International Christian Endeavor Convention
By K. C. R.
The Twenty-Fifth International Christian Endeavor Convention was held on the Million Dollar Pier at Atlantic City, N. J., July 6-12, 1911. It is reported to have eclipsed, in both attendance and interest, any previous convention of this body. Among the prominent speakers were President Taft, Hon. Champ Clark, speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Charles W. Fairbanks, former vice-president of the United States, Judge Ben Lindsey, and Booker T. Washington. President Taft’s address consisted in a eulogy of the Christian Endeavor movement, and of its leader, Dr. Francis E. Clark. He also spoke of the present favorable outlook for the securing of his great peace pact between this and other nations. He expressed his confidence that a great body such as the Christian Endeavorers would do what they could to promote the cause of international peace. The address of Mr. Fairbanks consisted in a glowing report of the great part the peace missionaries are playing in the destinies of the Orient. He also paid a high tribute to the work of the Christian Endeavor movement. “Everything in our State and national life must be settled in the light of the moral law,” he declared. “Our government must be founded upon the law of God.” “The prosperity and safety of our country depend upon the Christian churches of this nation.” One of the prominent leaders in the convention of the Christian Endeavor movement said, in substance, in referring to some of the addresses of the distinguished speakers, that he rejoiced because the state is recognizing the Christian Endeavor movement as a religious factor, as is shown by the attendance of prominent statesmen. We do not question the sincerity and devotion of this great body of young people to what they believe to be right. To a degree the name of the organization is expressive of its mission. Their activities are directed principally toward the evangelization of the world. Both home and foreign missionary work occupy a large place in all their efforts. Their uncompromising attitude in opposition to the liquor traffic is one that can not be too highly commended, especially in these times when so many professed followers of Christ are occupying a neutral position regarding this evil. Their position on this question is clearly voiced in a resolution that was adopted at their recent convention, a portion of which is given herewith:— “Now as always Christian Endeavor is an uncompromising, implacable foe of the saloon, and it is the faithful friend of every sincere and sane agency, society, union, league, or individual laboring for the abolition of the liquor traffic, local, State, national, and international. We rejoice in the recent triumphs of the temperance cause, and are happy in the fact that Christian Endeavorers everywhere have generously aided, often led, in achieving these notable prohibition victories. We oppose the manufacture, exportation, importation, sale, and use of intoxicating liquors, and we favor such constitutional provisions and the enactment of such laws by Congress and by State, Territorial, provincial, and municipal legislative bodies as will forever destroy this unjustifiable and intolerable evil.” Many commendable and praiseworthy things might be mentioned regarding this mighty organization of young people in this and other lands. It is to be regretted, however, that a movement which embraces so many grand and noble principles has been deceived into adopting methods in promoting its work which are contrary to the principles enunciated by Jesus Christ. The particular feature of their work to which I refer is that denominated “The Christian Citizenship Department,” or, in other words, the securing of their cherished ambition by the means of civil legislation. The following drastic resolution on Sunday observance was unanimously adopted by the convention, as reported in the Philadelphia Press of July 12, 1911, from which we quote:— “Realizing that the growing encroachments of business and pleasure upon Sunday are not only making the work of the churches difficult and injuring public morality, but are also endangering the right of all men to a rest day, we urge all Christian Endeavorers to set the example of Sunday observance, and to throw all their influence in favor of the preservation of Sunday as a day of rest and worship. We most heartily commend and indorse the action of the Postmaster-General in closing the post-office on Sunday in large measure, and pledge our united support as representing four millions of young people in the United States to this action in the interests not only of the post-office employees, but also of public morality and proper respect for the laws of God. We urge also upon civic authorities the enforcement of Sunday laws without discrimination.” Could one imagine anything more drastic than this resolution, which urges that civil authorities enforce Sunday laws without discrimination? One can scarcely recall in all the history of the past a more sweeping enforcement of Sunday laws than this resolution calls for. In order that Sunday laws might appear less odious, the champions of Sunday legislation have had incorporated into these laws a clause exempting from their penalties those who observe another day of the week. But not so with the resolution passed by the Christian Endeavorers; for it plainly declares that the Sunday law should be enforced without discrimination. From this it will be seen that the exemptions which have appeared in some Sunday laws will be swept away, and thus will go with them the boasted toleration which some have said accompanied such laws. This resolution very plainly voices the spirit that those who have carefully studied this question have long maintained was lying back of such laws; for the whole scheme of Sunday legislation is intolerant, and therefore contrary to the principles of religious freedom. It should be the earnest prayer of every saint of God that the members of this great organization may be brought to realize how they are misdirecting their influence and power for good in the world by turning their backs upon God’s power in seeking help from the puny arm of the state. Instead of attending the primaries for the purpose of exerting political influence, Christians should attend the prayer-meeting to obtain power from God, that they may influence souls to come to Christ. Instead of spending their time and effort in making some favorite candidate’s election sure, the children of God everywhere should be seeking to make sure their own calling and election and that of others for the kingdom of God. Instead of compelling men by law to keep the day they regard as the sabbath, they should persuade them to do so. In short, they should depend alone upon the power of God in their endeavors; for it is “not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”