CONTENTS.

Methodist: Union Committee Meetings in London. By Henry Smith

Young People's Demonstration %t Our Own Fireside. By H. S. ... Sunday Afternoon. By W. Rupert Clark Home and Foreign Missions. The City Temple Demonstrations Methodist Union — . For Young local Preachers By F H. Robinson ... Rev. F. L. Wiseman at Herne Hill_ _ City Temple Missionary Demonstration

The National Drink Bill for 1922. By George B. Wilson ... 199 193 Richard Jefferies' Vision and.. its 221090931 191 Good Friday and Easier Day in Rome. By Sir R. Walter Essex: 199 194 Women's Missionary Auxiliary ... 200 194 Christianity and Riches : Can They Go Together P 195 h 195 Our Local Preachers. By R. Pyke

By T. H. Aselford 200

196 Worker-Training. (Y.P. Topic). By Ethel Hutchinson ... 201 197 Songs of the Heart. 197 (C.E. Topic) By Cuthbert Ellison... ... 202 198 Philip the First Missionary. By G. W. Stacey ... ... 202 198 News of Our Churches...

Methodist Union : Committee Meetings in London.

TH,8- UNITED METHODIST, THURSDAY, APRIL 26th, 1923.

CITY TEMPLE MISSIONARY DEMONSTRATIONS (Page 196). FOR YOUNG LOCAL PREACHERS (Page 197). METHODIST UNION COMMITTEE MEETINGS IN LONDON (See Below).

GOOD FRIDAY AND EASTER DAY IN ROME (Page 199).

nice C I THE WEEKLY JOURNAL OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.

With which is inaorporated the "Free Methodist." founded 1886.

.N o. 804. NEW SERIES. r • No. 1947 L OLD 94 s. 1 THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1923.

[Registered at the General TWELVE PAGES

Post Office as a Newspaper.] TWOPENCE,

Meeting of our own Committee.. IN preparation for the meeting of. the Union Com-

mittee next day, our own section of it met in our Waterloo Road Chapel, South Lambeth, on Wednesday afternoon of last week under the chairmanship of Dr. Brook. An engagement in the North prevented the President of Conference from being present until the next morning. The Committee heard with regret that Rev. D. J. Rounsefell was absent through illness, that the same reason prevented the presence of Rev. J. W. Walls and Mr. Jos. Ward and Coun. W. B. Willett. Sir Walter Essex is in Italy, and for other reasons Rev, G. Parker, Rev. James Ellis, Mr. W. A. Lewins and Dr. Lloyd Snape were absent from the meetings on Wednesday and Thursday.

After prayer the first act of the Committee was to confirm the action of our. section of the Executive Com-mittee in expressing its sense of the great loss sustained by the Methodist Union Committee and our Church as a Whole in the death of Rev. E. D. Cornish and its tender sympathy with the family in their bereavement. Rev. W. C. Jackson, B.A., .Connexional Chapel Secre-tary, was appointed to Mr. Cornish's place on the Union Executive and on the Union Legal Committee. A resolution was passed urging the Union Committee to ensure that such steps shall be taken as shall make it possible for the Union Scheme to be revised and pre-sented in its final form to the 1924 Conferences with a view to the Quarterly Meetings of the three churches having the opportunity of voting on the question of Union or no Union on the basis of the revised Scheme.

The Secretary of our Section of the Union Committee presented the revised and up-to-date report of the votings of the United Methodist Quarterly Meetings and a long and interesting conversation took place thereon.

Alderman J. H. Turner, of Brighouse, was our host at the tea, which had,.as usual, been prepared by the ladies of our Waterloo Road Church, and which was as usual much enjoyed.

The meeting ended at 7.15 p.m.

Meeting of the Union Committee. The Union Committee gathered together in Room A,

Central Buildings, Westminster, last. Thursday morn-ing in beautiful springlike weather. Members of the Committee as they neared the Central Buildings were much • interested in the erection of • the stands- in preparation for .the wedding of the Duke of York. to-day (Thursday) in Westminster Abbey. The electric light standards, with their new aluminium paint, were a bright feature of the arrangements.

Inside Room A the attendance showed that Methodist Union was still a subject of deep interest to the repre-sentatives of the three Churches, and the spirit with which they entered upon and continued the proceedings showed that the interest deepens. Indeed, it was never more keen and deep than in last Thursday's meeting. - In the absence of the President and the Ex-President of the Wesleyan Conference, Rev. John Hornabrook, an Ex-President and the Wesleyan Connexional Chapel Secretary, was voted to the chair. On his immediate left were our own President (Rev. Ernest F. II. Capey), the Primitive Methodist President - (Rev. J. H. Taylor), Dr. -Wardle Stafford (an Ex-President of the Wesleyan COnference), Dr. Scott Lid.gett and Sir Robert W. Perks, Bart. ; and on his immediate right the three Secre- taries, Dr. Brook and Mr. W. S. Skelton, J.P. In front of him and at the sides every seat seemed to be occupied and some members of the Committee were standing near the door during most parts of the morning.

Mr. Hornabrook as Chairman. I have once before spoken of Mr. Hornabrook's pre=

eminent qualifications as a chairman. He showed them

at his own high level all through the proceedings of last Thursday. Of the various chairmen we have had in these Union proceedings, there is no one whom Primi-tive Methodist and United Methodist members of the Committee welcome with greater cordiality than Mr. Hornabrook, nor one under whose presidency they sit with greater pleasure. When he presides we always know that there will be the minimum of talk from the chair, and that when there is talk it will be most helpful for guidance. We know; too, that th`bre will be the maximum of opportunity for everyone on the floor to address the Committee and to address it under the best conditions the chairman can secure. At one stage in Thursday's meeting, when .there was much eagerness, not to say a trifle of excitement, one of the younger members of the meeting indicated that he thought.So-and-so might be done by the chair. When Mr. Horna-brook said, "I think I know how the meeting should. be conducted," loud applause endorsed the words, and the minister who had evoked them smilingly and grace-fully bowed his acknowledgments to our chairman. It was a pretty and significant moment in our proceedings.

Our first act after prayer, in which we were led by Dr. Dalton, the venerable Primitive Methodist minister, was to stand and by a silent vote express our sense of the loss the Committee and Methodism had sustained in the death of Rev. William Bradfield, B.A. (Wesleyan), Rev. E. D. Cornish and Sir W. P. Hartley.

The Secretaries' Reports. After the minutes of the proceedings of the recent

Union Executive meeting had been read, the Secretaries gave reports of the results of the voting on the Metho-dist Union Scheme in their respective Circuit Quarterly Meetings.

Rev. E. Aldom French reported that the tabulation and summary of the results of.the Wesleyan Methodist find-ings were not yet complete, so that figures could not be given at the moment. Especially was this so in regard to the results of the voting of the Trustees as all reports were not yet to hand. But it was easy to rather as the result of what he and others said that the result so far was very favourable to MethOdist Union.

