MISC. THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION MM ■ y -v;:.. ■* j. ■„•.< •, ASSOCIATION m- ORGANIZED AT CHICAGO BY THE CONVENTION FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FEBRUARY 12, 1903 4i •. 4m x''.' M-- fl ■ .'/>4V. •• - •l,' *•. v - ... EXECUTIVE OFFICE The Religious Education Association CHICAGO IRA LANDRITH, LL.D. The Newly Elected General Secretary of the Religious Education Association. THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION ORGANIZED AT CHICAGO BY THE CONVENTION FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FEBRUARY 12, 1903 EXECUTIVE OFFICE The Religious Education Association CHICAGO EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. President. Professor Frank Knight Sanders, Ph.D., D.D., Dean Yale Divinity School, New Haven, Conn. First Vice-President. President Nicholas Murray Butler, Ph.D., LL.D., Columbia University, New York city. Chairman of Executive Board. President William Rainey Harper, Ph.D., D.D., LL.D., The University of Chicago, Chicago. General Secretary. Editorial Secretary. Recording Secretary. Professor George Albert Coe, Ph.D., Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. Einancial Secretary, Treasurer. Mr. James Herron Eckels, President Commercial National Bank, Chicago. 2 THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION. The Convention for Religious and Moral Education, held in Chicago on February 10 -12 last, was in every way a gratify- The Chicago success — in attendance, in program, in spirit. Convention and in accomplishment. The completed register IN February Convention showed 407 members present, of which only a small proportion were from Chicago. New England was largely represented, and all eastern, middle, and middle west¬ ern states, with not a few members from the South. In all some twenty-three states were represented, and there were a number of members also from Toronto and Montreal. In this assembly of American religious leaders there were about forty presidents of universities, colleges, and normal schools, many deans and pro¬ fessors of theological seminaries, eminent Sunday-school, Young People’s Societies, and Y. M. C. A. workers, many religious editors, pastors of all denominations, principals and teachers in day schools, officers of boys’ clubs, and representatives of other kinds of religious and moral instruction. The main purpose of the Convention was to survey the work proposed, and to create an adequate organization for its accom¬ plishment. The addresses were many, and of solid character; sensational elements were excluded; the aim of the speakers was to reach agreement on fundamental ideas, and to lead the way to a union of progressive leaders for the improvement of religious and moral education. The mighty power, the har¬ mony, and the profound religious sentiment of the meeting were due to this character of the program ; from the first address on Tuesday evening to the last address on Thursday afternoon the main idea and purpose of the Convention grew in the minds and hearts of the members, so that when the constitution for the new organization was presented, and the resolution as to the purpose, scope, and method of the organization, they found unanimous adoption. 3 4 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Although the program was not arranged for attracting large audiences, nor for securing the attention of the daily press, the popular interest was very great. More than three thousand people attended the first meeting, held in the Auditorium, and the remaining five sessions were attended by as many people as could be seated in two of Chicago’s largest churches. The General Committee which had made arrangements for the Convention presented its report on Wednesday morning The Officers Professor George L. Robinson, the chair- AND Program man, and upon its recommendation the following OF THE officers of the Convention were unanimously elected : Convention President —Professor Frank K. Sanders, Ph.D.,D.D., Dean of the Yale Divinity School, New Haven, Conn. Vice- Presidents —President James B. Angell, LL.D., the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.; Chancellor J. H. Kirkland, Ph.D., Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn.; Mr. Fred. B. Smith, Secretary International Committee Y. M. C. A., New York city; Rev. George R. Merrill, D.D., Supt. Congregational Home Missionary Society, Minneapolis, Minn.; Rev. Geo. E. Horr, D.D., Editor of the Watch?na 7 i^ Boston, Mass.; Rev. Pascal nar¬ rower, Rector Church of the Ascension, West New Brighton, N. Y. Secretaries —Mr. M. C. Hazard, Ph.D., Editor Congrega¬ tional Sunday-School Publications, Boston, Mass.; Rev. W. C. Bitting, D.D., Pastor Mount Morris Baptist Church, New York city. It was frequently said by members of experience in nation¬ al assemblies that the Convention was perfectly conducted throughout the six sessions ; the promptness, smoothness, and success of the meeting were due largely to the efficiency of the Convention officers. The program, as carried out at the convention, is printed below (pp. 12-17). There was much reason for congratulation that few changes were required in the program as announced two weeks in advance, which included the names of more than forty speakers of eminence in religious education from Massachusetts to California. The addresses and proceedings of the Convention are to be published in full about April i, so that all who desire can read them. THE CHICAGO CONVENTION 5 Constitution AND Officers OF THE Associa tion Enrolment Four committees were appointed by the Convention, to report upon enrolment, permanent organization, nominations, and reso¬ lutions. These reports were rendered at the ses¬ sions of Thursday morning and afternoon, and in each case were promptly and unanimously adopted. The substance of the report of the Committee on has been indicated above. The report of the Com¬ mittee on Permanent Organization is the constitution of the Religious Education Association to be found below (pp. 18-23), together with the personnel of the committee. The report of the Committee on Nominations is printed below (pp. 24-27), with the names of the Committee. The report of the Committee on Resolutions^ need not be given here, except the resolution relat¬ ing to the purpose, scope, and method of the new organization, which reads : The Convention for Religious and Moral Education, meeting in Chicago on February 10, ii, and 12 , 1903, hereby expresses the convic¬ tion that a forward movement is necessary in religious and moral education. Inasmuch as an important service can be rendered by co-operation of workers for the studying of problems, for furnishing information, for mutual encouragement, and for the promotion of higher ideals and better methods, a new organization for the United States and Canada has seemed desirable. The organization should be comprehensive and flexible. This will exclude advocacy of the dis- ^ The Committee on Enrolment was as follows: Professor Charles M. Stuart, S.T.D,, Garrett Biblical Institute, Evanston, Ill., Chairman; Mr. Augustus L. Abbott, St. Louis, Mo,; Mr. Nolan R. Best, editor of the Interior, Chicago; Mr. E, A. Fox, General Secretary Kentucky State Sunday-School Association, Louisville, Ky. * The Committee on Resolutions was as follows : President George B. Stewart D.D., LL.D., Auburn Theological Seminary, Auburn, N. Y., Chairman; Professor Morgan Barnes, Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pa.; Rev. C. R. Blackall, D. D., Editor Periodicals American Baptist Publication Society, Philadelphia, Pa.; Rev. Erastus Blakeslee, Editor Bible Study Union Lessons, Boston, Mass.; Rev. Nehemiah Boynton, D.D., Pastor First Congregational Church, Detroit, Mich.; Professor George A. Coe, Ph.D., Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.; Mr. J. Spencer Dickerson, Editor the Chicago; Rev. R. Douglas Fraser, Editor Presbyterian S. S. Publications, Toronto, Can.; Rev. J. H. Garrison, Editor the Christian Evangelist, St. Louis, Mo.; President R. D. Harlan, D.D., Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, Ill.; Rev. Simeon Gilbert, D.D., Chicago ; Supt. W. H. Hatch, Public Schools, Oak Park, Ill.; Professor D. A. Hayes, S.T.D., Garrett Biblical Institute, Evanston, Ill.; Principal E. Munson Hill, D.D., Congregational College of Canada, Montreal, Can.; President Richard C, Hughes, Ripon College, Wis.; President Emory Hunt, Denison University, Granville, O.; Rev. W. Ph McMillen, D.D., Dist. Missionary Congregational S. S. and Publ. Society, Chicago, Rev. Spenser B. Meeser, D.D., Pastor Woodward Avenue Baptist Church, Detroit, Mich.; Mr. L. Wilbur Messer, General Secretary, Chicago Y. M. C. A., Chicago ; Professor George W. Pease, Bible Normal College, Hartford, Conn.; Professor C. W. Votaw, the University of Chicago, Chicago. 6 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION tinctive views of any denomination or school of opinion ; it will forbid the limitation of the work to any single phase of religious and moral education, as, for example, the Sunday school; it will prevent the con¬ trol of the organization by any section of the country, by those inter¬ ested in any single division of the work, or by those representing any one school of thought. It is not the purpose to publish a series of Sunday-school lessons or to compete with existing Sunday schools or other organizations; but rather to advance religious and moral educa¬ tion through such agencies. In the adoption of these reports the work of the Convention culminated, and the highest anticipations of all interested per¬ sons were fully realized. The consciousness of having achieved the organization of a most important national movement was present to all, and the memories of that occasion will remain with many persons as the greatest public experience of their lives. The Religious Education Association enters upon its career with the greatest hope and promise. The public interest and confi¬ dence in the organization are already great, as may be seen in the quotations from the religious press given below (pp. 28-40); and it is safe to say that this public interest and confidence will increase. The work of the Association, because of its breadth and difficulty, will take shape somewhat slowly ; but its character will be fundamental, and its influence will become greater year after year. According to the constitution of the Association, all persons who are actively engaged in religious or moral education in Membership whatever way are eligible to active membership in IN THE the Association (upon election by the Board of Association Directors), and are invited to become members; also all other persons who, although not engaged directly in such educational work, are interested in this work, and desire to co-operate with and to promote it, are eligible to associate mem¬ bership in the Association (upon election by the Board of Direc¬ tors) and are cordially invited to become members. Both active and associate members pay an enrolment fee of One Dollar, and annual dues of Two Dollars each. It is desirable that the origi¬ nal list of members to be published in the volume of Proceedings should be as complete as possible, and therefore all persons who PURPOSE OF THE ASSOCIATION 7 desire membership are invited to send in their names with the enrolment fee before March 25 to the Acting Secretary of the Association, Professor C. W. Votaw, the University of Chicago, Chicago. Money orders and checks should be made payable to the Treasurer, Mr. James H. Eckels. A copy of the Proceed¬ ings will be sent free to each member of the Association (addi¬ tional copies will be obtainable at a reasonable price). The desirability of the new organization depends upon the scope and purpose conceived