimony, and those who have been converted give their experience. Sometimes we turn them into prayer-meetings, and call on those who wish to present persons for prayer. Sometimes we make them conference meetings for the expres- sion of views on the Scriptures. They are very flexible meetings. Their character is determined by our intuitive judgment of the people present. At the Friday night service the teachers are invited to take part, ask questions, make suggestions, and give illustrations which they think will be helpful. The object is mutual benefit. The whole exer- cise is as free as it is possible to make it. Those who may be present have no hesitation in stopping me when I am talking. If they differ from me, they say so. If they have an illustration that they think will hit the point, they get up and speak out, in a moment, and sit down. "Third come the outside agencies. For the intemperate we have a temperance meeting every Sunday afternoon at four o'clock, which is conducted by laymen. The work is distinctively temperance work on the basis of the conversion of the soul — gospel temperance. We have no pledge excepting prayer and submission to Christ. After the tem- perance meeting on Sunday afternoon we have a meeting of The Andreiv ayid Philip Society. This society is based upon the record of the call of Andrew and Philip in the ist. chapter of John. It is composed of men who are banded together to bring men to Christ. Each member has a member's ticket, and an escort ticket for any friend whom he wants to invite, and he becomes responsible for that friend. The Society gives a tea in the church basement at six o'clock on Sunday evening. We had present last winter about two hundred and fifty men on an average. Some of the worst, lowest, most abject men of the community were brought in by the members of this society. There were about a hun- dred and fifty members; and if each brought in a new man they had double that number. At first we had to have detectives in the room, there was such a group of hard characters. I often take tea with them, and my assistant is always present. After the tea, at half-past six, they SABBATH SE;RVICKS. 73 have ^ prayer-meeting, which lasts until time for service in the church, when those in the prayer-meeting come up to the church. So far as possible, persons who have been invited by this society are put in seats right around the pulpit. The members of the society are scattered through the congregation to do butto7i-hole work, in watching those in the congregation that are interested, going to them, persuading them to stay to the inquiry meeting after the people's service is over, and getting them to join in the conversation. The Andrew and Philip Society have a fund to which all contribute something for the relief of tlieir ozvn mem- bers, and for the care of the sick. "We have an analogous society called The Mary and Martha Society, which works for women as the other society works for men. The saying of Martha to Mary, 'The Master is come, and calleth for thee,' is the motto of that society, which is composed of shop-women, servants in families, and the better class of working- women. They meet every Tuesday evening and have a tea. Afterward they have a meeting, which is partly social and partly religious. At the close of that gather- ing they go to the Evangelistic meeting. These meetings are held in the basement of the church, where we have kitchen, dining-room, and all arrangements for such purposes. At the head of this society is one of the ladies of the church, who gives her time to it as the Sister-in- Charge. She visits the members of the society, and acts as an employ- ment agent to find places for those that need them, and is their coun- selor and friend. '''For the very poor we make systematic provision in various ways. We have a^^ almoner who visits tho.se who apply, and distributes the alms. We have a bread system. Two or three of our people are bakers, and they send us bread every day. This we distribute in the basement of the church to those who are needy. We have an arrangement for furnishing coal to those zvho need it; a Dorcas Society furnishes employ- ment to poor women; and a Dispensary furnishes medicine and medical attendance. We have six physicians, one of whom attends every day for an hour and a half, and a visiting physician who goes from house to house. We do not pay them. They all do the work for Christ. Our apothecary furnishes all the drugs at wholesale prices. We give orders on him. An Arbitration Committee, which is composed of the lawyers of the church, takes care of all matters of law and justice which grow up as between landlord and tenant; or between persons who have made contracts; or between the employer and employed, where the latter are defrauded of their wages. Legal questions are gratuitously adjusted for the poor who cannot afford to pay for the services of a lawyer. Finally, 74 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. a burial society provides interment for the poor. In short, vay idea is to have an agency adapted to every department of need; like the prophet, we desire to stretch ourselves on the man, eye to eye, hand to hand, feet to feet; to reach him in his want, whatever that may be. "But all this is ingathering work. It is all subsidiary to the ministry of the Gospel. We do not confine our ministrations to those who are already members of the parish. We distribute to any persons within a short radius of the church who can be brought into any of our religious meetings. But we do not distribute indiscriminately. We follow the example of our lyord, and use the loaves and fishes to promote Gospel work. Old Uncle John Vassar, of the Tract Society, sitting in my study, after working with me about a month and seeing the operations here, turned and said to me, 'Beloved, this church is an awful soul- trap.' These charities are all part of our snares for catching men." Results of Individual Effort. — There are numerous instances through- out the United States where the success of an entire congregation in its large ingathering is the result of the personal work of a single individ- ual. There are business men who, at their own expense, have printed special cards, inviting friends and strangers to attend the services of the church where they worship. These cards not only give the name and location of the church, and the name of the pastor, but also the number of the pew occupied by the person presenting the card, and which the recipient is invited to share. In this way large results have been se- cured. It would be a most excellent idea, and would stimulate a laud- able Christian rivalry if two, or even several or more in a single con- gregation, could be induced to try this plan simultaneously. The fact that others were engaged in the same effort would surely be stimulating to the individual, and be likely to lead to a quickening interest upon this subject in the minds of the entire congregation. A more than ordinary exhibition of the success of this form of effort was illustrated some j^ears ago in the case of the late James Wiggins, a wealthy boot and shoe merchant, and a man of rare excellence and of great liberality, resident in the city of New York. He was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church on nth Street, near 6th Avenue, which has since removed to 35th Street, near 7th Avenue. Mr. Wiggins rented two or three pews in front of his own, and then during the week, when engaged in business, would exert himself to .seek out people to come and fill these pews. He was not only successful in keeping these pews filled with new occupants, but continued to reach and influence so large a number of people who soon took regular sittings of their own, that the church rapidly grew, until it became altogether the strongest SABBATH SEIRVICSS. 75 churcli of that ecclesiastical body in the city, and the pastor, Rev. Andrew Stevenson, D. D., 32 years ago at a meeting of the synod, held with the special object of discussing the question "How to increase a Church Membership," in commending to others the example of Mr. Wiggins, related these facts, and ascribed his own success and the growth of his parish as due largely and mainly to the influence of this single individual. In one of the guilds in connection with an Episcopal church in the city of Philadelphia, there is a body of young men, whose special office it is to seek out and invite to the church other young men. Their effort, however, does not terminate with the invitation, but when the invited individual arrives at the church, he is met at the door and wel- comed by the one who extended to him the invitation. For the recep- tion of these strangers there are pews located in different portions of the church. The supervision of these pews is assigned to single individ- uals who are early at church, and take their position in the pews into which strangers are to be ushered. It is the duty of these individuals to furnish strangers with prayer-books, and, when necessary, to find for them the place in the service. As soon as the benediction is pro- nounced, the young man is expected to speak to these strangers, in- troduce them to the members, and to the rector of the church, show them every attention, and invite them to come again. This method of ingathering has been attended with remarkable results. Another instance of what may be done by individual effort is illus- trated in the example of a ticket-agent at a railroad depot, who used to give away $50 worth of tracts every year. A tract went with every ticket sold. As the months rolled by, more than twenty persons wrote him, gratefully acknowledging that the tracts given them had been blessed to their conversion. The Gospel for the Deaf. — Statistics show that in almost any commu- nity in the United States there are from five to eight per cent, of per- sons who are afflicted with deafness, or difficulty in hearing, to a greater or less degree. In the seasons when colds are more prevalent the number rises to ten per cent. Any person who hears with difficulty the words of a public address will return from such a meeting with a feel- ing of great weariness. The effort is exhausting, and sometimes becomes so enervating as to be almost prostrating. On this account, persons af- fected with but partial deafness, who have been all their lives accus- tomed to attend religious services, with the development of their disease, more or less frequently absent themselves, and as a rule, finally remain away entirely. To this rule there are but rare exceptions. Deafness is 76 MKTHODS OF CHURCH WORK, more prevalent among the refined or commercial classes tlian among the laboring classes. It is evident not only that our audiences would be greatly augmented, if we could do something to render the address audible to this considerable class in every community; but in addition to what might be done in this matter, there is a manifest obligation resting upon every Christian congregation, which they dare not neglect, or regard but lightly. We send men and money to carry the gospel to distant lands. Should we not also render it possible for those of our own kindred and of our own household of faith, who are afflicted with deafness, to hear that same gospel which Jesus commanded should be preached to ever}^ creature ? This difficulty has been successfully over- come by a phone, which can be concealed in the pulpit, and which is connected with the pew, or pews, as the case may be, by a tin tube, which runs under the floor, and may be made to branch off" from the main tube at several points. This pipe is carried up through the floor into the corner or end of the several pews. After being carried to the level of the pew it is connected by a pliable rubber tubing, which ter- minates in a comely orifice, which can be placed at the auditor's ear without attracting attention. When not in use it can be laid down un- der the cushion of the pew. The pipes can be run to different parts of the church, and into any pew where its occupant may desire. In this way those who are deaf are not singled out, or separated from the rest of the congregation. Architects and congregations desiring to build, should never leave out of their plan this indispensable necessity. It can also be put in churches already built with very little trouble, and at an expense ranging from $35 to $200, according as the number of branch tubes may render it necessary to increase the size of the phone. There are a number of churches in which these phones are already in successful use. Any person desiring further information concerning the cost and character of these phones may obtain the same by writing to W. R. Ostrander & Co., 31 Ann street, New York City. The Attendance of Mothers. — The church of Christ is designed to reach and save all classes, and it is a serious question whether the edi- fices of the Protestant branches of the church are not specially and only fitted in their appointments to the needs of the more favored classes. In the construction of every church edifice, some provision should be made for the needs of mothers who are compelled to bring their small children with them, or otherwise remain away. There are a few churches in the United States where an ante-room lias been pro- vided, well fitted and furnished, equipped with cradles and such other needs as would enable mothers, in the event of a child becoming rest- SABBATH S:eRVICi;S. 77 less, to retire from the main audience-room into the mother's room. It is at least an open question whether any church is fully equipped which does not provide for the needs of this large class, both in the cities and in the open country. These people now remain away from church simply because they have no one with whom to leave the children, and there is no provision made for them at the church. This seeming necessity leads from temporary habit to permanent absence on the part of one or both of the parents, and causes, in multitudes of cases, that the children walk in the same paths of neglect. If all churches were arranged to meet this need, great changes would be wrought in many homes which are now Christless because the wife and mother cannot attend church while her children are small, and is consequently com- pelled to remain at home. The presence of the wife w^ould in many cases secure the attendance of the husband, and the children would also early form the habit of church attendance. Another Method of Reaching the Non-Chnrch-Going Elcmcjits. — A very efficient method of reaching the non-church-going elements in a village or city — and the same plan could be used in the open country — is proposed by a clergyman of large experience. The method is to unite all, or as many of the congregations as are willing to cooperate in the effort, divide the territory into districts, and then upon the evening of the first Sunday of each month, close all the churches, and let each and every member, or as many as are willing to engage in the work, visit prescribed portions of the district which has been assigned to their congregation. These should go from house to house inquiring where the residents attend church, where the children attend Sunday-school and make any other proper inquiries, and in this way discover those who have no church relations, or who belong to the non-church-going classes. It should be the province of these visitors not only to make a note of all the information they gather, which shall be reported at a meeting of the workers held the week following, but they should also leave tracts, congregational cards of invitation with the hours of service, and, where opportunity presents itself, speak with the people not only con- cerning attendance upon church ser\aces, but also press upon their at- tention the importance of spiritual and eternal things. This method would most assuredly demonstrate to the entire commu- nity the fact that Christian people are interested in their work, and are sincere in their professions. It could not but increase the attend- ance upon the services of the church, and even be far-reaching in influ- ences which would not be manifest to the casual observer. The details of the plan could easily be developed and at least some of the benefits soon discovered. 78 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. Reaching Travelers and the Guests at Hotels. — There are usually at the hotels of every town of any considerable size a large number of persons who either, as transient or permanent guests, would be likely to attend service, and may be secured as worshipers with any congregation who will manifest an interest in this matter by extending to them a modest, but cordial invitation. In many places the following method has proven itself of much value. A committee of young men supplied with cards of invitation, enclosed in envelopes all ready to be addressed, start out on Saturday evening at eight or nine o'clock and visit the hotels, and by the aid of the hotel register address one of these enve- lopes, containing an invitation, to each of the guests; these envelopes are then left with the clerk, who places them in the letter box, sends them to the room occupied by the several guests, or hands them to them personally as they come to the office on Sunday morning, or as they go to breakfast. It might be feared that the hotel clerk would be unwilling to give this matter any attention, but we are assured by those who have been engaged in this w^ork that little or no difficulty is experienced, and in many instances the proprietor, or clerk, will give special attention to this matter. The following is a sample of a card used by one of the Presbyterian pastors in Harrisburg, Pa. : THE Market Square Presbyterian Church Earnestly desire your presence at any of their meetings, of which you will find a list on the other side of this card. Ge;o. B. Stewart, Pastor. Please hand card to usher and he will show you to pew. Church Services. Lord's Day: Divine Worship and Preaching at 10:30 a. m. and 7:30 p. m. Even- ing Services opened with 15 min- utes' Song Service. Sunday-school at i :30 p. m. Wednesday : Prayer-meeting and Lecture at 7:30 p. m. Friday : Meeting for Men only from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. What think ye of Christ? Matt. 22:42. It would naturally be expected that many receiving these cards would visit the church inviting them without handing the card of invi- tation to the usher, as requested on the card, yet the number of cards SABBATH SERVICES. 79 returned at the door of the church in this particular instance was usu- ally from two to six each Sabbath. From this evidence it might rea- sonably be believed that the working of this method resulted in secur- ing the attendance of from six to twelve, or even more, each Sabbath. The influence of these invitations is somewhat amusingly illustrated in an incident which occurred in one of the larger cities of Ohio. A young man who had come from the country and was spending the Sunday in the city, received a card of invitation enclosed in an envelope bearing his name and address, requesting him to attend the meetings of the Y. M. C. A. on the following day. He accepted the invitation, and was present at all the services named upon the card. On Monday morning he visited the rooms of the Y. M. C. A., requested to see the Secretary, whose signature was upon the invitation he had received. When the Secretary appeared, the young man shook hands with him, manifested some hesitation, and then said, "I received your invitation to be present yesterday" — and hesitating, inquired — "But how did you know I was in the city ? ' ' The interest he felt in the invitation he had received, if any greater in degree, was at least the same in kind as that awakened in the mind of every traveler by interest manifested in him when away from home. An additional feature of great value in connection with this kind of invitations, especially when they are designed to reach strangers, is that they should contain not only the hours of service, but should also be accompanied by a little diagram of the streets in the vicinity, show- ing the exact location of the church. This little map need not be large, is not very expensive, and could be printed on the reverse side of the card, occupying but a small space. In some instances, congregations devise a card which somewhat resembles the ordinary postal-card; print invitation, etc., on the reverse side, and then use these instead of the form given above. Reaching the Bereaved. — ^Those who are mourning the loss of friends may sometimes be reached, and while their hearts are still tender, greatly influenced for good. In addition to the attention which a pas- tor should give to those of his own flock who are in sorrow, there was a good idea exemplified by a gentleman in Paris, who watched the obit- uary notices in the daily papers, and then sent to the bereaved little tracts suited to their situation. This same method could easily be used by a pastor, using either tracts, pastoral letters or personal communica- tions adapted in matter and manner to the needs of those whom he might decide proper to address. While this method might require some daily attention, it would in all probability result in influencing kindly 8o METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. the hearts and minds of many, and in some cases would be likely to se- cure the attention and attendance of those who belong to this afflicted class. The same method might be used in addressing tracts or letters of consolation to those who are sick, who might, upon their recovery, through this agency, be made to place themselves under the influence of the preaching of one who had been mindful of them when sick. This method could be grandly worked through the agency of some member of the "Shut-in Society." It would give delightful occu- pation, and be the source of great good and happiness to all parties concerned, thus to engage the permanently sick in the work of the church. * Admission by Ticket. — The method of admission to religious services onl}^ by ticket, used by Mr. Spurgeon, of I,ondon, by Mr. Moody, the Evangelist, and by various other successful Christian workers, is not designed, as might at first seem, and is generally supposed, to restrict the number, or to render it difficult to obtain admission to the religious services conducted by these individuals. Instead of restricting the number, or diminishing the size of the audience, the plan is well cal- culated to secure the more sure attendance of a full audience. It is found in the actual experience of men far less prominent, that in any special effort the attendance is greatly augmented by the announcement that no one will be admitted without a ticket. Humanity is so consti- tuted that nobody desires to do what everybody can do, and everybody desires to do that which is regarded as possible only to a few; and the moment there seems to be any restriction, or limitation, or difficulty put in the way of those who might attend, their desire to overcome those difficulties leads them to make the effort which results in guaran- teeing their presence. Take, for instance, the case of the meetings held in Brooklyn by Mr. Moody and Mr. Sankey. They desired to reach the workingmen in the mills, shops, etc. Individuals were sent to these places to distribute from 10,000 to 20,000 tickets among this class of men. The mere fact that the individual was the possessor of a ticket, would continue to suggest, "I have a ticket, and I might as well use it. ' ' If he could not himself attend the meeting, he would be very likely to offer his ticket to some other individual, and thus the non- church-going individual would become a co-laborer in securing the at- tendance of a large audience. Suppose a pastor in a city of 10,000 inhabitants or upwards should decide to preach a series of three or four sermons to bo5's between the ages of twelve and eighteen years, and tickets were to be sent to the *See the chapter ou Beuevoleut Work for full details couceruiug the " Shut-in Society. " SABBATH SKRVICES. bl schools to be distributed to boj-s between these ages by the teachers, the presence of nearly every individual who received a ticket would be almost assured, unless there should be some manifest, inherent difficulty either in the preacher or the place where the meeting was to be held. It is not our purpose to assert that the mere issuing of tickets will guarantee a large audience. If used under ordinary circumstances, it might be, both to the minister and the community, a revelation of the absolute folly and lack of good judgment on the part of the one who had adopted the method. But what we do desire to say is, that in very many instances the issuing of tickets would be an element which would minister greatly to the securing of a larger audience, and in more cases than is usually supposed, they could be used with great benefit. Holding the New Comers. — If the new comers in any church can be crystalized into regular attendants, the success of the congregation, at least so far as numbers is concerned, is largely assured. We have known of a goodly number of instances where pastors had met with marked success in holding the occasional attendants by passing quickly from the pulpit, either through the basement or down the aisle to the vestibule, and there shaking hands with the audience, and particularly with every stranger as he passed out. While a temporary resident, some seasons ago, in a place of summer resort, we worshiped with a congregation served by a pastor who had made this one of the great elements of his success. After the service, and before the pastor pro- nounced the benediction, he gathered up his hat and cane, which he held in his left hand, lifted his 'right hand as he pronounced the bene- diction, and as he drew near to the " A-m-e-n," he began to bend for the door, and before the congregation had time to move into the aisles, he had hurried to the vestibule. Dr. 'Oliver Wendell Holmes has emphasized the truth that "the nation which shortens its weapons, lengthens its boundaries." This is equally true in the sphere of a minister's labors. He who shortens the distance between himself and his hearers until hand reaches hand, and heart beats responsive to heart, not only enlarges the sphere of his usefulness, but wins for himself a dominion over the hearts of his people, which will be permanent for good both for time and eternity. Securing the Attendance of Sunday-school Scholars. — It is sadly to be regretted that so few parents bring their children with them to the ser- vices of the church. They seem to think that the Sunday-school is "the children's church," and the children are likely to come to regard the Sunday-schoel in the same light, and therefore when they have at- tended upon its session, they regard themselves as free to use the rest 6 82 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. of the day in the attainment of their own wishes. The great trouble, however, is that when children have not formed a habit of attending church, the Sunday-school has but a slight hold upon them, and when they arrive at the age of fourteen or sixteen, they are likely to drop out of the school, and be lost both to the school and to the church. Any legitimate means which will secure their attendance upon the preaching of the gospel can but be productive of great good. The following method was adopted in one of the Sunday-schools of Camden, N. J., as related by one of its own members, with the following good result: ' ' In our school, we have been measurably successful in securing the attendance of scholars at the preaching service, until now about sixty per cent, of those who attend Sunday-school in the afternoon are regu- larly at the morning public worship. This has been maintained for several years, and we are glad to notice that to all who thus honor themselves and him whom they serve, it seems a delight to be there; and I am sure our pastor will gladly testify that he has no more attent- ive or appreciative hearers than these 3^oung people from the Sunday- school. We have secured this by constant effort, principally in the fol- lowing directions: "First, as a part of our opening servdce, all who are present at the morning preaching service are requested to rise. They are then asked to name the book, chapter, verse, and words of the morning text, Avhich they do gladly and promptly; no word of rebuke is spoken to those who did not rise, and thus confess to their absence in the morning, but a kind invitation is given them to come the next Sunday. The question is asked personally by the teacher of each scholar, 'Were you at church this morning? ' and their attendance is noted on the class record, and remains there permanently to their credit. "Second, by the use of the church attendance card, the scholar can have his record of church attendance noted each Sunday, by the secre- tary of the school punching the dates which are printed on the margin. On the reverse side of the card, which is three and a quarter inches wide and four and five-eighths inches long, there is plenty of room, in the spaces ruled for each Sunday, to keep a full record of the morning texts and the name of the preacher. "Third, the secretary, in his report which is read before closing, gives, with the other items of information, the number of scholars from each department who were at morning church sei-vice. As one good re- sult from the success already attained, we now have little or no trouble to retain our older scholars ; they are at church in the morning, and in the afternoon the grey-haired men and women of threescore years and SABBATH SERVICES. 83 ten gladly join in the study of the word, with the young men and young women, and these as cheerfully ponder the same truth in com- pany with the lads and lasses of more tender 3'ears; so the imaginary dividing line between church and Sunda^'-school is being broken down, and we respond each Sunday at all these services to the voice of God, spoken more than thirty centuries ago through his servant Moses : 'Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thj^ gates, that they may hear, and that the}^ may learn, and fear the Lord your God, and observe to do all the words of this law.' " In one of the Sunday-schools of Pennsylvania, good results were se- cured by arranging that each of the classes of the Sunday-school in turn should furnish the floral decorations for the church, upon succeed- ing Sundays. The result was that the church was not only tastefully adorned with flowers from Sunday to Sunday, but each of the classes was desirous of attending, not only upon the day when they had deco- rated the church, but also upon the other Sundays in order that they might see how the efforts of the other classes compared with their own. The teachers were also in turn interested in the work of their classes, and thus much good was accomplished. Further suggestions in reference to preaching to the j^oung will be found in a later chapter on "Sermons to Children." The following is a page from a little record book of either 26 or 52 pages, which are in use with success by some schools. The books are distributed to each scholar, and are returned to the Superintendent or Secretary at the end of the period designated. St. John's Lutheran Church, Lancaster, Pa. Sabbath, 1887. Sermon by Rev From Book of Chapter Verse Text : I was present at this service and heard the sermon. The above is correct: - Teacher. 1 Scholar. 84 MKTHODS OF CHURCH WORK. Reaching the Non-Oiurch-going Classes Through the Sunday-school. — Just across the street from the massive Union Park Congregational Church, in Chicago, 111., is the small park which loans its name to the church. On Sundays it was the resort of idlers and loafers, a play- ground for children, a meeting-place for politicians, a place for court- ship, as well as a pleasant resort where hard-worked mothers were ac- customed to bring their children for a breath of fresh air. For two summers the congregation and pastor went out and met these people in an afternoon open-air meeting. The third year, the order was changed. The Sunday-school rooms were thrown open at four o'clock for a meet- ing designed chiefly for children. The officers, together with an efficient corps of teachers and a good band of helpers, unite in the effort. In addition to the sound of music sent forth by a voluntary orchestra of piano, flute, comet and violins, a dozen or more young ladies would go out into the highways of the park, two by two, and invite the people to come to the services. These are very simple. A short prayer, plenty of instrumental music, joined with plenty of singing of gospel songs, a brief address, so plain that the youngest could understand it, the reci- tation of Scripture verses upon the cards given out the week before, and of the Beatitudes, and the Twenty-third Psalm. At the close of this brief service each of the three hundred or four hundred children received a bouquet of flowers which some young ladies had prepared for them in another room. These flowers given away each Sunda}^ proved a very great attraction to many, and possibly to most, the great attraction. Thus large numbers, week after week, are brought in from the surround- ings which would cause them to regard Sunday but lightly, and placed under such influences as would throw a sacred halo about at least a single hour of God's holy day. Noting the Attendance of Members. — While it may not always be judicious for a pastor to regularly follow up persons who are absent from a single service, yet it is essential that he should know who of his members are regular, and who are irregular in their attend- ance. This information may be secured by having several roll-books, one for each aisle or row of seats in the church. Opposite, and follow- ing the number of the pew, there should be a list not only of the heads of the family occupying the pew, but also of every member of the family. Thus the record can be kept in numerical order. Two or three or more young men shall be placed in charge of these books of record, who shall take their position in the galler>^ or at the end of the church, where they may be able, by the aid of the roll-book, rapidly to discover the presence or absence of each member of every SABBATH SE^RVICKS, 85 family worshiping with the congregation. These books should be placed in the hands of the pastor for his inspection every Monday morning. It is easy to discover that this plan will speedily reveal a vast amount of work to be done. This may be accomplished either by a printed notice sent by mail with kind pastoral greetings, and such other matter as the mind of every pastor would suggest, and also in- quiring after their health, and saying that if they are not well, the pastor would be glad to call upon them if they will kindly apprize him of their sickness. Or the congregation may be districted in sections, with committees whose duty it shall be to look after absentees in their several wards or district; or the pastor may send a request to some mem- ber of his church living in the vicinity to call and inquire after the absentees. Securing Attention and Attendance by Special Service. — An entire community may occasionally be awakened to special attention by call- ing forth the sentiments and views of some class in the community, and making the information thus secured the basis of a series of two or more sermons. This plan was successfully tried a couple of years ago by Rev. Washington Gladden, who afterwards published his sermons in a small pamphlet entitled "The Young Men and the Church — Why Some of Them are Outside, and Why They Ought to Come In."* The purpose of the sermons was to secure the objections in the minds of young men to the church, and to gather the reasons they give for re- maining away from the church, and then to present the counter-reasons why they should be in the church. In the preparation for this course of sermons Mr. Gladden issued the following letter which was sent, by the cooperation of some young men of wide acquaintance, to about two hundred representative young men in the city of Columbus, Ohio, some of whom were members of the church, and many of whom were not. The letter read as follows : "My Dear Sir : — You know many young men in this city who seldom or never attend church, and many more who occasionally attend, but do not identify them- selves with the work of the churches. "You have heard young men of both these classes express their views on the subject. What reasons do they give for holding aloof from the churches? "I am very desirous of finding out how this matter lies in their minds, and I shall consider it a great favor if you will report to me, within a day or two, vdth- out mentioning the names of persons, some of the explanations given by young men of their absence from church, and their refusal to enter upon the Christian life. "I shall regard your communication as confidential. I only wish to get at the obstacles, real or imaginary, which keep so many young men out of the churches. You can help me, and I feel confident that you will do me this great kindness. * Pamphlet, pp. 71, Congregational Publishing Society, Boston. , 86 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK!. "If you have not time to write at length, you may state those objections or ex- cuses in the briefest terms ; but I shall be glad to read all that you. are willing to write." Rev. F. E. Clark, pastor of the Phillips Church, Boston, used a sim- ilar method in his book, entitled "Danger Signals, or the Enemies of Youth, From the Business Man's Standpoint," in the preparation of which he consulted a large number of merchants of Boston. * The Rev. William P. Evans, of Columbia, Pa., during the past win- ter preached a series of sermons on "Success in Eife. " In securing the material and information to be used he sent a large number of circulars to the business men of that city. His idea was to interest and benefit the entire community, and he therefore addressed his circulars not only to successful merchants, but to successful men even in the humblest walks of life. The result was that the entire community become inter- ested. The pastor gave himself earnestly and zealousl}'- to the prepara- tion of the subjects, and the audiences entirely filled the church, and not a few of the new-comers continued to worship there after the series had closed. As the circular used in connection with the services is suggestive, we present a copy of the same below : "CoivUMBiA, Pa., Nov. I, 1886. "Dear Sir: Will you kindly answer the following questions? It is my inten- tion to use the information which I obtain in this way, in a course of sermons to young men on Success in Life. Anything that you communicate will be regarded and treated as confidential, so far as the author is concerned. No personal refer- ence will be made, but I wish to gather the experience and opinions of our repre- sentative business men, and be thereby better prepared to speak profitably to our young men on the subject mentioned above. " I. What do you consider essential elements of success, for a }'oung man enter- ing upon such a business or profession as yours ? 2. What, in your observation, have been the chief causes of failure in commercial and professional life ? 3. Were you a resident of this town during your childhood ? 4. Were you in the habit of attending Si:nday-school in j^our boyhood? 5. If so, at what age did yon cease this attendance, either as a scholar or teacher? 6. Are you now a church member or a regular attendant at religious service on Sunday ? 7. At what age did you begin business life or undertake self-support ? 8. What is your opinion as to the age when a boy should leave school and enter business life as an employe ? Add any remarks you may see fit, on the habits and customs of the young men of the present day, either good or bad, with reference to their probable effect on their success in life. * This book will also be found very ser\'iceable in preaching to the young. The subjects of which it treats are indicated in the following topics which form the subject of its nine chapters : I. Introductory; 2. King Alcohol; 3. The Henchmen of King Alchohol ; 4. Dirt in Ink; 5. Trash in Ink ; 6. The Low Theatre ; 7. The Gambling Den ; 8. The Leper of Impurity ; 9. Sappers and Miners of Character. Published by Lee and Shepard, Boston, nearly 200 pp., price |i. SABBATH SKRVICBS. 