Rev. S. Horton said that the Primitive Methodist report presented to the recent Union Executive Com-mittee had been enlarged and remodelled on the lines followed in the United Methodist report previously pre-sented to the Executive. The report showed that of their 686 Quarterly Meetings all but four had sent in their findings. 248 had approved the Scheme ; 80 had adopted the "No obstacle 'to Union " resolution or one based upon it and asked for continuation of the negotia-tions, without amendments, and 87 Circuits had done the same, with suggested amendments. 28 Circuits had declined to express any opinion on the Scheme ; 26 had rejected the Scheme; 16 asked for a Referendum to the Members; and one desired Federation. Their Com-mittee regarded the total result as very favourable. They urged that steps should be taken to secure the taking of the final vote of the Quarterly Meetings on Union or no Union by the Conference of 1925 at the latest.

Rev. Henry Smith said that at the meeting of the Executive the United Methodist report was incomplete. He now presented a report which stated that 45 Quar-terly .Meetings had accepted the Scheme as it stands, 21 suspended judgement on the Scheme and 295 offei-ed amendments to it of various kinds. 125 Circuits asked that the Presidency- of the Conference should be .open to- ministers and laymen, 67 that the Vice-Presidency should be so open, and 85 that the. Secretaryship of Conference be open in the same way. . 137 Circuits wished that the 'District Chairmanship should be open to ministers.and...laymen, .and that the District Meeting should elect him.. In regard- to the Ministerial Session, 81 Circuits would delete the provision for it in connection with the Conference . and 58 in connection with the

D

United Methodist Missions.

In the early years of Missionary Work, the chief strain is on the Pioneer : later develop- ments demand that the burden shall be borne by an ever-widening circle. There can be no honest pride in an under- staffed Station.

If your brother were on the Foreign Field, how much would you give ? Why not send your " Brotherhood " cheque this week, and help to avoid the tragedy of a deficit ?

Treasurer : JOSEPH WARD, Esq., J.P.

Secretary : Rev. C. STEDEFORD, 13 Silverbirch Road, Erdington, Birmingham.

District Synod. 59 Circuits would make the Conference supreme in regard to the decisions of the Conference Ministeral Session, and 36 would refer the Synod Minis-terial Session findings to the Synod as a whole. 35 Circuits desired a reduction of the possible number of trustee members of the Quarterly Meeting. 120 desired that Local Preachers shall be members of the Leaders' Meeting of the church to which they belong. 36 would omit the reference to Wesley's Notes and . Sermons in the Doctrinal Statement. 64 would make the Local Courts responsible for authorizing the administration of the Sacrament; and 34 desired that Local Preachers should _be deemed to be already authorized' for that ministry: The remainder of the amendments had received the votes of less than 9 per cent of their Quar-terly Meetings. Their Circuits had been asked not to vote on the question of Methodist Union itself, and had strictly followed the request. They had been asked to send amendments and suggestions in regard to the Scheme. Hence the results in detail now submitted to the Committee. The amendments must certainly be regarded as their preferences. How 'far they were in their minds essential conditions of Union could not be determined until they voted on the revised Scheme, Yes -or No, later. Meanwhile, it would be an error to say either that those who had submitted amendments were against the Union of the three Churches, or that if they did not get the amendments they asked for they would vote against Union when the . question was ultimately submitted to them. The time to say either was not yet come.

A Discussion about Two Adjectives. A resolution submitted by the Secretaries was

then read to the Committee. It was amended in one sentence only, and as amended is set out fully in another column. Briefly analysed, it will be found that the resolution expresses a judgement on the findings of the Quarterly Meetings ; recommends that the amendments and suggestions shall be carefully considered during the next Connexional year, and a complete Scheme of Union presented to the Conferences of 1924, so that it may be submitted to the Connexional Courts during the ensuing year. Steps are to be taken to promote, acquaintance among the three Churches by interchange

. of pulpits, communion services, and meetings for

. prayer and fellowship, arrangements for the carrying out of which are to be made by the. September Quarterly Meetings. Meetings for giving information as to the proposals are to be held in every Circuit, and the Union Committee is to •communicate with all Superintendents and to assist in making the arrangements. The 'Com-mittee recommended the. Conferences to adopt these pro-posals and to direct that-the completed Scheme be .pre-sented to the Conference of 1924.

The resolution as originally drawn contained the fol-lowing sentence :

" The Committee is glad to find that while there was a minority who were not prepared. at present to accept the proposals, the Scheme as a whole has been favourably received by a large majority." What controversy there was in last Thursday's Com-

mittee focussed itself upon this sentence. Revs. J. E. Rattenbury, W. H. Armstrong and J. E. Harlow spoke fervently in favour of the. .deletion of the adjective " large before the word " majority," the two first named entering upon some ingenious interpretations of the reports which had been presented by the Secretaries, with a view to showing - that the total majority was not large. By an overwhelming majority the Committee retained the adjective. - Sir Thomas -Rowbotham then moved that to the word "minority " should be added the adjective " considerable," but by a 'large majority the Committee rejected that amendment also.. One or two other phrases in regard to the minority were submitted but failed to find favour with the Committee. Ultimately a remodelling of the sentence, suggested by Mr. Dutton, a Primitive Methodist layman,. was accepted by an over- whelming majority of the Committee. It read as follows :

The Committee recognises that there is a minority who are not- prepared at present to approve the pro-posals, but is glad to find that the Scheme as a whole has been favourably received by a large majority." The resolution as a whole was then carried by the

largest majority vote of the day. -

A Fine Speech. In reviewing the proceedings of the day, one or two

facts rise distinct and blear in the mind. (1) By a general consensus of opinion the speech of the day that stood out frbm all the rest was made by our own Dr. Brook. It had the not frequent combination that it was both keen in its analysis and tender in its appeal. Few who heard the interchange will forget that between Dr. Brook and Mr. Rattenbury as to Whether the latter was in favour of Methodist , Union. In one of his speeches in the Committee he had said that he was, but that he was not in favour of it on the basis of the Scheme. Dr. Brook welcomed the declaration so far as its favourable attitude to Union went and proceeded' to state its implications. Mr. Rattenbury rose to explain that he did not believe in Methodist Union in the sense in which Dr. Brook was explaining it—that was Fusion : he did not believe in that. Then, replied Dr. Brook, Mr. Rattenbury was using the phrase "Methodist Union " with a connotation which it did not carry as it was commonly used in this country and in the colonies but with a connotation that was peculiar to himself. They must now take it that Mr. Rattenbury, did not believe in Methodist Union in the sense that the phrase generally carried, and to that extent his use was misleading. As a fact, Mr. Rattenbury stands for Federation, and Federation is not Union in the sense in which that word is generally used, and in the sense in which Union is the goal of endeavour at the moment among- large numbers of Methodists. Mr. Rattenbury had nothing to reply to the doctor's contention. The second part of Dr. Brook's speech consisted of an appeal

which touched all hearts. The United Methodist people had no selfish axe to grind. He wanted to see a healing of the breaches in Methodism—for Methodism's sake, for the world's sake, for the Sake of the Kingdom of God. It would be a delight for him to:end his days in a reunited Methodism. Meanwhile, wouldn't they come together in spiritual fellowship? That would help them more • than anything else.