of in connection with the inaugu- ScoPE AND ration of it, since no new organization is needed Purpose of merely to antagonize and disturb organizations THE Association in the field, or to duplicate the work of such organizations. The Association will undertake to render service in three ways : ( i) In unifying efforts of the different agencies already engaged in various lines of work ; in correlating the forces already established, to the end that these agencies may accomplish even larger results. The acceptance of such service will of course be wholly voluntary, and will in no case involve giving up of independent position, the work of the new organization being something like that of a clearing-house. At present there is great waste of effort for the lack of such correla¬ tion. (2) In stimulating agencies to greater effort, such aid being furnished through suggestion; through the publication of information concerning the work at large; through the provision of larger and better opportunities for these agencies to confer together; and through the help derived from the personal con¬ tact with each other, of those interested in the same divisions of the work. (3) In creating new agencies where no agencies now exist, and for special lines of work in which as yet no united effort has been exerted ; as well as in working out new plans which may be found helpful in lines of work already established. Here, for example, might be included educational work for the people at large in church art and architecture and in church music ; effort from a new point of view in relation to religious and moral educa¬ tion in the public schools; the proposal of new plans for using to advantage the many libraries established in our villages and cities, or the suggestion of new plans for improving work now 8 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION being done in the fields of the Sunday school, Young People’s Societies, or the Christian Associations. It is evident that much is still to be done in every field of religious education and that as yet some fields have scarcely been touched. The Association will undertake to do work of this general character in various ways : (i) Through the holding of an annual Conventions convention. Such a convention will lead men to AND formulate and pronounce important thought upon Conferences these particular subjects; it will bring into sympa¬ thetic touch with each other those who are interested in these subjects and are able to attend the meetings ; it will quicken the life and interest of the community in which the convention is held ; and it will furnish literary material of the highest value for the use of those who, although unable to attend the convention itself, desire information and assistance along these lines. (2) * Through the‘instrumentality of departmental organization, in which each special division of the subject of religious education will form a separate department. Each department thus consti¬ tuted will hold special conferences and conventions intended to further an intelligent interest in the subject; while the represen¬ tatives of different departments, living within a certain district, whether county or state or group of states, will join in combined effort along all the lines thus organized. Such departments would be those of Universities and Colleges, Theological Semi¬ naries, Churches and Pastors, Sunday Schools, Secondary Public Schools, Elementary Public Schools, Private Schools, Teacher Training, Christian Associations, Young People’s Societies, the Home, Libraries, the Press, Correspondence Instruction, Religi¬ ous Art and Music. The new organization has a Board of Directors, which con¬ stitutes the executive body of the Association, and, as such. Officers of arranges the programs of special and general con¬ ventions, secures by proper means the co-ordination of the work of the departments, and carries into effect the decisions of the Association at large and of these sev¬ eral departments. This Board of Directors will be made up of THE Association OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION 9 officers and members elected annually in open convention. Its members will represent the various states, territories, districts, and provinces furnishing the membership of the Association ; also the various religious denominations and the various schools of opinions recognized as Christian ; and, still further, the various divisions of Christian activity, educational, evangelistic, and philanthropic. There is provided also an Executive Board, made up from the membership of the Board of Directors — a smaller body, which will act as the legal corporation of the Association, secure and invest the funds of the Association, and represent the Directors in the interval of their meetings. There will be secretaries appointed for particular service, e. g., a General Secretary, whose entire time will be devoted to the interests of the Association ; an Editorial Secretary, to whose care will be committed the charge of all printed publications of the Association ; a Recording Secretary, to keep the records of the Boards and of the Association ; and a Financial Secretary^ who shall be charged with the work of securing the means needed to defray the expenses of the work of the Association. The Association, through its boards and secretaries, will secure the funds to be used for defraying the ordinary expenses hs Modes of the Association ; for conducting special investi- OF Work gations proposed by the departments ; for printing and publishing the reports and the literature of the Association; and for endowing special phases of the work which will always require assistance. Through its boards and secretaries the Association will print and publish reports, bulletins, documents, and books, including the proceedings of the annual and special conventions, the reports of committees appointed to make special investigations, and important contributions to the cause of religious and moral edu- cation which the Association may deem it desirable to issue.. Also, effort will be made to encourage in various ways indi¬ vidual and institutional effort in the direction of religious and moral education This will include, for example, assistance in the work of grading Sunday schools ; effort to secure the intro- 10 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION duction of courses of instruction in the curricula of colleges and universities; aid in the training of teachers; preparation of lists of books on the different subjects of religious work and thought; provision of special material for the use of the daily press; organization of work for mothers’ clubs, and many other similar kinds of'work. The Association, through its departments, will propose to make new contributions to the cause of religious and moral education. Through the conduct of scientific mves- INVESTIGAT/ONS, . . . , Experiments tigations some of them will attempt to define more AND closely the true relation of religious and moral Constructive instruction to other branches of instruction and to Propositions • i • ^ \ i ^ i • i i • • i i i r indicate the part which religion should perform m the development of the individual and of society. Others will undertake to correlate religious and moral instruction with the instruction in literature, history, and science now provided in the public schools. Others will seek to determine the place of the Bible in religious and moral instruction and set forth the best methods of using the Bible for this purpose. Still others will endeavor to point out the application of the established results of modern psychology, modern pedagogy, and modern Bible study, as these stand related to religious and moral instruction. Practical experiments will also be carried on, some of which shall have to do with the adaptation of religious and moral instruction to different stages of physical, mental, moral, and spiritual development; others with the adjustment of the material employed for purposes of religious and moral instruc¬ tion to the needs of the special sociological groups included in Christian Associations, Young People’s Societies, Bible clubs, and the like; still others, with the working out of an approxi¬ mately ideal curriculum for the Bible school — a curriculum which will embody the larger substance and the better methods of a religious and moral education that is in accordance with the present status of biblical, theological, ethical, psychological, pedagogical, and scientific knowledge. From time to time constructive propositions will be presented. POINT OF VIEW OF THE ASSOCIATION 11 which shall be intended to serve as the dasis for lesson-helps and text-books on various portions of such curricula; to secure the more adequate training of teachers ; and to place the work of religious and moral instruction on as high a plane as that on which secular educational work has come to rest. The Association will do its work with ^ke scientific spirit, and will consequently proceed carefully and cautiously upon the basis The Point OF fundamental principles, seeking to observe accu- ViEW OF THE rately the facts and from these to make deductions, Association and aiming to co-ordinate and systematize the material presented for consideration. It will be controlled also by the universal spirit, and this will forbid the placing of emphasis upon the distinctive views of any one denomination or school of opinion to the exclusion of others; for it may be confidently asserted that those who hold different theories of biblical history may be able to unite upon a constructive teaching of the Bible from a practical religious and moral point of view. It will, likewise, forbid the limitation of the work to any single phase of religious instruc¬ tion, inasmuch as the time has now come for the existence of an organization which shall not aim to supersede any of the exist¬ ing agencies dealing with special phases of religious instruction, but will undertake to study and develop the subject in its entirety; this spirit will also forbid the restriction of the control to any one section of the country, or to those interested in any one divi¬ sion of the work, or to those representing any one school of thought. And above all, the Association will cultivate the co-operative spirit, thus manifesting clearly its purpose to assist all organi¬ zations working in the same field; it will refuse to enter into rivalry with institutions or associations of any class; and it will perform that general service which will promote the efficiency of all institutions. PROGRAM OF THE CONVENTION, jBventng, ifeDruar^ 10, 8:00 o'ClocI?. THE AUDITORIUM, Corner Wabash Avenue and Congress Street. Organ Recital --------- Dr. Louis Falk From half past seven till eight o’clock. President James B. Angell, LL.D., Presiding. introduced by Professor Frank K. Sanders, Ph.D., D.D., Yale University President of the Council of Seventy. DEVOTIONAL SERVICE. Anthem — “Send out Thy Light” ------- Gounod Convention chorus of two hundred voices; Professor W. B. Chamberlain, Director; Dr. Louis Falk, Organist. Scripture Reading. Rev. Charles H. Snedeker, Dean St. Paul’s Procathedral, Cincinnati, O. Prayer. Rev. H. P. Deforest, D.D., Pastor Woodward Avenue Congregational Church, Detroit, Mich. • Hymn —“I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord” - - - Chorus and Congregation BUSINESS. Reading of the Call for the Convention. By Professor Clyde W. Votaw, Ph.D., The University of Chicago, Recorder of the Council of Seventy. Chorus— “How Lovely are the Messengers” (From St. Paul) - - Mendelssohn ADDRESSES. Subject: « the next step forward in religious educations President James B. Angell, LL.D., The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. Rev. Francis E. Clark, D.D., President of the United Society of Christian Endeavor, Boston, Mass. Mr. Walter L. Hervey, Ph.D., Examiner Board of Education, New York city. Rev. William C. Bitting, D.D., Pastor Mount Morris Baptist Church, New York city. President J. W. Bashford, Ph.D., Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, O. Hymn — “O Word of God Incarnate” - - - Chorus and Congregation Prayer and Benediction. Rev. Lathan A. Crandall, D.D., Pastor Memorial Baptist Church, Chicago. 