The Young Men’s Christian Association and Archery
We learn from our exchanges that the Young Men's Christian Association of Brooklyn, not long since offered a gold medal, valued at $100, to the lady who could show most proficiency in the practice of archery. A Miss Cook, over eleven other competitors, secured the medal which was accordingly presented to her. It bore the following inscription: “Presented to Miss Jennie Cook by the Young Men's Christian Association of Brooklyn, E. D., for her superiority and skill with bow and arrow. Brooklyn, E. D., April 19, 1870.” These Young Men's Christian Associations are numerous all through the country. They are termed “the right arm of the church.” But, judging from the above paragraph, what kind of Christianity are they trying to promote? What end are they laboring to secure? What has Christianity to do with shooting with bows and arrows? What has it especially to call out young ladies to acquire this useful and womanly accomplishment? We have heard of a class of persons in New York, who have become so enamored of the ancient classics, that they have adopted the ancient heathen worship, and regularly engage, with their consecrated priest of Jupiter, robed and mitred, in offering sacrifices to that heathen divinity. So if this movement was for the purpose of giving a practical illustration of the old Amazons of Grecian fable, it would not seem so strange, provided it was inaugurated by a society within whose province such a movement would legitimately come. But when this is put forward by the Young Men's Christian Association, an Association composed professedly of Christians, and expressly designed to defend, cherish, and promote, the principles of a pure Christianity—here is where the puzzle comes in: What kind of Christianity is it?