(2) The second impression of .Thursday's meeting is that it marked .a distinct step forward. Its spirit was excellent. The proposal to submit a Scheme in its final form to the Quarterly Meetings after the Conference of 1924 was wise. By then all that can be conceded will have been conceded. By then al! who desire knowledge to guide them in the 'formation of their judgement will have had the opportunity of securing it. By then,_ if the proposals for intercommunion which are afoot have been carried out, the Churches will know each other 'better. By then -the utmost that can be done to con-ciliate .those not in favour of Union at present will have been done. By then the will of God may become clearer to all of us. HENRY SMITH.

Young People's Demonstration.

UNITED 'METHODISTS on Tyneside have not forgotten the magnificent Young People's Demonstration held in connection with our Annual Conference of 1921, and ever since there has been a growing desire to make this an annual event. This desire was brought to fulfilment on Monday evening, April 9th, when the first Young People's Demonstration, in connection with the New-castle-upon-Tyne District was held in our Salem Church. And a fine meeting it was, full of promise for still greater things. The programme gave ample proof of the fact. that the committee had chosen wisely and well in se-. lecting the chairman and speakers: From the singing of the opening hymn, under the .able chairmanship of Mr. T. R. Blumer, of Sunderland, we felt that we were in for a great time. His opening address will long live in the minds of those who were privileged to hear it. The opening prayer was offered by Rev. A. E. Fletcher. The roll-call and consecration were conducted by Rev. S. J. Adie, and 17, schools responded. The first speaker was Rev. T. Shawcross, of. Sunderland, and surely he has never been more at home with young people than on this occasion. His opening sentence arrested the at-tention of his audience, and he held it to the end. The same can also be said regarding the second speaker, Mr. J. Oliver, of Gateshead, who successfully maintained the highest traditions of the Tyneside laity. Madame Clay-ering, a member of our Willington Quay Church, ren-dered two solos, and special anthems were given by the massed choirs of the city churches, under the leadership of Mr. F. Stone. Mr. H. McEwan presided at the organ.

By common consent it was considered a great gathering. S. J. A.

Mr. Richard Watson, Leeds.

LEEDS United Methodism; and our Beckett Street *Church particularly have -suffered an almost irreparable loss in the recent death of Mr. Richard Watson, who was treasurer of the above-named church, and a trustee of the Lady Lane Church up to the time of his death.

Converted at 16 years years of age, the whole of his life from that time was 'earnestly devoted to the exten, sion and building up- the Kingdom of God upon'earth. For several years, between 1880-90, he was the leader of a Young Men's Class at the Wesleyan Church, Syd-enham. :In 1890; he removed to Leeds, 'and at once iden-tified himself with the Lady Lane Central Mission, being for many years an official of the mission and a teacher in the Sunday Schbol. In 1901, he was Divinely led (as he always believed) to devote himself to the interests of our Beckett Street Church, and never had a church more devoted, efficient and consecrated service Than he gave to that church for over 21 years. By his business-like initiative and persistence, not only were the church and school premises kept in good order, but the whole debt cleared off—the last '600 being paid during the last .four or five years of his life. For many years he was Sunday School superintendent, delighted always to be amongst children, and devoted to their service. His last illness was a long and painfin one, most patiently borne, and in his death he leaves a widow and two daughters to mourn his loss.

A. large congregation gathered at the Beckett Street Church to pay the last tribute of love and esteem. The service was conducted by Rev. M. Campbell (pastor), Rev. C. B. Johnson and Mr. A. Blenkinsop also taking part. The address was given by Rev. S. Yates Ormerod (a former pastor of Beckett Street), and for many years a warm friend. of. Mr. Watson and his family.

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Sayings. Education.

Education should literally begin at home.—THE: BISHOP OF PETERBOROUGH.

The Duty of the Wise. The duty of the wise man is-to be like God as far as

possible.—PLATO.

An Urgent Casualty. AGRICULTURE (to Scout Bonar Law) : "Don't look up

Tactics.' What I want is ' First Aid.' "---" Punch."

Prayer Book Revision. There is apparently risk that Prayer Book Revision

may be defeated by a grotesque alliance of Protestants and Anglo-Catholics.—BISHOP HENSLEY HENSON.

The Divine Order. The true Divine order is ever ready to break into the

world if men will only suffer it to break into their hearts. —DR. JOHN OMAN.

Mr. H. G. Wells. The past has no roots. iii his mind ; and it might _be

said that the future. has taken its place.—MR. EDWARD SHANKS in "First Essays on Literature."

An Unacted Drama. The trouble about our religion is that for the most

part it remains an enacted drama in-our social life. And for that reason its deepest "truth " escapes us, in spite of all the eloquence and the arguments employed to make it clear.—DR. JACKS in the "Times."

--- Christianity Co-extensive with Life.

Never was it so manifest that Christianity is in idea co-extensive with life ; that every part and phase of our common workaday activity should, nay must, : if pro-gress is to continue, be influenced, leavened, and trans-formed in its spirit and ways by " the mind of Christ." DR. VERNON BARTLETT in the " Hibbert Journal."

Happenings. A strike of undertakers' staffs has occurred in Paris. Norfolk and Norwich Musical Festival is to be revived

next year. The cost of living figure at March 31st was•74per cent

above that of July, 1914. 'Norfolk roadmen object to the County Council's new

system of paying wages by cheque. South Africa is plagued by locusts, insect-borne disease

among horses, and malaria. Air services to Czecho-Sloyakia have been considered

by the British Government. Australia lost £62,000 in 1920 and 1921 through back-

ing the fruit pool.—Exchange. The Miners' Federation will hold their annual con-

ference at Folkestone between: July 9th and 16th. The Danzig Senate has decided that English ,shall be

taught in the schools instead of French.—Reuter. About forty British- insurance companies are with-

drawing their business-from Constantinople.-:-Reuter. Miss D. W. Gowers has been appointed by the East

Ham -Corporation as Assistant Medical Officer at £500 a year.

Two Grand Jurymen were each fined 4'10 for failing to answer to their_ names at the Old Bailey last week.

Families believed to be migrants from Sheffield are living in huts built of bacon boxes at Girton, Lincoln-shire.

Commencing last week, the official price -of standard grade flour has been advanced by 'ls. to 42s. for the London area.

A contract has just been concluded for- the supply of 15,000 British gramophones in face of strong German competition.

Steps are being taken for the erection, in Manchester, of an hotel which is to consist of 20 storeys and will be 186 feet' high.

More than 27,000 signatures have been obtained to the petition for the extension of the Tube to Palmer's Green and Winchmore Hill.

The furniture of Swinburne's study at "The Pines," Putney Hill, was sold at Sotheby'S last week, and modest prices were realized.

For the second year in succession Easter and the Pass-over celebrations in Palestine have passed without any untoward incident.

A funeral at Nottingham was delayed for an hour ow-ing to the sandy soil of the grave collapsing just before the mourners arrived at the cemetery.

Mrs. Savage (Miss Ethel M. Dell) says there is no truth in the report that she has acquired a "new home " in or near Guildford or in Surrey.

