NATIONAL CHILDREN'S HOME AND ORPHANAGE.

CHIEF OFFICES ; BONNER ROAD. S.E.

Principal : Rev. W. HODSON SMITH. General Treasurers: J. R. BARLOW, Esq., J.P. (Bolton), Alderman Sir CHARLES WAKEFIELD, D.L., J.P.

2,200 Children 'in Residence.

Who will send us R,5 5s. to admit one of the Children on the Waiting List, and so enable us to gladden the Christmastide of "these little ones"?

In their sorrow, hunger, and misery they appeal for the love and happiness wilier] Is their right.

Shall they appeal in vain P For forty-three years the doors of the National Children's. Home have

been open to, welcome these little ones. Qver 2,200 are now being cared for, and 10,000 have

been rescued and helped.

REMITTANCES from the U.M. Churches should be sent to the Treasurer, Rev. ANDREW CROMBIE, 122 East Dulwich Grove, London, S.E.

Bankers LONDON CITY AND MIDLAND. -

METHODIST'.—TWORSDAY, DECEMBER sth, .1012.

CHRISTMAS AND LITERARY NUMBER.

United Meth() is THE WEEKLY JOURNAL OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.

With v.hiels is 1annroarouteal the "Free Methodist.," founded 1886.

No. 262. NEW SERIES. r No. 1405. 1 LO LL) Sintrits.J THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1912. [Registered at the General THIRTY-TWO PAGES.

Post Office as a Newspaper.] TWOPENCE.

PRINCIPAL CONTENTS. PAGE.

Notes by the Way ... United Methodist Table Talk ... A Christmas Reverie. By Owen Bakes ... 4 Ezra the Scribe (C.E. Topic). By T. A. Jefferies... Stories told by our Deaconesses Talks with Young Men. By T. Nightingale... ... Work among the Young. By S. C. Challenger The College Committee 6 Wenohow : Relief and Restoration. in Appeal.

By Henry T. Chaim:an . '7 Birmingham Young People's Demonstration.. By. W. 0. Smith 8 The Need of Spiritual Leadership. By F. Sharrott, ... 8 Christmas at Gadshill. Some Memories of Charles Dickens.

By William Francis.. ... 9 A Christmas Gift. By Mabel King ... ... 10 A Choir.lioy's Christmas Eve. By Francis If. Robinson 11 Notes for Christmas Book-buyers, By J. B. Brooks ... ... 12 The Music of Christmas. By W. RuPert Clark ... ... 14 The Growing. of Christmas Trees. By S. Leonard Bastin 14 The Building up of the Old Testament, A Review.

By Geo. G. Ilornby, M.A.. B.D. 15 A Mystic Advent : A Message for Christmas.

By J. Herridge Batt 17 Letters of Christopher Hunt ... 17 Circuit Memories. By Henry Jervis ... . 18 The Child, for the Future and God. By C. E. 19 Recent Sermon Volumes 20 *FHE CHILDREN'S CHRISTNIAS PAGE.—

**Inasmuch." By Arthur H. Robins ... 21 A Transformed Christmas. By Christian McLeod ... ... 22 Wynken. Blynken and Nod. By Eugene Field... ... 22

Some Recent Exposition _. ... 23 The Journal of a Mission. By W. D. Gunstone ... 24 A Novelist and the Irish Question. By H. S. ... 25 What our Readers Think ... 26 International Lesson. By C. A. Ashelford ... 27 News of Our Churches... 28 29. 30. 31

Notes by the Way. WITH this number the present writer begins his

editorship • of the sixth volume of the UNITED

METHODIST. He does so with a feeling of deep. gratitude to all who have helped to

-Volume -VI. make the preceding volumes of interest and profit to the readers. In

this connection he would name the writers of articles, stories and letters, and especially his numerous cor-respondent's throughout the Connexion who have sent him news of District, Circuit and Church hap-penings and also chatty paragraphs which have done so much to make the Table Talk page of interest. And while the Editor's thanks arc most sincere for past favours they are not untouched with a sense of favours to come. He is sure that the hundreds who have helped will continue to do so, and hopes that many others who have hitherto sent no news con-cerning the doings of their churches will now become contributors to these pages. Anything that is of interest to United Methodists will, as far as the exigencies of space permit, appear in these pages from time to time.

THE Editor desires to acknowledge very grate-fully the many letters of encouragement and appre-ciation of the UNITED METHODIST which he receives

from time to time : they do much to Letters lighten labours which do not be- Commendatory come easier with the pasSing years and and with the growing and enlarging Otherwise. ideal of what a paper like this should

be, and might be, if all who could help would do so. Of course not all the letters the Editor receives are commendatory. Occasionally he gets letters from readers who are sure that they could do the editing much better than it is now done, and the Editor is not disposed to dispute such state-ments, though occasionally the letters which contain them give evidence that the writers have somewhat to learn concerning the very elements of editorial work. Occasionally, too, there come letters of criti-cism of a more valuable kind and those are always pondered with care, and their suggestions are never set aside except for the weightiest reasons. Now and again during the past five years have also come letters demurring to the measure of freedom of utter-ance permitted in these pages. Freedom of course has its responsibilities and its limits ; but the present writer has always gone upon the principle that if a contributor had anything to say that on the face of it ,seemed worth saying, and if he was prepared to say it over his signature and in a manner becoming

1

5 5 6 6

THE UNITED METHODIST. December 5, 1912.

a Christian gentleman, he ought to be given the opportunity. The way to ruin the UNITED METHOD-IST as a Corinexional journal would be for the Editor to insert only the things that he and some of his readers agree with. Most men are the better for having their preconceived notions and their old judgements of things challenged from time to time. If notions and judgements do not stand the challenge so much the worse for them and those who hold them, but if they endure ,- the ordeal they gain strength thereby. On these ' grounds the Editor hopes that the readers—and there are a few in United Methodism—who think that nothing ought to be inserted ih their weekly that they do not agree with, and approve of, will exercise patience and for-bearance. They are respectfully reminded that one of the guiding principles in conducting• this journal is expressed in the words, Think and let think.

WHILE mention is made of the variety of letters concerning the paper which the Editor receives he acknowledges with gratitude that those expressing

appreciation very far outnumber all May their the others. A - number of their Number writers have constituted themselves Increase. advertising agents concerning this

weekly. Whenever they have an opportunity they commend its perusal to their fellow United Methodists and urge them to become weekly purchasers of it. Their commendation is of price-less worth and they have the. Editor's very deepest gratitude. Oh, if that were only always so, and the number of these helpers were multiplied many fold, for no one can do so much for a journal's

' prosperity as its regular readers. Our circulation has greatly increased upon what it was five years ago, but it is far from being what many of its friends and the Publishing House Committee think it ought to be and must be before it can become a source of financial profit to the denominational funds. Once more the assistance of ministers, local preachers, leaders of churches and teachers and officers of the Sunday Schools is most earnestly asked with a view to increasing the circulation of the UNITED METHODIST. Any who wish to co-operate will be readily supplied with free copies for canvassing purposes. Free. copies also will be posted to any probable subscribers whose names and addresses are• sent to the publisher, the Rev. Henry Hooks, 12 Farringdon Avenue, London, E.C. The earnest co-operation in this matter of a multitude of readers will be most warmly appreciated. Meanwhile the Editor would assure his readers and all such helpers that all he can do to improve this journal during the coming year will most certainly be done.

WHAT, in its essence, is the freedom of the Free Churches? The Rev. Edward Shillito, M.A., attempts to answer the question in• his admirable

book, "The Free Churches," found The Freedom in the last batch of Jacks' People's of the Free Books (6d.). Mr. Shillito holds that Churches. the Church is free in its inner life. It

is delivered out of the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the sons of God. There is coming and going between the spiritual world and the soul of the Church. This is the root freedom of the Free Churches. It is not contended that his freedom is peculiar to those churches or to any church or group of churches. 'It is shared by all who are in Christ Jesus and within the Church Universal. So far as the' Free Churches differ from other Churches, it is in following this inner spiritual freedom into its sequels in the outer life. The Free Churches ask : Can a society be free on the spiritual side while it is hampered and restricted on the outer side? Their answer to that question is in the negative. That is the reason why they object to the State control which is involved in Establishment ; why they decline to be bound down to precise forms of prayer in public worship, and why increasingly they object to having their doc-trinal formulas fixed for them by Parliament. The freedom in Christ Jesus makes them averse to these forms of bondage. j The inner liberty more and more seeks expression in an outer liberty. That is the

'reason why the Free Churchman must take up the positions which differentiate him from his brethren

-in the Established Church. Mr. Shillito well says that freedom, as it is claimed for the Church, is free-dom such as a Church 'may and must have—freedom within the range of the Gospel by which it lives. •

WHETHER men are of the true Church or not depends upon whether in spirit they have been made free in Christ Jesus. It does not depend upon

whether they belong to a fellowship The Objection in which certain orders of ministry to the are established ; nor does it depend Establishment upon whether clt not those orders of Religion.

have followed in what is called an apostolic' succession. Neither does

'it depend upon whether the man has been baptized

or confirmed or been a participant in the Sacrament of our Lord's Supper. Free Churchmen do not speak slightingly of either baptism or -the Lord's Supper, but they hold that neither by the one are they made members of the mystical 'body of Christ nor by the other are they kept in membership with it. "Neither is circumcision anything nor uncircumcision; but a new creature in Christ Jesus." They hold that in public worship all things should be done decently, in order and unto edification, but that neither does the utterance of set prayers necessarily ensure this nor the non-use of set prayers necessarily preclude it. The question should be settled within the Church itself and the Church should have- the right to vary the settlement without having to go to an outside body like Parliament. That Establishment precludes the autonomy which is the 'Church's prerogative, is the most serious objection to it on the part of Free Churchmen. The appointment of bishops by the State is involved in the Establishment ; and Free Churchmen object to that, not because they object to bishops—whether its ministers shall be called bishops or presbyters or priests or deacons is a matter purely within the determination of the Church itself—but because the bishops are not appointed by the Church itself but by an authority outside the Church. And because they are high Churchmen and have an august and, as they believe, New Testament conception of the Church of Jesus Christ, the Free Churches must resent the State establishment of the Church and work for the disestablishment of the Church both in England and in Wales.

THE question of the disendowment of this Church stands on another footing. It is not necessarily involved in the Free Churchman's conception of the

Church. That that•is so is made clear Disendowment by the fact that a great many in the on Another Church of England who agree with Footing. the Free Churches in their teaching

about the spirituality and autonomy of the Church of Jesus Christ, while at one with them in demanding that the Church of England should be disestablished, are at the same time resolutely set against its being disendowed. And there is no in-consistency in that position. Free Churchmen do not demand disendowment for the same reasons that they demand disestablishment but for other reasons. The demand for disestablishment springs out of their conception of the Church ; the demand for disendow-ment springs out of their conception of just dealing with and by the State; They ask for disestabliSh-ment because they are Churchmen ; they ask for dis-endowment 'because they are .citizens. Rightly or wrongly, they hold that tithes and other income en-joyed by the Church of England carry with them a ministry to the poor and to the community as a whole which the Church of England has ceased to fulfil. • As citizens therefore Nonconformists ask that the gifts, in part or in whole, shall be restored to what they understand were their original purposes and uses.

* * , IT will be seen 'that the question of disendowment, and the measure of the disendowment, is one that is alleged to• rest on fact. Prove that there is no

such fact—that titheS and other in- How Not to come of the Church of England were do it— given. exclusively for the purposes for A Protest. which they are now used and that

the citizen as citizen has no • right to their use—and the whole Nonconformist case for disendowment topples to the ground. And if, their contention as set out above is ill founded, and con-trary to fact, no one will be more glad that it should meet with that fate than the Nonconformists them-selves. For they do not want' anything unjust to be done either to the State or to the Church. But it is at that point that the contention of the Church of England breaks down. Our friends of that Church who contend for the continued possession of the whole of the present endowments have not out their case to' be just. Until they do that it is no use for politicians of the calibre of Lord Robert Cecil, Mr. • Gore-Booth, and Lord Winierton, to fling about words like'stealing, robbery, spoliation, etc., words which imply. 'that men who are as -true Christians as they are. have parted with elementary notions of morality. And it does not impress Non-

- conformists lavourably to notice the ill-tempered heat, unreason,. bitterness and uncharity with which so many of these gentlemen are conducting their campaign against the Welsh Disestablishment Bill in and out of .Parliament. These gentlemen would Probably ccintenCI, that they are fulfilling a Christian duty 'in defending-Establishment and Endowment. Grant then their contention. What follows ! Chris-tian principles and positions should be contended for in a Christian spirit. It can be no satisfaction to the Archbishop of Canterbury and those who follow his lead that the men who are fighting their battles in the House of Commons are doing so in a spirit and with methods that are 'entirely out of consonance with the spirit of a true Church and of true Chris-

tians. For ourselves we hold that a man is not necessarily a better Christian if he contends for dis-establishment and disendowment, neither is he a worse Christian if he contends against it—it •is a matter in which liberty of thought must be allowed in a spirit of love ; but we do protest most emphatic-ally against professedly Christian people carrying out their convictions in a • spirit and with behaviour which are altogether alien to the spirit of Him they call their Master.' If the Church of England in Wales cannot be saved from disestablishment and disendowment by a 'better spirit and better methods than those whicil are being shown and used by its friends in the House of Commons; it does not deserve to be saved.

Two Novels. "A Slice of Life."

MANY writers—and not too many either—are open-ing a door for us in the East End of our cities, and they are doing the Churches no small service. It is well that we should pass through these doors, and see what is to be seen, and hear what is to be heard, and know what is to be known. We shall not like all we see or heaf- or learn. There will be too much garbage for our palate, and the language will strike us as belonging to another land--as it does—and we shall find ourselves receiving quite a liberal education concerning almost an unknown people—unknown, let it be admitted, to our shame.

Mr. Robert Halifax is one of these writers. He knows the East End poor, and he has introduced a small company 'of them to the public in a remarkable book called " A Slice of Life " (Constable ,• Gs.). But it should be said at the onset that Mr. Halifax does not scrape together the garbage of Barking in giving us his story, at least not much of it. Mr. Donno is a rare flower in this waste. Yet perhaps not so rare as we might imagine. Mr. Donno lives by sawing wood for lighting fires, but he is a man of fine proportions as far as his soul goes. Young Bill Donna is of another quality ; he is in the boxing line,. and if he is a type of boxing men then all that Dr. Meyer and others have said about this form of "sport" is only too true. Why ever is it permitted at all? one is compelled to ask.

The story turns on Mr. Donno's vow to, his dying sister, Lizzie,' that he will look after Kathie, the dying woman's child, "through thick and thin." And he does, but what a task he has imposed upon himself ! It would not be fair to Mr. Halifax to tell the story, but Kathie, though a wild, impulsive, and independent girl, is a fine character for all that, and when in the end she marries one feels the proper end has been reached. It must not be inferred from this that "A Slice of Life" is just an ordinary story. It is an extraordinary story, revealing extraordinary powers of. writing, and it is a book which once read will be re-read, yes, and re-read again. Christian people will rub their eyes over some pages of this book, and well they may.

" Woven of the Wind." ANNIE S. SWAN'S last book, " Woven of the Wind "

(Hodder and, Stoughton ; 3s. 6d.) is a charming story. It is a story of love, of trouble, of a girl's wilfulness, of a rash mistake—all of which spell out at the last the growth and perfecting of a beautiful soul. The heroine of the book, Bettine Drury, is a very lovable girl, in spite of her wayward disposition. And other characters of the book are drawn with a sure hand. It is unneces-sary to say that a book bearing this popular authoress's name may be put into anyone's hands. This fine story has a. healthy tone about it for while there is sentiment in it there is nothing sentimental from first to last. It is a pleasure to read and to recommend "Woven of the Wind." A. E. J. C

The Testimony of the Sun. The "Scientific American " records a very interesting

case in which the science of astronomy played an im-portant part in saving an accused man from condemna- tion for attempted• murder. A suit-case, containing dynamite had been placed with malicious intent upon the porch of a certain man's home, between two and three o'clock on the afternoon of a. given day. Two , girls about sixteen years of age swore that they saw a person answering the arrested man's -description carry-ing such a suit-case in the neighbourhood shortly before three o'clock. The attorney for the defence discovered that the girls were coming at the time from a church a mile away, where they had attended service and posed for their photographs. A conspicuous shadow in one of the pictureS gave the lawyer an idea. He con-suited an astronomer, who testified that the time of taking the picture was within one minute of twenty-one and a half minutes after three o'clock, in which case the girls 'could not have seen the accused at the place and time they declared.

Two trials occurred. At the first the jury disagreed, at the second a verdict of guilty was returned. An ap-peal was then taken to the Supreme Court of the State. While the evidence was being sifted the first anniversary of the taking of the photograph occurred; and gave the expert a chance to verify his findings. He discovered that he was in error only a quarter of a minute. The Supreme Court decided that the accused had been con-victed upon insufficient evidence. In preparation for a third trial the prosecuting attorney called in a professor of astronomy to measure the position of the shadow and compute the time. He obtained a difference of only twenty-nine seconds. The State then abandoned the pro-secution. The sun in a court of justice, on the witness stand, questioned by lawyers, giving infallible testimony, deciding an accused man's fate—this is the romance, of science.

December 5, 1912. THE UNITED METHODIST.

United Methodist Table Talk. NOTICE.—When Articles or Letters are signed

with the writers' names or initials, or with pseudonyms, the Editor must not necessarily be held to be in agree-ment with the views therein expressed or with the mode of exhression.• In such instances insertion only means that the matter or the point of view is considered of sufficient interest and importance to warrant publication. The Denominational position on any subject can, of course, be defined only by the Conference.

* * * * *

The Editor's address is 188 Rye Lane Peckham, S.E.

PERSONAL. A sermon was preached in our church at Clay Cross

by Rev. W. Dewdney on "Sunday Amusements, a Pro-test Against the Opening of Picture 'Houses on Sunday." Mr. Dewdney protested against Sunday picture shows because Sunday was a day of rest and worship and was a constitutional want of man, and because the opening of picture houses was frankly a commercial idea for personal gain. He said that the contention that these houses were opened on the Sunday evening for the benefit of the poor working man and to keep him out of the public-house was pure, unadulterated cant, and he urged those/ present to resist the efforts that were being made to Continentalize the English Sunday. The ser-mon was reported with considerable fullness in the local newspaper, and it has given rise to no small controversy in the district.

Mr. Alex. Dunkley has just obtained the B.Sc. degree with honours at the London University. Mr. Dunkley is a devoted member of our Herbert Road Church, Plumstead, and is also secretary of the Sunday School.

The Rev. J. B. Stedeford has been elected president of the Batley and District Free Church Council.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT. la The Light of Home," the excellent localizing

magazine published by. the Sears Printing and Publish-ing Company, contains in its December issue some messages from Free Church leaders. Among them is one from our own President, the Rev. John Luke :

" Just everywhere we need a return to faith and fervour," he writes. "We must not only desire suc-cess, but seek to secure it. There must be a firm persuasion of the supreme importance of Christianity, and a clear and blessed personal experience of its saving and sanctifying power. We must believe that our religion has come from the heart of God and is no offspring of myths, or any cunningly de-vised fable. And if we bear in mind that our true equipment is spiritual, and if we comply with the conditions which will place us on the plane of the spiritual, then we may be confident that God, even our God, will bless us."

PULPIT THEMES. During November the Rev. F. Sparrow has preached

at Swansea on the following subjects : The Nemesis of Cowardice; The Church's Supreme Mission ; The Tragedy of Success; and the Folly of Impatience.

VALEDICTORY SERVICE. A set-vice to bid Godspeed to the Rev. and Mrs. H.

Parsons and the Rev. Dr. Savin, missionaries returning to China, also to the Rev. R. Worthington, missionary-designate to Meru, East Africa, will be held in our Katherine Road Church, Forest Gate, on Wednesday evening next. The chair will be taken at eight o'clock by the Rev. Frederick Galpin and the Rev. C. Stedeford, Connexional Foreign Mission Secretary, will give the valedictory address. We specially call the attention of our readers resident in London and the neighbourhood to this meeting, and would earnestly urge that a large attendance should be given, to assure our honoured brethren and Mrs. Parsons that they and the work they are going out to do lie very near to our hearts.

THE LATE , REV. ROBERT COLLYER. Rev. E. Genner writes : Taking up my newspaper to-day I saw at the bottom

of one of the columns the words, "From Mill Hand to Pastor," and looking more closely I noticed that it was an announcement of the death of the Rev. Robert Collyer, which had occurred at New York. When I saw further that he was born at Keighley, Yorkshire, in the year 1823, I felt it must be "my Robert Collyer," whom I had somehow associated with the smithy rather than with the mill. I had thought he had passed away some years, having seen no reference to him for a good while. Ho has now gone at the ripe age of eighty-nine years.

Twenty-four years ago I bought his book "The Joy of Youth," and was greatly charmed with it, both in respect of matter and style, but especially of style. The two chapters on " Joy " and "Charles and Mary Lamb " leaped to my mind. .When I first read them they made a deep impression on me. Some of the things said about Joy I have never forgotten, and the chapter on Lamb and his sister awakened in me love of "gentle Elia." I at once turned to the book to see if it held me as of yore, and I read :

"Then he would go home to Mary " (it's a reference to her attacks of madness) "and friends say they have met them stealing along by-paths towards the asylum, hand in hand, and weeping both of them, while Charles would be carrying the strait-jacket, and some-times Mary would urge him to a run on those small immaterial legs, for she was aware that it might be midnight madness in a few moments, and so they would come to the doors quite out of breath." I felt once more that here was a writer with a style

almost as easy and limpid and flowing as Robert Louis Stevenson's.

* * * *

A MINISTER'S TEMPTATIONS. A Correspondent writes :

He did not say they were, or had been, his own temptations. But he was evidently speaking from some degree of personal experience, as well as from observation of others. No one would be likely to confirm all that he said ; but he touched the spot more than once. It was at a meeting for the reception of new ministers. He was not one of them ; and per-haps for that reason felt that he could speak the more freely. Representatives of various churches were pre-sent ;•and it is to be hoped that they took what was applicable to themselves to heart. The work of a minister, he said, was never more glorious than to-day ; but it was also never more difficult in some respects. He wassubject to many subtle temptations. For example, he was tempted to compromise in dealing with the truth ; to hold back what he believed to be the truth ; and to "give out " what he did not believe. "Give out," I thought, was a happy way of putting it. A minister would not say directly what he did not believe. But he might give it out in various impli-cations, in allowing imperfect impressions of what he meant to pass without correction, in hymns and set forms of thought. He did not say the minister con-sciously did this ; but the temptation was there ; and it came from the people to whom he had to speak. There were so many in a congregation who did not want the truth in all its purity and fullness ; they only wanted fragments which pleased them. If the minis-ter got off the beaten track, or said something that probed their conscience or wounded their pride, they often manifested a spirit which was anything but pleasant, and made a minister's work difficult. That was what the speaker meant by saying that the minis-ter was tempted to trim the truth so as to make it fit in with the idiosyncrasies of the people.

Another of the minister's subtle temptations was to aim rather at the success of a mechanism or of an institution than at the production of Christian character ; go in for making the church "a going concern " rather than a living, vital, redeeming force for good. Every society has its financial side, and every church its treasury ; and often the value of a man's ministry was gauged by this department. If the treasury was full it covered a multitude of sins ; if it was getting empty there was likely to be trouble. So the minister was sometimes tempted to give more attention to this branch of ministerial work than God ever meant him to do. The financial question was an important one, and demanded the best they could conscientiously give to it. All honour to the laymen who spent so much time and sacrifice in solving that problem ; but the minister who made the financial question the first was not . the ideal one, and was on the brink of a subtle temptation, if he had not already fallen into it.

Then, again, every Free Church-had its register of membership, and was naturally and commendably anxious to add to it ; and in some Church courts it was the minister, and not the officers and members, who was called to account for . it. Besides, decreases were apt to create panic ; and the minister Was tempted, in order to avoid decreases and secure the credit of sub-stantial increases, to adopt methods which were not very commendable, and had only a nominal value. Of course, all Churches wanted more names on their register, and additional contributors to their funds. But let them see to it, as far as was humanly possible, that the additions were those of men and women who really loved God, reflected His character, and would help to make other men and women pure and happy too.

Surely this suggestive setting forth of some of a minister's subtle temptations will be the means of preventing at least some ministers and churches from falling into them, and will make as deep an impression on those who read of them as it did on those who heard it.

The above sentiments were spoken by one of our ministers. - I thought them suggestive at the time they came under my notice. They may be useful to others. It does not much matter as to their truth or application where they were spoken or by whom. Possibly their author may recognize them again. If so, I am sure he will not be grieved at their wider circulation. If he will keep the secret, I will. In-deed, I am not sure I could remember the name myself without further looking up my papers and notes.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS. Rev. W. T. Barraclough, Brook House, Holway

Road, Sheringham, Norfolk. * * * * * TO CORRESPONDENTS.

M. A. M. H., Stockport.—Gladly. But "copy " in- tended for the Press should be written on one side of the paper only.

THE

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THE UNITED METHODISM December 5, 1912.

A Christmas. Reverie.

BY OWEN BAKES.

ONE cold, raw November morning, in a quiet cathe-dral city, I pushed my way 'to the office feeling some- how a sense of coming trouBle\d The streets were muddy, the shop windows dull, a , the air was foul, and these outward and visible -conditions seemed to make an impression on the mind, and suggest that we were nearing the end of the year. The year is .dying —let it die. What matters it to anyone? We shall perchance begin again the' strain and monotony of another year, which will in a few short months end as each preceding one has 'done, and then what? Why, begin again and go the round once more!

Passing down one of the principal thoroughfares, an obstruction on' the pathway drew my attention to some workmen who were busy erecting a temporary sign with the words, "Great Xmas Bazaar." My mind is sent on another track instantly. I am back again forty years, going the round of the shops with my father, brimful of expectation and hardly-suppressed excitement. I see the mysterious looks when, we • go: home, and remember how I was instructed not to betray the secrets of our purchases, and with what difficulty these precious confidences were retained. What matter now the mist,

, the damp, the cold? I was in a new world, peopled ' by men and women and boys and girls of my former

world before I entered into the arena of business life. My thoughts ran riot, my mind was centred on the dear and gentle mother who '.vas the central "pivot of home, the one who made things smooth, who 'straightened out the ruffles, and who at the fall of the year gave many anxious thoughts to the provision of good things for those who gathered round the old fireside at Christ-mas. And the great festival itself : what an abiding charm has the memory of the Christmas singers in the dead of the night singing "Christians, awake," the lucky bird calling to the realization of the joys of the mysterious visitor Santa Claus, the hilarious fun, the shrieks of laughter! Then the huge preparations for the Christmas dinner, with the plum pudding on the "fiery dish," the mysterious story of ghosts and goblins, and then the toast-list ! Ah, me ! where is Tom now? I remember how he joined in the merry-making, how he was the life and soul of the home, with his hearty laugh and good-natured jokes. I remember how we used to sit together in the familypew down at the dear old meeting-house. I note with a sigh the place were I used} to sit in the old days with my mother and Tom and Olive. Yes, we were always there in the old days. Mother—ah, she has gone along that lonely and dark road which is full of mystery and foreboding, the road on which no traveller re- turns. Olive—she is quite happy. Ever since the coming of Harold Best into the circle of friendship, she never wanted' a friend, and after the closer bond of love entered into their lives and he became her husband, their mutual happiness has known no check. He was a true' man, one who never failed to conquer the difficulties of the path of life, and when he became the minister at :the little Methodist Chapel at Peak, and Olive became his wife, their cup of joy was full. It was to be their life work to lift up the fallen, to preach Christ , not only in the little chapel, but in the common walks of life, and how they have succeeded is for others to tell. They 'have sought together to fulfil the vows they , made, they have worked hard, and homes have been blessed, and men heartened , for the strife by the kind and loving counsel and pure example they have seen and emulated in the young minister and his wife. The one great sorrow which has darkened their otherwise bright and happy life 'has been the thought of Tom, of whom we have heard nothing for nine years. After the death of our father the small estate was divided, and Tom, who had spent some years in training for a doctor, and 'had just received an ap-pointment in a hospital, after showing signs of con-siderable ability and promise of a useful , and honour-able career in the noble profession to which he had given himself so whole-heartedly, had of late shown signs of restlessness, for he had ever been fond of travel and adventure. Thus we were not altogether surprised when he said farewell :to home and England, and struck out for himself away across the great Atlantic. We had many bright and cheerful letters from him saying how delighted he was 'with the land and the prospects, and

Katherine Road Church, Forest Gate, E.

FOREIGN MISSIONS.

A VALEDICTORY SERVICE WILL BE HELD ON

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11th.

Rev. & . Mrs. H. PARSONS & Dr. SAVIN (Missionaries returning to China),

Rev. R. WORTHINGTON (Missionary Designate for Meru, East Africa),

WILL SPEAK.

Rev. C. STEDEFORD (Connexional Foreign Missionary Secretary),

WILL GIVE THE VALEDICTORY ADDRESS.,

Entbeths (Moir. Collection for illSission Air United Methodists within the London area' are

,• urged to attend.

that he thought ere long he would be able to build up a practice as he became better known. After a few years, however, his letters became shorter and less in- teresting, and were written at longer intervals. He hinted that the gold fever was at its height, and that he might even join a party and go out to seek his fortune, and gradually his letters became rare until they ceased altogether.

The approach of Christmas brought back very vividly the thought of Tom, and the heart-hunger once again took possession of me for the sight of his face and the grip of hi's hand as of yore, when he used to come home from the college for the Christmas holidays. The glad reunion of Christmas ; the games we used to play, the songs we sang, the tales 'we told each other, reaching sometimes into the grey dawn of the winter morning— these are things of the past except as a sweet memory. All day these thoughts ran through my mind, coming between me and my work, and at the close of the day they accompanied me to my own home, where loving hearts awaited my coming, and where my beloved wife Elsie, the light and life of my happy home, the mother of my 'two sweet bairns, met me in the entrance with a letter bearing .a colonial stamp, and addressed in the familiar handwriting of Tom. Our delight knew no bounds. One sentence ran "hope to be with you for Christmas, meet me at 8.15, December 24th." As' we adjourned to the dining-room we discussed the forth-coming visit. It gave a new interest to the preparations. 'Fancy the work and the :thought and the planning, to accommodate Tom, This wife, and his child : for our 'house would be taxed to its uttermost limits. Then the .arrangements for the children, the decorations,. the Christmas tree, Santa Claus : all these would now be doubled. Just four 'weeks now to complete these arrangements. What about Tom's wife, her Canadian manners, and, perhaps, odd, um-English ways?

The days slipped by with increasing rapidity until now it is the 24th. The day is closing, and as we take tea we discuss the expected arrivals. I went down to the station to meet my brother. The 8.15 is due, but not yet in sight. Ten minutes more, and it comes labouring in as if tired with the long journey. It draws up along the platform, but no sight of Tom can I get. I :walked up and down, the train impatiently. Why, if he missed the train, did he not send a wire or some message? Perhaps even now there might be sonic message at home, but yet I wait. In some mysterious way I seem to think he will come, although this is the last train.

With a feeling of dismay I make my way home, to find, however, that no message had been received. No one had arrived, and the house was full of the spirit of expectancy, but when I returned alone and brought no news of the travellers, a kind of gloom settles on all. We wait in wonder, we consult "Bradshaw." What can have happened? There must have been some accident, or they must have missed the connection. However, we can do nothing, and the evening drags wearily on.

The children are tucked in bed, and Elsie and I divide our time between reading and wondering till 11 o'clock. Then we gave up all hope and began our supper. There , was a timid knock at the door, and, being all eager, I rushed off 'to see what could be the meaning of so late an arrival. I threw the door wide open, expecting, of course, to see Tom with his wife and family, but, to my astonishment, there stands a man who somehow seems to bear a, resemblance to my brother. "Tom—is it Tom? " I gasp. "Yes," he says in a hoarse whisper, "all that is left of me. I-Tere I am. I've left the wife -and bairns behind until I pre-pared you for the shock my shabby apearance must give you. I am done up." tlsie came into the pas-sage. "Is it Tom? Why don't you bring them in? " she said. And :then it dawned upon me that I ought to have brought him in. "Come in, Torn, and explain. I thought you were coming down - by the 8.15, and now it is 'near midnight, and you are alone. Come, fall in ; Supper has been waiting for quite 'a long while, and you must feel quite done up. Get a cup of hot coffee, lad, and then explain." Elsie . poured out the coffee, and when we were seated Tom began his sad story of privation and want. We listened in sympathetic silence, though we were feeling our disappointment very keenly and wondering what was to be the sequel, when we heard the hooting of a motor-car as it drew up near door. There was a sound of merry voices and a via-• lent peal of the front door bell. Wondering greatly, I ran to open the door, whereupon I was accosted with the question, " Is Tom here? "eand turning round in astonishment I saw Tom wreathed in smile's as he said, "Come in, Maggie. This is John and Elsie. John, these are my wife and the youngsters. A merry Christmas to you all." And then he cast off his shabby overcoat in which he was disguised, and we all went into the dining-room just as the clock of an adjacent .church peeled. out the hour of midnight. As we seated ourselves around the table to begin anew our Christmas Eve supper a party of singers struck up

"Hark I the herald angels sing, Glory to the new-barn: King! "

Supper over, we adjourned to the drawing-room, and, having made ourselves cosy over the Yule-log fire, we commenced the old habit of talking of the faces in the fire. One by one they passed before us in review. Then Elsie remarked, "Why not tell us the experiences you have had during those nine years in which you have been so silent? "

"iBut where shall I commence ? " he asked. "From when I first left England? Let me see, when did I write last, Christmas, 1900? I was in hospital then. We were very busy with cases of accidents brought from the terrible fire, which occurred just a week before Christmas. At the time the fire broke out, the store was busy above all records, it being the chief distributary store in the city. In an incredibly short time it was a complete wreck. The accommodation and: resources of

LIVERPOOL (St. Domingo).—The annual "At Homes," promoted by the C.E. Society, have just been held, with the usual success. Rev. C. F. and Mrs, Hill were host and hostess on the first evening, and our own choir arranged the programme of music. A most delightful time was spent, and the proceeds were £11 3s. On the second evening Mr. and Mrs. Lewis were host and hostess and the proceedings were of a homely and deeply religious character. Mr. T. Backliouse, J.P., and Coun. Griffiths gave very inspiring addresses, besides contributing to the funds. Subscriptions given to Mr. Lewis amounted to E,,'6 10s. 6d., and the proceeds of the evening were £12. The children of the church and school provided the pro-gramme for the third night, receiving the guests, and afterwards entertaining them. They had been well trained by Miss F. Corlett and Miss Williamson. The proceeds were £13 4s. 8d., the children themselves col- lecting 4s. 3d. The total realized by the "At Homes " will be somewhere about .4.45. Mr, Chas. Eden made an efficient secretary, and Miss Parker a capable treasurer.

Chair to be taken at Rev. FREDERICK GALPIN. 8 O'clock by

our small hospital were taxed to their utmost limits, and, indeed, we could not cope with all that came, some having to be boarded out. The sights were sickening to a degree. We were bandaging and attending to the most extreme cases for eighteen hours :without any interval, and after a brief rest were at it again in full , force—we had .an awful time. That was, without ex-ception the strangest. Christmas I have ever spent. I was sitting keeping a lonely vigil over a man whose life hung in the balance by a very slender cord. It was imperative that he should have the most strict attention. I had been the :round of the wards that day, and,' having had two cases of operation was feeling fagged. Then the nurse whose turn it was to come on night duty had a seizure during the day, and there was no alternative but for me to sit by this 'mareand give him all the atten-tion I could, for he sorely needed it. Poor chap, he had a wife and a small family depending upon him, and, moreover, his was a complicated case. I had had to re-move .some small splintered bone from him. I performed the operation during the morning, and it gave promise of being a great achievement. I was more than satisfied with the result. I. had been struck by the patient face of his wife, who pleaded with me to spare his life. I saw that he was the only man in the world for her, and I determined to do my best. It was a trying time, indeed. I sat by his bed during the whole of that sad Christmas night, and, in spite of my duty, my mind would run back to the many Christmases I had spent, and here was I, keeping watch over a stranger thousands of miles away from the home of my childhood. He was near slipping through my hands ; but towards the early dawn I saw a change come over his face, and knew he was past the crisis. The tension was relieved, but still the case was critical, and I dared not leave my post. But as the hours of the day dragged slowly by and no sign of relapse appeared, my spirits rose, and in a few more weej I had the joy of seeing- the look of profound gratitude oni his wi.a's face as they drove away from the hospital to their home. My hands were full during the next few weeks There was a bad case from the gold-diggings—a man who had run the course pretty bad, and, when he had the least power of resist-ance he was overtaken by a very serious illness. Damp, neglect, and chill had done their worst, and he had to be brought by easy stages to our hospital. For many weeks he was my 'special charge, and I was entranced and fascinated by his company. When he became con-valescent, I promised that I would go back with him, for he assured me that my prospects were excellent, and that :beyond my profession I might be able to pick up some dust.' Therefore, we took the journey together, and for a year or two I was lost to all the outer world, while I was happy in my work and lucky in my shares. Notwithstanding all this I was restless and unsatisfied. I made my way back to •the city and threw myself heart and soul into my work. I bought a practice from a doctor who had a very comfortable round, and I devoted myself whole-heartedly to the cure of the ills that man is heir to. Fortune smiled on my venture ; but, although successful, I was lonely. At length I was attracted by the sweet charm and womanly ways of Maggie, whom I met at the home of one' of my patients. It was a case of love at first sight, and now, having set up an ideal of my' own, which was to gain a home worthy of the best of women, I determined to push my way along, and for a couple of years my brain, my time, my will, were subservient to this one object. I reached the goal. Then there was a quiet wedding, and after a brief holiday, I settled down once more. Again the festive season was upon us, and an irresistible longing took possession of me to see the old familiar places, to hear the sound of voices as of yore, to clasp the hand of friendship in the land of my birth. I broached the subject to Maggie, and we decided that if all went well we would spend the next Christmas at home, and here we are."

Just then in the distance we heard the singers as they heralded the "glad tidings of great joy."

"It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,

From angels bending near the earth, To touch their harps of gold, Peace on the earth, good will to men, From Heaven's all-gracious King ' ;

The world in solemn stillness' lay, To hear the 'angels sing."

We retired to rest. In the morning we gathered in the House of Prayer and joined in the singing of the old familiar hymns. Our hearts were strangely moved as we thought of the wonderful influence of the Babe of Bethlehem, and as the preacher unfolded the story we felt somehow the littleness of the creeds, and doctrines, and forms invented by man to give expression to his beliefs, while all the time we were conscious' of a three-fold cord through our very nature binding us to the great heart of God Himself.

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Ezra the Scribe. BY REV. T. A. JEFFERIES.

EZRA VII. .(C.E. Topic for December 15.)

THE scribes became an important section of the people in the later life of Israel. While the Jews were in Baby-lonia enduring the captivity their country was occupied by various settlers from the conquering armies and the surrounding districts, speaking a different language from the Hebrew though related to it ; and when some of the exiles returned to Jerusalem they found themselves a small people in the midst of an alien race. Com- mercial, political, and social intercourse with this sur-rounding population gradually resulted in the Jews adopting their language, and as Aramaic gained a foot-ing Hebrew became less and less used until at last it , was confined to the realm of religion and became what we call a dead language. Hebrew was, however, the lan-guage of the Latv and the Prophets and that saved it from being altogether lost. But the common people could no longer understand it, no more than we can un-derstand the Saxon which King Alfred used, and so there grew up a profession, the members of which used to make and sell copies .of the Scriptures, and read them, giving translation and explanations, to the people. Probably because of the part he played in getting the Law recognised in the restored Jerusalem, and of the literary work which preceded that, Ezra came to be regarded as the founder and type of this profession and to be spoken of as Ezra the Scribe.