12 PROGRAM OF THE CONVENTION 13 MeDnesDais /Iftornfng, 3 febcuari 5 11, 10:00 o'Clocft* THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Corner Michigan Avenue and Twentieth Street. Organ Prelude — “Berceuse” Delbriick Miss Emeline P. Farrar, Chapel Organist, Chicago Theological Seminary. DEVOTIONAL SERVICE. Hymn — “When Morning Gilds the Skies” - - - . The Congregation Scripture Reading. Rev. Everett D. Burr, D.D., Pastor First Baptist Church, Newton Centre, Mass. Prayer. Mr. Fred B. Smith, Secretary International Committee Young Men’s Chris¬ tian Associations, New York city. Tenor Solo — “Like as a Hart Desireth the Water Brooks” - - Allitsen Mr. Lester B. Jones, Director of Music, The University of Chicago. BUSINESS. 1. Report of the General Committee. 2 . Election of Officers for the Convention. 3. Appointment of Committees on {a) Enrolment. (c) Nominations. (b) Permanent Organization. {d) Resolutions. ADDRESSES. Subject : “ the modern conception of religious educations 1. As a Part of General Education. Professor George A. Coe, Ph.D., Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. Professor Edwin D. Starbuck, Ph.D., Leland Stanford Junior University, Stanford, Calif. 2. As Conditioned by the Principles of Modern Psychology and Pedagogy. Professor John Dewey, Ph.D., Director School of Education, The Uni¬ versity of Chicago, Chicago, Ill. President Henry Churchill King, D.D., Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio. 3. As Affected by Modern Historical Study of the Bible. President Rush Rhees, D.D., LL.D., The University of Rochester, Roches¬ ter, N. Y. Professor Herbert L. Willett, Ph.D., The University of Chicago, Chi¬ cago, Ill. DISCUSSION. Rev. Philip S. Moxom, D.D., Pastor South Congregational Church, Springfield, Mass. Professor W. Douglas Mackenzie, D.D., Chicago Theological Seminary, Chi¬ cago, Ill. Rev. William P. Merrill, Pastor Sixth Presbyterian Church, Chicago, Ill. Three-Minute Addresses by the Members of the Convention. Hymn — “The Heavens Declare Thy Glory, Lord” - - The Congregation Prayer and Benediction. Rev. S. S. Bates, D.D., Pastor College St. Baptist Church, Toronto, Can. Organ Postlude. Gounod Miss Farrar. M RELIGIOUS EDUCA TION ASSOC I A TION TKIleDnesDa^ Btternoont ^februar^ 11, 2:30 o'Clocfe, THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Corner Michigan Avenue and Twentieth Street, Organ Prelude — “ In Paradisum Du Bois Miss Farrar. DEVOTIONAL SERVICE. Hymn — “Watchman, Tell Us of the Night” ' : ‘ The Congregation Scripture Reading. Rev. Carlos C. Rowlison, Pastor Christian Church, Kenton, O. Prayer. Rev. William B. Forbush, Ph.d., L.H.D., Pastor Winthrop Congregational Church, Boston, Mass. Soprano Solo — “Our King” - -. Rocoli Mrs. Clarence Pellett, Oak Park, Ill. ADDRESSES. Subject: ^^the promotion’ of religious and moral educations 1. Through the Home, President George B. Stewart, D.D., LL.D., Auburn Theological Semi¬ nary, Auburn, N. Y. Rev. Jean F. Loba, D.D., Pastor First Congregational Church, Evanston, Ill. 2. Through the Day Schools. Mr. Charles H. Thurber, Ph.D., Editor Educational Publications of Ginn & Co., Boston, Mass. Mr. John W. Carr, Superintendent of Schools, Anderson, Ind. 3. Through the Christian Associations and Young PeopEs Societies. Rev. W. G. Ballantine, LL.D., Bible Instructor, International Young Men’s Christian Association Training School, Springfield, Mass. Rev.Nehemiah Boynton, D.D., Pastor First Congregational Church, Detroit, Mich. DISCUSSION. Rev. George E. Horr, D.D., Editor the Watchman., Boston, Mass. President Rufus H. Halsey, State Normal School, Oshkosh, Wis. Rev. David Beaton, D.D., Pastor Lincoln Park Congregational Church, Chicago, Ill. Three-minute Addresses by Members of the Convention. Hymn — “We are Living, We are Dwelling, in a Grand and Awful Time” The Congregation Prayer and Benediction. ’ Rev. William S. Sigmund, Secretary Olive Branch Synod Evangelical Luth eran Church, Columbus, Ind. Organ Postlude — Marche Triumphale ------ Du Bois Miss Farrar. PROGRAM OF THE CONVENTION 15 MeDne65ai2 ^Evening, 3 februari 2 11, 8:00 o'Clocft* Organ Prelude THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Corner Michigan Avenue and Twentieth Street. a. Concert Rondo - - - . . d. Meditation ------ Mr. a. F. McCarrell, Organist and Choir Director Second Presbyterian Church. Hollins D'Evry DEVOTIONAL SERVICE. Quartette — “ Lovely Appear ” (from the Redemption) - - Gounod Second Presbyterian Church Choir. Mrs. Lucile Stephenson-Tewksbury, Soprano. Mr. Henry A. Mix, Tenor. Mrs. Annie Rommeiss-Thacker, Contralto. Mr. J. M. Hubbard, Bass. Scripture Reading. Professor I. I. D. Hinds, Ph.D., University of Nashville, Nashville, Tenn. Hymn —“I Love to Tell the Story” . - . . Choir and Congregation Prayer. Rev. a. Edwin Keigwin, Pastor Park Presbyterian Church, Newark, N. I. Quartette — “Holy Night”. Chwaial The Choir. ADDRESSES. Subject: ‘^religious education through the Sunday schools I. As Regards Organization for the Purpose of Instruction. Rev. C. R. Blackall, D.D., Editor of Periodicals, American Baptist Publica¬ tion Society, Philadelphia, Pa. 2. As Regards the Curriculum of Study. Professor Shailer Mathews, D.D., The University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill. 3. As Regards Lesson-Helps and Text-Books. Professor Frank K. Sanders, Ph.D., D.D., Yale University, New Haven, Conn. 4. As Regards the Teaching Staff. Rev. Pascal Harrower, M. A., Church of the Ascension, West New Brighton, N. Y. DISCUSSION. Rev. Rufus W, Miller, Editor Sunday-School Publications Reformed Church, Reading, Pa. Rev. W. J. Mutch, Ph.D., Pastor Howard Avenue Congregational Church, New Haven, Conn. Rev. Simeon Gilbert, D.D,, Chicago, Ill. - Three-Minute Addresses by Members of the Convention. Hymn — “ Forward, be Our Watchword ” - - - - Choir and Congregation Prayer and Benediction. Rev. Spenser B. Meeser, D.D., Pastor Woodward Avenue Baptist Church, Detroit, Mich. Organ PoSTLUDE — Festival March . - - . - . Smart Mr. McCarrell. i6 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION /IRorning, 3fcbruars 12, 10:00 o'Clocft* THE UNIVERSITY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, Corner Madison Avenue and Fifty-sixth Street. Organ Prelude — Largo. Handel Mr. Joseph Gillespie, Organist University Congregational Church. DEVOTIONAL SERVICE. Hymn — “A Glory Gilds the Sacred Page ” - - - - The Congregation Scripture Reading. Principal E. Munson Hill, D.D., Congregational College, Montreal, Can. Prayer. Professor Milton S. Terry, D.D., Garrett Biblical Institute, Evanston, Ill. Soprano Solo — “Lead Kindly Light” Protheroe Mrs. Wm. D. Ferguson, Chicago, Ill. ADDRESS. Subject: '^the scope and purpose of the new organizations President William Rainey Harper, Ph.D., D.D., LL.D., The University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill. DISCUSSION. Chancellor J. H. Kirkland, Ph.D., LL.D., Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn. Rev. Edward A. Horton, D.D., President Unitarian Sunday-School Association, Boston, Mass. Rev. Caspar W. Hiatt, D.D., Pastor Euclid Avenue Congregational Church, Cleve¬ land, O. Professor George W. Pease, Bible Normal College, Hartford, Conn. Rev. Albert E. Dunning, D.D., Editor the Congregaiionalist, Boston, Mass. Three-Minute Addresses by Members of the Convention. BUSINESS. 1. Report of the Committee on Enrolment. 2. Report of the Committee on Permanent Organization. Hymn — “ Rise Crowned with Light” ----- The Congregation Prayer and Benediction. Rev. Cornelius H. Patton, D.D., Pastor First Congregational Church, St. Louis, Mo. Organ Postlude — Toccata from Suite Gothique ----- Boellmann Mr. Gillespie. PROGRAM OF THE CONVENTION 17 ZTbureDais Bfternoon, 3februari2 12, 2:30 o'Clocft* THE UNIVERSITY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, Comer Madison Avenue and Fifty-sixth Street. Organ Prelude —“Pilgrim Chorus ” ------- Wagner Mr. Gillespie. DEVOTIONAL SERVICE. Hymn — “The Church’s One Foundation” - - - . The Congregation Scripture Reading. Professor Waldo S. Pratt, Mus.D., Hartford Theological Seminary, Hart¬ ford, Conn. Prayer. Rev. Erastus Blakeslee, Editor Bible Study Union Lessons, Boston, Mass. Tenor Solo —“Fear Ye Not, O Israel” ----- Dudley Buck Mr. Charles Knorr, Chicago, III. ADDRESS. Subject: ^^the relation' of the new organization to existing ORGANIZA TIONSN President Frank W. Gunsaulus, D.D., Armour Institute, and Pastor Cen¬ tral Church, Chicago, Ill. DISCUSSION. Rev. George R. Merrill, D.D., Superintendent Congregational Home Missionary Society, Minneapolis, Minn. President Charles J. Little, D.D., Garrett Biblical Institute, Evanston, Ill, Mr. L. Wilbur Messer, General Secretary Young Men’s Christian Association, Chicago, Ill. Rev. W. F. McDowell, Ph.D., S.T.D., Secretary of Education, Methodist Epis¬ copal Church, New York city. Professor Richard M. Hodge, D.D., Union Theological Seminary, New York city. Three-Minute Addresses by Members of the Convention. BUSINESS. 1. Consideration of the Report of the Committee on Permanent Organization. 2. Consideration of the Report of the Committee on Nominations. 3. Consideration of the Report of the Committee on Resolutions. Hymn — “ Onward Christian Soldiers”.The Congregation Prayer and Benediction. Rev. Frederic E. Dewhurst, Pastor University Congregational Church, Chicago, Ill. Organ Postlude — “Ring Out, Ye Crystal Spheres” Mr. Gillespie. Lucas THE CONSTITUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION.^ ARTICLE I —NAME. This Association shall be entitled “ The Religious Education Association.” ARTICLE II —PURPOSE. The purpose of this Association shall be to promote religious and moral education. ARTICLE III —DEPARTMENTS. Section i. The Association shall conduct its work under several departments, as follows: (i) The Council; (2) Universities and Col¬ leges; (3) Theological Seminaries; (4) Churches and Pastors; (5) Sunday Schools; (6) Secondary Public Schools; (7) Elementary Public Schools; (8) Private Schools; (9) Teacher Training; (10) Young Men’s and Young Women’s Christian Associations; (ii) Young People’s Societies; (12) The Home; (13) Libraries; (14) The Press; (15) Correspondence Instruction; (16) Religious Art and Music. ’'Adopted by the Convention on recommendation of the Committee on Permanent Organization, which was composed as follows : President Henry Churchill King, D.D., Oberlin College, Oberlin, O., Chairman; President J. W. Bashford, Ph.D., Ohio Wes¬ leyan University, Delaware, O.; Rev. W. C. Bitting, D.D., Pastor Mount Morris Baptist Church, New York city; Rev. L. A. Crandall, D.D., Pastor Memorial Baptist Church, Chicago; Rev. A. E. Dunning, D.D., Editor the Congregaiionalist, Boston, Mass.; Rev. Jesse J. Haley, Pastor Christian Church, Cynthiana, Ky.; President William R. Harper, Ph.D., D.D., LL.D., the University of Chicago, Chicago; Rev. Pascal narrower, Rector Church of the Ascension, West New Brighton, N. Y.; Mr. Walter L. Hervey, Ph.D., Examiner Board of Education, New York city; Professor J. I. D. Hinds, Ph.D., University of Nashville, Nashville, Tenn.; Professor Richard M. Hodge, D.D., Union Theological Seminary, New York city; Rev. Geo. E. Horr, D.D., Editor the Watchman^ Boston, Mass.; Rev. A. E. Horton, D.D., President Unitarian Sunday-School Association, Boston, Mass.; Chancellor J. H. Kirkland, Ph.D., LL.D., Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn.; Rev. R. W. Miller, Editor Sunday-School Publications Reformed Church, Philadelphia, Pa.; Rev. Philip S. Moxom, D.D., Pastor South Congregational Church, Springfield, Mass.; Rev. Cor¬ nelius H. Patton, D.D., Pastor First Congregational Church, St. Louis, Mo.; Professor George L. Robinson, Ph.D., McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago; Mr. Fred B. Smith, General Secretary International Committee Y. M. C. A., New York city; Professor Milton S. Terry, D.D., LL.D, Garrett Biblical Institute, Evanston, Ill.; Professor Herbert L. Willett, Ph.D., the University of Chicago. 