The King'S Birthday will be celebrated in London and at all stations-at home and abroad on Saturday, June 2nd next The King will be fifty-eight on June 3rd.

Registered unemployed in Great Britain on April 9th numbered 1,260,700, or 23,893 less than the preceding week, and 225,178 less than on January 1st.

Acting upon an bfficial instruction, all banks now issue to their customers new Bank of England notes, instead of reissuing notes which have already been; in circulation.

The removal of the Mines Safety Explosive Factory from Stanford, Essex, to Penrhvn, North -Wales, will provide immediate employment for hundreds of work-men.

Captain Hugh F. David, R.N.R., commander of the. Olympic, has received a presentation from the Meteorb-lo6cal Office in acknowledgemedt of valuable weather reports.

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194

THE UNITED IVIETEDDIST.

THE DISTRICT MEETING: "The summoned saints and holy hymn."

—F. W. H. MYERS.

" In solemn troops, and sweet societies." —MILTON.

" To walk together to the kirk With a goodly company."

" Christian fanes Each linked to each for kindred services."

—WORDSWORTH.

The Church of God. "A society for making men like Christ and earth like

heaven." —DR. ARNOLD.

Ministers and Supernumerary Ministers. "Ye, who your Lord's commission bear

His way of mercy to prepare ; Angels He calls ye : be your strife To lead on earth an angel's life."

" But haply not less dear to Heaven The calm, victorious faith of age,

When weary travellers at even Lay down the staff of pilgrimage."

E. H. BICKERSTETH.

Candidates and Laymen. "To one calls Christ, Ouit boat and bay,

And white-haired Zebedee' ; To most the word is harder : Stay,

And cast thy nets for Me.' " CANON LANGBRIDGE.

KEBLE.

—COLERIDGE.

April 26, 1923 lam UNITED IVIEMODIST. 195

At Our Own Fireside. I am of those who much and oft delight

To season my fireside with. personal talk. • * *

EDITOR'S ADDRESS :— 188 Rye Lane, Peckham, 9.E.15. * * * * *

Rev. Henry Smith, Rev. S. Gordon, Mr. W. Mallin-son, and Mr. W. J. Nicholls (St. Austell) have been co-Dpted as United Methodist members of the National Free Church Council Executive.

Mr. H. Piddock, a member of our St. Paul's Church. Dudley Port, has just passed his final examination, and is now a qualified doctor.

* * * * * Readers of the " U.M." will hear with pleasure that

the Rev. J oseph Wallett, our minister at Duke Street, Southport, was the preacher at Westminster Chapel on Sunday week. Half a column sketching his morning sermon in appreciative terms was given in last week's "British Weekly." * * * * * TAXING BETTING.

At Carclaze the Rev. A. H. Hicks (Supt., St. Austell Circuit), referring to the proposal to tax betting, said :

Betting uproots everything that is good in our economi-cal life. A country that bets cannot economically suc-ceed. If we tax betting we 'legalize it. The Church throughout the land, unless I am mistaken, will oppose it tooth and nail, and I am looking to the members of Parliament who are Christian men, to oppose it in the House of Commons.

* * * * * COUNCILLOR T. N. ARKLE, J.P.

The many friends of Councillor Arkle, who, for up-wards of forty years has been a worker, and for many years trustees steward, at our Gosforth, Newcastle-on-Tyne Church, will be glad to learn that he has been ap-pointed a County Magistrate and last week was re-elected—for the third time in succession—as Chairman of the Gosforth U.D. Council.

* * MR. SILAS K. HOCKING.

Mr. Silas K. Hocking, the novelist, who was for so many years a minister in the United Methodist Free Churches, has been writing the story of his life, and the volume will be appearing through Cassell's, on May 3rd, under the title "My Book of Memory." As Mr. Flocking has knocked up against all sorts of people, and is a keen observer, his " string of Reminiscences and Reflections " should make good reading.

* * REV. W. VIVIAN, F.R.G.S.

The Rev. W. Vivian, F.R.G.S., has asked the' Sandy-lands Church, Morecambe, to release him at the end of the present Connexional year from his promise to serve the church for a fifth year, until the coming of the Rev. Bruce H. White in 1924. Mr. Vivian has suffered from acute throat trouble all the winter, and has decided to apply for superannuation at the forthcoming Conference. The church and circuit have reluctantly acceded to Mr. Vivian's request.

* * * * * SUGGESTED TAX ON BETTING.

In view of the serious situation that has suddenly arisen in regard to the suggested tax on betting, the officials of the National Free Church Council convened a Conference of Representatives of Religious and Social Organizations to meet at the Memorial Hall last Tues-day morning. It is good to note that this powerful or-ganization is already in the field preparing to meet this insidious suggestion to profit by a grave domestic, social and national evil among our people. We hope we may be able to report that definite, strong and united action has been taken to combat this new menace to national righteousness.

* * * * * THE £80,000 FUND.

Particulars of the total amount raised and promised by each circuit and each district 'have been posted to—(a) all Connexional officers; (b) all District officers ; (c) all United Methodist ministers. To superintendent min-isters an extra number has been forwarded for distribu-tion among the lay members of the District Meetings. Will members' of the District Meetings who have not yet received a copy kindly apply to the superintendent minister?

Superintendent ministers and the Circuit and District officers of the £80,000 Fund may have extra copies on application to The Manager, The Magnet Press, 188 Rye Lane, Peckham, London.

• * **_ * A QUEER VERSE TO A QUEER TUNE.

Of all publications in the world the following verse is printed in the pages.of the serious and learned " Hib- bert Journal " for the current quarter. It is taken from a 17th century hymn :

"Ye monsters of the briny deep, Your Maker's praises spout ;

Up from the deep ye codlings peep, And wag your tails about.",

Of course, it is quoted to show that we have learned to write better hymn verses since then, though even now some of our hymns leave much to be desired. A- writer in the " Methodist Recorder " says that he hailed the-appearance of this verse in the "Hibbert Journal " with delight for a particular reason. When he was a boy in a remote part of the country, an old lady. once told him of some of the quaint hymns which the early Methodists used to sing, and amongst them was the one from which this verse is taken. They used to sing it to a mighty old common-metre tune in which the third- line was taken up by the parts in turn, and the last line sung three times over I

Let the reader use his imagination , for a moment in interpreting the statement just made. Fancy that third line taken up by each part in turn and that last line sung three times over.. One can only explain the writing of such a. verse and the singing of it to such a tune as possible only to a poet and a choir quite deficient in the sense of humour

* * * DR. HUTTON AND FRANCIS THOMPSON.

Dr. Hutton, the.minister-elect of Westminster Chapel, was lecturing on the work of Francis Thompson 'in Manchester last week. The subject would be of much local interest to a Lancashire audience, for Thompson was born at Preston in 1860 and studied medicine at Owens College, Manchester, and his father practised homoeopathy as ' a medical man in Ashton-under-Lyne for some years. I remember the house in which the father lived and from which his son must have jour-neyed to take his medical course in Manchester.

