but the distinctive work for young
men was earnestly advocated.

When Mr. Rowland undertook the work, as an officer of the international
committee, it spread rapidly, and in 1868 there were one hundred and
two, and in 1869, one hundred and nine, associations in Massachusetts.
This number was, later, somewhat further increased.

Up to 1867 there had been no conference of the state associations, but
at the international convention, at Montreal, in that year, it was
strongly urged upon the corresponding members of the various States and
provinces that they should call state conventions, and thus the first
Massachusetts convention of Young Men's Christian Associations was held
at Springfield, October 10 and 11. The Honorable Whiting Griswold, of
Greenfield, was president, and among the prominent men present were
Henry F. Durant and ex-Vice-President Wilson. In 1868, the convention
met at Worcester; in 1869, at Lowell. At this time there were fifty
associations reporting reading-rooms, and thirty were holding _open-air
meetings_, which means, that, since there are many persons who never
enter a building to hear the gospel, it should be taken to them. Since
these services are almost peculiarly a characteristic of association
work, let me describe them. One or two men, clergymen or laymen, are
appointed to take charge of the meeting, while from six to ten men go
with them to lead the singing. Having reached the common or public
square where men and women are lounging about, the group start a
familiar hymn and sing, perhaps, two or three, by which time many have
drawn near and most are listening; then mounting a bench or packing-box,
the leader says he proposes to pray to the God of whom they have been
singing, and asks them to join with him; then with uncovered head he
speaks to God and asks him to bless the words that shall be spoken.
Another hymn, and then some Bible scene or striking incident is read and
commented upon, and when interest is fairly roused the gospel is
_preached in its simplicity_ and a _direct appeal_ made to the people.
There is a wonderful fascination in this service--a naturalness in all
the surroundings, so like the circumstances of our Lord's discourses,
that makes God's nearness felt, and inspires great faith for results.
Great have been these results--how great we shall know by-and-by. Many a
soul has thus been born by the sea, in the grove, on the village green,
at the place where streets meet in