87 "Please number your answers to correspond with the questions, and use the en- closed envelope to send me your reply through the post office. As I wish to enter upon the preparation of these sermons at once, an early compliance with this re- quest will be esteemed as a kindness. * "Truly yours, "WILLIAM P. EVANS." The subjects of the several lectures are as follows : Sunday evening, December 5th, "Success;" Sunday evening, December 12th, "Failure;" Sunday evening, December 19th, "What Have Religion and the Church to Do With It?" Sunday evening, December 26th, "The Young Men of Columbia; What is to be Their Future ? ' ' PRAISB SERVICK. A special praise service is often so conducted by pastors as to make it a means of great attraction to the occasional church-goer, and we have known of instances where the praise service recurred as often as one evening in a month, and attracted larger audiences than could pos- sibly gain admittance within the church. The programme, inclitding addresses and all, was so arranged as to be short, sharp and decisive in every particular. In my own work I have found that special praise services could be arranged with reference to the history of the incidents, or circumstances, which led to the writing of various hymns. Many of these are intensely interesting, and tend greatly to endear the hymns to the minds of all who are acquainted with their origin. After announcing the hymn and before reading it, the history may be related, after which the whole congregation will join with great spirit in singing the hymn. Then can follow any incidents connected with the use of the hymn, either in the experience of some individual or in the service of the church, or a brief sketch of the author's life or character. In the preparation of such praise services the volume entitled "English Hj^mns, Their Authors and History," by Rev. Samuel W. Duffield, will be found of great assistance, t *In preparing to preach such a series to young men, the book written by Wilbur F. Crafts, A. M., entitled "Successful Men of To-day," published by Funk & Wagnalls, 276 pp., paper cover, price 25 cents, is a most stimulating book to be read not only in preparation, but one of the cheap- est and grandest books that can be placed in the hands of any young man whom the pastor would specially stimulate and encourage. The chapters on "What Churches May Learn From Com- merce, " and " Business Maxims Applied to Church Work, " will also prove suggestive to all who are interested in the enlarged activities of the church. fThe especial features of this volume are: "A Critical Study of the History of our Best-known Hj'mns," "A Series of Biographical Sketches of their Authors," "Incidents Connected with their Use in the Service of the Church," " Hlustrations for the Benefit of Pastors, Leaders of Praise Meetings, Sunday-school Teachers, and Working Christians," "Literary Studies, Cognate with other Portions of English Literature," "Tracings of the Remoter Origin and Foreign Sources of Hymns," "An Alphabetical Arrangement to the Entire Work, Supplemetlted by Several Exhaust- ive Indexes of Names, First Lines and Topics." Published by Funk & Wagualls, i2mo., cloth, 675 PP-> price {2.50. 88 MEl'HODS OP CHURCH WORK. "The Story of the Hymns," by Hezekiah Biittenvorth, (American Tract Society, 295 pp.). ^^id ^Iso "Illustrated History of Hymns and their Authors," by Rev. Edwin M. lyong, (P. W. Ziegler & Co., Phila- delphia, Pa., 558 pp.), are helpful and suggestive. It is alwaj^s best if the entire service (not including the hymn in full, if hymn books are at hand,) can be printed in pamphlet form, and distributed through the congregation, that all may join heartily. Where this cannot be done for want of means, pastors often use the duplicating process, either a gelatine pad, electric pen, or a cyclostyle. Indeed, no pastor in a con- gregation of limited resources can well afford to be without some mode of manifolding programmes, pastoral letters, tracts, circulars, etc. By the exercise of a little taste in display and ornamentation, programmes may be gotten up in a very attractive manner. No church is fully equipped for service until every pew is supplied with copies of the Hymnal in use by the congregation. Some congre- gations adopt a plan of keeping a large supply of hymn-books in the vestibule, and handing a copy to each stranger or visitor as they pass into the church. These are gathered after service, and again returned to the vestibule, to be used in supplying other strangers and visitors at the succeeding service. Where the expense of purchasing a sufficient number of hymn-books to furnish every pew, or supply all visitors, seems too heavy, it is often found helpful to have slips printed which shall contain the full opening service, lihirgy, hymns, etc. , which are in continual use evejy Sabbath. These are furnished to all worshipers, and thus the entire congregation is enabled to enter into the service. Notes and Hints. — In New York, and other large cities, the churches are furnished with bulletin boards in the form of a shield or some other comely shape, giving the name of the church, the hours of service, etc., etc. In New York particularly, the name of the sexton is usually given, together with his residence or place of business, while the name of the pastor is seldom given. The reason why the sexton's name appears is found in the fact that nearly all of the sextons are also undertakers, and thus their business is advertised. This information may be desirable for those who have the physically dead in their houses, but w^e have never been able to divine why the name of the pastor, together with his address, should not also be given for the information of those who are interested in the spiritually dead. Of all men in a community, a minis- ter of the gospel should be at all times most accessible, and yet to a stranger in a large city, he is often the most difficult man to find. The columns of the daily papers could be more generally used with SABBATH SKRVICES. 89 success in securing the attention of the pvibhc, and thus in a measure interesting them in the work of the church. The pubhc press may be used in such a way as to offend both the judgment and the taste of the community, but such an injudicious use does not afford a sufficient rea- son for neglecting to employ so valuable a medium for reaching the community, and especially the non-church-going classes. Audiences are often largely increased by holding meetings exclusively for men, or exclusively for women, preaching in series, and other methods which are detailed in their respective places throughout this volume. It may sometimes be helpful to a pastor to distribute to all who pass out of the church such tracts as would be stimulating, calling the peo- ple to a further consideration of the subject which has just been pre- sented from the pulpit. It might be a tract upon the better observance of the Sabbath, the obligations of church members, popular amuse- ments, profanity, or any other subject to which their attention had just been called. In this way the impressions are often deepened, and the results of the sermon made permanent. Eveiy pastor should possess the catalogues of the American Tract Society, which give the origin and purpose of each tract published by them. The catalogue of uni- formed-sized tracts is entitled ' ' The Origin and Character of the Prin- cipal Series of Tracts," etc., and that of the small-sized, the "Descrip- tive Catalogue of the Gems of Truth," etc. These may be had from the society by enclosing a stamp with a request. A very appropriate adornment to a pastoral card is a small cut of the church and street chart, which may be printed on the reverse side of either a visiting card, or a card giving the hours of service, etc. We have seen church cards and circulars which occupied some portion of the space by giving the numbers and locations of the fire-alarm stations, condensed calendars for the year, and other information which would likely cause it to be retained by such persons as are not interested in the church, but who would desire the infomiation printed upon the re- verse side of a card or the fourth page of a little pamphlet. go METHODS OP CHURCH WORK. CHAPTER IX. THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. TN securing the attendance of members at the Sacrament of the I^ord's -*- Supper many pastors have found the use of circular letters, through the mails, to every member, of great advantage. The following will serve as illustrations: "The Manse. vSept. 29, 18S6. "Dear Friend : — It is a matter of great sorrow to many that the meeting for pre- paration for the Lord's Supper is, as a usual thing, very poorly attended. "Of all our services, except those on the Sabbath, this ought to be the largest. It is a serrice no one can afford to lose. "While preparation of a proper kind is possible without attendance on such a. service, it is feared that those who do not spare the hour reqiiired for the sei-vice fail to set apart any time at all for private preparation. "If you are of those who have been in the habit of neglecting this service, will you not ponder over your obligation to be present, and plan to come on Saturday afternoon at 2:30, and be by your presence, alone, a blessing to others. " In order that this meeting may be one of great blessing to all, will you not re- member it often in prayer, and also ask that the coming Sabbath may be the be- ginning of a revival. "Sincerely, "YOUR PASTOR." " PhILADEIvPHIA,- "Mr " Dear_ "Allow me to inform you that according to announcement the Holy Commun- ion will be celebrated in out church on next Sunday morning, . . "The Preparatory Service will begin at 10:15 A. M. " 'The Lord Jesus, the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread: and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said. Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you : this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying. This cup is the new testament in My blood, this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till He come.' — I Cor. II : 23-26. • ' Yours truly, "WM. ASHMEAD SCHAEFFER, "Pastor St. Stephen's Evangelical Lutheran Church." SERMONS TO CHII^DREN. 9 1 CHAPTER X. SERMONS TO CHILDREN. THE absence of children from the regular ser\nces has justly been lamented. There are few congregations where children are found scattered through the audience in any considerable numbers. In every age the tendencies of the pulpit have been ever upward to the level of the most cultured, and the most scholarly. The aspirations of the pulpit continue unconsciously to lift it above the children and the masses of the people. Even the language of the pulpit becomes different from that in common use in everj'day life, until it ceases to speak in the language best understood by all the people. Jesus found occasion for lessons of divine import in the mustard seed, in the sower who went forth to sow — the door, the water, the vine, the sparrow — anything that chanced to be about the Master was seized upon for an object lesson, that he might touch the people with the saving truths of re- demption. If Jesus had lived in this age of the world, he would have been just as free to use the many common objects by which we are now surrounded. But what speaker or what congregation, to-day, does not feel that the minister has descended from the dignity of the pulpit, and used language unsuited to it, when he uses terms which represent even the necessaries of our present daily life. He may speak of salt, for Jesus spoke of that; but the moment he speaks of sugar or mo- lasses, or butter, or any other article which is just as worthy, he seems to have descended to a level which lacks both dignity and gravity. While we might lay ourselves open to criticism were we to recommend the use of these and similar terms in the pulpit, yet the illustration serves our purpose, in showing that the language of the pulpit is not the language in use in everyday life. In so far as we cease to use the language of everyday life, we lose our grip upon the masses of the people, and upon the children as well. Every revival in the Christian church, from the time of Christ to the present, has owed its success to the fact that it began, not with the most refined, or the most influential, or those of the greatest intellectual culture, but with the common people, and in so far as the church fails to reach the common people and the rising generation, it is shorn of both its efficiency and power. Five-Minute Sermons. — In reaching the children, many pastors have been very successful by adopting a five-minute sermon to children before L 92 MRTHODS OF CHURCH WORK. beginning the regular sermon to the older people. Children's sermons are always enjoyed even by the older members of the congregation. The story that moves the younger, or the illustration which is made the medium, of revealing spiritual truth to them, will not fail to reach the older ones. It is by no means an easy task for a pastor to prepare an impressive little sermon of five minutes, fifty-two times a year; and recognizing the difficulties of continuing the work, many pastors have been slow to begin the five-minute sermons to children. Pastors who design to use this method will find helpful suggestions, entitled ' ' Talks to Boys and Girls About Jesus," by Rev. W. F. Crafts, A. M., (Funk & Wagnalls, 381 pp., price $1.50); "Children's Meetings, and How to Conduct Them," by lyUcy J. Rider and Nellie M. Carman, a most ex- cellent compilation, (F. H. Revell, Chicago, 208 pp., cloth, 75 cents); "Truth Made Simple," by Rev. John Todd, D. D., (Congregational Publication Society, Boston, 424 pp., price $1.25); there is also a volume of sermons to children by Dr. Todd; "Brighter Than the Sun, or Christ the Ught of the World," by Rev. J. R. Macduff, D. D., (Robert Carter & Bros., New York, 433 pp., price $2). At a session of the Vermont State Sunday-school Convention, one of the questions presented was, ' ' What can be done to bring the Sunday- school to church?" "The question was discussed under the four heads: What can the Superintendent do? the teacher? the pastor? the parent? Among the answers elicited from the audience were: Thei superintendent zoxL (i) lead the children to church; (2) question themi about the sermon; (3) keep a record of church attendance; (4) announce the public services; (5) cooperate with the pastor in securing occasional services for the children. The teacher can (i) teach the children to' attend church; (2) go himself; (3) speak well of the pastor and the church. The />a.y/^;' can (i) preach so that the children can understand; (2) have one or more hymns for the children; (3) attend the Sunday- school hinivSelf; (4) get acquainted with the children; (5) teach a class in Sunday-school; (6) urge parents to bring their children to church. T\i& parent can (i) take the children to church, not send them there; (2) make room for the children in the pew; (3) speak well of the pastor and the preaching. ' ' SERD THOUGHTS FOR SERMONS TO CHII^DRKN AND THF YOUNG. Conscience. — This hard subject may be aptly illustrated by taking two oyster shells, asking what they are, describing the oyster, how he opens his shell and allows the sunlight to fall in upon him, how he is thus exposed to danger because of the fish, in search of food, which may sud- SERMONS TO CHIIvDRIjN. 93 deuly devour him. He has no ears or eyes — has no sense by which he could tell the approach of danger. The only sense he has is that of feeling. The little crab has eyes, can see the fish coming, but cannot protect himself, so he crawls into the oyster-shell. When he sees the large fish coming, he pinches the oj^ster, and the oyster quickly closes his shell. So with individuals; they cannot see or hear sin, or be con- scious of the presence of sin, except as conscience gives the warning. The same thought may be illustrated by the bird which follows the buf- falo. The buffalo when grazing can see only its nearest surround- ings. When danger comes in sight, the bird flies up and gives the warning, and the buffalo escapes. Or it may be illustrated by an alarm- clock which wakens us from sleep. If we rise promptly the first morn- ing, it will waken us again the next morning. As long as we continue to obey it proniptl}^ it will waken us; but as soon as we neglect heeding its voice we cease to be awakened by it. Sin. — Take two apples. One — large, beautiful, perfect; the other — fair in appearance, but dwarfed in size, and worm-eaten. Cut open the worm-eaten apple. Show how the worm has eaten at the core. Ask how the worm got into the apple, whether he ate his way from the out- side inward, or whether he ate his way from the core to the outside of the apple. The scholars will be surprised to learn that he ate his way out, and will be anxious to know how he came at first to get in. When the apple was extremely small, when it was just beginning to take the form of an apple, an insect stung it, and deposited the germ of destruc- tion. When the apple grew and the warm summer sun shone upon it, the germ developed into a worm, and when the worm grew strong he began to eat his way out of the apple and thus deformed and ruined it. This will illustrate natural depravity, or the wickedness in the individual heart. When the human race was in its infancy, Satan made Eve be- lieve a lie. He begat sin in her heart and mind. This wickedness, and sin, and unbelief has been constantly eating its way out of the heart of the human race, and deforming the life and ruining the happi- ness of mankind. So Satan puts evil thoughts into the hearts and minds of children, inspires them to be disobedient to their parents, to tell falsehoods, to play truant. When children and grown people do wrong it is because there is wickedness in their hearts, rather than be- cause there are evil influences ouside of them. Therefore it is necessary that we should all be converted and God should take away our wicked hearts, and give us good hearts. Sunday-school Children vsT Those Who Do Not Go to Sunday-school. — This may be illustrated by a beautiful bouquet of cultivated garden flow- 94 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. ers, which will represent the children in the Sunday-school. Another bouquet of flowers, which grew upon weeds along, the roadside, will illus- trate the children who run the streets, spend the Sabbath in the fields and disregard God's day. Call attention to the differences and the influ- ences which produce them. Omniscience. — A fish in a glass aquarium, vainly seeking to hide from the beholder, will illustrate how fruitless are the efforts of man to con- ceal himself from God. Men can look through the glass and the water and see the fish at all times. So man is constantly in the sight of God. No building, no brick wall, nothing conceals from God. His eyes are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. Conversion. — A stone, very much the size and shape of the heart. Prick it with a pin. It cannot feel. It is insensible. So the heart of stone. Prick the hand with a pin. One feels it quickly. God offers to take away our hearts of stone, and to give us a heart of flesh ; one which can feel his love and be grateful for all his blessings. The Godly vs. the Ungodly. — Take some grain still mixed with the chaff. Standing before the audience, pour the chaff from one hand into the other, then blow gently, separating the chaff from the grain with- out explaining. Read the ist. Psalm, and then make the application. True and False Professors. — May be illustrated by gathering a hand- ful of wheat in which are mixed the weeds which grew among it. Read Matthew 13 : 24-30 and 37-42. Explain and apply. Effects of Evil Inflncnces Upon the Face. — Get soft, plastic, gum face. Show how it can be distorted hy squeezing in the hand. When the pressure is removed the face returns, but if the pressure is often applied or too long continued, the form of the face becomes changed. So every good thought and bad thought, every good desire and bad purpose shapes our faces. If often repeated, they make the differences seen in the faces of murderers, and robbers, and drunkards, and misers, as com- pared with men who are godly, and sober, and honest, and benevolent. God thus becomes as the Psalmist says, "the health of the countenance." The Heart a Fountain .—Y^eo.^ thine heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. Describe the spring on the side of the moun- tain. Its stream flows through the fields. One day the farmer's cattle die from poisoned water drunk from the stream. He does not filter the stream, or seek to render the water pure by just simply cleansing it in the field, but he goes to the spring on the side of the mountain, and takes out the poison which had been thrown into the spring b}^ some enemy. Soon all the stream becomes pures So the heart is the foun- tain which must be cleansed, "for out of it are the issues of life. " SERMONS TO CHILDREN. 95 Temperance. — The character of alcohol, and its presence even in the purest liquors which can be purchased from the drug-store, may be visibly illustrated in the following way. Take a very shallow dish. Pour in a little water; bring a lighted match in contact with it. It will not burn. Empty the dish. Pour in a few drops of alcohol. Apply the lighted match, and the alcohol burns with a lurid flame. After the alcohol has burned away, pour in another teaspoonful of alcohol, into which sprinkle a little salt or camphor, which will give color to the flame. After it has burned away, pour a tablepoonful of the best brandy into the dish. Bring a lighted match in contact with it and the alcohol will burn for a considerable period. The fallacy of the prevalent idea among the uneducated people that liquor will aid digestion, may be shown by breaking an ^^^ Association, N. Y.,) $1.50 per annum. "The Baptist Mis- sionary Magazine," $1.10 per annum. "The Spirit of Missions," (Protestant Episcopal,) 22 Bible House, New York, $1.55 per annum, "lyife and Light," (Monthly,) Room No. i Congregational Building, Boston, Mass., 60 cents per annum. "Mission Studies Monthly," Temple Court, New York City, 20 cents per annum. "The Missionary World," 25 cents per annum. "The Gospel in All Lands," largely in the interest of the M. E. Church, monthly, $2.00 a year; address 805 Broadway, New York. "The Missionary Review," published by Rev. R. G. Wilder, Princeton, N. J., comprises accounts of the work of For- eign Mission work in all branches of the church, has excellent articles Upon all kindred subjects, is published monthly at $1.50 per year in ad- THE CI,ASS-MEETING. II9 Vance. * ' The Lutheran Missionary Journal, ' ' published in the interests of the Home and Foreign Missions and Church Extension work of the General Synod of the Lutheran Church, issued monthly at York, Pa., price 30 cents a year. Rev. J. C. Zimmerman, Editor. Among the long list of books that might be named on the general subject of Foreign Missions, lives of Missionaries, etc., that of Rev. Theodore Christlieb, D. D., entitled "Protestant Foreign Missions, Their Present State, a Universal Survey," 264 pp., published by the Congregational Publica- tion Society, Boston, should not be overlooked. On the last two pages of the book just named a long list of Missionary volumes and literature will be found. Where it is desired to hold Missionary exercises in con- nection with the Sunday School and Mission bands, consisting of re- sponsive readings, dialogues, recitations, etc., both in poetry and prose, two very helpful publications of about 200 pages each, issued by the Presbyterian Board of Publication, entitled ' ' Missionary Exercises for the Use of the Sunday School and Mission Bands, ' ' etc. The selections are very excellent, and the books very helpful. The American Tract Society publishes the following brief missionary biographies of Ameri- can heroes on mission fields, which sell at five cents each, postage one cent additional: Clara Gray SchaufEler, (Austria), Mrs. Douglas Put- nam; Henry Sergeant West, (Armenia), by his sister, Mrs. Mary E. Niles; David Tappan Stoddard, (Persia), Rev. J. E. Rankin, D. D.; Asahel Grant, M. D., (Persia), Thomas Laurie, D. D.; William Goodell, D. D., (Turkey), President S. C. Bartlett, D. D.; Titus Coan, (Hawaiian Islands), Rev. S. J. Humphrey, D. D. ; Harrison Gray Otis Dwight, D. D., (Turkey), President Cyrus Hamlin, D. D.; S. Wells Williams, LL. D., (China), Rev. E. W. Gilman, D. D.; Elijah Coleman Bridgman, D. D., (China), Rev. Payson W. Lyman; Julia Rappleye, (Turkey), Mrs. Alice Dwinell Jewett. These may be made very helpful either in preparation for the mis- sionary meeting or for distribution among the people. CHAPTER XVIII. THE CLASS-MEETING. ^ I ^HE success of the Methodist church has, in a large measure, been -*- due to the judicious use of the class-meeting. To those who have not enjoyed in their earlier years a thorough instruction in the doctrines I20 METHODS OP CHURCH WORK. of God's Word, it affords a place for Christian nurture and instruction. To the young converts it is a training school where they can exercise the talents which are to be developed for subsequent work in the Master's vineyard. Much of the success of the class-meeting will be dependent upon the leader, who should be: i. A man of manifest integrity. 2. He should lead an exemplary Christian life. 3. He should be a man not only in- tensely interested in the spiritual welfare of those placed under his charge, but his desire to secure the salvation of the unconverted should lead him to organize every member of his class into judicious seekers for souls. 4. As far as possible, he should be thoroughly familiar with the discipline of his own church, and have at least a general acquaint- ance with the leading doctrines and customs of other religious bodies. 5. He should be a man of such large S5anpathies as will enable him to enter helpfully into the trials and "deep religious experiences of those who are placed under his care. 6. He should be sociable, easy to be approached and possessed of a warm, friendly disposition. 7. He should be a man of method, always regular in his attendance, and promptly on hand ten or fifteen minutes before the appointed hour, so as to greet the various members of the class as they assemble. The success of any class-meeting will be, in a measure, dependent upon the ability of the leader to disabuse the mind of every member of that embarrassment which renders it almost impossible for one to think or feel naturally. Rev. James Porter, D. D., proved a method in his own experience as class-leader, which resulted in so much of success, that he makes the following suggestions: "i. That the leader, on entering the room, shake hands with all present, calling them by name, and giv- ing them a cordial greeting; and that he do the same with others who shall come before the services are opened. 2. That he commence with less formality, and in a different manner from what is common in pub- lic worship. He may do this by making some pertinent remarks while sitting, or by singing a few familiar verses without rising or reading them. 3. That he allow the members to speak sitting, if they prefer it, and do the same himself, a part of the time at least. 4. That he al- low them to .speak at any time they please, and not require them to wait until reached by any regular order. This will be likely to secure 'a word in season.' 5. That he speak to them miscellaneously, and allow them to respond or not, as they shall please. No one will refuse to answer suitable questions, and this is all that many beginners care to do. 6. That he permit them to ask questions relating to any appropri- ate point that may be developed in the course of the meeting. This the; CI.ASS-MKETING. 121 will often render the service completely social, and more interesting and profitable than it could be made by the usual method of speech making." The stereotyped round of weekly experiences may be successfully in- terrupted if the leader will take upon himself the office of catechist, and inquire of his members, "Do you pray in secret every day?" "Do you maintain family prayer? if so, when and how? With reading the Scriptures and singing, or otherwise ? " " What are your habits with regard to reading the Bible?" etc. New interest and large usefulness may also be given to the class by engaging each and all the members in some department of Christian work, in which the leader becomes the director and captain of those constituting his division of the church, and requiring each of the members to report at each meeting the character of the efforts they have put forth, and the results which have been secured. The leader should interest himself in the character of the books which are read by the members of his class. Such books as "The Soul Winner," written by Mrs. Mary D. James, sketching the facts and in- cidents, and the life and labors of Edmund J. Yard, for sixty-three years a class-leader and hospital worker in Philadelphia, pul)lished by Phillips & Hunt. "Work Amongst Working Men," by Kllice Hop- kins, published by Thomas Whittaker, New York, 197 pp. "The Klder and His Work," 94 pp., published by the Presbyterian Board of Publication. Every class-leader and official member of the Methodist Episcopal church should read "Helps to Official Members," by Rev. James Porter, D. D., published by Nelson & Phillips, 180 pp. All class-leaders should especially read chapter VI. on "The Duties and Qualifications of Class-L,eaders, " and chapter VII. on "How to Make a Class-Meeting Interesting and Profitable." Also ".The Winning Worker," by the same author, and same publishers. Of books suggest- ive and helpful to class-leaders, there is also another by Rev. Geo. Robinson, entitled "Seed Thoughts," published by Nelson & Phillips. We would also recommend the judicious use of the tracts of the Amer- ican Tract Society. A list of those most helpful for this purpose will be found on page 25, and in chapter XX of this book. 122 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. CHAPTER XIX. TEMPERANCE MEETINGS. ^T^HE work of rescuing the intemperate classes, of saving the rising -*- generation, and of redeeming this land from the overshadowing curse of intemperance, must ever be mainly the work of the church. In the preceding pages we have fully presented the work of the White Ribbon Army and the kindred work of the White Cross Army. Our space will permit us, in this connection, only to indicate a few organi- zations and helps in this work in the church. ' ' The Church Temperance Society " is an organization formed six years ago in the Protestant Episcopal Church, and, during this period, under the general secretaryship of Mr. Robert Graham, the society has accom- plished a very large and excellent work. The literature of the society is quite abundant and of a ver}^ excellent character. The manuals for adult and juvenile branches contain formulas of Constitution and By- lyaws, full instructions for organizing and running branches of the society in individual parishes. In addition to a large variety of tracts and leaflets, the society also publishes a monthly paper entitled Tempej^ance , the subscription price of which is 50 cents per annum. Samples of manuals, tracts, etc., and full information can be secured by addressing Robert Graham, Station D., New York City. The work of the Women's Christian Temperance Union is too well known to need any extended notice in these pages. In connection with the National W. C. T. U. there are various divisions of work, namely, the Young Women's Work, and that of the children who are organized into Bands of Hope. Copies of constitution and by-laws, and full in- formation for running the societies, together with lists of tracts, leaflets, etc., can be secured by addressing the National Temperance Society, 58 Reade street. New York City. The best temperance paper published in the United States is The Voice, issued by Funk & Wagnalls, 18 and 20 Astor Place, New York City, price $1.00 per annum. Goodenough & Woglom, of 122 Nassau Street, New York, have some excellent concert services for temperance societies in either church or Sunday-school, consisting of Scripture read- ings and responses, and also of other valuable selections in hymns, music, etc. Samples can be had by addressing the firm as above. REVIVALS. 123 The following are a couple of simple temperance and anti-profanity pledges which may be used in church or Sunday-school work: "At the last it biteth like a serpent andsting- eth like an adder." — Prov. xxiii:j2. , I, the undersigned, do pledge my word aud honor, God HeIvPing Me, to abstain from ALL intoxicating liquors as a beverage, and that I will, by all honorable means, encourage others to abstain. Name Residence Prayer and Pi^edge. O, GOD, For the rake of thy Dear Son, forgive me for every sinful word, and help me to say, from this hour I shall strive to use the name of the Great God wit^ reverence, and obey his | commandments. Name , Residence 1 CHAPTER XX. REVIVALS. PREPARATIONS FOR REVIVALS. AS this volume is designed specially to present methods which have been successfully used by pastors, it is important in speaking of revivals to caution the reader against expecting much from any method used apart from the proper spirit of consecration in the laborer, and de- pendence upon the help and power of God. Rev. Herrick Johnson, D. D., aptly express it in the following: "Because certain methods or instrumentalities have been used successfully, there is a ten- dency in human nature to lean on them and' to give them vital place in plan and thought, and to think that revival can be had by no other road. There is just one agent absolutely indispensable to revival — God's Spirit. There is just one instrument absolutely indispensable to revival— God's truth, the preaching of Christ. All else, absolutely all, is minor, secondary, variable, incidental, dispensable. Special appoint- ments, varied instruments, different methods may be good. Wisdom will suggest choice of these to suit circumstances. But all trust for effectiveness must be in God's Spirit and truth alone." The following general appeal to Christian workers issued by Mr. Moody, on " How to Promote Revivals," is characterized by that wisdom which has distinguished his large work as an evangelist: "First, we must believe in revivals. I do not see how any one who reads his Bible can say one word against revivals. Why, look at the great revivals in 124 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. Moses' time, and those under Joshua and David and Josiah. Think of the great gathering that Ezra had, when all the people stood in the street all day for a revival meeting. Moreover, every denomination that I know anything about is the result of some revival. The Episcopalians say that they are apostolic. That takes them back to Pentecost, when three thousand were converted in a single day. The Lutherans pro- claim in their very name the great revival under Euther. The Quakers sprang from the revival under George Fox, the Methodists from that under the Wesleys, and more than that, four-fifths of the names on the church rolls to-day are those of persons converted in a revival. They make the best workers. They are more likely to hold out. A man converted and entering a cold church is like a baby thrown into a snow- drift. But in times of revival the church is warm, readj^ to receive the new-born souls. I don't believe in spasmodic efforts, when the church rouses for a few days, only to go back to sleep again for a year or five years; but God has his special harvest seasons in nature, why not in grace ? The longer I live, the more I believe in revivals. "But second, we must get things out of the way for a revival. When the Saviour came of old, John cried, 'Prepare ye the way of the Lord.' I believe that in many places the Spirit of the Lord is grieved, and his blessings withheld, simply because we crowd him out of our churches. We hold meetings during the week of prayer, and Christians are get- ting warmed and revived, and the hearts of sinners are meltinp', but the moment the week is over we clear the way for the sociables and lectures and concerts, things which distraCt the minds of the unconverted, and scatter their serious thoughts. Shall it be so in your churches this winter, brethren ? Will you gratify the eyes and ears of the people around you without making one earnest effort to save their perishing souls ? How important it is that the meetings should be continued, that room should be made for the Lord to work. What a wave of blessing would sweep over this country if our churches would all agree to let all these things go this winter, and give themselves with all their might to the work of sav- ing souls ! "And third, if we want a revival in our churches, we must pray for it. It isn't great preaching that we want, brethren, so much as it is great praying. The work is the Lord's, not man's; and if Gabriel were to preach to a church six months, not a soul would be revived, not a sinner would be converted, without the Holy Spirit. All our quicken- ing must come from his blessed presence and power. And the earnest, importunate prayer of one person, one poor humble brother or sister who will not let God go without an answer, may call down the blessing. REVIVALS. 125 One of the first series of meetings I ever attended was started by a poor, sick man, who, Ijdng flat on his back, became so exercised over the con- dition of the church that he could not rest. The church was dead, and the 5'oung folks around all unsaved. He sent for the brethern of the church, and entreated them to pray for a revival. But they were too cold, and too much wrapped up in the world. Then he sent for the sisters, and begged them to pray, and at last a few of them did so. The Lord re- vived their hearts. Others were added to them, and when I came they had been before God many days entreating for a blessing. The first night I preached all was cold. It seemed like beating the air. But that night at midnight the son of one of the elders came down to his father's room crying out, 'Father, pra}' for my lost soul.' The Lord came suddenly to his Temple, and we had a great blessing. Now, is there any one so weak or humble that he or she can't do as much as that sick man did ? You can pray yourselfj and perhaps you can get some one else to unite with 5^ou in prayer, and the Lord will add to your num- bers, and your own souls will be revived. And once let the church be set on fire of God, and there will be no trouble about the unconverted. Red- hot coals will kindle a fire wherever they fall. ' ' But fourth and last, not only pray for revival, but work for it. Many folks act as if the verse in the Bible were, ' Let him that heareth pray Come. ' They pray for their friends, their children — they have prayed for them for j-ears, but they have never said come. • ' Let him that hear- eth say Come.' How many men in this city to-day only need an invi- tation to bring them to Christ ! Hov/ many mothers have talked to their children about their behavior, their dress, their studies, but never one word about their immortal souls ! 'Ah, ' yovi say, ' I caij't talk to them when my own life is so inconsistent ! ' And that is true. The less any Christian indulging in known sin says about religion the better ; but that does not lessen, it only increases, our responsibility. It is as if a father should command a child to do something, and the child should tie up his own hands, and say, 'Father, I can't. ' Come out from that sin — from all sin — for the sake of the souls who are stumbling over you into perdition. Don't wait a moment. Go to them and confess your unfaithfulness, and ask them right then and there to come to Christ. Would not the Spirit use such a witness as that would be ? "Brethren, we have this matter of a revival veiy largely in our hands. God is readj^ — are we? Do we really want a revival more than anything else in the world? Are we pra3dng for it? Are we deter- mined to pray for it .until it comes ? Are we living such lives that God can hear us? 'If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear 126 MKTHODS OF CHURCH WORK. me.' Are we saying ' Come, ' as well as praying it? The I,ord help us all to prepare the way of the Lord, that he may come among us in power. ' ' In 1882 Rev. Herrick Johnson, D. D., of Chicago, 111., wrote a very excellent pamphlet of 32 pages, entitled "Revivals, Their Place and Power." Its contents are as follows: i. Introduction. 2. Revivals de- fined. 3. Vindication of revivals. 4. Evils to be avoided. 5. Condi- tions essential. 