Devotion to the Scriptures. It is a pity that we know so little of this man, for it is

evident from the scanty information we possess that he was of. a very splendid type. In his character several great features strike us. First, he was laboriously de-voted to the Scriptures. In the Exile the old records had

'become very precious, every scrap of law and custom that could be hunted out was carefully copied and put together with such statements of the Mosaic Law as already existed, and the whole made up into what we call the Pentateuch. What part Ezra took in this we do not know, but we find him full of its teaching and zealous to see it put into practice. He conceived the idea of getting the restored community at Jerusalem to make a determined effort to carry out its public and religious regulations (hitherto they seem to have had a very vague conception of what their religion required through not possessing "the Law "), and gave his life to the project. He had influence enough with the Persian monarch Artaxerxes to obtain ample authority to estab-lish.the community at Jerusalem on this basis, and col-lected subscriptions for the temple and a party of about 1,800 males, besides women and children, ready to settle in the old capital of. their people.

Here another feature manifests itself. Their "return " involved a long journey across a desert infested by robbers, and when he had collected his party and treasure they were afraid to venture without an armed escort. But Ezra would not ask for one.. He had spoken so confidently to the king of Jehovah's protecting care that he was ashamed to seek help. So they had a great prayer-meeting, commending themselves to the Sleepless Guardian, and then ventured forth into the desert. In

-those time it was a daring thing to do, but they did it. And Ezra's bravery and faith were rewarded by a safe journey.

In Jerusalem such ignorance and carelessness of the Mosaic law existed that many of the inhabitants, includ-ing even priests and princes hadmarried foreign wives, and Ezra demanded that these should be put away with their children. It was a harsh step, though perhaps necessary for the maintenance of the Jewish revelation of God. Ezra knew, from Solomon and other kingly examples, how easily heathen religion can be brought in by foreign wives. Many of the people were unwilling, but the reformers prevailed, and many harmless women and children were driven, like Hagar and Ishmael, from their homes.

Perseverance Wins. One of the hardest trials of the earnest worker is the

indifference sometimes found in those who ought to be zealous, and it is in the steadfast endurance of this that Ezra reveals his finest qualities. He won the battle over the foreign wives for the time being, but it created so much feeling against him that he was unable to estab-lish the system in whose interests he had travelled so far and worked so hard. For fourteen years he was forced to wait, and what that must have meant to his intense spirit it is difficult to imagine. Doubtless he was busy all the time doing what he could to improve things and bring,.thern into-greater conformity with "the Law," but he was unable to effect any general adoption of its pre-cepts and his courage and constancy must often have been sorely tried. At last, however, his faithful perse-verance was rewarded. Nehemiah—whose life we studied last year—came upon the scene and aroused interest in the building of Jerusalem's ruined wall. In spite of great difficulties and fierce opposition that work was completed, and in the great rejoicings with which it was celebrated Ezra found his long awaited opportunity. Day after day at the festival "the Law" was read and expounded and from that hour it has been the accepted basis of Jewish law and religion. Ezra's devotion to the Scriptures had triumphed by courage and perseverance.

THE UNITED METHODIST.

Stories told by our Deaconesses.

Nellie. I NOTICED her first at a service. There was some-

thing so poor and forlorn about her that I felt an instant interest in her and sought an early opportunity of a talk. She gave me her address, and I promised to call.

The home was very; very poor, and in a desolate spot, wedged in between factories. At first I thought I must have mistaken my way, but no, I found at last a few dwellings. Children, ragged and neglected, wer4a playing on the rough pavement in front, a woman was drawing water from a tap on the spot where the drainage of the houses seemed to collect.

I found I was expected, and soon was hearing a long story of how poor they were. Nellie was at busi-ness, but her mother said what a good girl Nellie was, how grieved she was to let the girl go out so shabby-" I really wonder Nellie is not ashamed to be seen in them old things. As scon as I can she shall have better, she is saving to buy new now."

I was touched, the woman seemed so striving and so troubled about the girl and so grateful for the in-terest I was taking in her.

Nellie, on my invitation, came to the C.E., but I was sorry for her—she seemed so conspicuous by her poverty. Several of the other girls were as poor as she, but they had the appearance of being loved and cared for. Her cough, too, was awful. People would say often after a service, "Where did you find that waif? '

My heart went out to this girl of 18, who seemed so different to others of her age, and although we had many a chat never a hint did she give of anything wrong. There came a Sunday in the spring when Nellie came in new clothes. Very neat and nice she looked in them. The following week she was away. One evening I saw her, she was looking so bad and so ill. "I am afraid you missed me last Sunday. It wasn't my fault I couldn't get. Coming to the services is the one bit of brightness in my life. You don't know how dreadful I feel if I can't get."

Poor, loyal Nellie. She tried to keep to herself the skeleton in her home life and did so for months. One day she told me she was leaving home and going into lodgings. This, I felt, was a serious step for a girl in bad health and only earning 8s. a week. So I had her up to tea in my room. Her story came out by degrees. The cough was distressing, and every few words were interrupted by it.

"If father had lived things would have been different. He always said I. should not go out to work because I was not strong enough. Then he died arid things were different. This is not my mother that I call mother,' and things are fair awful at home. Oh ! Sister I do feel I want to do right and live right, but it seems as if it is too hard, and I can't live at home any more. It's no good your talking, you can't think what it's like. It's nothing but rowing, rowing at our house all the time we're in. It's snapping and scolding all the time. We come home and there's not a bit of food cooked, and sometimes no fire. We've got to get what we can, and if we say anything mother storms. What's the matter? Oh, drink, of course—it's nearly always that that makes the trouble. Mother went into the Hospital for some time last autumn. The rent was back, awful, and lots of money was owing. My sister paid the debts and got the rent right by the time she came out and now things are as bad as ever. You lyiow I didn't come some times on Sundays? I didn't like to tell you, but it was because mother pawned my things, so I. couldn't come. Then I got them out, but to keep

5

them on Mondays I'd to take them to work and leave them somewhere till Saturday night. I got some things through a club at work; but they went too. I could not keep anythirig but what I had on my back. I would like to be like other girls, but I can't if I stay at home. You don't blame me now, Sister, do you?" And a timid, anxious hand was put on mine. I do want to do right, but it is so hard where you only hear cursin' and swearin', and when tiler's no one to help you. Now it's worse, because they jeer at my coming to the services. I should have lost heart if it hadn't been for a bit of sympathy from you."

How hard ! Yes, but just how hard you who live in happy sheltered homes cannot even guess. These lonely, aching hearts are all around us.

Out of Darkness into Light. With larger and wider experience one begins to realize

more fully the meaning of the word "opportunity " in the work cif visitation. One often finds souls very near the Kingdom and yet not fully understanding what it means to trust in the finished work of Christ.

For several months I visited a sick woman. She came into my district a stranger, and a member of the "Women's Own " asked me to call and see her. For weeks she was in bed, and during that time I endeavoured to make the most of my "opportunity." Reading from the Word of God and prayer led us into conversation about the Lord Jesus and His love to us.

These visits bore fruit, in that she expressed her desire to serve the Christ I had so exalted. She could not understand "conversion," but I appealed• to her to pray that God would reveal the way of salvation clearly to her. Several weeks passed before she was led into the light. One day she called to me from her street door, and I crossed the road to speak to her. "Sister, it is all right. I have given myself to God." "What do you mean? " I asked. "I'm converted ; .and I mean to be out and out for God." "How do you know you are converted? " "Oh, Sister ; everything is changed." "But," I persisted, "in what way? " my desires, thoughts-- well my whole outlook on life is quite tittered." So I was convinced that this woman- knew that whereas once. she was blind, now she had been led into the light and saw the things of God.

"Tell me," I said, "your experience." ".I was so anxious," sh'e replied, "LLi in the middle

of the anorning 1 went into the bedroom, and, kneeling down, asked God to satisfy any longing after the light and give me peace through Ilk forgiveness. As soon as I told Him I was willing to give up all for Him I saw it in a moment. And now I've found the Christ I mean to follow and serve Him all the way."

" Leaves of a Life." By W. Shaw Caldecott. (C. H. Kelly; Is. net.)

Mr. Caldecott is a retired Wesleyan minister who has had a varied and most interesting life, and who gives us in these chatty chapters many a pleasant glimpse of his experiences. It is a delight to follow him from the days when William • Fiddian Moulton (they called him "Mouldy " it seems !) gave him a copy of "Sinai and Palestine " by Dean Stanley, which gave a direction to his mind that it has never lost, on through his first Circuit in North Britain ; then to Malta, and back again to England. In later life he carried on his ministry in South Africa, and apparently was as useful as he was happy. The last chapter tells us how Cecil Rhodes gave him a cheque for L1.00 to buy a plot of ground for a chapel ; and then the writer says of him "He was a great man, but like another and a greater was born out of due time. His was a mind cast in an Elizabethan mould."

R. P.

Talks with Young Men. ON REVERENCE.

REVERENCE is a vital factor in our life. It is indeed the saving salt of civilization. Horne is not home where it is absent. There is no obedience without it. It is the keystone of our religion ; the very breath of our life. The decay of reverence is the 'decay of everything. Let it be preserved and all is preserved ; let it go and nothing is saved. The Bible is full of it, and where the word does not actually .occur, the meaning is implied. We ate in danger of vulgarizing- places, seasons, and things, robbing them of their value, and spiritual significance. What is reverence? Is it not the recognition of worth? At • any rate there can be no reverence without such recognition. If it be applied to God we shall be pos-sessed of it if we move along the following lines :, First, Knowledge. We must know or we cannot revere. Then Faith. I cannot reverence anyone if I do not believe in him. Then Love. Love sees, and to see is to know, and to know is to revere.

* *

We are told that this is not the reverent age, and I think there is much in the indictment. Take, for example, the question of worship. Spiritual exercises may become mechanical ; a movement of the lip, and not an et-notion of the soul. I remember on one occasion being Ushered, along with others, into the Royal recep-tion room at Potsdam. We were solemnly awaiting the arrival of the Emperor. How quiet •we'were ! How ex-pectant ! What then of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Let. us see to it we do not lose our solemn air, our reverent pose. When I come . to His house I want to feel different, I 'desire to shut certain things out, forbid their intrusion, and become surrounded by a. great spiritual presence. At that reception not a single men': ber of the company was late.' I remember the - other Wednesday visiting a Christian Science meeting in Lon-don. It was simply an experience meeting. I suppose there wo.tld be quite 1,200 person .; present. I saw but one late arrival,. and she was a cripple. To point the moral of all this would be a superfluity. We can be too familiar with Deity—too offhand. Where worship is •" had -in reverence " it spiritualizes, refines, elevates, and culminates in service and sacrifice such as the Lord of the Temple can accept and bless,

* Then 'what of this God-given life of ours? It is a

shallow thing without , revierence. An irreverent life can never be a strong life. There are certain modern signs I do not like. We are .co very busy. We are too busy to be reverent. Perspiration does not make for veneration. We need to cultivate quiet resting-places, and the upward look.' Then the fear of God seems to to be vanishing from our religious life. "Rogers, no-body seems to fear God nowadays," said Dr. Dale to Dr. Rogers. We are in danger of thinking of God as some soft, indulgent Father who gives His Child all he asks for. That is not so. He dental-y-1s moral rectitude, and the claims of Eternal Justice must be met. Granted this and life will be moulded on God's nobler plan.

*_

And what of father and mother? Reverence of these is not a quality of which there is an abundance. I do not know where you will :fix the blame. At any rate, the bond is not as it once was between children and parents. Let me put my finger here and there, if haply I may touch the spot.

First of all, the ordinary youth of to-day knows more than his father. Well, his father had not his son's ad- vantages. Knowledge is now more easily acquired. The youth of to-day stands above his father in intel- lectual advantages. But it is nothing less than con- temptible in him to scorn his father on that account when that father has made it possible by hard work for him to rise above him ih this respect.

Then again, one ought to mention the number of in-roads upon family life. Home, after all, is the most sacred and most ancient institution we possess. It is before the State, and even the Church. Let home go and we are lost. The violation of the family tie is the disruption of everything.

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At ConferenCes I have attended people- who have taken part in the discussions have been exceedingly frank in utterances respecting the difficulties which present them-selves in Sunday School work. As Miss Huntley says in her admirable book on "Graded School Pioblems " (Sunday School Union, two shillings net), "it is when principles come into contact with walls and teachers and life that problems are born." I often hear of the • problerni caused by "walls." People say, "We could do it if our rooms were larger, or more numerous ; but, as it is, the walls ' make it impossible."

The "teachers," too, present problems : indeed, I hear as much about "teachers" as about "walls." In the book by Miss Huntley there are replies to questions "sent by all sorts and conditions of workers," and the replies are issued "in the hope that those who are conscious of the gap between what is ' and ' what might be ' may find suggestions for its bridging, and that others, who are content with old ways less than the best, may be visited with the discontent that a vision of the better brings." This "discontent " is greatly to be desired in many places, for I find much plain and abundant evidence of the existence "of conditions• and methods "less than the best."

S.,. C. CHALLENGER.

The College Committee.

6

THE UNITED METHODIST.. December 5., 1912.

There is still another cause, viz:, Late hours and latch-keys. I hear someone say, "You are old-fashioned." Very well then, write me down old-fashioned. We some-times talk glibly about the "larger life." We need to have a care lest this larger life - is not a shallower life; with our breadth let us keep our depth. Those who nursed you, fed you, clothed you, have a claim upon your respect and love and reverence. Listen to these words : "Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man." There is something very beautiful and tender about a son caring for his aged father. He remembers when he himself was helpless, and that father cared for him. Moreover, he thinks, maybe, of his coming helplessness, when someone must care for him. It is the beginning of wisdom, the soul of faith, the essence of our religion. It finds God and Heaven at last.

Let knowledge grow from more to more, But more of reverence in us dwell ; That mind and soul according well,

May make one music as before, But vaster.

T. NIGHTINGALE.

Work Among the Young. THE Young People's and Temperance League Depart-

ment gives, of course, much attention to Temperance work. The subject is introduced at all conventions, and at some meetings has exclusive-consideration. There is great need for action, for in some places other mat-ters have pushed the Band of Hope andgeneral Temper-ance work aside. This is to be regretted, and I want to appeal to Temperance workers to manifest increased zeal. I want a large increase in the number of Bands of Hope, and in each Band of Hope I want a senior section by which attention can he given to young people, and also to adults, who do not attend-, and cannot be expected to attend, the ordinary Band of Hope meeting. I attach great importance to the work which can be done by this "senior, section of the Band of Hope," and shall be glad to meet Band of FIope workers and explain in detail the steps which may be taken in order to do effective work. There is great need for such action to be taken, and I hope those who 'see this will com-municate with me.

The United Kingdom Band of Hope" Union, with which our Young People's and Temperance League is affiliated, is issuing a " Long Service Diploma " for presentation. to those who have worked in connection with Bands ,of Hope for at least twenty-five years. I have no doubt that many United Methodists have a record of such service, and I shall be glad to arrange for each of them to have one of -these diplomas if applica-tion be made to me through the local Band of Hope Committee. Each Band of Hope secretary in our Church should see this column, though I fear some do not, and I shall be obliged if those who read . this will direct the attention of Band of Hope workers to the announcement just made.

I am glad to report the receipt of some Temperance.

Sunday collections, or grants from, them, for the fund of the Young People's and Temperance League Depart-ment, and hope that Others will soon, come to hand. Help from this source was an important feature of the old Free Methodist Temperance League, and it is very desirable that such assistance should now be received. Our account is largely overdrawn at the Bank, and if churches and Bands of Hope intending to help in the way indicated will send on at an early date, their action will be highly appreciated. I may add that if the ordinary contributions could reach me in December rather than in March, it would be a great benefit.

The candidate for the. office of local preacher is ex-• pected to preach a " trial sermon," but I have not heard of any such candidate, or even of a candidate for the separated ministry, being asked to give a trial address to children. It would be a good thing, however, if this were done, and those who have charge of these things would do well to think about it. In many a service, though the children outnumber the adults, they are en-tirely ignored, save that they are .asked to be quiet. I was told the other day of a service at which the adults numbered five and the children, fifty, and yet the sermon was all for the adults. Perhaps the preacher says, "I cannot speak to children." Has he tried? If he really cannot, let the Plan Committee, or the local school authorities, provide someone who can, and let the two speakers take part in the service, so that the children as well as the adults may be interested and helped.

Is the blackboard used in your school? In many it is not ; and yet it can be made very helpful in arousing interest, conveying information and fixing things in the memory. I see that the Sunday School Union has issued a book Os. 6d. net) on "Practical Blackboard Work in the Sunday School," which I fancy will greatly

help those who consult it. In addition to much informa-tion on the general subject of "Illustration," this book contains many specimen outline drawings of houses, ships, lamps, animals, mountains, etc., which cannot fail to help those who wish to use the blackboard. There are also many suggestions as to the procuring and use of small pictures of persons and objects which can be pinned on the blackboard in order easily to complete the picture, and in this work of "pinning " the scholars can take part, and this is sure to deepen their interest in the lesson.

I go to quite a number of places where, I have sor-rowfully to admit that it is difficult, and perhaps im-possible, under present conditions, to have a "'Primary Department," but even in these cases the oblackboard might often and profitably be used, and so I gladly call attention to this book.

THE College Committee met at Ranmoor College, Sheffield, on Thursday last. The President of Confer-ence (Rev. J. Luke) occupied the chair,, 'and -there was a large attendance, several new members being present for the first time.

It was reported that an application, had been received, at the beginning of the session, from the officials of the Wesleyan Reform. Union, for admission to our Col-lege of a student for their ministry. The action of the Executive in. admitting the student was heartily ap-proved. Dr. Clemens presented a statement as to the work of the first year's men at Ranmoor, and also re-ports of services which they had conducted. Revs. J. Naylor, C. 'D. Barriball, and -Mr. J. Rounsefell, B.A., B.Sc., were appointed examiners for the Colleges in the place of those who retire according to rule. Dr. Snape, Dr. Butler, and Mr. T. C. Warrington, M.A., were ap-pointed adjudicators of Prize Essays, and Revs. .Dr. Brook, W. A. Grist, H. Smith, and Messrs. J. Darbyshire, J. Holden, M.A., and W. A. Lewins, examiners of Ser-mons. The following were appointed to serve on the Executive, viz., Dr. Clemens, Rev. T. Sherwood, Rev. W. H. Cory Harris, Rev. J. B. Stedeford, Mr. W. A. Lewins, who are ex-officio members, and, An addition, Dr Brook, Rev. J. Foster, Rev. T. M. Rees, Rev. J. Naylor, Sir C. Skelton, Sir James Duckworth,. Mr. R. Turner, Mr. J. Darbyshire, Mr. J. Holden, M.A. Mr. E. Woolley, and Mr. T. C. Warring-ton, M.A. The fol-lowinc, are to constitute the Candidates' Examining Board, viz., the Principals, the Secretary and Treasurer, Revs. Dr. Brook, R. Abercrombie,- M.A.,11. Smith, J. B. Stedeford, and 'Messrs. R. Turner, J.P., and G. P. Dymond, M.A.

In view of the fact that the duty of adjudicating on the preaching ability of candidates for the ministry is now laid upon the District Meetings, it was decided to send a resolution to these meetings, pointing out this

,fact, and urging the exercise of due discrimination and care.

The question of revising the method of conducting the written examination of candidates was referred to the Executive. Rev. R. Abercrombie, M.A., was appointed to conduct. the oral examination, and Rev.' A. Bromley, Mr. J. RounSefell, B.A., B.,Sc., Mr. T. C. Warrington, M. A., and Mr. Joshua Holden, M.A., were appointed to conduct the written examinations.

The Principals, the 'Secretary and 'Treasurer, Dr. Brook, Dr. Snape, and Rev. T. M. Rees were appointed members of the committee to consider the question of co-operation in Methodist ministerial training.

It was decided 'to issue the prospectus of the Sermon Competition for Local Preac'hers and others as early as possible after the March examinations, in order to give more time to intending competitors. A report of this year's Sermon Competition will appear in the UNITED METHODIST very shortly.

A vote of thanks. to Dr. Clemens and Mrs. Clemens for their generous hospitality was heartily passed.

J. B. S.

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December 5, 1912. irpE UNITED METHODIST.

Wenchow : Relief and Restoration Fund.

AN APPEAL. DEAR MR. EDITOR,—It is to be earnestly hoped that

our churches are not in any measure slackening in their sympathy and generosity in -relation to the sad condition of things consequent on the typhoon in the Wenchow District. News is to hand of as recent a date as 4th Nov., revealing a sad and tragic condition. not only among the .Chinese themselves, but also among the members of our churches in the country districts. Bishop Maloney (Church of England), of Ningpo, has sent to Rev. J. W. Heywood a personal subscription of accompanied with a promise that if possible he will organize a general subscription among the members of his own diocese. In addition, a 'lumber of rich Chinese in a distant part of the country have sent 45,000 bags of. flour, of 10 lbs. each, for free distribution, and the "China Famine Relief Fund " a subscription of about £4,000 for- relief of Christians and non-Christians alike.

The heaviest part of the work, both of export and dis-tribution, is being cheerfully done by members of our Own Mission staff : distribution up the country by Revs. J. W. Heywood and A. H. Sharman; the export from Wenchow almost mainly, till taken ill, by Rev. 1'. 'A. Gauge, and since his illness by another member of our Mission staff. The receiving and distributing of the flour, arduous as it is, is the least strainful part of the work. To witness the suffering, the extreme suffer- ing-, and then have to make a careful calculation not of the amount of help needed, but the amount which can be given in justice to thousands of other cases, imposes a burden at once painful and exhausting. Winter will be a period of intense suffering to tens of thousands of people. In a district not yet touched by the ministries of the Relief Committee over 10,000 people have been drowned, 10,000 acres of land destroyed, and 93,000 people plunged into a condition of actual want. Nearly the whole of the second "rice crop " has been. destroyed.

I would earnestly ask the members of our churches and congregations to pause, and make an earnest effort to try to realize what these grim facts mean. It is impossible. -Think of the children, think of the women, think of the humble and frugal homes absolutely de-stroyed, and the suffering which these several facts cover. It is a time of great need, unspeakable need, and in exact proportion a great and glorious opportunity of helping those "ready to perish, and who have none to help them," and of doing so for Christ's sake.

Our missionaries are profoundly grateful for the £50 which the Foreign Mission Committee sent them on ac-count, for the help of the destitute of our own churches, but the need is extreme, and without parallel in the his: tory of our Mission in both kind and degree.

I have much pleasure in reporting that Mr. Gauge is now convalescent. Yours faithfully,

HENRY T. CHAPMAN.

The following additional contributions are gratefully acknowledged :

s. d. Previously reported ... 267 0 8 Bristol and District W.M.A. 1 1. 0 "Hard Pressed " 0 3 6 •Mr. M. A. Joule ... 0 10 0 Mrs. Bates ... 0 2 6 ) Mrs. Cotton ... ... ... .. 0 2 6. The Expenses of a Missionary Deputation 0 5 0 Sunderland. District W.M.A. 11 0 0

2 0 0 Mr. H. Trenchard 0 2 0

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C. STEDEF ORD .

Perambulating Providence.

A YAWL. belonging to Dr. Wilfred 1'. Grenfell lay in the harbour at Portland, Me., several days last week while one of the heroic philanthropist's relief expedi-tions was being fitted up for hospital work in New-foundland and Labrador. The work of Dr. Grenfell is one of the most fascinating- and efficient undertakings on behalf of neglected humanity known to modern times. It is because of his constant voyages among the fishermen of the rugged Northern coast that he has been dubbed "The Perambulating Providence." While that title is somewhat heavy in syllables, it is very glorious in its significance. One can scarcely think of a designa-tion more divinely beautiful. "Be you God's mother?" said a little waif on the streets to a good woman who had just. bought her some dainties, which the childish heart had craved as she feasted her eyes upon them in the confectioner's window. To be able to act as God's .almoner, distributing His gracious gifts to the destitute, 'is a function which angels might desire to fulfil. Who-ever has health, a moderate amount of substance, and the spirit of Him who went about doing good, may _gain for himself, though not perhaps in any conspicuous service like that of Dr. Grenfell, the right to be called

"perambulating Providence."—New York "Christian .Advocate."

and life. The Church is not living its best and highest. Our life is not -equal to our creed. We have the sym-bols, but not the realities. We make the profession, but dO not • feel the solemn and sacred responsibility. The trouble with many is that their Christianity is on the outside. It is the things within that count. It is the man whose being throbs and pulsates with the energy and life of the indwelling Christ who sends forth the things which sway and inspire. It is spiritual life we want, and with life, whole-hearted concentration on the • supreme things, " the tide will -turn."

I cannot forget the passionate, thrilling words of our beloved President when he said, "The Church can organize a, bazaar or a concert or a social, but it cannot organize a successful prayer-meeting." This is painfully true. It is a confession many have to make, and to make with tears and humiliation.. And what is the cause? Because we lack life ! We have shrewd, cap-able men in all our churches, men interested in our work who will lead us in matters social and political, men who will make sacrifices in many ways, but what 'we most need is the alien who will lead in things spiritual ; the men who will stand for the supreine thing, who will bring us back to the first elementary principles of Chris-tian life, to our one and everlasting need of the ,Holy Ghost. If we had a body of such men who should de- mand the restoration of the prayer-meeting to its rightful place, and support it when restored, the Church would take on new proportioris, its true purpose and' evangelical mission would be re-asserted, and " the tide would turn." The decision of 'the Home Mission' Committee is a call along this line, and should have our united support.

Then, again, this effort will attack our apathy: That is something. The indi ffea-ence is 'appalling, al mos t heart-breaking at times. We have -got into certain ruts and are content to move along at the same. old pace and in the same old way. We are cursed by the inveteracy of habit. And , this apathy is the outcome of a lowered vitality. There is no energy and no appetite. There is no spontaneity, no bounding step, no victorious march. Things are quiet and suggest the cemetery. No one would dare say the Church is at work. A few are work- ing, and working hard, but not the whole -Church. If all the men of Israel were at it no situation would be too difficult and no problem unsolvable. Never had we a greater opportunity. The very magnitude of the task and the vastness of the responsibility ought to make the Church leap -for joy. What have we to say? What is our answer to this situation? Here we have channels Of opportunity and we may have the flood. Here we have magnificent machinery and. we may have the driving power. 'Here we have illimitable scope for ser- vice and we possess the talent and resources. What then is our contribution? Resolutions on foolscap will not meet the demand. Sympathetic expressions will not go far. We have a living and working- faith. Our message is not conjecture, not tradition, not theory, but the things we know and feel. , We know Him, and Him we preach 'and in Him we live. He must become the very centre of all our thought and activities, and for His- sake we shall respond. to the call of the Home Mission Committee.

It may not be easy, but it is right ! The path may not be thornless, and everybody perhaps will -not re- spond. But call is the call of the lonely Christ who trod the winepress ; a call to spirituality and consecra- tion and life and the extra service. By it the weak places will become strong, and the • desert places shall be made glad, and the parched ground shall become pools of water.

The tide will have turned.

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8 THE UNITED METHODIST. tecember 5, 1912.

Birmingham Young People's Demonstration.

A THROB OF RICHER LIFE. BY- REV. W. 0. SMITH.

WE in Biriningham have for a long time .wished to follow the lead of other great centres and hold a Young People's. Demonstration. We have looked with admiring eyes at Manchester, with its splendid Free Trade Hall meeting, and have wondered whether we dare attempt something similar in Birmingham Town Hall. For long the difficulties seemed, insuperable, but at last we have triumphed and on Wednesday, November 27th, we had our meeting-Ls-not indeed in Birmingham Town Hall (we shall rise to that soon) but in Carrs Lane Church. We were very anxious beforehand, for after all, Birming-ham is not Manchester ; neither in numbers nor in Con-nexional spirit has United Methodism here quite reached that height. 'Happily, our many fears proved ground-less and our many hopes were nearly all fulfilled ; not quite air,. for Carrs Lane was not full ; yet we had such a meeting,as has sent a throb of richer life through every United Methodist •Church in Birmingham.

Personal .FellowShip with Jesus. At 7' o'clock Mr. R. A. Ernest Payne, the organist at

Carrs Lane, commenced an organ recital, and at 7.30 the chairinan, Councillor 1'. A. Henn, of Wolverhamp-ton, opened the meeting proper by announcing "Crown Him with many crowns '; we made the famous old church ring again to "Diademata." Rev. R. E. Crad-dock led in prayer ; another hymn then the chairman's address. Mr, Henn made us feel proud of our laymen : in the church' he is, in Rev. J. Ninnis's subsequent phrase, "an oaken pillar grown from a sapling on our own estate." A, church that possesses such pillars is rich indeed. Mr. Henn's deeply thoughtful and beautifully expressed address was a revelation of the manifold social and .religious interests and labours of the speaker. Along with every other speaker who took part in the meeting Mr. Henn felt the strength of the associations attached to the buildinff

b in which we had gathered.

lie reminded us that though there were probably few actual members of Carrs Lafie Church present, there were many who belonged to the larger fellowship of that church, many who had gained inspiration and blessing through the wider ministry of the men who had been pastors there. The speaker dwelt with grave emphasis upon the need for 'making the establishment of personal fellowship with Jesus Christ the aim of all our work amongst the young. We may test our methods by .see-Mg whether they bring .about this result. . The child that has found the fellowship of Jesus Christ has a"- tower of refuge at his disposal at every turn: The only, per-manent and final safeguard for a child is his personal faith. The speaker went on to urge that. in our church worship the whole family should learn to attend service together. Referring to a holiday he spent in the Sonth of Ireland, he said that he had worshipped to his own profit with the Roman Catholics and-had been .struck with the fact that the children were invariably there—not packed away in a gallery to themselves, or in • the free seats at the front, but with their parents. He thought he saw some connection between this and the fact that Ireland is morally they purest . country in the world. The address closed with .art appeal to the young people present not to forsake the Church : the Church could provide a better home than any other place. Young people said hard things about the Church and often left it. Did they better themselves? The very first steps they took outside were often steps that led to sorrow.

Eyes of Wonder. .. Rev. E. F. H. Capey was the next speaker. He was

heard in a deep silence that was a greater testimony to the spell he cast over the'meeting than rounds of ap- plause would have been. There is a certain vibrant break in Mr. Capey'S voice that is itself a most moving appeal, and when .that voice is used, as on this occasion, for the utterance of choice thoughts exquisitely phrased and illustrated the appeal is overwhelming. Mr. ..Capey began by paying a tribute to Carrs , Lane Church, re-minding us of Principal Fairbairn's walking up and down in front of the chapel with the ardour of a great love ; telling us of a gracious letter he himself had once received from Dr. Dale in reply to a modest one of his own ;, showing us, by recalling some of the pulpit sub-jects of John Angell James, how true were Dr. Jowett's words that that pulpit had never been belittled by paltry themes. He called upon us to surrender ourselves to the spirit oftheplace and the time. :Mr. Capey's own subject was suggested by a phrase of Sir W. Robertson Nicoll's "Eyes that, never lose their steady expression of, wonder." We had all looked through such eyes ; the least of things seemed infinite ;- the flowers were living intelligences ; we wondered at the moon,. the sky; the earth. Was the light of wonder in our eyes still? With sweet insistence the phrase I :was repeatedln our, ears;, "eyes that never lose 'their. 'Iady expression, of wonder." A great need of the age 'Was the g,uaiding of the faculty of wonder. OuotifikJlerder's „saying, , " Give - me a great thought that I may live upon it,.' the. 'speaker added that the greatest thought upon which any one could live was the thought of God. We 'must retain our wonder at the sovereignty of God, at the gr.'eat white throne ; • but chiefly we must-retain our wor.ider at the love of God : "there was a rainbow round about the throne." Dr. Dale once stopped his son a s he was reading to him the first chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians, because, as he said "The wonder of It was too much for me." With. fine simplicity the speaker told of one who had spent the greater part of his young manhood passing from one public-house to another singing ribald songs, won first to thoughtfulness lby hearing read the story. of One who [fad trodden the wi ne-press Atone, and 'at length

to Christian discipleship by pondering upon that great pasSage; of a woman stealing into a London Church with her mind bent on suicide, who, hearing in her great distress the words of the General Confession, "We have erred and strayed from Thy ways like lost sheep . . . . . Spare Thou them, 0 God, which confess their faults; restore Thou them that are penitent," went out and threw the poison in the Thames and .started afresh. 0 the wonder of it God in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. The address closed with a quiet appeal that thrilled every soul to the very depths. We were told of the mob of Paris in 1848 ruthlessly destroy-ing everything in the royal palace save only the picture of Christ bearing His cross. Who would disdain to bow the knee to Jesus? Who?

Wearing the Prophet's Mantle. Rev. James Ninnis followed. We at once entered into

a different atmosphere. There must have been some such change in the early apostolic meetings when Peter followed „John. Mr. 'Ninnis had his own word to say about Carrs Lane and its pastors, particularly. of Dr. Jowett, God bless him, who often made him think there was some truth in the legend that the Apostle John should walk the earth till Christ came again. It would be unfair to Mr. Ninnis to report in so short space as we have the many bright flashes of. wit that set the audience rocking with laughter. It might lead a reader who was not present to think that the speaker had ex-hibited the spiritual tragedy which he himself described and deplored, namely, that of a minister donning cap and bells when he should wrap the prophet's mantle about him. That would be a sad mistake, ,for -Mr. Ninnis wore in very truth the prophet's mantle that night. His subject was "Connexional loyalty," and he urged the .need for it upon us in vivid sentences that stick in the memory. He made good-natured fun of those Utopian dreamers who suffer from what he called Ecclesiastical arnalgamitis ; he himself was in no hurry to buy his black gloves. for the funeral of denomina-tionalism. To speak of brawling sects was grossly un-just. A Utopian scheme of union might easily be pur-sued to the danger of present duties, just as was the Holy Grail. What we needed in religious life was a little less of the Esperanto spirit and a little more of that of the tongue in which we were brought up. We needed more Connexional loyalty. Some were bound to leave us because of geographical and other conditions, but those who left us for the mere sake of a better social position were beneath 'contempt. "If United Methodism were to send in its bill to some of you, you would be bankrupt." Mr. Ninnis closed with an impres-sive personal appeal. Loyalty to the church would not be secured thrOugh a mere domestic or historic nexus. It must be through a spiritual bond. We must get our young folk soundly converted.

Rev. C. Stedeford was to have made a Missionary. statement, but owing to the fact that the meeting had overrun, its •time-table he wisely insisted on that item being passed over. Mr. E. T. Manners and Mr. H. J. Hart expressed the thanks of the meeting to all who had helped to Make it so great a success.

Special mention must be made of the splendid choir. Under: the masterly leadership of Mr. Howard .H. Cot-torn they sang with excellent effect three anthems,

How lovely are the messengers," "Send out Thy Light," and- "The Heavens aretelling," and they led the congregational singing in a way that made it an inspira-tion. Miss Emily Cleobury was the .soloist and charmed us all by her singing.

The success of the demonstration was due in a large measure to the untiring labours of Rev. F. L. Page, who gave himself wholeheartedly to the arduous task of secre-tary.

The Need of Spiritual Leadership. BY ,REV. F. SPARROW.

A GREAT multitude throughout our churches must be rejoicing at the wise and resolute decision of the Home Mission Committee to make-an immediate attack upon the apathy and torpor of our religious life and to put forth a strenuous, consecrated effort to strengthen the weaker places of the Home Mission field. And not be-fore the time ! This effort has long been overdue. But, thank God, it is going to be done—and now. Much good work 'the Committee have done in the past, but better than this they have never done, and those who read the burning appeal of Rev. W. Kaye Dunn last week have had their hearts strangely and deeply moved. The time has come to work, and we believe, with him, "the tide has turned."

It is abundantly -manifest that a new spirit is at work in - the churches : a spirit of hope, of prayer, of expect-ancy, though we are 'face to face with difficulties such as we never had before and the accumulation of responsi-bilities is almost overwhelming. But there is to-day a strong and growing desire on the part of many to see the Church of Christ supreme in the best and vital thinig-s, a strong spiritual centre, happy and victorious as the "House of Healing" and a "Home of , Rest " for the sad and weary. All too long we have been lamenting our -failures and talking of -the "arrested progress" as a thing inevitable. We have .explained the decline and decrease as if it were of no great moment. We have called it the "rhythmic recession .Of the tide " and said "if to-day we have the ebb, to-morrow, or some day, , we 'shall have the flow." But when we have said this, and a lot more like unto it, we have not been truly satis-fied in the deepest part of our 'being. We have felt that something was wrong, that our life was not right, that as churches we were not doing our best work. What hag been our difficulty? Not finance, for we raise.i,Vhat we need, and it is comparatively easy to raise more. Not machinery, for we have an abundance, if not too much. No, it is not these things, for they are but secondary. We have failed in the vital things, a lack of 'spirituality

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December 5, 1912. THE UNITED METHODIST. 9

WHEN. Thackeray's library was disposed of by auction the late Queen Victoria purchased for X25 10s. 6d. a copy of the "Christmas Carol " with the following in-scription in the author's handwriting : "To W. M. Thackeray from Charles Dickens whom he made very happy once a long way from home."

We have been made happy many times by. the Christ-mas books of. Charles Dickens, and we now proceed to acknowledge our debt of gratitude to the man who has done more than any other writer to create the social Christmas atmosphere as it exists to-day. Other writers, we admit, have written beautiful things of Christmas. Sir Walter Scott, Thackeray, Washington Irving, Bulwer Lytton, George Eliot, and others in glowing language and in the most sympathetic spirit have left on record their impressions of the festive season, but none of them have so interwoven their names with the blessed anniversary as Charles Dickens has done.

At Gadshill. Mamie Dickens, in her book, "My Father as I Recall

Him," assures us that Dickens had an intense love of the season itself. "To my father," she says, "it was a time dearer than any other part of the year. He loved Christmas for its deep significance, as well as for its joy, and this he demonstrates in every allusion in his writings to the great festival—a day which he con-sidered should be fragrant with the love that we should bear to one another, and with the love and reverence of his Saviour and Master."

And then she goes on to describe how the great novelist kept his Christmas at Gadshill. "Our house was always filled with guests, while a cottage in the village was reserved for the use of the bachelor mem-bers of our holiday party. My father himself always deserted work for the week,' and that was almost our greatest treat, He was the fun and life of those gather-ings, the true Christmas spirit of sweetness and hospi-tality filling his large 'and generous heart. Long walks with him were daily treats to be remembered. Games passed our evenings merrily. Proverbs,' a game of cards, was very popular. Dumb Crambo ' was another favourite, and one in which my father's great imitative ability showed finely. I remember one evening his dumb showing of the word frog' was so extremely laugh-able that the memory of it convulsed Marcus Stone, the clever artist,' when he tried some time later to imitate it."

The Christmas Dinner. " Our Christmas dinners at Gadshill were particu-

larly bright and cheery,. some of our neighbours joining the home party. The Christmas plum-pudding had its own special dish of coloured china ornamented with holly. The pudding was placed on this, with a spray of red holly in the • centre, lighted, and in this state placed in front of my father, its arrival being always the signal for applause. A prettily-decorated table was his special pleasure, and from my earliest girlhood the care of this devolved upon me. . . . On Christmas Day we all had our glasses filled, and then my father, raising his, would say, Here's to us all ! God bless us ! '—a toast which was rapidly. and willingly drunk. His conversation, as may be imagined, was often ex-tremely humorous, and I have seen the servants who were waiting at table convulsed often with laughter at his droll remarks and stories. Now as I recall this gathering my sight grows blurred with the tears that rise to my eyes. But I love to remember them and to -see, if only in memory, my father at his own table, surrounded by his own family and, friends—a beautiful Christmas spirit."

