Anti-Secret-Society Convention.
This Convention met at Pittsburg, May 5, and was composed of 175 members, representing thirteen different denominations of Christians. The Convention was presided over by Bishop Edwards, of the United Brethren church. Two strong Essays were read—one by President Fairchild, on “The Operation of Secret Societies upon Social Life.” His object was to show that they were disorganizing in their tendency, and at war with Christian civilization. The other by President Blanchard, on “Secret Societies as Religion.” This is certainly the most vulnerable point of Secret Societies, for by this claim they array themselves in direct antagonism to the Church of Christ. The following resolution was passed unanimously by the Convention: “In view of the fact that secret organizations are on the increase, and from a conviction that these organizations are exerting an influence most prejudicial to the interests of religion; therefore,
“Resolved, That this Convention does most earnestly recommend to all churches of Christ, to unite in vigorous effort to arrest the progress of these organizations, and to adopt the most effectual means to exclude from the fellowship of the church all persons who persist in adhering to these secret orders.”