6. "Work preparatory to. 7. Work coincident with. 8. Work subsequent to. We take the following from the sixth section on the "Work Preparatory to Revivals." " I . The pastor must begin with his own heart. A fire in the pulpit is the best means of kindling a fire in the pews. The pastor should not talk about revival, but be revived. Let him expect nothing from his people that is not first in his own heart. He should not bemoan deadness in the church before the congregation until he has in the closet bemoaned deadness in himself before God and his own want of love for Christ. No searching and rebuking sermons to his flock will avail much, if he has not already felt the rebuke of them as the truth has searched his own soul, "2. Thus humbled, penitent, burdened, yearning for the presence and power of Christ, let the pastor lay his heart open to the elders or deacons, or whoever are his constituted spiritual counselors. They are ordained with him to the care and watch of the church, and his natural helpers in every good work. "3. The pastor should now aim at great searchings of heart with his people Sabbath after Sabbath, preaching to the church, to the church, TO THE CHURCH, blow on blow. Let this be followed up in the closer con- tact of the prayer-meetings. Compel Christians for the time being to forget the impenitent in their great concern about their own condition before God as unfaithful to Christ in love and service. The tendency is to turn at once to the impenitent. The impression prevails that God is not working if conversions are not taking place. The moment some Christians begin to pray for a work of God, they lose all sight and thought of the church in a great zeal for converts. Let the pastor cor- rect this habit; get his people to heart-searching and penitence and con- fession and humbling of soul before God, and have them understand that this is more acceptable to God, and more likely to secure his large blessing than a sudden zeal for the impenitent, and that they are in no condition to do the ungodly much service until they have humbled themselves before God. "4. As soon as the pastor finds a heart kindled with any unusual REVIVAI^. 127 emotion, or bowed with any unwonted sense of sin, or yearning with any unwonted desire for God's glory, let him get alongside that heart, lay it and his own together, and in the fellowship of that common sense of sin and yearning for a blessing, let them keep company at the altar of prayer. "5. Find a second or third also kindled. Have with these a special weekly appointment of half an hour for communion and prayer, plead- ing God's special promises and bearing special cases before God. "6. Arrange a half hour for concert of prayer among the mothers in Israel, the devout and Godly women, who will agree quietly to observe a certain half hour or quarter of an hour of the day together, or better perhaps alone, for prayer for the outpouring of God's Spirit. "7. Call the Sunday-school teachers together, and have them inter- ested in the same way for their scholars. Thus get circles of prayer started, different interests enlisted, many 'twos' or 'threes' agreed as touching one thing. "8. Increase appointments for public meetings only as there is de- mand for them. Have the interest compel the meetings, and do not appoint extra meetings to get up interest. "9. With a prepared church the pastor may turn to the impenitent, and pour the hottest shot into their ranks, preaching the truths most directly adapted to bring them to Christ with the fullest assurance that the conditions are now present for a great awakening and multiplied victories. " I do not say that a pastor is to await for this before he makes ap- peal to the ungodly. I do not say that souls will not be given him, though he have no such aroused and humbled and praying church be- hind him, but I do say that no large numbers will ordinarily be born to God in connection with a church, nine-tenths of whose members are asleep or drowned in worldliness." One of the best volumes which can come into the hands of the pastor seeking to bring his mind and heart into fullest sympathy with this work is a book compiled by Rev. Walter P. Doe, entitled "Revivals — How to Promote Them. " (E. B. Treat, 757 Broadway, N. Y., 443 pp., price $1.50). It comprises some of the best things on this subject, both written and spoken, by Bishops C. P. Mcllvaine and M. Simpson, Drs. L. Beecher, A. Barnes, J. A. Broadus, T. L. Cuyler, R. W. Dale, J. DowHng, C. G. Finney, J. Hall, K. F. Hatfield, G. H. Hepworth, J. Hoppin, J. Knapp, J. McCosh, A. Park, A. Phelps, E. Pond, W. B. Sprague, G. Shepard, C. H. Spurgeon, T. D. Talmage,.W. M. Taylor, J. Todd, and others. 128 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. A ven' excellent method is given by Rev. Theo. L,. Cuyler, D. D., in his histor}^ of the lyafayette Avenue Church of Brooklyn: "One method of systematic effort for the conversion of souls we have found very use- ful. It has been to invite the officers of the church and the Sabbath-school superintendent to meet me in mj^ stud3^ We have then gone over the list of unconverted persons in the congregation, discussed their several cases, and assigned to such persons as were ready to undertake it, the pleasant duty of calling upon or writing an affectionate letter to such person as they would select. These personal appeals have been blessed in many cases to the conversion of the impenitent, or to the recovery of backsliders. ' ' In rural districts great success often attends revival efforts by preach- ing in school houses throughout the limits of the congregation. Cot- tage prayer-meetings are also a most fruitful of good influences both in town and countr3^ One great mistake in the beginning of a revival is the desire to start with a large number. Begin with those who are already members of the church, and even of these, it is better to select a half-dozen who are willing to come together to pray earnestly that God would make them more worthy of his love and to be known as his followers. When these few get truly in earnest, and God's Spirit is poured out, there will be no danger about the enlargement of the attend- ance and the good results of the effort. In preparing the minds and hearts of the people for cooperation in the work of a special meeting, there is a very helpful little tract (No. 37, pocket series), published by Phillips & Hunt, of New York, enti- tled "Preparing for Revival." They cost not more than a cent apiece, and being brief and to the point, would be useful either to mail to every member of the church, or in the country to distribute after ser\dce. It is signed "Young Pastor," and it pleads for: i. Your interest in our work. 2. Your cooperation. 3. Your presence at the meetings. 4. Some sacrifices for the work. 5. Your prayers for our work. The following has been successfully used by pastors: I Solemnly Agree, that laying aside all business, personal ease and pleasure, I will attend all the public services of the Church, both day and evening, during the present week. I TAKE God the Father to be my God. I take God the Son to be m}^ Saviour. I take God the Holy Ghost to be mj' Sanctifier. I take the word of God to be my rule, and his people to be my people. I dedicate my whole self to the Lord, deliberately, sin- cerely, freely and for ever. RKVIVAI^. 129 this- I write my name on this line -day of_ -18 to show that I truly love Jesus Christ, and am trying to do every day what I think will please Him Pledge. Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for strength, I promise Him that I will try to do whatever He would like to have me do , that I will pray to Him and read the Bible every day, and that, just so far as I know how, throughout my whole life, I will try to live a Christian life. Signed United Efforts . — During the pastfew winters, the Evangelical churches in different cities have united in a common effort for the prosecution of evangelistic work in their respective neighborhoods. The pastors, as many as can be secured, are called together, and after consultation, gen- erally agree in dividing the entire city into four or more general dis- tricts; these are again subdivided into smaller sections, and assigned to the several congregations located in these divisions. The general direc- tion of the work is under the supervision of a central committee, and each of the sub-divisions is also under the supervision of a Committee of Management, generally composed of one minister and one layman for each of the churches within their respective limits. Committees are sent out to visit every house, and learn where the people attend church, to distribute tracts, invite people to the services and, where op- portunity permits, to pray with each family. The churches of the en- tire city, or as far as is possible to secure their cooperation, are all open, and services are held each night in the week. This method has met with success in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and other cities. In other instances there has been concert of action and unity of effort in communities by a union of the churches in evangelistic work, where the preaching has been done by the pastors of the city or by securing the assistance of an Evangelist, such as Mr. Moody or Rev. George F. Pentecost, D. D., or some other approved evangelist, attended with good results. L/arge results render imperative the employment of method, but the methods should conform to the needs. In revivals, too much should not be dependent upon the manner of doing. It is very unwise to make the conversion of persons dependent upon doing any particular thing. There was a time when in some places it seemed as though no one could become a Christian unless he came forward to the altar or to a " mourn- er' s bench;" to-day the "Inquiry Room" is alike in danger of being unduly exalted. The object in asking people to come forward, in ad- dition to securing a public acknowledgment of their purpose, was simply 9 130 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. to get people who were seeking Christ to separate themselves from in- convenient and unfavorable surroundings, so that they could the more readily be encouraged or instructed or counseled, as the need might be. Some unthinking ones used it not as though it was a channel of com- munication with those who were to render counsel, but as though it was the only avenue of acceptable approach to God. The objects sought were good, but the errors and fanatical ideas which gathered round this method, caused it to fall greatly into disuse, and, in some instances, even into disrepute. The Inquiry Room, or any other method, is liable to suffer in a similar manner. The proper method for a pastor to use, as it seems to us, is to use all methods as they may suit his needs. Invite people to meet you in the Inquiry Room, to rise for prayer, to come forward if they prefer to do that, to meet you during the day at your study, or in the afternoon Inquiry Prayer-meeting, to drop you a note, and you will call upon them at their homes, to come to the Catechetical Class, or in any other way. The object is to get them to accept of Christ as their Saviour and enter upon His service, rather than to get them to do something which will prove to the people that your method, if not the only way to Calvary, is the most successful mode of reaching it. Some methods are better than others, but salva- tion is not dependent upon even the best of them. CHAPTER XXI. THE USE OF BOOKS AND TRACTS. ^ I ^HERH are very few books suited to be put into the hands of sin- -*- ners seeking Christ. Giving an inquirer a volume to read is like giving a sick man a voluminous but learned treatise on disease or the nature of various remedies. The sick man wants a physician, who can tell him the character of his disease, and who will prescribe the proper remedies. The sin-sick soul wants to find the Great Physician of Souls, and is properly impatient of delay occasioned by reading through a large volume — however good and profitable it might be at another time. Tracts are far better than books, but even these need to be used with discrimination. The following by the American Tract Society will be found helpful:* *Tracts in General Series, i2nio 1,500 pp for $100, additional for postage, 20 cents Gems of Truth, 32nio. 2,000 pp. for $1.00; additional for postage, 12 cents, Pamphlets. Cost of postage for one dollar's worth, 12 cents. THS USE OF BOOKS AND TRACTS. 131 AWAKENING— Pamphlets. Your Soul, is it Safe? pp. 48. Price 4 cents. GENERAL SERIES, i2mo. 15 pp. i cent. ^^ "Without Holiness no Man shall see the Lord 4 Sin no trifle 4 Quench not the Spirit The Lost Soul What Art Thou ? .... My Spirit shall not alwa5'S Strive Prepare to Meet thy God . A Convenient Season .... The Price of a Soul .... The Seed that Frank Sowed Unbelief the Great Sin GEMS OF TRUTH, 32mo. 20 pp. i cent. Take Warning Quench not the Spirit .... Ten Minutes' Warning- . . . . Are you Forgiven ? Bob, the 'Bus-Driver Why am I not a Christian ? ... INQUIRERS AND CONVERTS— Pamphlets. A Saviour for You Counsels to Inquirers Counsels to Converts Counsels to Young Converts God's Word for Inquirers Faith : What it Is and what it Does How to be Saved. Wayland How to Repent How to Believe How to Come to Christ How to Begin to be a Christian I Will go to Jesus More Light .... Plain, Progressive Talks What Shall I Do to be Saved ? . To those Commencing a Religious Life GENERAL SERIES, i2mo. 15 pp. i How to Become a Christian What must I Do to be Saved? The Great Choice Hindrances to the Great Choice The Act of Faith What is it to Believe on Christ? Receiving Christ .... The Song in the Cabin. Barnard 20 pp. I GEMS OF TRUTH, 32mo. Hast Thou Faith ? . . . What it is to be Saved ? Regeneration . . . . What shall I do to be Saved? Not Feeling, but Christ What is it to Believe on Christ? What is Conversion ? How to Begin to be a Christian How to Come to Jesus Why I Believe the Bible Obstacles to Conversion You, Me, or Anybodj' Else Looking unto Jesus Jesus Onlv .... A Story of a Text God's Word to You . pp. PI IICE. 48 3 47 6 107 15 32 3 32 10 48 3 64 5 32 3 28 3 32 3 20 . 2 32 2 32 10 56 12 16 2 PP. PRICE. 4 3 3 3 INVITATION— Pamphlets. Come to Jesus. 3mo. . . 96 Thy Day 59 Sinner's Friend .... 64 Come 36 GENERAL SERIES, i2mo. 15 pp. i cent. Everv Man the Friend or Enemy of Christ 4 The Worth of a Soul 8 Come and Welcome to Christ . . .8 Why are you Not a Christian? ... 4 Precious Blood of Christ .... 4 The Saviour You Need .... 4 But Will He Save Me ? 4 Easy to Find the Saviour ... 4 None Cast Out 4 GEMS OF TRUTH, 32mo. 20 pp. i cent. I Invite You 8 Pardon 8 No Rest but in Christ .... 8 Not Justice, but Pardon .... 8 There is Help for You .... 8 "You, Me, or Anybody Else " . . . i5 PROCRASTINATION — General Series, i2mo. 15 pp. I cent. pp_ Fatal Resolution 8 The Harvest Past 8 Don't Put it Off 4 Have Me Excused 8 I Can't Believe 4 GEMS OF TRUTH, 32mo. 20 pp. i cent. Escape 8 What are You Waiting For? ... 8 "Plenty of Time" 8 Why not Now ? 4 SELF-EXAMINATION— Pamphlets. ^^ price. Are You a Christian ? ... 64 3 Rules for Holy Living . . ,16 i GEMS OF TRUTH, 32mo. 20 pp. i cent. Useless Kinds of Religion .... 8 The Gristless Mill 4 In Christ or Not 4 PLATE PAPER, 32mo. 8 pp. for i cent. Joining the Lord Jesus .... SKEPTICISM— 1 2mo. The Bible above all Price. Don't Unchain the Tiger. Short Method with a Skeptic. The Unanswerable Argument. The Bible the Word of God. The Bible, and the Bible Alone. Confession of a Deist. The Infidel's Trust in Christianity. GEMS. The Bible is from God. The Credulity of Unbelief. Christianity and Infidelity. Thurlovv Weed and Ingersoll. Whv I Believe the Bible. Here is the World : Do tell me Who Made it. Hume on Miracles. Tracts of General Av^akening, Procrastination, Invitation, etc., can be used with great value for general distribution at the close of any- regular public service. There is in the stock of the American Tract Society a mine of rare and rich wealth which pastors everywhere will 132 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. do well to bring to their aid in all tlie departments of their work. No pastor can fail to use them, especially the "Gems of l^ruth" series, without great gain to himself, his people, and the cause. CHAPTER XXII. BRIEF OUTLINES AND TEXTS ON REVIVALS. god's rkcipk for a revival. "tE my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and -^ pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways ; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." — 2 Chron.7: 14. Introduction. — The work of revival to begin in the church — "If my people, which are called by my name." I. The Necessity of Preparation. — i. " Shall humble themselves. " 2. Return to the throne of grace — "and pray." 3. Turn from human to divine help — "and seek my face." 4. Judgment to begin at the house of God — "and turn from their wicked ways." II. The Results of Following God' s Instructions in this Matter. — i. God will hear their prayer — "then will I hear from heaven." 2. Will ' ' forgive their sins. " 3. " Will heal their land. ' ' Text: — " O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years." — Habakkuk 3: 2. Scripture Lesson: -Ez. 37: 1-14; Acts 2. Introduction. — i. In the history of the church there are times of spe- cial ingathering. 2. The Holy Spirit alwaj^s with the church — "He shall abide with you forever," etc. 3. Yet all have seen the quicken- ing power of the Holy Ghost more manifestly revealed in seasons of special awakening, when sinners have come to Christ in large numbers. I. Proper Meaning of the " Term Revival.'" — i. The quickening of piety among church members, or God's people. "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?" 2. Some object that it has any broader meaning. 3. Broader meaning found in the text. 4. Its meaning as broad as the meaning of the term " Work." This work is not simply the preservation and strengthening of Christians, but also the conversion of sinners. 5. Scripture shows this broader sense to be consistent. "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins." (Eph. 2: i.) "Passed from death unto life." (Johns: 24,) etc. , BRIKF OUTUNKS AND TE^XTS ON RE^VIVAI^. 133 II. Revials are Recorded and Approved in Scripture. — i. "Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord." Gen. 4: 26. 2. Elijah on Mount Carmel. i Kings 18: 38, 39. 3. Reigns of Hezekiah and Josiah in Judah, 2 Kings 18, and 2 Kings 22, 23; 2 Chron. 30: 11-27; 2 Chron. 31. 4. After the Captivity. Neh. 8: 2, 3, 6. 5. Pentecost. Acts 2: 41-44. 6. After Pentecost. Acts 5: 14. 7. Phihp in Samaria. Acts 8:5-7. 8. The dispersed at Antioch, The Grecians — " a great number. " 9. Paul and Barnabus at Iconium — Synagogue, "a great multitude of Jews and Greeks believed." Acts 14: i. III. Revivals in Post-Biblical Times. — i. Great Reformation — -The first beginnings under Wycliffe — fourteenth centui-y. Huss — fifteenth century. lyUther — sixteenth century. 2. Great Britain and Ireland — Revival under Knox. In June, 1630, under preaching of Bruce and I^iv- ingston in Kirk of Scotland ' ' near 500 ' ' were converted in a single day. So also in England, resulting in the Commonwealth under Cromwell, and the prevalence of Puritanism in the Church of England. 3. Re- vivals of the eighteenth century, a. In England, the religious decline which succeeded the Restoration of the monarchy — in 1730 under preaching of the Wesley s and Whitefield. b. Extended to the Colo- nies in America, under preaching of Edwards, Bellamy and Tennents. 4. Of the nineteenth century, a. Under Nettleton and Finney in 1827- 32. b. In 1858, following the panic, one-half million received into the churches in six months, c. In Hilo station — Hawaii — Mr. Coan — five years 7,557 received into that one church July ist., 1838 — 1,705 received at once. d. From 1878 to present time in India 200 per month. IV. Frnits of Revivals. — "By their fruits ye shall know them. " i. Under Ezra. 2. Hezekiah, etc., Josiah. 3. Pentecost. 4. Early con- verts, persecutions of. 5. Reformation of sixteenth century. I^iberty of conscience. Open Bible. Missionary spirit, etc. 6. Our benevolent institutions, missions etc., result of revivals. 7. Blessed influence upon those in the ministry. 8. Brings more men into the Gospel Ministry. 9. Raises standard of piety among Christians. V. The Instnunent and the Agent in the Work of Revival. — It is not a human work but the work of God. i. The instrument — the Word. Ezekiel's vision: "Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O 3^6 dry bones hear the word of the Lord." Ezekiel 37:4. The plain preaching of Pentecost. Every revival since characterized by plain preaching. 2. The Agency — The Holy Spirit. Ezekiel's vision. Re- storation by the Breath, a. Prophesy, b. The Breath. So at Pente- cost. The word had been preached before by Christ himself. Some trust simply in preaching; some in human devices. 134 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. VI. All B^^anches of the Church Accept the Doctrine of Revivals. — i. Some by continuous preaching. 2. L,enten services. 3. Catechetical instruction, etc. 4. Employ different means to secure the same end. Closing. — How to Secure a Revival, i. Faith. 2. Praj^er. "Come, O Breath, and breathe upon these slain that they may live." Ez. 37:9. 3. Labor, a. Purifying self. b. Seeking salvation of others. We give also the following suggestive outline by Rev. J. Tomlinson: REVIVAI.S. "I. Revivals Ancient and Scriptural. — Gen. 4: 26; B. C. 400 years, i Kings 18: 38, 39; B. C. 900 years. 2 Kings 23: 3, 21, 22; Josiah's time, B. C. 624 years. 2 Chron. 30: 11-13, 21-27; B. C. 726 years. Neh. 8: 2, 3, 6; B. C. 445 years. Jer. 2: 2, 4; B. C. 628 years. Acts 2: 41-44; 5: 14; 8: 5-7; 11: 19-24; 14: i; A. D. 33. "II. Revivals have been Predicted. — Joel 2: 28; B. C. 800 years. Zach. 12: 10; B. C. 587 years. '■'III. These Predictions have been Fulfilled. — John 4: 39; (under Christ's own miuistrj'). Acts 2: 41; 4: 4. Supra I. Reformation of i6th century. In the west of Scotland, 1625 and 1630; north of Ireland, 162S; in London, 1665; in western world under Whitefield, Brainard, Edwards, etc., down to the present time. "IV. Revivals may be expected till the JMillcnium comes. — Heb. 8: 11. "V. Revivats Genuine — 2 Kings 23: 24, 25; 2 Chron. 23: 5, 8; Acts 2: 44-4S; 8: 8; 19: 18-20. "VI. Revivals Sptirious. — Matt. 23: 15. "VIII. We should pray for gemiine Revivals. — Ps. 80: 14-16; 85: 6, 7; 122: 6; Isa. 62: 6, 7; 64: I, 2; Jer. 14: 20, 21; Hab. 3: 2; Matt. 6: 10. The following texts will prove a convenient collation: "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3: 5. — "Make you a new heart and a new spirit." Ezekiel 18: 31. — "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Luke 13: 3. — "By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight." Rom. 3: 20. — "Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5: i. — "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16: 30. — "Thy faith hath saved thee." Luke 7: 50. — "For there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." Acts 4: 12. — "The wages of sin is death." Rom. 6: 23. — "Prepare to meet thy God." Amos 4: 12. — "Go thy way for this time: when I have a con- venient season, I will call for thee." Acts 24: 25. — "These shall go away into ever- lasting punishment." Matt. 25: 46. — "Cleanse thou me from secret faults." Ps. 19: 12. — "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper." Prov. 28: 13. — "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son," etc. John 3: 16. — "Choose you this day whom ye will serve." Joshua 24: 15. — "Son remember." Luke 16: 25. — "How long halt ye between two opinions?" i Kings 18: 21. — "It is time to seek the Lord." Hosea 10: 12. — "Seek the Lord while he may be found and call upon him while he is near." Isaiah 55: 6. — "Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life." John 5: 40. — "How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?" Heb. 2: 3. — "This man receiveth sinners." Luke 15: 2. — "Woe to them that are at ease in Zion." Amos 6: i. — "Go and proclaim these words towards the north, and say WORK IN THE INQUIRY MEETING. 1 35 Return thou backsliding Israel," etc. Jer. 3: 12, 13. — "The I/)rd seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." I Sam'l. 16: 7. — "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." Ps. 32: i-ii. — "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life." John 6: 68. — "Ho every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters," etc. Isa. 55: I. — "Be ye reconciled to God." 2 Cor 5: 20. — "Have mercy upon me O God," etc. Ps. 51:1. — "The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19: 10. — "Be troubled ye careless ones." Isa. 32: 11. — "Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost." Acts 7: 51. — "I pray thee have me excused." Luke 14: 18. — "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be de- stroyed, and that without remedy. " Prov. 29: i. — "The harvest is past, the sum- mer is ended, and we are not saved." Jeremiah 8: 20. — "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." Acts 2: 47. — "He that entereth not by the door into the sheep-fold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." John 10: i, (see also verses 7 and 9). — "And the door was shut." Matt. 25: 10. — "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh." Matt. 24: 44. — "Examine yourself, whether ye be in thefaith." 2 Cor. 13:5. — " Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ? " Acts9: 6. — "Who- soever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Fatherwhich is in heaven." Matt. 10: 32. — "Son, go work to-day in my vineyard." Matt. 21: 28. — "My Spirit shall not always strive with man." Gen. 6:3. — "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." Jeremiah 17: 9. — "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Heb. 10: 31. — "Who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?" Matt. 3: 7. — "For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" Mark 8: 36. — "Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters." Isaiah 55: i, (see also Rev. 22: 17). — "Repent ye, and believe the gospel." Mark i: 15. — "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16: 31. More could be added almost without limit. CHAPTER XXIII. WORK IN THE INQUIRY MEETING. T3 EV. Herrick Johnson, D. D., of Chicago, IlHnois, in his excellent •^^ pamphlet entitled "Revivals, " presents the subject of the inquiry meeting as follows : "Work here is often most delicate and difficult, and requires judgment and tact. A word or two at this point about the inquiry meeting in general before consideration of the work in said meeting at a season of special revival. The very proclamation of the Gospel involves and necessitates an inquiry meeting, or something that answers to it. Possibly it were well to change the name in view of ex- 136 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. isting prejudice against this agency because of its abuses, but the thing — i. e., some kind of opportunity to inquire further concerning truth already heard and felt — is vital to any high and wide success. The in- quiry meeting is drawing the net after it has been cast by the sermon. It should be a permanent feature of church work, and held immediately after every public preaching service the whole year round. ''Reasons. — i. At any service there may be a soul reached and moved by the truth. 2. Death may intervene before a later appointment can be met. 3. Delay will give the world, the flesh and the devil time to dissipate impressions, 4. Under the immediate influence of the truth, inquirers will be most likely to improve the opportunity offered for per- sonal conversation. 5. When the impression is the freshest, further work will be easiest. The Spirit of God is already there, and this is recognizing and following His lead. 6. The permanent appointment takes away the appearance of spasmodic effort, and gives the impres- sion that the church of God is always expecting results. 7. It enables the pastor to discover the earliest ' sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees. ' If there be any special moving of God's spirit it will at once be manifested in attendance at this permanent appointment. I have known good men startled at the sudden discovery of wide spiritual interest in their congregations, they having preached in ignorance of it for weeks, and even months. I can conceive of no possible opposing considerations to outweigh these seven good reasons for furnishing an opportunity of personal religious conversation with the pastor to any who might wish it on the Sabbath Day. Those invited to this appoint- ment should be made distinctly to understand that their attendance is not a profession of religion, nor a commitment to Christ, nor an acknowl- edgment of deep feeling, nor even the avowal of a determination to seek Christ, but simply the expression of a desire for personal conversa- tion on the subject of personal religion. The way to this meeting has often been barred by making the going there involve too much. It should be understood to involve nothing but a willingness to hear farther of the matter, concerning which something has already been heard. " The Conduct of an Inquiry Meeting at a Season of Special Interest. — a. It should be in the hands of the pastor always. For, first, the truth from his lips has made the impression; it would seem better that the truth from his lips should deepen the impression. Who so well fitted as he to press still further his own thought ? Secondly, the inquirer will commonly prefer conversation with the pastor to any other. " (5. If the inquirers are numerous the pastor should have assistance in the meeting. But the persons to assist should be selected by the WORK IN THK INQUIRY MEJKTING. I37 pastor and their consent to act secured, and tlie meeting should never be thrown open to all sorts of volunteers. Superficial and officious persons may do incalculable harm in such a place. ' ' The pastor should fearlessly go outside his church officers for per- sons in his judgment best fitted, both by experience and present spirit- ual interest, for this work, if they are not to be found amongst his official helpers. Fitness alone, not office, has any claim here. "Young converts, whose experience is unquestionable, and whose clear, intelligent views the pastor is sure of, who are fresh from the world and full of the joy of their new espousals, certainly may be of service in pointing others to Christ. It would seem that those would be able to make the way plain to others who had just been over the road themselves. Yet the greatest prudence is needed here. Young converts know little of the varied methods of the Spirit's operations. They are apt to magnify unduly the particular experience through which they have passed, and to emphasize therefore that which is inci- dental and variant in connection with the great change, rather than that which is fundamental and constant. "r. No time should be taken for general exercises, whether singing. Scripture-reading, or address. The long range has been had in the more public service. This is the place for close personal encounter, for face-to-face individual work with each inquirer. 'V. In this work of personal conversation the aim should be, first, to find out the exact posture of the inquirer's mind. Diagnosis before prescription. The pastor or Christian teacher should turn inquirer, and ascertain how the person with whom he is conversing is viewing the truth, what the trouble is, the point of difficult}^, and the direction of the Spirit's striving. Secondly, to pour in at that very point the truth of God, making much use of the very words of the Scripture. Object- ions should be met by Scripture, difficulties removed by Scripture, doubts dissipated by Scripture. Thirdly, to press to an immediate de- cision — an instant surrender. Whatever the circumstances of the sin- ner, no counsel can be right that does not mean now. '''Cautions. — i. Avoid protracted conversation. 2. Avoid successive conversation by different individuals with the same inquirer. 3. Avoid controversy. 4. In the case of each inquirer the conversation should be followed by prayer, and participation in prayer, by the inquirer per- sonally and audibly, should by all means be secured if possible, though it be only with half a dozen words, such as ' God be merciful to me a sinner:' %ord save or I perish,' or, better still as involving a personal commitment, ' Here and now, O I^ord, ^'ust as I am I give myself to Thee forever, ' ' ' 138 me;thods op church work. There is a little pamphlet by Rev. Robert Boyd, D. D., entitled, "My Inquiry Meeting," (published by F. H. Revell, Chicago, 60 pp., paper 15 cents), which answers a variety of inquiries likely to arise in the mind of an unsaved person seeking Christ, such as the skeptic, the in- quirer who is depending upon his feelings, the backslider, etc. There is another by Rev. Gardiner Spring, D. D., "The Inquiry Meeting," (The American Tract Society, New York,) detailing conversations held by a pastor with persons under the operations of the Holy Spirit. Pub- lications of this sort are very suggestive and helpful to those who are to labor in the inquiry room, but to place them in the hands of inquir- ers indiscriminately, without knowing the difficulties peculiar to each case, would be at least injudicious, and might even be injurious. In " Revivals— How to Promote Them," by Rev. Walter Doe, (E.B. Treat, New York, 443 pp., price $1.50), there is a suggestive chapter by Rev. W. B. Sprague, D. D., on the "Treatment Due to Awakened Sinners." Much helpful suggestion is also found in the writings of D. L,. Moody and others on this subject. Rev. Thomas Armitage, D. D., is the author of a little tract, "The Inquiry Room, " published by the American Tract Society, which treats: I. Who should labor with anxious souls at the inquiry meeting. 2. What qualifications are neccessary for the work. 3. Suggestions de- sirable for the laborer in the inquiry room before he enters it. 4. What must be your work when you enter the inquiry room. 5. Your duties to the inquirer after he is converted. The Young Men's Christian Association of Chicago, 111., publish numerous helpful tracts, etc. A little leaflet entitled "A Word for You" is excellent for general distribution at the conclusion of a revival ser- vice. "From Infidelity to Christianity" Rev. F. Von Schluembach, as told by him at one of Mr. Moody's meetings in St. Louis; "Hints to Workers" is a single leaf or Bible mark with double ruled red border, prepared by Mr. Daniel Sloan, Assistant General Secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association, giving good hints to workers in the inquiry meeting and instructors of single inquirers. Samples may be had upon request addressed to Mr. Sloan, enclosing an envelope stamped and addressed for the return. On the reverse side of this "Hints to Workers" is "The Worker's Guide, " by the same author. It formulates seventy of the doubts and difficulties which are likely to find expression at the lips of those who come into the inquiry room, and opposite each is the text of Scripture which may be helpful in meeting the difficulty. THE care; op* young convkrTs. 139 CHAPTER XXIV. THE CARE OF YOUNG CONVERTS. ^T^HE care of young converts is b}' far the most arduous and difficult -*- — equally as important as any other portion of the work connected with or growing, out of a revival. There are more failures by congre- gations and pastors in this important part of the work, than there are in the work of the revival. The revival work is pleasant, stimulating, happy; the work of subsequent care and nurture is laborious, long- continued, and comes at just that time when the pastor and people are worn, and the physical powers are almost exhausted by protracted effort. For lack of proper nursing and care, a large proportion of those born into the world die in infancy. What is true in the natural is true also in the spiritual, that for lack of care and Christian nurture many fall again into sin and become dead to the church and every holy in- fluence. ' It is just at this point where the Catechetical Class, the Society of Christian Endeavor, the Class Meeting, the Schools for Bible Study, the Pastor's Bible Class, Young Christian's Associations, Young Con- vert's Prayer-meetings, Bible Reading Circles, and other agencies come into excellent service, and for which we refer the reader to the other departments of this volume. Rev. Thos. Armitage, D. D., in writing of "What are Your Duties to the Inquirer After He is Converted," says: i. "To treat him with ex- treme tenderness. He is but 'a babe in Christ.' He needs treating much like a babe. 2. Keep up an interest in his welfare after his con- version. 3. Set him at work, while in his 'first love,' to bring others to Christ. Follow the example of Jesus in sending him to tell his friends ' what great things the L,ord hath done for his soul. ' 4. In- struct him to unite with some Christian church. Such instruction would be apostolic. If truly born again, he cannot confess Christ and share the faithful watch-care of His church too soon. Few converts continue to lead a godly life, if they refuse to unite with Christ's church. 5. If you are at a loss to know what church to commend to him, find what his own predilections are, and introduce him to some faithful man of that ecclesiastical body which he prefers. But if he has no such preference, then you are bound, as an honest man, to take him with you to the church to which you belong, if he is willing to accept your invitation. ' ' 140 METHODS OF CHURCH WORE. Rev. Herrick Johnson, D. D., in speaking of the "Work Subsequent to Revival," says: " i. Converts should be enrolled as members of the church upon satisfactory evidence of their conversion. When they show that they are of Christ's flock, they have a right in the fold. 2. Converts should be taught specially and systematically in Christian doctrine. Express provision of some kind should be made for this, that these new disciples may be earl}' rooted and grounded in the faith. 3. Converts should be put immediately at some active service. Early activity of brain and heart and hands and tongue in Christian direc- tions will make future wall-flowers, and dumb Lazaruses and drones in the church, an impossibility. Only let the activity be suited to the case, both in kind and degree, and provocative of neither pride nor depression, 4. Converts should be given congenial association. Some of them have been revolutionized not only in their inner life, but in all outward association. They must be surrounded by something that shall take the place of old companionship 5. The new disciples should be made to understand that their type of pietj^ must be better than that they find in the church. How is the church ever to grow beautiful for situation, and to have her robes spotless and befitting the bride of Christ, if the coming Christians take no higher plane of Chris- tian living than those who have preceded them ? 6. The whole church must be made familiar with the idea that training young disciples is just as important as securing them; and that this duty and privilege are at the door of every church member receiving these young converts to communion." In the ' ' Sketch of Mission Work of the Parish Church of the Holy Trinity," of New York City, Rev. Stephen H. Tyng, Jr., D. D., adopted the following method: " Training. — In this division of our work are included all the educa- tional, preaching, and social agencies which have for their object train- ing in the Christian life. "At the base, of course, is our Sunday-school. We have had two separate Sunday-schools in the church in the morning, with separate officers and teachers, and a third one in the afternoon. We also have schools connected with our mission chapels. In all, we have now some- thing over two thousand teachers and children in the five schools di- rectly connected with us. We also have some other Sabbath-school work connected with us indirectly, as in the Institution for the Rup- tured and Crippled. In all our Sunday-school work we make no dis- tinction between the children of the church and mission children. I aim to have unity of instruction throughout our Sunday-schools. THE CARE OF YOUNG CONVERTS. 