18 CONSTITUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION 19 Sec. 2. Other departments may be organized on the approval of the Executive Board hereinafter provided. Sec. 3. Members may belong to such department or departments as they may select, except in the case of the Council as provided for in Sec. 4. Sec. 4. The Council of Religious Education shall consist of sixty members, who shall be active members of the Association. The origi¬ nal membership shall be selected by the Executive Board of the Association, ten for one year, ten for two years, ten for three years, ten for four years, ten for five years, ten for six years. Vacancies in the Council shall be filled, in alternation, one-half by the Council itself, the other half by the Board of Directors hereinafter provided. The absence of a member from two consecutive annual meetings of the Council shall be equivalent to resignation of member¬ ship, and a new member shall be elected for the unexpired term. There shall be a regular annual meeting of the Council, in connec¬ tion with the annual meeting of the Association. The regular election of members of the Council shall take place at this meeting. If the Board of Directors shall for any reason fail to elect its quota of mem¬ bers annually, such vacancy or vacancies shall be filled by the Council itself. The Council shall elect its own officers and adopt its own by-laws, provided that these shall not be inconsistent with the constitution of the Association. The Council shall have for its object to teach and to disseminate correct thinking on all general subjects relating to religious and moral education. Also, in co-operation with the other departments of the Association, it shall initiate, conduct, and guide the thorough investi¬ gation and consideration of important educational questions within the scope of the Association. On the basis of its investigations and considerations the Council shall make to the Association, or to the Board of Directors, such recommendations as it deems expedient relating to the work of the Association. There shall be appointed annually some person to submit, at the next annual meeting, a report on the progress of religious and moral education during the year; this person need not be selected from the members of the Council. ARTICLE IV —MEMBERSHIP. Section i. There shall be three classes of members: Active (individual and institutional). Associate, and Corresponding. 20 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Sec. 2, Active Members shall be (i) teachers, pastors, and any persons otherwise engaged in the work of religious and moral educa¬ tion as represented by the sixteen departments named in Art. Ill; (2) institutions and organizations thus engaged. Sec. 3. Associate Members shall be persons who are not directly engaged in the work of religious and moral education, but who desire to promote such work. Sec. 4. The Corresponding Members shall be persons not resi¬ dent in America who may be elected to such membership by the Board of Directors. The number of Corresponding Members shall at no time exceed fifty. Sec. 5. The fees of membership shall be as follows : Active and Associate Members shall each pay an enrolment fee of One Dollar, and an annual fee of Two Dollars. Corresponding Members shall pay no fees. The annual fee shall be payable on or before the holding of the annual convention. Active Members who have paid into the Association the amount of Fifty Dollars shall be designated Life Members. Sec. 6. Active and Associate Members may withdraw from mem¬ bership by giving written notice to the Secretary before April i. Resumption of membership will be possible on payment of the enrol¬ ment fee and the annual fee for the current year. Sec. 7. All members of the Association whose fees are paid shall receive the volume of Proceedings of the Annual Convention. Sec. 8 . All members of the Association shall be elected by the Board of Directors. Sec. 9. Active Members only, whose fees are paid, shall have the right to vote and to hold office in the Association and its departments. ARTICLE V—OFFICERS. Section i. The officers of the Association shall be as follows : President, sixteen Vice-Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, a Board of Directors, and an Executive Board. Sec. 2. The President, and Vice-Presidents, shall be chosen by ballot on a majority vote of the Association at its annual meeting, and shall hold office for one year, or until their successors are chosen. Sec. 3. The President shall preside at the meetings of the Asso¬ ciation, and of the Board of Directors, and shall perform the duties usually devolving upon a presiding officer. In his absence the first Vice-President in order who is present shall preside, and in the absence CONSTITUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION 21 of all Vice-Presidents, a J>ro te 7 npore chairman shall be appointed on nomination, the Secretary putting the question. Sec. 4. The Secretary shall be elected by the Executive Board, which shall fix the compensation and the term of office. The Secretary of the Association shall also be the Secretary of the Board of Direc¬ tors and of the Executive Board. The Secretary shall keep a full and accurate report of the proceed¬ ings of the general meetings of the Association, and of all meetings of the Board of Directors. Sec. 5. The Treasurer shall be elected by the Executive Board. He shall receive, and hold, invest, or expend, under the direction of this Board, all money paid to the Association ; shall keep an exact account of receipts and expenditures, with vouchers for the latter; shall render the accounts for the fiscal year, ending July i, to the Executive Board, and when these are approved by the Executive Board, shall report the same to the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall give such bond for the faithful discharge of his duties as may be required by the Executive Board. Sec. 6. The Board of Directors shall consist of one member from each state, territory, district, or province, having a membership of twenty-five or more in the Association, together with twenty members chosen at large, to be elected by ballot on a majority vote of the Association at the annual Convention. These members of this Board shall serve for one year, or until their successors are chosen. In addition, the President, First Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the members of the Executive Board, shall be members of the Board of Directors. In 1903 one member shall be elected by the Association for each state, territory, district, or province, represented in the list of signers to the Call for the Convention. Each President of the Association shall at the close of his term of office become a Director for life. The Board of Directors shall have power to fill all vacancies in their own body and in the several departments of the Association ; shall have in charge the general interests of the Association, excepting those herein intrusted to the Executive Board ; and shall make all necessary arrangements for the meetings of the Association. Sec. 7. The Executive Board shall consist of twenty-one members elected by the Board of Directors, to hold office for seven years. In 1903 the Executive Board shall be elected by the Association, and at the first meeting of the Board the term of service of each member shall 22 RELIGIOUS EDUCA TION ASSOC I A TION be determined by lot, three for one year, three for two years, three for three years, three for four years, three for five years, three for six years, and three for seven years. The President, First Vice-President, Secre¬ tary, and Treasurer shall be ex-officio members of the Executive Board. This Board shall elect its own chairman. This Board shall be the corporate body of the Association, and (i) shall provide for the safekeeping and expenditure of all funds accru¬ ing to the Association ; (2) shall carry into effect the actions of the Association and of the various departments ; (3) shall publish the annual report, the reports of departments and of special committees, and such other material as shall further the purpose of the Associa¬ tion; (4) shall exercise the functions of the Board of Directors during the interval of its meetings ; (5) shall fix its quorum at not less than seven members. This Board shall make an annual report of its work during the year to the Board of Directors. This Board, with the approval of the Board of Directors, may appoint from time to time such special secretaries for the conduct of its work as shall be deemed advisable. These secretaries shall be ex-officio members of the Executive Board. Sec. 8. Each of the sixteen departments under the Association shall be organized with a President and a Recording Secretary. The President shall preside at the meetings of the department, and shall perform the other duties of a presiding officer. The Recording Sec¬ retary shall keep a record of the proceedings of the meetings of the department, and a list of the members of the department. The Presi¬ dent, Recording Secretary, and not less than three nor more than seven members of the department, elected by ballot on a majority vote of the members of the department, shall constitute the Executive Committee for the department. The President, Recording Secretary, and the other members of the Executive Committee shall be elected at the time of the annual convention, and shall hold office for one year, or until their successors are chosen. The action of these departments shall be recognized as the official action of the Association only when approved by the Board of Directors. In the year 1903 the officers of each department shall be appointed by the Executive Board. ARTICLE VI —MEETINGS. Section i. The annual meeting of the Association shall be held at such time and place as shall be determined by the Board of Directors. CONSTITUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION 23 Sec. 2. Special meetings of the Association may be called by the President at the request of five members of the Board of Directors. Sec. 3. Any department of the Association may hold a special meeting of the department at such time and place as by its own regu¬ lations it shall appoint. Sec. 4. The Board of Directors shall hold its regular meetings at the place, and not less than two hours before the time, of the assembling of the Association. Special meetings of the Board may be held at such other times and places as the Board, or the President, shall determine. Each new Board shall organize at the session of its election. ARTICLE VII —AMENDMENTS. This Constitution may be altered or amended at a regular meeting of the Association by the unanimous vote of the members present; or by a two-thirds vote of the members present, provided that the altera¬ tion or amendment has been substantially proposed in writing at a previous meeting. ARTICLE VIII —BY-LAWS. By-laws, not inconsistent with this Constitution, which have been approved by the Board of Directors, may be adopted at any regular meeting, on a two-thirds vote of the members of the Association present. OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION.* President. Professor Frank Knight Sanders, Ph.D., D.D., Dean Yale Divinity School, New Haven, Conn. Vice-Presidents. President Nicholas Murray Butler, Ph.D., LL.D., Columbia University, New York city. President James B. Angell, LL.D., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. Professor W. G. Ballantine, LL.D., International Y. M. C. A. Training School, Springfield, Mass. Rev. Amory H. Bradford, D.D., . Pastor First Congregational Church, Montclair, N. J. Rev. William C. Bitting, D.D., Pastor Mount Morris Baptist Church, New York city. Mr. J. W. Carr, Superintendent of Schools, Anderson, Ind. Professor Thomas F. Day, D.D., San Francisco Theological Seminary, San Anselmo, Calif. Rev. George E. Horr, D.D., Editor of the Watchman, Boston, Mass. Rev. Jesse L. Hurlbut, D.D., Pastor Methodist Episcopal Church, Morristown, N. J. ^Elected by the Convention on recommendation of the Committee on Nomina- nations, which was composed as follows: President Rush Rhees, D.D., LL.D., University of Rochester, Rochester, N. Y., Chairman; Rev. E. S. Ames, Ph.D., Pastor Hyde Park Christian Church, Chicago ; Professor W. G. Ballantine, LL.D.. International Y. M. C. A. Training School, Springfield, Mass.; President Clifford W. Barnes, Illinois College, Jacksonville, Ill.; Rev. Everett D. Burr, D.D., Pastor First Baptist Church, Newton Centre, Mass.; Mr. Frank H. Burt, State Secretary Y. M. C. A. of Missouri, St. Louis, Mo.; Principal George N. Carman, Lewis Institute, Chi¬ cago; Mr. David C. Cook, Editor Sunday School Publications, Elgin, Ill.; Professor George Cross, Ph.D., McMaster University, Toronto, Can.; Professor Thomas Carter, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn.; Rev. H. P. DeForest, D.D., Woodward Avenue Congregational Church, Detroit, Mich.; Professor E. D. Starbuck, Ph.D., Leland Stanford Junior University, Stanford, Calif.; Rev. William Ewing, State Supt. of Congregational S. S. and Publ. Society, Lansing. Mich.; Professor Shailer Mathews, D.D., the University of Chicago, Chicago; Professor Thomas Nicholson, D.D., Cor¬ nell College, Mt. Vernon, la.; Professor Waldo S. Pratt, Mus. D., Hartford Theological Seminary, Hartford, Conn.; President H. H. Thoren, Western Union College, Le Mars, la.; Mr. Charles H. Thurber, Ph.D., Editor Educational Publications of Ginn & Co., Boston, Mass. 24 OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION 25 President William DeWitt Hyde, D.D., LL.D., Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine. President Burris A. Jenkins, Kentucky University, Lexington, Ky. President Charles J. Little, D.D., Garrett Biblical Institute, Evanston, Ill. Rev. S. J. McPherson, D.D., V Head Master Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, N. J. Rev. John Moore, Pastor First Methodist Episcopal Church, Dallas, Tex. Professor James S. Riggs, D.D., Auburn Theological Seminary, Auburn, N. Y. President Mary E. Woolley, Litt.D., Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass. Chairman of the Executive BoardI President William Rainey Harper, Ph.D., D.D., LL.D., The University of Chicago, Chicago. General Secretary. Editorial Secretary. Recording Secretary. Professor George Albert Coe, Ph.D .,3 Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. Financial Secretary. Treasurer. Mr. James Herron Eckels, President Commercial National Bank, Chicago. Board of Directors. Mr. Herbert B. Ames, Montreal, Canada. Mr. Nolan R. Best, Editor the Interior, Chicago. Rev. Nehemiah Boynton, D.D., Pastor First Congregational Church, Detroit, Mich. Professor Edward L. Curtis, Ph.D., D.D., Yale Divinity School, New Haven, Conn, Rev. Samuel A. Eliot, D.D., President Unitarian Association, Boston, Mass. ^Elected by the Executive Board, at Chicago, on February 21, 1903. 3 Elected by the Executive Board, at Chicago, on February 27, 1903. 26 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION President R. D. Harlan, D.D., Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, Ill. Rev. Pascal Harrower, Chairman Sunday School Commission of the Diocese of New York, Rector Church of the Ascension, West New Brighton, New York. Professor J. I. D. Hinds, Ph.D., University of Nashville, Nashville, Tenn. President Richard Cecil Hughes, Ripon College, Ripon, Wis. Rev. Charles E. Jefferson, D.D., Pastor Broadway Tabernacle, New York city. President R. J. Kelly, Earlham College, Richmond, Ind. Rev. William M. Lawrence, D.D., Pastor Second Baptist Church, Chicago. Rev. William F. McDowell, Ph.D., Secretary of Education, Methodist Episcopal Church, New York city. Professor John E. McFadye*n, M.A., Knox College, Toronto, Canada. Professor Walter Miller, , Tulane University, New Orleans, La. Professor Samuel C. Mitchell, Ph.D., Richmond College, Richmond, Va. Rev. A. B. Philputt, D.D., Pastor Central Christian Church, Indianapolis, Ind*. President Albert Salisbury, Ph.D., State Normal School, Whitewater, Wis. Rev. Chas. H. Snedeker, Dean St. Paul’s Procathedral, Cincinnati, O. Rev. Floyd W. Tomkins, D.D., Rector Church of the Holy Trinity, Philadelphia, Pa. The Board of Directors consists of one member from each state, territory, district, or province, having a membership of twenty-five or more in the Association (to be appointed in 1903 by the Executive Board, one for each state, territory, district, or province represented in the list of signers to the call for the Convention); the above-named twenty Directors chosen at large; the President, First Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Association; and the members of the Executive Board. Executive Board. President William Lowe Bryan, Ph.D., Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind. OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION 27 Professor George A. Coe, Ph.D., Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. Rev. Lathan A. Crandall, D.D., Pastor Memorial Baptist Church, Chicago. Rev. H. P. DeForest, D.D., Pastor Woodward Avenue Congregational Church, Detroit, Mich Mr. J. Spencer Dickerson, Editor the Standard, Chicago. President Frank W. Gunsaulus, D.D., Armour Institute, and Pastor Central Church, Chicago. President Charles Cuthbert Hall, D.D., Union Theological Seminary, New York city. President William R. Harper, Ph.D., D.D., LL.D., The University of Chicago, Chicago. Mr. N. W. Harris, Chicago. Mr. W. L. Hervey, Ph.D., Examiner Board of Education, New York city. Mr. Charles S. Holt, Chicago. Mr. J. L. Houghteling, Chicago. Mr. Charles L. Hutchinson, Chicago. President Henry Churchill King, D.D., Oberlin College, Oberlin, O. Chancellor James H. Kirkland, Ph.D., LL.D., Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Term. Professor W. Douglas Mackenzie, D.D., Chicago Theological Seminary, Chicago. Rev. William P. Merrill, Pastor Sixth Presbyterian Church, Chicago. Mr. L. Wilbur Messer, General Secretary Chicago Y. M. C. A., Chicago. Mr. S. J. Moore, Toronto, Canada. Professor George L. Robinson, Ph.D., McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago. Professor Herbert L. Willett, Ph.D., The University of Chicago, Chicago. The Executive Board consists of the twenty-one members above named, and also of the President, Fjrst Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, of the Association ; in addition such special secretaries as the Executive Board may appoint are members ex officio. COMMENDATIONS OF THE PRESS. The Outlook (Non=denoininational), New York city, February 21. If the convictions of a great many men of varying standards of good judgment are not wholly wrong, the Convention for Religious and Moral Education, held in Chicago last week, is to be accounted an altogether unique occasion and a force to be reckoned with in the future. In the number and representative character of its attendance it surprised not only all who responded to the call for it, but quite as much those who worked so long and hard to assure its success. Not less than three thousand people faced its chairman as he opened the first session in the great Auditorium, and each of its succeeding business sessions averaged an attendance of fully a thousand. But the most significant fact in this connection was the disproportionately large number of men present throughout. For it is surely a most exceptional feature in any general religious gathering to find men composing from 75 to 80 per cent, of the attendance, morning, afternoon, and evening for two days. The spiritual tone and devotional spirit were as marked in platform utterances as in the earnest prayer and fervent song which opened and closed each session. This religious atmosphere, together with the profoundly serious earnestness and fearlessly free fellowship which pervaded the whole occasion, made it impossible to suspect the presence or possibility of any factional control, ulterior motive, or polemic purpose. A truly sanctified common-sense seemed to protect the convention from having issues precipitately forced upon it which it could not settle, and the discussion of which would have been, not only divisive, but futile. For instance, the question of what to do with the results of the higher criticism in popular teaching was neither forced to discussion nor timidly evaded. Some frankly asserted what they thought such results to be, but demanded nothing more than the right of way for the historical method of study. Others denied their relevancy to the spiritual content to be emphasized. So also the balance between new and better methods of teaching and the old reliance upon the pre-eminent spiritual value of the teacher’s personal influence was firmly and sanely maintained throughout, as something to be gradually adjusted and developed, to the advantage of each term of the equation. In the background of all that was thought and said there loomed the overshadowing fact that, of the twenty-three millions of our population between five and eighteen years of age, fourteen millions are not known to have the advantage of any specific religious instruction except that received at home. The election of Dean Frank K. Sanders, of Yale Divinity School, as presi¬ dent of the Association, and Nicholas Murray Butler, of Columbia University, 28 COMMENDA TJONS OF THE PRESS 29 as first vice-president, together with the choice of widely differing but very representative men to the other offices and the Council, guarantees the catho¬ licity and effectiveness of this timely and forceful movement in American life and education. The American Weekly (Non=denominationaI), Chicago, February 19. The remarkable gathering which took place in Chicago last week is the loudest expression which we have yet heard of the need for religious edu¬ cation. The judgment of church leaders, in all sections of the Protestant world, has been directed in recent years with a growing intensity to this question ; and the declarations made at last week’s convention, by leaders of education and Christian evangelism, reveal the power with which the problem at last presents itself to the church and the country. And the problem of religious education is only really faced when we ask ourselves whether Christianity—which is the absolute and final religion—is being adequately and intelligently taught to the whole people, by the church to which its Lord has committed this duty. A complete religious education must aim at securing the following four methods and kinds of instruction and influence : First, the Christian religion is a historical religion. Its powers first began to operate in relation to a certain people. They culminated in one person. From him they have spread out over the history of nineteen cen¬ turies. This is all described in the Bible and in manuals of church history. The former is incomparably the most important subject of teaching and study. In recent years, as we are