Dr. Hutton placed Thompson's work in the larger set-ting of the literature of the age and prophesied that Thompson would occupy a position comparable with that of Browning.

• Dr. Hutton described Thompson as the first truly

Christian poet of Browning's intellectual stature, and proceeded to compare him with Dostoieffsky. Both writers were absorbed with the message of reconcilia-tion. 'Neither of them cursed life, but both loved it. In his poetry for children Thompson did what Stevenson tried to do, and nearly succeeded in doing—an observa-tion which led Dr. Hutton to hit at some modern nove-lists who never seem to have been children. •Thomp-son's " Sister Songs," published in 1895, were placed by the Doctor above "The Hound of Heaven " in order of literary merit. In the latter Thompson was described as stumbling to say what the 139th Psalm has said perfectly.

One of the joys which Dr. Hutton's coming puts in prospect for many Londoners is that of hearing him give his able lectures on literary subjects. H. S.

Sunday Closing of Public-Houses. AT the Annual Meeting of the Central Association, at

which Sir Robert Perks presided, satisfaction was ex-pressed at the progress made by Lady Astor's Bill, be-cause it would reduce the drinking by young people in public-houses which prevailed more on Sundays than other days. Also that the divisions on that Bill revealed a friendly alliance by new House of Commons' towards temperance reforms. With reference to Sir A. Hol-brook's proposal to repeal Sunday Closing in Monmouth-shire and to reinstate the "bona-fide " traveller, it was pointed out that all the evidence was against such re-actionary steps, these reforms having greatly reduced drunkenness in Monmouthshire. When public houses were open on Sundays Newport prosecutions averaged over 71—under Sunday Closing the average has dropped to 8. On Sundays and Mondays the figures for last year respectively were 7 and 3 (showing that Sunday Closing benefits Mondays), Tuesdays, 35 ; Wednesdays, 47 ; Thursday, 43 ; Fridays, 54 ; Saturdays, 72. The re-duction probably would have been even less, but that clubs are still open on Sundays—an inconsistency need-ing to be remedied by Parliament.

There was great- scope for local effort in getting the Licensing Justices in the Provinces to follow the ex-ample of the majority of the London Benches in fixing 9 o'clock as the hour of closing on Sundays. Out of the 974 Divisions, 843 'Provincial Benches had selected 7 to 10 ; 16, 6.30 to 9.30 ; and 115, 6 to 9 o'clock.

Sir R. W. Perks said the work described in the re-port needed and deserved greater financial support.

(Continued from next column.) "No priestly spell or rite,

No word or touch or sign Is needed to transform

The earthly to divine. Lo, I am with you,' thus He speaks, Myself the bread and wine ;

Present to faith's far-reaching eye, The faith that makes tfie distant nigh.' "

H. BONAR.

Benediction and Farewell. "The love of God the Father,

The grace of God the Son, The joy of God the Holy Ghost,—

A blessing three in one, Be yours aboundingly, I pray, For this and every coming day ! '"

—F. R. HAVERGAL

" God bless you I God be with you still, God keep you night and day When you are far away ! "

ANNIE MATHESON.

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The Opening Devotions. " In that high dome I neither know nor say

What Power and Presence was alive that day, For sight of eyes nor ear with hearing knew That windless wind that where it listed blew : Yet seeing eyes and ears that hear shall be As dust and nothingness henceforth for me, Who once have felt the blowing Spirit roll Life on my life, and on my soul' a Soul."

F. W. H. MYERS.- " The Translation of Faith."

" We pause at last awe-held before The One ineffable Face, love, wonder and adore."

—J. G. WHITTIER.

-Conversations and Discussions. " Let the might of Thy good Spirit go with every

loving word; And by hearts prepared and opened be our message

always heard ! " —F. R. HAVERGAL.

"And truth may lie in laughter too, and wisdom in a jest,

And wit may lend its sparkle to the reverential thought."

W. C. SMITH.

"Loftiest speech, Sweet with persuasion, eloquent In passion, cool in argument."

WHITTIER.

The Work of God. "Watchman on Zion's hill,

Thy vision pierces far, Discerning good and ill,

The signs of peace and war. :What of the night? Is yonder light

The morn or even star? " S. J. STONE.

"Watchman, what of the field?— The Cross is battling on :

They close in fight ; the foemen yield : God speed the lingering sun ! "

E. H. BICKERSTETH.

"With noiseless slide of stone to stone The mystic church of God has grown."

WHITTIER•

Faith and Fellowship. " The Faith by which ye see Him,

The Hope, in which ye yearn, The Love that through all troubles

To Him alone will turn,— What are they, but vaunt-couriers

To lead you to His Sight? What are they, save the effluence

Of Uncreated Light?" JOSEPH OF THE STUDIUM

(Translated by J. M. Neale). " Not only olden ages felt

The presence of the Lord; Not only with the fathers dwelt

Thy Spirit and Thy Word. Come, Holy Ghost ! In us arise ;

Be this Thy mighty hour ! And make Thy willing people wise

To know Thy day of power ! " T. H. GILL.

the Sacrament. " Oh, breathe the life into the bread

And let our hungering hearts be fed I The power into the cup inspire, To slake our soul-thirst of desire I "

W. M. PUNSHON, 3 (Continued inPprevious column).

Sunday Afternoon. BY REV. W. RUPERT CLARK.

196 THE UNITED METHODIST. April 26, 1923

The Returning Tide at HOMe. HOME MISSIONS.

There was only a moderate attendance at the City Temple on Monday afternoon last when the considera-tion of our work at Home was the principal feature of the meeting.

Mr. H. Bryars, one of our most earnest workers in Sheffield, presided, and was supported by the speakers and officials. Rev. T. Rees Bott led the gathering ,in prayer.

Secretary's Report. Rev. T. Sunderland (Home Mission Secretary) in pre-

senting his annual statement, referred to the growing sense of co-operation in missionary work. , Tile spirit of the age was finding expression in our own work. At last Conferente a Commission was appointed with a view of organizing work for the deepening of spiritual life, reach-ng the outsiders and carrying on a vigorous evangelistic campaign. They had already fired the spirit of co-opera-tion in Kent, Norfolk and Suffolk, which were now re- joicing in the success of joint enterprise. There was ground for hope that in 1927 the United Methodist Churches in Norfolk, Suffolk, Kent and London would be free from Trust debts. (Applause.) The efforts to reduce debts in other centres were being successfully initiated. The present happy position was the outcome of personal evangelism and joint effort by the Home Mis-sion and other Committees. They were trying to develop the Connexional consciousness. He had to report that the Home Mission income would again show a decrease, the effect, he thought, of the allocation of missionary funds. The income was this year ,3,000 less than in 1911. He thought they ought to be able to secure an income adequate to the work they had in hand. The Secretary paid a tribute to the work of Rev. R. P. Camp-bell as Connexional Evangelist and the magnificent evan-gelical campaign in the Newcastle-on-Tyne District. The Home Mission officials of the three Methodist Churches are arranging four united missions in provincial centres.