Christmas Books. It was his intense love of Christmas itself—it was be-

cause he had identified himself with Christmas fancies—its life and sprits, its humour and riotous abundance—that prompted and enabled him to produce those stories which he issued year after year, and which are still

• read at every recurring Christmas. For though a good thing can never be out, of season, the best season of the year to read these stories is the Christmas season, When the wind howls outside and moans in the chim-ney, and the snow is falling silently, then it is that we can enter best into the kindly spirit and the true mean-ing of the lessons which Dickens sought to teach in his

- little stories written for the Christmas season. It is not often that books written with a purpose reach the popu- larity which these Christmas sermons attained. For each had a purpose, and dealt in turn with the joys and

'sorrows and the struggles for existence which so many • of our fellow creatures have to face in their journey through life.

" The Christmas Carol." Of all the Christmas tales written by Charles Dickens

"The Christmas Carol," issued in 1845, is far away the most deservedly popular. _There are many capable judges who would have placed it in the catalogue of master-pieces of English fiction. Sir Frank T. Marzials, one of Dickens's biographers, says of it : "All Dickens's great gifts seem reflected sharp and distinct in this little book as in a common mirror. His humour, his pathos—which is not that of grandiloquence, but of simplicity—his bright poet's fancy, his kindliness—all here find a place. It is a .great painting in miniature, genius in its quintessence, a gem of perfect water. We may apply to it any simile that implies excellence in the smallest compasS.' John Forster, another biographer, referring to the "Carol," says of it :. "There was, in-deed, nobody that had not some interest in the message of the Christmas Carol.' It told the selfish man to rid

•■•:. hiMself Of selfishness,- the just - man-to make himself generous, and the good-natured man to• enlarge the sphere of his good nature. Its cheery voice of faith and hope, ringing from one end - of the island to the other, carried pleasant warning alike to all- that if the duties of 'Christmas were wanting no good could come of its own outward observances ; that it must shine upon the cold hearth and warm it and into the sorrowful heart and comfort it ; that it must be kindness, benevo-lence, charity, mercy, and forbearance, or its plum pudding would turn to bile and its roast beef would be indigestible." " Blessings on your kind heart," wrote Jeffrey to its author ; "you should be happy yourself, for you may be sure you have done more good by this little publication, fostered more kindly feelings and prompted more positive acts of 'beneficence than can be traced to all the pulpits and confessionals in Christen-dom since Christmas, 1842." "Who can listen," ex-claimed Thackeray, "to objections regarding such a book as this?. It seems to me a national. benefit, and to every man or woman who reads it a personal kind-ness."

When first published "The Christmas Carol " leaped into popularity at once. The first editon of 6,000 copies was disposed of on the clay of publication, and 15,000 were sold by the end of the season. From that day to this the story has been reprinted in every possible form down to that latest adventurous abomination—a penny edition—created to do duty as a sandwichman for the proprietor of a patent medicine.

" The Chimes." In his second Christmas story, "The Chimes," pub-

lished In 1844, Charles Dickens was peculiarly happy, for in picturing one character, Trotty Veck, he seemed' to be telling the history of thousands of others in similar circumstances. lie fancied- the histOry of one roan, but he told the history of thousands. One feels that it is not the story of Trotty Veck and his daughter alone that he has been reading, but that of the poor in thousands 'of dwellings: Although essentially an English tale, the title has a foreign .origin. Dickens was in Genoa. He had decided upon. his story, but was casting about for a title and the machinery with which to work it, when suddenly the bells chiming from. many churches rang into his mind the title for his new book, and he was soon hard at work on "The Chimes." Earnest at all times in what he wrote, and keenly interested in the creatures of his fancy, be seems to have been passionately moved by this story; "All my affections and passions got twined and knotted up in it, and I became as hag-gard as a murderer long before I wrote The End,'" lie wrote to one of his friends. The object of "The Chimes " seems to have been to awaken sympathy on behalf of the struggling poor. In . his 'Christmas Carol " he converted Scrooge from selfishness and hard-heartedness, and in "The Chimes " he sought to do the same for society and to show that perfect peace of mind is only found in mercy and charity to all.

The Champion of the Poor. Other Christmas . hooks followed, such as "The

Cricket on the Hearth," ." The Battle of Life," "The Haunted Man,." "The Ghost's Bargain," etc., but the space at our disposal will not permit us to dilate upon them. Each one, however, had la purpose, and in each Dickens appears as .the champion of the poor. He felt keenly for the lowly %rid the oppressed. He seemed to know their trials and their troubles, as though he had been Father Confessor to the whole class, and by some subtle means he was able to paint wonderfully vivid pictures of low life. They might be overdrawn in some characteristics, but they were always faithful in spirit, and while a few cavilled at the intensity of feeling which he nut into his work, the mass of his readers were filled with admiration. On this score his old friend Jeffrey wrote : "All the tribe of selfishness and cowardice and cant will hate you in 'their hearts and cavil when they can, will accuse you of wicked exaggeration and excite-ment to discontent and what they pleasantly call dis-satisfaction. But never mind. The good and the brave are with you and the truth also."

A Beautiful Tribute. Writing to his friend, John Forster, Dickens mentions

the yearning that was. in him to have "his hand upon the times, everlastingly upon the times, with one tender touch for the mass of the toiling people that nothing could obliterate." That he accomplished this there can be no doubt, for it is proved yearly by the large sales of his bookS and the popularity which his stories still maintain. In this connection one recalls a pretty inci-dent that .took place in Westminster Abbey nineteen years ago, a few days before Christmas. One evening, before service, a little •boy some ten years old was seen to walk to Poets' Corner and stop at the grave of Dickens. After looking around to learn whether he was being watched by the vergers or other persons, he took a hunch of violets, to which an envelope was attached, from his pocket, and kneeling, laid it upon the tomb. Then he quietly retired and sat down in a pew till prayer was over, after which he left the Abbey. Though he was not aware of it, his movements had been noticed by a bystander, whose curiosity led him to examine the boy's offering. On the envelope was written, in a lad's hand, these words : cc' For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when the Mighty Founder was a Child Himself.' Dickens's Christmas Carol.' Blyton. Christmas, 1892." In its touching simplicity no more beautiful tribute has ever been paid to • the 'great noveli,t's genius than this of Master, Blyton.

Christmas at Gadshill. SOME MEMORIES OF CHARLES DICKENS.

By WILLIAM FRANCIS.

Two men sat facing each other in the consulting room of an eminent physician ; they were looking straight into each other's eyes, and the expression on both faces was that which men only wear when they face the gravest issues of life.

The older man was the physician. He was grey-haired, and was past middle-age. He had a. strong, resolute, earnest face—the kind of face that compels confidence—for it not only bore upon it the unmistakable signs of cleverness and thoughtfulness, but it was, just as unmistakably, the face of a good man.

The man who sat opposite to him, looking into his face with searching glance, was many years his junior. He was well-dressed, and with the air about him of a wealthy and successful man, but the misery on his handsome face showed very plainly that he had a heavy burden to bear.

"What am I to do, Doctor? " the young man ex-claimed. " I am driven to despair ! Elaine entirely forgets that the blow fell heavily on me, as well as on herself, when "

Thera was a quiver on the strong, young lips ; not yet could he trust himself to :sarthose bhld words "when Nellie died," and the doctor, with a ready tact, and a silent bow, showed that he understood what the young man would have said, but for his instinctive fear that he might "break down."

"She takes no interest in anything," continued the sad young voice, "she won't go walks or drives ; she has never been, on her cycle since-- "

Another expressive bow from the doctor showed that he understood the allusion.

"She has never touched the piano. She does not read ; she will not see any callers ; she scarcely takes enough food to keep life in her, and I am wretched. I have tried everything I. can think of, but nothing seems to appeal to her. You saw her yourself yesterday, for I have feared that Dr. Fortescue may not under-stand her case, and thought you who have known her from childhood might suggest something that I could do. It is the heaviest sorrow I have ever had to bear, to see her like this."

"1 know,", said the strong voice of the doctor, "I know. It Would have been well for Elaine if she had been a poor woman, and had had to work hard for her daily bread, when your little darling was taken. In-stead, you are able to provide her with every luxury ; she has servants to do everything ; she is not aware of the wrong she is doing in not rousing herself. You and I who love her must make her rouse herself. Don't blame your little wife, Philip ; she really has a noble nature, but the way is dark to her just now. She will rise above it, and we must help her to rise."

There was comfort in the words, "we who love her," and " we must help her to rise." A gleam of hope appeared on the young husband's face.

"There is nothing in all the world that I would not do, Doctor," he -said, with emotion. "Only show me something that I can do, and I will thank you all my life. This despair is killing me ! 'We used to have such a happy home, and now ! "

"God help you ! " the doctor exclaimed. " I am sorry for you, but I believe the sun is still shining, and that there is still joy for you. I believe, too, Philip, that you mean what you say, that you love Elaine so truly that there is nothing you are. not willing to do for her sake. Now I am going to make a suggestion to you ; I must leave it to you to carry it out, or not. Curiously enough I was thinking about it before you came to see me. Yesterday I snatched an hour to go to the annual Christmas gathering at the Orphanage at Sutton. One of the sisters is just about to be married, so they had their Christmas tree a week beforehand, in order that she should be with them. I have always taken a great interest in that institution, and I always contrive to go if by any means I can manage it. Philip, there was a little child there,--a sweet little child, so like your dear Nellie that I stared at her in astonishment, and I was so interested in her that I sought the matron and asked a few questions about her. The more I heard the more strongly did I feel that it was not by accident that I had left my work for a short time to show my sympathy with that valuable institution. It hai seemed to, me, on thinking the matter over, that Elaine's cure may be nearer at hand than you think:. Shall I tell you what I would do in your place? I would make her, in some way or other, go with me to the Orphanage. I would, apparently in a casual way, let her see that dear little child ; if you do that, Philip, as I am a living man, I believe her true woman's heart and the good God will do the rest. Cheer up, my friend ; go home and do your part, and in spite of everything that saddens you, may it yet be yours to have a very happy Christmas."

The brave young lips trembled, and Philip Mulgrave was nearer to "breaking down" than he liked to ad-mit, but just as a drowning man will clutch at a straw, so did he clutch at the suggestion hidden in the doctor's word.

"I'll do my best," he said, rising as he spoke. "I do so hope I may persuade her to go with me. Where is the Orphanage? "

"You can drive there in an hour, easily," said the doctor. "Go straight through Thorpe, take the first turning to the left, and you very soon reach the little village of Sutton. The Orphanage is 'so much in evi-dence that you cannot fail to find it if you get to Sutton. Now, Philip, play the man ! Even if Elaine thinks you unsympathetic, it is better that she should do that than that she should continue in the state she is in. Let me tell you that she will sink into invalidism, if not into worse, unless she is roused."

With a warm shake of the hands the two men

parted, and Philip Mulgrave jumped into the nearest cab, and was soon on his way to the railway station. Half an hour's journey' brought him to the station nearest to his home, and he walked with a rapid step home. He gave orders as soon as he reached home that an early luncheon should be served at once, and that the carriage should be at the door in three-quarters of an. hour.

That part of his plan was easy enough ; the rest was more difficult. Be went upstairs into a beautifully- furnished boudoir. Everything in it spoke of wealth and prosperity, but leaning back, in a capacious easy chair, sat a woman with a beautiful and sorrowful face. Her face was very pale, and she looked very delicate. From out her pale face her dark eyes gleamed in a curiously pathetic way. She looked so fragile, so heart-broken., that it was a very difficult thing for the man who loved her to be "cruel, in order to be kind."

He walked up to her, and bending down kissed her tenderly. She did not refuse his caress, but the kiss she gave in retprn was a very lifeless and perfunctory One.

"Darling! " he. said, plunging into the matter at once ; " I want you to come out with me. I want to take you a drive. I have come home early on purpose. Say you will, my Elaine."

" Oh, Phil," she said wearily ; "I can't dear! I don't want to! Don't ask me! "

" I do ask you, Elaine," he replied, with more firmness than he had ever shown in speaking to her before. "I shall be .bitterly hurt if you will not do as I ask. Is it nothing to you that the home is spoilt to me? God knows I would thankfully break stones on the highway, if by doing that our darling child might be given back to us ; but since He has taken her from us, and since you and I are a Christian man and woman, we ought , not to let this state of things go on. You have me still, though you seem to forget it entirely."

His words revealed to her some of his bitter sorrow, endured in silence, and tears rushed to her eyes.

" Phil," she murmured, "you are not angry with me, are you? I did not mean to make it worse for you."

His heart leapt at herwords and he suddenly gathered her in his arms and kissed her over and over again.

"Elaine ! " he cried. "You have nearly broken my heart ! It was anguish enough to have Nellie taken, but, just as though that was not enough sorrow, you must make me feel that I have lost you, too. If you really love me, if you really want to make me feel that life is still worth living, you will do what I ask. Re-member, dear, that Christmas will be on us soon. Are we to Spend it in this way? "

Elaine did not ask what "in this way " meant. She was touched by the tone of misery in her husband's voice, and for the first time in her life a horrid fear shot through her that she might lose his love, and they might drift apart. This fear, so unexpected, so strange, acted in a salutary way upon her ; because of it she determined to make an effort to please him, dimly feel-ing that she had been very unkind to him, uncon-sciously.

"Dear Philip ! " she exclaimed, sorrowfully, "can I ever forget last Christmas? We were so happy then! It seems horrible to me that it is Christmas time again! Oh ! shall I ever get used to that empty nursery Oh, my little darling ! "

She wept, but it was in his arms, and she felt his strong sympathy. Then sht, raised her head, and said brokenly :

"What do you want me to do, Phil? I want to do right ! I want to live as a Christian woman should."

"That is my brave darling," said Philip; tenderly, thankfully striking while "the iron was hot." "I have ordered luncheon to be served at once, and the carriage will be at the door in half-an-hour. I want us to have a drive together, dear ; and though it means an effort, you will be the better and stronger for making it, and you will put fresh life into me."

"Very well, Phil," she replied. She was so very unwilling to comply with his request

that he 'had scarcely the fortitude 'to carry out his plan, but the doctor's words were with him—" We must help her to rise "—and he would not relax.

A gong sounded at this moment, and he held out his arm.

"Come, darling," he said, trying to speak cheerfully. "Let us have luncheon at once ; the afternoons are so short at this time of the year that we shall not have time for much of a drive in the daylight, if we do not start soon."

She was very silent through their meal, and only took a little food because he insisted upon it.

Shortly afterwards they started on their drive, her white face looking still whiter with all her heavy black' draperies about her.

She. was too weary and inert to ask where they were going, and did not rouse herself till they got to Thorpe.

"We have come quite a long way, she said, "then ought we not to turn back, Phil?" , 'Not yet, darling," he said, " I am rather anxious to go over the Orphanage at Sutton. I hear it is a splen- did institution, and I thought as we were so near we might just go there for a little while, and I would give them a subscription. You don't mind, do you, dear? "

"No," she said with a weary sigh, and he had to be glad that she had not refused.

They drew up at the gates of the Orphanage, and were warmly welcomed by the matron. She was pleased that such visitors should wish to see over the institu-tion, and responded to the question if they might go over the orphanage. \

Decembei 5, 1912

"With pleasure," she said, cheerfully_;:_ 1 shall- .be very glad to show you through, though we are a little bit at sixes and sevens ' to-day ! We had our annual Christmas party yesterday, a little earlier than usual, for Sister Millie is just about to leave us. Dr. Sinclair is so good to us he gives the children a Christmas tree every year. I mean the great Dr. Sinclair, of Upham. Perhaps you have heard of him? "

"Yes," Philip Mulgrave replied ;. "we both know him. It's just like him to give the youngsters a Christmas tree."

At the same time he thought, "He didn't tell me that ! That's just like him, too! "

"This is the schoolroom," said the matron, opening the door of a large 700111, furnished with forms and desks. "We give the children a short holiday at this time of the year, though."

"'Do many of them go away to friends? " asked Philip. "A fair number," the matron. replied. "Quite a num-

ber of the children have some relatives, and they are 'generally pleased to ask them. Twenty, of the children are going away to-morrow. The others will stay here as usual, for they either have no relatives, or their rela-tives are not in a position to have them visit them."

"I suppose you have some sad cases amongst them? " asked Philip, leading up to what he knew was in Dr. Sinclair's heart.

"Yes! " exclaimed the matron, speaking with voluble cheerfulness on her favourite topic, and wondering why the lady took no interest in things, but left all the talk- ing to her husband. "We have one sweet little child here just now. It's the saddest case ever brought under my notice. Their home was burnt down, and her father and mother and all the children but herself were burnt to death. How she was saved was a mystery ! Nothing was saved from the fire, and she was brought here, the sweetest, most engaging little child you can think of, and so mercifully ignorant of her own great loss. I tried to tell her a bit, but I could only tell her they had gone to be with Jesus.' She nearly broke me down,

for she said so simply, Gentle Jesus? I shall go to Him some day;' and she was quite happy with a kitten to play with."

Philip Mulgrave found himself interested in the ener-getic, woman who looked like- "motherhood " personi-fied, and his spirits rose.

"This is the children's sitting room," the matron continued, opening another door, and disclosing a large home-like room. "They are a little wild to-day, after yesterday's treat, and with the prospect of going away to-morrow." She spoke indulgently, and smiled at the children as if she loved them. The children, on their part, all rose at the sight of visitors, and smiled back at the matron. Clearly she was their well-loved friend.

Philip Mulgrave, interested beyond all his expecta-tions, looked round the big room, and an ejaculation, the first that came to his masculine lips, escaped him almost without his knowledge ; the words' "By Jove ! " conveying astonishment and delight, caused his wife to turn and follow his glance. She had followed the matron into the big room, bored and silent, but glancing now, in the direction in which her husband was looking, she became metamorphosed, and exclaimed eagerly :

"Oh, Phil, look ! Oh, look ! " The matron saw which child had claimed her atten-

tion, and said softly, "That is our dear little Nellie. The little child I was telling you about ! "

"Nellie? " cried Elaine Mulgrave, and tears ran down her cheeks. "Oh, Phil! "

The matron was a true woman. She saw the black d,ress, the "sad face, the weary carriage of the richly- dressed woman, and her woman's heart told her the rest ; the emotion caused by the child's name she felt to understand, and gently she called the child to her.

"Nellie," she said, "this dear lady had a little girl named Nellie once, who has gone to live with. Jesus. Kiss her, darling, and tell her you are sorry for her."

The sweet little face was raised to Elaine's in a minute, and the astonished child found herself clasped in eager arms, and kisses rained upon her.

'CC Phil ! Phil 1 I can't let her go ! I can't ! Let me have her! If you love me let me have her, and let me be to her the mother I would have been to our own Nellie! "

In the place of the weary, inert woman who had entered the big room, there stood an impassioned one holding the pretty child in loving arms. Philip Mul-grave drew the matron aside, and in a few brief words explained matters to her. Then he arranged with her that they should take little Nellie with them.

•" Make any inquiries you like from Dr. Sinclair," he said. "He told me to come. The child shall have a good home, and be well provided for."

With so many children to care for, the matron felt she dare not refuse such an opening for one of her flock,. and Nellie was entrusted to the care of her new parents.

The astonished servants could scarcely believe the evidence of their own eyes when their mistress returned, and orders were given for the spacious nursery to be at once set in order.

The next morning Elaine, who could not be induced to go out before of her own accord, went shopping to- get suitable clothing for her newtreasure. At present she dare not trust herself to put the clothing that had been her own darling's on the little one, who was hence- forth to take her place. It is always the unexpected that happens ! Philip Mulgrave had felt that he had not the fortitude to face that dreaded Christmas Day, with all its memories of the past ; and lo ! it was met with smiles and gladness! The' laughter of a happy child rang through the house, and husband and wife looked into each other's eyes with hope.

Scales had fallen from Elaine's eyes ; she saw things differently. She had humbly knelt and asked forgive- ness at the Throne of Grace, and peace had come to her. She had smiled tenderly at her husband as she wished him "A Happy Christmas," and it Was such a sweet

10

THE UNITED METHODIST.

A Christmas Gift. BY MABEL KING.

(Author of "Idylls of the Poor," "Uncle Gregory's Will," "Billy's Christmas," etc., etc.)

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and chastened face that she turned toward him and his heart swelled with -thankfulness.

That night, after the little laughing child was soundly sleeping, the young husband and wife exchanged , con-fidences, and made their plans. There was no excite-ment, no merriment, but they sat side by side clasping each other's hands, and rejoicing that once more light had come to-them.

"Oh, Phil ! " Elaine exclaimed, "I can't explain it to you ! I can't explain it to myself ; but when I saw that dear little child, so like our little sweetheart, and so near her in age, my heart gave a sudden throb. I seemed to wake up, and I felt all at once that there was yet work I might do for Jesus! I want to do it for Him. Help me, dearest, that I may not spoil her, but be a true mother to her for His dear sake."

Little Nellie was not spoilt ; she grew up sweet and beautiful, and a constant joy to the parents who had adopted her.

Dr. Sinclair was thankful. when he ,saw that his sug-gestion had been taken, and he watched the outcome of it for years.

Philip Mulgrave became a faithful friend to the Orphanage, and that first visit was by no means the last ; and year by year he gave largely to the funds.

Elaine is now a happy and cheerful woman, a devoted wife and mother, and if there is hidden away, and sel-dom spoken of, an abiding sorrow because "Jesus called a little child unto Him " who was the light of their home, there is also a deep and abiding joy, that because of love for Him, another little one found a home given her, and that love for Him is still a regenerating influence.

- "Our Christmas Gift " they called their Nellie, and they took her as a gift from God.

Recent Wesleyan Publications.

" Does Faith Need Reasons I " By Dr, Ballard. (C. H. Kelly ; is. net.)

Dr. Ballard is still at work. He is always enter-prising and always abreast of the best thinking of the day. This effort would seem to be the apologia for his work as a rationalist lecturer in defence of the faith. For the moment that work appears to suffer eclipse. But for his point of view there is a good defence. We must not scout reason and argument in religion, but this book nevertheless makes too little of intuition. Its main drift, however, is that the Churches need to approximate to a new intellectual and social situation. Whether the situation is quite so bad as Dr. Ballard says, and whether all his criticisms will hold, we are not quite convinced upon. His criticisms of hymns on pp. 113-115 are not particularly commendatory. And his appreciation of Liberal Christianity and the religious cults are a bit too enthusiastit. The pthblem really. is to save the centre. We are not sufficiently addressing ourselves to that. But surely the drift of things intellectual just now is not in the direction of Dr. Ballard's suggestions so much as alongside of them. We note that he has begun to take account of the new writers who are making for faith. Their ultimate effect upon him may be observed with interest, for his is a typical mind which soaks up contemporary suggestion with avidity. It will still do everyone good to read the book ; aside from these criti-cisms it is full of good things making for close self-scrutiny.

" Beaten Gold." By Dr. R. P. Downes. (3s. 6d.). Dr. Downes has chosen an ambitious title, but by this

time his readers know his quality, and this volume is in a goodly succession which has from the first, struck a high level. It is no misnomer. All that goodly array of previous issues is written about noble things : "Noble Living," "Woman.: Her Charm and Power," "Pure Pleasures," etc. The author's principle is simple, and in modern literature unique. The subject is laid out in a series of chapters-here in °Beaten Gold " there are six-teen-and then their several topics are treated along the main lines of thought in the poets and litterateurs. Hence the number of apposite quotations is considerable. But they are all of the happiest nature and betray a wide acquaintance with writers past and present. As to the latter, it is pleasant to see that Dr. Downes has already begun to draw upon John Masefield. He is not so quot-able as some others, but is used with good effect here. The topics treated deal mostly with the conduct of life, "The duty of happiness," "Things by which we live,'? "Vice in its penalties," and "Steps by :which we rise," being specimens. But the best of the ..whole is that the pages are so perfectly pure. There is no shade of a suggestiveness of a repulsive kind to be found anywhere. The book may be put into the hands of any boy or girl, and though there are severe things said, the most sensi-tive cheek will be' mantled by no blush. It is a great gift. No wonder these books obtain a great circulation.

" Stories of Durham Pit Life." By Geo. Parkinson. (1s. net.)

A most interesting bit of autobiography, taking us back in imagination to Gideon Ouseley and the success-ful merchant days. Mr. Parkinson tells the remarkable story of his own life from the pit to his journey to Palestine with Hugh Price Hughes and others. For one chapter alone the story is worth possessing. Chap. 12 tells the story of how Dora Greenwell came to write her poem, "The Pitman to his Wife." The part Mr. Parkinson played in introducing the parties to that dis- tinguished authoress' is given us here. An interesting little book, such as would have given pleasure to the heart of Samuel Smles of ever-useful memory. G. C.

TIM UNITED METHODIST.

A Choir-boy's Christmas Eve.

BY FRANCIS H. ROBINSON.

FAR back in the early sixties of the last century a boy had his first experience of a whole night spent in the open-air, under brilliant moon and starlight, surrounded by frosty snow, as dry as fine dust, and glistering under heaven as if the rich old earth had donned a robe resplendently white and encrusted with diamonds.

The choir he belonged to sang in a New Connexion Methodist Chapel in the moorlands of a Midland county, and in an ancient market town whose folk and mart and manor were all here when the Conqueror came.

Haring been trained, in a British school, in the Old Notation and in the Tonic Sol-fa method, and possessing an unbroken voice of the "seconds" order he was wel-comed along with two comrades into the chapel choir.

The choir had recently been revolutionised. In the fifties it consisted chiefly-of patriarchs of the Boanerges type who led the praise of the Lord's people with amaz-ing volume and thunderous power. Its acme of achieve-ment was "to raise the chapel roof." This, in figure, it often did, or was said to have done. Those were the days of triumphant major keys, that people said they could 'get hold of," and before wailing minors became fashionable with an active choir and a passive congre-gation. In those days chapel singing not only "raised roofs " it rent sinners' hearts and melted frozen souls to tears. Of all those ancient airs none could compare With "Sovereignty " set to the most dramatic and • soul-inoving hymn-

"Would Jesus have. the sinner die? Why hangs He then on yonder tree? "

There are a few "old girls" and "old boys " who Would give a great deal to hear once more, in a Method-ist*Chapel full of crowded "family pews," that same old "Sovereignty." The great deeps of their hearts Would be opened and deluges of spiritual feeling would flow.

But to the story •of that choir-boy's Christmas Eve! Well 1 there was the old leader, Philip with his small pitch pipe ; and William, the tall basso ; and " Father Abra-ham," who was as long as a ladder and fetched up his notes rung by rung from mysterious depths of body and Soul. There were Lucy, Ann, Sarah and Matilda, Mary and Martha, David and William. (N. B.--,--Gladys,

11

Aurora, Rose and Ruby had not yet come into being or fashion).

What a company ! And what a medley of non-uni- formed musicians! Fur caps that covered neck, ears and throat. Shawls and wraps that deceived the very elect as to who was beneath them. Our hero was in a new scarlet woollen "comforter" that gave him about the gills and neck a look of a Christmas turkey. For the frost was cruel. Some of the shallow pools were under nearly a foot of ice. The deep snow-drifts, when smitten, sdattered like white dust.

The choir assembled at the chapel in the dusk of day. They were twenty strong, all singers save the central figure who carried the lamp which burned not refined petrol nor acetylene (whose dawn had not arrived) but whale oil or good solid tallow and did good service, though dull at whiles, the more so as the moon rode roundly in a steel-blue sky and the stars sparkled and almost crackled like the snow beneath one's feet.

The first few evening hours were spent in the town streets at the doors of well-known members of the con-gregation ; or at those of "outsiders" who came to help collections at anniversaries and tea meetings. This over, a few gentle-folks on the outskirts were visited, who, although strict Churchmen, liked the chapel people to visit them at Christmas and make night vocal with sturdy psalmody and seasonable song. The doors of these social .superiors opened widely at Christmas, a ruddy glow of Yule shone forth from hall or kitchen ; ladies in dainty frills and laces, lawyers, doctors and squires with rubicund faces and ample waistcoats warmed with table dainties and red wine, stood and lis-tened with manifest enjoyment to the vigorous outbursts of song that cheered the stilly night.. Fat purses dis-gorged shining crowns and half-crowns, fresh from the mint, to swell the bag of the purser.

But the real joy of Christmas Eve began when the choir set their faces to the country-side, breasting long frost-bound hills, to reach lonely farm and manor houses. The little company crunched the frosty snow and wondered at the strange piles of drift where nature displayed her architecture of wind-swept white : there were arches and columns and cornices and slopes pure as alabaster of the East and fanciful as scenery of the Arabian nights.

A mile out of town the blood of the youngsters was stirred by the deep musical skirling notes which, har-monised by distance, travelled from the four-acre pool where scores of skaters cut the black ice and shouted

December 5, 1912.

12

THE UNITED METHODIST. December 5, 1912.

for n-fastery at a .rude hockey, .up and. down the level surface.

But the business of the, night banished desires for the skates. On went - the 7corripan}r• until it arrived at the substantial–house '',Of -,a 'gentlernan,farmer' and quarry-master, whose good wife loved the . Methodists and ;never failed "to send :gifts' to the. "special..sermonS." The farm and•Sporting, dogs giving tongue- announced the " waits."'! Spacious gates 'and .ample - &ors opened wide ; splashes of hbt -C6lour rushed forth ; dish-covers on the wallsof IthC:"hotise place shone like silver ; kettles were ruddy in ccipper'and .pans' bright' with brass. Holly, - mist 1 et oe,,, banners, coloured-paper and ever-green boughs made bare walls shine. ,

Gathering around 'the. open doors the choir sang at their full , - strength •. and :•-tOld . ithe.„ bending, listening heavens, and - the ,lowly., • expectant earth the story of ,watchful ,shepherds; of • a,' Holy • Family among the -herds of the 'stall.; .of .a Divine ,Babe why should be Master and. Monarch-and•SaVionr_of all. It was glorious .to sing in the frosty . night and to call all good Christian men to rejoice .becauSe the Saviour had come, and the world was redeemed. •

After regalement with solid Christinas cake, mince pies and hot ,drinks, some innocent of alcohol; others redolent of spices, lemon, whipped, eggs and elder-berry syrup, forth the party fared again.

Another up-hill tramp lifted them to a historic ridge of hills overlooking one of the 'IoVeliest, though least known, valleys of England and a dale whose beauty of woodland, jutting red-rock,–springs and streams of tinkling crystal,. feeding a string. of clear pools lying like a. silver bracelet adown the dale,. are above description and beyond compare. . . .

There, however, On the very' crest. of the ridge is a solitary Scotch fit; 'dark, .huge, fearsome, for it is "the hangman's tree'.": What wretched suicide choked out his last .breath, what gibbet - forestalled the grim- fir none deporieth. But what ISO i.:Ould pass' that. spot by night without a 'fearsome upturned.eye and a shivering spine?

Turning- to 'the 'right • the waits skirt the woodland along the lane, where in spring and summer the gipsies pitch their tents, whittle clothes-pegs, snare rabbits and pot wandering' roosters.

'Half . an hour's, toil through • the; untrodden snow of the old moorland road and the open heather bring - the choir- to " Tommy '.' Allin's of the Common side. Tommy and his 'good wife have been preparing for their cam- pany•all night; , In 'their cot with its potato-patch and its paddock and -meadow, wrenched by unceasing toil from the gravelly Common, they have been baking rabbit pies in the- old-fashioned oven fed with wood and preparing hot drinks for thirsty throats.

Only about once a year are as many visitors - seen together on Common' side. It is now early. morning between four and five o'clock. The house-place is plain, low-raftered and .furnished with solid old oak and mahogany, the dresser crowded with blue ware . and china which. would bring at auction to-day ,prices which would dazzle Tommy With amazement were he not in a far and a better country.. .

Now that its night's work is nearly over, the choir lets itself go. " It' produces:its entire musical programme and' responds' unfailingly to. -calls for renewal and .for yet more ancient 'hymns and'. tunes. The odour '.of resinous boughs and "rossety roats" of fir :fills the cot-tage. The hot steaming pots discharge' their fragrant tea* and coffee ; and there are mysterious drinks mixed by ctinning housewives, who in the ,summer and autumn gathered elder and bilberry, blackberry and currants, cOwslips, crowsfoot, may-blossom and dandelion root for the distillation of cordials for every ailment.of humanity.

After the supper-breakfast singing is renewed, not so valiantly nor scientifically, yet heartily as ever, for none are •critical - .arid all are of the same faith, hope• and love:

Reluctantly, it must be confessed, the tired singers farewelled the lonely cottars, called = at a few more farms. adown the hill and visited a few "mansions" nearer the town, and having completed the circle and, .given one final song at the chapel gates, wished each other "A merry, Christmas," and ''so, as Pepys says, " Home and to bed." .

Are there any such ChristmaS EVes nowadays? Any tunes like the old, ones? There may be' quality of trained voices and more .precision in tune and modulation, but where is the old triumphant :note of Christian experience and conviction in holy song? Across half a century echo answers, Where?

" Chinese- St. Francis." By C. Campbell Brown. (Hodder and Stoughton ; 2s. 6d.. net.)

WHAT a treasure. a: good missionary book is !. especially if it gives 'a. real view of the people concerned and a few good stories. For after all the contempt bestowed upon. them, stories tell. Whoever Mr. Camp-bell Brown is, he has produced gem of a book. In style it is perfect. Many times in read,ing it was remin-iscent of Stevenson, and quite as charming in matter. The St. Francis in question is one Brother Mao, who

-became a Christian, after much searching and striving, and ever after devoted himself to searching and re-searching the Bible until he` found 'everything there that he wanted. And also searching for souls. They' spat on 'him, they bestowed their domestic. filth upon his head, but he, like Pahl of old, never ?wavered. in the qUest•Of souls. And he did not fail, for his old "literati " uncle said—whilst clinging to his-. Buddhism for hirnSelf —"Christianity is a holy religion :• look ht :Fu : he was vile and Christianity has•made him• virtuous. Our reli, gions are venerable, but they:do. not make bad men good."

This volume is not only a good-missionary book; but it is a moving interpretation of Christianity, as it conies to a soul with no prejudice about it, innocently and ~imply. I t is Christianity simplified and universalised and ought-to be scattered far and wide.

Notes for Christmas Book-buyers.

MARIA ANN is imaginative. I have an impression that I. have told you thatbefore. Men who bring par-cels here, espeCiallY near .Christmas-time,' 'alWaYs.:sud-denly appear from nowhere-in-particular, and as sud-denly depart for whence they came. They always plunk (".plunk " is a specially expressive word of hers) their packages into the passage (to the serious diSlocation of the tiled flooring) without so much as a "By you leave." TO hear Maria Ann when she is "on " you would think the world was a twopenny tube, with a station in every village, and a magic chute attached to every front door.-Moreover, she is "'aughty " and "won't bear no' con-tradiction."

Well, here is the parcel, anyway. That is real enough —real cord (cart-rope, rather) and' real paper ' (coarsest brown). We'll spoil a pair of scissors and have a look within. Real packing ! and oh ! call in 'the family, the friends and neighbours !—real charming Story-books! Let us have a look at them. Here, first of all, are four books

For Wee Bairns. Longmans, Green, and Co.'s " Story of the Discon-

tented Little Elephant " is amusingly 'and graphically told in "Picture and Rhyme " by E. A(3. Somerville, and is published at 1s. 6d. net. The very smallest dot . Will like the pictures and be interested in the elephant's search for a longer "nose " and how it got a shorter•one instead.

Another book of Longman's' is " Old RhymeS :with New Tunes " (2s. 6d. • net): • The main 'feature' of this comically-illtistrated book is, of course, the new musical settings to about two dozen of the most . familiar nursery rhymes, and Mr. R. R. Terry is to,be heartily congratulated on his successful...adaptations. Many, •a happy evening is in store for the children whose parents will . take the trouble to teach them these songs... -

The Religious Tract Society provide the other two publications, viz., " Our Little Dots- ". end." The Child's Companion." These are, by reputation, prime favourites ; and this. year, as usual, they will prove a treasure trove of pictures, poetry, and stories ..such as children. de-light in.

For Children of nine and upwards of .both sexes- 'there are four books. One of them, " Oddle- and Iddle," by Lily Collier, pub-lished by .Smith, Elder and Co., at 3s. 6d., is a "fairy, story," set amidst an African jungle, with its unfamiliar birds, beasts, and sprites. The boy 'hero transformed into. - a .goblin of small .dimensions, and hobnobs . with " Oddle and Iddle," twin goblins of the wild. As can easily be imagined, the hero's adventure's, are both won-derful and of an unusual order. The authoress is better known as the Hon. 'Mrs. 'Gerard Collier; and both she and Mrs: Crawshay William , are to:: be compli-mented on the production of a very original and attrac-tive "fairy tale."

" The' Two 'Troubadours," by •,Esme 'Stuart, 'also by Smith, Elder and Co., at 3s. 6d., is a very creditable sequel. 'to the popular story, "Harum Scarum."' The twin brOthers are reminiscent of "Helen's BabieS," and the account of their efforts to - found a '"Troubadour Society " is most entertaining, Their tutor, Plan- tagenet Russell, an Unwilling member, •is especially embarrassed by their eager excursions into high romance, and everyone is captivated by these charming boys.

" Molly and Margaret," by Pat, published by Long-inan.s (2's. 6d. net), is a story about children for children by a' child. The authoress; to judge by the preface and the style, could have been little more than a child. It is an excellent child's story nevertheless, written in a limpid language which is altogether taking, and telling in attractive picture-prose how Molly Choodle got into,' and out of, scrapeS, with her mad ,•pranks, and how she strove in vain not to "fool " the un.sus-pectin,g-, Margaret. It is sad to learn that the . young authoress, who was an invalid, has since died.

"..Laddie's Choice," by Amy Le Feuvre. (Religious Tract .Society ; 2s.), is a story of the Vavasour boys. and their friends. It is written in the most charming style of the author of "Probable Sons." Real boys, quaint say-ings, romantic imaginings, delight the reader. Dad and "The Princess " are delightful creations. No won-der "Laddie " chose "home". rather than. Uncle's riches.

Two Books for Schoolboys follow : both from the Methodist Publishing House.

" Three Boys in Antarctica," by 0. W. Payne (2s. 6d)., is. a rattling story of peril's and excitements amid Polar snow and ice. What more stirring' • life could be imagined for three• boys than to go witha.'well,seasoned . ancle where they could actually experience the ad-ventures of which most boys can only read? To'hunt seal, discover voldanic mountains, enediinter 'schools of whales, winter among 'the ice, and at last to sight home all safe and sound : are -not these things a schodlboy's delight, even to dream of ? , ,

In •" Uncle : Reg's Schooldays " -6d.) the author tells his own story. His schoolmaster, "Old Johnny," was of the ."Squeers " type, and there is little. good to say . for him., There „are here the usual. features of a school tale', the school bully who gets a "licking,". the prig,. the scholar,_ the hero. The story is' 'in . rather. attractive c011Oquial way,- and its anthor . .showSr, considerable guile' in introducing' a series of brief talks' to boys by an athletic parson who is pdpular, and &ea- . sionally visits the school.

Stories Suitable for Schoolgirls. " The Stone House," by Isabel S. Robson (R.T:S. ;

2s.), is the story of a girl trained and adopted by wealthy

people, who returned home to find her mother a widow, arid her sister's and' Mother in great financial straits. How she, the ugly duckling,. taekled the situation- with • grit and determination; and single-handed, is the story that , occupies the. pages of this book, and her debut as a second-hand bookseller is an initiatory indication of the type of girl she was. She was bound to win, and she did. " Aunt Patience," by E. Everett-Green (price 3s. 6(1.),

tells of . Pat and Viola, the . spoilt children of fashion, who did not relish being transferred, even for health's sake, .to the tender mercies of a rather Puritan Aunt Patience, in her country ' home. Pat, however, soon tumbled to the new regime, -and took to parochial chari-ties, etc. Between Viola and her aunt there was a per-sistent clash of wills. The method adopted to subju-gate the wilful girl rather win our sympathies for her and, after all, she turns out trumps.