continually being told, the Bible has received new light upon every one of its pages, and it is possible to teach its story and to convey its lessons in the method and spirit of modern edu¬ cation. Last week’s convention made it very clear that, if religion was to hold the attention of the young and the respect of the mature, this must be done. Second, religion always presents itself as a more or less definite system of truths. It is life through truth. There is a region where life obtains with¬ out truth. That is the region of the plants and the brutes. The moment you touch a man you touch intelligence, and there is no possible develop¬ ment of human life or experience except through the grasp which the mind obtains upon the facts and the relations in which man finds himself. It is impossible to teach Christianity except as truth. One of the most danger¬ ous movements in some sections of Protestantism is that which imagines it to be possible to preach Christianity and to teach Christianity while avoiding any discussion or interpretation or application of fundamental Christian truths. This is to degrade religion below the level of intelligence. In the end those churches, whether Catholic or Anglican or Evangelical, will control the life of the nation which have backbone enough to believe definitely in certain fundamental Christian doctrines, and determination and skill enough 30 RELIGIOUS EDUCA TION ASSOC I A TION to teach them persistently and convincingly. Not even children want that kind of religion which hovers between fairy-tales and sentimentalism. Third, the Christian religion is one of the fundamental forces in the life of the people. It can only be compared with the elemental forces of hunger, and other forms of appetite. It therefore enters into and molds every depart¬ ment of the social organism. In this direction it has had a great and bril¬ liant history, but its greatest victories are yet to be won. We need to have our children, our young men and women, somehow educated to see the pres¬ ence and power of the Spirit of Christ in relation to all sides of national life. Again, deliver us, good Lord, from the insanity of sentimentalism ! Give us truth, the power of ideas, the force inherent in the doctrines of the gospel of Christ! Is there any machinery at present at work which is thus making the Christian religion systematically known to the minds of our generation ? Fourth, religion is truth issuing in life. Here, as in all other departments of education, and yet beyond all, the people who teach and the people who learn must have a feeling for the value of those truths with which they deal. The greatest danger which the church encounters in some European countries lies in the fact that Christianity is taught in the public schools in an unreli¬ gious spirit. The work is carried out under the law of the land, and not from the heart. In America there opens to us all the prospect of seeing a system of religious teaching which fulfils the conditions already named, but which is carried out in a devout spirit, and aims continually at securing reli¬ gious results. Only Christian people ought to touch the problem of teaching Christian religion. But where a system is created, under which Christian people are trained to teach as scientifically and as thoroughly in this as in any other department, and to do so in the spirit of this department, the most glorious results may be looked for. It has not been our aim to say how all this is to be done. We have simply attempted to utter, or to echo, the cry, to add one more to the many voices which today demand that the church of Christ shall seriously face and undertake its inalienable task of educating the people of America for the worship and service of Jesus Christ. Whether we consider the quality of the audiences, the representative character of the speakers, or the enthusiastic interest manifested in the dis¬ cussions, the convention held last week in the city of Chicago was one of the most notable gatherings held in this country for many years. It marks the beginning of a new epoch in religious education. It has given force and efficiency to a movement which has been silently growing in strength until it demanded some form of organization for its expression. Thus was inaugu¬ rated one of the most eventful movements of the present day — a move¬ ment which is destined to grow in power with years, to carry inspiration to, and uplift, all who in any way are laboring for the religious education of the young, and to put into every part of our educational system a deeper reli¬ gious spirit and purpose. COMMEND A TIONS OF THE PRESS 31 The Congregationalist and Christian World (Congregational), Boston, February 21. The assembly of educators, pastors, and other Christian workers in Chi¬ cago last week to consider improvement in moral and religious education received in advance unusual attention from the religious press. Its proceed¬ ings, however, were not extensively reported in the daily papers. No effort to have these proceedings given to the press was made by those responsible for the convention. They were more concerned to create an organization and to plan for permanent and far-reaching work than to display the initial step to the public. Yet probably no gathering of men of equal influence has ever before been held in this country for such a purpose. The conviction has for several years been growing among all classes of citizens that the supreme need is more worthy and universal religious educa¬ tion. What that education is, how it may be effectively commended, what means should be taken to secure it, are questions which the convention was called to answer. The program was prepared with great care and labor. Many of the foremost educators shared in making it. A profound seriousness characterized the meetings, a mental alertness, a friendliness which grew into a strong confidence that a new movement had begun which would create new ideals in education. Many religious denomi¬ nations were represented. Yet there was absolutely no controversy or fric¬ tion, no harsh criticism of any body or movement not represented there. Much of the language used was different from that commonly heard in dis¬ tinctively religious assemblies. Yet the thoughts expressed were those which sprang from a deep sense of responsibility to God, an absorbing purpose to bring men into harmony with his will. From the irenic opening address of President Angell, to the eloquent plea of Dr. Gunsaulus in the closing session for reliance on the Holy Spirit, the dominant note was the same, and no utterance was out of harmony with it. Briefly summed up, the thought of the convention was that the end of education is not knowledge, but life, and the ideal life is sharing the life of God. The means to secure the end, through homes, public and private schools, churches, Sunday schools, all educational and social institutions, were comprehensively considered in orderly progress, with a unanimity as sur¬ prising as it was uplifting. And often the ideal in the speaker’s mind, which glowed in frank and manly expression, was our Lord Jesus Christ. The Interior (Presbyterian), Chicago, February 19. The typical and formative men of the convention had not come together, it was manifest, for the mere laboratory practice of weighing out academic problems, but because they believe tremendously that the church of God should take a tighter grip of moral influence on the generations now rising toward the control of the future, and are determined somehow to find out where is the best place and what the best way to lay hold. There was always some applause for the more radical utterances of speakers, but in contrast to 32 RELIGIOUS EDUCA TION ASSOC/A TION that, the greatest and heartiest hand-clapping constantly singled out those expressions which were signally evangelical and conservative. This index of the temper of the convention was so unmistakable that it was everywhere remarked upon, and it was agreed by all observers that a disposition to “hold fast that which is good ” was really the dominant characteristic of the body. And this seemed pleasing to all concerned. There were several men heard upon the program whose literary opinions of the Bible diverge widely from the commonly accepted estimates of the inspired Word. They did not in any instance seek to conceal or equivocate that divergence, but in all cases they did submit explicitly or implicitly the proposition that no differences of bib¬ lical interpretation among Christians should interfere with their co-operating together to apply the moral worth of the Bible to the needs of these times and to encourage everywhere the more serious and attentive teaching of the Bible to the young. To this idea more conservative men responded in the same brotherly confidence, and out of that understanding grew the unanimous action with which the convention came to a close. The Cumberland Presbyterian, Nashville, February 26. The good spirit of the convention was cause for comment by more than one speaker. There was no discord, nor anything approaching it. Not a harsh word was spoken. On the other hand, the meetings were intensely spiritual in tone. Not one but felt the great importance of the spiritual train¬ ing of the young. The gathering was a notable one, and its results will be far-reaching. It is a prophecy of better, more natural, more scientific methods in Bible study, in moral and religious instruction. It will give a new impetus to family religion, to a more careful selection of teachers both for the common and the Sunday school. It will give a helping hand to every institution and enter¬ prise which has in view the religious culture of men. It betokens a new era. The Midland (United Presbyterian), Chicago, February 19 All schools of thought and opinion were represented, and the utmost freedom of discussion prevailed. The papers and addresses were of an exceptionally high order and received the closest attention. No ill-digested ideas were promulgated, and the mere theorist or doctrinaire was not in evidence. They were capable and earnest men who had spent years in the study of the subject upon which they spoke, and their speech showed matur¬ ity and wisdom. Four dominant or basic conceptions seemed to run through the discus¬ sions : (i) The growth idea in religion, instead of the static. A Scripture saying frequently quoted was that of the Master’s, “ First the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear,” One speaker said that it was like the dawning of a new world to him when he passed from the mechanical to the biological conception of the truth. (2) There is no true basis for morals COMMENDA TIONS OF THE PRESS 33 outside of the Christian religion. It is useless to try to build up moral char¬ acter and at the same time eliminate religious instruction. (3) Education without the ethical and religious elements is weak and incomplete, even dangerous. It is as necessary to spiritualize the intellect as it is to intellect- ualize the spirit. (4) Religious education grasps the integrity of life. It perceives the unity of our nature, that man has not been made like a modern vessel, with its distinct and watertight compartments, each separate from the others. But he is an integer, and every part of his being bears an important relationship to every other part, therefore he should be educated as a whole and no element of his being neglected. Many of the most prominent educators, pastors, and laymen in the coun¬ try were selected as trustees and directors. It would be difficult to launch a movement with a more dignified and capable set of men in control. The Watchman (Baptist), Boston, Feb. 19. Throughout the convention as a whole, the higher criticism was hardly mentioned. Those who are well known