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PREFATORY NOTE
The minutes of the former conference have been called for so constantly, that, long before the close of the year, the supply was exhausted. The success of the Society of Christian Endeavor in developing the activity and growth of young Christians, bas been so marked that the inquiry after its methods bas been wide-spread. Societies have even been formed in foreign lands. Scotland has adopted the Y. P. S. C. E., and it owns a child in Foochow, China, and at Honolulu, S. I. The Conference this year was far in advance of any previous one. The interest was sustained without flagging, from the opening till the close. The attendance was large, and that notwithstanding the fact the American Missionary Association was in session at Salem. The tone of the meeting was markedly cheerful, vigorous and hopeful. The question whether young men and women are willing to engage in " thorough consecration to the Lord was splendidly answered in the affirmative. The continued reference' to the Church as the starting point and end, under Christ, of their Endeavors, answered questions as to whether it interferes with the Church. Numerous references to revivals which had been awakened by the increased consecration of the young, demonstrated the importance of the Society in bringing forth from its seclusion, the reserved and slumbering power in all our churches. It was also demonstrated that the Society is as well fitted for the country, and sparsely settled neighborhoods as for the crowded city streets. Such revivals as occurred in the parish of Rev. C. A. Gates of Deer Isle, Me., testify to the success of this fresh agency. It was quite noticeable, too, how many pastors bad begun this work in their churches, with much shrinking, very feeble faith; and "only as an experiment, because somethin9 must be done." Where thus it had been started, it bad brought rich results to gladden the burdened shepherd.
It was manifest that it is all-important that the pastor be constant in presence, ready in sympathy, and willing in activity. Some societies had failed for the one reason that the pastor had not gone hand and hand with it.
This pamphlet is sent out with many prayers. It is accompanied with our earnest prayer that wherever it goes, the Lord will use it to quicken the young Christians to new devotion to the Saviour and new activity in seeking out and saving the lost.
S. WINCHESTER ADRIANCE, Recording Secretary.
Lowell, Mass., Dec. 11, 1884.