14! ' * The theory of our Sunday inorni7ig preaching — the idea of which is the edification of believers, and only secondarily ingathering — is to fur- nish the workers, the teachers, the visitors, the lay-preachers, with ma- terial for their work on Sunday afternoon and in the evening, and throughout the week, as well as the culture of Christian households. ' ' Next in training to the Sunday-school is the Normal class of the older young men and young women, and of the adults in the congrega- tion who are being trained, and from whom our teachers are, as a rule, taken for all these departments. ' ' On Wednesdays and Fridays I have Bible readings — one in the morn- ing and another in the afternoon — for the special study of the Word with those who are at liberty to come together at the appointed hours. At these Bible readings we take up topics and trace them through the Word. This fall I began a series of readings on the fifteen titles given to our Lord in the first chapter of John. These Bible readings are a most enthusiastic service. I had, on an average, one hundred and fifty people in attendance at every reading, last year; and I hope to have more this year. Men attend as well as women. These readings are always under my own supervision. "Next in training we have the young convert' s classes. Persons who come into the communion of the church by profession, and who are confirmed, are organized into classes for pastoral instruction. They meet once a month for that purpose. I always teach them. I have now four such classes, with a membership of over five hundred in all. We take up topics adapted to the development of young Christians. The Scripture is the basis, and the only basis, of training in all these various departments. The members of these classes are all converts of the last two years. We have a secretary, we call the roll, and at each meeting we appoint a committee of men to visit the absent men, and of women to visit the absent women, whose duty it is to report at the next meeting; so that no new member of the church can be lost for over a month. We know where he is within a month after he has strayed away. "My assistant also has a Bible-reading for men on one of the evenings of the week before the evangelistic meeting. His special pastoral duty is in connection with those of the congregation who are not pewholders. He visits the poor and the sick, attends weddings and funerals and is engaged in other like labor. ' ' I have already spoken of our inquiry and young converts' meetings. We have provision to connect the inquirers and young converts with the church and to keep them under our watch and care before they have 142 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. made any profession of religion, after they have shown some interest. This is very important. For this purpose we have a band of workers, some of whom are members of the Andrew and Philip Society and of the Mary and Martha Society. Their special function is to watch over inquirers and keep them in accord with the assistant, and through him with me, during the time which intervenes between their inquiry and their joining the church. As soon as they are converted, in anticipa- tion of the next confirmation we prepare them for a profession of Christ. This co7ifirmation class meets every Monday evening. It is connected with the young converts' meeting. After the young converts' meeting, while there is an inquiry meeting for ingathering, I take the confirma- tion class into another room and talk to them. The object of this second meeting is not so much instruction, which is mostly given to the whole body; it is rather personal acquaintance and fellowship. My object is to keep them in harmony with me. "Of course, most of the work, both of ingathering and of training, has chiefly reference, not to the regular pew-holders, but to those who are not regular attendants upon any church. The families of the pew- holders are in personal relations to me and come to me directly. I know them and their homes, and strive to look after their spiritual interests mj^self If I see any that are interested I visit them, and bring them in through personal influence. But all go into the same confirmation class and through the same system of instruction. The rich and poor meet together. I labor directly with the regularly attendant families of my church and congregation, and indirectly through these other agencies with those who are non-pew-holders. "At the instance of some of our ladies I have held Home Bible Readings in different houses, to which their friends have been invited. These have been found very profitable. I am ready to do as much of this work as my friends desire. "To those informal meetings should be added our Commwiicants' Meetiyig, which is held on the Saturday morning preceding the first Sunday in the month. The whole church is expected to be present on this occasion. The instruction is preparatory to the privilege of the I^ord's Supper on the following day. ' ' Closely connected with the work of training are Pastoral Visitation and the Breaking- of Bread. "In the matter of pastoral visitation I have always held that the time of a pastor is too precious to be wasted on vapid social visiting. The sick, afflicted, and those in trouble are the sole objects of such attention. These would do well to remember the precept: ' Is any sick among JOINING THE CHURCH. I43 you? let him call for the elders of the church.' (James 5: 14.) For the well and strong the pastor should have hours daily when he may be sought and seen in his study. "Whilst the inquiry meeting is the commencement, the ordinance of breaking bread may be regarded as the culmination of our system of training. This is founded on the habit of the early church as recorded in the second chapter of Acts. It is practically an informal communion service, and is held in one of the rooms of our chapel immediately at the close of our Sunday morning service. No special invitation is given to its attendants, but all are welcomed who love the Lord Jesus in sin- cerity and enjoy fellowship with his friends. The form of the service is flexible and Scriptural. A hymn introduces it, then follow a few re- marks connecting the ordinance with the topic of the sermon which has just been preached. The words of our Lord and the apostles are em- ployed in prayer and thanksgiving, after which the elements of bread and wine are distributed to the people kneeling in their places. After supper we sing a hymn and are dismissed with words of caution and blessing read from the Bible. This is a most elevating service. Seldom do we fail to weep together for joy as the Lord makes himself known to us in the breaking of bread. The average attendance is one hundred and fifty, among whom are always found some of the most. advanced and spiritually-minded of our people. On the first Sunday of the month, when our church communion is celebrated, this service is omitted. "To sum up all that has been said: Sunday-schools, Public Preach- ing, Inquiry and Young Converts' Meetings, Bible Readings, Prayer- meetings, Normal Class, Confirmation Classes, Pastoral Conversation, and the Ordinance of the Lord's Supper, in its two modes of celebra- tion, combine in our agencies of training." CHAPTER XXV. JOINING THE CHURCH. WHEN young converts and others are to be brought into the church various questions are propounded by the various denominations. One congregation in New York City propounds the following before the ofiicial board will take action upon the application: " ist. Have you truly and earnestly repented of your sins ? 2d. Do you believe in our I/ord Jesus Christ as your present and sufficient Saviour ? 3d. Are you in 144 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. Love and Charity witti all nieu ? And especially do you love the society of Chris- tian people ? 4th. Will you endeavor by God's help, to lead a life of holy self- denial and Christian effort for the salvation of others ? 5th. Have you been baptized." Signed .^^__ In the Market Street Presbyterian Church of Han'isburg, when the request of the appHcant has been sanctioned by the Session, the clerk sends the following notice: "Harrisburg, Pa., 188 " Greeting: "The session of Market Square Presbyterian Church take pleasure in informing you that your examination was sustained, and that you have been received into the , of the church. "You will be expected to make a public confession of your faith before the con- gregation, on the morning of the Lord's day, 1S8 "We take this opportunity to remind you of some of the obligations which arise out of your new relation to the church, and which we trust it will be your pleasure to discharge. " Be mindful to remember daily in 5'our prayers the particular church of which you are a member, and the universal church of Christ in the earth. " You are to attend, so far as you may be able, the public services of the sanctu- ary, and to engage actively in some branch of church work. "You are to contribute, according as the Lord hath prospered you, toward the support of the church, and toward the benevolent causes which she from to time puts before you. "You are to study the peace, the purity, and the prosperity of the church; to guard her good name, and to invite and welcome others to her services and mem- bership. "You are to render obedience unto the spiritual rulers in the exercises of their lawful authority, and should you remove from the bounds of our congregation, you are to request a letter of dismission and of recommendation to the sister church with which, in the providence of God, your lot may be cast. "Lastly and including all, you are to live a consistent and active Christian life, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, and living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. " 'And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly, and we pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. ' "By Order of the Session. Moderator. _Clerk.' An excellent little pamphlet tract to place in the hands of all who unite with the church is published by the American Tract Society, and JOINING THK CHURCH. 145 entitled "Commencing a Religious Life," (48 pp., single copies 3 cents); also " Counsels to Converts," (107 pp., single copies 15 cents), "Counsels to Young Converts," (32 pp., single copies 3 cents), and numerous others in the valuable collection of the Society. HELPFUIv RUI,ES FOR YOUNG CHRISTIANS. I. Never neglect daily private prayer ; and when you pray, remember that God is present, and that he hears your prayers. (Heb. xi. 6.) II. Never neglect daily private Bible reading: and when you read, remember that God is speak- ing to 5'ou, and that you are to believe and act upon what he says. I believe all back-sliding begins with the" neglect of these two rules. (John V. 39.) III. Never profess to ask God for anything you do not want. Tell him the truth about your- self, however bad it makes you, and then ask him, for Christ's sake, to forgive you for what you are, and to make you what you ought to be. (John iv. 24.) IV. Never let a day pass without trying to do something for Jesus. Every night reflect on what Jesus has done for you, and then ask yourself, what have I done to-day for Him ? (Matt. v. 13-16.) V. If ever you are in doubt as to a thing being right or wrong, go to your room, and kneel down and ask God's blessing upon it. (Col. iii. 17.) If you can not do this, it is wrong. (Rom. xiv. 23.) VI. Never take your Christianity from Chris- tians, orargue that, because such and such people do so and so, therefore you may. (2 Cor. x. 12.) You are to ask yourself." " How would Christ act in my place ?" and strive to follow him. (John X. 27.) VII. Never believe what you feel, if it contra- dicts God's Word. Ask yourself Can what I feel be true, if God's Word is true? and if both cannot be true, believe God, and make your own heart the liar. (Rom. iii. 4 ; i John v. 10, 11.) PRECIOUS CHAPTERS. Psalms : twenty-third, forty-sixth, fifty-first, eighty-fourth, ninety-first, one hundred nine- teenth, one hundred twenty-first, one hundred forty-eighth. Isaiah : forty-first, fifty-third and fifty-fifth. Daniel: third. M.^tthew : fifth. Luke : eleventh, fifteenth. John : tenth, four- teenth, fifteenth and seventeenth. Acts: second. Romans : eighth. First Corinthians : thir- teenth, fifteenth. Second Corinthians: fifth. Ephesians : fifth. CoLOSSiANS: third. First Thessalonians : fifth. Hebrews: eleventh. James: first and second. First Peter: fourth. First John: third and fifth. Revelations: twenty-first and twenty-second. Study very carefully "the Gospel and Epistles of John. 10 Part IV. SOCIAI, MEETINGS. CHAPTER XXVI. LITERARY AND SOCIAL MEETINGS. THE social feature should never be lost sight of in the church. In the Old Testament church it had an important place. Three times a year the entire population came up together to worship at the Temple. Their feasts partook largely of the social. S.o in the work of the church to-day, the social should never be overlooked. The various social gath- erings and friendly meetings in use throughout the country are too well known to need any space or attention here. Great care needs to be exercised lest the social absorb all the ener- gies of a congregation, or descends to entertainments which are ruinous in their tendencies and injurious in their results. In sewing and such other societies where but a small section of a congregation is represented, great care should be exercised to prevent the meeting from degenerating into a mere gathering for gossip. One of the pastors in Philadelphia has a regular evening in each week when the congregation is requested to meet socially in one of the church parlors. While not more than forty or fifty usually gather at any one meeting, yet all the members drop in at such times as best suit their convenience, and so there is regularly a pleasant company at which the pastor is always present, new acquaintances are formed, the people be- come more interested in each other, new members are introduced, and the busy pastor is enabled to meet his people without spending his time go- ing from house to house visiting those who are able to come and see him. Literary Societies. — Organizations of yOung people which take upon themselves the character of a literary society may be made very helpful in developing talents which will prove serviceable, nftt only in the church, but which will also fit those who enjoy these advantages for the larger responsibilities and duties of life. The success or failure of a lit- erar>' society, run in connection with the church, is largely dependent upon the judicious management of either the pastor or those into whose hands the trust is committed. The greatest good of the society usually demands that the members should be left to exercise their own judg- (146) I.ITERARY AND SOCIAI, MKETINGS. I47 ment and preferences in the choice of subjects for discussion, election of officers, and all such matters as would tend to develop their talents; while, at the same time, it is usually well, and often essential that the pastor, or some other suitable person, should be in regular attendance, that he may, by his presence, secure that order and dignity which will be necessary for the best permanent results. Great wisdom is needed upon the part of the pastor in order to make the society a success. In the preceding pages, under the head of "The Society of Christian Endeavor," (page 43), "The White Cross Army," (page 54), "The White Ribbon Army," (page 60), "Young Christians' Association," (page 63), and other portions of this volume, valuable suggestions will be found with regard to the form of constitution and by-laws for govern- ment of such societies. These societies may be of a purely literary and social character, or they may take upon themselves such religious features as are incorporated in the Society of Christian Endeavor or others, or as are indicated in the following, taken from the constitution and by-laws of the Young Men's L,eague of Centenary M. E. Church, Chicago, 111.: ' ' CONSTITUTION. "ArTici^E I. This organization shall be known and recognized as the 'Young Men's League of Centenary M. E. Church.' "Art. 2. The object and name of this League shall be : i. To assist one another in our spiritual growth by a hearty cooperation and mutual assistance among our- selves in advancing the cause of Christ in our own hearts. 2. To consecrate ourselves completely to the service of Christ, and to use every opportunity, individually and collectively, in winning souls for the Master. 3. To endeavor, by the grace of God and by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to raise the standard of Christian life and excel- lence among the young people of Centenary Church, by helping and encouraging those who are weak or just starting in the Christian life, and by letting our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify oi:r Father which is in Heaven. 4. To assist the pastor and church in the various phases of church work, and to lend a helping baud wherever needed. 5. To do general missionary work outside of the church by inviting visitors to the regular services, and espec- ially to the revival and devotional meetings, where the workings of the Holy Spirit upon their hearts may be manifested by public testimony. 6. To be messengers of charity to those in need, to visit the sick, and comfort those in affliction ; every- thing to be done in the true spirit of Christian love, with an eye single to the glory of Christ — not looking to the reward. 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these, ye have done it unto me.' " Numerous societies of this character have been organized in various congregations in the city of Chicago, and are proving of great sennce in the work of the church. They are in no manner connected with lit- erary societies, but principles such as these may be profitably embodied in the constitution of a literary society organized in the Christian church. 148 me;thods of church work. The following constitution and by-laws, whicli have been in actual service, may be suggestive in preparing to organize a literary society. "PREAMBIvE. " The young people of St. John's Lutheran church and Sunday-school, being desirous of forming a society for the intellectual and moral culture of its members, have formed an association for securing these results with the following "constitution. "Article; I. — Name. The name of this society shall be The Young People's Literary Society of St. John's Lutheran Church of Lancaster, Pa. '' h-^tici^-^ 11.— Object. Section i. The object of this society shall be to secure the intellectual and moral culture of its members. SEC. 2. This society shall seek to secure the interest of all its members in the welfare of the church and Sunday-school. " ARTIC1.E 111.— Membership. Section I. Any member of St. John's Lutheran or Gotwald Mission Sunday-schools, of the age of sixteen years or upward, may become an active member of this society, if his or her name shall have been pro- posed by one of the members at a regular meeting of the society, and if at the meet- ing, held one week following, such person nominated shall receive a three-fourths vote of all the ballots cast by the members present, and paying the fee hereinafter named, assenting to the initiation, and subscribing to the Constitution and By-laws. Sec. 2. Any person sixteen years of age, or more, may become an Associate Member in the same manner as described in Section i of this same article. SEC. 3. Associate members shall have all the rights of active members with the fol- lowing exceptions, viz. : They shall not vote on constitutional amendments. SEC. 4. Every candidate shall be initiated, sign the Constitution and By-laws of the society, and agree heartily to support the same before he shall be entitled' to the rights of membership. " ARTICI.E IV. — Officers. Section i. The officers of this society shall be a Presi- dent, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Critic. Sec. 2. Duties of Officers : It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the society, to establish and maintain order, to see that the Constitution and By-laws are enforced, to appoint all committees unless otherwise ordered, to sign all orders for moneys voted by the society, and to discharge all other duties which regularly appertain to his office. Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the Vice-President to preside in the absence, or at the request of the President. SEC. 4. The Secretary shall keep a full record of the proceedings of each meeting of the society, and shall call the roll of the members of the society at the appointed time, collect the dues and any fines which may be imposed at each meeting, and perform any other duties which usually devolve upon the office of Secretary. Sec. 5. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to keep a just and accurate account of all moneys received by him for the society, and of all expenditures and disbursements voted by the society, and ordered by the President. He shall make a report of the amount in the treas- ury at each meeting, and a statement of the amounts received and the disburse- ments ordered at the previous meeting. SEC. 6. It shall be the duty of the Critic to note the order of the society, and to pronounce judgment upon all the exercises. For this purpose he shall carefully observe the manner, gestures, pronunciation, LITERARY AND SOCIAI, MEJETINGS. I49 etc., of each person, notiug all mistakes in grammar or diction, and present the same in writing at the conclusion of each meeting. "Article V. — Elections. Section i. The officers of this society shall serve for a term of eight meeting nights, or until their successors shall be elected. Sec. 2. The election shall be by ballot, and a majority of all votes cast shall be necessary to an election. SEC. 3. The candidates for election shall be nomi- nated one week previous to the date of the election. " ArTICi^e VI. — Conimiitees. All committees shall be appointed by the President, unless otherwise ordered. "Article VII. — Amendments. This Constitution may be amended or altered at any regular meeting by a vote of two-thirds of the active members present, pro- vided a public notice shall have been given at a regular meeting two weeks previous. "by-i,aws. " Article I. — Meetings. The regular meetings of this society shall be held on Monday evening of each week at 8 o'clock. At the request of one-third of the members of the society, the President may call a special meeting, provided all the members shall have been notified of the time, place and purpose of the meeting. "Article II. — Quorum. One-fourth of the members enrolled shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. "Article \Yl.— Order of Business. The order of business at the meetings of this society shall be as follows : i. Roll-call. 2. Reading of the minutes of pre- vious meeting. 3. Music, either instrumental or vocal or both, by the society, as maybe provided. 4. Reception of new members. 5. Order of exercises: («.) Recitation, {b.) Selection, {c.) Music, (as arranged by the Music Committee.) {d.) Selections, [e.) Answering referred questions, {f.) Regular debate, {g.) General debate, (/z.) Sentiment roll. 6. Treasurer's report. 7. Reports of com- mittees. 8. Miscellaneous business. 9. New business. 10. Election of officers. II. Critic's report. 12. Collection of dues. 13. Music. 14. Adjournment. "Article IV. — Initiation Fees and Dues. Section i. New members, both active and associate, shall paj' an initiatio'J fee of 25 centa This section shall aot apply to any lady who shall join this society either as an active or associate mem- ber. Sec. 2. All male members present shall pay the sum of five cents per week as society dues. SEC. 3. Any members being absent on the evening when they have been assigned a part in the exercises shall be fined ten cents, unless excused by the society. SEC. 4. Any members being present and failing to perform the duties to which they have been assigned, shall be fined ten cents, unless excused by the society. SEC. 5. Any member being absent without acceptable excuse, for a period of two mouths, shall be suspended. "Article V. — Initiatio7i of Members. Every person elected to membership in this society shall affirm to the following : ' I promise to conform to the Constitu- tion, By-Laws, and Rules of Order, of the Young People's Literary Society of St. John's Lutheran Church, and promise to do all in my power to promote its interest so long as I shall remain a member thereof.' "Article VI. — hiauguration of Officers. Before the officers elect shall assume the duties of their offices, the retiring President shall require of each to affirm the following public promise, viz.: ' I promise to fulfill, to the best of my knowledge and ability, the duties of the office to which I have been elected, until my successor shall have been elected and duly installed.' I50 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. "Article VII. — Offenses. Any member wlio shall treat with disrespect the President or any other of the officers, or any one whose demeanor and bearing shall be such as to be prejudicial to the good order of the society, may be expelled or suspended ; the motion for such action must be made by some member, and the final action deferred for at least two regular meetings. A two-thirds' vote of the members present shall be necessary to expel. "Article VIII. The meetings of the society shall be governed by the rules of order laid down by Matthias in all cases not in conflict with the forgoing Constitu- tion and By-Laws. "Article IX. Section i. The By-Laws of this society may be altered or amended by a two-thirds' vote, provided one week's notice of the same shall have been previously given. SEC. 2. The By-Laws of this society may be suspended, for the time, at any meeting, by a two-thirds' vote of the active members present." Reading Circles, Congregational Libraries, Etc. — The institution of circles within the congregation, pursuing a course of reading or study, may oftentimes be made of great service to the individual and to the church where there are already libraries in the congregation, or even a good sized library in the Sunday-School. The books may be classified and arranged in series. In this way, much of the time that is spent in reading without a plan will be redeemed for some definite purpose. Books which have been written by different authors, and which bear no relation to each other may be brought together in a series which will give both unity and variety. The books which refer to travel and for- eign countries may be arranged in ' 'A Tour Round the World in Books. ' ' Other books into "Science Series," "Glimpses of the Past," "Good Counsel for Young Men," "Ways that Win," "Ways to Wealth," and a variety of other series which will prove tempting and profitable to the consectitive reader. The order of the books in the library may remain the same as though no such serial classification had been adopted, and thus the good books will have a double chance of being called for — first in the regular catalogue, and second in the serial catalogue. CHAUTAUQUA, LAKKSIDK AND OTHER CLASSES. The movement which resulted in the formation of the Chautauqua Classes and all other similar movements in this country, originated with Rev. J. H. Vincent, D. D., and the movement was inaugurated in the summer of 1878. That the society supplies a want widely realized is is evident by the fact that the first year 8,000 names were enrolled, and under the title of "Assembly," "Congress," "Parliament," "Encamp- ment," and other names, similar organizations were formed through- out the land from Ocean Grove to the Yosemite. There is also a very flourishing organization, known as "The I^akeside Classes," under the supervison of Rev. B. T. Vincent, LITERARY AND SOCIAI, MEETINGS. I5I The course of study is planned to cover four years, and may by ac- complished by some readers by devoting one hour daily for ten months of the year. It embraces the general subjects of History, Science, Lit- erature, and the Bible study, with a few other branches which might be included under the terms ' ' Home' ' and ' ' Character. ' ' Local societies may be organized with but even a few members in any congregation or community. Those desiring to organize should procure a pamphlet by the General Secretary, A. M. Martin, entitled "Local Circles: How to Organize and How to Conduct Them." This movement deserves the fullest sympathy and most hearty cooperation of pastors and people of all denominations. In February, 1885, a charter was granted under the title of "Chautau- qua University" by the Legislature of New York. The university was originally divided into five deparments, as follows: i. The Chatauqua Assembly, with its Summer meetings. Lectures, Schools of Language, and Teachers' Retreat. 2. *rhe Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Cir- cle, with a course of readings occupying four years, and covering in its outlook the whole field of general knowledge. 3. The Chautauqua College of Liberal Arts, with complete college curricula. 4. The Chau- tauqua School of Theology, with a thorough course of study for min- isters and students of divinity. 5. The Chautauqua Press, the purpose of which is to provide the literature made necessary by these different schools. In the summer of 1886 the Chautauqua Normal Union was also add- ed to the University, which has for its purpose a more thorough ac- quaintance of Sunday School teachers with the Bible. Full information concerning the growth and work of the University would require many pages and could not then be rendered full and satisfactory. Catalogues, circulars, etc., giving full information concerning the different depart- ments of the Chautauqua work, can be secured by addressing the Gen- eral Secretary, A. M. Martin, Plainfield, N. J. Part v. PASTOR'S AIDS. CHAPTER XXVII. DEACONESSES. THK magnitude and importance of the work in the pastorate is com- ing slowly to the recognition it so justly merits, and which, in the light of God's word, it imperatively demands. Under the old dispensation one-twelfth of all the tribes were either personally engaged in the affairs of the Temple, or were preparing for it, or were in some way ministering in helpfulness to those who were actively engaged in the work. The statement would not be too strong if we claimed that to every fifty indi- viduals there was at least one who was actively engaged in the oversight of the spiritual interests of the people. In the New Testament church the same adequate supply of "ministers" was aimed at. Deacons and Deaconesses were marshaled for effective work, aiding the apostles in their preaching by caring for the sick and ministering to the poor. In the congregations to-day many pastors are left virtually alone, be- ing almost unassisted in the care of the spiritual and physical needs, not only of those who are members of the church, but having: also to care for those who, because oi the attendance oi a smgie member of the fam- ily upon the services of the church or of the children upon the Sunday School, look to the pastor for ministrations in their days of sickness or need. A pastor of a church with a membership of about 400 usually has about 1,000 or more persons who look to him as their spiritual guide and temporal counselor. It is easy to see how important and even imperative it is that numerous aids should be brought to assist the pastor in accomplishing that great work, which, if done at all, must be done through the agency of the church. "Without stopping to empha- size the importance of a work which all must recognize, we proceed to present some of the agencies now being employed by the Christian church. Deaconesses, Sisters, Etc. — The office of deaconess in the apostolic church is quite universally conceded. In his letter to the Romans, (Chap. 16: 1-2.), Paul says, "I commend unto thee Phebe, our sister, who is a ser- ( 152 ) pastor's aids. 153 vant of the church which is at Cenchreae, that ye receive her in the I/Ord as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you, for she hath been a succorer of many, and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquilla, my helpers in Christ." With such and other like allusions to the women who labored with him in the gospel, it is manifest that Christian women were ofiicially employed at that time in the Christian church. Their duties were to take care of the poor and the sick of the congregations, and to minister to the crim- inal classes in the prisons. In post-apostolic times the office of deacon- ess became even more distinct, with duties varying in different periods of history. In the Middle Ages, when women by thousands, in all Christian countries, sought the convent, the order gradually disappeared. The restoration of the office of deaconess in the Protestant church was begun in 1836 by Rev. Theodore Fliedner, a Lutheran pastor at Kaisers- werth, on the Rhine, in Westphalia. Three years earlier, he had opened a small refuge for discharged female convicts, but his tour through Holland and England, in which he had been enabled to study the prison systems and to become familiar with the needs of the poorer classes, brought him into greatest sympathy with the oppressed and needy of every condition, and qualified him to begin the work, which, although begun under such unpromising auspices, without patronage and with- out help, has since gone out into the world with helpfulness and tender ministries, until to-day there are deaconess houses at Strasburg, Berlin, Dresden and numerous other points in Germany, besides those which have been established in Holland, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden and the United States. Between 184.6 and 18.51. more than sixty of the deacon- esses from Kaiserswerth were at work in twenty -five different places, reaching out even as far as Palestine. In 1849 Pastor Fliedner himself brought four deaconesses to America, and saw them established in the infirmary at Pittsburgh, which had been founded by Rev. W. A. Pass- avant, D. D., and in 1884 eight nurses were sent to Philadelphia, where they are now ministering to the sick in the German Hospital, and where a mother-house for training nurses is now in process of construction. In Kaiserswerth, instead of one small house, there are now eleven great buildings. The names of these institutions are suggestive of the activities in which these good people are engaged. There is a Magda- lene Asylum, Kindergarten, Deaconess Hospital, Female Orphan Asy- lum, Female Normal School, An Asylum for Insane Females, A Train- ing School for Deaconesses, The Paul Gerhardt Home for Aged Women, High School for Girls and the Dairy. In these, one hundred sisters labor. Besides these institutions at Kaiserswerth, a little more than a 154 MlBTHODS Olf CHURCH WORK. year ago there were scattered over four continents fifty-seven Mother- houses, 6,366 deaconesses, laboring in 1,925 different institutions and fields of labor, ministering to the sick, the dying and the wayward in a score of different languages. The deaconesses trained at Kaiserswerth are of three kinds. The first devote themselves to the sick as nurses, and also to the poor and fallen in Magdalene Asylums. The second class are devoted to teaching. The third class is comprised of those deaconesses who are prepared for parochial work, to assist the pastor in visiting the poor, caring for the orphans, and attending to the sick in the congregation. Each of these classes is prepared by thorough training for the special department of the work to which they have devoted themselves. The admission of applicants is dependent upon a good Christian character and a strong and healthy constitution. They must be either unmarried or widows between the ages of sixteen and forty, dedicating themselves to this work for a period of at least five years. Those at Kaiserswerth take upon themselves no vows like the Sisters of Charity in the Roman Catholic Church, and their habit is that of a plain and becoming style of dress. The manner in which the office of deaconess can be brought .into re- quisition and help in the work of the regular pastors is exhibited in the following order, which was issued by the Council of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, in Philadelphia, in 1878, during the pastorate of Rev. J. A. Kunkleman, D. D.: "The duties of the deaconesses shall be: i. To visit the poor and sick members of the congregation, especially the females, and to relieve with the funds of the church such as may need aid. 2. To visit and ascertain the wants of the needy families in the congregation who have been afflicted by death, and render assistance when needed. 3. To bring to the attention of the pastor cases of sickness and religious in- terest, of which they may have knowledge, where a visit from the pas- tor might be desirable. 4. To take an interest in, and promote the wel- fare of such orphan children of the church as may need their care. 5. To visit families who have moved within the bounds of the congrega- tion, and invite them to the church and Sunday-school. 6. To perform, in the name of the church, such labors of love and mercy as will pro- mote the temporal comfort and spiritual interests of mankind. ' ' TRAINING SCHOOLS IN THE) UNITKD STATKS. I55 CHAPTER XXVIII. TRAINING SCHOOLS IN THE UNITED STATES. ^TT^HE pressing need of more assistants who are qualified to be help- -■- ful to the pastor is coming so miiversally to be recognized in all branches of the church in this country, that various institutions have already been founded for the purpose of qualifying both men and women to engage in aiding the pastor in the varied work which devolves upon him. Our space will permit us to give to these but the briefest notice. In the seminary established for young ladies at Northfield, by Mr, D. Iv. Moody, there is a Bible Normal Department in connection with the ordinary literary course. Here is taught not only the best methods of studying and teaching the Bible, but, in order to prepare the pupils for work in the Sunday-school, Inquiry-room, or Experience Meeting, as the need might be, and also to prepare them for the practical methods of Christian Work. There is also a Missionary Training School in Chicago, connected with the Baptist Church, and in the City of New York among the undenominational enterprises there is also the Bethany Institute. Among those which are designed to prepare men and women for larger usefulness, both at home and abroad, may be named the Chicago Training School for City, Home and Foreign Mis- sions, located at 114 to 122 Dearborn avenue, with Rev. M. M. Park- hurst, D. D., as President, and Ducy Rider Meyer, Principal and Cor- responding Secretary. This school was founded on the 20th of Octo- ber, 1885, in a rented house. It has enjoyed a steady growth, and now occupies a large and convenient building, erected at a cost of $25,000. The cost of board, fuel and light is $3 per week. There is no charge for tuition. The object of this institution is given as follows in the Catalogue: "This institution was established to increase the number and efficiency of evan- gelistic workers, in both home and foreign fields, and to utilize the undirected or misdirected energies of Christian women in active religious work. Its specific ob- jects are : ist. To give to any one who desires it, whether intending to enter the Missionary field or not, a broad, basal knowledge of the Word of God. ' 2d. To afford a thorough drill in Methods of Teaching. 3d. To give general information concerning Missionary Fields, including statistics and a knowledge of the habits, customs and religion of the people. 4th. To afford an opportunity for Courses of Lectures on Elementary Medicine and Nursing, with some practical training in Dispensary work. 5th. To give practical training in the missionary work of our large city, by industrial schools, and house to house visitation among the ne- 156 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. glected classes. 6th. To furnish a true home uuder Christian and missionary influ- ences for our students, and to give practical training in domestic work and man- agement, under the care of a competent matron. 7th. To test those offering themselves for home or foreign missionary fields, both as to physical strength, mental fitness and consecrated purposes. 8th. To aid churches and pastors in the present great emergency in city missionary work." The Trainiyig of Laymen for Christian Work. — In September, 1885, there was opened at Springfield, Mass., "The School for Christian Workers." A large and handsome four-story brick building, having accommodation for seventy-five students, and adapted specially to the needs of the work, has been erected, and during the first winter there were twenty-three students in attendance. It is inter-denominational in character, having both trustees and instructors from the leading de- nominations. Its two-fold object is i. The training of young men for Superintendents of Sunday-schools and lay helpers, and 2. A course of preparation for those who seek qualification for the Secretaryship of Young Men's Christian Associations. It is in no sense a lay college for training men to preach, but only to qualify men to become lay helpers in Christian work. "The course of instruction includes the following topics: The Bible; Systematic Bible Truth; History of the Bible; History of Evangelical Christianity; Christian Ethics; Missions; Evidences of Christianity; Lives of Eminent Christians; The Prayer-meeting and its Methods; How to deal with Inquirers; a complete and sys- tematic course of preparation for the Secretaryship of Young Men's Christian Associations, under a competent and experienced worker; Outlines of History; Rhetoric; Elocution; Composition; Rules for Deliberative Bodies; Vocal Music and Physical Culture. There is also in the building a thoroughly-equipped Gymnasium, with daily, systematic training for all ihe students. " The Special wock in the Sunday-school Department includes: Aim, History, Plan, Woi-k of Sunday-schools. "Under these main divisions are discussed, in their proper connections, Frontier Work; Organization — I. of a Sunday-school, II. of Conventions, Unions, etc.; Man- agement; Qualifications of Teachers and Superintendents; Duties of Officers; Li- braries; How to Teach; Teachers' Meetings; Local, County, State, District, and International Committee Work. The course covers two years. Annual expense of about $200. Each student is expected to connect himself with some Church and Sunday-school of his own denomination, and work actively in it. The In- structor is, at the same time, the Superintendent of one of the Sunday-schools in the city, where he is enabled to put in practice the methods taught." Full information can be obtained by addressing the Secretary, Rev. S. ly. Merrell, 144 Buckingham Street, Springfield, Mass. the; king's daughters. 