as belonging to this school of thought took part in the various meetings, but the purpose of the convention was not scholastic or sectarian or partisan, but practical and religious. The question constantly kept to the front was : How can moral and religious teaching be reinvigorated and made more effective in the formation of Christian char¬ acter ? But the interest of the convention was in the speakers’ thought, and throughout the meeting there was the hush and expectancy upon the audience that you may have witnessed in some revival meeting when everyone hangs breathlessly upon the preacher’s message. If anyone on that platform had attempted to advocate a fad, he would have been made to feel that he was out of place. That was not the purpose of the convention. It was gathered to promote the interests of religious education, and those who had something to contribute to that were welcomed and heard with grave interest. At the same time everyone who touched upon the matter admitted that the peda¬ gogical and historical point of view must be taken by the effective teacher. He must adjust his material to the stage of development reached by his pupil, and he must conceive of Christianity as a historical revelation. One impression of the convention lingers after many others have been effaced, and that is the profound agreement of Christian men in the things of the spirit. This convention represented the Christian scholarship of the United States more adequately than any other meeting ever held. The leaders of thought were there in great numbers. But in the devotional exer¬ cises and in the speeches there was no discordant note. The things as to which they agreed were so large and compelling that the smaller things were lost sight of. And, though there were no demonstrations of emotion, you could not attend the sessions without becoming aware of that restrained intensity of feeling and depth of conviction that hushes and awes the human spirit. 34 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION The Examiner (Baptist), New York city, February 19. Those who were fortunate' enough to attend the great gathering in the interest of religious education, held under the auspices of the Council of Seventy in Chicago last week, experienced mental and spiritual sensations of a pioneer nature that were richly instructive and intensely stimulating. The purpose of this convention was single — to inaugurate “an organized and aggressive campaign for universal Bible study, according to sound educa¬ tional methods but its scope in far-gathered men and material, in reach of thought and suggestion, and in possibilities of influence, was so great that the writer or speaker attempting a characterization trembles before the task. One calls it “epoch-making,” another, “the breaking of the dawn;” still another, “grand in its stupendous task ;” another, “ profoundly significant in spiritual power.” The addresses were clarifying and unifying. They formed a precipi¬ tate, and resulted in a crystallization of converging lines of thought never before brought together in solution. From the opening address of President Angell, the trend of expression was constructive and positive. There was little said that could be classed as either pessimistic for the present, negative or destructive. There were no iconoclastic utterances, despite the wide¬ spread expectation of those suspicious of the movement. A sweet, sane, positive, uplifting spirit sounded the trumpet call to attention before the vast audience on Tuesday night, and the same spirit broke free the banner of action in the formation of the “Religious Education Association” at the crowded session late Thursday afternoon. Of practical results, beyond the powerful influence of this notable con¬ vention itself, one may not speak until the element of time has entered. Dis¬ appointment will come to many because practical suggestions for field work in matter and method of Bible study are not immediately issued. Let all such possess their souls in patience. The dawn has broken, the day will not be long delayed. The Standard (Baptist), Chicago, February 21. A new organization was established last week in Chicago which enters a totally new field. That field is the co-ordination and stimulation of all agencies now occupied in the religious and moral training of the young. That the convention was in some respects a pleasant surprise to most of those who attended it is suggested in the introductory paragraphs of our report. There was no pugnacity, no cynicism, no pedantic theorizing. The speakers used the language of the people, not the jargon of the technical treatise. Many of them laid upon the spiritual forces in religious education an emphasis which, it is not unfair to say, had not been anticipated. One might reasonably have supposed, considering the importance attributed to correct methods, accurate scholarship, and good equipment by many of the men who constructed the program, that the speaking from the platform GOMMENDA I'lONS OF THE PRESS 35 would reflect this opinion; that trained minds would be exalted above loving hearts; that more attention would be given to questions of curricula, refer¬ ence-books, and pedagogical maxims than to Christlike living and the min¬ istry of the Spirit. But the tendency which actually developed was in the opposite direction. Psychologists like Professor Coe and Professor Dewey, theologians like President King, liberal preachers like Dr. Gunsaulus and Dr. Horton, united in exalting the spiritual element in the religious develop¬ ment of the child as contrasted with the mere imparting of correct informa¬ tion regarding religious things, important as the latter is conceded to be. Those stalwart defenders of the old-time Sunday school who insist that the Sunday school is more than a school of information—that it is a school of character and religious culture — could have found no fault with the most advanced advocates of reform on this point. The* idea that the Bible is adequately studied when it is studied merely as literature and history found no support. The idea that morals can be divorced from religion was pro¬ nounced unsound. One might say that the keynote of the convention was: “Life is one and indivisible, education the development of the whole self, and therefore religious culture is an indispensable part of the complete life and the complete education.” The Baptist Commonwealth, Philadelphia, February 26. The convention was in many respects the most noteworthy as well as the most unique in the history of religious effort. [It] was in absolutely every particular a wonderful success from beginning to close ; a model of perfect management; a virile, enthusiastic body of men animated by a high and noble purpose, to which they devoted themselves exclusively from the initial service to the closing benediction. There was no ranting nor claptrap; no aiming at rhetorical effects; no arraignment of past efforts or of existing organizations. A seriousness of purpose marked every utterance. The spirit of the convention was fraternal and sympathetic, the utterances were almost without exception in the sweetest Christian spirit ; the final action was unanimous. Wisely directed, the Association will form a common basis of co-operation and co-ordination for all religious and educational organizations, and accomplish untold good for the kingdom of our Lord. The Christian Advocate (Methodist), New York city, February 19. As an outcome of the conference for the promotion of religious education held in Chicago, February 10-12, a new national organization was effected, to be known as the “ Religious Education Association.” The promoters of the movement were profoundly convinced that a great work — nothing less than the reconstruction of religious education — was waiting to be accom¬ plished, and could be accomplished only by a union of all those educational forces which could be combined to make religious and moral instruction what it should be in the light of increasing historical and scientific knowledge. 36 RELIGIOUS EDUCA TION ASSOC/A TION Some critics of the movement were disposed to think that the conference was an attempt to force the methods of the higher criticism upon all agencies for biblical instruction ; while still others were sure that the conference aimed at nothing less than the destruction of the International Sunday School Asso¬ ciation. The outcome showed conclusively that the promoters of the move¬ ment had neither thought in mind, and that their sole object was to compel attention to two important truths : first, that there was an imperative need for a widening of the popular conception of religious instruction ; and an equally imperative need for the improvement of methods in our biblical instruction. There is absolutely nothing to fear from the Association, and everything to hope. Nothing could be of brighter promise for the future of the church and of the state than that the most distinguished scholars in the country should take time to come together in conference and express themselves as profoundly zealous for the widest and best knowledge of the Bible, and for the furtherance of every agency which proposes the moral elevation of our youth. Northwestern Christian Advocate (Methodist), Chicago, February i8. The conference assembled under very favorable auspices. The popular interest was great, and the representation was gratifyingly large and influ¬ ential. The program, in point of speakers, was one of exceptional interest and weight, and out of a list of forty-five only two failed to appear. Three hundred and eighty-five persons registered as delegates from twenty-three states and five foreign countries. The immense assembly-room of the Audi¬ torium at the opening session on Tuesday evening was crowded; and through¬ out the six sessions of the conference a large number of visitors followed the proceedings with the keenest interest and sympathy. Western Christian Advocate (Methodist), Cincinnati, O., February i8. The occasion was epoch-making in its character. Absolute unanimity of conviction prevailed ; and while some crude things were said as to the present status of Sunday-school instruction, and while two or three speakers showed by their utterances that they did not know anything about that status, yet from the beginning to the end of the convention the conviction grew that the movement is destined to become a tremendous element in the moral and religious life of the American nation. It will help to correlate the existing educational forces and agencies, to quicken and guide all other organizations which may be in touch with it; it will serve as an intellectual and educational clearing-house for the testing and exchange and certifying of educational plans and ideas. And if anyone has feared that the new movement meant undue liberalism or a dangerous form of critical Bible study, we opine that a a careful study of the personnel of the officers and of the plans of the society will disabuse the mind of such an unjust suspicion. We reflect, we believe, the honest judgment of all who were there when we say that the meeting, COMMENDA TIONS OF THE PRESS 37 in its actual achievements, in its array of speakers, in its presentation of high and noble ideals, and in its suggestions of vast possibilities of useful¬ ness, was literally of an extraordinary character. Zion’s Herald (flethodist), Boston, February i8 and 25. The Convention for Religious Education, held in Chicago, February 10-12, has more than met the expectations of those who called it, and has almost, if not altogether, dispelled the fears and suspicions of those who have looked askance upon the project ever since it began. The seriousness of the gathering, the sanity of the discussions, the wideness of the scope of the pro¬ posed and now completed organization, and the unity of spirit and purpose revealed, were manifest signs of the occasion. We are convinced that vast possibilities of usefulness open up before the new organization. [Your correspondent] was impressed with certain things: (i) The uni¬ versal witness in the speeches and addresses to the mastership and Savior- • hood of Jesus Christ. There was no uncertain and no timid testimony to his supremacy. (2) The exaltation of the Bible as the Book, and large discus¬ sion as to the best methods of its study and its use in educational work. (3) The absolute necessity of religious education ; not simply education in morality, but religious education, in the home and the schools. (4) The possi¬ bility of larger and wiser methods in work in and through the Sunday schools. (5) The spirit of sane conservatism and Christian amity that manifested itself in the different addresses. There was no dynamiting, no iconoclasm, no mad spirit of destructive criticism. What was offered as better wisdom in meth¬ ods must come by co-operation, and not by supplanting Many good people entertained the fear that this convention and the new organization which it was called to organize, would form a sort of rival organ¬ ization with the International Sunday School Association and undertake to supply competing courses of study, Others feared that this new movement in religious education would identify itself with a certain school of biblical criti¬ cism. The platform of the new organization, as defined by its committee on resolutions and by its constitution, ought to dispel both of these fears. It disclaims any purpose to project or publish any competing series of Sunday- school lessons, and declares its purpose to include within its co-operation all types of religious thought, all schools of criticism, and to give its adhesion to no sect or party or institution or geographical section or school of criticism. Its purpose is to furnish, by means of co-operation with all existing agencies, stimulus and information toward higher ideals and methods for the Sunday school, for the home, and for the public schools. Much stress was laid by many of the speakers on the necessity of more moral training in the common schools and on the supreme value of selections from the Bible in promoting this moral and religious training. The convention may well mark the beginning of a new era of religious progress. We say the beginning, because it is thoroughly understood that 38 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION nothing of great importance is to be accomplished suddenly, but that it will take time to bring about the various reforms needed in our present educa¬ tional ideals and methods. The spirit of unity that marked the utterances and proceedings of the convention was very beautiful and very inspiring to those of us who are looking and longing for the fulfilment of Christ’s prayer for the unity of his disciples. The Christian Evangelist (Christian), St. Louis, February 19. The convention in the interest of religious and moral education, which was held in Chicago last week, was altogether unique in its personnel and in the purpose for which it was convened. It is a phenomenon in the religious world of the deepest significance. It marks a higher stage of interest in the work of religious education than has hitherto been reached. Here were gathered presidents of universities, colleges, and normal .schools, representatives of the common schools, professors in theological seminaries, editors of religious journals and of Sunday-school and other religious publications, authors of books, pastors, Sunday-school superintend¬ ents, representatives of the Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor, and of the Y. M. C. A., and almost every type of religious worker. They represented all the leading Protestant bodies, many of the leading institu¬ tions of the country, various shades of religious thought, and different schools of biblical criticism. In view of this heterogeneousness in the make-up of the convention, it might well have been feared that unity of action on any great question relat¬ ing to the religious welfare of the people would have been impossible. But not so. VVe have never attended a convention marked by a greater unity of purpose and of spirit than was manifested by this body of distinguished delegates from every section of our great country. The supreme question was: How shall the young people of this country be taught and impressed most effectually with that moral and religious instruction which lies at the foundation of character and is essential to the well-being of society and of the state ? In the presence of this vital problem, all minor questions sank into insignificance. It was the writer’s privilege to serve on one of the important committees and to exchange thought freely with the men who composed that committee, in seeking to define the relation of this new move¬ ment in religious education to other organizations and agencies working in the same field, and we were gratified, continually, to see the irenic, comprehen¬ sive, and charitable spirit which animated these men of thought and of action, whose supreme purpose seemed to be to advance the kingdom of God among men. The Christian Century (Christian), Chicago, February 19. Last week one of the greatest and most significant religious conventions of modern times was held in the city of Chicago. The keynote of the con¬ vention was struck in the very opening when emphasis was placed upon the COM MEND A TIONS OF THE PRESS 39 co-operation between all agencies working for the religious training of our young people in the Sunday school, public schools, Christian Endeavor Societies and the home. The whole convention was characterized by a con¬ structive conservatism. But one note was sounded again and again to which we wish to call attention, leaving our readers to judge of the convention from the fuller reports which will follow next week. The dominant note of the convention laid the great burden of responsibility upon the preachers in all our evangelical churches. Whether the speakers began with the child, or the Sunday school, or the Christian Endeavor Society, or the public school, they invariably placed the reponsibility for more systematic Bible instruction upon the preacher. The Christian Register (Unitarian), Boston, February 19. Unless all signs are erroneous, the week ending February 14, 1903, will be notable in the religious history of America. I am well aware how unsafe it is to play the role of a prophet, but there seem to be sound reasons for doing so at this time.The general aim was to create a religious revival — by thoughtful, educational methods — conserving the old, assimi¬ lating the new, reconstructing the church. The men who animate and guide the movement have shown large executive ability. All the details of this convention were forecast with minute scrutiny. Details were not ignored. Consequently, we had admir¬ able results in Chicago. I believe that this machinery will move rapidly and successfully because of the skill and ability of those who have charge of the undertaking. It will be seen from what little I have already cited from the constitution that there is no doctrinal or ecclesiastical qualification. Every article and section is put on a purely educational basis. If I were to sum up the prominent characteristics of the convention, I should say it was marked by a spirit of great confidence and buoyancy, by a cordial attitude toward new truth, by a wise consideration for the past, by an evident desire to conduct everything in a catholic, inclusive manner, uniting on central things and dealing fraternally in matters of difference. There was no attack on the International Lessons, no effort made to draw sectarian lines, no revival of theological animosities. All seemed to feel that they were called to a great work and intended to respond in a large way. Episcopal Recorder (Episcopal), Philadelphia, February 26. We feared that the convention might make shipwreck in the discussions on the ever-changing higher criticism, and are glad to know that our fears are unfounded. While plain and fearless reference was made to the subject, the general opinion obtained that in reality it was “irrelevant” to the matter in hand, which was one of spiritual instruction There seemed to be a tense realization of the fact that, out of twenty-three millions of young people in our country between the ages of five and fourteen years, there were over 40 RELIGIOUS EDUCA TION ASSOCIA TION thirtee-n millions who were without any religious instruction whatever. This problem is in reality the most vital one, and toward its solution the conven¬ tion has contributed a united recognition of the fact and a united determina¬ tion to try to deal with it. Boston Evening Transcript, Boston, February 17. The “Religious Education Association” is the sensible and significant name of the new organization into which the deliberation and the enthusiasqo of the great meeting at Chicago last week crystallized. That convention of several hundred prominent educators and Christian leaders from all parts of the country not only surpassed the expectations of its projectors, but put to naught the gloomy forebodings of those who for one reason or another had discounted it in advance. All these apprehensions, cherished up to the very eve of the convention’s assembling, were dissipated long before the third day’s sessions were reached. The note of theological controversy was hardly struck at all. To be sure, the new viewpoint in religion was assumed rather asserted, and formed the background of the thought of the entire conven¬ tion. And the fact that the score or more of college presidents, professional educators, and pastors who had parts on the program were practically a unit in their acceptance of the new pedagogy, the new psychology, and the new views of the Bible, marks this movement at its very inception as distinctively modern and progressive. But in the convention itself the effort was not to deride or to denounce opinions which have had and still have wide accept¬ ance in the churches, but, on the basis of the newer thought, to plan con¬ structively for the more effective religious education of the rising generation. As for the expected antagonism to the International system of Sunday- school lessons, it did not develop. On the contrary, that system was com¬ mended by some of the most prominent participants in the convention as having served valuable ends in the past and having itself created a demand for something better and more elastic. The simple truth is that this move¬ ment is a straightforward, broad-gauged, level-headed religious educational propaganda, indorsed and directed by the ablest educators of the country of all shades of theological thought. Naturally, the Sunday schools will be one of the first institutions to feel its influence. The Association does not intend itself to publish any courses or systems of helps to Bible study, though it will foster individual initiative in this direction. It will not try to duplicate the state and county organizations of the International Sunday-School Associa¬ tion, or in any way to invade its legitimate field. The Religious Education Association will simply endeavor to help, as it may be able to do, those schools which turn to it for aid. But the scope of its activity is far broader than the field of Sunday-school work alone. It will aim to restore religion — not the technicalities of theology, not divisive denominational tenets, but wholesome, rational religion, to its normal place in the symmetrical training of boys and girls, young men and young women, for their life and work in the modern world. Success then to the R. E. A.!