The Outlook
"I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will look forth to see what He will speak with me."
THE YOUNG PEOPLE AND CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP.
By Editor
THE Christian Citizen rejoices over the work of "Christian Citizenship" among the Endeavorers at the recent convention in San Francisco. It says:—
"No feature of the Sixteenth International Convention of Christian Endeavor has attracted more attention or been given more hearty reception by the many thousands assembled, than that accorded the Christian Citizenship movement. It was frequently dwelt upon at length by prominent men from all parts of this country and of the nations, and almost every mention of civic righteousness was the signal for a general burst of enthusiasm."
Of the Toronto Convention, immediately following, of Epworth Leagues, the Methodist young people's organization, it remarks:—
"The key-note of Christian Citizenship that was struck at the San Francisco Convention was faithfully followed at the Toronto gathering of Epworth Leaguers one week later."
But the Baptist Young People's Union seemed to have remembered the good old Baptist principles of the true relation of Church and State; for the Christian Citizen finds in the convention at Chattanooga little comfort. Thus it expresses itself:—
"We are sorry not to be able to report more upon Christian Citizenship from the Chattanooga Convention. The almost complete absence of all mention of the subject in the convention is probably in part explained by the correspondent for the Baptist Union, who says, 'Every convention has its own flavor. This is exceptionally devotional and fraternal.' We are sure, however, that the great host gathered at that convention are friends of our cause, and we trust the next convention will take on a little more 'flavor' of Christian Citizenship."
We hope not; but if it does we are sure that there will be less of a truly "devotional and fraternal" spirit. The Christian Citizen is right; "the almost complete absence of all mention of the subject" is explained by the "exceptionally devotional and fraternal" "flavor." Where true piety is fostered, political Christianity finds no foothold. May the Baptist young people so abide.