157 CHAPTER XXIX. THE KING'S DAUGHTERS. THE order of the King's Daughters was organized, or rather came in- to being as follows, as related in the pamphlet published by the so- ciety: " lyike the wind that bloweth where it listeth, a new spirit of unity and fellowship in Faith, Hope and Love had been moving for a long time upon the hearts of Christians everywhere. Many listening souls in many places had been hearing the sound thereof, knowing not whence it came or whither it led, but recognizing in it the Heavenly Father's voice. "In answer to that inward call. Christian hearts were drawn nearer to each other, until a little company of women united to form an out- ward Union to embody the union of spirit already born of God. ' ' They met for the first time — a little company of ten — at the resi- dence of Mrs. F. Bottome, (in New York city), on the morning of Jan- uary 13, 1 886. After consideration of the good to be gained, and the good to be done, by binding themselves together by a triple cord whose strands were Faith, Hope and Charity, they decided to organize them- selves into an order or sisterhood of service, adopting the ten times one is ten idea, and hoping by this closer union of grateful women to in- crease their usefulness many times ten fold. "The new order was called The King's Daughters ; choosing for its badge a ribbon of the royal color, to be worn with or without the Mal- tese cross. "Since to look upward is to trust, to look forward is to hope, and to look outward is to feel the woes of others, forgetting our own and to lend a hand is only Love in action, the members chose for their motto : Look np and Not Down, Look Forward a7id Not Back, Look Out and Not In, Lend a Hand. "And since Christ, the Elder Brother, lived these mottoes for their example, they took for their watchword ' in his name. ' "Since The King's Daughters are responsible only to the King, in all details is largest liberty. The object is not to cumber the service with needless organization, but to unite women already engaged in the Mas- ter's work, in a way to secure to each the sympathy and cooperation of all ; and to induce all to widen the circle of helpfulness by drawing in- to it constantly more and more hands to work for humanity, and more and more hearts to love the King. ' ' 158 METHODS OP CHURCH WORK. At the meeting out of which the organization grew, the following officers were elected : Mrs. F. Bottome, President, 18 Washington Place, New York City ; Mrs. M. ly. Dickinson, Secretary, 230 West Fifty-ninth street; Miss Helen Hamersley, Treasurer, 255 Fifth Avenue. "Hints mid Helps for the Order of the King's Daughters. — i. Each branch of the order consists of at least ten members. 2. The general society includes all branches. 3. Any woman may form a branch by uniting nine other women with herself for joint effort in doing good. 4. Each branch may choose its special work. Anything, however small or simple, that helps another human being to be better or happier is proper work for the Daughters of the King. 5. There should be frequent meetings of each Ten, at such intervals as they may choose. Such meet- ings should open with a passage of Scripture or a hymn and prayer. Reports should be given of the good accomplished; and plans for future work discussed. 6. Whatever special work may be done, all branches have the common work of increasing the number of Tens. Every member of a Ten may form any number of Tens. One may be the King's Daughter, and unite with no Ten. On the other hand. Tens may be formed without adopting the order's chosen name. Each Ten may organize and elect officers, but in so small a body it is not essential. The one who forms a Ten should keep a list of members and lines of work, and such inter- esting features and incidents as mark the growth and purposes of the branch. 7. It is contrary to the spirit of so elastic an organization to define the routine of what each Ten shall be and do. These points each must settle in accordance with its own conditions. The same suggestions would not be helpful to all branches, and any questions that may arise in the practical working of a branch may be ad- dressed to the members of the above named Central Ten." Tracts containing the above history of this order, suggestions of lines of work, etc., together with cards, can be had by addressing any of the officers given above. CHAPTER XXX. PAROCHIAL WORK FOR MEN AND WOMEN. ^ I ^HE following lines of work for women are taken from a circular by ^ Rev. Otis Glazebrook, rector of St. John's parish at Elizabeth, N. J., addressed to "the Eadies' Parochial Association" of that church: "The object of the Lajlies' Parochial Association of St. John's Church is to unite all the ladies of the parish in one organization, in order to accomplish the paro- chial work in a systematic and thorough manner. The work will be done by the following Committees, acting within the limits of the one organization, viz.: " I. Committee on the Church Home. 2. Committee on Industrial Schools. 3. Committee on Mothers' Missions. 4. Committee on Fathers' Missions. 5. PAROCHIAIv WORK FOR MKN AND WOMKN. 1 59 Committee on Missionary Work. 6. Committee on Relief. 7. Committee on Church Improvement. 8. Committee on Hospitality. 9. Committee on the Twenty Minutes Workers. 10. Committee on Collection. "The money to carry on the work of these Committees is to be raised by a monthly subscription, to be secured by the Collectors and paid into the Treasury of the Association. All moneys must go into this Treasury, and the monthly sub- scription paid by each lady will be the only amount asked of her for any work in the parish during the year. I most earnestly beg each lady in the parish to attach herself to at least one of the above Committees, and to make as liberal a monthly subscription as possible for the support of the parochial work. The complete suc- cess of the plan will depend upon every lady in the congregation becoming a member and subscriber of the Association, and the prompt and regular collection of the amount thus subscribed." In addition to the above, in many places the congregations interest themselves in the welfare of the criminal classes by holding services in the prison. Where one band cannot look after this work constantly, it will be found excellent for the several congregations to unite, each tak- ing their titrn in furnishing preaching, holding prayer-meetings, dis- tributing Christian papers and doing such other work as may be con- sistent with the regulations of the various prisons. In this connection with women's work, we give the following sug- gestive notice, taken from the New York Observer: ' ' As inquiry is often made in regard to practical methods of church work adopted by ladies' missionary societies, some account of a plan recently tried by the Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society of Hanover Presbyterian church, Wilmington, Del., may be helpful, lyast June it was decided by this society that a special offering for Home Missions should be made at their autumn meeting, to be given as a thank offering to the lyord, and this offering to be from money earned by work done, or saved by acts of self-denial, as far as possible. The following Sabbath, printed letters were placed in the pews of the church, inviting every lady of the congregation to unite with them in their thank-offering. At their autumn meetings the thank-offer- ings were handed in, in envelopes, with a suitable text of Scripture, in many cases stating how it was earned. An invalid sent in five dollars earned from the sale of fancy work and acts of self-denial. One lady dispensed with services of a servant, thereby saving four- teen dollars which she sent in as her offering. A very young lady earned five dollars by making candy. Another, still younger, made and sold plaques for five dollars Many made fancy work. A widow contributed one dollar from her little store. Another with very limited means handed in fifty cents ; and so on and on, until the thank-offerings amounted to seventy-six dollars and seventy cents, which, added to l6o MKTHODS OF CHURCH WORK. other money raised for Home Missions, made one hundred and fifty- seven dollars and thirty-eight cents, to be used towards the support of a mission school teacher. ' ' A cop5^ of the Constitution and By-laws for a Women's Aid Society or Parochial Association may easily be made from various forms already given, or it may be suggested by the following very excellent organi- zation also in St. John's Parish, Elizabeth, N. J., of which Rev. Otis A. Glazebrook is rector : "PrEambi^E. — The object of this Association is to unite the men of vSt. John's Church in good works, and to organize their labors systematically for the glory ot God and the good of their fellow men. "To fulfill this work, we require the earnest cooperation of all. We propose to ourselves : ist. To maintain the Christian faith and to promote the observance of all the services and ordinances of our church. 2d. To assist the Rector in paro- chial work. 3. To assist the Vestry in advancing the temporal interests of the church. 4th. To assist the Sunday-school and any other school work in connec- tion with the parish. 5th. To assist in the music and decoration of the church, and to encourage propriety, order and reverence in public worship. 6th. To aid in church extension, by supporting in every way in our power the missions of the church. 7th. To especially endeavor to induce the youth and men of the city to attend the church, to invite strangers to seats in the church, to encourage socia- bility in the congregation, to make arrangements for lectures, readings, musical entertainments and receptions, and thus afford every reasonable means of im- provement and recreation, under the control of a healthy religious influence. 8th. To encourage the practice of piety, virtue and charity, teach the ignorant, assist the weak, succor the distressed, console the afiiicted, relieve the poor, visit the sick, and give Christian burial to the dead. "Articles. — In order to carry out the above objects, the following articles have been adopted : "Article I. — Of Membership. Persons of good moral character wishing to avail themselves of the privileges and benefits of the church, shall be eligible for mem- bership, and shall be elected at any of the general or Executive Committee meetings. "Article II. — Of the President. The Rector of St. John's Church shall be President of the Association and preside at all meetings. In his absence the Vice- presidents shall preside in proper order. " Article III. — Of Other Officers. The other officers shall consist of a first and second Vice-president, a Secretary and a Treasurer, who shall be elected by ballot to serve for one year, and they shall not any of them be eligiblfe for a second term in the same ofi&ce, except after an interval of one year from the expiration of the first term. "Article IV. — Of the Secretary. The vSecretary shall keep a list of the mem- bers of the Association and of the committees on which they serve, and a record of its proceedings, which record, when properly approved, he shall carefully pre- serve, as also all papers and archives connected with the Association. He shall also conduct all the correspondence that may be required. PAROCHIAI, WORK FOR MKN AND WOMEN, l6l "ArTici^E v. — Of the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall receive all dues and other monej^s coming to the Association, and pay all claims which have been coun- tersigned by the Rector, after their approval by the Chairman of Special Commit- tee incurring the obligations. He shall keep a regular account of its financial af- fairs, make a report at every regular meeting; and his books shall be inspected yearly by a committee appointed for that purpose, or oftener, if so required by vote of the Association or Executive Committee. " ArTicIvE VI. — Of Committees. The work of the Association shall be carried on by the following committees : i. On St. John's Missions. 2. Finance. 3. Socia- bility and Entertainments. 4. Night Schools and Clubs. 5. Decoration. 6. Strangers. 7. The Parish Paper. 8. The Poor. "The Rector shall be Chairman of the Committee on Parish paper. The Chair- man of other committees shall be elected annually, and shall be ineligible for election for a second term, except after an interval of one year from the expiration of the first term. "The Committee on Finance shall consist of the Chairman and at least four other members to be selected by him. The remaining committees shall consist of the Chairman and not less than six other members to be selected by him. "Article VII. — Of the Executive Committee. — The Executive Committee shall consist of the Rector, the two Vice-presidents, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Chairman of the Committees named in Article VI. Its duties shall be to hear reports, to apportion funds for the use of the several committees, audit accounts, and in general to manage the affairs of the Association during intervals between the general meetings. "Article VIII. — Of Quorums. Eleven members shall constitute a quorum at a general meeting of the Association, and the presiding ofiBcer with six others at a meeting of the Executive Committee. "Article IX.— (9/ Duties of Committees, i. The Committee on Missions shall care for the property which may be placed in its charge in all necessary mat- ters not othenA'ise provided for; shall arrange for religious services and instruction at the several mission stations as the Rector may think desirable; shall aid the Committee on Night Schools and Clubs in the establishment of baths, reading rooms, working men's club rooms, etc., at the mission stations or elsewhere, when- ever such work becomes practicable; and shall provide for the services of suitable persons, to act under tlic direction of the Rector, as visitors to the homes of persons over whom it is desirable to extend the influences of the Missions. "2. The Committee on Finance shall obtain subscriptions for carrying on the work of the Association, and shall, with the Treasurer, arrange for their collection. " 3. The Committee on Sociability and Entertainments shall provide for lectures, readings, nmsical or other entertainments and receptions — for both the attendants at the mission roonis and for the congregation. It is intended that this committee shall make especial efforts to develop sociability among the gentlemen of the church. "4. The Committee on Night Schools and Clubs shall arrange for the instruction, amusement and elevation of boys and men whose circumstances or work especially expose them to temptation, or who are not otherwise brought under the restraint of Christian influences — by the establishment of night schools, workingmen's clubs, or any other means of working for their good. It is hoped that this com- II l62 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. mittee may interest all the young men of the congregation in working for the good of others. "5. The Committee on Decoration shall take charge of the decoration of the Church at Christmas, and at other times should it be required. "6. The Committee on Strangers shall call on every new comer to the church, and assist in making them acquainted with the congregation, and see that they are assigned to some portion of the work in the Parish. Also to seek out persons who are not connected with any church, and invite them to attend our sersdces. "7. The Committee on Parish Paper shall, under the supervision of the Rector, collect and furnish information to the congregation regarding all departments of the Parish work. "8. The Committee on the Peer shall aid the Relief Committee of the Ladies' Parochial Association by endeavoring to obtain employments for such men as may be worthy, confer with committees from other churches in the city as to their re- spective poor, provide proper attentions in sickness and death, burial to those men who may need it, and in every way in its power assist the Rector in relieving the poor of the Parish. "ArTici^E X. — On Meetings. There shall be a general public meeting of the Society on the first Sunday in Advent, at which full reports of the work for the year shall be read. There shall also be a general meeting for the transaction of business and the election of ofi&cers on the Tuesday evening next following the first Sunday in Advent. Also general public meetings for reading of reports and transaction of business on the second Tuesday evenings in April and September. There shall be meetings of the Executive Committee on the second Tuesday even- ings of all the months except December, April and September. The several sub- committees shall arrange for their own meetings, but they shall all be held in ad- vance of the Executive Committee or general meetings, so that all reports shall be in readiness at the proper time. "Article XI. — Of Dues. The money for carrying on the work of the Associ- ation is to be raised by monthly subscriptions. "Article XII. — 0/ A iterations. The foregoing rules may be altered at any general meeting of the Association by a two-thirds' vote of members present, notice of such proposed alteration having been given at the previous general meet- ing. "Article XIII. — Order of Business, i. Opening service. 2. Reading of min- utes. 3. Proposals for membership and election of members. 4. Election of offi- cers. 5. Report of Treasurer. 6. Report of committees. 7. Unfinished business. 8. New business. 9. Closing exercises." Work in the Church of the Holy Trinity. — In the previous pages we have given portions from the suggestive ' ' Sketch of the Mission Work of the Parish Church of the Holy Trinity," of New York City, written ten years ago, when Stephen H. Tyng, Jr., D. D., was rector. We now give in this place, the third section of the pamphlet: " Work. — Of course this includes many of our methods of ingathering and training. Ingathering from the world and training of Christian disciples is a large part of the work of the Christian laborer. I here PAROCHIAL WORK FOR MEN AND WOMEN. 163 speak only of those forms of Christian activity not already referred to in previous divisions of the subject. ' ' First in the order of the work of the church is The House of the Evangelists, which is supported and officered mostly by the church, and has for its object the training of laymen for labor among the ne- glected classes. The Evangelists are engaged in the field of the Church of the Reformation, in Stanton Street, between Third Avenue and the river. This House of the Evangelists also has charge of all the mission work of the church — the mission chapels and local mission work — so far as providing funds and overseeing their disbursements is concerned. There are now about fifty graduates of the House who are scattered all through the country, connected with all denominations, some of them in the ministry and others laymen, who are under a solemn pledge to emphasize the work among the masses wherever they are. The trus- tees of the House of the Evangelists are chiefly men who are not en- gaged in any of the work that I have already spoken of. "We have a Dispensary a7id Infirmary, of which I have already spoken so far as the physicians are concerned. There is a Board of Trustees who have this in charge. The Church of the Covenant, on Fourth Avenue, has come into connection with us, and they have rep- resentatives on the Board of Trustees and recommend beneficiaries in the same way that we do to the Dispensary. "The Orphanage of the Church of the Holy Trinity is at No. 149 East 53d. Street. Its ruling idea is that of a family for the natural wards of the congregation. The house is administered by a House-Mother and is controlled by a Board of ladies from the church, who attend to the education, clothing, etc., of the orphans. It is not an institution: it is a famil5^ We have twenty children. "The Home for Christia7i Care at Sing Sing, which ownes a farm of forty odd acres, is governed by a Board of Trusteees, and has for its object the application of the family as a means of reform to all classes of those who are distressed aftd in want. It is not confined to the care of children. We have, however, a house opened with a family of chil- dren in it; and we have laid the foundation for another house for chil- dren. Then we have a legacy-fund for the establishment of a house for fallen women. We are proposing now to build a house for aged and indigent people. "The Peabody Home for Aged and Indigent Women, of which I am the President, has representatives of our gentlemen in its Board of Trus- tees, and is managed by an Association of ladies, of whom a majority are from our congregation. Each of these is a distinct corporation, but 164 MK^HODS OF CHURCH WORK, eacli is more or less directly connected with the church, and carried on by its members as a part of their Christian work. "Our Lay-preachers' Association is composed of a dozen or more of "our young men, whom I nominate, and who do the preaching at our mission churches. We have no ministers at these mission churches. All the mission work connected with them is done by laymen. The ministerial labor I do, or get some other minister to do. My assistant cannot do it according to the canons of our church. The men who do the mission work are men of business. They preach, and exhort, and visit at the chapels and public institutions. They have a large number of appointments. They have inaugurated a most practical system of house-preaching services. "There are three societies of Christian women: \he Dorcas Society, already named, which is managed by the ladies of the church, who em- ploy poor women in sewing; the Industrial Sewing School, conducted by ladies of the church as teachers and superintendents; and the Yojmg Ladies' Sewing Society, composed of the young ladies, who make cloth- ing for the Orphanage and for the Home for Christian Care. We also have a literary society, or literary club, for the young men and women. ' ' Our Gospel Tent properly comes into any complete account of our church work. We pitched the tent last spring, and opened it on the nth. of June. It will hold about two thousand people. We held ser- vices there nights and two or three times each Sunday for eighteen weeks. We have had about six hundred known converts, of whom only about one-fifth have come into the membership of this church, the others having gone into the neighboring churches. The preaching has been by men of different denominations. I have preached about a quarter of the time. Mr. Rainsford, of England, and others have preached at other times. The full report of last summer's revival will be found in a new book called 'Under Canvas,' which has just been issued. "gknerai, PRINCIPLKS. ' ' There are three principles that I hold to be at the foundation of all efiective work of this sort: " I. Every man is to be sovereign in his place. He is to have the full swing of his own individuality. He is to be trusted absolutely as long as he is retained in his position. Therefore I know nothing of the details of this work except as they are reported to me. I never give any counsel unless it is asked. I let every man carry on his work in his own way until I am satisfied that the wrong man is in the place; and then I substitute another for him. I have no session, or committees, PARISH PAPERS AND PRINTER'S INK. 165 or deacons with whom the responsibility of administration can be shared. In the matter of direction I am alone. "2. Every man is effective in the line of his secular calling and adap- tation. A physician is best used for work among the sick; a lawyer is best used either as a preacher or in caring for the endangered rights of the poor. I do not believe in trying to put square pegs in round holes, nor in condemning a man because he cannot speak and pray in meet- ings. Some women have the gift of consolation, but have not the gift of teaching. It would put them in a nervous fever to teach children ; but they can work in the sick-room. I hold it to be the duty of a pas- tor to study his people and know what they can do, and do most effect- ively. "3. The pastor must work on Payson's rule: 'The man that wants to see me is the man that I want to see. ' He must be the most access- ible man in the church. Following that idea, I keep the latch of my church study door always out. There is not a soul who needs me that cannot find me from morning till night. ' ' CHAPTER XXXI. PARISH PAPERS AND PRINTER'S INK, THE publication of a little parish paper may be made very service- able to a congregation, and many pastors have and are still prov- ing their worth. Through its columns many things may be said which need to be said, but which are not just suited to the pulpit or fitted for public discourse. It may be made the medium of reaching and inter- esting in the church many who in no other way can be reached by the pastor or influenced by his ministrations. Expense. — The cost of publishing a parish paper is not considerable, varying from two or three dollars to ten or even fifteen dollars for each issue. The cost will depend upon the size of the sheet, the style of type, the quality of the paper and the number in each issue. The cost may be provided for by devoting one or more pages, according to the size of the sheet, to local advertisemepts. Business men will pay any- where from fifty cents to five dollars and more for an advertisement, ac- cording to location in the paper, space occupied etc. Care should be taken to admit only such advertisements as will in no way interfere i66 me;thods of church work. with the greatest usefulness of the publication. By having a nominal subscription price, marking each issue with volume and number, and publishing at least four times annually, the publication can be entered at the post office as second class matter, and sent through the mails to all points outside of the city where issued at one cent per pound. Names of Papers. — There are a great variety of names which pastors have adopted, among which we note the following: "Fold and Flock," "Our Church Paper," "Parish Record," "The Church at Work," "Light and Life," "Parish Visitor," "Church Record," "Church Vis- itor," "The Tablet," "The Parishioner," "Parish Messenger," "Church Tidings," "Grace and Truth," "Our Church Work," "Church Leaf," etc. Printer's Ink. — We cannot too heartily commend the judicious use of printer's ink in the pastorate. Any extensive use of the printing press is attended with considerable expense and the supply of funds which can be used in this direction will of course have to determine the limit to which each may go. Many pastors use large amounts in this way each year. Some have a neat little engraving of their church, which can be used for ornamentation, and then have some first-class workman print all their certificates of Marriage, Baptism, Confirmation, Dismission, etc. Pastoral letters addressed to the members on anniversary occasions, New Year, Christmas, or Easter, are often in use by busy pastors. Letters also to absent ones, letters of condolence, warning or counsel are also very serviceable. Where pastors have not the means at com- mand, it is often furnished by collections taken at the meeting of the Aid Society, or some organization connected with the church and de- voted to this object solely. Some pastors use successfully, and with great effectiveness, the gelatine pad, the electric pen, or better still, the Cyclostyle, which latter can be had of W. H. Travis, at 1003 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa., and costs about twelve dollars. CHAPTER XXXII. WHAT THE CHURCH OFFICERS CAN' AND SHOULD DO. IT has been said that we need no new machinery in the Christian- church, that everything is already provided in the Church Council, or Vestry; that what we need is motive power to set the machinery in WHAT the; church officers can and shouIvD do. 167 motion and keep it going: that we need tlie baptism of the Spirit to fill the officers of the church with love and zeal, that they may faithfully discharge the duties of the offices to which they have been elected. The statement has much of force in it. The great lack in congregations has been the ability to accomplish the ends which were originally sought in the ordaining of men to the office of Elders and Deacons. These offices have too generally come to be regarded as positions of in- fluence and honor without any thought of the important duties which devolve upon those who are elected to these solemn trusts. Our space will not permit a discussion of the occasion which, more than eighteen centuries ago, led to the institution of the office, and of the obligations of the office and the reproach which attaches to those who are unfaithful in it. Let us briefly look at what the officers can and should do. 1 . The entire congregation should be divided into districts, and these should be allotted to the supervision and care of the several officers, es- pecially the Elders, and possibly the Deacons. 2. Each officer should regularly visit the various members of his dis- trict at least as often as twice annually, devoting one or two hours each week to visitation. 3. He should visit the sick in his district, provide attendants for those who need them, and where poverty renders it necessary, secure the at- tendance of a physician to care for the sick; and bury the dead where necessary. 4. He should have especial care for the poor, rendering them such as- sistance as they need in days of financial distress, and, if necessary, in order to protect them from imposition, he should provide the services of a legal adviser connected with the church, who will give both counsel and service free. 5. He should establish and maintain district prayer-meetings, and, if necessary, also social cottage prayer-meetings. 6. He should look after the children and see that all who are in his district are in attendance upon the Sunday-school. 7. He should be well acquainted with a great variety of tracts for distribution, gifts, or even for loaning. 8. He should keep a record of all who live in his district, and visit all who absent themselves from the services of the church. 9. He should visit all who live in his district, passing the houses only of such as he knows to be already members of other churches or regu- lar attendants upon other congregations. 10. He should be so thoroughly acquainted with every member of his l68 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. district as to be of great assistance to his pastor in times of special awakening, and be able to acquaint the pastor with special needs of in- dividual cases, and be a valuable assistant in the inquiry-meeting. 11. He should look specially after the catechumens, young converts, and new members. 12. His acquaintance with the people should fit him to administer the charities of the church to all cases of real worth and actual need. 13. He should welcome the people and especially strangers at the church doors. 14. He should acquaint the pastor with cases which need his personal attention, and the clerk of removals from one district to another; watch carefully for new residents who may move into the limits of the district, visit them, invite them to the Sabbath services, and to the enjoyment of all the privileges of the church. He should also notify the clerk of any members who move beyond the limits of the congregation, and the clerk should then notify the pastor, or the clerk, of the field into which they have removed. 15. He should speak well of his pastor and cooperate most heartily with him in every good word and work. 16. He should interest himself to set all the members of the church at work. 17. While he should converse with the people about congregational matters and seek to interest them more fully in every good word and work, he should at the same time set his face fully against every form of congregational gossip. 18. He should be judicious in all cases of discipline, seeking both to save the wayward, and to protect the fair name of the church for which Christ died. 19. He should be found regularly in his place at the services of the church, both on the Sabbath and during the week. This all suggests the importance of the work, and the kind of person who should be elected to the office. 1. He should be a man having a personal acquaintance with («) ex- perimental godliness, {b) with the Word of God, (r) with human nature. 2. He should be a man of unimpeachable integrity and of exemplary life. 3. He should be a man of sound judgment and practical common sense. 4. He should be a man of large sympathies, ready to weep with those who weep and to rejoice with those who do rejoice. It may be suggested that if the officers of the church are to discharge WHAT THK CHURCH OFFICERS CAN AND SHOUI.D DO. 1 69 all these obligations, that nothing will remain for the pastor to do. In the ordinary congregation, the labors demanding the time and energies of the pastor are so varied and multiplied, that even with the duties which properly belong to him, it is often physically impossible to do all that is needful, and still leave time for prayerful thought and medita- tion. The minister is expected to prepare two sermons a week, which should be the result of careful study and mature deliberation; a lecture during the week, and often attend one or more prayer-meetings, besides officiating at numerous funerals and comforting the bereaved. He is expected to instruct the young in the Catechism, and acquaint them with the leading doctrines of the Word of God, beside the preparation necessary in order to suitably instruct the teachers in the Sunday-school lesson. The sick should receive his special attention and sympathy, and he is expected to visit his whole flock in succession at least once a year. In addition to this he is to prepare for and attend two or three ecclesiastical meetings annually, and these often require careful prepa- rations. In addition to addresses and sermons on special occasions, he is also expected to give his time, influence, advocacy and energies to every good cause and philanthropic movement; and after having done all this, still to keep abreast of the best religious thought of the day, and to be able to converse intelligently with all men upon all subjects. It is therefore impossible for him, without the aid of the officers of the church, properly to care for the several hundred souls who are dependent upon him for kind ministries, judicious counsels, and spiritual over- sight. If the work of the parish should thus be allotted to the supervision and care of the Elders and Deacons, and then the entire congregation organized for Christian work, reaching out by means of every helpful agency to influence and save the irreligious and non-church-going peo- ple in the entire surrounding community, what a power could not a Christian organization become in the redemption of the world and the salvation of men. The question may arise in the mind of some anxious brother who labors in a congregation where the official board lacks both sympathy and qualification for the work indicated here and in the New Testament as well: " What can be done to bring about this desirable condition in my own congregation ? ' ' The result could be obtained in two ways. Either to go kindly to the board of officers and lay before them fully but yet in the kindest Christian spirit the obligations which rest upon them, and then, meeting each separately, to labor and pray with each individual in person; or, secondly, if this were impossible, to organize lyo MKTHODS OF CHURCH WORK. a committee to do the work which should really be done by the officers of the church, and thus to raise up in the course of a few years a band of faithful men who are experienced and qualified to discharge the duties of the offices to which they would most surely be elected; without arraying the committee or their work against the regularly consti- tuted board of officers, the pastor could take such members of the offi- cial board who are qualified and willing to engage in the work, and then fill the committee from other suitable persons in the congregation. In this way the result could quietly and peacefully be brought about with- out disrupting the congregation. Books of Reference. — Upon this subject there is a most excellent little book entitled "The Elder and his Work," written by David Dickson, himself one of the most useful elders in the Free Church of Scotland. The book has passed through thirteen editions in Scotland, and has been re-printed by the Presbyterian board of Publication, Philadelphia, Pa. The book has 92 pp. and sells at 50 cents. It has been written and is adapted especially to the use of the Elders of the Presb3'terian church; it is, however, full of great suggestiveness, and could be placed in the hands of Elders and Deacons in any branch of the Christian church. There is also a suggestive pamphlet entitled " The Church Committee," writ- ten by Rev. George R. Merrill, pastor of the First Congregational church, Painesville, O. This is designed especially for congregational churches; it is a small pamphlet, and could likely be obtained upon re- quest to the author by enclosing a stamped envelope addressed for reply. For officers of the Methodist Episcopal church, much valuable sugges- tion will be found in " Helps to Official Members," by Rev. James Por- ter, D. D., Nelson & Phillips^ N. Y., 180 pp. Part VI. FINANCIAI,. CHAPTER XXXIII. HOW TO PAY CHURCH DEBTS. ^TpHERE are plenty of people, members of the Christian Church, who ■^ could any day pay off the debts which curse the Church and im- pede its progress, and not lose a single meal, or deprive themselves of a single comfort. There is no lack of ability, but a lack of desire and even of willingness to perform a clear and unmistakable duty. How shall this difficulty be overcome ? Preaching on the Subject. — L,et the Scriptural duty of making ample provision for God's house be fully set forth from the pulpit. Don't beg, don't scold. Preach the whole counsel of God, not evading the or- dained law of the giving of the tithe, a law which was not made for the Jew, but was enjoined about two thousand years before Abraham was born — a law that is as old as the institution of sacrifice, as old as the institution of the Sabbath, and as universal as the human race — a law which could as justly be called heathen, as Jewish, for its binding force is recognized to-day in every heathen country, and it stands out unmis- takably as one of the landmarks which leads the nations back to a common origin and a divine revelation — a law which, be it said to our shame, is observed in every heathen nation, and is violated only by those who call themselves Christians. Preach then upon this subject. Let the Scriptural view of God as the great proprietor, and man as the steward, be faithfully set forth. I^t human responsibility and accountability be faithfully enjoined, not simply in the use of intellectual culture and power, but in the use of material wealth. In the parable of the talents it was property, money, which was intrusted, and for which each had to give an account. There is no escaping from the truth presented in this Scripture. Men are enjoined to give at least a tenth for the support and spread of the gospel. One-tenth is the Lord's and the remaining nine-tenths are his also, and we are simply to tise this as his stewards. As we may not withhold the one-tenth, neither may we squander the remainder in undue luxury and pride. Our wealth is to be sanctified wealth. (171) 172 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. Let pastors entrusted with congregations burdened with churcli debts present these truths, not only in an occasional discourse, but frequently. Let them familiarize themselves with this neglected doctrine until it shall form as much a part of all their teachings, as it forms a part of each book, and runs through every chapter of the Bible. Let pas- tor and people together confess their sin in this matter, and prove their sincerity b}^ bringing their free-will offerings and paying their debt. Remember ! the tithe is God's money, sacredly set apart for the support and spread of the gospel, so do not let the people take God's money to pay their debt. Let the people' s money pay the people's debt. Free- will offerings are what God requires for this purpose; so let the rich giA^e liberalh^ from their abundance, and let the poor from the depth of their poverty enjoy the same blessed privilege. Let there be an en- lightened and quickened conscience, and we know that the Christian men and women of this land will arise and cast off the burdens with which the church is now struggling to go forward. A JVrong- Policy. — Many pastors pursue a ruinous policy. They think that all contributions for benevolent work at home, or the spread of the gospel abroad, should be merged into the fund for local support. The heathen must care for themselves, and every noble charity must be forsaken to make provision for current expenses, and to ' ' get ready to pay the debt." It is a great mistake! You might as well stop the throbbing of the heart in order to increase the strength of the physical man. In stopping the benevolent contributions and work of the church, you will be killing every generous impulse, and destroying the very motives which should only be quickened and strengthened if the debt is ever to be paid at all. Pastor's Part in the Work. — Ever^^ pastor of a debt-burdened people has often asked himself the question. What part shall I take in this work ? Shall I carry the svibscription or shall I intrust it to a committee ? Is the minister to be like the general who in the day of battle neglects the more responsible dvities of commander for the sake of doing service as a private ? Will not the pastor render more valuable service in the capacity of a supendsor, or director, making efficient the labors of many, rather than by entering the field as an individual laborer? Is it not a wicked provision of the ordinance of God to take ministers from the sacred work of their pulpits and pastorates to do the work of gath- ering, and ofttimes of beggiJig funds from the very ones who should come of themselves and pay the debt which they have contracted and promised to pay? Are they not Christ's embassadors rather than the people's beggars? Are they not sent to preach the everlasting gospel, HOW TO PAY CHURCH DEBTS. 