There are also here three

Tales for Adults. The' Methodist Publishing' House supply the first two

at 3s. 6d.- each. " The Dream Triumphant " is by Marguerite CurtiS,

and!is. excellent tale of two doctors, two girls, and an :American millionaire. One of the girls, 'Marie Brenell; a popular singer, begins by pretending a loss of rnemory and ends by actually losing consciousness of the past. Complications then: arise, and only a lover's patience and loyalty succeeds in establishing the girl's recovery of memory. The millionaire, a former suitor, arrives in 'England to :find his true ideal in Marie's cousin JacqUeline: The story is very brightly and in-terestingly told.

" Castle Hampstead," by Wesley Hart, is an 'account of a village, sold to, and invaded by, a Methodist squire and 'his family. The event is like .a thunderbolt to the vicar, neighbouring squires, and'the' simple villagers, and they are all very much in, arms at the intrusion. The quaint remarks of the villagers provide amusing reading, as does also the astonishment of "Society " on discovering that the new squire is •a man of inter-national fame. Eventually a mediurn of .mutual apprecia-tion is established, and intermarriages .between Squire-dont and Manse ensue.

" The Brownie of Wierdlaw," by Cyril Grey (R.T.S..; 3s. 6d.) 'Dr. Wedderburn's blindness compels him. to relinquish. . most promising . , practice, and plunges his family into financial 'difficulties. The datigh-ter Christine is 'tempted to accept an assured career on the operatic. stage in order 'to reinstate . their :fortunes, but at the entreaty of her parents she resists pressing offers and returns 'to the Country home where her parents have already settled. The story ismainly occupied with the family struggles and the foolish pride of a neigh-bouring family, with one of whom the son, Mark Wed-derburn, fights .a,,,duel, with an amusing sequel. The Brownie- is the Lo5d of the Manor, who is secretly the good angel: of the family.

Other Books for" Adults. 'Restful Thoughts for Dusty, Ways," by Canon.

Langbridge, published by the Religious Tract. Society at 3s. 6d.' and 2s. net, is a beautifully-bound devotional booklet' containing about two hundred ,songlets, quat-rains,' and couplets With heartening. messages for tired men and women. The book is compiled from contribu-tions of the author sent At the behest-of the editor to ithe pages' of "The Sunday at Home," and is prettily bound tn Persian yapp, with gilt edges 'and gold letter- ing. ' . .

'`, how to Instruct and Win the•Young," cOmpiled and published by Henry Pickering (is. net), is .a. book, for teachers, It comprises subject-studies, card-lessons, blackboard talks, object-lessons, picture addresses, and pictorial lessons from " Pilgrim's . Progress "—an almost endless variety ..of • orirr

t'inal, and striking suggestions

which should be:easy of adoption by the ordinary teacher of young. folk. Sometimes. the matter is antiquated and quite .unsuitable, in our opinion, but the methods can-not fail to help all those•who.study them with a view to learning how to appeal more attractively and effectively to. the young 'mind. J. .B. BROOKS.

The Coming of the Great Guest.

WHILE 'the cobbler mused there passed his , pane A beggar drenched by the driving rain. He called' him in from the stormy street, And gave him shoes for his bruised feet. The beggar went on. There came a crone, Her face with wrinkles of sorrow sown; A bundle of fagots bowed her back, And she was spent with the wrench and rack. He gave her his loaf and steadied her load, And she took her, way on the weary road.

'Then 'to his door came a little' child, . Lost and afraid in •the world so Wild— In the big dark world. Catching it up, He gave it milk in the waiting 'cuP,- And led it home to its mother's arms, Out of reach of the world's alarms.. The day went down in_ the crimson west, And with it the hope of the bleksed Guest, And Conrad sighed as the world turned gray "Why is it, Lord, that your feet delay? Did you forget that this' was the day? "

Then soft in the silence a voice he heard : "Lift up your heart, for I kept my word. Three times I came to your friendly door ; Three times my shadow was on your floor ; I was the beggar with bruised feet ;. I was the woman you gave to, eat ; I was the child on the homeless street:" .

—EDWARD MA.RKHAM.

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14 THE UNITED METHODIST. December 5, 1912.

• IN

The Music of Christmas. BY REV. W. RUPERT CLARK.

The Growing of Christmas Trees.

"Ring out, ye crystal sphe-es, Once bless our human_ ears, • ,.

If ye have power to touch our senses so : And let your silver chime Move in melodious time ;

And let the bass of heaven's deep organ blow ; And, with your ninefold harmony, Make up full concert to the angelic symphony.

"For, if such holy song, Enwrap our fancy long,

Time will run back and fetch the age of gold And speckled vanity Will sicken soon and die,

And leprous sin will melt from earthly mould : And hell itself will pass away, And leave her dolorous mansions to the peering day."

—MILTON, Ode on the morning of Christ's Nativity.

MANY noble strains blend into the vast harmony that makes our Christmas music. Art, religion, poesy, romance, friendship, swell the great paean of thanks-giving and mirth ' that arises from many hearts at Christmas-tide.

The Homage of the Poets. Alexander Smith, in a charming essay in " Dream-

thorp," tells of the poems he loved to read at Christmas. One was the solemn-toned organ-music of Milton's mighty " Hymn to the Nativity." Another favourite poem, an eloquent celebration of the power of Chris-tianity and a prophecy of its triumph was the chorus in . " Hellas," in which Shelley, having broken away from - the crude atheism of his youth, declares that "the Cross leads generations on."

To spend some part of Christmas in reading the poets' interpretation of the great Christmas Fact is a delightful occupation. Every mood of thought, every variety of temperament, is mirrored and interpreted. The poets who have sung of Christmas are .a legion. Tennyson and Browning; Scott, and Kingsley, have words of faith that brace and cheer. And very dear to the world's heart are the strains of many lesser singers. The inspiriting and comforting words of Herbert, Keble, Dora Greenwell, Christina Rossetti, Whittier, and others could ill be spared. •

The message of Christmas still provides poetic in-spiration. The great theme of Christ's Nativity causes the spring of melody, to gush forth. Modern. poets sing, of the marvellous night and the more marvellous birth which is the central inspiration of our Christmas good-will. To the poet, whom Mrs. Browning called "the only truth-teller now left to God," the great verity of Christ makes a strong appeal. Around the cradle of Jesus stand the poets, bringing the incense of their genius to •the world's Lord. The Incarnation is a theme which calls out the mightiest music of which a singer is capable. Poets who are Christian believers love to gather at Bethlehem, where lay the infant Jesus in- a place obscure.

"0 little Bethlem, poor in walls, But rich in furniture ! "

Around the infant Jesus the poets and singers of the world are carolling ! Echoes of the "lovely voices of 'the sky that hymned the Saviour's birth " -thrill the hearts of those to whom the Christmas story is ren-dered more entrancing when interpreted by poetic genius. And when quaint carol or noble psalm is made vocal by worthy music, the unearthly charm is well fitted to lead men's thought to the heaven that rippled over into song "in the bleak mid-winter long ago."

The Music of the Heart. The bells of Christmas speak eloquently of joy, but

in the heart of the Christian love is deeper still. The reason for rejoicing is found in the religious signifi-cance of Christmas. It is the festival of the Child Who came as a Saviour. The boisterous gusto of the roy-sterer is not joy : it is crude animation, "the crackling of thorns under a pot." He truly keeps the feast of the Saviour who regards it as a memory of heaven's love and a prophecy of the world's peace, an opportunity for honest mirth and for the manifestation of goodwill. For all who love, serve, yearn, this holy season is full of magic. Noble inspirations for Christian, joy spring from the thought of God incarnate in human form. Tender ministries are suggested by the memory of the advent of Him who came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.

The magical spell of Christmas has surely never been better set forth than in one of James Smetham's letters. "Christmas approaches, a charmed time to me. I hear its music afar off,—the song of the angels, the breathing of the bells, but most the divine song from out the central glory. I feel l'Ake a swain simply chatting

in the rustic row.' It has begun, it is descending in the sloping line froM the Infinite—a wave ebbing from the other side of the ocean to break ere long on the high shore of the world, faint with distance. A revolving carol that traverses the spheres always, and once a year is heard among our .stars. The angelic waits ' go the round of the universe, and when ,Christmas falls they come-

' Peace and goodwill, goodwill and peace ; Peace and goodwill to all mankind.'

Do you not hear it—a filmy melody like a starbeam? No, it is lost again, for the wind shook: the perishing leaves, and their whispering drowned the music ; •but I , heard it, and it is ten thousand miles nearer than it was—the attenuated trumpet-note, the fine silver-trum-pet-note, long drawn out, like a gossamer thread, and the thrill of the harp-string, something also answerable to the fife, keen, like a star in the nebulous music', and a wind-borne voice buoyed as the phosphoric crest of a wide wave of vocal sound—these, mixed, yet dis-• tinguishable, for one moment I heard from far beyond where the phantom-clusters of astral world-fire grow '

pale by reason of distance in an abyss between twd milky veils, so ghostly that they were visible and in-visible, veils which were ,galaxies. Across that abyss, as a small meteor fluttered and fell into the night-gulf, so I heard that music. And on Christmas morn I knoW that they who sleep, but their hearts wake, will hear one full carol and feel the shining of the glory ; but it will not stay, only the music will linger in them all day, and the glory will brood over their heart, and some divine sentence from the lips of the King will come up every hour to make them wonder at its depth and meaning, The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld •His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.' "

Faith's Psalm of Life. The heart sings at Christmas, but it is not a super-

ficial song. There are chords of sorrows in the full harmony. The Orient kings brought not only gold and incense, but bitter myrrh. The Saviour's love was sacrifice, even in the cradle. Our Christmas song should breathe not only of thanksgiving, but of love, of service, and, if necessary, of sacrifice.

The sense of the mysterious and symbolic in the cir-cumstances of our Lord's birth captures the imagination. Faber has spoken with mystical fervour of the five great material objects that in the midnight cave where Jesus was born represented five great spiritual realities. The beasts, the manger, the straw, the darkness, the cold, were the outward signs of the humiliation of our Lord's birth. But these things are spiritual types as well as 'material realities. There were five spiritual presences in the Cave of Bethlehem which these five material things aptly represented—Poverty, Abandonment, Re- jection, Secrecy, and Mortification. "Have they not," Faber asks, "been evermore the five "sisters of all the saints of God? " Into the bundle of myrrh which loving souls bring to their Lord all renunciations and sacri-fices are gathered. From bitterness and pain endured for Christ's sake there is distilled a subtle joy of love. His 'disciples can boast in the cross. They glory in tribdlations also. They bring to Jesus the myrrh of love. They win from discords and minor music their richest harmonies.

Love which can sacrifice and renounce lays its 'con-secrated tribute at the feet of Christ. St. Catherine of Siena, one of the remarkable women Of the world, and one of the great history-makers, laid her pride of intel-lect down in 'response to Divine love. Her ambitious self was slain by the love of Jesus. In a vision she saw the Christ present her with two crowns, the one of thorns and the other of gold. She was bidden to choose. "I desire, 0 Lord," she said, "to live here always, conformed to Thy passion, and to find pain and suffering my delight." And so she took the crown of thorns, pressing it forcibly on her forehead, behind whose white walls, says one, there lived the governing intellect of her world.

At Christmastide, under the holy influences suggested by the commemoration of the birth of Jesus, the heart should be capable of uttering a strain of music in which devoted love and true obedience join. The Babe "who hath retrieved our loss " calls for our best sacrifice. Those who have no ode may bring their heart's adora-tion. Those who have no sweet odours may bring their fragrant, love. Those without gold may offer loyalty of service.

"What can I give Him? Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd' I would bring a lamb,

If I were a wise man I would do my part,—

Yet 'what I can I give Him, Give my heart."

BY S. LEONARD BASTIN.

Full siK weeks before the great festival, the Christ-mas-tree grower is at work directing his men in 'the removal of the firs from the plantation. The greatest rush of all, however, occurs just about ten days before the 25th, when orders crowd in from all parts of the country, at almost every hour of the day, and

they during the night. As the firs are uprooted they are tied together in bundles' of ten, those of a size being placed together. The trees are then ready to 'be carted to the station from whence they are dispatched to wherever their destination may be. As a matter of fact, the majority in the first place go to Covent Garden, that great central mart for all garden produce.

The dealings of a big grower of Christmas trees, although large enough to surprise those unacquainted with the doings 'of the Trade, are not nearly so great as was the case fifteen years ago. One of the most prosperOus growers in the country was in the habit of dispatching from eighty -to one hundred thousand trees annually a while back. Now he can rarely get rid of more than fifty thousand, so that at the present time the Christmas-tree trade can hardly be described as being' in a flourishing condition. -One cannot think that such an agreeable custom •as_the loading with gifts of the little firs will fall into disuse, at any rate as long as the children are to have any say in the matter.

[Reproduced from the "One and All Gardening An-nual for 1912 " of the Agricultural and Horticultural Association, Ltd., by special permission of Mr. Ed. Owen Greening.]

EVERYONE knows that the Christmas tree—the miniature fir loaded with lights and gifts—it a Ger-man institution ; but the fact that the late Prince Con-sort introduced the delightful custom in the early days of Queen Victoria's reign is not perhaps so widely realized. This quaint usage from the Fatherland seems to have appealed very strongly to the fancy of the British people, • for the demand for Christmas trees increased by leaps and' bounds from the time when the small firs began to play a part in the round of Christ-mas festivities. Even to-day, when big growers in the trade view the outlook with somewhat gloomy faces, the number of trees which are dealt with at Covent Garden and elsewhere, would surprise many people. It is probable that at least 250,000 Christmas trees are sold during the months of December and January.

Christmas trees are grown in several localities in England, but that which is the most important district of all for the industry, lies at the point where the three counties of. Berks, Hants and Surrey 'border upon one another. Here there is a tract of sandy country which is well suited to the growth of firs of all kinds, and is especially favourable for the cultivation of the spruce fir, the only sort which is recognised by the trade as suitable for the purpose under consideration. The neat growth and dwarf habit of this kind of fir, coupled with the bright green colour of its foliage, place it as the ideal Christmas tree. It is rather an interesting point to note that the Christmas-tree grower makes a special point of cultivating his firs upon poor soil. This is on account of the fact that on rich land the colour of the foliage of the spruce fir is of a dark 'green, whilst on impoverished land it is of a pale bright tint. In this latter condition the trees are likely to find the best market.

The making of a plantation of Christmas trees is a decidedly laborious undertaking, and one which calls for considerable outlay, with but small chance of see-ing any return for many years: In the first place the land must be thoroughly cleared of all vegetation and the ground submitted to a rough form of tillage. Then the planting of the spruce firs may be carried out. These trees are all brought as seedlings from Scotland, where they are grown specially for the purpose. The little trees are placed in 'position all over the ground about 3 ft. apart, so that they may have pl3nty of space in which to increase. And then the Christmas-tree farmer has nothing more to do but to wait patiently for five or even six years. At the end of thiS time the trees will have'increased considerably and will in all probability be just touching one another. The time has now' come for the gathering in of the first crop of trees, although the specimens are as yet only small and will not command very big prices. It will be readily realized that as the trees develop a periodical clearance becomes a necessity. If the firs were permitted to grow on indefinitely, the result would be disastrous ; every tree would crowd up against its neighbour in such a fashion that all the lower branches would begin , to drop their foliage. In such a state, of course, the Christmas trees would be unsightly objects indeed, of small value for marketable purposes. Thinning out must be an annual affair, and it is really one of the greatest burdens which the Christmas-tree farmer has to bear. Whether there are customers for the trees or_ not, is of no consequence ; every portion of the planta-- tion must be examined, and the superfluous trees re- moved.

In seasons when the demand for Christmas

trees has fallen off for some reason or other, the growers have sustained great losses, because the amount of labour expended has been pretty much as usual although the sales have lessened. If no buyer can be found for the trees they simply have to be destroyed. This is what actually occurred in 1899 at the time of the British disasters in South Africa. Thou-sands of little firs were burned, because no one would buy them. As years go on the plantations of fir trees become very much thinned out, and fresh seedlings are planted. Naturally, after ten years or so of growth, the remaining trees are of a large size and calculated to sell for a good price.

December 5, 1912. THE. UNITED METHODIST. 15

The Building Up of the Old Testament.

" The Building Up of the Old Testament." By Canon Girdlestone. (R. Scott; os. net.)

This is one of the early volumes of the nei:V:',Library of Historic Theology that is being published.-:by. Mr. Robert Scott. The series aims "at presenting a general survey of the present position of thought and know-ledge in various branches of the wide field which is included in the study of divinity." The need for a re, statement of the 'Christian faith in the light of recent thought and discovery is admitted. everywhere, alike by critics and conservatives. Many attempts are being made to supply the need : and so long as they are

. characterized by adequate knowledge and reverent spirit they cannot fail to be useful in clearing away diffi-culties and establishing faith on a strong foundation.

Each new attempt is suggestive of one inevitable question "What is the present position . of thought

knowledge? " If that can be ascertained, the new attempt can be estimated with comparative, ease. But it requires little short of a union of ,omniscience, and infallibility to declare'exactly the present position of a subject like Old ..Testament - Introduction . at which so many scholars are working and from different stand-points. And there is bound to - be considerable differ-ence of opinion whether any particular author is cor-rectly estimating the present, position.

Canon Girdlestone has long been a stalwart cham-pion of what As called the orthodox view, and it is so that he appears in the work now under review. It is not the old orthodoXy that he proclaims. The Excur-sus on •" Inspiration," at the end of this volume, shows how different is the orthodoxy of to-day from the orthocioxy'.of 'fifty years ago. Canon Girdlestone does not,,..(like --Charles Haddon Spurgeon). believe in the verbal inspiration of the Scriptures even to the commas.

he is a rigid conservative with regard to higher criticism. And unfortunately (as it seems to the present reviewer) he fails to do justice to the critical position, and sholivs throughout a regrettable, bias. the Scrip-tures have. been sacred to hii-n for seventy years, and he cannot tolerate what he calls "the, labyrinthine methods of modern analysts " (xiv.) ; • . and he can scarcely believe that where these methods prevail the Scriptures can still be sacred. Yet he does not hesitate

'to make statements as•.unsupported by evidence as any that can be found in the writings of men of the critical school. Let some examples be quoted :

He ,speaks of the risk of the -text suffering through transliteration, and claims that this necessary work could only have been undertaken by responsible persons. "Moses may be regarded as authorizing the first, and, perhaps, Ezra the dast" (p. 21). The "first " trans-literation was that which turned the earliest part of Genesis from the Sumerian characters into the cunei-form. , .0n what evidence is this work referred to Moses? It is a pure guess, and is on a par with the suggestion that the compiler of the Book of Judges "may have been. Samuel " (p. 27) and the statement that the .substance of "Esther" is "certainly the work of Mordecai "_ (p. 217).

But what about these' pre-Mosaic writings? "The reasonable view of this Book " (i.e., Genesis) seems to be that it is the growth of ages, contributed to by Noah and the patriarchs, and that their narratives came into the hands of Joseph the residuary legatee of the patriarchal age, and were transliterated under the direction of Moses " (p. 27). "There was a pre-Mosaic sacred literature which included the original charter granted to Abraham and his seed and which fore-shadowed the mission of Israel " (p. 33). Abraham "had the narrative concerning Enoch in his hand " (P. 75).

Here is a series of quite interesting guesses : but there is not a sound link in the chain. By what evidence are these suppositions transmuted into state-ments of fact? Dr. Girdlestone produces no evidence whatever. He quotes references to the grant of land _promised to Abraham—that is all. And this is "the reasonable view " of Genesis ! We submit that such examples of pure speculation are out of place in a book intended to enlighten "the large mass of the parochial clergy and students."

It is quite possible that what are trustfully described as "the ascertained results of modern criticism " may require modification as time advances. But in " the present position of knowledge" they cannot be justly ignored in the way that Canon Girdlestone ignores them. The minutely careful researches of competent scholars are not put out of court by a pleasantry about " the labyrinthine methods of modern analysts." We will refer only to the sections that deal with Genesis and Isaiah.

The Book of Genesis is treated at greater length than any other Book of Scripture. Twenty-six pages are devoted to it. Surely, in this space something might have been said about the details on which the higher critics rely for substantiating their theory (or theories) of its composition. But these are quietly ignored. Is it because they are dangerous to faith and unsettling? If they are true, they should be declared : truth can bear the light of day. If they are false, they are so strongly supported and so widely current among scholars as to demand refutation. But they should not be passed over in silence in a book dealing with "the building up of the Old Testament."

In the section on the Book of Isaiah, which con-tains only seven pages, the author finds space for referring briefly to the question of the ,unity of the book. But there is no discussion of the evidence on which the unity is doubted or denied. Dr. Driver (we refer to him because Canon Girdlestone names him in

his Preface) gives' three independent lines of argument

that converge to .show that chapters XL—lxvi. are not the work of Isaiah --(Literature of the Old Testament, pp. 236--246),, (1) The internal evidence points to the period of exile. •Dr. Girdlestone , is silent about the internal evidence except on one point—the occurrence of the name of Cyrus (xliv..28, xlv. 1). His explanation of this reference to a definite individual is unconvincing : but even if it were satisfying, what' of the other details which Dr. '.Driver names? (2) Dr. Driver's second line of evidence is based on literary style. Canon Girdlestone meets this with a simple denial that it affects the unity of the book. 'There is no indication of a new hand " (p. 242). But denial is not disproof. It may be admitted that on the other hand affirmation is not proof. But when affirmation produces evidence in its support that evidence should be examined. (3) The theological ideas of the later section are markedly different from those of the earlier. On this Carton Girdlestone is silent.

We admit that "the burden of proof lies with the modern students who question the _traditional view" (p. 242). These students have produced and are still producing their proof.. It is (to say the least) suffi-ciently strong to demand examination in a scientific treatise of the subject. Our complaint against Canon Girdlestone (and we make it with the utmost respect) is that none of "the...parochial...clergy and students " for whom the book is written would gather from it a correct impression as to 'the "'present position of thought and knowledge." If the student is already acquainted with the position of the higher critics, he will find in this volume nothing to shake their argu-ments : and if he does not know their position he will remain in ignorance after reading the book. He is not even pointed to the proper sources of information, for the author (in not unfrequent references to other works) refers only to men of his own school. lie even suc-ceeds in treating the Book of Isaiah without a refer-ence to George Adam Smith. Who that reads this book without previous knowledge of the subject will get any idea that the leading- scholars of the day occupy a position quite other than the author's?

We fear, therefore, that this volume is not likely to advance the purpose of the series to which it belongs. When every allowance is made for differences of opinion about the present position of Old Testament Introduc-tion we expect to find careful readers in general agree-ment that the position is not that of "The Building Up of the Old Testament."

GEO. G. HORNIIY.

An Excellent Bible Class Handbook.

THE National Council of Adult School Unions has published through Messrs. Headley Brothers "The Adult School Lesson Handbook, 1913 " (paper, 4d. net ; limp cloth, 6d. net). It is a most excellent book for the pur-pose, and we heartily commend it not only to leaders of Adult Schools, but to leaders of Young Men's Bible Classes. The book consists mainly of two parts : (1) A scheme of study for the Adult School, and (2) Notes on the lessons set in 'this scheme. The -subjects embraced in -the scheme are such as the following : "The Man for To-day in the Light of the Teaching- of Jesus." For three Sundays in January and three in February the 'subject is "The Man," for the next five Sundays it is "His Outlook on Life," and for the next seven Sundays -" His Vision of God." In June there commence seven studies on " Isaiah—Statesman and Prophet." In August five Sundays are given. to the study of "The Earth as a Home for Man." In September the theme .begun in January is resumed—"The Man for To-day in the Light of the Teaching of Jesus," under the heading "His Life in the Community." Thereupon follows a series of studies on "Paul-L-the Man as Revealed in his Letters," which continues- A) the end of the year.

The scheme of study is broken up into five columns. In the first is given the date; in the second, the Bible Subject ; in the third, Bible References ; in the fourth, Other References ; and in the fifth, Allied Subjects, suit-able for first half-hours, for lectures, or for general study. It is in connection. with the fourth column mostly that _the larger part of the book is written. It consists of notes written by experts on each Sunday's lesson. They will be -found most stimulating:, and helpful, and we whole-heartedly urge teachers of young men's classes, on the look-out for fresh subjects freshly treated, to peruse this handbook. I I. S.

Calendars.

TI1E Religious Tract Society have issued- the Copping Calendar for 191:3 (2s. (id.). It consists of four large reproductions in mezzotint of four pictures by Mr. Harold Copping—The Little Child Set in the Midst, The Well of Sychar, The Walk to Emmaus, and The Ascension. These pictures will be a delight to all who see them. From the same publishers come the Harold Copping Calendars for 1913. They are published in sets, A, B, C, D, at 1s. each, and each contains half-a-dozen reproductions on smaller scale of Mr. Copping's illustrations of Scripture incidents.

Messrs. Pickering and Inglis, Glasgow, publish the Ebenezer Calendar (4d.) and two block calendars, Daily Manna (6d.) and the Believer's Calendar (1s.). The two last named contain a Scripture text for every day of the year and the Believer's Calendar has also a select meditation.

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A Mystic Advent : A Message for Christmas. BY REV. J. HERRIDGE BATT.

December 5, 1912. TIIE UNITED METHODIST. 17

ALL Christians are familiar with the New Testament account of the birth of Christ, the incarnation of the Son of God, the coming in our nature of the Redeemer for us men and for our salvation ; and at this time will be specially. turning in reverent thought and contempla-tion to this mystery. "Great is the mystery of godli-ness ; He was manifested in the flesh." This event is the historic advent distinctly announced, affirmed, and described in the NeW Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The advent of the Saviour into this world was- an actual event. It is an historic fact. It was predetermined by God, and by saintly watchers expected, longed, and looked for. It took place at a definite time, in a known place, amid circumstances clearly observed and reported. "The Word was made flesh and , dwelt among us." " In the fulness of time, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman." "Behold! I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people : for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord." The Messiah came as foretold. He came precisely as the New Testament tells us He came. This is the august, outstanding Event that meets us on the threshold of the Evangel, this mystery of the holy incarnation. This is the super-

. natural event that lifts the whole' Gospel to the plane of the,supernatural. He came as no other ever came. He lived as no other ever lived. He died as no other

• ever died. He rose from the dead as no other ever rose. He lives again and reigns as no other ever lived and reigned.

His advent was the incarnation of the Son of God, not simply a human birth ; His life the life of a sinless and perfect teacher and worker and healer ; His death an atonement for sin ; • His resurrection the resumption of His own life voluntarily laid down, and His read-mission to the glory He had with the Father before the world was ; His reign the maintenance of His media-torial dominion in all the ages. Our confession of faith is, in the simple majestic words of the "Apostles' Creed," "I believe in. Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary." It is sufficient that at "Advent " we recall with devout and lowly mind the historic event of our Lord's nativity ; and it is ,not necessary to speak of it more amply and lengthily.

There is also an advent of our Lord to the , heart of every Christian that we do well to dwell on, the signifi-cance of which we should seek to realize and understand as we find we are able to receive it. It is this approach, and entrance, and inhabitation of Christ in the be-liever's heart that I have ventured to call a mystic advent. It is an advent which occurs over and over again through all the ages, and is repeated in the life of every one of the new-born, and rises into the con-sciousness with great and growing distinctness with some, perhaps with 'less perception and knowledge with others from want of acquaintance with their full privi-lege in the promise of Christ's message.

In the solemn and fathomless seventeenth of St. John, our Lord Himself approaches this truth, and draws His disciples to it. This is a chapter that, with the im-mediately preceding chapters, is distinguished by the commanding preface, "These things spake Jesus." The transition is carefully marked from words addressed to the disciples in the fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth chapters, to words spoken to the Father in prayer in the seventeenth. "And lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, Father, the hour is come." First, in this prayer, He recognizes an outward relation of .Himself to His own., "I manifested Thy name unto the men whom Thou .gayest Me out of the world : Thine they were, and Thou gayest them to Me." "And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to Thee." "While I was with them, I kept them in Thy Name which Thou hast given Me ; and I guarded them." "I have given them Thy word." Manifestation, keeping, guarding, giving, are the ideas these words convey, all denoting communication., very close and blessed contact and fidelity and ministry.

But this is not all. He goes on to speak of a communion that is more, much more, than a communi-cation ; of an impartation of Himself to them • that is an advance on anything previously - enjoyed, of a pro-cession and participation and indwelling, spiritual and ineffable, which is - the ultimate blessedness, the ne phis ultra of experience and fellowship on: earth , and in

heaven ; ever discovering itself, opening • out its contents to the wondering gaze and attention, as the eye is able to see, the ear to hear, the heart to perceive. "Even as Thou, Father, art in .Me and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us." "And the glory Which Thou hast given Me I have given unto them ; that they may be one, even as We are one ; I in them, and Thou in Me." . . . "0 righteous Father . . . these knew that Thou didst send Me; and I made known unto , them Thy name, and will make it known ; that the love wherewith Thou lovedst Me may be in them, and I in them." They knew the historic advent, that the Father sent the Son; they were to learn, to know, and experience the mystic acramental advent and abiding of Christ in them, an .l the love of the Father in themr

The words "And I in them " read like the last words before the Master and the disciples stepped over Kedron and entered the garden), and the parting took place, "and the band seized Jesus and bound Hirn and led Him away." They are the last recorded words before the parting ; anyway, words which show that He knew that He was thereafter to be nearer to them than ever. This thought was the balm of that hour. There would be no real separation more ; suffering did not mean severance ; the cross, whose shadow -was now deepening on Him, could never signify estrangement, but quite the opposite. He would only thereby come the nearer. His advent would now be IIis inhabitation of the humble

To the Editor of THE UNITED ME1HODIST.

Dear Sir,—The story is told that when Miss Jane Wilson had expressed her willingness to become the wife of Professor Aytoun, she requested him to ask her father's sanction. The Professor, however, sug- gested that she would be the better medium ; and, ac-cordingly, she found her way to "Christopher North's" study. She anxiously solicited her father's approval of the match. Without making any remark the old gentle-man wrote a few words on a scrap of paper, which he pinned to the back of his daughter's dress and told her to show it to her suitor. She hastily returned to the room where she had left Aytoun, and he eagerly read aloud the following pleasing announcement : "With the author's compliments ! "

This pleasant story suggests a seasonable theme to my mind. Not all of us have daughters to give away, but we have all from time to time to do difficult tasks and unpleasant duties, and it is worth much to know how to do them' with tact and good humour. Delicate situations sometimes arise, and if we have learnied how to carry them off successfully we are indeed fortunate. Could Professor Wilson's approval of his daughter's choice have been more pleasingly or neatly expressed? And would Aytoun ever be likely to forget the gracious and kindly humorous way in which the old gentleman had signified his satisfaction concerning his future son-in-law?

I.

Before I conte to the body of my subject I would like to make a personal admission on what I might call its outer garment. I once had a youthful ambition to be able to write the awe-inspiring words on the title- page of a book, "With the author's compliments." I imagine that others who find a joy in using a pen have shared the same ambition: . But the fates which control the making of books have wisely decreed that this youthful ambition should not be gratified. Of course, it is not safe to be too confident concerning to-morrow. A little yellow primrose has sometimes blos-somed in autumn. Even at this late day I might he tempted to join that amiable company of amateur literary gardeners just for the mere satisfaction of send-ing my friends a drooping flower with the pleasing legend attached, "With the author's compliments." Yet I don't know. William Cowper says in a letter to his friend, Mrs. King, that when an author presents his own works he may be supposed to have exhausted all means of donation. But this is too sweeping : I myself have two or three books given me by their authors, and I am sure the donors could have chosen, had they wished, other ways of honouring me. (I might add I make this comment on the whimsical Cowper lest any

mind. Every disciple may now always look up to Him in every place, and say :

But Thou art here— Nearer than ever.

The spiritual life is now sacramental. The real, per-petual Presence hallows and diffuses, or "sheds " the love of God abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost given unto us, "like the dew on Hermon that cometh down upon the mountains of Zion." It is here that the Lord commands the blessing, even life for evermore. Every Christian who reads the Scriptures in the light of spiritual experience and fellowship, and union with Christ, has had reason to observe Luther's precaution not to miss the significance of the prepositions. "We are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ." We are to be "rooted and built up in Him." "He that keepeth His commandments abideth in Him, and He in him." "He abideth in us." "If we love, God dwelleth in us." "God said, I will dwell in them and walk in them." He is closer than close, nearer than we are to one another, nearer than we are to ourselves, closer than breathing, nearer than hands and feet.

Of all Thou hast in earth below, In heaven above to give,

Give me Thy only love to know, In Thee to walk and live.

Fill me with all the life of love; In mystic union join

Me to Thyself, and let me prove The fellowship divine.

Open the intercourse between My longing- soul and Thee,

Never to be broke off again, To all eternity.

Besides these words of Wesley, there are those of Laurenti, written two hundred years ago, beginning " Du wesentliches Wort," and placed under Christ-mas Day in "Lyra Germanica." They are help-ful in aiding us to understand that Christ enters every loving heart and dwells there, that His advent to us, and abiding in us, is the experience of Christians, perpetuated, and repeated, and unfaltering through all the ages of the Church.

author who reads this letter, and is disposed to send me a complete set of his works, should change his mind.)

But I refrain from indulging in what has been called "the sweet pride of authorship " for -a. highly satis• factory reason. Honest coin, my dear sir. No price is 'paid for the lavish summer, I know. But I should want silver for my wares, sordid fellow that I am, and seeing the world gives unmistakable signs—signs which do not in the least surprise me—that it does not ask for any nectar of mine, I refrain. So I deny myself that agreeable glow of feeling which comes I am sure to the man who writes on the blank page of a book, "With the author's compliments."

II.

I propose to deal with my subject under two or three simple heads. In the first place the old Professor carried out a difficult task -with high good humour. That it was a difficult task there can be no question. Wilson was one of these geniuses who are a strange com-pound of jocularity and deep seriousness. Combined with an ardent love of life and all its joys was a strain of sadness. It was no light thing for him to consent to his daughter's marriage—is it ever a light thing- for a father to give his daughter away ?—but he did consent, and with a happy inspiration that made the consent doubly precious to those who were most concerned.,

Why arc we not more often intent upon doing. hard things with pleasantness and good cheer? Flow is It we so often fail in showing a fine and sweet courage in the difficulties of life? I am sure that many of us can recall instances when instead of writing, "With the author's compliments," we have been inclined to dash off some words of petulant refusal calculated to send the poor fellow about his business in double-quick time. I have no wish to judge my fellows in these matters, but there is a Christian way of doing the difficult tasks of life, and I fear we often fail in it.

It is a great test of character that we know how to make sacrifices with cheerfulness. What measure is there in us of holy light-heartedness? How far do we succeed in hiding our February experience under a June face? What degree of patience, or courage, or joy have we shown amid the bare trees and grey skies of our life? I have known some men—and I have known more women than men—who have moved among their fellows with a confident light in their dear eyes and a sure touch of healing in their hands who, neverthe-less, have been mortally wounded in the strife. I have seen sorrow and disappointment, disillusion and loneli-ness, borne with a quiet strength which has shown no ebb-tide. I have known hearts rejoicing in the light of the, noonday sun suddenly beclouded by a mysterious darkness, but out of the darkened sky there has come a

Letters of Christopher Hunt. " WITH THE AUTHOR'S COMPLIMENTS."

MORGAN AND SCO TT, LTD. " The Herald of Mercy Annual " (1s.) contains words

and messages of encouragement from many writers and from many • lands, and they all bear upon the Gospel message contained in John iii. 16. The book is admir-ably illustrated, and its messages are short and simple. Put into the hand's of those who 'feel their need of a Saviour it would do much good.

LPITLEBOROUGH.—A fancy dress carnival has been held in the Peel Street Sunday School, the opener on the Thursday being Miss Fletcher, of Summit, and the chairman Mr. John Walsh. On the Saturday the opener was Mrs. Edward Taylor, of Breeze Hill, in the absence of Mrs. Ernest Harvey, and Mr. Thomas Barrett presided. The net proceeds amounted to £29, which goes towards furnishing one of the vestries.

18

THE UNITED METHODIST. December 5, 1912

heart richer, fuller, purer, and glowing with more of the warmth of God's holy love than ever before. Such lives prove how'often "one dead joy appears the platform to some better hope."

III.

Then again, Wilson showed a fine considerateness for the feelings of the .man who sought his daughter's hand by the happy way 'he' expressed his approval. He might have chosen ,a dozen other ways—I can think of six, at least, myself. Wilson was capable of, titanic wrath, and so could easily have shouted the house down before yielding his consent. He was a mane with an unusually copious vocabulary, and ,so he might have poured a stream of talk over poor Aytoun's head which would have led that shivering individual to wish he had never entered the man's house. Or he might have subjected the poor man to a .sort of refined prosecu-tion before giving in—a species of cruelty not .at all uncommon in these circumstances. And other ways of consenting to a daughter's marriage can. easily be imagined.

If space enough I would like to enlarge. on the virtue of showing consideration for the feelings of others.. What mortal right have we to • make people feel, un-comfortable before us? Who' has given us the authority to humiliate our fellows? I do not want any man to be humiliated .before me. His self-respect, whoever he is, should be as. sacred to me as I wish mine to be to him. I have known homes, and college class-rooms, and other plaCes where Christian people are wont to gather, where it has almost seemed as if delight were taken in making certain persons feel a deep sense of humiliation. It may have been done for the good of those persons' souls, but I cannot help thinking that often more harm has been done than good. There are some things we •should not see, for let us be quite sure of this that we are on perilous ground when we take upon ourselves the prerogatives of God. Humbled before God I ought to be, but I am not helped far along the path of .virtue when. I am humbled before men.

IV.

But my closing reflection shall have a decidedly seasonable application. There was a delightful un-expectedness about the way the old gentleman gave his consent. There was a charming freshiess about that little note he pinned upon his daughter's dress. And I think I see a hint here which might be more generally followed in these dull days.

Why should we not do some unexpected things this Christmas? It is the little unexpected kindnesses and attentions that often turn ,a drab day into one of Sunny brightness. It is the unexpected friend who calls ; the unexpected • word of appreciation that is spoken ; the unexpected gift that is made, which so often adds to the flame and glow of our lives. Well, let us ask ourselves what unexpected kind thing we can do this Christmas, and in what way we can surprise our dear ones and others at this happy time Let us plan some happy surprises for them, and so make the Christmas of 1912 one to be not easily f argot te n .

May I finally bring this letter to a close by humbly adopting the old Professor's words into a season's greet-ing, and say to your readers : "With the author's com-pliments! "

Yours, etc., CHRISTOPHER. HUNT.

The Heatherfields.

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PADSTOW.—Rev. W. Butt recently gave a lecture on "The Morning Star of the Reformation." Mr. Charles Mag-or (circuit steward) presided, and Mrs. Butt and Master Valiance Butt were the soloists. There was an appreciative audience. Protestant literature was dis- tributed at the close.

Annuals, etc. R.T.S.

" The Girl's Own Annual " (Ss.) is the annual for girls and women. The al-00es, literary, scientific, artistic and domestic, are on subjects that specially appeal to women and conduce to the widest culture. Its dis-cussion of fashions, knitting, crocheting, and fancy_ needlework will fascinate many eyes, and its articles on houskeeping, are invaluable. The stories are . high-toned and intensely interesting. •The whole volume. is a fine tribute to Miss Flora Klickman.n's consummate skill as editor. What an eye she has for the interesting, the picturesque, the stimulating, and the artistic ! She is without superior in these respects among editors—male or female—and she can give that mystic touch to her editorial' notes which makes this a pre-eminently suitable publication for issue by the Religious Tract Society. The drawing's by Louis Wain, Raymond Crossby, Hayward Young, Gordon Browne, C. J. Vine,. and R. F. Schabelitz, will delight the. mast artistic taste; so will the reproduction of photos by H. Irving. This volume still stands pre-eminent among the annuals.