Chairman's Address. The Chairman in a homely address bore testimony to

his belief in Methodism' to the advantage of the circuit

system binding together strong churches and weak causes, the one to help the other wherein both receive benefit. They were passing through abnormal times, but he thought the Home Mission Committee would in easier times carry through the projects of debt reduction they had in view. He was pleased to be associated with the Churches, and he appealed to them. to support the work. (Applause.)

Spiritual Advance Campaign. Rev. R. P. Campbell, fresh from the evangelical mis-

sions of the past four months, said his task was to add a footnote to the report of the Home Mission Secretary. One was conscious of the turning of the tide ; argo-sies of spiritual results were coming back to the churches. The old note of triumph was returning to the churches. Dealing more directly with one incident in the spiritual advance campaign, Mr. Campbell spoke of the genesis of the Newcastle '111lission in the heart of the Rev. R. Climminson ; and its growing development in spiritual fervour and evangelistic power which arose from the challenge of the face of Jesus in the picture " Ecce Homo," which'was made one of the most promi- nent features of the mission. After describing striking incidents of this wonderful mission, where the demons of drink were overpowered by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, and hundreds were won to Him, Mr. Campbell said there were some general principles arising from their experiences. One was that a large central mission was .not sufficient to move a large town ; the ordinary rank ' and file of ministers rendered most efficient service as missioners. It was his conviction that the coming autumn and winter would provide a better - opportunity for evan-gelistic work in London than for the past thirty years. This was the greatest hour he had known in the history of the Churches, and he apnealed to them to take advan-tage of the rising tide.. (Cheers.)

The People Must Be Won. Rev. Arthur Hancock (Chairman of the London Dis-

trict), in an inspiring address, spoke out of a long expe-rience of evangelistic service. Celebrating this year his ministerial jubilee it could almost be regarded as his swan song on the topic nearest his heart. At the outset he reminded his audience that they were this year cele-brating the centenary of their Home Mission work in London. He could not help but let his mind dwell upon those early pioneers of their church. Recalling the names of their founders and early evangelists who had the true Methodist note, they knew the joy of God's saving grace by experience and could not but testify that which they knew. From Devon, and Cornwall and then from Kent the call came ; they formed a Missionary So-ciety, one of the foundation clauses of which was : "This Society is formed for the preaching of the Gospel in dark and destitute parts of England and other lands." We needed to recover the impulse which would lead us out to seek and save the souls of men. He had a feeling that they must get out of the Churches and take to field-preaching, where John Wesley enjoyed some of his great-est triumphs. In his own experience he had had the greatest joy in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the streets. They must win the people for Jesus Christ in the twentieth century as did their fathers in the early years of the nineteenth century. (Applause.)

During the afternoon Sister Beatrice sang very sweetly " Open the Gates of the . Temple " and "Living, He Jpvvd nw"

Welcome to the Deputation. After an earnest appeal for a generous offering to the

missionary funds by Mr. S. Arnold, followed by the col-lection, the President (Rev. E. F. H. Capey) pronounced the benediction and closed the meeting.

FOREIGN MISSIONS. There was an excellent attendance for the evening

demonstration. Prior to the meeting, an organ recital was given by Mr, Allan Brown, .F.R.C.0.„A.R.C,M. (Organist of the City Temple),

The chairman, Mr. James Cocker,. of Oldham, had a good reception on ascending the platform, accompanied ey the speakers and officials of the Missionary Com-mittee. Prayer was offered by Rev. Henry Smith.

Foreign Secretary's Returns. Rev. Charles Stedeford, Foreign Missionary Secretary,

had a warm reception on making his annual statement. He prefaced his report by referring to his visit to our Mission 'fields in China, accompanied by Ma-. and Mrs. 1'. Butler. In an interesting manner he gave word pic-tures of the different peoples and the varying needs of the people to whom the United Methodist Church sent its missionaries. There was a diversified need, but the Gos-pel of Jesus Christ was equal to all the requirements. Our missionaries in al' our fields were treated with every respect; it was not always so, but the church had won a warm place in the hearts of the native peoples. He contrasted his entrance to the Mission stations in China greeted with flags by leaders of the District, and crowds ,of people to see the stranger, with the early reception of their missionaries who tried to enter the land by stealth and were called " foreign devils." -He (the Secretary) felt the honour was not his but the missionaries. Those churches across the seas possessed a fine aggressive spirit, there was also a ,growth of church consciousness —they loved to refer to the Mother Church, the United Methodist Church. They were impressed with a grow-ing sense of power--abilitY to carry on the work by the native preachers and its groWing hope of self-support. The churches in West Africa were self-supporting and the church on the Tana river maintained their own preachers and schools. The deputation was also im- pressed with the growing need, but they were on the eve of great possibilities and the church. abroad in another sikty. years would be greater than the U.M. Church in England. Their missionary income must be larger than it was if they were to fulfil their mission to take advan-tage of the opportunities God had submitted to their care.

The Secretary then introduced to the audience returned missionaries from the field abroad : Rev. John and Mrs. Hinds (40 'years in N. China) and Miss Taylor (Meru, East Africa); who were received with warm applause.

The Chairinan's Address. The Chairman, Mr. James Cocker, brought a refresh-

ing breeziness from Lancashire. There was a saying in Lancashire, he said, that in London they had the idea, "Let us eat, drink and be merry and have a good time." Those present were to have a good time, but on a higher plane. On the previous day he had the pleasure of hear-ing the pastor of the City Temple preach at Oldham and now he had the honour of standing in his pulpit. They were there to make Missions "go." Some affected to sneer at them and some said they did not believe in them, but they were only excuses. He had been all out for Mis-sions since he was a lad. He started with a collecting card, and now that he was climbing the ladder he did not wish to tumble down. They were thankful that the Foreign Missions Secretary and Mr. and- Mrs. Butler had safely returned from the Foreign Field. St. Paul was a great encourager and he was sure they on their return would encourage the people at home with the message of what they had seen and heard. In Missions they had a good story to tell. In those far-distant places the people were still living in darkness and among false gods, and they must go forward with their work. There were many strivers in evil and slackers in good. They must go forward with energy and joy, for there was no happiness as that of doing good. (Cheers.)

The President's Address. The President (Rev. E. F. H. Capey) expressed his

pleasure in being able to assist in the welcome to the returned missionaries and to the members of the depu-tation. This was the beginning of an auspicious week : someone was going to be married on Thursd-ay, and as representing the United Methodist. Church, they wished the young Prince and his bride much future happiness. (Applause.) This was also Shakespeare's birthday and St. George's Day. Some little.time ago he was visiting Tintagel and went over the ground made famous by King Arthur's Knights, and his thoughts went out to that noble band of men whom Tennyson described : each knight serving under the Order swore to reverence the King-and uphold the Christ. Would, said the President, that they might be such a band of true knights. He 'did not know what they thought,. but he could not feel happy when they saw there was likely to be a-tax on betting. When they began to gather their revenue from the temptation of their people they were on a declining and slippery plane. They did not know where this would lead to. They could only learn from their expe-rience in the past ; if they could kill the evil by taxierr it it might be acceptable, but did the history of their time help them along this line? If revenue was not received from the drink traffic would it not be easier to attack it? (Applause.) They had a glorious Gospel to offer men and women ; Christ was 'winning men and

women everywhere in all parts of the world. What a privilege it was to them, to be able to proclaim such a Saviour. "On this St. George's Day, April 23rd, in the year of our Lord, 1923, let us exalt His Name to-gether." (Applause.)