1 73 to reclaim the lost, to perfect the saints, to edify the body of Christ? And is it right that they should be turned from this high and holy work to that of circulating a subscription, or soliciting funds? But there are other questions also which enter into the consideration. If there is no one else to carry the subscription and act the part of solici- tor, shall the pastor refuse to perform the duty and allow the cause to fail? Is not the minister as much responsible for the success of the financial as the spiritual interests of the church? If the ranks are breaking, and men are scattering, may not the situation require the commander to ride to the ver^^ front, and assuming the duties of the rank and file, become an inspiration to his host? If the people have failed to discharge their duty to God, may it not be because their duty has not been fully and forcibly presented? If the church has fallen into the pit, who could more appropriately help it out than the minis- ter? Was not Peter, when he went fishing to secure money to pay taxes, as truly and fully in Christ's service, as when he "lifted up his voice ' ' on the day of Pentecost ? These and many other questions pre- sent themselves upon either side. The question is a difiicult one, and no definite rule can be prescribed. In earnest prayer, relying upon God to determine the question of duty, each one must seek divine direction. Choice of Plan. — No one plan is equally well suited to meet the require- ments of all parishes. Bach pastor, or committee, must select such a one as comes nearest to meeting their wants, and then modify until all difficulties are overcome. In raising a debt, more will depend upon the plan used, and the prudence of the committee, than in securing money for a new enterprise. Yet it is well to add, that too much importance is not to be attached to the plan. A fixed method is necessary, and a good plan is much to be preferred to a poor one, yet no plan will of it- self do the work, or pay the debt. A plan may be like a mechanical contrivance for applying power for the accomplishment of a 'desired re- sult. It ma^^ be so rudely constructed, or be so deficient in many of its parts that there will be great loss of motive power ; or, it may be con- structed with the greatest nicety of adjustment, and be deficient only in wanting the power necessary to accomplish the desired result. A poor- ly chosen plan may greatly hinder, or even defeat the efforts of the most judicious committee, and upon the other hand, a plan ma}^ be fault- less, but be so poorly worked, that it would be impossible for it to produce anything but failure. "The best mode of securing contributions is not necessarily that which secures, in every instance, the largest contribu- tions, but that which gives pla^^ to the grace of beneficence in the great- est number, and which secures cheerfulness and intelligent satisfaction 174 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. in the act of the donors. In the long run, this method will also be found to secure the largest contributions." One very desirable feature in any plan is, that it should render it easy for the people to see how the amount needed may easily be raised by united effort. The plan should not only itself be simple, but should also simplify the payment of the debt. To its simplicity it should add efficiency. Subscription Plan. — Perhaps no plan has been more generally used in this century than the well-known form of subscription. It has some advantages and some disadvantages. The principal trouble with the subscription plan is that it affords no reliable guarantee that the amounts subscribed will ever be paid. In the minds of many people it is too lightly regarded. While the subscriptions can be collected by law, yet we have never known one to be thus collected. Dr. Porter mentions a case in which f 27,000 was subscribed, and less than $6,000 was ever paid. There are always too many conditions suffered to enter into the subscrip- tion plan. Too long a time is allowed to elapse between the date of the subscription and the date of payment. Persons may lose their zeal, or become offended, or estranged, and seek occasion for finding fault, or excuse for not pa5dng. In these and various other ways the losses on subscriptions often lead to serious embarrassment. In order to overcome these difficulties it would be well to make the subscription more explicit than is usually done. It should always speci- fy when the various amounts pledged shall be payable, and to whom they shall be paid. The object for which the money is to be raised should be clearly stated, and all the conditions should be incorporated in full. "If any subscription is to be paid otherwise than in cash, this should be stated. All fictitious subscriptions obtained for the purpose of inducing others to subscribe, or to subscribe more largely, invalidate all that follow them. If the object proposed shall not be undertaken, the subscription is not binding."* FORMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. No specified form is necessary to render a subscription legal. They may be variously constructed to suit requirements. We append two forms : ' ' We, the undersigned, members and friends of Trinity Lutheran Church, do hereby subscribe and agree to pay the amounts set opposite our respective names, for the purpose of erecting a new church edifice, the same to be constructed of brick, the cost, when completed, not to exceed |i35,ooo, the same to be all subscribed and one-half paid into the *Rev. James Porter, D. D. HOW TO PAY CHURCH DEBTS. 175 hands of the trustees before the contracts shall be awarded or the work begun. The amounts of the various subscriptions are to be paid to the trustees in two equal installments ; the first installment shall be paya- ble as soon as the entire amount necessary shall have been subscribed, and the second installment six months thereafter. Should the conditions stated above not be complied with, the various subscriptions shall be null and void." Another Form. — "We, the undersigned, severally agree to pay to the Treasurer of the First Presbyterian Church the sum set opposite our respective names for the purpose of liquidating the debt and paying the mortgage upon the parsonage of said church, one-half on demand, and the balance three months after the demand for the first payment. Selecting a Committee. — Where the method to be used is such as to require a soliciting or canvassing committee, the greatest care is to be ex- ercised in the selection. They should be such ( i ) as are wilHng to in- convenience themselves, forego pleasure, lay aside their own business, and give the necessary amount of time to this important work. (2) They should be such as have the success of the undertaking at heart. ( 3 ) They should be only of such as contribute (whether the amount be much or little) to the full extent of their ability. Then their influence will be salutary, and their words have weight with others. (4) They must be persons of influence because of their consistent Christian lives. (5) They should be persons not easily disheartened, or soon discouraged. (6) Should be such as are not of hasty temper, easily provoked to anger, or given to injudicious speech. (7) If possible, avoid the selection of all such as are odd, eccentric, morose, long-faced, fault-finding, repulsive, overbearing, dictatorial. Suggestions to Committees. — You will see by the foregoing something of what you should at least seek to be, if you would be fitted for the important work for which you have been chosen. A few additional suggestions may be of service. 1. The first thing necessary is to secure a complete list of all persons who should subscribe something. Do not slight the poor, nor forget the women, nor such young persons as are earning money. No members of the family should be slighted, not even the children. 2. As nearly as possible, learn what amount each person on the list would be able to contribute, and apportion the entire amount to be raised among the various individuals. If the committee cannot appor- tion it, they will not be likely to raise it. In going to the various par- ties it will be found necessary occasionally to increase or diminish the amount, but it will serve as a very excellent gauge. 176 me;thods op church work. 3. Much caution must be exercised to prevent penurious persons from escaping by subscribing some trifling and insufficient amount. It might be better to leave such persons until the last, rather than have the subscriptions of others decreased because of the niggardliness of such individuals. The cause would really succeed better without them, than with them, if the rest of the congregation could onl}'' see it in that light. 4. Always regard with suspicion all hints, insinuations, and offers of liberal help upon uncertain conditions, but which cannot be reduced to a bona-fide subscription. 5. If the subscription is started with the understanding that a certain amount is to be raised, or the subscription is to become null and void, there may be some, who, in a moment of zeal or personal pride, will pledge more than they subsequently think best, and then openly, or secretly, exert themselves to defeat the success of the effort. Much patience and prudence are needed in dealing with such individuals, 6. "The subscription book should specify when the several sums pledged shall be due and payable, and it is generally wise to have them divided into installments to accommodate the maturing liabilities of the trustees or building committee growing out of the contract. People in ordinary circumstances can pay a subscription in three or four install- ments, several weeks or months apart, easier than they can pay the whole at once. And, if the subscribers understand that these payments are arranged to accommodate the obligations of the trustees to the builder, they will be much more likely to pay promptly." 7. As the securing of funds for liquidating a debt or carr>dng forward a new enterprise, is only a means to an end, viz. : that the church may become more efficient in saving souls and render men better, be very careful what means you use to secure the subscriptions. Do not quicken such passions as the gospel of Christ is designed to allay. Do not appeal to pride, vain glorj^ selfishness, or a spirit of emulation, and leave the religious affections unawakened, or but partially enlisted in this great work. Touch the main-spring appointed of God to move the soul in the performance of duty in this matter. Place the main reliance on the main motive — the heart. Let your appeals be such that each subscriber shall be rendered better in proportion as you enable him to see his duty, and induce him to contribute from scriptural motives and religious principles. 8. Frequent reports should be publicly made to the congregation. As all who contribute are sure to become more interested in the success of the undertaking, they will always be anxious to learn what progress HOW TO PAY CHURCH DKBTS. 1 77 the committee is making. The report of the committee, with the names of subscribers and amounts pledged, may be read each Sabbath by the pastor, when making the various announcements for the week, or printed reports may be distributed through the congregation. Every member of the congregation is a partner in the business, and should be kept informed in regard to all that is being done by the committee. It is a great mistake to keep the subscriptions secret, or fail to report how the money is disbursed. Fair, open-handed dealing is by far the best both for the success of the undertaking and the protection of the com- mittee. Note Siibscription Plan. — In many instances the note subscription plan has superseded the old form of general subscription. In some re- spects it is much to be preferred, i . It suffers but a very small percent- age of loss, resulting from unpaid pledges. While in the eyes of the law it is no more binding than a subscription, yet in the minds of the people it has greater weight. 2. The note system easily provides for the interest, and when the amounts equivalent to the entire debt are once pledged, the debt becomes virtually removed from the church, and is distributed among the various subscribers, for if thej^ are not able to pay at once, the interest of the one will meet the interest of the other. This feature is a very excellent one, as the providing for the interest of a debt is a very troublesome matter. 3. It more readily allows of pay- ments in regular installments. The whole amount of the donation may be divided equally, or unequally, into separate notes, all drawn at the same time, and then, as each is paid, it is torn off, and returned to the drawer, in place of a receipt. Or, the various installments may be en- dorsed on the back of the note until the last payment is made, when it is returned to the drawer. 4. The "stub," which remains after the note is torn off, serves an excellent purpose in preserving a complete and convenient record of the entire subscription, giving the date of the note, face of note, interest, total amount, drawer of the note, to whom it was paid, and when paid. 5. The notes may be drawn up in regular bank form, and be discounted in the event of needing money to meet accruing obligations, or they may simply be left at the bank for pay- ment or collection. They may also have, in some instances, a couple of difficulties, or ob- jections. I. The note subscription allows of no conditions. If the payments are to be made upon certain conditions, these conditions may be in verbal or written contract (not under seal), but must not be ex- pressed either in the body of the note, or upon the back. A promis- sory note must be clogged by no conditions or contingencies. To be a 12 178 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. legal note ' ' It must be for the payment of money at all events, and hence if there be any contingency as to its payment, it is no bill or note. ' ' But if made payable on the happening of an event, however re- mote, yet if it be of certain occurrence, the bill or note is good — as if made "payable two months after the death of the maker's father."* 2. Some persons will object to placing their names to a note. These may usually be met by showing them that the nature of the regular sub- scription is such as to render it equally as binding as a note; or that it is the form upon which the congregation have agreed for the mere sake of uniformity; or, if no other alternative presents itself, such persons may be allowed to pledge their amounts upon a regular subscription, in which it is also agreed to pay the interest upon the amount subscribed. Generally, though not always, this excuse is a mere pretext to escape the payment of any subscription at all. Stiggestions. — All subscribers should have a clear understanding of what disposition is to be made of their notes. If the trustees, or the parties to whom they are made payable, propose to sell the notes, or use them in paying bills, this should be clearly understood by each person before signing the note. They should know where they may find their note, and to whom the money is to be paid. If they are to be discounted, or left at the bank for collection, this should also be dis- tinctly understood, or unpleasant results may come of such a course; but where this is agreed upon, and named in the note, it may, at least among business men, be the more pleasant method of disposing of the matter. The notes and stubs may be easily and cheaply bound in flexible covers, about a hundred in a book. This will be a neat and convenient form, and then when the notes are all paid and torn off, the cover may be reduced to the size of the stubs, and this will preserve then in permanent form for future reference. Tax-list Plan. — In paying a debt, some congregations have resorted to the assessor's book, or the amounts fixed in the tax-list in order to secure an equitable division of the entire amount among the various parties who should contribute. At first thought this plan is likely to be regarded with favor, and we have known an instance or two in which it has really been used with success, but the difficulties which encompass it are so numerous, that it more generally gives place to *" Conditions to destroy the character of a bill or note need not be on its face. An endorsement on the back of it, rendering it payable upon certain conditions, and done at the time of the making of it, will have the same effect. But a contemporaneous /aro/ (Parol contract— ' Any contract not of record or under seal, whether oral or written; a simple contract.' — Story) agreement can have no such effect, because, resting in parol, it is not admissible in evidence, nor would an endorse- ment which simply referred to an agreement by way of identification."— Bryant & Strattou's "(Commercial Law," g 285 and § 286. HOW TO PAY CHURCH DEJBTS. 1 79 some otlier S3^stem. If the town or city taxes are regarded as equitable and justly apportioned among the various residents, then it may not be difficult to secure the assent of the congregation for the introduction of the plan, but if this is not felt to be the case, such assent will not readily be obtained. It will not do to adopt it unless it is received with unanimous favor. The majority may not inflict this upon the minority without invading their rights. They may urge it as a standard of duty, but they have no right to enforce it as an inflexible law. To this, how- ever, there is a limit. In the sight of God covetousness is as great a crime as lying or theft, and when the church shall have washed its hands clean from this great sin of ^'covetousness which is idolatry^'' then it may eject its members for this as well as for any other hei'es}'. Dr. Lansing, a missionary in Egypt, tells us that a native deacon at Stuff, sixty miles south of Cairo, suspended ten of his members for such things as bad dispositions, vanity, stinginess and not allowing their wives to go to weekly praj^er-meetings. What a thinning out there would be if such things were permitted to have weight here. And yet, why should not the church in some way take notice of bad tempers, biting tongues, stinginess and all the impish brood of vices and habits that are practically not considered incompatible with "professed" religion ? We have, however, known an instance in which this plan was adopted by an almost unanimous vote, but there were two members who dis- sented, and subsequently refused to pay the amounts apportioned to them. They were arraigned before the Church Council, tried, and their names stricken from the roll of membership. The case was ap- pealed, carried up to the Synod, and the action reversed. Advayitages. — The tax-list plan is simple, easily comprehended, and if it can be adopted with unanimous consent, the labor of securing the amount necessary may be greatly reduced. But it is apt to meet with various Objections. — i. That the tax-list itself is not equitable, and does not justly indicate the financial strength of the various persons enrolled. 2. There are many nominally poor people, who would give liberally, whose names do not appear at all upon the tax-list. 3. Many persons who are nominally rich, and are large tax-payers, are "property poor," and have little or no ready money. 4. It has the appearance, although it need not really be less scriptural than various other plans. The con- tributions seem to have too little of the liberal, "willing mind" spirit which the Bible everywhere inculcates. The various contributors are apt to appear as though they were fearful lest they should, by any acci- l8o METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. dent, contribute a single dollar more than equity, or absolute necessity- demanded, and it is at least questionable whether the tendencies are not toward such a result. "The I,ord loveth a chcoful giver." Apportioning Plan. — A plan, kindred to the tax-list plan, and a modi- fication of it, might be called the apportioning plan. It consists in se- lecting a judicious committee, whose duty it shall be to acquaint them- selves, by any reasonable means, with the pecuniary ability of all who may be expected to contribute, and then to apportion the debt in an equitable and just manner among them. The results of the committee's work, if the whole debt be very large, may be reported in full to the congregation, for their sanction, or, if the entire amount be less impos- ing, the congregation may decide, at the time of appointment, that they will abide by the judgment of the committee. In many congregations this plan has worked ver>^ satisfactory results. It is devoid of most of the difficulties and objections which are inherent in the tax-list plan. Share Plan. — The plan of dividing the entire amount of the debt into equal portions, and calling them shares, has worked well in many par- ishes. This may be illustrated by an example or two. A Presbyterian church in the state of Wisconsin had a debt of $i,ooo. This amount was divided into 274 shares, of $3.65 each, and was taken by 130 per- sons. Thirty shares amounting to $109.50, was the largest number taken by any one individual. The others ranged from that number down to a single share. In some instances it may be a good idea to arrange all the possible contributors, according to wealth and modifying circumstances, into four, five, or more classes, and then apportion a uniform number of shares to each individual of the same class. This may aid in making the final amount adequate to pay the entire debt, for one of the dis- heartening results of raising a debt is to canvass the entire field, and then, at the last, to find that there still remains a balance unprovided for. Where the amount to be raised is larger, the shares may be divided into sums of $12, or $24, or $50, or more, and then be paid in regular installments of $1, $2, or $5, weekly, semi-monthly or monthly, as the committee may see fit. The amounts may be paid to the treasurer di- rect, or placed in a sealed envelope and deposited in the collection basket each Sabbath as a free-will offering. Where the execution of this plan is intrusted to the hands of a judi- cious and persevering committee, there is little or no reason why it should not be rendered a success. In the well-to-do congregations, it is best suited to the liquidation of the smaller indebtednesses; but where HOW TO PAY CHURCH DKBTS. l8l the entire membership is composed of persons of but limited means, it will be found very serviceable in enabling them to provide for a large amount by extending the payments over a greater period of time. Envelope Subscription Plan. — This plan differs from the regular sub- scription, in that the payments are made weekly, or monthly, in en- velopes, instead of the entire amount being paid in one or two install- ments at greater intervals. Sinking-fund Plan. — Where a congregation is composed of such as have no accumulated property, but are dependent upon their daily labor, it is well to use a sinking-fund plan. This consists in the appro- priation of an annual surplus to the reduction of the debt. It may be a plan like the preceding envelope subscription, or it may be an annual surplus from pew rentals, or any other revenue the church may have. Pastoral Letter Plan. — Where the people are fully awake to the duty of giving, no easier, more convenient, or efficient plan can be used than the printed circular, or pastoral letter plan. It does away with all un- due pressure, unscriptural arguments, personal appeal, and personal in- fluence. The success of the plan is made to rest, not upon impulse, but upon conscience and principle. This was the method used by St. Paul in collecting the alms of the Christians at Corinth to aid the poor and persecuted Christians of Judea. They were not to wait until the apostle stood before them in person, and with an appeal of moving oratory or tender pathos, played upon their emotions and secured their contribu- tions, but they were to give from principle — from a sense of Christian duty — laying by in store as God had prospered them, that there be no solicitation and no personal appeals when the apostle should come. Much might be said in favor of this method. It must, however, be dis- tinctly understood that its success is dependent upon an enlightened sense of Christian duty. If this is wanting, but little can be expected to result from the use of the pastoral letter plan. The following sample was tried in actual work with the most satis- factory result: Dear Brethren in Christ: Ten years ago, by the united effort of all the people, we were enabled to erect our present large and prized church edifice. The total cost of of the building, when completed and fur- nished, was $42,496.25. Of this amount, $17,600 was subscribed before awarding the contracts, and $14,250 was added on the day of dedication. Of these amounts, $28,417 was paid in, making a loss of $3,433 on un- paid subscriptions. This left a balance of $14,079.25 unprovided for. The increased expenses and many needed repairs upon the roof have nearly exhausted the annual income of the treasury, and left much of 1 82 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. the interest to accumulate, until the entire debt upon the first day of next month will amount to $23,791.67. It is proposed now to make a final effort to cancel the entire amount, and to aid in accomplishing this most desirable result, you are asked to contribute in a liberal, Christian spirit. In order that you may not, upon the one hand, wrong yourself and family, or, upon the other, withhold from God that which is justly his, your pastor desires that you make this matter a subject of earnest prayer for two weeks, and that at the expiration of that time you fill up the accompanying blank and lay it upon the collection plate the following Sabbath. As ye have freely received, so freely give. Monthly Collection Plan. — In a congregation of wealth we have known $8,000 to be raised in a single year, by setting apart the offerings placed in the collection boxes upon the first Sabbath of each month, for the payment of a church debt. There are but few congregations in which this plan would accomplish the end to be obtained. In its use, great caution would need to be exercised lest the result should be so meagre as to belittle the cause and defeat the success of this, or any plan which might be used subsequently. In most congregations the results of this plan would be disastrous. Mortgage Donation Plan. — Where the claims against a congregation are held by people of wealth, or liberality, or both, it occasionally happens that a debt has been canceled by inducing such person, or persons, to surrender their claims. This may or may not be a good plan, according to circumstances. If the congregation is absolutely so poor as to be unable to pay the debt, or any part of it, then it is a most excellent plan. But if the congregation is merely imwilling to pay, or indifferent concerning the debt, then such a donation would re- sult injuriously to the temporal as well as the spiritual welfare of the congregation. It is only ruinous to the interests of a congregation to have an individual render it unnecessary for them to put forth any effort. It will enervate, destroy self-respect, and defeat the object of the donor. This is illustrated by the various churches we might enu- merate, which have been endowed by a misguided liberality. With no need of raising money to pay a pastor, to aid the poor, or to convert the heathen, they have dragged out a useless existence, until finally they have disbanded, or had a mere nominal existence. Any gift which renders it unnecessary for a congregation to act, is injurious to its best interests. It is better for the congregation to exert itself in raising as much as possible before the balance is donated. This will make the welfare of the church the common interest of all. HOW TO PAY CHURCH DEBTS. 1 83 Where it is decided to be best for those who hold the mortgages, or notes, to donate the same, and such is the sense of both parties, it is always best to execute such purpose by canceling the claims in a legal manner, without delay; for life is very uncertain, and in event of the death of such intended donor, one or two disinterested heirs are likely to refuse to carry out the unexecuted purpose of the deceased. Church-paper Appeal Plan. — Some congregations rush unadvisedly into debt, and then seek relief by appeals through the church papers. As long as the churches continue to withhold their tithes and free-will offerings from the lyord, so long will appeals, unless for some very special objects, continue to be unsuccessful; and as soon as the churches shall obey God's laws concerning tithes and offerings, appeals shall cease to seem necessary, for each congregation in established communi- ties will find that they have means sufficient. The plan, in all ordinary circumstances, is unphilosophical and unsuccessful. Canvassing Plan. — The plan of seeking foreign aid by sending agents to canvass other congregations is kindred to that of appeals through the church papers. By all means avoid both. For an eloquent chapter on the unwillingness of Christians to help their "needy brethren," you will only find it necessary to write, asking the experience of some one who has tried either of these plans. The Defrauding Plan. — Congregations have been known to borrow money on trustee notes, to give a first, second, and even a third mort- gage on the church building and lot, and then in an hour of financial pressure have been known to allow the property to be sold under fore- closure, in order to buj^ it in at a nominal sum, casting off all the just and legal claims by a single act of villainy. In most instances, the congregations are able to pay the debts, and are guilty of a great crime when they refuse to pay. In other instances they are unable to pay, but are guilty of a crime equally as great, for they have created a debt when there was no possibility of ever paying it. We might name men who are to-day poor, and dependent upon their daily wages for bread for their families, who have been rendered penniless by similar courses of dishonest}^, and, in one or two instances, the transactions seem al- most to have been characterized b}^ fraudulent intent. The course of such congregations cannot be too strongl}^ denounced. It will be well when congregations come to recognize the fact that as long as any mem- ber of the entire organization has a single dollar's worth of property, he is bound b}^ every sense of right, and every law of God, to use it in paying the debt which he has aided to contract. In the first place, no congregation has a right to create a church debt, but when they do, 1^4 METHODS Olf CHURCH WORK. they become personally responsible, and their individual property, and even their future earnings, are pledged to the payment of that debt, and no injustice which may be practiced under the protection of the civil law can stand justified before God, until this obligation is both ac- knowledged and discharged. If a body of individuals decide to build a temple, that when completed is given to God in solemn ceremony, any bills which this body of individuals may create, and which remain un- paid, are most clearly their debts, and not God's at all, nor is it just that God's temple should be sold to pay their debts. God is not in debt, but these individuals are, and that, contrary to God's command, and being their individual debt, their individual property is as justly bound to the payment of this, as it is bound to the payment of any other debt. An honest congregation cannot take refuge behind the civil law, any more than an honest individual can. Neither can a church debt be- come "out-lawed." If it ever becomes out-lawed, it can never become out-Gospeled. A " church debt, " so called, but really the congrega- tion's debt, remains in force as long as the persons live who made it, and they are bound to it by every sense of honor, by every manly prin- ciple, and every law of God; neither can they rid themselves of this obligation by .separating themselves from the organization, or removing into the limits of another congregation. The obligation is a personal one, unaffected by time or place, and only relieved by payment or death — and then their estate is justly holding. When people shall come to look at this matter in its true light, they will not be so fast to create "church debts." Chicrch Efitertainment Plan. — After the Church of Rome had preached against the God-ordained law of the tithe, it found itself in the pitiable plight of poverty. To escape from the sad but inevitable consequences of its sin, it sought to replenish its empty coffers by introducing pil- grimages to its thousand shrines, with their bones of saints, sacred rel- ics and pretended miracles. The divine law was supplanted by the sale of indulgences, and giving as an act of worship found its place usurped by lotteries, festivals, shows, theaters and every device by which priest- craft could extort money from a people who knew not the Word of God. It is only to be lamented that the Protestant churches have in any meas- ure been given to the use of any of these iniquitous plans for raising money. Too many of our churches which have been dedicated to the glory of God are desecrated by fairs, oyster suppers, dramas, tableaux, lectures, shows, exhibitions and various other things which are ruinous to the financial as well as the spiritual prosperity of the church. Money is not valuable enough to be purchased at so ruinous a price, and the HOW TO PAY CHURCH DE;bTS. 185 fewer unholy people we gather into the church by these unholy means, the better for the church and for the world. The process by which a church fair pays church debts is thus described by a Presbyterian elder: " Now, brethren, let us get up a supper and eat ourselves rich. Buy your food. Then give it to the church. Then go and buy it back again. Then eat it up, and then — your church debt is paid." Some time since a young lady inquired by letter of the New York Tri- bu7ie how she could raise some money for a small country church. She writes: "Do you think it would be advisable to attempt a concert? We have had calico parties, sugar parties, fish ponds, mock post-ofiices and the like? If you can suggest some new form of entertainment you will earn our sincerest thanks." To this the Tribune answered: ' ' We recommend a revival of religion. ' ' This is decidedly the best answer and the best method that could be given. A revival oi gcnume relig- ion so awakens the spirit of benevolence and unites the hearts and ef- forts of Christians, that all the money needed to carry on the work of the church is freely contributed. At one of the Christian conventioHS, Mr. Moody was asked: "Are church fairs and sociables wrong ? ' ' Mr. Moody answered: ' ' Decidedly ! I have not always thought so, but my eyes are open now. It is better to ask direct for money than entice a man to a church fair and make him pay a dollar and a half for an article that cost fifty cents. He goes home and says he has been swindled, but consoles himself with the re- flection that he has benefited the church. The idea is that young men go to such entertainments because there are pretty women there. It does no good, and certainly should be discouraged." ' ' In Scotland it is one of the principles of the United Presbyterian Church not to accept money for sacred uses from unclean hands. As God's agents, or ministers, they decline to take for him money that, as far as they can see, has not been honestly made. When the great Glas- gow bank failure took place a few years ago some of the directors were members of the United Presbyterian congregations of that city, and one or more of them were large givers — almost the support of their particu- lar churches. When, by the judgment of the civil court, they were de- clared to have been guilty of systematic fraud for some years back, their liberal donations were all returned to them, although it more than crip- pled the congregations who did it. ' ' This was a wisdom which, to most churches, would appear folly, but no surer course could be pursued to secure the divine blessing. If some congregations, such as are almost everywhere to be found, were to refund what they have secured by means l86 MKTHODS OF CHURCH WORK. of neck-tie parties, exhibitions, oyster suppers and similar devices, they would be robbed of even the little they now seem to have. We know of no arguments in favor of such entertainments as have been indicated, and some of the arguments against them might be briefly stated as follows: i. In proportion as they are more frequently used, do they despoil the church of its spiritual power. 2. Those who labor faithfully for the success of the enterprise are apt to suffer from unkind speech, or unjust suspicion, in the management of the finances. 3. In most cases they are employed by Christians who withhold from God that which he requires at their hands, while they seek to carry for- ward the work of the church by drawing the needed funds from "out- siders." They covet the wealth of the wicked, and seek opportunity to gain their influence and money. "Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God ? Whosoever, therefore, will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." .4. If not universally, yet quite generally, they alienate from the church some of its most useful mem- bers. 5. Whatever other effect these entertainments may have upon those who are not church members, they surely will not lead poor sin- ners to the cross of Christ. 6. 'Jhose most worldly-minded in the con- gregation are sure to desire, and apt to succeed, in being at the head of these entertainments, and, guard them as best we may, they are almost sure to introduce into them such features as are ruinous to the best interests of the church; a disgusting song spoils the concert; a doiible- ente^idre the exhibition; cordials, cider and cigars the picnic; a heterodox statement or irreligious sentiment the lecture — on, and on through the whole list the devil is determined to be in somewhere, or his personal friends will denounce the pastor as an "old fog}^" get enraged because they cannot have their own way, dismember the congregation, and then leave in disgust. 