" The Boy's Own Annual " (8s.). The "Boy's Own " was the .first of its class when it started, and it remains still first. It is difficult to think of any real boy that this volume will not delight, morning, noon, and night, and spring, summer, autumn and winter. This year's issue is on better paper, printed with new type, and with improved illustrations. The first pages are excellent, but there is improvement all the way through, and fathers and mothers could not do better than give this entrancing volume to their boys. The writing is high-toned, humorous, eke;ting at times, and always int-teresting.

" The Sunday at Itome," 1911-12 (7s. 6c1.). "The Sunday at Home " " exists to minister to the spiritual life of its readers and to feed and maintain 'their in= terest in moral and religious issues, in the work of the Church and the Kingdom of God." It does this admirably, with freshness of outlook and breadth of interest, and it never did it, better in its long and honoured history 'than under the present editor, Mr. W. Grinton Berry. His notes " From the Editor's Chair " are a new and pleasing feature of this year's issue. Here are well-written stories, stimulating ser-mons and devotional papers, and a number of articles on literary topics—all profusely and beautifully illus-trated. We notice a paper by our own missionary, Rev. Sam Pollard, upon "The Hill Tribes of West China." What gives special value to this volume is its series of sketches of men who are to the fore in religious work to-day, especially those of "the younger men." The series embraces articles on Chesterton, A. C. Benson, Harold 'Beg-bie, Mrs. Barclay, Dr. R u s sel 1 Wakefield, Dr. A. C. Dixon, Thomas Yates, and others. The series is of much more than: passing interest. This is just the volume for Sunday reading, and it will be greatly prized by all who possess it.

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" The Royal Annual " (1s. 6d.) is for older young young people, and its contents are of wider interest. In addition to stories, it has articles on Old Castles, their Histories and Legends, Our Missionary Societies and their Work, Some Old Favourite Hymns, and a large number of adventure and travel stories. It is a capital volume and of varied interest.

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Circuit Memories. I AM sitting in my study on this Sabbath evening.

Pit fire, is burning brightly, deep peace is mine, and utmost quietness - reigns. My gracious partner in the pathway of time is seated near me,, reading a delightful book.. The day has been a November dream of beauty. The moon was at the full as we returned from our evening service, and worship was in our souls as we gazed into the spacious firmament of mystery and splendour.

"'Old Tommy Starling." I have been musing on -the old familiar faces, and in

imagination have visualized the pageantry of life as it passed before my eyes in the years that haVe died away. In imaginatian I see a lovely northern river, and I hear its music as it sings itself through beautiful country, and pasf busy towns to the great ocean where it finds its termination- and origin. A few yards from -the river stood an old cottage. In times of flood, its occupant, a man of the tender age of 'seventy or thereabouts, was a prisoner in his own castle, and had to barricade the door with boards and clay. He was affectionately known as "Old Tommy Starling," the musical pronunciation af' the natives slightly altering his proper surname of Sterling. It was an education to know 'him. His gifts had a considerable range, humour, wisdom, and vision being amongst them. His acquirements were also con-siderable—a large and rich experience, reading ability, intellectual nimbleness which the rough and tumble of life had 'brought, and other .advantages. Snuff was his nasal paradise. His humour was delightful. He abounded in wise 'saws. A youth called one day to bor-row one as his father wanted to saw some planks ! A kindly, genial soul, Tommy's face shone like an -April morn : it had that freshness which comes from living much in the open air. To hear him talk about Dr. Adam. Clarke and of Rev.• Aquila Keene always reminded me of the lines in "The Lay of the Last Minstrel " :

In varying cadence, soft or strong, He swept the sounding chords along ; The present scene, the future lot, His toils, his wants, were all forgot.

I_ have spent many an hour listening to his reminis-cences : where his memory failed, , mental fertility suc-ceeded in making his discourse 'wise, sometimes witty, and, alas ! sometimes watery. The theological problem he was always attempting to crack was Dr. Adam Clarke's idea of the doctrine of "The eternal Sonship of Christ." After a long statement and argument his com-ment would be, "Now, I agree with Adam Clarke " ; and he would snap his fingers at the Conference, and challenge the President of that august body (" It ought to meet in August," he would say with a twinkle in his eye) to mortal combat there and then. As none of the Presidents responded, valuing their lives too dearly for that, Old Tommy would solace himself with a pinch of snuff. When he expatiated on Aquila Keene (his affec-tion for him causing the omission of his title) it was well for the listener that he was not due at a meeting, or expected at that moment to administer religious soothing syrup to some pious patient in weak health, for the racy and delightful stories he could tell of his dear old minister and ffiend Would have given Dicken.s material enough for another of his immortal books.

" Get in tut Gallery."

Services used to be held in his one-roomed cottage. A four-poster occupied one Corner, the tops of which reached the ceiling ; a dresser filled up half the space at the end of -the room, and the preacher stood in a corner between the fire and the window, and in the still-ness could hear the gentle murmuring of the stream as it glided past. Tommy would invite his neighbours to the service; they would respond and often crowd the cottage. On such occasions Tommy would say, "Now, lads,- get in tut gallery," and they would be on the bed and on the dresser in the twinkling of an eye. Some of them had posts of honour, for they held on to the four posts and no mistake. No doubt it was rare fun for them : for a lad without humour _is like life without: humour, an outrage against nature. Tommy always' gave his neighbours a warm welcome : for he believed in a good fire. Many people did at that time, especially for other people. The service would begin, Mr. Keene conducting. He was one of the ablest preachers and one of the most saintly ministers that ever adorned Free Methodism. When the text was given out Tommy would sometimes say, "Excuse me, Mr. Keene ; but you have preached that sermon here before." "dh ! have I, Tommy?." Mr. Keene would say, `f then I must turn to something else," which he wculd do in his calm, leisurely fashion, and then proceed as though nothing had happened.

A Wonderful Upper Room. At the pastern end of the old town stands, a. large

building which has peculiar associations. Every Satur-day evening, with rare exceptions, five or six, friends would meet for a few hours; for "the feast of reason, and the flow of soul." What intellectual battles were fought in that upper room which was chiefly, furnished with 'desks, inkstands, poor-law .books,. a few chairs, and bareness, yet it was illuminated.with friendship, in-telligence and spiritual experience : and after the music of the clash of theological and political swords had died. away there was the quiet and affectionate parting, which. had met the anticipation of another Waterloo.

The friend in whose office we gathered had a large family. He was musical, Ad in one of his rooms was - an _organ, he had built. Versatility, kindliness, and robustness of mind were his ; and humour enabling him to see A joke at first sight. He used to for whit he called •" an intelligent • orthodoxy." His chief.

opponent was a man who worshipped "The Christian World," which in itself spoke volumes. His breadth of mind, courage of opinion, and manliness were alike ad-mirable. The oldest member of the circle was patri-archal in appearance, with the unspeakable graciousness of a large and tender spirit. He was to me the em-bodiment of love and wisdom, and of the reign of Jesus in the Kingdom unseen. He was an enlightened man, and believed in the larger and better interpretations of the truth. The truth is necessarily old : and being old has necessarily the freshness and charm of immortality.

The fourth member was built on generous lines, both in spirit and mind. The many instances of his quiet generosity, of his nobility of soul, made it easy for me to believe that the tabernacle of God was with .men. He was well read, looked broadly at life and eternity, and gave me companionship and intellectual hospitality which have influenced my life in the best ways. travelled many miles to see him in his last illness, and was' greatly honoured, being the only one beyond his wife and daughter who was permitted to see him. In the great moments we always turn to Jesus ; so I read those immortal words beginning, "In my Father's house are many mansions," and then read that undying gospel " I am the good Shepherd : the good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep," then.in that quiet room we looked to Jesus. The last look of gratitude and love shone in his eyes, and the last grasp of his dear hand was upon mine : and when I left the house that beautiful country-side seemed very grey ; for the passing of friends shakes my life to its centre.

Two other regular members of this unconventional gathering who needed no post cards to remind them of the meetings were a Bank manager and the writer who exercises the right of silence concerning himself.

The first-named was full of Maurice, Kingsley, Robert-son, Erskine . of Linlathen : he talked about them, dreamed about them,. and agreed with them when they „agreed with him. A capable man in many ways, lov-able and worthy ; he and I are the only survivors of that band of friends and foemen.

Two or three other kindred souls occasionally joined the group, but they were visitors of whom we might say, "The light shone, and was gone."

Rev. John Stuttard. Once a year. Rev. John Stuttard came then we had

a midnight sitting. What an able, .gracious, glorious soul he was! ' One night in particular I remember. After a little preliminary skirmishing "the battle began all along the line." Politics and Social Reform were soon left behind for deeper and more important thinking and discussion. The Atonement, or rather the human setting of the doctrine Of the Atonement became the central subject of attack and defence. "Give it him, John," cried our host ; and friend ‘Stuttard responded

like a hero ; though our' "Christian World " worshipper,

encouraged by cries of "Now, Ralph, go for him," came up in clashing style ; and then the rest joined in when opportunity served, and thus the theological battle raged till the time to use our latchkeys had come.

Those were nights, indeed, of intellectual intoxica-tion : in those conflicts of opinion light came and strength and a deeper companionship, which in spirit abides to this clay, although four of the six have passed beyond the swelling of Jordan.

Do such memories sadden me? They do for the moment, but for the moment only : for I interpret them in their higher and larger significations. Thus my thinking runs : the order of Nature must be wise because divine; "the best is yet to be" is not simply poetry ; it is deeper than that, it is truth to which the universe is keyed ; the endless procession of humanity to the grave must have deeper meaning than we know ; all com-panionships, experiences, and enrichments of this our life are within transmuting and redeeming influences. And above all is the cloudless love whose shining is the hope, the redemption, and the unspeakable gladness of the race. HENRY JERVIS.

The Child, for the Future and God.

Jr was Christmas Eve, and I had journeyed to a remote village to take service on the following day. I had had. a tiring journey and was glad enough to be at length alone in the room assigned- to me in the farm-house where I was a guest. A fire had been. lit for my comfort, and I sat dozing and dreaming before it.

On my first coming into the country, the presence of the stables connected with the chapels for the accommo-dation of the vehicles of those coming from a distance, had struck me as a significant• and beautiful circum-stance. The symbolism of the thing appealed to me. On this night I was thinking again of the first Christ-mastide, of the coming of the King and of the humble reception accorded Him at His advent. Whether I was asleep or awake, I know not ; certain it is I dreamed. I was conscious of a feeling of anxiety concerning the pony which had brought me the long journey from my home, and thought I would step across to the chapel, which was at rap great distance, and see how she fared. I let myself out and walked through a beautiful night of stars to the stable adjoining the chapel. As I drew near I saw pouring out from under the door, and from every chink, a brilliant light. Thinking my host had anticipated me, in my care for the pony I raised the latch and entered. Then I paused ; for a wonder was before me. The stable was full of light though no lamp

was there. Bending over a stall in the far corner stood a woman. At the noise of my entering she 'raised her-self, turned,. and gazed at me with a face in which a radiant joy mingled with the anxious tenderness of motherhood. The grace of her appearance had in it an inexpressible dignity before which I bowed my head. I raised it again as a voice of exquisite sweetness said "Come ! " She beckoned me with her hand. I moved to her side and looked down into the manger. There lay a baby of great beauty, the softly-rounded curves of his limbs reposing in a perfect gracefulness upon the rough garment which alone covered the straw. My gaze was irresistibly drawn to the face of the child, and as I looked I trembled before the austere calm of the "still-gazing eyes " which searched my inmost thought. I was immediately conscious of, and felt personally guilty for, the long-suffered wrongs of helpless child-hood: I saw by the light of that august gaze all the unuttered, unutterable woes of the children who toil and suffer, and was overcome with an intolerable shame 'which bowed me to the earth. My heart was sore within me for the little ones cursed at their birth, born into conditions which make virtue impossible, brutally used by those who should be their guardians, baptized prematurely into ill-requited toil. My over-full heart found relief in penitential tears.

I raised my head and looked again to see what further revelation was designed for me. And now my heart bounded within me at the sight of the rapt look in the eyes of the Holy Babe--a look of assured tri-mnph. In my heart I knew that triumph was certain. The Babe in the manger was the sign and pledge of victory. I realized, as I had never done, that the future is the child's, and that the child is God's. Again I bowed my head, this time humbly to dedicate myself to the cause of the children for the sake of the future and God.

I heard the sound of singing very far off, and then nearer, and then I awoke, to find myself in my chair before my fire, and the carol-singers outside singing of the :Heavenly Babe.

I know I dreamed. Yet in my heart the vision abides, and I know that whatever is in me to do I must do for the wronged and suffering children. C. E.

ROTITERHAM.--Although only thirteen weeks have elapsed since the cooling of Rev. G. Dixon Thompson to the new church at Gerard Road, much progress has been made according to reports presented in connection with an At Horne given by Mr. and Mrs. Thompson. recently. Five new members have been added to the church, and ,congregations are increasing. A, bazaar is to be held in January, when it is hoped ,.150 will be raised. There arc 160 scholars in the Sunday School, against 90 in the old prF,mises. They had good classes of young men .and -women and a good staff of teachers.

Handsome New Gift Books suitable for Christmas and the New Year. THE BIBLE FOR CHILDREN.

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Choice Thoughts by Dr. Watkinson.

THE GATES OF DAWN. A Book of Daily Readings. By Rev. W. L. WATKINSON, D,D., with a short series of helpful prayers by the Rev. LAUCHLAN MACI.EAN WATT, M.A., B.D. Impl. 16mo. Cloth boards. Gilt top. 3/6 net.

A Series of Daily Bible Readings for the Year, with a Scriptural Thought for each day, and a short Meditation by Dr. W. L. WATKINSON. Contains a wealth of devotional suggestion and all the illustrative and allusive qualities for which the great preacher is famous.

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THE DEDICATED LIFE. A Book for Young Men. By F. B. MEYER, B.A., D.D. Crown 8vo. Cloth boards. 1/6 net.

In this book Dr. Meyer applies the teaching of the Gospel to everyday life, and taking Romans xii. as his basis builds thereon a model of Christian manhood. The chapters embrace such topics as the " Regimen of the Body," " God's Will in Daily Life," " Sobermindedness." etc.

SUNSHINE AND MOONSHINE. The story of a little girl's " invisible playmates," and certain grown-up people she drew together. By GRACE CARLTON. Coloured Frontispiece. Four Illustrations by FLORENCE MEYBRHEIM.

THE PILGRIM PRESS, 16 Pilgrim Street, London, E.G.

December 5, 1912: THE UNITED METHODIST. 19

20

THE UNITED METHODIST. December 5, 1912 ,•■■■•■•■•

Splendid Exposition ! " The Psychology of the New Testament." By M.

Scott Fletcher, M.A., B.Litt. (Hodder and Stough-ton ; 6s.')

This is the book we have been wanting ever since James's. It is at once a treatment of human psychology which is true to the research of the moment and equally careful and luminous in its handling of the N.T. Who-ever Mr. Scott Fletcher is, he is a very able man, and that he should have written this volume as his thesis for his B.Litt. examination is a remarkable fact. The compass of the work may be thus ' shown : (1) Four chapters deal with Biblical psychology—soul, spirit, heart and flesh. Under I" heart " conscience is discussed, and the definition given is : "Conscience is not a law-giver--it is an administrator of law. God is the Law-giver, conscience is His judge within." It is a fine distinction, but perfectly valid. (2) Five chapters devoted to N.T.• psychological experiences—experiences he it observed, not theories : Jesus, Paul, •spiritual conditions of en-trance, psychology of repentance and faith, and the regenerate man. The very competent definition of re-ligious experience given at the close of the section runs as follows : "The N.T. teaches that man becomes a new personality through being placed in a new relationship to God, and filled with a new principle of life and action, in consequence of which he exercises all his natural faculties and powers in a new way." In this section fine tributes are paid to the profound psychological analysis of Dr. W. B. Pope, which makes it very regret-table that we have practically lost his Compendium. Under Repentance and Faith, the essential ,distinction between belief and trust is very competently handled. (3) The final section relates the aforegoing discussion to modern theories—Christian personality, Jewish concep-tions and Greek. The very valuable chapter on Chris-tian personality distinguishes it as displaying (1) moral rectification, (2) spiritual renewal, (3) sanctification of manhood. The author's contrast between Hinduism and Christianity is put thus : The problem of the former is "What was I? "—transmigration ; that of the latter is "What shall I become? "—eternal life. If this treatise is placed alongside of Dr. Steevens's '"Psychology of the Christian Soul " the student will have all he will need for several years to come on this vital subject, and will pursue his researches by the guidance of masters of the first level of competence in every branch of a very diverse and difficult department of thought.

" Marriage : Its Ethic and Religion." By Dr. Forsyth. (Hodder and .Stoughton ; 2s. Bd. net.)

It see-ins a dangerous thing to let Dr. Forsyth speak, he is liable to give you a book. This one is the develop-ment of a lecture delivered at Holborn Hall, under the auspices of the National Council of Public Morals. It is a revelation of the doctor in a new light, and that a most agreeable one. Few people have sufficient moral eleva-tion to discuss this subject without offence. But here is a book, competent, thorough, and rigorous, without a blushful sentence in its whole course. What a mercy ! It ought to be put into every man's hand who ever per-forms the ceremony of marriage, that he may see the seriousness of it, and equally into every participant's that he may realize its discipline and privilege. Mostly the bête noire kept in view is leasehold marriage. The course• taken being to discuss the subject as individual, social and religious ; and as monogamous and permanent. On the latter Dr. Forsyth says, "True Christian faith has resources of power which obviate the need for divorce." The central definition is : "Marriage especially has this for its end—the education of the moral soul, private and public, the -production of a race worth multiplying. To marry for that purpose is priggery. If marriage has not that effect it is a failure." This is a sample dis-tincti.n : "On the woman chiefly falls the burden of population, on the man chiefly of civilization " ; and this : "A, woman deceived in this matter has a wound that never closes." There is a valuable chapter on too much emotional reading in poetry and fiction. "As if nothing were really interesting to the young but the opposite sex ! " "You pile up tinder for any spark." To the married this is worth attention : "Tiffs are not trage-dies." "A mistake is not irreparable." Dr. Forsyth has done the world a service in this publication, which it is hoped will have a splendid run and a quick one. His new role suits him quite as well as his more theological one and is a keen test of his real versatility and learning, out' of which he emerges with all colours at the mast-head.

The Writings of George Wade Robinson. (Every-man's Library, No. 637 ; is. net.) (National Free Church Council ; 2s. 6d.)

George Wade Robinson is known by a slender volume of poetry or two and a few hymns of a delicately popular kind. The MSS. of which these volumes are composed have lain in the hands of his widow for well-nigh thirty years. They now obtain publication, and are singularly up to date. Robinson did his chief work at Brighton, in(! created a great impression long subsequently to Robertson, of course in the early seventies. It is evident here that Dr. Meyer, who introduces both books, owes a great debt to this man. "The 'Galilean Philosophy " is a philosophical-mystical treatise on Christianity as the philosophy of God running through forty-three proposi-tions. From beginning to end they are a contrast of self-ness and love. Many shrewd, thoughtful and in- cisive things are said, and there is the revelation made of a mind which has fought for' its balance and knows its ground. The other volume, "The 'Philosophy of the Atonement," is an issue of Everyman's Library. Its heart is a dozen sermons and addresses, mostly on Law-Sin—Grace," and the title topic. They bear the same

marks as the other volume, It is evident at every point that we are in the hands of 'a rare spirit and are follow-ing a pen of great charm, whilst the Writer proves hiM-self to be a thinker of considerable power. Intervening between the chapters are " Fragments of Discotn-se" and some of the most exquisite thinking and illustrating are given here. Scores of sermon and address gerins must be scattered with a lavish hand in these intervening pages. I Both volumes are acquisitions to any library, however well furnished otherwise. G. C.

Recent Sermon Volumes.

" The Silences of Jesus." By Percy C. Ainsworth. (Charles H. Kelly ; 3s. 6d. net.)

Now that Percy Ainsworth has gone from us we search for every word he wrote as for hid treasure. This volume, for example, consists of papers first contributed to "The Methodist Times." We cannot forbear ask-ing two questions when we take -up any book of his : What would he have done had his life been spared? And why was so beautiful, and brilliant a man taken so early? In spite of all that moralists and poets have written on this theme, this latter question persists. And there is no answer : we have to learn it, not in the darkness of an unrelieved sorrow, but in the unexplored depths of a Love that is infinite, and is often strangely revealed to us. His writings have an unusual combination of qualities : there is a maturity that speaks of a nature deep and true, enriched by communion with 'God and reflection upon great themes. It is doubtful if such a man, with such a mind, would have been a first-rate circuit man: What did he say to schedules, we wonder? Probably he wrote a poem, and asked hiS colleague to see that the columns were properly filled up. But along with the maturity we speak of there is also the promise of greater things. He has written beautifully : he would have written grandly and greatly. In time such studies as those now before -us would have developed into the chapters of a volume that might have moved all England. But it is vain to dwell on this side of things. He has gone ; and we know whither. We are grateful that this volume has been gleaned. It consists of two parts, and we are almost sorry that the two parts were not pub-lished separately. What a delightful little volume would have been the studies on "St. Paul's Hymn to Love." It is almost useless to quote unless we quote a whole chapter. The nine studies on "The Silences of Jesus " are studded with gems, and yet each gem has a seemly setting. Let these few sentences suffice. "Few of us can choose our position in life, but all of us can choose our communion." "Hearts do not vary as minds do." Of the Syro-Phcenician woman he says, "But whilst Jesus kept silence the woman did not lose hope. His silence did not silence her. That was surely because she could see His iface." "Whether or no He brings us nearer our desire, He brings us nearer His heart." "Be-fore Jesus answers a man's question He revises His catechism." "Pilate failed not because he was lacking theological insight, but because he lacked the courage to do his duty." We know a minister—and it is not the writer—who reads one of these chapters at family worship every morning. We can well believe that the cadence of beautiful phrases, the insight so easy and natural into some of the most subtle experiences of human nature, and "the joy of elevated thoughts " ac-company that good man and his family through the whole day. R. P.

" The Conning Tower of the Soul." By Henry Howard. (C. H. Kelly ; 3s. 6d.)

If our readers know Mr. Howard they will know what to expect from him. 'He is of the very type of wholesome manliness. The most -characteristic chapter in this book, amongst more than a dozen, is the one on Moral Fertilizers. It is what Mr. Howard is himself. Of certain things this -book is empty, detailed exposition of Scripture and systematic quotation of it. Mr. Howard knows his Bible rather in the length and breadth of it than in textual detail. But of sound and warning literature, George Eliot, Tennyson, and even Oscar Wilde, he has a close grip, and can use it with effect. His illustration,: are well chosen and sometimes quite effectively , incidental. As this : "There is a story told Of a North of England worn-an who hung all her week's washing and was so proud of its whiteness, till a snow-storm covered everything with its mantle of chastity." The two sermons which I should regard as the most remarkable here are "The Training of the Transient " and "The Solidarity of Sin." The first can be put in its text and a sentence : "Seeing that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be? " (2 Pet. iii. 11). "Peter in the passage lays hold of the universal law of instability and makes it a trumpet-call to holiness of heart and sanctity of life." It is a finely-wrought appeal and unusual in its con-nection. Then, "The Solidarity of Sin," Josh. xxii. 20, the story of Achan. "I saw," "I coveted," " I took," " I hid." These are the links in the chain, and they are displayed with iron force ; after which, with a great tenderness, the preacher saith, "This is the father's privilege, to forgive." It was a New Year's discourse. "Sound, healthy as the rising sun in May." - G. C.

" The Fear of Things." By Jno. A. Hutton, M.A.

" The Sunshine of Good News." By Harrington C. Lees, 1VI.A. (Preachers- of To-day. Robt. Scott ; 3s. 6d.. net.)

All preachers will be wise to' keep their eyes upon The Preachers of To-day Series. It has already con-tained Dr. Chadwick's "Christ and Everyday Life " and Canon Macnutt's "The Inevitable Christ," and amongst others the two above follow. Both Mr. Hutton and Mr, Harrington Lees are utilized by Dr.

Campbell Morgan in his Bible Conferences, and the latter is a favourite at Keswick. This might be taken to mean that it sets a stamp upon them. It does not. They are free men, notwithstanding. Loyal to the Bible and ,high in their aspirations after spiritual life, they are yet broad in their outlook and free in their reference to literature and life.

Mr. Hutton is by now well known. A considerable little row of volumes stands to his credit. No poet-lover will be content to be without his " Guidance from Robt. Browning " in matters of faith. Then "The Winds of God " last year was one of the choicest issues of the publishing season. Now we have a volume of sermons from the same hand : "The Fear of Things," It is a good -title, though it does not belong to the first ser-mon, but to the second. The first sermon is called "The Nature of the Evidence," and is an explanation of the fact that believing always precedes seeing. It is not the ablest in the book, but perhaps receives pre-cedence because it is primary in order of thought. There are about twenty chapters in all, every one deep in touch, sure in principle, and uplifting in insistence. But there are two in particular which 'try a, man's strength and indicate his taste. One is on 2 Sam. xvi. 5-13: "The Reproach of Past Days—How we can Meet it." Another : 1 Kings. xi. 9, 14, 23, 26, "The Love of God in the Embarrassments of our Life." The first is of David and the second of Solomon. They are avoided subjects to-day, but here they receive great treatment. The handling is of the nature that displays close acquaintance with pure, dramatic literature of the highest type, which trains the eye to see the subtle shadings of the soul and to mark its inner and outer suggestion and correspondence of penitence or levity, pardon or retribution. Every line of the book is good, but these are of the best.

Mr. Harrington Lees is a very competent expositor of Scripture, schooled to it and rejoicing in it. His Bible is well thumbed, doubtless. One of these sermons was delivered at St. Margaret's on behalf of the Jews ; another at • Rochester Cathedral, to whose Bishop the book is dedicated ; another at Keswick ; and yet another in the Alps. They are fourteen in all, and are splendid specimens of what expository preaching may be--close to Scripture, distant in largesse of illustration, and well-. minded in criticism of life. Here again two have special distinction. One, . preached on behalf of the Jews, as mentioned above, on "To the Uttermost," in 1 Thess. ii. 16, and Heb. vii. 25, embodying that the Jew is cast out to the uttermost and shall be saved to the same. It has the great advantage of a passion for Jew Evan-gelism and an insight into Browning's "Cry for the Hebrew." The other is "The Evicted Tenant." " I will return," Matt. xii. 44. It is a fair facing of those moods of the soul which give the enemy the chance of return— isolation, ignorance, impotence, and indifference. It surely could not have been heard unmoved. Two volumes worthy of a place on any shelf. G. C.

" The Luggage of Life." By F. W. Boreham. (C. H. Kelly ; 3s. 6d. net.)

This book is from the pen of an Australian minister, and one may guess that its thirty-two chapters were delivered , as sermons or addresses. It is inconceivable that any audience should be drowsy under addresses so fresh, so abundantly illustrated, so rich in surprise. But a published volume is a challenge to criticism : and the reader will find defects that the hearer may over-look. He will find sometimes -that the text (when he discovers it two or three pages down) has been strained to meet the title and, to give the interpretation. The exegesis of the fourth chapter in Part. I.—to give one instance—is more than doubtful. The illustrations are drawn from many quarters—Marie Corelli, "The Lady of the Decoration," "The Rosary," "Claudius Clear" may be mentioned—and some of them are trivial and some have to be pulled in by the ears. (The picture in Antwerp Cathedral, "The Descent from the Cross," is by Rubens, not by Matsys, p. 110). And the allitera-tive style, useful aid to memory as it is, should be curbed. "We forget the tiddley-winking in the con-templation of the tremendous " (p. 178). 1"The sand-wich principle keeps pace with the sermon principle. Revelry goes hand in hand with revelation " (p. 187). The last alliteration is repeated six times in a couple of pages ; no one who respects the meaning of words would use it once. Altogether the book falls far below its ambitious sub-title, "A Fireside Philosophy." But the author possesses vivacity and ingenuity, and by exercising a rigorous self-criticism he will do good work.

G. G. HORNBY.

" Life • Understood." By F. L. Rawson. (Crystal . Press, Ltd. ; 7s. 6d. net.) This is not a book that many buyers will care to invest

in. But that is a misfortune to them ; for it is a most extraordinary and desirable volume. Its idea is a com-plete statement of Christian science. But it is divested of all connection with that movement and set out as pure thought, being only related to the movemnts of thought and the sayings of thinkers generally. And the result is a very remarkable one. It makes clear that the central thing in Christian science is the lost art of Christianity of physical influence. An art re-appearing at times in Exorcism in China and in Emmanueliim in America and Brixton. Always there potentially, often being recovered, but never being reinstated by the whole for the whole. We have specialized on the spiritual and have forgotten the physical—yet we are bodies as well as souls and "godliness is profitable unto .all things." The book is a masterpiece of quotation and indexing. And there is no aspect of the author's case that isn't covered, from Scripture, literature and science, the whole 862 pages being indexed in a concordance of more than

.100 pages. It is intended to be an epitome of the whole subject. G. C.

This is what the Rev. JOHN MOORE, the Home Mission Secretary, says.

"We have been wonderfully assisted In many of our Churches by the Sisterhood of the Deaconess Institute. In our Central Missions, among our' village Churches, and in the seeming derelict causes of our towns and cities, they have carried the glorious evangel, and have witnessed in the homes of the people for Christ and His cause. In every appointment they have toiled With considerable success and from every Mission we have encouraging reports."—General Missionary Report; 1911.

O

Do You Believe in Home Missions ?

THE UNITED METHODIST

Deaconess Institute & Hom e Needs before April 30th,

125 New Subscribers of 10/- each. 300 99 99 of 5/- 99

500 99 99 of 2/6 99

In'ot'ider to finish the year out of •debt and to carry on "this

'real bit of Home Mission" Work among the sick, the poor, the

Outcast, and among struggling town and village Churches.

Reader, will you assist in carrying on this much-needed work P

A. Report for the Past year will be sent on receipt of a post card by

Rev. HENRY SMITH, 25 Bolingbroke Prove,. • Wandsworth Common, London,_:S.W.,

who will be glad to receive contributions and Promises.

" Inasmuch.9! (A CHRISTMAS STORY.)

BY ARTHUR H. ROBINS.

JACK did not know himself. He .really didn't ! He wondered whatever could have happened to turn him from an English Standard V. schoolboy into a little Eastern lad, wearing' only a white tunic, tied with a scarf, no cap on' his head and with his feet and legs quite bare..

Where was he? Certainly not in. Cedar Avenue, off Smithson Road, for all the houses, there are joined, to-gether in . one long street, and have little bay Windows and just a tiny bit of garden in front, while the road is quite wide,enough for two carts' to .pass with a bicycle in - between (Jack had tried it—on the ;bicycle). But here ! Here the houses looked like big-square boxes that had just tumbled. off an overloaded dray. The street was so narrow, as it climbed- the hillside, that Jack, with his Scout's pole,. could have stood on one side and nearly touched the other. True, it was .wider at the lower end where it opened out into the big market place, and just beyond that stood the city gate through which you caught a glimpse of the vineyards, orchards and countryside beyond the city walls. Being a true boy (and not a half one) Jack was soon quite at home, and even found himself wondering why he did not miss- the carts, motor-cars and bicycles he had been ,so used to. Here . in the Market Place there was plenty to see. Squatting among their goods and sheltered with strips of cloth stretched on poles, were the salesmen and mer-chants, not seeming to care whether people came to buy or not, and certainly not anxious to oblige their ;cus-tomers. While Jack was staring about him, trying to take it all in, a dark man with long bare legs, nearly knocked him down with two black bundles he was carry-ing, from which presently Jack saw him sell a 'drink of water and then remembered that the bundles must be skin bottles ! Then a donkey driver, with,•the biggest donkey Jack had ever seen and a staggering' caine along, shouting and pushing, so that Jack , Was glad to run -tinder a doorway to let him pass. _All around him the people in their strange clothes, chattered- and laughed, showing their white teeth,, and one of. them(liking' Jack's looks) gave him part of a cakeof-fig-S that, be was eating. Yonder were -SonTe children' playing‘;. dancing and shouting noisily ; for the: .game—was a wedding! Another group seemed to be in great. trouble, moaning and crying painfully, till Jack's Boy Scout heart was moved with chivalrous pity. Then he found they were playing—what do you think? Funerals!

Presently there entered the Market Place, through the

city gate, with slow and stately tread; a camel . gaily clerked with coloured fringes, and tassels and with pieces of metal that tinkle-tinkled as he walked. Then an- other—aml another—and m ore still. People' stopped their talking and children their play 'to stare at' the new- corners. Richly robed, grave men were., some of the riders. Others were merely clad in a kind of shawl and certainly looked like servants. Some were fine, strong fellows who carried long poles with spikes and fluttering ribbons at the end. "Soldiers! " said 'Jack.

Strange shouts of command and the camels halted and knelt down to allow their tired riders to dismount. -The crowd gathered round with eager questions, "Who are ye? " "Come ye from afar? " 'Why have ye come hither? " It was some time before the people's ques-tions were satisfied, and even 'then they turned away puzzled and wondering, and even Jack (who was very sharp at his -sums and-spelling) did not know what to make of what they said.

Very soon it was evening, but Jack lingered to see What would happen next, and while he waited, the three richly dressed travellers stood busily talking. Suddenly, one pointed to a bright light which seemed to hang in the sky pointing down •to earth. "The star ! the star ! " said all three at once and set off in haste. Jack followed to a little square house above which the star seemed to hang. The door stood open to the street and there, in the dim light of a tiny lamp, a Mother nursed her Baby,. rocking and singing gently and with. a look of wonder on her face. HoW Jack 'got in he did not know but he'was' there and heard the eager questions of the travellers. ' • "At last," they said presently, "we have found Hitn of whom the star told us while we were yet far away in our own land. God be...praised for His great mercy to us!'" Then Jack saw them, take their treasures from beneath their great cloaks. and falling on their knees they worshipped the 'Child ' and reverently laid their gifts before Hirn, gleaming gold, sweet and rare perfume and fragrant myrrh. Then .did the tiny room shine with a light brighter than the star. Then did the face of the Little. One show/ with a wondrous beauty, while that of the Mother and the dark features of the visitors seemed to reflect it back again. And in Jack's ears. there echoed a distant song, "Glory to God in the.,.I-lighest and - On Earth peace, good. will toward

,Thdri he knew that this was the Christ Child and wished-._- •, ., • •

He woke to find two bulging stockings on his bed and Christmas morning peeping in through the window. The-story of 'the Wise Men had got into his dreams! "But I. do wish I could have given my gift," he said, ;•..s he thought it over agailLV,:—

That morning, at , Chapel, the minister asked for Christmas gifts to poor and needy-children whose.stock-ing,rs had been empty and for whom no Christmas dinner would be prepared. And Jack sat bolt Upright and'lis-tenal when he told how Jesus said, "Inasmuch' as ye do it unto one of the. least of these My brethren ye do it unto Me." So presently Jack offered Ms gift to.the Baby Jesus.- It was a silver sixpence of his very own, with Jack's best loYe. And that *Christmas at 111, Cedar Avenue (off Smithson Road), was the happiest and merriest ever krioWn.

A Transformed Christmas. (A CANADIAN STORY.)

BY CHRISTIAN MCLEOD.

" FIEN-ER-Y! Git up-p, d'you hear? " The harsh, resonant voice of the master of the house

broke loose up the narrow stairway,, and gained - in force until it exploded into the ear of the sleeping "home boy " in the unfinished attic over the kitchen. There was a startled response, a single squeak of the old rope bed and.suppressed " Ouch ! " as Henry's bare feet landed in the middle of a 'miniature snowdrift.

.Then the door below slammed angrily, and Brown's heavy boots claMped noisily over the kitchen" floor on his way orit to the barn.

"Snow to shovel, so get down as quick 'as you know how," he came to admonish.

Henry shivered, and felt for his clothes in the dark. A single star twinkled down at him through the hole ' in the roof which the snow had sifted through, but it only made.things. seem colder and more lonesome. He was a city boy, and had not lived long enough in the -open to make friends with the stars. His toilet was no time-consuming task, and in a few moments he was down at the door staring in astonishment at the scene before him. In the two months he had been in Canada there had been snowfalls, but never anything like this'. 'through the night it had come down steadily and silently. It lay on the steps in high mounds. It covered the sills and the fences, and where yesterday had been the pump, the wood-pile, and the straw-stack, were grotesque, formless things. It clung heavily - and white to the trees, and lay in drift all over the yatkl. 71she stars were paling, giving plaCe to the grey dawn, and over all huti7 a palpitating silence, which to the thirteen-year-old child of the city seemed frightsome and uncanny.

"What arc you gapin' at? .Don't you know work. when you .see it? " demanded Mr. Brown sourly, as he floundered around the back of the house. He had al- ready shovelled a path to the pump, and thrusting the wooden shove! into Henry's umnittcned hand bade him make one to the barn.

" No dawdlin' now- ; see that you earn your breakfast

December 5, 1912. ME UNITED METHODIST.

The Children's Christmas Page.

21

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December 5, 1912. 22 THE UNITED METHODIST.

The Children's Christmas Page (continued).

at. least," he enjoined sarcastically, and turned to make his own way to the barn through the drifts.

Henry worked on silently. It was this silence of his that Mrs. Brown declared got on her nerves, and he had a trick of looking one straight in the eyes, which was also most disconcerting at times.

"Still water runs deep," she had quoted to Mr. Brown on more than one- occasion; "and I expect nothing else than that we will be all murdered in our beds yet."

The snow was above his head in some spots, and in others the work was easy, and at last, with much stamping of feet and blowing of cold hands, he reached the barn, where his regular work of cleaning out the cow-stable was waiting for him. Mr. Brown was at the other side of the barn, and before picking up the fork Henry ran to the stall where the little bay mare was quietly munching her oats. She looked round at him in friendly 'fashion, and putting up his hand to her head he laid his face against,her neck for just a moment and then Went to work. The collie dog came floundering through the snow to welcome him with joyous yelps, and things began to look. not so lonely after all.

When the shrill halloo which was a summons to break-fast sounded, the \sun had risen on a white glittering world. The wood smoke from the village chimneys, half a mile away, was rising straight, all golden with sunshine, into the deep blue of the sky. Henry could see the' snow-capped roofs, prominent among them, on the side of the hill, the brick church, where he at-tended Sunday School, and where once a• week he saw and heard the one hero of his boyish soul, his Sunday-school teacher, the only person to whom he was a separate - individual, and not just "Brown's home boy."

As he neared the house he became conscious ' of an unusually pleasant fragrance of good- things to eat, which made him hungrier than ever, and as he entered the kitchen he stood still in confusion. A spirit of festivity pervaded the atmosphere, and there was a profusion of toys and gay articles about.

" It's Chis'mus ! " shouted Davey, the youngest Brown. " It's Chis'mus, and Santa Claus came last night and brung us a whole lot of things. Look at them, Henry." He was dragging a train of cars around the kitchen table, and Mary sat hugging a red-cheeked china doll ; while Torn, the eldest, a boy of ten, was im-patient for breakfast to be over, that he might go out to try his new sled.

" Didn't you know what day it was? " he demanded, as •llenry went to the wash-basin in the corner to wash for breakfast.

" No ; leastways, I forgot." "Well, you're a greony, sure enough. What do you

think, mother? He didn't know it was Christmas." Mrs. Brown was hurrying from the stove to the table

with dishes of sausages, fried doughnuts and coffee. "I intended buying you a pair of. mitts yesterday, but I ,clean forgot," she said, rather shame-facedly, with a glance in Henry's direction.

