VOL. VIII.

No. 6.

T

HE Christian Endeavor movement throughout the world, which claims such universal interest, is now recognized as one of the greatest factors in moral science throughout Christendom.

It hardly seems possible this great society, whose membership is figured in the millions, is but twenty-four years old. The story of its origin is simply told, as follows:

In the winter of 1881 a revival was in progress in Portland, Maine, the principal activity being centered in Williston Church, where the Rev. Francis E. Clark, its pastor, devoted much of his attention to the youth of the community. The great interest shown by the young people culminated on February 2 in the establishment of the first Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, with essentially the same constitution, pledge and methods of work which govern the society to-day. So vigorous and successful was the work of this society in the Williston Church, that Dr. Clark was led to write an interesting account of the new methods of work, which appeared in the Congregationalist in August, 1881, under the head of "How one large church cares for its young people."

The article had its effect; other churches became interested, and in the following October a second society was formed at Newburyport, Mass., and before the end of the year four more societies were formed, one each in Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont and Ohio. Early in 1882 societies began to form rapidly all over the United States, and a little more than a year from the establishment of the first society, the first

convention was held in June, 1882, at the birthplace of the first society, in Portland, Maine.

From that time to the present the increase in membership has been most remarkable. By June, 1883, the enrolled membership was 2,630, the greater portion of whom were in New England. When the next convention was held in October, 1884, a total membership of 6,414 was reported. In 1885 and 1886 the membership rapidly increased and the movement became permanently established all over the United States and in portions of Canada. Then in 1887 Dr. Clark went to England and established the first English society in Crewe, in 1888. At first there were some objections to it in England, more particularly on account of its Yankee origin. Notwithstanding, societies increased to such an extent that at the beginning of 1903 there were reported 8,333 societies in Great Britain.

France was the next country to form National Unions, followed by Switzerland and Germany, South Africa and so on until China, Japan, India, Turkey, Persia, Spain, Italy, Australia, the Island of the Seas, and in fact every place where a missionary could be sent.

At the close of 1902 a total of 64,758 Christian Endeavor Societies were reported. They were subdivided into Young People's, Juniors', Intermediate, Seniors', Parents', Mothers' and Floating Societies. To-day the total membership exceeds 4,000,000, and societies are formed in the most unexpected places.

The term 'Floating Society" refers to

those which are formed on the United States men-of-war. In the Wisconsin State Prison a society was formed to help uplift the prisoners; it was followed by similar ones in the prisons of Kentucky, Indiana, Iowa, New Mexico and New York. They are found also in hospitals and in the army. Taking into consideration the rigorous discipline of the pledge, which is given. later on, the society stands strong in the light of the old adage, "What is worth doing at all is worth doing well." Another reason of its widespread growth is that it is inter-denominational. It is sometimes referred to as undenominational, but this is not correct.

All evangelical denominations are represented. The Presbyterians lead in the number of societies in America; the Baptists in England; in Austria and Canada the Methodists are in advance, and in other places the Congregationalists or the Disciples of Christ are in the lead; and it is greatly due to the Christian Endeavor movement that sectarian prejudices are fast disappearing.

The Society of Christian Endeavor is a recognized effort to interest young people in the life and teachings of Christ and to establish them firmly in the faith. A strict observance of the pledge is imperative; and it cannot be insisted on too strongly that it is a religious society. Other features, social and literary, may be added as deemed desirable. The pledge is the same in all lands, and reads as follows:

"Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for strength, I promise Him that I will strive to do whatever He would like to have me do; that I will make it the rule of my life to pray and to read the Bible every day, and to support my own church in every way, especially by attending all her regular Sunday and mid-week services, unless prevented by some reason which I can conscientiously give to my Saviour; and that, just so far as I know how, throughout my whole life, I will endeavor to lead a Christian life.

"As an active member, I promise to be true to all my duties, to be present at, and to take part, aside from singing, in every Christian Endeavor prayer meeting, unless hindered by some reason which I can conscientiously give to my Lord and Master. If obliged to be absent from the monthly consecration meeting of the society, I will, if possible, send at least a verse of Scripture to be read in response to my name at the roll call."

The pledge is severe, but in its severity is the society's success. The constitution and by-laws are so constructed as to protect the reading of the pledge in every way, so that members who may have a tendency to be careless will be looked after by other fellow members.

Christian Endeavor conventions are much sought after by the large cities, not particularly for the amount of money which is left in the city, notwithstanding their numbers have reached over 50,000 in attendance, but the moral atmosphere which is naturally created has its beneficial effect.

The last three conventions at London, Boston and Denver have been commented upon by the municipal authorities of each city, who claimed the good moral effect was lasting.