7. Last, but by no means the least, of all the evils, is the undeniable fact that church fairs, oyster suppers, and the whole round of church entertainments are fatal to every impulse and principle of gemdne scriptural benevolence. Ca7i the Debts upon the Chzirches be Paid? — "That the professed fol- lowers of Christ, especially in our day and country, possess a large share of this world's riches, is apparent to the most casual observer. Subject to no persecutions, relieved of the stigma which in the earlier history of the church attached to the Christian name, not liable to be despoiled of their goods because of their lo3^alty to their divine Head, many of those enrolled under the banner of Jesus rank high as the possessors of material wealth. A large number of those at the head of our railroad and canal corporations, our river and HOW TO KKKP CHURCHES OUT OF DEBT. 1 87 ocean steam navigation companies and shipping firms; many of those prominent either in the ownership or the management of our great commercial houses, our telegraph and insurance companies; not a few of those who have achieved honorable distinction as financiers, as bankers and brokers, as managers of our savings banks and trust com- panies; not a few of those who conduct on a large scale our lumber, mining, manufacturing, and agricultural interests, profess allegiance to him whose is the earth and the fullness thereof, to whom belong alike the silver and the gold, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. ' ' From those owning broad acres of the richest soil on which our great staples are grown; from those in our large cities owning plots of land on which lofty palaces are reared; from those who manage our great public works; from engineers, architects, lawyers, phj^sicians, authors, lecturers, editors, men of letters, men of science, may be selected many bearing the Christian name, to whom God has given in greater or less degree the riches of this world. Scarcely any honorable secular pro- fession can be named that does not contribute its quota of those pos- sessed of far more than the mere means of living. In the princely resi- dences of Christians in our cities, their dress, their equipage, their costly entertainments, their general style of living, abundant proof is furnished of the unstinted measure of wealth which God has poured into their lap. In our towns and villages, and in our farming districts, particularly in our seaboard and Middle States, it cannot be gainsaid that Christians share abundantly in the general prosperity of the country. If our religious and benevolent enterprises languish, surely it cannot be for want of means in the hands of the Lord's servants, to whom he has committed the stewardship of wealth."* CHAPTER XXXIV. HOW TO KEEP CHURCHES OUT OP DEBT. ESTABWSHED CHURCHES. A I/Iv over this country thousands of churches are annually failing to -^-^ pay current expenses, ministers are perplexed, people are disheart- ened, and the church of Christ is hindered in its great work of saving souls. This is a natural result of the sin of departing from God's or- *J. F. Wyckoff, Esq., in " The Christian Use of Money." 1 88 METHODS OP CHURCH WORK. dained method of sustaining his cause upon earth ; and not until the Christian church shall fully recognize the divine law of the tithe, can we ever intelligently hope for a removal of the great curses which im- pede the church's progress. During the past score of years, advances have been made toward the true scriptural method of supporting the church. This introduction of the better, is the gradual but sure preparation of the church for the eventual return to the best; and in presenting the following methods, now in use by the various congregations, we do so hoping that none will rest satisfied with the improvement of their present system, or the in- troduction of something better, or be satisfied with ariy improvement, only as it indicates progress and becomes a promise of the final accept- ance, by the people, of that which is God's own method. The Peiv System. — Seats in churches are a somewhat modern conve- nience, nor are they even now in use in most Roman Catholic countries. Among those earliest mentioned we find them in the churches of the Normans, made of stone, and projecting from the walls around the whole interior, except the east side. In the fourteenth century low wooden seats were promiscuously placed about the floor, with the privilege of personal claim to any one particular seat granted only to noblemen. About the middle of the sixteenth century seats were more fully pro- vided and more regularly placed, the entrance being guarded by cross- bars engraved with the initials of the occupant, but just when the cus- tom of renting pews was first introduced might be difficult accurately to ascertain. Pew Renting. — While there is much which may be truthfully and forcibly said against the system of raising the money necessary to meet the current expenses of the church by the renting of pews, yet there are some things to be said in its favor. While many, from a mere desire to offer some excuse for not attending church, will object to going where the seats are rented, there are but few with whqm this is the real cause of their absence from the house of God. Where there is one of the honest few detained on this account, there will be two, or more, of an- other class, who have rented a pew, because they desire recognition in some church society, and who, from Sunday to Sunday, are found in their pews, not so much from a love of church going, as from a feeling, when Sunday morning comes — "Well, I pay for a seat, and I guess I might as well go and occupy it." And some day, when actuated by no higher motive, a truth thus dropped by the "wayside" may result in the salvation of a soul and the addition to the church of a useful member. HOW TO KEEP CHURCHES OUT OP DEBT. 1 89 Another advantage of the pew system is that it enables entire families to worship God together. It secures for each family their own partic- ular seat, and when once the entire congregation is assembled, the pas- tor, by scanning the audience, can readily tell who of his regular at- tendants are absent, and when missed from their regular places a second time, inquiry may be made and the cause of absence ascertained. Then again, there are many persons who contribute liberally of their time and money to secure a church home for themselves, and in that church they have a local attachment for some particular pew. They object to having disinterested parties placed upon equal footing and helped to the most desirable sittings. They desire, when starting for church, to know that they are to find comfortable seats, not being left to the alter- natives of going long before the hour of service, or be crowded into some uncomfortable quarter of the church. Regular attendants much prefer some regular sitting. Against Pew Re?itmg. — Some of the chief arguments urged against the renting of pews are: i. That it leads to a disparagement of the very class of persons who are the special objects of divine regard. It makes money the standard of worth, causing the congregation to say to the rich, ' ' sit thou here in a good place, ' ' and to the poor, ' ' stand thou here, or sit under my footstool." 2. That it /^;z^^ to exclude strangers and such as are not regular pewholders. 3. That it educates people to be parsimonious and mean, causing them to do such disreputable things as rent a half pew, and then occupy a ivhole one. 4. That it is not only not authorized by, but is inconsistent with the principles of the gospel. 5. That it despoils giving for the support and spread of the gospel of all its value as an act of worship, converting this essential portion of divine service into an impost levied upon the other portions of the ser- vice of God. While this result does not of necessity attach itself to the system, yet all who have had much to do with the renting of pews will have been convinced that many, if not most persons enter into the con- tract from a purely business standpoint, driving as sharp a bargain in the church as in the world. The time is coming, when "giving" for the support of the gospel, both at home and abroad, shall again be re- garded in the light of God's word ; when the amount shall be increased to the proportion of a tithe, and the giving or paying of it shall not only be a part of the worship of the sanctuary, but an essential, an in- disputable portion. Modes of Renting Peivs. — One quite common method of renting pews is by fixing a special day, and after giving due notice, have all desiring to become pewholders assemble at a specified time, and then rent the pews according to one of two plans, viz. : igo MEJTHODS OP CHURCH WORK. At Auction. — The pews are frequently set up at auction, and struck oflf for one year to the highest bidder. In this way a large amount of money is sometimes secured by the rental of the choice pews, but unless the preacher is exceedingly popular, or some other unusual excitant quickens a vehement competition u-ntil all the pews are sold, the entire amount will fall short of that which might be realized by some other method. Some congregations fix a graded schedule of prices, accepting no bid which falls below this, and then sell to the highest bidder. This plan protects the pews from being rented at less than the apprizal rates. Others, again, attach a fixed value to each pew, and then sell at auc- tion, not the pew, but the choice, or privilege of making first and suc- ceeding choice of all the pews. The bid is for the choice, to which the regular rental price of the pew is added. The sale of pews by public auction tends to excite among the mem- bers a spirit of rivalry, jealousy, personal pride and vain glorj^, and may be conducted in such a manner as to subvert the very cause Christ had in view in establishing his church upon the earth. Ptcblic Rental, not at Auction. — The custom of renting pews at auction lacks the approval of God's word, and of many Christians whose judg- ment is worthy of great respect. Most congregations renting pews an- nounce the day and hour, have a graded schedule of prices, and rent, not to the highest bidder, but to such as first notify the committee of their choice. The schedule of valuation, if judiciously arranged, may serve an excellent purpose in fixing the income of the church so that it shall fully meet the annual expenditures, and also avoid great diversity in the prices of pews equally desirable. If the pews are all rented each successive year, the former occupants are usually granted the first re- fusal. A more desirable method is to rent the pews for an indejinite period, at a fixed rate, to be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annu- ally, in advance. The lessee may at any time vacate the pew by giving notice of the same in writing, and paying all arrearages. At least twice a year public attention should be called to the matter, and new attendants given an opportunity to secure regular seats; or this matter may be left in the hands of a judicious committee, who shall personally call upon all such as should be pewholders. One difficulty often arises in churches where seats are rented. There are frequently those who are too proud to sit anywhere except in the very best pews the church affords, and are, at the same time, too mean or too poor to pay the price which the sitting will and should reason- ably bring. As another says, they are frequently ' ' of that class who HOW TO KEEP CHURCHES OUT OF DEBT. I9I can pay freely for tickets to the theater, or other places of popular amusement, can hire a carriage for a Sunday drive to the park; can en- tertain company splendidly at Sunday dinners" — and in short, who can pay for anj^thing except religion. Thej^ are not willing to sacrifice their pride to the best interests of the church, but want the church and all its interests sacrificed to their personal vain glory. The fewer of this class of people you have in your church the better, for when the church has to be sacrificed to satisfy the pride of individuals, its useful- ness is at an end. Such people have not, and cannot have the best in- terests of the church at heart, and the sooner they seek sittings some- where else, the better for your church, at least. Sittings for the Poor. — God has decreed that "The poor shall never cease out of the land " (Deut. xv: 11). In every age they are to be a living illustration, to the church, of the condition to which the King of kings condescended for the salvation alike of rich and poor. They are not to be slighted or neglected by the church founded by Him, who for our sakes became poor. They should be made as welcome, and treated as cordially in our churches, as those who are rich in this world's goods. If by overt act, or cold neglect they be excluded, Christ may say to such a church in that day, inasmuch as ye have shown this disre- spect unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have shown it unto me. Sittings, or pews, may be secured for the poor in several ways: i. Every third or fourth pew may be left for occupancy by the poor, or they may be assigned to particular families. 2. The pews on one side of each of the aisles may be reserved for the poor and strangers. If visitors should be sufiiciently numerous, any invidious distinctions on account of poverty would be overcome. 3. Encouraging those who are able, to hire one or more pews to be occupied by the poor. 4. Seats may be assigned by the committee to all such as shall apply after being cordially invited. 5. Inducing the more wealthy to contribute to the formation of a fund, from which shall be paid all arrearages accumulat- ing on the pews occupied by such as are really unable to pay in full the regular rental. If judiciously managed, this may aid in doing away with all humiliating distinctions. 6. If the income of the church is suf- ficient to permit, the poor may be allowed, with reasonable restrictions to rent pews at the schedule rates, with the understanding that what they lack, after making an honest effort to pay, should be cancelled by the sanction of the ofiicial board of the church. This action to take place at stated intervals, not exceeding one year. 7. By an honest and hearty spirit of cordiality upon the part of the entire congregation, 192 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. making both rich and poor feel thoroughly at home in their pews; or, as another aptly expresses it: "It is hoped that such a spirit will prevail, that each member will be willing to pay the highest price he is able, and that, too, for the poorest sitting in the house; and then be ready to give that up every Sundaj^ to strangers, or, which is better, to fill it with sinners whom he shall bring in, while he himself sits in the aisle or on a chair in the corner. This is the principle of sacrifice which lies at the foundation of our religion. 'Christ pleased not himself.' Neither should we. We must have the spirit of Christ, else we are none of his. The church can make rapid progress upon no other principle." Other ways may suggest themselves. In a large and wealthy con- gregation in the State of New York, in remodeling their church, to avoid the crowding of the poor into the gallery, or in some corner of the church, the seats were removed from the galler}^ the space laid off into compartments, carpeted, supplied with comfortable chairs, and rented at a high price by the more wealthy, in order to allow more space for the poor and strangers, who were furnished some of the best sittings in the church. This, and like efforts, are commendable. Seat Recital Agreements. — Where seats are rented there are usually found such as are glad to escape the payment of the same by the use of any and every unprincipled pretext. At the end of each quarter the collector is evaded, or some fault is found with the minister, the church wardens, or some body or some thing, until finally the year is passed and the rent remains unpaid. Frequently this class of people occupy some of the choicest sittings — sittings which could easily be rented to good and responsible parties, if this dishonest class could only be gotten rid of. To meet this class of persons the author, in his first charge, found it necessary to devise some plan which would make fruitless excuses, such as: "When some of the men who are officers in the church shall pay me what they owe me, then I will pay the church." "The mem- bers of the church have wronged and injured me and I don't intend to contribute to the support of such an organization. " " The party sitting just in front of me has a more desirable pew, and yet pays less rent than you ask of me. If this is the unequal and unfair way the church is to be run, I do not propose to pay another cent." To meet these and a multitude of other excuses equally as sensible ( !) agreements printed as the sample given below, and bound in cheap form, served an excel- lent purpose: / hereby agree to take scat No for one year from j8 , at an annual rental of $ , to be paid to the Treasurer in HOW TO ke;kp churches out op dkbt. 193 quarterly installments at the end of each qicarter, ajid if not paid in thirty days after the date 7ipon which it falls due, I then agree to pay 5 per cent, additional to the collector. These agreements tend to secure prompt payments. There can be no disputing the fact that the parties really rented a pew. Neither can they dispute the price, nor the length of the time agreed upon. It secures the church against financial loss by parties removing daring the year. To save the five per cent. , few will allow the fifteen days to expire, and the treasurer or collector will be spared much unpleasant work in going around making collections. These and other advantages attend its use. The fear that any would refuse to sign will prove groundless, if the leading members of the church will but set the example, and then make no exception to the rule. We have never known any one to refuse to sign the agreements, and when once signed, the petty excuses were no longer encountered, but all paid promptly, and the church lost no more money by bad debts of this sort. Peiv-Rent Notices. — There are many persons who are sensitive about receiving a pew-rent notice, but church business must be done in a business-like manner. It should therefore be announced that at regular intervals notices will be mailed to each and every person indebted to the church. Should there be any who object to receive such notice, they may easily avoid the same by paying in advance. Collecting Pew Rents. — As a rule it is almost universally best to have the pew rents paid either monthly, or quarterly, in advance. Those who fail to call on the treasurer of the church and pay punctually, should be called upon promptly. If much time is permitted to elapse, it tends to cultivate a spirit of neglect upon the part of all pewholders, and disastrous results are sure to follow. This will take time, but it is worthy of even more time and inconvenience than it costs. The inter- ests of the church should be committed into the hands of only such as are willing to devote to it all the time and attention it demands. Payment in Envelopes. — In a few churches envelopes are used for the payment of pew rents. It saves the treasurer much trouble, and the pewholder much annoyance. The idea is capital. There is but one question, however, and that is this: Is it right to pay accounts on the IvOrd's day? According to the secular view held by many concerning the support of the church, it would, most assuredly, be as wrong to pay pew rent on Sunday as to pay your grocer or butcher. But where giving for the support of the gospel at home is understood by the people to 13 194 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. be as much an act of worship as giving for the spread of the gospel and the conversion of the heathen, then it becomes not only admissible, but a positive good, an enjoined duty. I^et us bring back the offertory into our churches, and restore giving to its usurped place in the worship. But the mere fact that the pews are rented is likely to be regarded as prima facie evidence of the predominance of the purely commercial idea in the management of the finances of the church, and this would ren- der the payment of pew rents upon the Sabbath, to say the least, a very questionable procedure. To Provide for Deficiencies. — Should the amount realized from the rent of the pews be insufficient to meet current expenses, such deficien- cies should always be provided for at the beginning of the year. This might be done by: i. Having the officers of the church make a liberal estimate for the ensuing year. It should include everything necessary — salaries, insurance, interest, repairs and all incidental expenses, in- cluding also shrinkage and other contingencies. 2. Make a fair esti- mate of the regular income from pews, collections, etc., and by deduct- ing this from the former, all may see at once the amount still to be pro- vided for. 3. Let this be apportioned among regular attendants. It is usually best to appoint a goodly number on the apportionment com- mittee, as it tends to help all who "feel poor" to see that they are even more able to give than others whose circumstances they have misjudged. 4. Each individual should then be notified of the amount which the committee had hoped he might be able to give, and asked to satisfy the same. Such amounts might be paid in weekly, monthly, or quarterly installments, in advance, by the use of envelopes, or regular collectors might be sent to make regular collections. The Free Pew System. — The system of having all the pews free is, unquestionably, the true system. It is the only custom which is ac- cordant with the principles of the Biblical method of church support, and the one which must again become universal when the duty of giv- ing at least one-tenth for the direct support of the church, aside from the new enterprises which are to be provided for by Free-will Offerings and the support of the poor by Alms-giving — I say, when these prin- ciples shall again be preached and the people understand their duty in this matter, then will the free pew system again become universal. Many of the methods by which money is now secured for church sup- port are simply human devices which appeal more to personal pride, a spirit of emulation, business interests and other unscriptural motives, rather than to a sense of obligation as stewards to comply with the re- quirements of God, the great proprietor of all things. HOW TO KEKP CHURCHES OUT OP DEjBT. I95 There are, however, several other methods in use which properly come under the head of the free church, or free pew system, which are worthy of presentation. l^oluntary Contributions. — Many churches which are using a sort of ' ' give-what-you-please, or as little-as-you-please ' ' system, try to dignify the same by the scriptural title, "Free- Will Offerings." This is a mis- nomer, a perversion, a degrading of the term from its Biblical meaning. Even the other term, "voluntary contributions," is, or at least may be, according to circumstances, susceptible of grave misapprehensions, and we use it simply to designate the system which is known by that name. In speaking of the voluntar}^ contribution plan, the pastor of a church in New York City says: "In a general way, it may be said that the ideal church would be absolutely a free church. Built by a free sub- scription and dedicated free of debt, it would provide for its expenses by free-will offerings, brought as an act of worship at each service. Bach member would give each week as the lyord prospered him; no man would know the amount of another's gift; it would be a sacred confidence between the giver and his Divine Master. "This ideal method Could be successful, practically, if the Millenium had dawned, and all Christians were absolutely conscientious and truly devoted to their Lord. In practice, men left entirely to the domin- ion of conscience fail as signally in this duty as in every other. It is more interesting from a psychological than a religious point of view, to notice how many Christians there are who seem to care very little that the Lord knows how stingy they are, if it is reasonaly sure that no one else knows it. "When I was in Paris, twenty years ago, the Sunday collections of the American congregation, then worshiping in a hired chapel, were gathered in a hat. Some shrewd Yankee suggested that it would pay to buy open plates. After this was done it was reported that immedi- ately the contributions were nearly double. No one meant to be mean; but there is an unconscious, involuntary, almost automatic connec- tion between the publicity and the amount of a contribution. ' ' If such ideal plan for supporting a church has ever been tried, the career of that church has been so brief that it has left no history." Here is just where the term "voluntary," as applied to this S3^stem, is vague and indefinite. All giving of tithes, free-will offerings and alms is and ever has been voluntar}-, the same as all moral action. If the author of the above means that a congregation composed of persons who have no knowledge of what amount it is their duty to give, when left to contribute as little as selfishness may suggest, will not, 196 M:eTHODS OF CHURCH WORK. under these circumstances, give sufficient to support a church, then his last statement is true — true to the very letter. But if he means that Christains left to the dominion of an enlightened conscience will not con- tribute alike religiously and liberally, then his statement tends to mis- lead, as it is not in accordance with facts. Without much mental effort we might name at least several congregations where the duty of giving is faithfully preached, where all the contributions are strictly voluntary, and where the amount is left for each contributor to determine in the fear of God, \vith a knowledge of the fact that no human being shall know whether the contribution be much or little. Personal pride, public display, a spirit of emulation, business interest — none of these have any influence upon the congregation, and yet the annual contri- butions aggregate thousands of dollars. In a general way concerning the "voluntaiy contribution" system, it may be said, that, if introduced where no due sense of obligation to the divine command already exists, and where the duty is not clearly, frequently and faithfully preached, it will become one of the most un- business-like, unscriptural and unsuccessful of all plans. But, on the other hand, if accompanied by a faithful presentation and clear under- standing of the divine requirements, it may then approach, or even at- tain, to the scriptural standard. It is capable of rendering the church, or its ministers, either princes or paupers. A Presbyterian pastor says of it: "It is a plan that will not run itself. It must be constantly pushed, and always kept before the congregation. It is a little apt to weary in the end. It has often proved successful when managed by a pastor or officer who is an enthusiast in regard to it; but as often it has signally failed. As a matter of fact, the history of ' free churches ' in this city (New York) has been disastrous. Among Presbyterians they have alwa3^s failed." But few congregations have been sufficiently instructed to use this plan successfully without considerable machiner}^ and therefore the envelope S5-stem, with its various modifications, has been much more successful. Anmial Subscription. — There still are a goodly number of congrega- tions in rural districts and new fields, which seek to provide for the sup- port of a pastor and current expenses by circulating a subscription at the end of each year. This method, or want of method, is doubtless an outgrowth of the early years when congregations sought to sup- plement the amount received from mission boards by circulating a sub- scription each fall, which was about the only time in all the year when HOW TO KEEP CHURCHES OUT OE DEBT. 197 new settlers had any ready money, and would consequently prefer to pay then for the entire year. But while the occasion which begat it has passed away, still the horrid practice, after having outlived its useful- ness, continues to hobble along the decades, yea, and even centuries. If there is a single thing that can be said in favor of this plan, we con- fess to not knowing what it is, unless it be that the little which is ac- complished by means of it is better than nothing at all. There is much which may be said against the annual subscription plan: i. It almost universally fails to provide the necessary amount, and leads to questionable methods for securing the deficienc5^ 2. It leaves the church or its officers to struggle each year, and all the time, with accruing obligations. 3. It annually tempts all who have become estranged from the pastor to withhold their support and to use their in- fluence to defeat the success of the measure, in order to "starve the minister out. " 4. It induces people to seek occasion to find all manner of fault, in order to avoid the payment of a just or equitable amount. 5. It asks in a single payment for an amount, which, if paid in weekly installments, would seem insignificant, but when asked at the end of the year seems startling. Many who could not pay $5 at any one time could readily pay ten cents a week, and others who would be able to pay $50 in weekly installments would not think of giving the whole amount in a single payment. 6. It is unscriptural, unphilosophical and unsuccessful. Permanent Subscriptio7i. — The permanent subscription does not of ne- cessity suffer all the disadvantages of the annual subscription. If it does not leave the time and mode of payment optional with each sub- scriber, but affords some reliable guarantee that the money will be forth- coming in due time to meet the demands of the cause, then it may, with judicious management, attain a more worthy rank among other meth- ods. It is permanent only in that it requires no annual renewals. Changes are from time to time to be made in the amounts. Each year will witness commercial changes. Some of moderate means will grow wealthy, while sickness or financial reverses will render others less able to contribute. "Paul says (2 Cor., viii: 13, 14) that he will not have one eased and another burdened in these matters, but that there be an equality — he means a proportionate equality. Men of large prop- erty in the church, who wish to obey the word of God, do well to re- member that a contribution of $500 from a man worth $500,000 is far less burdensome than one of $5 from a widow whose entire estate would not bring $500. Nevertheless, the widow should give her share. And where any member seems to be falling below his pro- 198 MEITHODS OP CHURCH WORK. portionate equality in bearing the church expenses, the church should, in a kind and fraternal spirit, call his attention to the subject." Because the subscription bears the name of "permanent," it is li- able to be neglected or forgotten. This should not be the case, but at least twice each year it should be examined with a view to increase and additions. As the subscription does not require annual renewal, the time and labor heretofore expended in soliciting funds, 3'ear by year, may be turned into other channels, the only w^ork needed being for the filling of vacancies as they occur. It is always best to make a full estimate of all the probable expenses of the church for the ensuing year, allowing a liberal amount for contingent expenses, and then before starting the committee to secure subscriptions, it is better to apportion the entire amount among all members and attendants. Each member of every family, even to the small children, should be invited to subscribe some- thing. In this way the amount will not only be greatly increased, but all will be exercised in this means of grace, and those who are soon to occupy the places of their seniors in the church will be accustomed to contribute, and further years will reveal the beneficent results of this method. By all means have the children contribute something. This, however, must be done in such a way as to augment the amounts sub- scribed by the older members of the family, or the church will fall into the pitiable plight of being entirely dependent upon the children or the Sunday-school. The church should support the Sunday-school, and not the Sunday-school the church. If the results of the subscription are not sufficient to meet the esti- mated expenditure, it is doubtless best to renew the effort at once ; or by general consent, secured at first, or subsequently, add to the amounts already subscribed such a uniform percentage as the circumstances may require. This would let the balance fall equally upon all. Each subscription is to remain in force until some specified officer of the church shall have been notified in writing by any seeking release from the amount subscribed. This is essential, or the church will be left with arrearages by the failure of parties to pay the amount the church had a right to expect. Collections should be faithfully and regularly made. Notices should be sent monthly to those in arrears. Or, if thought preferable, the con- gregation may be divided into several districts, each of these having a collector, who shall keep the accounts of all subscribers residing in his district, and each of the collectors shall render a regular monthly state- ment, m writing, to the treasurer. Care must always be exercised in HOW TO KSJKP CHURCHES OUT OF DEBT. 1 99 the selection of collectors, and all must understand that the money is to be paid to the treasurer promptly. The treasurer should also ren- der a quarterly statement to the vestry of the church; this may be simply a written statement of amounts received and disbursed, or it may be an itemized account. I^et . the money of the church be guarded, so as to protect the character of the collectors and treasurer, and this will at the same time protect the church. A clear and explicit statement should be rendered annually to the congregation; this should be printed and freely distributed. It will more than pay the expense, in the rich return of confidence. This method may be made: i. To provide for the expenses of the church at the beginning of the year. 2. To conveniently furnish the money to meet all bills as they become due. 3. To do away with the necessity of continual or repeated begging at the stated services of the Sabbath. 4. It may also be made to supersede the necessity of oyster suppers, festivals, dramatic exhibitions and the like, which, defend them as best we may, are of questionable tendencies, and attended with damaging results. 5. This method may be made to lead the way to the introduction of the envelope system, and the giving of the scriptural tithe. The Envelope System. — During the past score of years, the old sys- tem of pew rentals has been largely superseded by a system of reg- ular offerings, placed in envelopes, and at short and regular inter- vals deposited in the collection basket at the stated times of divine worship. The system has met with unrivaled success because of its flexibility, accommodating itself to the diversified wants of the various congregations. It admits of adjustment to a system of quarterly, monthly or weekly payments in different churches, or is suited to ac- commodate all these classes in a single congregation. It is simple, easily understood by all, and may be rendered effective either with much or little machinery. It is easily introduced, and meets with more hearty approval from year to year. In addition it has been more suc- cessful in securing the amounts necessary to provide for the support of the gospel, at home and abroad, than any other system in use since the apostate church of Rome, three centuries before the Reformation, sub- stituted the unscriptural theory of "Competent Maintenance" for the heaven-ordained law of the "Divine Right of the Tithe." Besides these, the envelope sys Jem, properly worked, i. Is well suit- ed to reach every member. 2. It secures the small gifts, keeping open the rills which enlarge the stream of Christian beneficence. It has the correct principle of ' ' small gifts from many givers, at regular and fre- 200 METHODS OP CHURCH WORK. quent intervals." 3. Because of its frequency, it enjoys the advantages of moral discipline, and serves an excellent purpose in abating the force of avarice — "take heed, and beware of covetousness." 4. It elevates giving to its proper place as a part of divine worship. 5. It makes abil- ity the standard of duty. 6. It leads each member of the church to give systematically, as well as introduces method and system into the finances of the church. 7. The first beneficent result of the system was, that it secured ' ' more giving ; ' ' but the gradual and exalted tendencies are to secure "giving>more." The success of the envelope system ren- ders it unnecessary to defend it against the charges of being unservice- able, mechanical, childish, or complicated. Its continued success and increasing usefulness give clear testimony in its defence. It remains simply to give a feiu plans, such as may prove suggestive in aiding some to perfect a plan already in use, or may aid others in in- troducing the system which has secured such desirable results elsewhere. It might be best for us to remind all that the success of this, or any plan, is in its being thoroughly worked. Some strong hand and earnest heart must be at the wheel, guiding to a successful issue the interests of each congregation, or the finances of the church, like an unguided vessel, will float in the thousand directions of shipwreck, and lose the one safe and only course which leads to port. A poor plan well worked is better than the best plan poorly worked. "The first condition of success is the unequivocal influence of the pastor in favor of some plan of systematic giving. The pastor must devise a plan, must present it, must advocate it, must get the sanction of his church for it, ' must preach to the people about it, and must pray publicly for God's blessing upon it." It would be impracticable to lay down arbitrary rules. What will answer in one congregation or community would prove a failure in an- other, but general principles along with a variety of methods will greatly aid in securing a more universal usefulness among the different congregations. An Estimate. — The first step in the introduction of the envelope sj^s- tem is to make an estimate of the entire amount necessary to meet all the expenses of the ensuing j^ear. This should include: i. Pastor's salary. 2. Rent of parsonage. 3. Furniture of parsonage. 4. Amount needed for aiding the sick and poor. 5. Sacramental expenses. 6. Presiding Elder's allowance. 7. Assessment for the Bishops. 8. Sex- ton. 9. Fuel and lights. 10. Water rent. 11. Insurance. 12. Interest on debt. 13. Reduction of debt. 14. Repairs. 15. Incidentals. 16. A percentage for unpaid pledges. 17. Sunday-school work. 18. Sup- HOW TO kke;p churchks out op debt. 20 1 port of local missions. 19. Taxes. 20. Synodical assessments (not for missions, etc.) 21. Any and all other expenses to be provided for. These various amounts added, will give the sum necessary for the work of the year. Securing Pledges. — The officers of the church, or some judiciously selected committee, may apportion this amount so as to rest equitably upon all members and supporters of the church, and then secure the pledges by dividing the congregation into districts, and appointing ju- dicious persons to canvass the same. Or a more si^ccessful method is to send a circular letter to each supporter of the church. The following, taken from ''Helps to Official Members,'" by Rev. James Porter, D. D., may prove suggestive : "Dear Sir : — The committee appointed to apportion the amount necessary for the support of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the present year among its members and the congregation, have concluded, after due deliberation, that you can afford, and will be willing to pay the sum of dollars. If you acquiesce in this conclusion, you will please to pay the same in monthly install- ments, iriclosing the amount in an envelope, writing 3^our name, with the amount inclosed, upon the outside, and depositing the same in the basket or box on the first Sabbath in each month, when it will be passed around in the church to receive these monthly payments. If you demur at the apportionment, you will please in- form A. B. , our treasurer, immediately, stating to him what amount you will pay in the manner aforesaid. "Yours truly, for the committee, C. D., Secretary." The pledges may be secured without the apportionment plan by cir- culating cards, or circular letters, something like the following: Please deposit this card in the basket with your first envelope. I Hereby Agree to Contribute Week];y for the support of the Church with which I have the privilege of being associated. The reverse side of the card might contain the following : i . Every believer is bound by the positive command of God to give for his cause. 2. Bach is required to give according to his ability. 3. Bach is to give habitually, as he can thus do it most effectively, and that he may con- stantly honor God. 4. God calls for our gift as a mark and as a measure of our love: "God loves a cheerful giver." 5. God makes the salva- tion of our fellow men dependent on our fidelity. 