YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9078, 12 June 1888, Page 6

YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the Young Men's Christian Association was held yesterday evening at the Rooms, corner of - Wellesley and Albert streets. Sir William Fox presided, and there was a large attendance.

A hymn, " How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds," having been sung, the Rev. B. L. Thomas offered prayer.

The Chairman referred to the objects of the Young Men's Christian Association, the members of which helped the Church, since their duty was to catch men, and bring them within the reach of Christian influences. Much of the work of the Association could not of itself be regarded art of an evangelical character. They had, for instance, gymnastic exercises in the building, and this was not within the scope of their duty as Christians, but if by this means they could bring souls within the reach of Gospef influences, the object of these exercises was a good one. The club-room, and the book-keeping, elocution, and shorthand classes in like manner had no special religious value, though they were of considerable benefit from a temporal point of view. The library of the institution, on the other hand, was a most powerful adjunct of Christian work, as it was only by the reading of books that one could obtain a perfect knowledge of Christianity and the history of the Church. Some valuable theological works upon difficult points of doctrine were also contained in the library. But what he wished to speak of in reference to this branch of the institution was the out-of-all-proportion profusion in which he found works of fiction— a species of books which was in itself weakening and effeminating to the human mind. (Applause.) He did not speak of historical novels, but of the abominable "yellowbacks,"—books seen in the hands of every young lady in a railway carriage, but which were not fit for the shelves of a Christian Association, and the sooner they were swept away the better. (Applause.) He would have liked to have referred to the history of the Young Men's Christian Association, but he would merely say that wherever he had gone in the world he had seen the cabalistic letters " Y.M.C. A." In the work of the Association they must beware of pandering in any way to worldly sympathies with the view of improving the financial condition of the Society. (Applause.) Sir William Fox referred to the previous year's programme, and said that he was of opinion that the lectures had usurped tho place of some work which might have been more edifying. Some of the lectures were of a merely political character, such as the subject of "Freetrade," and the committee must have the want of money in their minds' eye when they included these in the programme, Sir Wm. Fox exhorted his hearers to read the book, " God's Dealings With George Muller." (Applause.)

Mr. Thos. Buddle, replying to the remarks of Sir Wm. Fox, said that the book to which the chairman had referred was to be found in the library. He did not think there was such a large proportion of the yellow-back books there as Sir Wm. Fox claimed, though he (Mr. Buddie) was sorry that they were read more than any other. Whilst the work of the Association had been increasing, the wherewithal to do the work had not been increasing in proportion. The whole of the assets of the society were valued at £10,000, but the Association owed £6500, and part of the money was bearing interest at 5 per cent, and 6 per cent. They had hoped to have cleared off £1500 at the end of the past year, but this hope had not been realised. The committee did not see why skating rinks and other amusements should have plentiful patronage; in depressed times, associations such as theirs always suffered, and this was not as it should be. He hoped, therefore, that during the year there would be greater practical sympathy shown in the work which they had undertaken. Mr. Buddie regretted the absence of the President, the Rev. J. S. Hill, who would probably be again in Auckland in a fortnight.

Pastor Muller pointed out that the national and spiritual well-being of a nation depended greatly upon the way in which young men were brought up, and it therefore behoved the people to lend a helping hand to Young Men s Christian Associations, especially where the officers were godly men. Young men were continually coming to the colonies, and to lend them a helping hand was a matter of great importance. Because they were away from their friends and relatives, young men were apt to lose themselves in vice and wickedness, and therefore it was of the utmost importance that youths so situated should be introduced to the officers of the Young Men's Christian Association. They should endeavour to influence those in other countries to give them letters of introduction to the officers of the society, so that when a young man came he might find a Christian heart welcoming him, and giving him spiritual and temporal support. Many a young man coming to these colonies found himself in pernicious places shortly after arrival here, and a great deal depended upon how young men were received here; this was the reason why it was so important that truly godly men should be at the head of the Association. Pastor Muller referred to the influences of Messrs. Walker and Southwell in Sydney and Melbourne, and said he had seen much good result from the efforts of the men who acted as secretaries and presidents of the Young Men's Christian Associations in various parts of the world. The work that was to be done in connection with this organisation could not be done without money, but they could not expect the blessing of God if they got this money by all sorts of manoeuvres. Let them go to God for the money. The speaker exhorted his hearers to tribute to the funds of the Association as far as in their power ; it was the systematic giving which assisted so materially, and if this continual help was rendered to the officers they would perhaps be enabled to enlarge the scope of the organisation.

Pastor Spurgeon, whilst eulogising the spiritual work of the society, claimed that the secondary part— as the lectures, etc.—was necessary. They did not know from what contaminations they were saving young men if they got them to listen even to a debate on "Land Nationalisation." (Hear, hear.) He thanked God that the Association was providing interest and amusement and mental pabulum as well as spiritual food for the young men. (Applause.) Mr. Spurgeon referred to the work of Pastor John Bost, Hudson Taylor, and Pastor George Muller, and spoke of Robert Moffat and Dr. Brock.

The Rev. A. Carriok also addressed the meeting. Though they were separated like the waves of the sea, yet they were substantially one, just as the waters of the ocean. (Applause.) He blessed God for the visit of Pastor Muller to these colonies, for he had been helpful to him (Mr. Carrick) in strengthening his faith. The speaker proceeded to remark that, in his opinion, the young men of the , colony attached too much importance to physical exercise. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Carrick pointed out that the Young Men's Christian Aeso-

ciation buildings were a protest against materialism. By his visit to New Zealand Pastor Muller had enlisted on his side the prayers and sympathies of a great multitude. (Applause.) , j . , , . The proceedings concluded with the singing of the Doxology, the Benediction being pronounced by Pastor Muller. Mr. Hemery played the accompaniments to the hymns..