THE CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR SOCIETY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 213, 6 September 1895, Page 3

THE CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR SOCIETY.

The Christian Endeavour Society is now known in almost every laud. The founder, Dr. Clark, has seen bhe movement gradually grow, from the first society which was formed in his own church on February 2nd, 1881. Everywhere has ib been made welcome, and everywhere has ib grown. It now represents a membership of 2,500,000. Taking the lasb five years, no less than 700,000 active members have joined the Church, which goes a long way to prove that they have tried to carry ouc the motto, "For Christ and the Church."

Ab presenb bhere are aboub 6,000 Endeavourers in New Zealand. Of bhis number, 2,500 are in tbe Auckland Province, showing an increase of about 500 members and 16 societies. There is a greab deal of enthusiasm being thrown into the coming Convention, which commences in Auckland on Sunday next with special services, and is to be continued on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. There will be two afternoon meetings in the V.M.C.A. Hall, when matters interesting to all Endeavourers will be dealt with. These meetings will be very central, so that many of the people engaged in the city and who can spare an hour will be able to attend. Provision has been made for overflow meetings, if necessary. Tbe arrangements ara nearly all complete, and ib is expected that

at all the meetings there will be larger gatherings than at any previous Convention. The present constitution of the Christian Endeavour Society in its important features is substantially bhe same as that adopted by the first Society in Portland, although it is cob necessarily binding upon any local society, but is to be regarded in the lighb of a recommendation, especially for bhe guidance of new organisations and those unacquainted with the work of the Society of Christian Endeavour.

The object of bhe Society is to promote an earnest Christian life among its members,' to increase their mutual acquaintance, and to make them more useful in the service of God. The members shall consist of three classes — active, associate and honorary. The active members of the Society shall consist of all young persons who believe themselves to be Christians, and who sincerely deßire to accomplish the results above specified. Associate mem hers comprise all young persons of worthy character who are not a,b present willing to be considered decided Christians. Honorary members comprise persons who, though no longer young, are still interested in the Society, and wish bo have some connection with ib, bhough they cannot regularly attend the meetings. According to article vii. " All the active members shall be present ab every meeting, unless detained by some absolute necessity, and each active member shall take some part, howaver slight, in every meeting. To the above all the active members shall pledge themselves, understanding by 'absolute necessity' some reaaon for absence which can conscientiously be given to their Master, Jesus Christ. The meeting shall be held one hour, and at the close some time may be taken for introduction and social intercourse, if desired. Once each month a consecration or experience meeting shall be bifid, at which each active member shall speak'concerning his progress in the Christian life,, or renew his vows of consecration. If any one chooßes, he can express his feelings by an appropriate verse of Scripture or other quotation." If any active member of this society is absent from, this monthly meeting nnd fails to send an excuse, the Lookout Committee is expected to take the name of such a one, and ascertain the reason for tbe absence.