202 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. The other form of circular letter might be something like the following: '■^ Dear Brother: — The Council of the church with which you have the privilege of being associated, after a careful surv-ey of the whole field, find that it will re- quire the sum of % to pay .our pastor's salary, and to meet all the other expenses of the church for the current year. This sum, if divided equally among our entire membership, would be | per annum, or cents per week for each member. This amount, though above the abilit}' of some, is doubtless much less than others can pay, so that the average may safely be re- lied upon, provided each will give in accordance with the Scripture rule — " as God has prospered him " — not less than one-tenth, and as much more as the prosperity of the week will enable him. "To secure this average weekly contribution, and to do it, too, in such a way as will be most easy for yourselves, your brethren of the Church Council have deter- mined to introduce and to thoroughly test what is known in church financiering as 'The Envelope System.' " Hoping that you will cordially cooperate with us in this effort, and that as soon as convenient you will notify us by letter or otherwise, of the amount you will probably contribute weekly, we have enclosed to you, in connection with this cir- cular, a package of fifty-two envelopes, each of which contains your register num- ber, with a blank for date and amount of contribution. "Into one of these envelopes we ask you to deposit weekly the amount you feel you ought to give for the support of the church, and having dated it, and placed on it the amount enclosed, deposit the whole in the basket on Sabbath morning or evening. Or if you cannot be present at the service, send your enve- lope by the hand of a friend, or else double the amount the following Sabbath. And let this be done, week by week, till you have formed the habit, like the wor- shipers of ancient times, of alwa3^s taking with you an offering of some kind whenever you appear in the courts of the Lord's house. By doing this you will be personally benefited, the treasury of the church will be able to meet all the demands against it, special efforts will be avoided, and the cause of Christ saved from reproach and greatly advanced. "Confidently relying upon your cooperation in the plan adopted, we subscribe ourselves, " Your brethren in Christ, The Church Councii.." A System Uniting the Local and Foreign Work. — As some pastors prefer a system which will provide for both the home and foreign work, we present in full a system introduced by Rev. W. T. Wylie, and known as The Belief onte Method. — There are two sets of cards, or, for greater convenience, one card printed on both sides. On one side, under the head of "Support of the Gospel," an estimate is made of the money re- quired for the year, including pastor's salary-, sexton's services, Sabbath- school work, fuel, light, repairs, etc. This divided by 365 gives how much is needed every day for the 3-ear. This result divided by the number of communicants show^ the average per day required of each. Some, of course, can give far more than this average amount, while HOW TO KBEP CHURCHES OUT OP DEBT. 203 Others fall below it. The contributions of friends, adherents and chil- dren, in addition to communicants, will almost certainly secure the average required. The second side is for the " Spread of the Gospel. No estimate of any amount is placed on thi^, but each communicant is enjoined to give, as as God enables, a daily sum, to which from time to time may be added as a special contribution whatever the giver is able to set apart. Every friend is also invited to join in this. The sum total of this fund is be- fore the session, who appropriate as they think best to the different boards and other claims which are brought before the church, and report their acftion to the congregation. Two sets of envelopes accompany these cards. One package of twelve, or one for each month, of a dark color, is furnished by the trustees. The other package also contains twelve envelopes of a light color, the different colors being used to distinguish them. The cards are distributed to the congregation, and given to every member and adherent, and also to the children of church members. The object is explained, and each is urged to make his duty a matter of careful and prayerful study, and then to fill up the blanks in each card, sign his name, and return on the next Sabbath, It is very im- portant that families so divide their contributions that each member, even the little child, has some share in the work. When the cards are returned, the names are entered in the treasurer's book, together with the sum subscribed by each. Then twenty-four envelopes are placed with each card in a neat box prepared for this pur- pose (twelve dark for Church Support, and twelve light for Spread of the Gospel), and given to the person whose name is on the card. On the back of each envelope is written the person's name, as on the card. At the close of each month every individual places the amount of his contribution in the envelope, seals it, and drops it into the collection on Sabbath. The treasurer opens the envelopes, credits each with the pay- ment made, and thus the work goes on to the close of the year. In case some members of the church have not sent in their cards at the first, as is likely to occur through delay or carelessness, they should be called on by a committee of session for the work of benevolence and by a committee of trustees for church support. Not one member of the church should be left whose name is not enroll- ed as giving, if only one cent a day. Advajitagcs of the System.— Th&SQ are numerous and decided, both as to the individual giving and the cause. They are even more im- portant in a spiritual point of view than in a pecuniary, i. Every one 204 METHODS OP CHURCH WORK. is called to do liis vshare in tlie Lord's work. 2. Kacli gives in the easi- est way — day by day, little by little. 3. Each is called to exercise con- scie.nce, and act habitually as towards God, thus educating himself in God's work. 4. Daily thought and daily prayer are directed to our first great work in life, sustaining and spreading the L,ord's cause. 5. The session can see just how each member is performing his dut5^ 6. There is no annoyance from collectors, each being his own collector, and the account can be prepared so that a glance will show how it stands. 7. The poorest member of the church can do his share just as well as the wealthiest, and feel that all are helpers of Christ's work, "each as God enables. ' ' How to Introduce the System. — "I^et the session and trustees each ex- amine the method pertaining to their several departments. "It is better to adopt and introduce them at once, but if the trustees prefer some other way, the session may adopt and work the scheme for the benevolent contributions of the church. When the plan is decided on, get your cards printed so as to have one for each man, woman and child in the bounds of the congregation. "Distribute on a Sabbath when there is a full attendance, and collect on the next Sabbath; be prompt in getting all the cards in, then fill out your treasurer's roll, prepare and distribute the envelopes, and keep the business up square. ' ' We append also a brief extract from another very excellent develop- ment of the same plan, prepared by "Z. W. B." and pubhshed in the Congregationalist: " In our local field we have to provide (i) for the public preaching of the gospel in God's house, for the prayer-meetings, for the Sabbath-school, and for the various other agencies which a live church will employ in strengthening itself and in reaching the com- munity around; and (2) for aiding the poor whom God's providence has placed among us. The former, including warming, lighting and care of the house, pastor's salar}^ etc., will cost say $5,000. As the Master's command is to preach the gospel to the perishing, and as the whole tenor and spirit of the New Testament shows that he would have the poorest and humblest sinner made welcome to come and listen to the glad tidings of salvation ('to the poor the gospel is preached'), so we should have no caste in the house of the I^ord (see James 2: 2,3), no exclusive' pews, no hired or purchased seats, but every seat should be free, whoso- ever will, may come and take of the water of life freely. This will necessitate regular contributions. If all the three hundred persons whose names are on the church records could be counted as ' paying ' members, thirty-two cents a week from each would meet this demand; HOW TO ke;e;p churches out of debt. 205 but as, for various reasons, a large number cannot be so counted, let us suppose that two hundred and fifty will be regular contributors; then it will take an average of thirty-nine cents a week from each. ' ' For the relief work and local charities a competent relief committee could expend to advantage $500 during the year. Four cents a week from each paying member will give this." The Home Missionary Work, the Foreign Missionary Work, the Work among the Seamen, and the distribution of Bibles and Religious Literature — each is presented clearly and fully in a lengthy but most excellent circular, and the claims of each cause is estimated as follows : I. The Local Work. For church expenses, per week 39c For Relief Fund 4c 43c II. The Home Missionary Work. For Home Missionary Society 2j^c For American Missionary Association 2_J^c For Congregational Union i c For College and Educational Society i c 7C III. The Foreign Work. For A. B. C. F. M ". . . . y/zc IV. The Work Among the Seamen. For Seaman's Friend Society ic V. The Distribution of Bibles and Religious Literature. For Bible Society i c For Congregational Publishing Society i c For Tract Society i c 3C 57>^c ' ' This would make the weekly sum for a family having two church members (the average number), $1. 15, amounting for the year to $59.80, which is the 'tithe' of an income of $598, or live per cent, of an in- come of $1,196. There are those among us who will undoubtedly (at least for the missionary objects) give twice, thrice, five or ten times the amount named. "The sum named for the local work (43 cents per week, or $22.36 a year for each paying member) will of course vary from these figures in tho.se churches where the membership bears a different ratio to expenses. Thus a church having five hundred paying members and the same ex- penses, would need but half the sum named from each. "For all the other channels of our work the sum named (14^ cents a week, or $7.54 a year, for the work in all the world) is the very low- 2o6 METHODS OP CHURCH WORK. est which will pay our debts. And the size of the local church makes no difiference as to this. It is the minimum which the ' paying mem- bers ' of any church should average. ''Pledges and Collections. — For the efficient accomplishment of the ob- ject in view, we would propose that the church resolve itself into a mis- sionary society. Let the executive committee procure a supply of cards something like that below, and distribute them to the members and among the congregation, together with a circular stating the needs gf the church for the ensuing year." WHAT I WIIvI. DO FOR JESUS. I will (God prospering me) give weekly at least the sum set against my name for the objects mentioned below (reserving, however, the right to cancel or change this pledge at any time, by due notice to the treasurer, should it seem necessary for me to do so) : ce;nts. For church expenses For our church Relief Fund For Home Missionary Society For American Missionary Association For Congregational Union For College and Educational Society For A. B. C. F. M For Seaman's Friend Society For Bible Society For Congregational Publication Society For Tract Society Name _^ Residence ^_ After prayerfully and thoughtfully reading the accompanying circular, please fill out and sign above pledge, and place it in the contribution box next Sabbath. ' ' On the back of the card should be printed a statement of the aver- age amount which should be given. "Let nmnbered envelopes be issued to each one who shall sign a pledge (every child in the congregation should be encouraged to pledge its mite), and let the amount pledged for all the objects be placed in the envelopes weekly, and the envelopes be collected in the contribution box on the Sabbath. If any one wishes to add a free-will offering, either for the general work or for a special object, let him do so, stating the amount and object on the envelope." The Treasure f s Book. — Procure a book properly ruled, with space on the left-hand margin for register number, a second space for the entry of names in alphabetical order, a third space for amount of subscription HOW TO KKKP churche;s out of debt. 207 pledged, and fifty-two additional spaces for the entry of weekly contri- butions, or twelve for monthly contributions. If desirable, the classes can be arranged separately, leaving a hundred lines for each class — the members of the first class being registered from 100 to 199, the second from 200 to 299, etc., so that the first figure of the register number will always indicate the class to which it belongs. The register number attached to a name on the treasurer's book is to be placed on the left-hand margin of the class-book, and also upon each of the envelopes given him for use. Any outside friends that contribute can be placed in a class by themselves, and registered accordingly. In entering the several amounts contributed, the treasurer will work entirely by the numbers, and thus will find the task comparatively easy. Statements should be sent out to each contributor annually, or oftener, showing the amount received ; and a full statement of the finances of the church made to the whole congregation at the end of the 5^ear. Bills and Reminders. — The amounts pledged should not be allowed to fall in arrears. If those whose pledges are not fully redeemed are called upon at least semi-annually, then any discrepancies in accounts can easily be adjusted before so long a time has elapsed that payments cannot be recalled. Bills and reminders may be profitably used, but care should be taken lest they be used too liberally, or in such a manner as to lose their in- fluence in accomplishing the desired result. We append a couple of forms: Church op the Ascension. REMlNDEiR. M. Your subscription appears to be weeks in arrears. .iSS M_ To Ninth St. Baptist Church, Dr. To balance due on subscription for support of worship, beginning April i, iSS D^'. Amount of subscription for weeks, - - - - | . Cr. By amt. paid per Treas. book, Balance due, - - • Cincinnati, iSS Please give this your early aiteniioti. CONCLUSION. Rev. George Harris, in presenting a sj^stem of weekly contributions in quite general use in the State of Rhode Island, urges the necessity of a system and meets some of the objections in the following manner: ' ' The preacher may unfold with the utmost skill the principle that obli- gation is measured by ability; he may urge his hearers to set apart a fixed proportion of their income for the L,ord, and if one man in the 2o8 MKTHOnS OV CIIUKCH WORK. congregation adopts his eloquent advice, he thinks he has not preached in vain; but let the sermon be accompanied by a concise little card which contains figures and directions, so that a child can understand, and there wdll be hundreds in every congregation who wdll respond. Precisely this course must be adopted, if giving throughout our con- gregations is to be measured by ability. Every church must put an actual, definite system, explained in a few printed w^ords, into the hands of every man, woman and child, before any considerable number will give according to their ability. Good intentions cannot be trusted; there must be an existing and visible system, and the principle, what- ever the details, must be the pledge of some amount to be given during the year. "When new plans of any kind are proposed to a church, opposition, or at least reluctance, is sure to be encountered. The people are naturally and justifiably shy of experiments. Yet, some experiments must be made, and this experiment of systematic giving must be made. If the pastor is timid, the system will not be introduced, or if introduced, will have only a moderate success, but if the pastor ex- ercises good-natured determination, he will soon gain the support of the church, and then if he presents the subject faithfully, he will be aston- ished to find that so many in the congregation are ready to respond, and will blame himself for neglecting his duty so long. ' ' The earnest support of the pastor is necessary after a vote of the church has been given in favor of the new system. He will need in his preaching not only to state strong reasons for adopting the plan; he will also need to meet objections which different individuals wdll bring for- ward to excuse themselves from making a pledge. More than one will say or think: ' It is difficult to decide how^ much to give. I do not know what my income will be next year, nor, indeed, if I shall have any; it is almost impossible in a large business to separate twelve months and compute the gains, because so man)^ transactions cover a more extended period. Unforseen expenditures may be necessary. I do not know what percentage I ought to give, at any rate.' The pastor, either in his sermon or in private, must be read}^ to reply. He will say: ' If you are convinced of the correctness of the principle, it must be that there is some amount which you are morally certain you can give. For ex- ample, yoii are doubtful whether or not you can give one dollar a week; but you are certain you can give half a dollar — then give that, and make additions if 3^ou are able. Or, if you can decide in no other way, give as much as you have been in the habit of giving; get the whole amount and divide it by fifty-two for your weekly pledges. If you say, HOW TO KKEP CHURCHES OUT OF DEBT. 209 I do not know how mucli I have been giving, the remark proves the need of a system; you ought to know. Almost any one can make an estimate of usual income and necessary expenses, which, if not exact, will be nearly accurate. At any rate, whatever you give, you probably will not err in the direction of excess. The phenomenon has seldom been observ^ed of a person who became embarrassed by giving too much.' A very good rule to recommend to such persons, and indeed to all, is that they make such a pledge as they honestly think is sufficient and arrange their other expenses accordingly. First make some proper pledge, and then bring other outlays into conformity with it. "Some will object that it is too much trouble to make these estimates and pledges, and to bring the money every Sunday; but it will vanish, perhaps, when the pastor says: 'That objection I consider to be a recom- mendation; we have not taken nearly trouble enough; the Lord expects us to take just this trouble, and to find it a pleasure. My only fear is that you will not take the trouble you ought to take, that in some careless fashion you will put down fifty cents or a dollar without any thought at all. If ladies will take as much trouble as they take to match the trimmings for one dress, to which they patiently devote two or three mornings, the question of how much would be settled, and rightly settled; if gentlemen will devote as much time to it as they devote to selecting cigars or to choosing a new coat, proper decisions would be reached. ' "Some will object, saying, what I can give is so little that it is not worth while to take the pledge and keep the account. But the cheery pastor reminds them that one of the chief recommendations of the sys- tem is that it swells small gifts into a large volume, and adds: 'Can you discover that your obligation to give a little, if it is all you can afford, is any less real than the obligation of one who can give largely? In the parable of the talents, which servant was condemned? It was he who had but one talent; so little that he went and hid it in the earth! Among those who cast their gifts into the treasury while Christ looked on, who was commended ? It was the poor widow who cast in two mites, which make a farthing. ' "The pressure of hard times will be urged as an objection, to which the undismayed pastor will reply: 'Don't limit your retrenchments to your benevolence. It is not very consistent for a Christian to stop giv- ing, and keep up all other outlays to the old standard. ' "For those who have had losses and are in debt, if they can give anything, it should be with a system, for such persons, above all others, should systematize their expenditures and benevolence. "Any plan that may be proposed will be met with some objections. 2IO MEJTHODS OF CHURCH WORK. This plan lias fewer objections and more recommendations than any plan of which we know ; but so good a system as this, especially at its introduction, must have the unhesitating support of the pastor, or it will meet with little favor. But can any pastor be satisfied with the shiftless, casual habits of giving which so commonly prevail ? Is it not worth all the trouble he may take to develop the latent resources of the congregation ? Any pastor who despises the details of practical Chris- tian work in his church, and devotes himself, as he says, to the pulpit, has sadly curtailed his opportimities as a Christian minister. The peo- ple wait for their pastor to take the lead in every good work ; they often wonder why he does not devise plans of Christian benevolence, and appeal to them in behalf of suffering missionaries and of perishing men and women who need the gospel. It is a shame for ministers to let their churches go on in the old ruts, giving but a fragment of what they might give, while our missionary societies are struggling with debt and are obliged to withdraw their workers from important fields. And so I say that the essential condition for introducing a plan of systematic beneficence is the unequivocal influence of the pastor in its favor An- other important condition is the cooperation of those who have been the large givers in a church. If they hold aloof, success will not be so certain ; but if they adopt the system for themselves and encourage their children to adopt it, there can be little doubt of signal success. " If the pastor is an earnest advocate of it, and if those who already give adopt it, the system can easily be introduced to supplant the care- less and unequal giving which is now so common. ' ' CHAPTER XXXV. NEW ENTERPRISES. IT has truthfully been said that "change is dangerous, " and to those experienced in the erection of new church edifices it is unnecessary to say that it is a developing period in the career of the congregation which is fraught with difficulties and dangers, and often with disasters, either to pastor or people, and sometimes to both. It is a time when those giving direction to affairs are called upon to exercise the utmost wisdom. But the arduous labors and perplexing difficulties should not be sources of discouragement;" they should rather awaken to greater NEW ENTERPRISES. 211 effort and increased caution in the work so necessary to be accomplished. Practical Suggestions. — Here in the very beginning let us give a word of counsel to those who are to be leaders in carrying forward new enter- prises. Unpleasantnesses are likely to arise, unkind things will be said, and unthought and unwrought plans and suggestions will be inflicted upon 3^ou, but never, under any circumstances whatever, allow your- self to lose that self-control which will restrain 5^ou from saying those things which will do no good, but result in positive evil. Never lose your temper. If insulted appear to be too stupid to be aware of it. Remember that men often regret what they did say, but seldom what they did not say. An insignificant seed when left to germinate will sever a rock; so a single expression, a word, or even a look, may and often has dismembered entire congregations. Hozv to Proceed. — When a new undertaking is contemplated, the whole matter should be presented so as to secure the best judgment and most hearty cooperation of all persons interested. Although the ofiicial board, or the trustees, or a committee are to be entrusted with the greater responsibilities of cari-ying forward the project yet they are only the servants of the people, and are dependent upon them for sympathy and support. Having determined the necessity of a new church, parsonage or any other undertaking, one of the first things to be inquired into is, how much money can be secured for the project. Much caution is necessary just at this point, for many will promise, or even pledge much more than they are able ever to paj'. Enthusiasm is apt to usurp the place of reason, and liberal impulses are liable to outrun financial ability. Some men will subscribe a thousand dollars who never had so much money at any one time. In a new enterprise many will follow their zeal, ambition, and even their pride, rather than their judgment. On the other hand again, many will be controlled by a parsimonious, illib- eral spirit rather than by a sense of Christian duty. In endeavoring to reach such, the committee will need to select the best plan, and to go fortified with such arguments as will secure the desired amount, and at the same time leave the contributor a better and more liberal man. Where to Build. — When once it has been determined that a new church is to be erected, one of the first things to be considered is a proper site. ■ A good location ought by all means to be secured. In a city the selection is often limited to a choice between two or three scanty lots; but it must be kept in mind in building city churches, as Bishop Asbury said, "If you are going to catch fish you must either go where they are, or where they are likely to come." But there are some 212 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. considerations never to be lost sight of. Let the surroundings be such as will awaken only feelings of veneration. Often churches are built where the attitude of every building, and the uses to which, they are em- ployed are such as awaken anything but reverence, because the}^ are discordant to every thought of Christian worshij). Where circum- stances will allow, other things being equal, a corner lot is much to be preferred, as it will allow the church to front on two streets, giving easy entrance and exit, besides affording better light and ventilation. Among the many other things to be looked after, due regard should be paid to a location where the service will not be interrupted by the rum- bling of wheels over the hard pavement of the street, or the noise of passing street cars or railroad trains. Avoid a proximity to buildings of such magnitude as will mar the architectural proportions of the church by their overshadowing uncomeliness, or will cut off a good supply of light and ventilation. Where space sufficient can be secured it is by far preferable to place the building back from the street, so as to afford space for an ample court. In large cities, where the cost of land is ex- cessive, it is not always possible to stand the church back from the street, but the effect is often marred by this necessity. It is often the case that a church site is tendered to a congregation free of charge. This may be a fortunate or an unfortunate event, ac- cording to circumstances. It is sometimes found to be the case that some wealthy parishoner desires to improve the value of adjacent prop- erty by the near proximity of a fine church, erected at the expense of others. In this way some men try to appear generous, while they are purely selfish. In the country, where land is comparatively cheap, the church should occupy the best site the vicinity affords. Let the space be ample, and by all means avoid barren, bleak, treeless locations, ex- posed to the driving storms and winds in winter, and the pitiless heat in summer. Let the location be central and desirable, not selected be- cause remoteness and barrenness render it cheap. When once the site has been determined upon, let the architect look over the ground and surroundings so that he may submit such a draft as shall be best adapted to that particular location, for a structure that would be adapted to one location might be entirel}^ unsuited to another. The Pla7i, or Draft. — Unless 3'ou have an abundance of money at command, and desire to erect something different from the seventy-five thousand church edifices in the United States, we would recommend that you be beware of experiments. Select a church which is suited to your wants and then use it as a model. Among the thousands already constructed, of such various styles of architecture, ranging in cost from Ni;w knte;rprise;s. 213 $150 to $300,000, some one or more will be suited to your wants. "Their sizes, proportions, materials and cost maybe easily obtained, and will indicate which is to be preferred, all things considered. It is not difficult to find churches constructed for $10,000 that will be justly preferred to others which cost twice that amount. Some of them are perfect charms, beautiful, easy to speak and hear in, and in every way attractive and inviting, while others are as notably defective. It is folly to expect any architect to excel the best of them, particularly in their acoustic properties. Churches differ radically in this particular, and no architect can tell why. In some the lowest voice can be heard in every part; while in others of the same size the loudest is indistinct, and hearing difficult, if not impossible. The only sure way to success in this respect is to select a model that has been fully tested, and follow it. The importance of this point cannot be overestimated. It has more to do with the health, happiness and usefulness of the preacher, and the size of the congregation than is generally imagined. For him to strain his voice to make himself heard, and fail, is killing, not only to him, but the people; they will soon leave him."* In selecting a model avoid all such as are cold, unsocial and unsuited to the true spirit of devotion. A church should present an attractive, genial, home-like appearance, and yet not lack that which reminds us that we are in a sacred place. Specifications and Contract. — When the proper model has been selected, in most instances it will be found advisable to secure an architect to give an accurate draft of every part of the building, giving, also, such specifications as will include every stick of timber, amount of lumber, number of bricks, style of finish, form of pulpit and pews, and every- thing down to the minutest details. This expense and delay will save both time and money. It will give the builders an intelligible basis for an economical estimate, and then if the contract is explicit in all of its details, as it always should be, it will protect the congregation against all bills for extras. Contract only with reliable parties, and such are able to complete the work without loading the structure with builders' liens; and then, if the contract is clear and explicit in every detail, the church may be completed without perplexing annoy- ances, litigations and final disgust. B}^ recording the contract the same as all legal documents, the builder can create no obligations which may enable an^^ one to get a lien on the building either for labor or material, Hoxv Much Money to Invest.. — Invest all the money you can raise, but not more. Build as beautiful and costly a church as you can pay for, * Rev. James Porter, D. D. 214 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. but in making 3^our plans, if 3^011 would be on the safe side, make a full allowance for unredeemable pledges, and double the amount which is estimated to be sufficient to complete the building. Do not build for posterity, for in nine cases out of ten posterity will tear down 3'our structure to build one more agreeable to its own taste. Build for your- selves, and leave ' ' posterity " to do the same. Build a church to meet 3^our needs, and not one that shall be "an ornament to the city." Among churches we have already too many ornaments, and too few which are well suited to the purposes for which churches should be built. The Final Cost. — The cases are rare where the final expense does not exceed, to a surprising extent, the figures primitively stated as the ulti- matum. The diversity, of course, varies with the foresight exercised by those in charge of the enterprise. But it ma}^ be stated as a rule, to which there are few exceptions, that the first estimates fall far short of the final cost. Although these facts may tend to discourage, thej^ will, when properly taken into account, occasion less embarrassment, and be more easily surmounted, "for he who is forewarned is forearmed." Where a chapel is to cost $1,000 it is often the case that unthought of expenditures increase this amount to twice that sum. Where the church is estimated at $40,000, an additional $20,000 or $30,000 is usu- ally required to paj^ for alterations in plan, improvements, or to meet expenditures required, but overlooked at first. If these facts affright the committee or congregation, be consoled with the thought that it is better to be appalled before, rather than after the debt is created. Be consoled also with the thought that most congregations can, with proper management, do from two to six times more than the various members anticipated they could possibly afford. The Scj'iptural Plan. — The first account we have in the Scriptures of any building erected for the worship of God, is the tabernacle. The account (Ex. xxxv.-xl) is briefly this: When on the mount, Moses received from the Lord the command to build the tabernacle, which the children of Israel were to carry with them as they removed from place to place in their journeys through the wilderness. ' ' And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel saying, This is the thing which the Lord commanded, saying. Take 3'e from among 3^ou an offering unto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the Lord; gold, and silver, and brass, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair and rams' skins d^-ed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood, and oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense, NEW ENTERPRISEIS. 215 and onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breast- plate, and every wise-bearted among you shall come, and make all that the lyord hath commanded. ' ' And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the I^ord's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his ser- vice, and for the holy garments. And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered, offered an offering of gold unto the lyord. "And the workmen 'received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanc- tuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning. And all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, came every man from his work which they made ; and they spake unto Moses, saying, The people being much more than enough for the service of the work which the lyord commanded to make. And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were re- strained from bringing. For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.' ' ' All the gold that was occupied for the work in all the work of the holy place, even the gold of the offering, was twenty and nine talents, and seven hundred and thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary. And the silver of them that were numbered of the congregation was a hundred talents, and a thousand seven hundred and threescore and fifteen shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary. A bekah for every man, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand five hundred and fifty men. "And the brass of the offering was seventy talents, and two thousand and four hundred shekels." Dr. Adam Clarke tells us that this would be 4,245 pounds of gold, 14,602 pounds of silver, and 10,277 pounds of brass, troy weight. This, reduced to avoirdupois weiglit, makes nearly ten and a half tons. The gold would amount to $960,002.50; the silver, $219,088.64; the brass (at one English shilling per pound), $2,487.03, making a total of $1,171,578.17. If we add to these figures the value of the many other offerings brought by every one "whose heart stirred him up, and every one 2l6 METHODS OF CHURCH WORK. whom his spirit made willing," we may get some idea of the cost of the first building erected for the public worship of God, of which we have any record. We should also remember that the scarcity of the precious metals at that early period rendered them so much the more to be prized by their possessors. The gold which had been employed in the golden calf had all been destroyed, and yet so freely and cheerfully did the people respond that they had to be told, as morning after morning they came with their offerings, that there was already more than enough — they even had to be '' restrained from bringing.'" There are at least three reasons why such vast wealth should have been used in the construction of the tabernacle: («.) To impress the minds of the people with the glory of the Divine Majesty, and the es- timate which was to be placed upon his service, {b.') To convert the spoils which they had brought out of Egypt into the blessed means of rendering them liberal and cheerful givers, while at the same time they unburdened their hands of that which was liable to become the occasion of covetousness. (r.) To prevent pride and vain-glory, by giving for the divine service those ornaments of person which would have had a direct tendency to divert their minds from sacred things. Later in the sacred history we find that when the temple of Solomon was built, the free-will offerings of the people were brought in such as- tonishing profusion that we fail to comprehend the value of such vast treasures. When David instructed Solomon (I. Chron. xxii: 14,) con- cerning the building of the temple, already he had "prepared for the house of the Lord a hundred thousand talents of gold ($2,456,678,125,) and a thousand thousand talents of silver" ($1,711,383,666.) To this, various additions were made, until the vast masses of gold and silver become almost incalculable. The various authorities differ greatly. Among the lowest is our own calculation of $4,396,606,465. One, of credible authority, whose estimate is not among the highest, states the amount at $35,520,000,000, making 48,000 tons of gold and silver. Now, if this latter amount be correct, and all this precious metal were to be loaded on wagons bearing one ton each, allowing twenty feet space for each wagon to move in the procession, the unbroken line would reach from New York to Harrisburg, a distance of 182 miles. If this seems startling, turn to I. Kings, vi. and vii., and read the description of this costly structure with ' ' the whole house overlaid with gold," and "the floor of the house overlaid with gold, within and with- out." All ordinary things may be overstated, but there are some things so vast that words are crushed beneath the freightage which they must bear to convey even the idea from mind to mind. Niagara never NEW ENTERPRISES. 217 has been and never can be described. Words cannot make tbe moun- tains of Switzerland arise in their towering magnitude before the mind, or convey any idea of the vast proportions of St. Peter's, at Rome. The Queen of Sheba had heard very wonderful things concerning the beauty of Jerusalem, the glory of the temple and the wisdom of Solo- mon. The reports seemed so exaggerated that she affirmed that she could not believe them until she should see them with her own eyes, and yet, when she came, she declared that even the half had not been told her. What unbounded prosperity and blessing did the people of God en- joy when they obeyed the injunction: "Honor the I^ord with thy sub- stance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine." ' ' There was never a moment when obedience did not bring affluent prosperity, and when disobedience did not bring destructive curse. Nev- er before or afterward were such immense exactions called for as during the period in which the temple was building. And j^et there was pros- perity, material and spiritual, during that period such as had never been before and never was again. The people came up to the full measure of the legal requirements, and God poured in upon them material wealth like a mighty river. And afterwards, when decline came upon the nation, in every attempt made to revive it, the people were reminded, and everything was made of the fact, that for a long time the offerijigs had been neglected. And the decline was attributed to the divine dis- pleasure upon the nation for this neglect. This reminder marks the revival under Hezekiah and that under Nehemiah, and, in fact, every revival and attempt at revival."-'^ Repairing the Temple. — During the reign of Jehoash, when the tem- ple was in need of repairs, Jehoiada had a chest placed by the altar of sacrifice, and as the people prayed they proved their sincerity by their offerings for the repair of the I^ord's house. When Joash, King of Juda, repaired the temple, a chest was made and set "without at the gate of the house of the I^ord, ' ' into which the people might cast their offerings; and "the king's scribe and the high priest's officer came and emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to his place again. Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance." So also during the reign of the good King Josiah, the offerings of the people were gathered by the "keepers of the door." So it was again, when poor and few in numbers, the Jews returned from Babylon, they gave liberally and worked faithfully for the rebuilding of the temple. *Rev. David Cole, D. D., in " Offeriugs to the I