"Come, mother, let us have done with this torn-foolery, and get our breakfast," exclaimed Mr., Brown, impatiently, as he strode to the head of the table. "We've wasted enough money now without throwing away any more."

Mrs. Brown poured a cup of steaming coffee. before answering- him, and then said, half-deilantly, "It was my own money, anyway."

"Butter and egg money, you mean. You always seem to think that: that money is your own persOnal property ; but it ain't, I tell you. If you had brought anything to the place when you came, you might talk. As it is— " He paused, and glared at his. wife, who subsided, and with a frightened look turned her atten-tion to Davey, who was bent on making his breakfast. of doughnuts.

There was uncomfortable silence for several minutes, though the breakfast continued to disappear rapidly. The sugar even got to Henry's side of -the table, and he helped himself liberally without being reprimanded.

Over the broad window-sill the three stockings had been emptied, and there was a good-sized pile of . can-dies, nuts and oranges. A little to one side was a highly decorated candy heart. Once in London he had stood for an hour looking at one just like it in a shop win-dow. How he had, wanted it ! In all his life he had never had enough candy or sweets of any kind. He was glad they were not noticing that the sugar came his way. It seldom did.

"Are we going to take the turkey with us to Uncle Ed's? " asked Mary after a time.

Yes." "And will we have it for dinner there to-:clay? " "Of course." "Are we all going? " queried Davey, with his mouth

full. "To be sure we are," answered his mother fondly. " Henry, too? " "No. , Do eat your breakfast and stop talking." A couple of hours later, as Henry was coming in

from the barn, Mr. Brown drove around with the double-seated sleigh, and the family, laden with a big hamper and several packages, got in. Mrs. Brown looked at • the boy undeckiedly for a moment, and then said, rather gently, "You will find your dinner on the table."

"And see that you keep busy," added her husband. "There is kindling enough to split to keep you busy all day."'

With ,..shOuts and laughter from the children they drove .off." And Henry turned away to face the loneli-ness of 'his 'first Christmas Day in Canada. Even the collie dog and the bay mare had accompanied the party. And it,,:was,-with, something of a lump in his throat that he watched them out of sight.

For an hour or two he turned his attention to the

wood-pile, but the weather was changing again. Clouds overcast the sun, and the wind arose, filling the air with light snow. He remembered Mrs. Brown's in-formation regarding dinner, and went inside to investi-gate.

On a corner of the table was a plate ,of bread, some cold boiled pork, and the remnants of butter left from breakfast. Fortunately he knew nothing about Christ-mas feasts, or the meal would have suffered in com-parison. On the windowsill were two pieces of broken candy, which he pounced upon; hungrily. In the toe of one of the Christmas 'stockings he found two or three more, and he thought longingly of 'the candy heart.

He wanted sweets more than he wanted his dinner, or anything else in the world, except human com-panionship.

The wind whistled lonesomely down the chimney into the boarded-in fireplace, and he began to have a feeling of fright. Looking out or the window towards the vil-lage his eye caught a moving volume of smoke above the swirling snow. A shrill whistle and a

from rumbling told him that it was the up train from the city crossing the bridge. In another hour the down train would be along on its way to the city. Oh, if he could only get there where there were folks. How won-derful it would be, with its noise and its boys, its lights and its shops, where one could buy candy hearts—if one had the money.

Money, that was it. Oh ! A sudden 'thought made him jump. Only yesterday Mr. Brown had received payment for a consignment of hogs he had sent away. And he had remarked to Mrs. Brown that he must put that money away, and. Ile had walked straight upstairs with it. The boy shook. with the excitement of :t. In all the thirteen years of his life he had never been a thief, not a real one but in his under-world it had not been counted a great crime, but rather a distinction, if one got away with the goods.

The house was. silent save for the moaning of' the wind in the chimney, and he started with fear as the steps creaked loudly when he put his foot on the first step. His cheeks turned pale, and his .breath came and went quickly. Dared he go on?

" Hello there ; anybody in ? " The voice sounded close to the door, and a hand was shaking the latch.

With a cry almost of relief Henry sprang to open it, and found John Gordon, his Sunday School teacher, his face aglow with life and good spirits.

"Merry Christmas, youngster. You are the very person I .f.tin after," he exclaimed, heartily. "We saw the family driving- past this morning, and we took it for granted that you were here alone, unless they had hidden you Under the seat somewhere. Mother wants you to come back with me to dinner. So came along."

Henry needed no second invitation. With the coming of this broad-shouldered young man the whole world had changed. It was full of people and of joyous good- will. Together they tramped back to the village, ploi4g-hin.g through the drifts, making snowballs, and laughing for very joy of being alive.

When they reached the long street at the end of which was the Gordon home, they settled down to walk de-corou sly.

" It. must be kind of lonesome for a little chap like you out on the farm," John Gordon remarked casually.

" Yes, sir," replied the boy, his face clouding. " You must miss your father and mother. They are

alive, of course." " Yes, sir—that is—leastways

' I don't know."

John loOked his interest. ",Haven't heard from them, I suppose? Oh, well, letters go astray sometimes, you know."

"Tain't that, • sir. I hadn't set eyes on them for nigh on to three months before I leaves the old country. One day the two of them ups and says, "Arty, we be goin' hout for a bit of a walk. You stay 'ere till we come back,' they says. I waited and waited, and they never comes back any more."

"That was tough. What did you do then ? ," "The best I could. I slept hout of doors, and picked

up a bite to eat where I could. Then one night a gent comes into the alley where a lot of us boys was sleeping, and asks us if we wants to come to Canada. Some of us said, 'Yes.' So we came."

" I'm glad you did," was the hearty reply. "This country is yours, Henry ; make the best of ,it.'

They turned in the gate, and were received into 'warmth and gladness. John Gordon's mother, a sweet-'faced woman of sixty, met them at the door.

"Come right in, Henry," she exclaimed cordially. "We have been waiting for you. I am sure St. Nicholas must have known you were coming to-day, for the good-natured old soul left a package for you. Come in here and see it." .

She led him into the parlour, where there was the niost magnificent Christmas tree, all glittering with tinsel and fluffy with imitation snowballs.

" Here it is, I 'believe. Funny how he knew your - name, wasn't it?" Henry took the package and opened it at her bidding.

A pair of mittens, a muffler, and—yes, it was true—between the two mittens a beautiful candy heart.. It was too 'much; his lips quivered as he tried to say, "Thank you." She laughed, however, and the rest of the family came in, Mr. Gordon and Bob, a boy of Henry's own age, and in a few moments a young lady, with, laughing, brown eyes, who was dressed in some soft shimmering stuff, different from anything he had ever seen before. He felt sure that it must be all a dream, this beautiful- home and these well dressed, pleasant people,' including' him in their good times. Then, when they came to the dinner table, there was another Miracle. Never had there been . such a dinner ; never such a gorgeous brown turkey, such cranberry-sauce,

or such a plum-pudding. After dinner Bob took him to his room to show him his treasures, and after that they built a snow-man in the yard. Then, before it was time for him to go home, they gathered around Mrs. Gordon at the piano and sang :

"Hark the herald angels sing Glory to the new-born King."

and . "Silent night, peaceful night."

The glad spirit*of Christmas was over it all, and even the ignorant young stranger could not but know that behind all their joyousness was a simple belief in the Child of Bethlehem. He had heard the story, and from this day forward it was very real to him.

In a growing western city the young mayor is noted for his practical Christianity. The immigrant trains frequently unload their human freight in his town, and people sometimes wonder why the mayor takes such a- keen personal interest in each individual. It is because of the beautiful memory of one Christmas Day far past when he was saved from taking his first step in a life of crime by the true spirit of the Christ-child in the heart of one man.—"The Christian Guardian."

Wynken, Blynken, and Nod. WYNKEN, Blynken, and Nod one night

Sailed off in a wooden shoe— Sailed on a river of crystal light,

Into a sea of dew. "Where are you going, and what do you wish? "

The old moon asked the three. "We have come to fish for the herring, fish

That live in this beautiful sea ; Nets of silver, and gold have we ! "

Said Wynken, .Blynken, And Nod.

The old moon laughed and sang a bong, As they rocked in the wooden shoe,

And the 'wind that sped them all night long Ruffled the waves of dew.

The little stars were the herring fish That lived in that beautiful / sea-

" Now cast your nets wherever you wish— Never afraid are we" ; So cried the stars to the fishermen three :

Wynken, 1Blynken, And Nod.

All night long their nets they threw To' the stars in the twinkling foam—

Then down from the skies came the wooden shoe Bringing the fishermen home;

'Twas all so pretty a sail it seemed As if it could not be,

And some folks thought 'twas a dream they'd dreamed Of sailing.' that beautiful sea— But I shall name you the fishermen three :

Wynken, iBlynken, And Nod.

Wynken and Blynken, are two little eyes And Nod is a little head,

And the wooden shoe that sailed the skies Is a wee one's trundle-bed.

So shut your eyes while mother sings Of wonderful sights that be,

And you shall see the beautiful things As you rock in the misty sea,. Where the old shoe rocked the fishermen three :

Wynken, Blynken, And Nod;

—EUGENE FIELD.,

Dainty Books. " Bethlehem to Olivet." By Rev. J. R. Miller, D.D.

(Hodder and Stoughton, 3s. 6d. net.) Tins book consists of a series of brief chapters on

sayings and incidents in the life' of Jesus. That the chapters are written hi Dr. Miller will suffice to corn-:, mend them to all lovers of his books. They aim at the elucidation of thoughts calculated to aid the devout in their Christian. life. 'At the same time, no one can read them without realizing in a more vivid way what our Lord's sojourn on the earth meant. The book is trated by beautiful reproductions of some of the most famous modern paintings which owe their inspiration to incidents -in the life of Christ. Here is Henry, Lerolle's Arrival of the Shepherds ; P. A. J. Dagnan, Bouveret's Mary and the Child Jesus ; Luc Olivier Mer7 son's The Repose in Egypt ; W. Holman Hunt's Shadow, of Death ; Mlle.Ottilie Roederstein's Suffer little children to come unto Me; F. von Uhde's Christ Preaching by the Lake, and ten other delightful specimens of modern sacred art. This will make a lovely Christmas present.

We have received eight volumes of Messrs. Hodder and Stoughton's "Silent Hour" series of booklets (is. net). The titles and authors are : "The Joy of Jesus" and "What Makes Life Worth Living," both by Dr. George Matheson ; "Courageous Calm," by G. H. Knight ; "The Restfulness of) Christ," by G. H. Morri-son, M.A. ; "Christian Hope,'" by Ralph Connor; "God's Will and My Life," by Len. G. Broughton, D.D. and "The Considerations of Jesus,", and "A Hymn of the Cross;" both by W. M. Clow, B.D. The books are most; daintily produced, and-on this account as well as because of their most he;pful contents they will be greatly valued by Christian people, and would admirably serve instead of cards at Christmas time.

CUT OUT AND POST OR BRING THIS To the R. T. BOOTH CO.,

THE HYOMEE INSTITUTE, 723 Museum Station Buildings,

133/136 High Holborn, London, W.C. I enclose herewith 2s. 6d. (to be refunded in full if I write you that the

Hyomee Treatment has done me no good), for which you will please send me a complete Hyomee Pocket Outfit, together with full directions for the application of the Hyomee Treatment (foreign orders, ls. extra.)

Name (Write very plainly, stating whether Rev., Mr., Mrs., or Miss,)

Address

IMPORTANT NOTE Do not miss the free offer detailed above. Call if you can ; if

you cannot, then write us full particulars of your trouble, and we will endeavour to render you a letter of special advice and guidanc. as to how you may get rid of same. THE R. T. BOOTH CO.

December 5 1912. tnViltil mtntotalr. 28

Some Recent Exposition. The Epistle to the GilHahn's." By Cyril \V. Emmet,

(IZ. Scott ; 3s: 6d. net,)

Mr, Emmet has written an admirable book on the Epistle to the Galatians for Mr. Robert Scott's "Reader's Commentary " series. It is a scholarly treatise, and uses the latest authorities, such as Lake and Deissmann and the Encyclopaedia of Religion and Ethics ; but it is adapted to the needs of the general reader who knows no language but English and has no theology beyond that of his religious experience. Such a reader will find that Mr. Emmet explains just those points that need to be explained, and explains them with a simple direct-ness that leaves nothing to be desired.

The more critical student Will notice that the author holds Lightfoot's Commentary to be still of supreme value, although he does not hesitate to differ from it in many places and to supplement it in the light of later knowledge. The student will be as grateful as the general reader for notes so illuminating as those on the great text (Gal. ii. 20), or those on the difficult pas-sages in the third chapter. Where the student is likely to be at issue with Mr. Emmet is on the date of the Epistle. —Like the majority of modern . scholars, Mr. Emmet holds the South Galatian theory ; but he goes beyond them in believing that the Epistle was written before the Council at Jerusalem dei;ided the term's on which Gentiles could be admitted into the Church. There is nothing in the Epistle to contradict this theory of the date, and it fits in well with the chronology of Gal. i., ii., and with St. Luke's history in the Acts of the Apostle ; and the author makes out his case extremely well. If we had only Galatians and Acts to refer to, this would be the simple and obvious solution of the problem of the date. But difficulties arise when one tries to fix this date Into a scheme of the Pauline writings. For this theory makes Galatians the earliest of St. Paul's Epistles, and upsets the favourite scheme that traces the development of his thought in the successive order of his writings. - It separates Galatians from Romans, with which it has so many and so close affini-ties, and it throws between them the Epistles to the Thes-salonians that are written in a different vein. Mr. Emmet does not minimize this difficulty, but he does not regard it as sufficiently serious to overthrow a theory that has so many counter-advantages. It is certain that a chrono-logical arrangement of an author's productions based merely on style is somewhat precarious. In broad out- line it may be more impressive than in detail. The parallel in Shakespearean critcism is instructive. Mr. Emmet's date for Galatians is therefore not to be set aside on this ground ; and, for other reasons, there is much to commend it. GEO. G. HORNBY.

" The. Prophet Daniel." By A. C. Gaebelein. (Picker-ing and Inglis; 2s. 6d. net.)

This volume almost compels the use of a tag which most people will say has had its day : "For those who like this kind of thing, this is the kind of thing they like." And many do like this kind of thing. It is wonderful with what confidence the interpreters of the prophets sometimes speak. They are in no doubt as to the meaning of the little horn, or the two big horns, or the four kingdoms. The present writer, if he fails to carry his readers will not do so for lack of confidence. "All this is wrong " is one of his favourite sayings. He begins thus : "Prophecy is history prewritten." Well, let that be granted, and then the Book of Daniel is an interpreter's paradise; but, somehow, our view of pro-phecy, and our interpretation of the Book of Daniel both forbid the acceptance of such a definition. A little further on he speaks of "this almost absolute neglect of the study of Prophecy." But surely the writings of the late Mr. Baxter, and the glorious volumes of the late Dr. A. B. Davidson, to mention only two out of two hundred writers, will suggest to many the reflection that the prophecies have received the careful attention of the scholar and the man who is not. The writer contends that all who do not believe that the writer was a holy and gifted young few named Daniel must hold the book to be a forgery. That one statement will give clearly enough the point of view from which the Book of Daniel is here expounded. We had thought of giving some extracts, but it is a thankless task to reproduce paragraphs for the purpose of illustrating what we hold to be an obsolete and misleading exposition of the Book of Daniel. R. P.

"Prayer and the Human Problem." By W. A. Cornaby. (Hodder and Stoughton ; 6s.)

Mr. Cornaby has been known for long as a mis-sionary of great distinction. In his Chinese services he has been accustomed to have a silent waiting for the effect of the prayers offered for missions all over the world. He understands prayer. This volume is his exposition of its meaning and necessity. This to him is the ascent to dynamic victory :

" I, in isolation from others ; I, in union with others ; I, in partial touch with God and my fellows. God and we in full harmonic communion."

The book is an attempt to state an Evangelic The-odicy on the principle of Communion. It is not very systematic—except in a way. Its author is no dealer in stiff sentences. Every chapter scintillates in many direc-tions, is steeped in the lore of the great Chinese masters of thought, and is replete with vital quotations gathered from all quarters. There are eight chapters. No. 1 is Nature and the human problem : beginning with Nature in its manifestations to the artist and the scientist, and working to the same in the sage and philosopher. The human problem is "the fulfilment of human relations in the sight of high Heaven " (Confucius). No. 2 is

authority and poWer suPreine, expounding the general sovereignty Of God and the sUprethe power which issues from communion with flint: No. Us a loose; but Very suggestiw analysis of the O.T: condition's iiiiposed upon the N.T. : its lines, and limitations--essentials Of Gc3d- story. And No. 4, the full-orbed Gospel, which ex-pounds the Christian message. Then follow four further chapters . on prayer. -.Mr. Cornaby's. idea is that the full-orbed Gospel is thatched by ii full-orhed prayer life, in which every phase of the former Is dynathically de-manded by an equivalent phase of the latter. There is, therefore, (1) prayer in its essence, (2) Dynamic desire, (3) the possibilities of prayer, and (4) linked forces (the com-munion of saints). 5o that it is manifest that we have here a quite conventional subject—not of less than vital and primary importance because conventional—treated in a mystical, suggestive, and altogether newly original way. This bald sketch can give no real impression of the wealth of argument and exposition which the book contains. Every. new phrase minted by any master-thinker in the last few years is here caught up and wrought into a perfect mosaic of such work, until it is a foreground of fine colour on a background of old gold.

The book ought to be a great inspiration to all such as pray purposefully and should give aid to all such as have missions at heart. It is capable, if read and pon-dered carefully, of raising a spiritual revival in more than one Church, if not indeed in a whole Denomination or two. G. C.

R. 'T. Discoverer

PRAISE FROM OTHERS. How very effective is the Hyomee Treatment for troubles

of the nose, throat, and lungs is seen from the testimony of grateful users, which is being daily received, and specimens of recent letters are here given. -Sufferers from Deafness are find-ing in Hyomee a power, both for prevention and cure, hitherto unknown.

Mr. J. Bouskill, 15 Smith's Ter. race, Clayton-le-Woods, nr. Charley, writes, August 22nd, 1912 Dear Sirs,— After nearly five years of Deafness and Chronic Catarrh, I am now free from both. and have only the Hyomee Treatment to thank for it. I can recommend it with confidence to others. I have found nothing give me so much relief as my little pocket companion.— (Signed) J. BOUSKII.I.."

The pocket outfit for giving the Hyomee treatment con-tains an inhaler with supply of antiseptic gauze, a bottle of the inhalant "Hyomee," and directions how to use it for

, . A Book for Preachers. " The Message `anti, the Mtin." By Rev. J. Dodd Jack-

son. A. Hammond ; 2s. 6d. is the fourteenth Hartley Lecture. It follows in 'Phis

n.s

a goodly Succession, From the title. it is clear that Mr. Jackson desires to discuss the business of preaching. He divides his Chatter into three books : (1) The Man (2) The Message and its essential notes ; (3) The Mes-sage,. Its foi'm and deliverance, The map of the subject is Very catching. In the second section, for instance " the Essential Notes " are accusation, pity,. idealism, edifica-tion and cheer. They could hardly be bettered. In the course of each chapter, too—for the volume is divided into chapters, however it may have been delivered—there are goodly pearls scattered hither and thither. "1 ant not well to-night ; I shall give it 'em hot " is recorded of one of whose example we are duly warned. Another resolves " Never to preach a hard sermon when I feel like doing so." In discussing '" attractiveness," Mr. Jackson ventures to say : " Methodism does not want the read sermon." But it is getting plenty of it and doesn't seem very .strongly to object. But the specific plea of the book is : " Oh ! for the brother who will bring us, not a ser-mon only, but a man—a man discovered, saved, cleansed, and polished by God !

It is sound, wholesome teaching-, and impossible to read without . profit, but it will hardly be numbered amongst the chief efforts of the series.

Nasal and Throat Catarrh, Deafness, and all respiratory troubles, and the price of the complete Hyomee Pocket Outfit, to place it within the reach of all, is 2s. lid. com-plete.

CALL OR WRITE AT ONCE. All sufferers from Deafness, or any of

the breathing troubles mentioned in this article, are invited to call, without any fee or charge, between the hours of 10 and 6, at the London Hyomee Institute, 133-0, High Holborn, W.C. Call, therefore, at once if you can get there. If you live too far away, write, with full particulars of your trouble, to the Chief Consultant at the Institute. Whether you call or write, your case will receive exactly the same careful consideration as if you were paying the two-guinea fee. You do well, there-fore, to call or write at once, while the Con-

BOOTH, sultation and Advice are still free. of Hyomee. A copy of the booklet, giving the account of Mr. Booth's discovery, will be sent free to all who send for it ; but

If your nose :is stopped up, If your voice Is dull or harsh, If your eyes often' water, If you sleep with your mouth open, If crusts form In the nose, If you catch cold easily, If your hearing Is affected, If you have head noises, If your throat Is dry, If you have a short, hacking cough, If you have much discharge from the

nose, If your sense of smell Is affected, If mucus drops into your throat,

you are advised to lose no time, but post at once, with Coupon below, P.O. or stamps, for a complete Hyomee Pocket Outfit, seeing that delay in starting to cure such troubles is dangerous.

Mr. E. Dickinson, of Dickinson & Co., •Sowerby Bride, writes, Sep-tember 5th, 1912:—' Dear Sirs,—My daughter has received great bene-fit from the Hyomee Treatment. Her case was a bad one, she having suffered from Deafness for a long time, caused by Nasal Catarrh. Hyomee quickly cured the deaf-ness, and the Catarrh entirely dis-appeared. -

(Signed) E. DICKINSON."

A cold in the head and acute nasal catarrh are synony-mous terms, they both imply a catarrhal infection of the nose and throat which may vary in severity from a mild stuffiness to a serious infliction. It is the only too common experience of many sufferers from Chronic Catarrh and such consequent troubles as Coughs, Colds, Deafness, In- fluenza, Bronchitis, Asthma, Wheezing,

gmaktik.-4/.17 Difficult Breathing, and other Respiratory troubles, that these troubles were invariably preceded by what was designated an ordinary " head cold."

But a head cold is only a symptom—or, rather a complication of symptoms—Nature's warning that the sufferer is a victim of a distressing, though common, complaint, and that Deafness and other more serious troubles will develop unless treatment be started at once. The rational, natural treatment of catarrh and all the above-mentioned breathing troubles is found in Hyomee, the Australian dry air Inhalant which cures by just breathing it.

Mr. BOOTH, the discoverer and perfecter of this remarkable liquid, writes :-

" Don't be misled by the specious advertisements of people who will apparently say anything and make any claims (however wildly absurd) to sell their nostrums. Remember, no cough mixture, no lozenge, no-drops, indeed no medicine taken into the stomach ever did, or ever will, cure or even relieve nasal or throat catarrh, influenza, bronchitis, or lung trouble. I implicitly believe in my remedy, and that is why I am so insistent in asking you to try it. I would not attach my name to anything unless I firmly believed it would accomplish all that I claim for it. So great is my faith in Hyomee, moreover, that I guarantee to return your money if it does not benefit you. (See coupon below.)

R. T. BOOTH."

To Cure Your Nasal Catarrh (Cold In the Head)

And Deafness. Their Rational Natural Treatment by a World-Famous Man who Cured

Himself of Catarrh 3o Years Ago to Stay Cured Ever Since.

. 24

THE UNITED METHODIST. Debember 5, 1912.

SOME months ago. it was resolved to have a ten clays' revival mission at 'Christ Church, ,Barrow7in.Furness. The. Rev. W. F. Newsam, who . came last. year as Foreign Mission deputation; and who by his -spiritual fervour made a deep inipression on our members, was asked to conduct 'this holy. enterprise. ••November 17th to 26th yvas, set apart fOr this work. Of course there was some preliminary thought, prayer, and 'work needed and attempted. To . say that all we hoped .and required was

„done would be untrue, but much 'was done. Thousands of houSes were visited and much special prayer was. offered. I will not, however, dwell upon this preliminary . stage. I want to report. the progress and work of the mission. itself ; and I think this will be most vividly exhibited if I .transcribe my " Journal of the Mission," with, perhaps, interpolations and illustrations • suggested by -the events that followed.

Sunday morning, • .Novembet .17th, Mr.. Newsam preached on "Prayer " (Matt. vii. 7). It proved to be the keynote of the .Whole. mission, This 'sermon might .have. been lost in the.great crowd of. sermons ever pour-ing.. forth from our ,pulpits had it not been- enforced and illustrated- during the . nine• following , days. The Saul-like proportions of that -Sermon came to be More and more evident, as' we followed Mr. -Newsam's teach-ing and lead during the time he was with us ; and now he has, 'gone, we see the enormous size. of • this duty and •-privilege.• .In.:the.-afternoon.'

' services in the upper school-

and

the church'. Were. commenced. A - number of the younger scholars, and about a 'dozen over twelve years of age; • entered the inquiry room. In the evening the subject was "HOW we know,," Two adults rdluntarily came out—one- a young woman belonging to a family whiCh has lately .commenced, to ,attend 'our church, and

n: the other an ex-postm'a -.Diiplc -ha.d.:131Qcke.ci his Career: and reduced him in the ranks of induStry: However, morally and spiritually, he has now been. promoted. Subsequent nights have shown the man in the uniform of a new character and app-ea.rance:-, , The following Mon-day, at 6.30; a young people's service was held, at which more recruits were made, and at 7.30'-.Mr. Newsam gave a sermon-on: Philip. 'Again7the' I:ord gave the, preacher the. privilege and..joy. of ..Philip.,by permitting- him to repeat the act . Of ,introducing a Seeker to the Masten Tuesday We coinmenced. a• 'day of prayer: fsNine met at ten o'clock and for two hours waited on '"God. Men

. and women and churches and circuits were all, brought ,before, God. An anxiety for souls; and yet, a.:•peace-ful. assurance Of, a power to aid their conversion bTour prayers, beCame a conviction. and a joyful experience. At two o'clock ' we met again,. with new faith and, •larger :.requests. At • three O'elock.• Mr. Newsam ex- pounded the .Lord's Prayer''t.cean eager company.. At six we met again , 'fOr at half-past six we had a young people's service, and' a .Service! for adults an . hour after: ,,'fit, this service. was meanly- .dressed woman, witli.."tvo.Very little children. The yonngsters, seemed .lkkely,' 'distract ,the woman's • atten- tion, so one. of our 'young 'Worliers .i.offered to take charge of . •the .ones Seevice.' was in progress. The woman, the,wife, as: We:•learned; of an ,industrious man;,. was , gradUally ,b4omin,g•.a Prey to •:7the drink. Her conversion .Seernsto..promise to save a really nice home: The realitye.ecif, •ilie '•change 7- in her has written itself sinee. upcin......1*.fAiCe..and:-,appearance, The day, however, was not `,.all jOy.;:and)success. One for whom special lprayer, had.been requested,, .a.n.eL Whose response to an .inVitation. - itd the service ,had awakened 'great hope,. 'held out: ICnowing the case well, we were sad, ; •1\11or;•1)!.a•yr!'subsequerit.l.y• and. another visit seemed to have nG better effect. And. Yet On • the last' night of the mission, this wife voluntarily .carrie-With an expression of thanks . for -our. effOrt and prorniSe. to accept Christ.

Wednesday, November 20th, was partly . spent in visiting, 'and at 6.30 in preaching•to.` the young ; and at 7.30 in preaching- to ‘the, -adults. Two backsliderS,, for whom, prayer had been requested and offered, were actually in attendance. These at a later service re-;

• enlisted. Thursday, 21st, a second day of prayer was entered upon. At ten o'clock a few assembled. arid, wrestled - with their own 'doubts and Satan, ' and eventually prevailed with the.•angels 'Hope and Faith, who again gave us peace and assurance. At three o'clock the lecture-hall 'was nearly. full', when Mr. New- sam expounded•• the word "Abundance?' as applied to Christian giving and service and reward—here and now. Our joy and_ strength and usefulness, he pOinted out,. are all rneaSured, because our giv,ing, and dciing are. Prayers. were requested • for .certain IndividtialS, one of W;ihorn came- to Christ at the 'evening` service.. •:Friday, 22nd, we.- :started .0,ut,, lyith, a to . some, open-air preaching. A. strike of some Ahousands at the ship- yard had suddenly :iaken :place on - Thursday, :and we knew that unless it was terminated:. many Woulcl lie standing about our large square in front of the Town Hall. The great stress of work, _however, had led to the. bridging- of the- difficulty; and tthe,men had - returned.

So we went visiting. Calling: ',upon F an:intelligent woman, who had : alSo,, for- many: years by her .drink-habit,.. we, to use ,Wesley's phrase, offered her "a present and full salvation." After , . earnest prayer we 'left. 'On. Saturday night she came to the " praise-meeting", and when we -Went- to her with, as we thought, a renewed offer of this common.. salvation,

-she. informed us' that she had found , Christ..soori: after we left on Friday: After visiting -her - We took up a stand . at the -gates leading to-the ..iron,w.ork.s. and, gave hills .and invitations to the ,Sunday service. -Saturday, 23rd, was spent in visiting, and crowned... With the already- mentioned , "praise-meeting," . We called upon a .man, a labourer in the ship-yard, whoisIttst.struggling„,.with a. wife and four children, "Out of -the ri-i6.st-apPalling poverty. And yet three years since he be9me • . pos-

sessed '.Of thotisand pounds. Had Salvation come to hirn a short time: ago, - how different his lot would have .beerr 'now ! . came to ' the praise-meeting, sought- the

Sought- the Lord, signed the pledge, and went home with a. new fortune which, though it does not,tonsiSt ,in. silver and gold, is very real and valuable. .

Sunday, 24th, was a day of effort, but of little appar-ent result.. A spirit of fear seemed to rest upon-- same, and so they stayed away ,lest. they should be converted. Mr. Newsam's appeals to the young- men, however, will. not ,soon be :forgotten. ,A lad nearly fifteen was the only one that..actUally surrendered. And yet in that lad there may be asecret Divine force which the years of his, life • may unfold in holy 'and far-reaching bene- factions. Monday, 25th; we commenced. a morning of Jprayer, and during the afternoon • went after some wandering sheep. At night a . young • people's service it 6.30 and an adult .service at 7.30 were held: The immediate apparent reward of this work was the. definite promise on 'the part of the two backsliders already re,- ferred to .to renew their relatipn with Christ and the Church. 'Perhaps, however, the:red-letter event 'of the mission. was found in this day's work. Mr. Newsarri, while at prayer, had . conceived the. idea of taking a voluntary pledge of all who would take up some definite-work for Christ for the next • five weeks between no.,fr. and the end of the year: This is .a day of covenant$.. Mr. .Newsam has- seized an idea and converted if. Oh Monday night several solemnly took the pledge. • tenth day of the mission, Tuesday, 26th, was filled' with a Bible-reading, a faith tea at 4.30 and 6.30, and is lectUre- in the church at 7.30, presided over by • Mr. .1. Cornwell. After the. lecture, :the friends 'asseMbled the schoolroom, and. till ten o'clock testified of the godd, •• they' had derived from Mr.. Newsam's visit and min+, tration. , The question is probably put What is the net-resultj?.. The question seems easy and capable of an immediate and distinct answer: All that is required is that we coui the.:_passengers through the inquiry-room, classify. th according 'to .ag- ^, and then give the exact figures. I veri ture to say that such an answer would be. absolutely. false and misleading. The net result - must be wait for. The, -Mission consisted of a soWing.as well as la. reaping. It consisted of impulses and visions and reso-lutions. Can the net result of these be 'tabulated 61 'they have' exh.austeci, their-, life, and, power?' The n t result to Christ's. Church cannot be known for a genet-, - tion perhaps. for Many- generations. A' hundred yeah ago a youth - took..a godless companion to a Biblt-- reading. The visitor:'was impressed,' and , eventually be-came a 'Christian., The• net result of that,. surely, could,. be tabulated. It .meant one more adherent. How lending and inadequatesuch material arithmetic is ever• proving to be ! ..The net result was ,.ever unfolding itself 'in orphanages and missionaries and holy literature during the next seventy years. And George, Miillerrs ,voice. and 'influence and example are still active and giving forces. -Fortyfive years ago a teacher at Bethel :School, Hull, impressed a• youth with the claims of

it _was the. net. result?. It seemed easy fo:

report it to the next' Conference, an increase of one: And yet,, the figure was- - mOst uncertain, and meaning-less. The real result has been unfolding itself for nearly forty years in a holy life and diligent and ,effective , ser-vice for Christ... And for ten days at Barrow,..in the year 191.2, 'neW results 'of that. conversion at Hull mote than forty. years ago. have. been ..unfolding themselves_ The net result of this particular mission can be ganged, and stated only in Op :phraseology- of .God and eternity.. And a wimple of that heavenly language, so Staggering . ..and yet -so simple, we have in Ephesians. He does "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,'. according to the power :that worketh_ in ,us.," Put down all the ,Holy Spirit led us to think 6f,- and- to ask for, during this Mission, -weigh and measure the resources of the Divine generosity and power, and. then you have

'found:faint suggeStions•Cof- the • yzet ; but only•sug gestions, for I :feeF-sure•that the. actual:result will prove .greater not only' Than 'the +-tabulated 'Teturns of next :Conference, but than Chip •highest thought and holiest wishes.

. . A Scientist's Faith.

The Spiritual Interpretatiou, of Nittpre." By J. Y. Simpson,' D.Sc., F.R.S.E. (IlloClder and Stoughton ; 6s. net.)

IT is a great thing.-..t.O. gel a. bOok written from a 'thorough-going scientific point of view and •yet charged with a robust and'- living LThere . is' a- tendency for the scientist to take 'up- the critical .attitude .towards• religion and for 'the theologian to be very hard on science, a tendency. to which the present work is a wel-come exception. 'Dr. Sinipson is Professor of Natural Science at New College, Edinburgh, and his book

''()Ives

abundant evidence of his wide acquaintance '‘with the larger .questions.. which have emerged during the pro-gress of modern - research and the position in which they now stand., Yet his-hook I is a timely And: "forceful asser-tion of the essentially .plirit.ual nature of the universe, holding fast the theistic position ahcf the Christian con-. ceptiOn of 'Jesus as , Lord. and Redeemer. Those who seek to .destroy Christianity and establish a material-istic philosophy will find this:a book to be reckoned with, while those who labour,fer the defence of the faith will • be able to . draw'ftorri .a-stiinplating- thought and

-powerful .argument. ---Betheprice and style forbid our; speaking of . it , as, tbelOrig,i,ii,ff•• tO,that class of ,popular. writings which are coin, ' - kikkt.ehtly .needed. a work in .countera.Cting''the •pubRattohS .fh 'rationalistic press: It .is'hOw6ver tvt2itten' for threig-eneral redder, not for the specialist, in, and •- pleasing manner, free Irom controversial bitterness, and in langtrage that is al.Ways

•

•

The Journal' of , a ission. BY REV. W. D. GuNtsToNE..

: I.;

dignified -- ain/A-44-tern - eloquent. Dr SirnpsO

tl'Itveals the true teacher in the care with

which he lays -1-k.foundations. In his "Introduction "

• ,

• By Florence Northcroft. (Allen- .. son; Ls.' Gd. net.) ' . . .

Here' . we have ":tWenty,four papers for men and ‘‘-omen." "Every chapter is 'cheerful, intelligent, and suggestive. There is,.a 'good deal of information, and thereS.,a .good deal Kif:-iiispiration.. A. man, for in-stance; 'whol.v:rant4, as !Ilr. !Spurgeon used to say, a, pitcher of - watento throw: dosVn. the pump that the in-aecessible....Watprs -,berteath may become available, can hardlX 'dp-pet ter, ",t.han:.-kkers this book somewhere handy. One Ailli.Atobably..Nt)epough to set him going. In - the -tri'y''chapter'S there iS a common sentiment : it is •: that Often- Vehind, the known pioneer there is an unknoWn. ':Betiind-,Marconi'..was the Dundee toiler ; behind Robert.R.ilces: was "a poor woman living in the 'Village:of ;. - behind Moody in England_. P-unstvic was -the 7 S1,c Avoinan, who- - sets herself to pray that Moody

-Might tO,...England.,and;:preach in her church. . Altogether Very lirtght.and rkfreshing little volume.

R. P.

he faces the question as to whether science, theology, or philosophy are closed compartments, and will have none of it. "The one thing_that,can no longer be permitted is the isolation of any special _object in the universe." The first chapter, remarkable as coming from the pen of a scientist, is a discussion of the limits of knowledge, due to the limited range and character of our senses, and, of the assumptions on which all science is based but which its students so often overlook. He shows the man of science that he is of necessity a man of faith and challenges some of our most comfortable assurances, as when he says, "No mathematician in the world knows whether the sum of the angles of a triangle is equal to two right angles or not." In Chapter II. he dis-cuSses the influence of science on religion and the corn.. plementary subject, the religious temper in science. Some will think that he claims too, much for science in regard to what it has done for religious thought, but that is after all only an evidence of the thoroughly scientific temper in which he approaches his task. Chapters III. and IV. on "Principles of Biology " are in some respects the most valuable in the volume. They are also those which demand most of the reader: But the effort of carefully following him here will be well repaid, es-pecially in the case of those who were at all influenced by. Dr. Schafer's address at the British - Association. They were written before that address was given and the latter is only referred to, very respectfully, in a note at' the end of chapter four, but a more complete answer to Dr. Schafer's physico-chemical account of life it would be difficult to find.

The main body of the book is taken up with discus-sions of some of the most keenly controverted scientific subjects of the day. Natural Selection, Heredity and its, Sociological Aspects, The Directive Factor in Evolution, Creation, Mental Evolution, Morality, Evil, Miracle, and Immortality all come in' for. treatment. The evolution-ary- point of view is everywhere apparent, but there is no slavish following ,6f any particular theory. Darwin, Wallace, Weissmann, Mendel—all contribute to the teaching of this book and all receive their share of criticism. In fact, from the general reader's standpoint, we know of no better statement of the present attitude of science on' these fundamental problems than is here given, and we would heartily recommend the book on that account. All who speak to the public need in these days some- acquaintance with the scientific world and the reading' of a book like this every five years would at least save men from serious blunders.

At the same time in all .these discussions Dr. Simpson is leading us to that which gives the title to his book. He calls our attention in the evolutionary process to the steady .progress which tells of a directive purpose, to the 'relation of the pOwers evolved to an environment which calls them forth, a relation which implies a great 'deal when we consider man's spiritual faculties, to those "anticipatory . adaptations " which by working for the future point to something more than blind forces behind, and many such things. He strongly condemns the ten-denCY in some quarters to treat sin lightly, and gives a much more adequate account of it than has recently ap-.peared ?men: ire-some pulpits. On pages 287-8 he gives 'a- series of 'quotations from John Wesley which will surprise• many as a revelation of the great evangelist as a: 'deeply scientific. thinker.

The- book i's 'well printed in good type. Eight dia-gram's are giVen. The footnotes, are, for a scientific woelt,+ 'few and . commendably brief. The biblical refer-ence on page :20; should be to Chapter II., not XI.

T. A. JEFFERIES. •

• • 'The.,"Sebond Coming of Christ.

MR: ,S.: .11Y. 70oRipoa■t has added to his admirable Quiet Talk series 'a 'book with 'the title " Quiet Talks Quiet Our-Lord'S. Returt0'. (Revell; 2s. 6d. net):' He believes that One'of the:signs:of that coming will be the setting

'up of the'Te'rriple , service and the offering of sacrifice at Jerusalem 'and that after that event the order will be—the tribulation, 'the Corning,....and the Kingdom set up on• the earth.' AS his readdrs of former books will know, Mr. Gordon is tinaffeCted by modern critical theories of the Scriptures andlie'treats them as if each part had equal value. This comes out in this book in his treatment offthe --- Apbcalv'ptic book 'of Revelation. Many readers will not agree tvitli Mr.: Gordon's presentation of this subject but every reader will "be better in heart• and life for perusing this .book.: Here are r-ione. of the wild guessings and notes, distressingly infallible' Which disfigure so much pre-millennial writing:about our Lord's Coming. Mr. Gordon speaks frankly of a number of things that he does not know:- . Yet he. is sure that there is to be a visible, catastrophic appearance of our Lord literally to reign on the earth.,, . This is• a.,.book.every enquirer on this subject should read. 'It` questions unanswered, but 'it dpproache-4 its' .therne::in a beautiful and teachable

.; r • H. S.