Women's Work in China. ?•

Mrs. T. Butler is not only a zealous missionary worker but an energetic advocate. She said that she had spent eight months in China, two months in East Africa and four months travelling about, meeting with all races of people, and was deeply grateful to their own Church for enriching her life by sending her on that long, long journey of 30,000 miles. She was proud of her Church, the Church which had nurtured her and had done every-thing for her, and it was through that Church she was standing before them that night. It was very difficult to know the extent of the work and influence of the United Methodist Church unless you had been to China and Africa. They had a great Church on those Mission fields, and she wished she could present to them a picture of what their Church was doing abroad. She was im-pressed that the Chinese were a great people and a great nation ; that the people 'were not only industrious, clever, intelligent and progressive, 'but were also deeply religious. What great good could be brought to them if the true Gospel message—the Christ life—could be taken to them! It was so sad to see that in their re-ligion they were missing their way and very sorrowful to realize how little was being done for them: After 150 years of heroic Mission work in China the Gospel was still not within reach of most of the 500 millions of people in that country. She was delighted, however, that United Methodists were doing a great work for those people so far as their resources permitted. At each of the Mission fields they visited they were amazed at the work which had been done. They were at work in some places which were exceedingly difficult, at Shan-tung, for instance, which was both difficult and lonely for their brave missionaries. Did they realize that the Chinese and the East Africans were contributing and were helping to support their own churches ? 'Mrs. Butler spoke especially of the work among women and girls. The cry of Chinese women was "Educate us—educate us as you do the men." Mrs. Butler paid a great tribute to Miss Turner's school and Miss Armitt's work in North China. Wenchow had been crying out for years for a woman evangelist from home to help the two Bible women who were at work there. They had a • small girls' school and a college of 200 students—half of them Christian. At Ningpo they also had a college of 200 students, and the call of the churches there was for work also among the women and girls, that they might have Christian wives and sisters. 'Mrs. Butler also spoke of the great work initiated by men like the Rev. F. Galpin and the Rev. W. E. Soothill, and still being carried on by Professor Chapman, Professor Redfern and Dr. Stedeford and others ; but she pleaded for more work among the women. Fancy, -she said, the Hospital at Wenchow, with 35,000 patients yearly, without a woman from home ! China was to be ,Christianized through the home life of the people,, and she urged all to rise above what they were doing and help to the utmost of their power. (Loud Applause.)

Money Well. Spent. Mr. Thomas Butler, J.P., in an impressive' address,

dealing with the financial aspect of our work, earnestly supported the appeal just made by Mrs. Butler. One felt, as 'he spoke, that our Church is indebted to him and Mrs. Butler for the magnificent service they have rendered . to our missionaries abroad, as well as to our churches at home.

Mr. Butler said he was supposed to be the hard-headed business man of the deputation. He presumed that the people present at that meeting were contributors to our Mission funds, and they would be asking, what about the money? They had an expenditure of about £30,000 per annum,- and if they asked,. Was it being wisely spent? he could emphatically say that any busi-ness spending this amount was not spending it more wisely than the Missionary Committee. (Applause). Mr. Butler• described the itinerary of the deputation. At Yunnan they spent five weeks, and found a good work being done. They found on the fields that only in rare cases did they find it necessary to suggest any altera-tions ; the money was being well spent.

From Yunnan they went.to Wenchow, a month's jour-ney, where they saw the fine college, and in the churches they were seeking to become more and more self-support-ing. This, said Mr. Butler, was the right way, as China was so big it would be impossible to evangelize it by foreign missionaries, it could only be done by the native, preachers. At the Shanghai Chamber of Commerce, they saw the secretary, who promised' them a thousand dollars a year for their college work. At Ningpo, they spent a month, and were struck with the remarkable work being done. From thence, they went to North China.' Coming as he did from a section of the Church to which the North China Mission was not so well known, he was delighted with all he saw in North China. From China they travelled to East Africa, first to Mazeras, where Rev. J. B. Griffiths was doing a mag-nificent work ; to Tana River, the mission taken over from the German 'Mission, to whom they were hoping soon to hand it back, but where the native preachers were working gladly without pay to assist in sustaining the station. From there they went to Meru, our pioneer station, which they were hoping would soon be improved. In conclusion, he assured the meeting that their mis-sionary operations were admirably administered, and they could accept his statement that the money they gave was well spent. (Loud cheers.)

Secretary's Statement. Rev. Cooper G. Hawken (Joint. District Missionary

Secretary) said to them at home that was a great day,

(Continued on page 200.)

Home and Foreign Missions. The City Temple Demonstrations.

For Young Local Preachers BY REV. F. H. ROBINSON.

I.—THE OFFICE. IN the phrase Local Preacher, emphasis should be

laid upon the word Preacher. That is of chief import-ance. It puts him among the prophets : not in the sense of fore-teller, but of forth-teller, as seer, and as teacher. As prophet, he is in the order and succession of the noblest calling known to men. It is as great as, and in some senses greater, than that of the priest who offers sacrifice and thus far, as offerer of burnt offering or incense (the symbol of prayer), is a ritualist.

Without question, the Priesthood of our Lord is unique : it stands alone. As the Redeemer, He offered Himself as an atonement for the sin of the world. No other can be what He was, or do what He did. There rernaineth no more sacrifice for sin.

The only priesthood remaining is that of all believers who offer the gifts and sacrifices of thanksgiving and personal service. In this sense all followers of Christ are priests. The Christian's priesthood is universal. All true Christians are priests. There is no order,. or office, or caste of priesthood in the true Church of Christ ; no class separate from that of general believers.

But all Christians are not prophets. Prophets are the order of teachers : teachers of the Divine Will as in-terpreters of the revealed word of God in the Holy Scriptures. Hence the Puritan preachers often called themselves "servants of the Book."

The Preacher's Function. The work of the Christian prophet or preacher is to

proclaim not so much his own thoughts—his thinkings, his musings or discoveries—one often hears from the pulpit in authoritative tones, " I think " this or that. The more correct wor4 should be that of Jesus to the lawyer, " How readest thou? " If the preacher declares his "discoveries" they should be those he has delved for in the Book. The sacred Scriptures are in the main his quarry ; that, rather than the multifarious heap of his own mind. He is first, and always an interpreter and expositor of the revealed Will of God as manifested to his own soul and in his own experience. Thus far, now, for what the preacher is : to wit, the Christian PROPHET.

Wherein the " Local " is distinguished from the fully set apart minister is that he, the Local, is LIMITED in his sphere as to time and opportunity. He lives—is supported—by some other form of labour. He has an-other calling for' the .sustenance of hiniselif and his family. In area of labour, and in opportunity and fre-quency. of service, in Methodism he is limited, and so is called a "Local." In character of service he is in the same class as the minister of religion. He is a Herald of the grace of God revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord to the end that men may be saved from sin and per-fected in holiness before the Lord, the King.