9

ile stones9

• i6

A boy may grow to be a grandfather, but his , digestion will always be in its youth if he makes a habit of taking Colman's Mustard.

Make sure that you remember the mustard whenever you sit down to dinner. While there's a mustard pot on the table there's always a hearty appetite and a sound digestion within easy reach.

The regular and liberal use of Colman's Mustard means a keen appetite now and a sound digestion later on.

December 5, 1912. THE UNITED METHODIST.

26

A Novelist and the Irish Question.

MR. JOSEPH HOCKING'S " ROSALEEN O'HARA."

JOSEPH HOCKING has never done better work than in " Rosaleen O'Hara " (Hodder and Stoughton ; 3s. 6d.). It appeared in a contemporary under a different titlean objectionable and bewildering practice ; but so far as _we can trace, with the exception of the title, it is reproduced here pretty much as it appeared there. The book is a second fruit of Mr. Hocking's visit to Ire-land and of his personal investigation of the Irish ques-tion. The first result of that visit was the writing of a book "Is Home Rule Rome Rule?", which has been already reviewed in these columns. So far as the new book discusses the same political question it gives the same answer as in the former volume, and is sure to arrest attention and provoke thought if not controversy.

The story which runs thrOugh "Rosaleen O'Hara" may be briefly indicated. Denis Tregony was brought up by Mr. and Mrs. Tregony at Trewint Farm in that West Country of whose charm neither Mr. Hocking nor his readers ever weary. But Denis is brought up in a way which does not consort with the apparently limited means of Mr. and Mrs. Tregony. He wears the best clothes and has the .best education the Grammar School of the neighbourhood can afford, and by and by is sent to Oxford. He has a 'faint memory of a beautiful lady who stooped over him and kissed him as a child and who took him on board ship for a voyage that brought him into a strange country, and the feeling grows upon him that Mr. and Airs. Tregony are not his father and mother. The E entrancing vision of a young girl that he saw on the boat as he journeyed one day on the River Fal between Malpas and Falmouth abides with him and she becomes the lodestone of his love and thought, though he doesn't see her for.years after and then only once or twice for a moment or two. The discovery that he is not Denis Tregony but Denis Kildare, the owner of Kildare Castle, Ireland, leads to quite a revolution in his life. Leaving London, where he has begun to practise as a barrister, he went to live at Kildare Castle. There he discovered to his amazement and delight that Lenore, the girl of his early dreams, is the daughter of Sir Charles .Tyrorie, his immediate neighbour. By and by comes his meeting with her and subsequently with Rosaleen O'Hara, the granddaughter of Mr. Patrick O'Hara, a . descendant of Irish kings. The conflicting love interest awakened by Denis Kildare's association with Lenore and Rosaleen is superlatively well managed by Mr: Hocking, and the reader's interest in. it never wanes from start to finish. Mr. Hocking has never pic-tured a more charming unspoiled child of, nature than Rosaleen, and more than one reader will regret that Lenore and not Rosaleen became Mrs. Kildare.

Denis's is not the only love story found in this book. Many readers will ponder with a wistful interest the -story of his mother's love for Mr. Kildare whom she, a sturdy Protestant, married, though he came of a long line which had been faithful to the Roman Catholic Church for many generations. Their marriage casts a vivid light on the whole problem of mixed marriages as between Roman Catholics and Protestants, and gives considerable force to the discussion of the Ne Temere decree which incidentally takes place in this book.

But for many the main interest of this book will lie in its political features. Denis's attitude and that of his Protestant neighbours toward the Irish • question may be seen by the following quotations. The first is from a conversation between him and Sir Charles Tyrone :-

"` Oh, no, I don't believe in Home Rule,' cried Denis, although, mark you, from one standpoint it

- seems just ; but I could never give my vote to hand over the Protestants of Ireland to the dominion of Rome.'

" Thank God for that ! ' cried the baronet. You are on the right track there. Home Rule for Ireland would be Rome Rule; it would mean handing over the country to the priests, to Rome. It would be play-ing a traitor's part. Why, the Roman Catholics hate England. They would take up arms against her to-'morrow. Oh ! I know them. My agent has been shot at, and I and my people have been in danger of our lives. Marauding, murderous gangs made Ire-land a hell, and they were backed by the priests. That was why I could not believe you could be associated with rebels and .murderers. Don't mistake me. The people, if left alone, are all right ; but they have the priests, they have Rome behind them, and that's where the danger lies ! '

"The baronet had changed from the kind, courteous gentleman, and had become almost bitter in his de-nunciation.

`" What I meant by saying I was not a Unionist • was that I did not identify myself with the political party which has adopted that name,' cried Denis.

" But you will, you will. There are only two political parties in Ireland. The one is loyal, and the other is disloyal. The one stands by-the old flag and the old union between England and Ireland, while the other hates England like poison, and makes no secret of its hatred. - Very possibly if I lived in England I should be a Liberal, except on this one point ; but in Ireland it's impOssible. The only political party any loyalist—for that matter, any gentlemen—can join is

.the party that fights against Rome. Indeed, nearly all the few good Roman' Catholic families in Ireland are Unionists. No decent, God-fearing man. could hand over the country to that marauding crew who, the tools of the priests, call themselves the Nationalist party. Why, even if my own brother were to join that gang I would disown him ! " Only a few weeks' residence in Ireland convinced

Denis of this enormous power of the priesthood. In our

next quotation he is talking about this aspect of the sub-ject to Sir Charles Tyrone. Sir Charles has just said that he hated Parnell's politics but that no one could deny he was a strong man.

".His influence in Ireland was Wonderful and the hierarchy began to fear him. He had a great advan-tage over them too, because he voiced the sentiments of the great mass of the people. But the Church crushed him.'

" I thought,' replied Denis, that Parn311's down-fall was owing to something entirely different.'

"` Yes, yes, I know. But talk to .anyone who knows the inside of the ghastly story, and you will quickly learn that the final issue was between Parnell and the Church. It was considered entirely apart from morality. Parnell was not a priest's man, and would not play into their hands. That was why he was crushed. In fact, it has been tf- e same ever since I can remember : no man has been strong enough to fight the Church. Whether your cause is right or wrong does not count, the moment you oppose the Church you are ruined. And three-fourths of Ireland is ruled by the Church.'

" Is there no hope, then ? ' 'C I really see none. Under the fostering care- of

England Ireland may grow more prosperous. Chronic poverty may be alleviated, but three-fourths of the people will for ever remain under priestrule, the slaves of the priests' will. If Home Rule were granted, Protestants .would not be able to live here, because the Government would be used by the priests simply/ as a means to carry out their will.' .

" But you say they do that already. You say that the priest rule is supreme.'

"` Did I say that ? Then I must qualify. While we are under English Government we have a limited priest rule. I'll admit that they have their own way in nearly everything, but there are certain boundary lines beyond which they dare itot go. Under Home Rule it would be priest rule unlimited.'

"" Then there is no hope? ' "` Not 'unless you can break the priests' power.' "` But that seems impossible.' "` Yes, because three-fourths of the people are the

slaves of the priestly system. No; all we can do is to fight for the maintenance of the existing order of things. It is our only salvation.'

" But it is not salvation.' " It is all we can hope for. The truth is, my dear

fellow, I can see no chance for Ireland. We have i Rome Rule, and there is an end of it."

" Of course, you know the Irish system of educa-tion? '

" Certainly. It is as bad. as it can be, or very nearly. But it can't be altered ; • the priests will not allow it. They control the schools, paid for by public money; they control the training colleges—at least, a large part of them—paid for by public money ; they control Maynooth College, also supported by huge sums of public money. They rule. You can't alter this, because they are backed up by the great majority of the people.'

" Then what is the use of the English Govern-ment? Why not give them Home Rule? '

"` They control three-fourths of the country now. Give Ireland Home Rule and they'd control the whole of it.'" Further thought about this brought Denis to another

position, Mr. Hocking transcribes for us some of Denis-'s thinking :

"Would not Home Rule mean giving more power to the priests? If it would, then he would fight it to

the death. But did it? Was not this Ne Temere decree not only enunciated, but enforced even, while Ireland was under the control of a Protestant Parlia. ment? Ireland was under Rome Rule, even although the British House of Commons was mainly composed of Protestants, and it would continue under Rome Rule as long as this state of things obtained. Ireland could never be free until her people were led to arise .and stand upon their feet. If the party to which Lenore was allied had its way, everything would re-main as it was. The priests would remain masters of the situation; no matter what party might be in office. Land Acts might be passed, and money might be poured in from England, but it was the Church, the priests who were eventually enriched. Education laws might be passed, but the priests controlled the schools. No Government, whether Liberal or Conservative, dared to pass anything like popular measures for Ire-land ; it dared not : the Church was all-powerful. And the Church had this power because it had enslaved the people's wills and controlled their consciences. Not until the people were emancipated could there be a free Ireland; not until they ruled themselves would they shake themselves frc=nn the power of Rome, would they be a free and independent nation. And he be-lieved that self-government would be the great work-in;; force that would make the change. The history of other countries had shown this. A sense of responsi-bility had caused other nations to throw off the yoke of Rome, why should it not be so in Ireland? The Church laughed at Dublin Castle; it used English officialism as a tool to accomplish its own ends. But the Church was for ever powerless in the face of a free democracy. Italy was a Roman Catholic country, but the Church dared not do there what it had done in the British Isles. The thought gripped him, mastered him. Whether it was right or wrong, it convinced Denis Kildare of its truth." What that decision meant of suffering and persecu-

tion, and how it ,nearly cost Denis his life, is graphically depicted for us in the remainder of this book. Whether they admit Rildare's solution or not readers will agree that the elements of the Irish problem are set forth in this book with a vividness which makes it impossible to doubt what the problem really is, HENRY SMITH.

Honesty.

ALMOST before we are old enough to understand the meaning of any principles of morality, we have it ' drummed into us by various well-meaning- persons that "honesty is the best policy." This is one of the maxims which I should like to sweep right out of the English language. To tell a child to be honest because it is the best policy is to lead it away from the path of spiritual life, and to give it to understand that honesty is right because it brings worldly happiness. .If the worth of an action is to be judged by its motive, the man who is honest because it is the best policy is on exactly the same plane as the man who for the same reason is dishonest. The man who is really honest is the man Who stands by truth because falsehood and deception are repugnant to his true, spiritual- self. If children were taught to be true because God is truth, they would. never be in doubt as to what was the right thing to do in any difficult situation. When a man realizes that God is truth, his every action will be an expression of the Infinite Light which permeates his soul, and nothing will cause him to dev'ate from the eternal principle of honesty. H. F. POPPLE,TON.,

A Self-denial Week for Missions. REV. W. F. NEWSAM (Liverpool and North Wales Dis-

trict) writes :-- I suggested at our meeting in this,District, as one of

the ways by which money might be raised towards the Mission Debt, that the second week in January,. 1913, be set apart in the District as a week of self-denial. It depends on the way this is urged and worked in the Cir-cuits as to whether much or little by this method will be obtained. Could not many who now subscribe or 10s. or 5s., perhaps without strain, give a like sum additional this year, even though it may be difficult to do so? And then, perhaps, many who give. no yearly subscription to missions might give a subscription this Year if sacrifice is needed. There should be a little wise preparation for this second week in January, so that the gift may be larger in many cases because of prayer and forethought. I heard of 'a servant girl who gave 10s. to a missionary collection, but she prepared before-hand, and then gladly gave her offering. On the week named we can all give up something for so great a cause. Christina Rossetti says :—" The kept we lose, the offered we retain or find again," and we read "There is that scattereth, and increaseth yet more." If we make the second week in January a time of much prayer for missions the gifts will be larger. If we are importunate in. preparation we may get a deeper love for' missions. I :write in no official way, but prompted by the Holy •Spirit, and wishful that this method among others may help us in our District to raise a large sum towards the

-Mission Debt.

National Council of Public Morals MINIMUM

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26

THE UNITED METHODIST. December 5, 1912

IT was my • privilege, through the kindness of Dr. Townsend, to be present recently at a social gather-ing • on behalf of the National Council of Public. Morals, at Lord' and Lady Aberconway's residence. The Council was formed eight years ago, under the hospitable roof of the Rev. F. B. Meyer, " to extend the battle lines beyond the garrison town where the fight commenced in 1900." The specified object is, "The regeneration of the race— spiritual, moral, physical.." The president is Bishop Boyd Car-penter, the ex-president the Bishop of Durham, and the vice-presidents, numbering over seventy, include repre-sentatives of all the Churches. There were present at the social gathering, held in the drawing-room, probably forty persons. Lady Aberconway presided. She made an ideal hostess and lady-president, reserving her, ad-dress until the doge—a most wise procedure. The first speaker was Mrs. 'Mary Scharlieb, M.D., who probably surprised many by stating that the marriageable age in this country was for males fourteen and for females twelve. Her plea was that it should be raised. Dr. C. W. Saleeby, whom I heard for the first time, made a most incisive and earnest .speech. He had just come from the House of Commons Committee Room, where the Mental Deficiency Bill had been effectually blocked by an ignorant M.P. He was followed by Dr. Towns-end, whose address was a review of the work done by the National Council, and an urgent appeal for larger

, activities. Mr. Arthur Spurgeon, of Cassells', gave a most reasonable 'address on the literature of to-day, and also put in a plea for the children. Dr. P. T. Forsyth 'proposed the thanks of the meeting to Lord and Lady Aberconway for the use of their drawing-room, and to

What Our Readers Think. .■••■■■■•■••

The Circuit System and Connexionalism. DR., ARTHUR JONES, Birmingham, writes : After much hesitation I take up my pen to write to

you. My subject makes it difficult for me to express my views with absolute- clarity, and I know that many of my most .esteemed brethren will differ from Me. Nevertheless, I feel that these views really are held by a respectable minority in our denomination, and it is important that they should be uttered by somebody.

Of late there have been noticeable in our Church polity two tendencies : a kind of unifying, systematizing, " Con-nexionalizing " tendency, and one towards Union with the Wesleyan Methodist Church. I do net know how far th.ese, are connected in origin. Probably the people who most sympathize with the one will most sympathize with the other. Whether connected in origin or not, they work togethen to produce results.

1 have a feeling that there is an impulse. towards making us more and more functionaries, local repre-sentatives of the denoini.nation, its servants, the temples of a denominational spirit, the sedulous watchers for the smooth running of the ecclesiastical machine. It is a perfectly feasible view of the ministry to take. But I confess that my view .is very different. I have regarded myself as a man -called to be a minister of the Gospel, and for various reasons have concluded that I could best answer that call in the ranks of the United Methodist ministry. But to a man who feels himself to be called as a minister, the best of denomina-tions can be but an instrument ; and if the depomina-tioa determines to make him its instrument his 'position must become ultimately impossible. Temperamentally, I admit that I am incapable of the intense loyalty for such a mere institution as'our denomination which many of my brethren obviously possess. But with every wish to be fair to. their point of view, which I do not share, I hold that our effectiveness is in grave peril from excess of "Connexionalism."

A very conspicuous feature of our public policy at present is the exaltation of circuit life. At least one President of recent years has made the praise of cir-cuits (as distinct from single churches) a keynote of his Presidential utterance. The Address to the Churches for the current year contains the sentence, "The value of larger circuit life must still be urged." And in a resolu-tion concerning certain churches Conference committed itself to the belief that "one-church circuits " (this quaint phrase seems to assume the normality of the circuit-system) "are undesirable when union with others can . be mutually agreed upon." The resolution deals with certain churches, and was, perhaps, intended to apply to cases of their kind, but it is in perfectly general terms, and reads rather like the enunciation of a general principle. From letters which appear in the UNITED METHODIST one gathers that there are many in sym-pathy with this, who look upon circuits and Methodism as synonymous, and the determination, of any churches to remain alone as ,essentially un-Methodistic and selfish.

Now, sir, my own strictly personal belief is that the circuit-system is obsolescent, and has, in' fact, already begun to die a slow natural death. But others think differently, and I have no quarrel with them. Neither have I any quarrel with a sore-trued Home Mission Secretary, who, faced with churches needing much help and a Mission Fund unable to give it, .may, under some circumstances, suggest that certain churches should share the services of a minister. It seems a sensible expedient, but, to my mind, should be recognized to be an expedient only, designed to meet a special case. Neither have I any wish to initiate a movement for the suppression of circuits. Such a movement, besides being futile, would hurt the dearest convictions of many. But I do ask for a Connexional recognition that circuits are but one kind of organization in United Methodism, and that single churches and a pastoral,: ministry have as much a place of right within our borders as the other thing ; not as a more or less. grudg-' ingly-tolerated exception, but as an intrinsic part ; not as a child of the bondwoman, but as a son of the house.

.- And, as a corollary, I think that the cessation of the official circuitizing propaganda is only fair.

From my point of view it is impossible that I shall feel great enthusiasm for the idea of Union with the Wesleyans. I have, as all of us have, some highly- esteemed and very dear Wesleyan friends. But Union with the Wesleyans would practically mean absorption to us, and emphatically the Wesleyan Church is not the church of my choice. The tendencies which. I do not like in my own Church are stronger in the Wesleyan. There are, no doubt, very many amongst us to whom the Wesleyan Church is a mother or model ; but there will also be some who as is my own case, while. they are, and hope to remain, United Methodists, feel far more affinity for Congregationalism than for Wesleyan Methodism. And I have written in the hope that others also will write, and will be seen that the one set of ideas does not hold the entire field in United Methodism.

A Home Mission 'Extension. REV. T. NICHOLAS, Seaham Harbour, writes :- In the report of the Home Mission Committee meet-

ing, which appeared in your issue of last week, it is stated that a new cause. has been established at Easing-ton Colliery in the Murton Circuit, and that a church has been erected at a cost of ,'1,000. This report, is not quite correct. It should read, "It. is proposed to erect a school chapel." The total outlay will be £1,000. At present we have a small iron structure which seats 100. This is the only church building in a new population of about 6,000. It is impossible to find "standing" room for those who wish to attend our Sunday evening ser-vices. It would greatly help us if some friends could favour us with some financial help. Our treasurer, Mr. B. Raine, North Eastern Bank, Easington Colliery, Dur-

Lady Aberconway for presiding. This gave him the opportunity of stating the position of woman under the Christian economy, and of supporting Dr. Saleeby in his contention that sincerity was often allied with ignor-ance, and that more light was needed. The vote of thanks was seconded in a forceful speech by the Rev. Prof. Hermann -Gollancz, M.A., D.Litt. The social gathering that followed was of considerable interest. The director and secretary, Rev. James Marchant, Hol-born Hall, London, E.C., would be glad to give fuller information as to the organization. W. 13.

" Come ye apart and rest awhile." HAVING heard of "The Sanctuary," situate in Bays-

water Road, I determined, along with a friend, to, see what this place could be. Three minutes' walk from the Marble Arch brought us to the Sanctuary or "Chapel of the Ascension." On the right side of the central doorway we read these words : " Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? Come and rest awhile. Commune with your own hearts and be still. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever." On the left side : "Passengers through the busy streets of London, enter this Sanctuary for rest, and silence, and prayer. Let the pictured walls within speak of the past yet ever-continuing ways of God with man." In the ante-chapel we noted a marble tablet bearing the following in-scription : "To the grateful memory of Amilia Russell Gurney, through whose pious care and bounty this Chapel was rebuilt and decorated to the service of God. Born 26 July, 1823. Entered into rest 17 Oct., 1896." On the left side was a similar tablet : "To the glory of God and in memory of Frederic Shields, who. out of weakness was made strong and in the power. of the Holy Spirit executed the paintings in this Chapel, which he completed only three weeks before his death. 26 Feb., 1911."

On either side of the entrance wall Prayer and Medi- tation are pictured. Two very striking pictures of Man turning from and hearkening to the voice of Conscience are also here depicted. Even the roof of the ante-chapel has a message, for on the three beams is written :

"Be still and so learn to know." ".He who himself and God - would know

Into the silence let him go." "For what so strong but wanting rest will want of

might? " Passing through the curtained entrance into the inner

shrine we came face to face with a veritable Palace Beautiful—a place of awe and delight. The north wall on our left revealed panel portraits of "The Glorious Company of the Apostles " and large pictures illustrat-ing the Life of Christ. The south wall displayed in panel pictures "The Goodly Fellowship of the Prophets," while the large scenes illustrate incidents in the Book of Acts. Over the chancel in the centre of the east wall we gazed upon pictures depicting the Passion, Resur-rection and Ascension of our Lord. On the left and right the Wise and Foolish Virgins were shown, and underneath were the angels of Faith, Hope, Love, and Patience.

The Story of the Artist is published by Messrs. Long- mans, Green, and Co., in "Life and Letters'of Frederic . Shields." His work for "The Sanctuary " occupied the last twenty years of his life: His preface to the story of the Chapel reveals his beautiful character.

"What without Thy aid is wrought, Skilful deed or wisest thought, God will count but vain and nought—

Therefore Only Wise Be Glory, through Jesus Christ, who has upheld through toil and suffering, to me the wondrous privilege to complete this in reverent awe and fidelity to His revealed

So entrancing was the first visit that I wended my way thither the day following. Other United Methodists: were there from .a distant part of London. Excepting Wednesday and Saturday- afternoons silence in the Chapel is requested. During the winter months the Chapel is closed at dusk. D.V., on December 7th, the: writer will conduct a party of United Methodists to "The Sanctuary." SISTER LILY_

ham, or our trust secretary, Mr. R. H. Appleby, Post Office, Easin.gton Colliery, would be pleased to acknow-ledge the smallest donations on behalf of the building fund.

Methodism and the Towns. MR. ARTHUR H. SUTCLIFFE, Manchester, writes :- During the controversy on "Methodism and the Vil-

lages," there has been referred to one phase of the topic, which I think equally applicable to many of our town churches, i.e., the need for the "best " men of our de-nomination, to labour in such churches, where under present conditions, the congregations are unable to secure the most suitable minister owing to financial disabilities. The present system, i contend, is wrong, and: tends to produce two evil results, viz. : First, it is a temptation to our pastors to respond to the "calls' of the more prosperous churches. Secondly, it debars a struggling church going through a critical period, from securing just the man who most likely would in a few years put that church on its feet again. Surely, many of us know of instances where a leaders' meeting has had several names of ministers before it, many of whom would, in all probability, be most suited to that particular church's needs,. but without any consideration these names have to he passed over because the church cannot pay the high salary such men command. This position, I contend, is altogether contrary to the true spirit of Christ's teaching. "Here am I, send me," ought to be the attitude possible to every minister of the Gospel, and if he received his fixed salary from Conference direct (and each church could send its fair proportion to Con-ference) irrespective of the size or wealth of the church where he is to minister, one great stumbling block would be removed, which now tempts him, and often debars him from accepting the "call" to a church which, of-itself, cannot pay the salary he deserves. The matter, I am convinced, will have to be considered ere long, for it surely cannot be right, that a church in low water shduld have to remain so because year after year it has to be content with a second or even a third-rate preacher. I submit these few thoughts for careful perusal, by all who love a truly democratic church. Don't let us copy the methods .of the commercial world, and sell 'the Gospel to the highest bidder. 7

[Our correspondent's suggestion carries more with it than apparently he thinks. How long, for instance, would a Church remain democratic if its ministers' salaries were paid from a central fund? The danger would be of rule by a bureaucracy superseding that of a democracy. And many other difficulties and perils would spring up.—ED: U.M.]

To God for ever,' and given vast task, Word."

Because the Body.Building Power of Bovril has been proved to be from 10 to 20 times the amount taken.

December 5, 1912. THE UNITED METHODISt

27

Back to Bethel. As an old superintendent, it was recently my privilege

to assist at the celebration of the 115th anniversary of the Bethel Church, Hull.

It is a church interesting not only for its history, but for the loyalty, courage, and persistence of the remnant who are not only holding the fort, but who are pushing out the bounds of the Kingdom on their own bit Of frontier.

Looking at the places empty through death since I first knew the church thirty years ago, theold words came back, "All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof' is as the flower of the field ! " But, in addition, their younr, men and women have emigrated ; family . after family has removed ; the neighbourhood is no longer the "residential" One it used to be ; consequently, the financial burden grew heavier with the years, and all this aggravated by gratuitous vexations such as most churches have to experience; and yet the faithful few, resisting tempting offers of purchase of premises, have patiently continued, confronting the shocks and blows of circumstance, adjusting themselves to altered con-ditions, Preaching the Gospel to the poor who have closed in around them.

More and more it appeared to onlookers (may their shadow grow less) to be a forlorn hope; but to-day, as a matter of fact, first the financial difficulties have been reduced to manageable proportions, and second, a mind 'to work, nobly led by the resident minister and his wife, is distinctly there.

A pleasing feature of the 'morning service .was the presence of the Boys' Brigade Company attached to the Sunday School ; and at the evening service the large number of young people over fourteen years of age, both showing themselves to be a league of exemplary wor-shippers:

An indication of the zeal of the church was given by the announcement of the usual service, after church hours, in the Sykes Street 'School, conducted by the minister. I learnt afterwards that the minister's wife was seen on the pavement outside button-holing passers-by to come in.

In that school the man of seventy-seven still conducts his Bible Class every Sunday—a man who years ago asked to be relieved of the secretaryship that he might form a class of a number of boys who had been selected for expulsion from the school. The class was given him : result, he saw every one of them'becorne members of the church.

I have ventured to be thus far invidious : he is a type of other men and women who for work without fuss, performance without parade, endurance without repining find in their work the ratification of their beliefs, and know the peace which is always the work of righteous- ness. J. L. Ff.

W.M.A. The Wenchow Relief Fund.

IT is pleasing to note that the W.M.A. is again, as in times past, responding- to the above urgent call for help. How urgent, any reader of the "Echo " can quite realize. The Plymouth and East Cornwall District Meeting gave an excellent lead by sending to the General Treasurer for the sufferers at Wenchow, while preparations had already been set on foot to bring about similar results in the Sunderland District. At their District Meeting, held in Middlesbrough, on Nov. 27th, the 'representatives were very gratified to find that the efforts :of the branches during the past three weeks had resulted in the splendid total of £11. The follow-ing'branches contributed : Darlington, ,15; Dock Street, Sunderland, £1 Os. 9d. ; A Friend, 5s. ; Murton, £1 Hs. 3d. ; Fulwell, Willington, 10s. ; Middles- brough,. 8s. ; Cold Hesledon C.E., 5s. ; • total, The above has been forwarded to Mr. Stedeford. Doubt-less other Districts will be making similar efforts. To such we would intimate that the Publication Secretary has_ received a number of special collecting cards, which can be forwarded on application.

to suspect further trouble." Will our members continue to pray for her recovery?

Newcastle-on-Tyne. A very successful meeting was held in the Gosforth

Church Hall. Mrs. Dryden (District president) presided Over a large gathering of our members from all parts of Newcastle and Gateshead. A very interesting address was given by Miss Turner, whose most encouraging account of her work among the girls of Chu Chia, North China, was much enjoyed. Mrs. Vivian, of Sunderland, appealed for an increase of interest in mis-sionary work. Solos were sung by Miss Frances Dixon. A collection for W.M.A. work was taken.

Bristol (Bethel, St. George).—A service of song was .recently given by the Sunday School scholars, in which three girls and three boys represented Japan, India, Uganda, China, Yoruba, and Persia, all being dressed in the native costume. The accounts of the ways and manners of the natives made it very interesting and instructive. The choir of thirty children was trained by Miss i1I. E. Wheale, the secretary. ' Mrs. Wren, of Staple Hill, presided, and spoke words of encouragement to the children and members. All spent a pleasant time, and the results were satisfaotory, 7s. 5d. was added to our fund.—Our, monthly meeting was held at the residence of Mrs. Wheale, and there was a good attendance. Business was discussed, and a very interest-ing reading was given by Mrs. Hulbert. The circular letter was read and sympathy expressed towards the poor sufferers through the typhoon in Wenchow. One new member was added to our branch. After tea a collection was taken for our W.M.A. fund.

Stockport.—This branch held its autumnal meeting at Mount Tabor Church. There was a large attend- ance. Miss K. Johnson, L.L.C.M., presided. Rev. A. E. J. Cosson addressed the meeting, and remarked upon the awakening of the women of the East, which led them to search for knowledge. He appealed for Christian women teachers to be sent out to instruct these seekers after truth. Miss Ada Howarth sang two songs, which were much appreciated by the friends. Mrs. Marsden and Mrs. Gregory kindly provided after-noon tea, and a pleasant hour was spent in conversation. The collection amounted to £4 1s.

anternationat lesson. BY REV. CHARLES A. ASHELFORD, Berry Brow.

DECEMIER 15TH, 1912.

FORGIVENESS.—Matt. xviii. 21-35. GOLDEN TEXT.—" Be ye kind one to another, tender-

hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake path .foq.4-iven vou."—Eph. iv. 32.

Last week's lesson and this week's lesson constitute really one lesson, since . the childlike spirit of humility and the conciliatory spirit of forgiveness are mutually dependent and supplementary. " Forgiveness is never possible to selfish dignity." In the paragraph on "recon-ciliation " in vv. :15---20 Jesus shows .'deep knowledge of human nature in His first: counsel : " Go, show him his fault between thee and him alone." The first duty, and the one of greatest difficulty in the case of a quarrel or injury, is to bring the parties concerned face to face. They should be together "alone " : the presence of the onlooker always makes it hard for either to yield. Note that it is the offended one who is asked to take the

initiative in the effort to restore right relations. The aim from beginning to end must be that of gaining the brother. Childlikeness, brotherly love, and forgiveness are seen in this chapter to be the notes of the Church and the Kingdom. The Parable of Grace which con.sti-totes our lesson. forms a fitting close to our Lord's whole ministry of love in Galilee. l3ruce groups together the Parables of Dives and Lazarus and the Unmerciful Ser-vant, and heads the chapter "Inhumanity and Implaca-bility, the Unpardonable Sins." There are two very fine chapters on " Forgiveness " in "Ecce Homo)! Portia's famous speech, "The quality of Mercy," etc., in "The Merchant of Venice," is a fine analysis °if the spirit of forgiveness. Bernard Shaw has said that "he did not believe in a God who forgave. Nothing could be for-given." It would seem as if he has confused two things which differ, viz., cause and effect in the physical sphere and the free movement of volition in the spiritual. For-giveness is not the reversal of natural laws, but it is a transaction of the moral and volitional being. "Par don," says Ritschl, "is an act of will by which there is cancelled that aspect of an injury received which inter-rupts intercourse between the injured person and the offender."

The Limits of Forgiveness (vv. 21-22). Peter's question harks back to v. 15. There breathes;

through his question a singular earnestness. He had listened intently to our Lord's words about an injured' man seeking to reclaim his injurer. -Me- former goes to the latter, not for his own sake to seek reparation, but for the wrong-doer's sake, to win him back from evil. Such words touch sensitive consciences. Peter speaks as though he had himself suffered injury and had suc-ceeded more than once in forgiving it, and now conies to his Master to know how long the trial was to last. How oft shall my brother sin against mc, and .1 for-give him? 'fill seven times? Jewish Tequirement limited forgiveness to three times, vide Am. i. 3, 6, 9 •, ii. 4 ; Job xxxiii. 29 (margin). Peter had noted the broader outlook of Jesus, and by more than. doubling- the Rabbi's thrice forgiveness believed that his generosity would find favour with the Master. lie thought that he had climbed to a great height : for hire iL was a great stretch of the law of forgiveness. The. mistake of his question lies in the fact that lie was seeking for a rule instead of grasping a principle. The man who asks such a ques-tion has not grasped the true spirit of forgiveness. It assumes the ultimate right of retaliation : retaliation is the law, and forgiveness the exception. The ground of Christian forgiveness lies in the fact that we have been forgiven. "This :fundamental fact of our experience radically changes our relation to our fellow men. The love that has reached us is for them ; and we are to be the channels of its distribution. The forgiveness of the Christian proceeds from a sense of the infinite obliga-tion of redeeming love." Revengeful action, which has no other aim than- the gratification. of our injured feel-ings, is forbidden by Christ's law of love. In forgive-ness the sense of injury to ourselves is lost in perception of the injury the offender has done himself and in desire to save him f -om its consequences. Seventy times seven is a symbolical expression for never-ending forgiveness. Love is not to be limited by the :multiplica-tion table. The coincidence of phrase with Lamech's song in Gen. iv. 24 is striking. Moulton remarks that a definite allusion to the Genesis story is highly probable. Jesus pointedly sets against the natural man's craving for seventy-sevenfold revenge the spiritual man's ambition to exercise the privilege of seventy-sevenfold (R.NL margin) forgiveness. Forgiveness represents a relation of persons. and its essence lies in the restoration

413

News from our Foreign Secretary. Mrs. George Eayrs, Bristol, writes : I have received a most interesting letter from Miss

L. 0. Squire, B.A., to-day, in- which she tells of gay doings in Chao Tong, Yunnan District. On the 18th of October, the 'first yearly commemoration of the new Government was held sin "great " style, and our W.M.A. •members will be interested to know that our scholars were allowed to take quite a prominent part in the proceedings, Miss ;Squire and Mrs. Dymond being publicly complimented by the officials on their splendid training of the girls.

May I also acknowledge with much gratitude further gifts for our returning missionaries from the AlisSes Schofield, Rochdale; Mrs. Blondel and W.M.A. Branch, Salem, Guernsey ; Mrs. Warrington and • W.M.A. Branch, Leek, Staffs. ; Mrs. Balkwill, Penzance ; Miss Martin and class, Acton, London, W. ; Miss Winifred and Carl Eayrs, Bristol ; Mrs. 1Blackmore and Branch Girls at Edgehill, Bideford:, Mrs. Baker, Cardiff ; Airs. Aitchison and W.M.A. Branch, Durham •, Mrs. Gilham and W.M.A. Branch, Bermondsey, London, for East Africa ; Mrs. Smith, Birmingham ; Grace Garland, Red-land, Bristol ; and Anonymous, Nottingham.

God bless the givers, one and all ! Parcels can still be sent me (for Tientsin District) up to January 25th, for Miss Turner ; and, after that, our good friends can go on working for our new lady missionary or mis-sionaries, who are to go out during the year (D.V.).. Please do not forget the hospital supplies : they are needed so urgently.

The latest news. of Miss Ethel Squire, received this morning, is : "General health improved, but still heavy discharge, and 'awful pain in the head ; the doctors seem .

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28

THE UNITED METHODIST. December 5, 1912

of impaired confidence, affection, and favourable. regard. It is possible to talk glibly, but never too earnestly, of forgiveness. Forgiveness is, and must ever be, a costly thing.

The Forgiving King (vv. 23-27). Peter's earnest, but short-sighted question, was the

occasion of this parable. Gospel gems, like sea-pearls, were frequently called forth by gritty facts or circum-stances. Recall what drew forth the Parable of the Two Debtors in 'Lk. vii. 41-42, and the three peerless parables of Luke xv. Jesus illustrates the hatefulness of an unforgiving spirit by the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant. The offences of any man against his fellow man are utterly trivial compared with our offences against God. Forgiveness received should be the inspiration of forgiveness extended. The picture is drawn from an oriental court. The talent is a weight, not a coin, and weighed as much, as 6,000 denarii. Commentators reckon the 10,000 talents as being worth at least 2 million sterling. The servant who owed such an im- mense sum could not possibly repay it. Such a debt implies that the servant was a Viceroy, Satrap, or Pasha of a province, and had appropriated and lost the public money. Our Lord may have recalled a circumstance of His early years in Galilee, which had been a nine days' wonder. Recall the conduct of Jabez Balfour in con-nection with the Liberator. V. 25 reminds us that in the East a man's wife and family were regarded as his property, and might. be sold as well as himself towards the debt. Ex. xxii. 3 ; Lev, xxv. 39 ; 2 K. iv. 1. The obsequious servant pleaded for patience and his master forgave him the debt. Note the phrase " moved with compassion," the very expression used to describe the attitude of mind and heart of the Speaker toward men. The servant apparently was not only forgiven, but re-instated. The characteristic thing about God's forgive-ness is that when He forgives He trusts us again.

The Forgiven Servant Unforgiving (vv. 28-35). The hundred pence of the fellow-"servant (about '4)

was as nothing compared to the 10,000 talents which the King had forgiven this creditor-servant. There is something unspeakably mean in this man's quick re-membrance of the few pence due to himself. "Man's inhumanity to man, makes countless thousands mourn." The identical words of the fellow-servant's appeal ought to have recalled his own passionate appeal. The sym-pathy of the servants for the imprisoned debtor reveals the instinctive pity of the human heart. It is not be-cause here and there a man is hard and callous that the majority of men may not be tender-hearted and sympathetic. One of the seven wise men of Greece when asked, "What would rid the world of injuries? " replied, "When the bystanders shall resent an injury as he does who suffers the injury." If the forgiving love of God does not humble it hardens. How un-justifiable and reprehensible the unforgiving spirit is ! Take the injury most difficult for us to forgive and measure it with God's full and free forgiveness of your sin. It is only as we learn to accept God's forgiveness, in a right spirit that we exercise aright the true spirit of forgiveness. V. 34 finds, its sanction in the moral sense of bumanity. "What was due " was the softened, humbled and forgiving heart. Note the force of "My heavenly Father," not "the Judge of all the earth " in

v. 35. Continuous forgiveness by the King is condi-tional upon the forgiving spirit. God is love and love-less souls are in the very nature of the case out of har-mony with Him. The absence of the forgiving spirit, or to put it positively, an implacable spirit, is a fatal sin. "The love that forgives is as necessary as the faith that prays." Love is heaven and lovelessness is hell. The remembrance that injurer and injured, the

All communications sent by the halfftenny post for this page should bear on Me outside, distinctly written, the words " News for the Press." and should be directed to I The Edttor,'United Methodist,' 188 Rye Lane, Peckham, London, S.E." A number of communications lately have been surcharged through omitting to conform to these Post Office regulations. News should arrive not later than the FIRST delivery on TMesday morning.

MINISTERIAL ARRANGEMENTS. Rev. D. Jack has intimated his intention to leave

Sheffield, Scotland Street Circuit, in 1914, after five years' service.

Rev. Fred Barrett has accepted a unanimous invita-tion to remain for an eighth year, until 1915, as minister at Katherine Road, Forest -Gate.

Rev. W. A. Cooper has been invited by the Hanover Church, Burnley, to stay from 1914 to 1915, but has deferred his decision.

Rev. W. A. Todd has accepted an invitation to remain in the Rocky Lane Circuit, Birmingham, until 1915.

Rev. W. Wharton Mold has accepted an invitation to remain in the Sunderland, Thornhill Circuit, until Aug., 1915.

Rev. Harold Wilson haS accepted an invitation to succeed Rev. H. J. Shingles in the , superintendency of the Manchester N.E. Circuit in 1914.

BATLEY. A SUCCESSFUL Circuit Convention has been held at

Zion. The afternoon session, under the presidency of Rev. J. B. Stedeford, was given up to the considera-tion of "Our Senior Scholars," the subject being intro-duced by Mr. Hamilton Crothers. Others who took part were Rev. T. E. Clarke, Mr. F. J. Lumb, Mr. H. T. Fox, Mr. M. Mortimer, and Mrs. Rowe. After tea the welfare of the Churches was discussed by Rev. H. Rowe (in the chair), Rev. J. B. Stedeford, Mr. J. S. Newsome, J.P., Mr, Etherington, Mr. Senior, Mr. Ban-nister, and Mr. H. Shaw. A warm devotional feeling marked the day's gatherings, and workers went away much heartened. Our Adwalton Church has received great spiritual good and some increase in numbers from the holding of a united mission in the village.

BIRKENHEAD. THE Jubilee of this church has just been celebrated.

A social gathering and re-union was held in the school-room. Councillor T. L. Dodds, J.P., presided. 'Rev. G. Coates, the pastor, said that it was through the chairman's offer of £200 three or four years ago, that the members were inspired to raise the balance of £250, and so free the church from all debt. The chair-man reminded those present of the room known as the Mersey Academy, where the United Methodist Free Church met, which stood on the land on which the Town Hall now stands. Two friends whose names stood foremost in the early history of the cause in Bir-kenhead were mentioned by Mr. Dodds in the course of his remarks—Mr. Richard Lloyd and Alderman Snape, both of whom were known for their generosity. The address delivered by Rev. 0. Greenwood was listened to with close attention. He referred especially to the Sunday 'School in Birkenhead during his pastorate and to the success in that portion, the large number of scholars, the average attendance being about 200, but the young men's class was a source of delight to him, there being about 25 every Sunday afternoon. The pastor, Rev. G. Coates, stated the object of the Jubilee services, which was to raise £250 for lighting, clean-ing, and, if possible, the erection of a new lecture hall. .Mr. Dodds read a letter from the Rev. Edward Boaden, who was the first pastor of the Church in Birkenhead, and might be looked upon as the father of ,Methodism in Birkenhead. A very warm welcome was accorded the veteran of the evening, Rev. James Barker. His review of Birkenhead fifty years ago was followed with interest. On July 27th, 1862, his superintendent (Rev. E. Boaden) asked him to go across to Birkenhead to commence a class-meeting and coming to their meet-ing-place, a room in the house of Mr. W. Duckworth, he there and then enrolled seven male members. The next meeting-place was a room over the shop of Mr. Duckworth, in Chester Street. The room proving too small, the Mersey Academy was hired. An iron church was subsequently erected on the site on which the present church stands. None will ever forget the fire and fervour shown by Mr. Barker as he delivered his address. Mr. J. Currie and Mr. W. Reynolds also ad-dressed the meeting. On Sunday morning, November 24th, the Mayor and Mayoress (Alderman and Mrs. J. T. Thompson) of the borough, attended the service, sup-ported by the Member of Parliament for Birkenhead (Mr. Alfred Bigland, MT.), and a number of members of the Corporation. The church was well filled. Rev. G. Coates was the preacher. The soloist was Miss Sandilands. The service in the afternoon was conducted by Rev. 0. Greenwood. In the evening there was a very large 'congregation, when the preacher was again Rev. G. Coates, and the soloist was Miss, Christine Byrne. The choir, under the leadership of Mr. Hudson, rendered two anthems, On Monday afternoon a special

wronged one and the wrong-doer will at last find one sad level in the common grave, should move the heart to compassion, forbearance and forgiveness. The know-ledge that my so-called foe is 'God's child, and therefore my brother, should influence and determine my attitude to him. Ponder the dying words of the Saviour—" the Great. Misunderstood_"—" Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."

devotional service was conducted by Rev. J. R. D. Smith, M.A., of Trinity Presbyterian Church. The great Thanksgiving Service was held in the evening, presided over by Mr. John •Dearnley (President of Sun-day School Union). Addresses were delivered by the' chairman and Revs. 0. Greenwood and James Barker. The choir of the Holt Road United Methodist Church, Liverpool, under the conductorship of Mr. E. Malcolm Kelly, led the singing and sang several anthems, and Mr. E. Angelbeck (Holt Road) presided at the organ. The net financial result of this, the first event in the celebration of the Jubilee, will exceed £50. Other events are- to follow shortly.

BREASTON. 'IN the death of Miss Jane Mills the church at

Breaston has lost one of the most esteemed and beloved of it's members: In former days she was a useful mem-ber of the Union Street Church, Oldham. On removing with her sisters to Breaston she at once connected her-self with the church. She had remarkable business ability and blended with it .a spirituality of mind which impressed the people. She was one of Heaven's choice spirits. She calmly fell asleep in Jesus at the age of 78 years. Her remains were laid in the family vault in Oldham, Revs. Henry Faull and Thomas Scowby offi-ciating at the funeral.

JARROW-ON-TYNE. OUR Jarrow, Grange Road, Church, has suffered

another almost irreparable lOss (the fourth in four months) by the death on November 25th of Mr. William Hall. Mr. Hall was born in Northumberland sixty-two years ago, but came to Jarrow in the early eighties, and has been associated with our church ever since. For a long time he has been our trustee secretary and poor steward. He has ever been a loyal member and , a hard\ worker, especially in the material welfare of the church.' Others may occupy his offices, but no one can fill his place. In the home he was a loving husband and an indulgent father. He leaves a widow, three sons and five daughters, with whom the deepest sympathy is felt. The eldest of the latter became a widow less than three months ago. Mr. Hall had been in failing health for some months, but only took to his bed a fortnight before his death, which occurred through pneumonia following influenza. He held an important position under the corporation, and many of the work-men and also the fire brigade (of whiCh he was a mem-ber) showed their respect by following the remains to the cemetery. The funeral was very largely attended, the church being almost full.

LONDON. WE deeply regret to record the death of Mr. W. R.

Ridington, in his eighty-sixth year, which occurred on Thursday, November 21st, at his residence "Polladras," 84 Park Road, West Ham. Mr. and Mrs. Ridington, who have been long closely identified with our church, Hardld Road, Plaistow, celebrated, some eleven years ago, their golden wedding, when the members marked the occasion by presenting them with two silver cups suitably inscribed, while on the same date last year, when they had the rare experience of keeping their diamond wedding, the event was duly honoured by a large gathering of relations and friends, when an 'addi-tional pleasure fell to the happy pair by the receipt of a letter of congratulation and good wishes from her Gracious Majesty Queen Mary. Since that time Mr. Ridington has been confined to the house, but it was not until September that the growing weakness of his ad-vanced years became more apparent, the end coming with perfect peace after some eight weeks' illness. The-funeral service was held in the U.M. Church, Plaistow, and was conducted by his former minister, Rev. G. A.

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News of Our Churches.

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Deem])Or -5, 1912. THE UNITED METHODIST. 29

Wilson, assisted by Rev. W. Bainbridge and Rev. C. H. Poppleton. In the course of a brief address, Rev. G. A. Wilson spoke of the great and irreparable loss that has befallen the church in the removal of Mr. Ridington. It was in perfect keeping that his mortal remains should find once more a resting-place--if only for a brief half-hour—in that beautiful church, which he more than any other desired to erect. He superintended the erection of that building with absorbing interest. The relation of their late brother to this church had been of an affectionate character, the value of which was ever in evidence, not only as a trustee and secretary for many years, but in numerous ways. The long attachment of Mr. and Mrs. Ridington with the members of their family, to the church, was one of the happiest and most pleasing memories , cherished in this solemn hour. Side by side they had loved and served the church, and no two hearts could beat more warmly and unitedly in all that they attempted, for their ideals were one in-deed. It was given to but few places of worship to enjoy the fellowship of such beautiful twin souls. Exemplary in life, conduct and attendance, the eight years' residence in Canada was never allowed for a single moment to abate their warm attachment for Pelly Road Church, for immediately upon their return to Plaistow some sixteen years ago, they heartily took up the work which lay so much upon their hearts. Mr. Ridington was truly a father in Israel, the friend and councillor of all. He was a lovable character, sociable as the best of friends, possessing a rare fund of humour, brimful of story and anecdotes of his native county, and never so happy as when he was planning something to help the cause of Christ. Mr. W. Elliott presided at the organ, and appropriately played "0 rest in the Lord ! " and "I know that my Redeemer liveth." The interment took place at Ilford Cemetery, where the com-mittal services were read by Rev. G. A. Wilson.

MANCHESTER. THE church at Hyde Road, Manchester, has sustained

a severe loss by the removal by death of Mr. James Matthews; in his 70th year. He was one of the Sunday School superintendents and the church steward. Al-though he had been a great sufferer for some consider-able time from asthma, his death came unexpectedly on November 25th. For 50 years he had been connected with the church and school and was most conscientious and devoted to his duties. He was a man of the Puritan —Daniel type. Rather reserved in manner he sought not popularity. His chief desire seemed to be to stand clear in the holy light of God. He gave liberally of his time, money and service to the church he loved so much, and was a splendid example for young men to follow. Prior to the interment at Philip's Park Cemetery a special service was held in the schoolroom which was largely attended. Rev. A. C. George conducted both the service and the intern-lent. On Sunday evening last

a memorial service was held, the preacher being Rev. A. C. George. , Special hymns were sung. Although the weather was unfavourable there was a good congrega-tion. Deepest sympathy is felt with his sorrowing rela-tives in their bereavement.

NEW MILLS. MRS. BENTLEY, wife of Mr. Michael Bentley, of New-

town, has passed away after a long and severe illness, aged seventy years. She was a native of Helmshore, near Haslingden, and in her early days she became con-nected with the United Methodist Church at Haslingden Road, Rawtensta. 11. On her, marriage to Mr. Bentley they removed to Lowerplace, Rochdale, where they were highly esteemed by a large circle of friends. Her home was a centre. of hospitality and self-sacrifice; and in Rochdale she was associated with many organizations, to which.she rendered most useful service. Since coming to new Mills Mr. andMrs. Bentley have been associated with the United 'Methodist Church, Furness Vale. The funeral took place at the Disley Church burial-ground, being conducted by the Rev. F. B. Dutton, circuit minis-ter. Mr. Dutton paid a warm tribute to the memory of the late Mrs. Bentley. She was ever ready to serve the cause she loved so well. A true and devoted worker, an encourager of all that was good, she truly gave her heart to God and her hand to His cause. Her strong, radiaht personality, her gifts of intellect, her home treasures and joys, all were used and consecrated to the Church of her youth. The preachers found welcome hospitality in her home. It was nearly forts- years, he said, since he first knew Airs. Bentley. She was a queenly woman, of noble bearing, with a heart of gold : one of God's elect souls. The church and congregation at Furness Vale have passed a resolution of sympathy and condolence with Mr. Bentley and family in their great loss.

A wmortABLE and inspiring gathering is the phrase that was used to describe the third annual young people's circuit demonstration held at Hayfield. Rev. F. B. Dutton presided, and addresses \ vere delivered by Rev. Henry Faull, of Eccles, and Mr. J. A. Voxall, of Ashton-under-Lyne. There was a large audience, and the sing-ing of- the combined choir was a marked feature of the demonstration. Rev. H. Fault said there were those in their congregations who found great difficulty in har-monising modern thoughts in science with the modern Church. Until that difficulty was removed and the problem solved, they could not give themselves to ser-vice. Many of these were brave ones who should be on the plan. They should try to harmonize modern science and modern Biblical teaching. If they tried to har-monize modern science with the Biblical views of their grandfathers they would not succeed. The Old Testa-ment did not claim to be an infallible book, and no com-petent scholar to-day would make that statement about

it. And no scholar would say that every word of the Bible was inspired. Competent scholars told them they could trust absolutely in the Gospel portrait of Jestis' Christ, the founder of the best religion the world had known, which stimulated every virtue and destroyed every vice. It vas at the very root of their civilization. The great watchwords of their faith were light and truth. Mr. Voxall said they would find in. all branches of human activity, that the principle of ,combination ob-tained. All great institutions were strengthened and enriched by it. In every town, they had Liberal clubs, Tory Clubs, football clubs, cricket dubs, and men of the same tastes and purposes were inevitably drawn together

, for mutual encouragement on certain lines. And it was nothing to be surprised about that they who had felt the power of the same 'eternal truths, should want to band themselves together in church fellowship. The spiritual bond was the deepest, the sweetest, the most sacred that could bind men and women together. There was never a clay when they needed to meet each other more in thiS way. They lived in a clay when, if they. did not carefully guard what was deepest in them they would be so busy earning money to keep body and soul together that they would be drawn off. They must not measure success by the amount of money they could raise. • 'I he real test was the number lives they made beautiful.

RAWTENSTALL. MR. HARRY WHITEHEAD having 'offered to pay for the

installation of the electric light in the church ,at Has-liagden Road, the friends have had the church beautifully decorated throughout. Many minor improvements have also been made. The re-opening and thanksgiving ser-vices were conducted by the Rev: \V. B. Moult, M.A., R.l)., who preached morning and evening. At a 'musical service held in the afternoon, and also at the evening service the soloists were Miss It Crabtree and Mr. J. \V. Lingard. Mr. Ernest I-Iforne, L.R.A.N.I., officiated at the organ, and the choir rendered anthems. The col-lections reached the handsome sum of ;6'S1. 10s. On the Tuesday following an impressive service was held, when Principal Sherwood unveiled a beautiful brass tablet to the memory of 'ate late Mr. Thomas I loyle White-head, J.P., of Holly Alount, ..Rawtenstall. Rev: W. B. Hoult presided, and was supported by Principal Sher- , wood, Rev. kV. It Finney (Vicar of Rawtenstall), Rev. J. Il i McKeracher, Rev. J. Barton Turner, and Messrs. N. Spencer, W. Bircham, and R. Peel. In the congre-gregation there were present Afiss Carrie Whitehead, Afr. Harry Whitehead, and other members of the White-head family. After prayer and the reading of the Scrip-tures Principal .Sherwood unveiled the tablet, which bears the inscription : " In loving memory of Thomas Hoyle Whitehead, who for more than ii) years faithfully served this church and school as leader, treasurer, and superin-tendent." Principal Sherwood said that Mr. Whitehead was associated with them in the most vital kinds of

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AIIMMININIMMIBM1=1111 1

Itar ORDER EARLY OF YOUR MINISTER.

THE

United Methodist Magazine for JANUARY will, be the first issue of a New Series.

EDITOR HENRY HOOKS.

Reduced EPENCE.

It will be the aim of the Editor to make this magazine CONNEXIONAL in spirit and outlook, and of interest to every United Methodist. With this number will be given a Coloured Portrait of the President (Rev. JOHN LUKE), printed on Fine Art Paper.

The. Missionary Echo ONE PENNY.

A New Volume commences with the January Issue. EDITOR J. E. SWALLOW.

In addition to the usual features OUR MEDICAL MISSIONARIES will contribute Incidents from the Hospitals—" Our Medical Auxiliary " ; also " A Year's View of a Typical Mission (Wenchow) " will be contributed by the Superintendent and Missionary Staff.

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30

THE UNITED METHODIST. December 5, 1912.

relationship—trustee, class leader, and Sunday School worker. The Christian life was a Divine life in human form. It made for purity, brotherliness and clean and wholesome living. It was this type of life that their friend and brother, Mr. Thomas Hoyle Whitehead, lived. The family of which Mr. Whitehead was a member had much to do with the growth of their town. It would be impossible for the historian to eliminate the name of Whitehead, even if he wished to do so, from the history of Rawtenstall. Mr. Whitehead had spent the whole of his long life amongst them. Worldly success and social status did not weaken

in interest in their church. He

took a great interest in the work of Victoria Park Col-lege, Manchester, ranking as one of the most - generous contributors to its funds. Mr. Nathaniel Spencer re-ceived the memorial on behalf of 'the trustees, and paid a tribute to Mr. Whitehead's memory. Addresses were also delivered by Mr. Roger Peel, Mr. W. Bircham, and Rev. W. B. Hoult. The Vicar of Rawtenstall offered the closing prayer.

ROTHERHAM. FOR many years now the trust liabilities on the Park-

gate Church have been increasing till in 1910 they amounted to £2,383. It was then felt that the situa-tion demanded attention. A bazaar in 1912 was then determined on. M:.. T. E. Dodgson, manager for the Forge Co. and a trustee brought us the good news that Col. Sir C. Stoddart, the chairman of the Company, would give £100 • if we raised sufficient to pay off the whole of an adverse balance of 4'500 at the bank. Mr. Dodgson himself promised £50 on the same conditions. His father, Mr. John Dodgson, also a trustee, promised a further £20, and the Chapel Com-mittee promised £30. This left £300 still to raise, a heavy task for a small community. The bazaar was opened , on Tuesday, November 26th, by Mr. Joseph Ward, Mr. Councillor J. D. Blythe presiding. A state-ment was then made shewing that a further sum had been obtained amounting to 4'136 in subscriptions by members of the church and others. On Wednesday, Councillor E. Rose, J.P. (Wesleyan) presided, and Mrs. F. J. Carr opened. Mrs.' Carr is the daughter of a trustee, Mr. George Pugh. She referred gratefully to her connection with the church and school in her girl-hood. Thursday was children's day, and they drew a 'arge attendance. Miss Hall (an old scholar and daugh-ter of Mr. F. Hall, M.P.) presided. 'The children gave a beautiful and appropriate cantata after which each gave a purse to Miss Hall. Their songs and recitals were well done and did credit to their training by Mrs. G. H. Boulton and Miss Heath•cote. The total effort realized the sum of £558 13s. 1d., which far exceeds the hopes of the most sanguine, and leads us all to thank God and take courage.

SPALDING. THURSDAY, November 21st, witnessed the consumma-

tion of many hOpes, and of several years of patient effort, in the opening of a new chapel and Sunday School at Cowbit village in the Spalding Circuit. The old chapel, dating from 1822, was both dilapidated and incon-venient. Now the Church at Cowbit has a home of which it, is proud, well-ventilated, well-lit by an instal-lation of acetylene gas, and well warmed by hot water apparatus. The new chapel seats 150 and the school-room, which can be thrbwn open to the chapel when necessary, accommodates another hundred. On the opening day 300 were present. The building in every way reflects great credit upon the designer and builder, Mr. W. Jepson, one of the circuit stewards. It is the most up-to-date village chapel in the district. The chapel was formally opened by Mrs. F. McLaren, wife of the member for the division. Mr. McLaren was prevented from 'attending by his Parliamentary duties. Mrs. McLaren performed the duties most admirably. The service following the opening was conducted by

Rev. G. Graves, of Sheffield, a former and popular minister in the circuit. ' Mr. G. Massey, J.P., of Spald- ing, 'presided at the evening meeting. Mr. S. Jepson, circuit secretary, and one of the trustees, presented the financial statement, which showed 'that, with a grant from the Connexional Chapel Fund of £25, the ,total amount raised towards the cost (.500) was £328. They had received a loan from the Connexion of 4100—free of interest—and thus needed a further sum of '72 to discharge their liabilities to the builder. The' circuit ministers, Revs. W. Downing and H. L. S. Birkinshaw, also took part in the day's proceedings. The weather was wretched in the extreme, but nearly a hundred visi-tors came from Spalding, and considerable numbers from the village churches in the circuit. The day's receipts totalled nearly £33—a very good result, con-sidering former efforts during the year, totalling £160, and the losses sustained in the district by the late disas-trous floods. The services were continued on the Sun-day following by' Rev. R. Brewin, of Loughborough, also a former and much-esteemed minister of the circuit. Mr. Brewin also lectured on the Monday evening On "John Wesley : the Man and the Minister."

STALYBRIDGE. A GRAND bazaar, designed to represent an "Old

English Market Place," commenced on Wednesday, November 27th, in the Bennett Street school, for the purpose of raising 4;600—the amount required to pay for alterations and improvements in the building. When the scheme was first proposed it was estimated that 4'400 would cover the cost ; when it was discovered that not less than £600 would be required, the workers,

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fearful of debt, continued their efforts to raise'all that was needed. All sections of our church at Grosvenor Square and the school at Chapel Street have heartily co-operated with the workers at Bennett Street to make the bazaar a complete success. Dr. C. S. Spencer (Ashton), presided on Wednesday, the first day, and Mr. J. Storrs, J.P., performed the opening ceremony. Alder-man J. Bottomley, J.P. (Mayor of Stalybridge), pre-sided on Thursday, when Alderman J. Dyson Hibbert (Dukinfield) opened. On Saturday Mrs. Innes (Staly-' bridge) presided and children of the school took part in the opening ceremony. Master F. Clayton read the Scripture, Miss B. Harrison opened ; Misses Gertrude Wyatt, Annie Ankers, Mary J. Barnett, Masters F: Burgess, Harold Brown, and Arthur Russell were en-trusted with the usual resolutions of thanks. Among those who spoke at the opening ceremonies were Rev. J. A. Bedward (chairman of the District), Mr. J. Booth, J.P., Councillor G. H. Tonge,..Messrs. H. Booth, W. A. Wood and Rev. W. Lacon Tonge (minister). When Mr. N. Booth (bazaar treasurer) announced, a little before midnight of the third day, that £718 had been raised, there was a great shout of gladness. The doxology was then sung, after which the minister offered prayer. Many wept for joy. "The Lord hath done great things for us whereof we are glad."

TORQUAY. A LINK with the past has been broken by the death

at Torquay of Mr. Henry Cliff. He was the grandson. of one of William O'Bryan's first converts in 1816, and the son of Captain Henry Cliff, who was a local preacher in the St. Austell Circuit for thirty years. Henry Cliff, the younger, was born at Tywardreath in 1832, converted at St. Cleer, in the Liskeard Circuit, in 1857, and within a few weeks , was put on the local preachers' plan. At St. Cleer he made his influence felt by vigorous temperance work among the mining popula-tion ; but it was at Pensilva, a growing mining village on the north-east of the Caradon Hills, to which he took his young family in 1861, that he made the greatest im-pression. This village was, at this time, similar to the mining communities in the Rockies, described by Ralph Connor—the home -of a roysterous, uncivilized, mining people dumped down from all poirts of Cornwall. There was one small Wesleyan Chapel, and four public-houses, Henry Cliff, and a few like-minded friends, saw In these circumstances their opportunity. The only Bible Chris-tian chapel near was at Cheriton Cross, within a mile from Pensilva. This soon became too small to hold the converts in the revivals which took place, and during the joint ministry of Revs. T. W. Garland and W. B. Reed, a chapel was built at Pensilva, which with the-galleries was soon large enough to contain one of the largest village congregations in the Connexion. Revival after revival, accompanied by vigorous temperance work, followed, and within three years the church had 300 members enrolled. Among the fruits of these re-vivals were Alfred Bray, the first successor of Dr. Joseph Parker, at Cavendish Chapel, Manchester ; ThOmas Truscott, who went to South Africa as a missionary ; Charles Trezise, who went to Australia ; W. H. Keast, who died in New Zealand in 1878, and W. H. Sleeman, who did useful work in home circuits. Three of the four public-houses in Pensilva were closed for want of customers, and the village became notorious for its sobriety, its revivals and its thrifty industrialism. The decay of the mining industry in 1868 caused the migra-tion of scores of the most thrifty workers, and in 1870 Henry Cliff, who meanwhile had lost his wife, removed with his young family to Bodmin. Here, too, with his accustomed zeal and energy he threw himself into evan-gelistic and temperance work in the circuit. His daily occupation threw him into weekly contact with hundreds of village homes ; and whenever he saw insobriety he took out his pledge-book and did his best to induce his clients to sign the pledge; and every village he visited became the centre of earnest temperance and religious work. In 1876 'he removed from Bodmin to Torquay ; was put on the local preachers' plan, and became the Sunday School superintendent at Zion Chapel. For 36 years he has lived in Torquay, the trusted and loyal friend of every minister who has worked in the circuit. To his family his memory will always remain as its most treasured possession. To the wider circle of friends who worshipped and worked with him he appeared to be a living example of Whittier's well known lesson, drawn from the poet's story of "The Two Rabbis" : "Hope not the cure of sin till self is dead;

Forget it in love's service, and the debt Thou canst not pay the angels shall forget. Heaven's gate is closed to him that comes alone, Save thou a soul, and it shall save Thine own." In 1875, after nine years' widowhood, he married

again, and for nearly thirty-eight years his widow has been his devoted and faithful companion, a real mother to her own children and those of his first wife. To her tender care and companionship was due the strength of his later years.

WAKEHAM. A MEMORIAL TABLET, erected to the memory of the

late Mr. and Mrs. William Coombe, was unveiled by Mr. J. B. Otter, Rev. J. Hibbert presiding. Mr. Otter said that that church would be a 'constant evidence of Mr. and Mrs. Coombe's labours and sacrifice. But for them that house of prayer would not have been built. On the human ,side they were its main support, and through their own efforts, and the efforts of others which they made possible, many souls had been saved and comforted and taught in that place. For nearly forty years the speaker was in co-trusteeship with Mr. Coombe and he testified. very willingly and gladly that he knew both Mr. and Mrs. Coombe to be among the excellent of the earth. Mr. J. R. Attwooll and Miss K. Burden also offered tributes, and letters were read from a num-ber of ministers who had travelled in the circuit. The inscription on the tablet was as follows : "A grateful and loving tribute from the trustees and members of

this church to the memory of William Coombe, who died May 3rd, 1911, aged 83 ; and of Rebecca, his wife, who died November 25th, 1910, aged, 75. They were founders of this church, and together for over 50 years rendered manifold and signal service to secure its pro- gress. Peace, perfect peace.'"

Bazaars. MANCHESTER (Bethesda, Pendleton).—In 1906 the re-

maining debt of £700 was removed from the church and school estates. Since that time -repairs, renovations, etc., have been necessary, and the expense thus in-curred, together 'with the fact that the ordinary income does not meet the ordinary expenditure, resulted in a debt of over £200. The friends set themselves to -wipe out this incubus by means of a bazaar It was opened on the first day by Sir William H. Bailey, of Sale Hall, Cheshire, Mr. W. Ingram occupying the chair. Sir William gave an address full of reminiscences referring to the time when as a boy he attended the church with hiS father, who played the big violoncello, and Mr. John (afterward Sir John) Harwood sang tenor in the choir. On the following day Mr. Jas. Johnson (Wesleyan) was announced as the opener, but being absent from home. on business, his place was taken by Revs. W. Marsh-man Spencer and W. Hannam (Wesleyan ministers), the chairman on the occasion being Mr. J. W. .Farrar. The third day was the "Children's Day," and the render-ing of a cantata under the direction of Miss Mathews

-and Miss Treloar, L.R.A.M., made a very interesting opening. Mrs. G. W. Godbert (daughter of the late Alderman Trevor) received the purses from the children and declared the bazaar open. The amount raised, in-cluding subscriptions, realized the 'handsome sum of £170, to which must be added the sum of £40 previ-ously raised by the several sections of workers.

LIVERPOOL (Lawrence Road). — The annual sale of work was opened by Councillor E. G. Jackson, Mrs. Hudson (assisted by Revs. W. Wilby and G. E. Welch, pastor), and Sunday School scholars (Ben Richmond, chairman, and Doris Heague, opener). 'Proceeds over £60. Opportunity was taken to present A. Earnshaw and Neil - Large with cricket bats for highest batting and bowling averages in connection with the Church Cricket Club.

GILDERSOME.—A three days',bazaar was opened in the Assembly Hall by ,Mr. •A. - E. Wilson, of Harrogate, . Mr. J. Webster, also of Harrogate, and formerly of Gilder-some, presided. Mr. H. Bradshaw sang "Lead, kindly Light." Rev. W. A. H. Babidgs. (superintendent Minis-ter) stated that the present debt was £1,150, and they hoped by that effort to raise a sum of £200. The bazaar was re-opened by Councillor Thornton on the Thursday, Mr. Hardy Singleton presiding. The opening ceremony on the Saturday was performed by the children, under the leadership of Mrs. W. Wilby. and Miss Winnie Thackeray. The total receipts amounted to £206-a record total.

Evangelistic Missions. - CAMELFORD (Boscastle). — Messrs. Thompson and

Rhodes have just concluded the most successful mission held here for many years. The congregations were especially good. The commencement of the mission did not suggest that we should have such crowds. How-ever, night by night the congregation-S grew, until the Central Church was crowded to excess. The bright optimism of Mr. Thompson was infectious, and the members threw themselves heartily into the' good work. The ex-U.M.F. and B.C. Churches, along with the Wesleyans, united for these services, and never before has there been such a spirit of unity. The addresses of Mr. Thompson have been of a high order, and the singing of Mr. Rhodes has helped to add interest to the mission. These two brethren worked whole-heartedly and with enthusiasm, visiting the homes of the people, and their visits to the homes of the sick and aged will long be remembered by those who were afflicted. There have been many decisions, and, as one old member quaintly remarked, the old-ones have been repaired. In fact, the greatest effect of the mission is to be seen in the renewed interest of the members of the vari- ous churches. The last night of the mission was a fitting climax to, a good time. Mr. Thompson told his "life-story " to a crowded church. The faith tea and lecture realized £14 7s.

General. ANNFIELD PLAIN.—This church recently had a visit

from Rev. S. C. Challenger, during which he held a conference with the workers amongst the young, in-cluding Sunday School teachers, C.E. workers, etc. At the close of the conference it was decided to form a Band of Hope. After the conference Mr. Challenger cave his, interesting and instructive lecture on "The English Bible," illustrated by lantern slides to a good audience. The chair was taken by Mr. John Reece.

BRIDGWATER.—An organ recital was recently given by Miss N. Hamblin, F.R.C.O. The chair was taken by Alderman F. C. Foster, J.P. C.C., and the soloists were Mrs Baker and Mr. Lc>dge. The net proceeds amounted .to 13s. A few days later a two days' bazaar was held on the school premises. It was opened on the first day by Miss Coombs, and on the second by a number of scholars in a musical and recital piece. The net proceeds amounted to £66 15s. 7d., which was con-sidered very satisfactory.

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MISS F. LOCKWOOD, Evangelist and Soloist, has a few dates open for Special Missions.-Address, 81 King's Road, Peckham, S.E. FOR SALE.

BAZAARS.-Barnstaple Rustic Baskets are very popular, and sell well at good profit.--ilins-trated price list from Blackwell and Son. 914 Cross Street. Barnstaple.

OLDO D LONDON BAZAAR.-For Sale, cheap, lot of scenery in good condition. Bound to be a success. For particulars apply J. S. Dymond, Ivanhoe, Bideford. N. Devon.

BOOKS.-Secondhand Cheap I For Preachers and Teachers. 2 vols. " Study," bound leather, cost 7s, 6d. each, for 25. each. 2 vols. " Study and Pulpit," bound leather, cost 9s. each, for 25. 6d. each. 4 vols. " Theological Quarterly," bound leather, cost 8s. 6d. each, for 2s. 6d.. each or 9s. the 4 vols. 6 vols. large cloth. Dr. Adam Clarke's Commentary on Whole Bible, for 12s. 20 vols. Preachers' Homiletic Commen-tary on Old Testament, published at £8, for £2 15s., etc., etc. Full list on application to Minister, 31 Condor Grove, Blackpool. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.

PORTABLE HARMONIUMS AND ORGANS for Christian workers, from

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Coupler, and 3 Composi tion Pedals. Full Speci-fication on application. - Apply, James Jackson, Ribbleden Cottage. Holmfirth, Yorks. THE INEFFECTIVE REED-ORGAN spperseded by the "Portable" Pipe-Organ ; full compass, special pipes.-Wilson Dyer, Russell Road, Westbury Park, Bristol.

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MISS LAMB (Sister Lillian), late of Bowron House and Railway Mission, has a few °nen dates for Special Evangelistic Missions -- town or country.- Letters to, 2 St. Cuthberts Road, Preston, l.ancs. POSITION as Hired Local or Lay Pastor, Age 26. 3 years' experience. Splendid references. Write Mr. Abbott, " Stores," Black first, " Pastor " c/o. M Torrington, Highampton, Devon.

December 5, 1912. THE UNITED METHODIST. 31

Anniversaries. BELPER (Salem).-Rev. H. T. Chapman preached

chapel anniversary sermons, and on the NIonday evening gave a lecture on "My Visit to Canada." Mr. A. Kay presided.

HULL. -The 115th anniversary of Bethel Church was held on Sunday and Monday, November 24th and 25th. Although this church is now in a slum district its recent anniversary was the most successful for many years. During the last year under the loving and energetic

guidance of Rev. J. T. BroWn, ably assisted by Mrs. Brown, substantial progress has been made. The Captial Debt has been reduced by L500, and the congre-gations are increased. The school premises are in use every day for instruction or recreation, and out of about 300 scholars above one third are above 15 years of age. The visit of Rev. j. L. Hookins at the anni-versary will be long remembered. He heartened and en-couraged us and left us looking up to our Heavenly Father for further and greater blessing.

TAUNTON.-Large numbers attended the chapel an-niversary services conducted by Rev. A. Ralph. An excellent [musical service was given by the choir in the afternoon, presided over by Councillor W. J. Payne. Rev. George Eayrs, of Bristol, preached on the Thurs-day afternoon a most timely and impressive sermon, and gave in the evening a popular lecture, " Methodist Stories Old and New." The chair was taken by Councillor Alfred Dowling-, of Bristol. The attendance was, re-markably good, and the financial results fifty per cent above the previous year.

PULPIT NOTICE BOOK.-New and Improved edition, containing two pages for each week, with

Daily spaces to last one year. Cloth, gilt, lettered, ls. net. By post, le. 2d.-Henry Hooks, 1.2 Farringdon Avenue, London, B.C.

etHURCH AND SCHOOL PRINTING.- so Window Bills. Handbills, Programmes, Circulars, Letterheads, Envelopes, Post . Cards, Invitation Cards, Tickets, Hymn Sheets, etc. Best Work.ion Cheap. Samples and prices free.-Spencer Bros., Padiham, Burnley. KNITTED CORSETS, support without pressure.

also unbreakable Coutil Corsets, from 3s. lid. List, unbreakable sample steel, free. Unshrinkable underclothing.- Knitted Corset and Clothing Co., Nottingham.

REVERSIBLE AND FIXED-BACK SEATS, and all kinds of Church' and School Furniture. Send for lists from actual manufacturers. Buy of the Methodist Makers, William H. Adams and Sons, Daventry, Northants. PEACH'S CURTAINS.-Autumn Window Drapery. Loom prices, Ask for Catalogue No.199.

Free. Serge Over 600 illustrations. Frs, Tapestry, Cre-tonnes, 'Casement Cloths, Muslins, Roller Blinds, Laces, Blouses, Hosiery. Linens.-Saml. Peach and Sons. The Looms, Nottingham. 103 Newgate Street. London,

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=MIGRATION.-AUSTRALIA.-ASSISTED PASSAGES. - Temporarily Suspended. Apply now for next opportunity for Farmhands and Domestics.-NEWZEALAND.-Domes-

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MISSIONARY LANTERN LECTURES for week-night services (Demerara, West Indies, Nigeria. Livingstone, Wesley, etc.), for part proceeds : Pulpit Engagements ; Revival Services.-Missionary, 30 Delaney Street, N.W. BEAUTIFUL WHITE BLANKETS, full size, 72 by 54, 4s. pair, carriage paid. Everybody delighted. One order brings 50 customers. Warm, heavy. Worth 10s. pair.- Dept. 8. Woollen Blanket Manufacturers, 95 Melrose Road, Liverpool. A CHRISTMAS PRESENT.-Everyone sending six penny stamps to defray cost of packing, post-age, etc., of wonderful illustrated Bargain List. we will . present absolutely free, beautiful full-size stag-handled sterling silver-plated Butter Knife. Magnificent value.- Sheffield Cutlery Supply Co., Howard Street, Sheffield. -W

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D FALSE TEETH.-We give highest possible for above. Offers made, and if not accepted silver in teeth returned. Dealers in old gold or silr any form. Banker's references. - Woolfall & Co., Southport.

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(LLD ARTIFICIAL TEETH.-Highest prices given V on vulcanite or metal. Cash, or offers. Teeth returned if price unaccepted. - Messrs. Morgan, 4 Fairfield Gardens, Crouch End, London. RECITATIONS, DIALOGUES, Sketches, Part Songs, Action Songs, Anniversary Music. 13 assorted numbers, post free, ls. Rosebud Reciter, 7d. post free.-J. Ward, Publisher, Retford, Notts. AS EASY as a glove; Ladies' Elastic Side Boots. Specially made for tender feet ; wide fitting ; very soft uppers ; no seams to hurt the foot. 5s. 11d., postage 4d. (money returned if not satisfactory).-Hodges, The Bootmaker, Hanley, Staffs. ITO BAZAAR Novelties. COMMITTEES.

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DEATH.

MILLS.-On November i6th, at " Moor- field," Breaston, near Derby, Jane

Mills, 'third daughter of the late Ellis Mills, of High Street, Oldham, in her 78th year.

IN MEMORIAM.

IN loving memory of Alexandra (Lalla), wife of the Rev. Herbert Cook, of

Jarrow, who entered the HoMeland, December 6th, 1911.

O thou soul of my soul. I shall clasp thee again, And with God be the rest.

v.=

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For Churches, Chapels, Missions & Schoolroom's,

FROM

I S. 8d. EACH.

Buy from the Futon/. Save Middle Profits.

M EALI NG BROS., High Wycombe.

AN INSTRUMENT

WHICH IS

BOUND TO PLEASE.

Mr. Pollard's thrilling Book of Hair-breadth Escapes in the. Mission Field:

Tight Corners in China.

By Rev. SAMUEL POLLARD,

Missionary among the Miao in South-West China..

London: United Methodist Publishing House,

12 Farringdon Avenue, B.C.

HAPPY HOitiEL; AND

HOW TO MAKE THEM.

Use COMF°0 WASHING 16/ERYTHING.

:OMPO makes thevlassware brightest COMPO makes the wash-day lightest 30MPO makes the clothing whitest 30MPO makes the tmusehold healthy :-.0A11,0 makes the housewife wealthy COMP() smells as sweet as honey COMPO saves no end of money COMPO saves both time and labour

RECOMMEND IT TO YOUR NEIGHBOUR.

Prices and terms to suit all pockets.

i :..:i WR ITE AT ONCE.

,. .%.,

7-Stop Organs, 7 Guineas. 9-Stop Organs, 9 Guineas. Pianos from 14, Guineas, &c. SPECIAL BARGAIN.-28 guinea Boudoir Cottage Piano, nearly new, Iron Frame,

Check Repeater Action, Grand Tone, To Clear, 16 guineas net. Carriage Paid.

ROBERT STATHER, The Premier Methodist Piano and Organ Maker, Established 1870. 187 SEVEN SISTERS ROAD, FINSBURY PEAK, LONDON, N.

..........

orlii1P1111111 .11111111A Hi. I N111111(11111. BILLY BRAY

It you have not tried it ask your Grocer for it.

Some 2,000 British Churches have introduced the

A Splendid Enlargement 3/6 of any Photograph for • Carriage paid

Delicately and Artisfically Finished by competent Artists In an indelible process.

Size 12 Inches by 10 inches, mounted on India tint plate sunk mount.

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U.M. PUBLISHING HOUSE, 12 Farringdon Avenue, London, E.G.

INDIVIDUAL COMMUNION CUP

Send any Photograph, together with P.O. and in 10 days you will receive a work of art that will charm and surprise you. ' Your original photograph will be

returned at the same time undamaged.

So Providing a clean cup, free from infection, for every member.

Is YOUR Church of this number ? If not, please write for Free Lists, Literature and Testimonials, to the

Makers,

TOWNSHENDS Ltd., BIRMINGHAM.

Address : Manager, "United Methodist," 12 PARRINODON AVENUE, LONDON, B.C.

When replying to ADVERTISEMENTS please mention

"UNITED METHODIST."

S■ LVER•FiNiSHED SALVERS i. ... •

DELICIOUS BEYOND DESCRIPTION

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Telephone' 2390 PADDINGTON. NIGHT PORTER.

Printed at THE MAGNET PRESS, 188 R,ye Lane, Peckham, $.E., and Published.by .HENRY Hopxs,,12 Farringdon Avenue, London, E.C., for the UNrrE.D METHODIST CHURCH, Thursday, ' December 5th, 1912, s

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