As St. Paiil said to Timothy, so would I to the young Local Preacher : " Let no man despise thee." Realize the " high calling" that is yours. Place full value on its honour, dignity and glory of service. Con-sider and ever bear in mind that the preacher stands, like Angel Gabriel, "in the presence of God " : that he is a representative for God unit) mankind ; that his duty is to declare the terms on which the Holy Father will treat His sinful and erring children, as those terms are revealed in the Gospel of the Only-begotten Son of God ; that in so doing he offers the greatest possib'e boon and gift to his fellow-sinners ; that as ambassa-dor he . holds the most honourable office and renders the highest 'possible order of service to mankind. As Paul was " a citizen of no mean city "—the chief of the three great centres of education in the Roman world—so the preacher is a member of no mean calling ; and he must be noble because nobly called and honourably chosen, commissioned and appointed.

The Responsibility of the Work. The most spiritually and intellectually-equipped

preachers have " trembled " on going into the pulpit ; not in craven fear, not in cowardice, but as the high-bred horse quivers and foams as he is led to the starting-post ; as the eager hound strains in the leash. So much hangs on the issue of the race ; of the sermon ; of . the animal or of the man. As the father of John Paton, of the New Hebrides Mission, used to cross the threshold of his lowly cot in Scotland to do his daily duty—" I go forth this day with God," so should the preacher enter the pulpit with the remembrance : " I stand here for God the Father, and for the Saviour of Man in sancti-fication of the Spirit. Here I stand. I can do no other. So help me God."

Mrs. Cadman, Leeds. THE Ashley Road Church has suffered a loss in the

passing of Mrs. Cadman. She was one of the quiet, loyal, consistent workers whose pervasive influence is the very salt of the Church. Shrinking from publicity herself, she was among the first to appreciate and extol those who are called upon to maintain the publie work of the church, and sought in every way to encourage every aggressive effort, especially the more spiritual and evangelical. In recent years the state of her health pre-cluded many activities she had once delighted in, but she maintained her leadership of the "Women's Own " to the very end, and here her loss will be more acutely felt than its members dare to think.

A very large congregation assembled at Ashley Road Church for the funeral, which was conducted by the minister, Rev. G. W. Laughton. Rev. M. Campbell took part in the service, and Rev. Harry Shaw, who had known Mrs. Cadman alMost from the 'beginning of his ministry, delivered a thoughtful, impressive and sym-pathetic address.

April 26, 1923

THE UNITED METHODIST. 197

Methodist Union. THE United Committee on Methodist Union, appointed

by the Wesleyan, Primitive and United Methodist Con-ferences, met at the Central Buildings, Westminster, on Thursday, April 19th.

The Rev. John Hornabrook, an ex-President of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference, presided. Sympathetic reference was made to the great loss sustained by the Methodist Churches in the death of the Revs. William Bradfield, E. D. Cornish and Sir William Hartley.

The Revs. E. Aldom French, S. Horton, and Henry Smith presented the reports of the Denominational Com-mittees which had considered the resolutions and sug-gestions received from the Quarterly Meetings of the three Churches and the Trustees' Meetings of the Wes-leyan Methodist Church. The following resolution was adopted as the report of the United Committee to the three Conferences :-

"This Committee having received, through the De- nominational Committees, the reports of the Quarterly Meetings of the three Churches, and of the Trustees' Meetings of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, recod-nizes with pleasure the thoroughness and care bestowed by these local courts upon the consideration of the proposed Scheme for Union. • The Committee recog-nizes that there is a minority who are not prepared at present to approve the proposals, but is glad to find that the Scheme as a whole has been favourably re-ceived by a large majority. While recommending the Conferences by an even larger majority to continue the negotiations, the Quarterly Meetings and Trustees' Meetings (in accordance with the invitation of the Conference in their respective resolutions) have sub-mitted numerous suggestions and amendments to the Scheme which will require more careful compilation and consideration than is possible before the meeting of the Conferences, the earliest being in June. Fur-ther, the returns from some of the Trustees' Meetings were not to hand by the date appointed for the meet-ing of the Committee. The Committee, therefore re-commends the several Conferences to reappoint their sections of the Committee with instructions carefully to consider during the year the proposals received from the local courts, to frame a complete Scheme of Union, and to report to the Conferences of 1924 so that the Scheme may be submitted to the Connexional courts during the ensuing year.

In harmony with suggestions received from local courts that steps should be taken

(a) To promote more intimate acquaintance and deeper fellowship among our, members.

(b) To acquaint our people more fully with the pro-posals and implications of the Scheme, the Committee recommends the Conferences to direct :-

(1) That interchange of pulpits, intercommunion services, and meetings for prayer and fellowship shall be arranged in all areas where more than one of the denominations is represented and that arrangements for the carrying out of these plans shall be made at the September Quarterly Meeting.

(2) That meetings for information as to the proposals for Union shall be held in every Circuit, that the Com-mittee shall communicate with all Superintendents and shall be authorized to assist in making the arrange-ments.

The Committee recommends the Conferences to adopt these proposals and to direct that the completed Scheme be presented to the Conferences of 1924." The three Secretaries were directed to prepare a state-

ment as to the reports from the local courts, that it right be sent to the Conferences with the report.

E. ALDOM FRENCH. SAMUEL HORTON. HENRY SMITH.

" Great Hymns and their Stories." By W. J. Limmer Sheppard, M.A. (The Religious Tract Society, net 3s. 6d.)

I OPENED this book with great expectations, I closed it with a big disappointment. It is true that in the Preface by the Author I had read, "The use of the word great ' in the title is not meant to imply literary greatness, but rather the influence of fne hymn on audiences and individuals." " Great Hymns " I associ-ate with both quality and effect. Such a work could be produced, and one would be grateful to have it.

I note that " Jerusalem, my happy home" is placed under the headline, "The Unknown Author"—" Brome-head did not* really compose the hymn," the author says. But Julian settled the matter once for all. He possessed a copy of the " Eckington C " text. He says, " In the collection one psalm-version (Ps. cxiv.) is signed Bromehead,' and five of the hymns 'B.' One of the

five hymns with this signature is Jerusalem, my happy home.' " Julian assigns the hymn to Joseph Brome-head. I am content to leave it there. Again, the first line of Matheson's hymn is printed, "0 Love, that will not let me go." The full story of the writing of the hymn is not given, but it is said that one would infer that the author had, at the time, " sustained a sad be-reavement." It was the day of his sister's marriage.

One is glad to see, for the first time, a facsimile copy of Heber's original MS. of "From Greenland's icy mountains." A clerical correspondent in the "Times" recently stated that the second line of stanza two origin-ally was "Java's isle "—it is not substantiated by this copy. The only original correction is the change of the word "savage," in the seventh line of the same verse, to "heathen."

There is much in the book that is worth telling, but it fails in parts. Until the book on this absorbing sub-ject is published, this is one to be commended to those Who are wishful to know more about some of our

16

great hymns."

The:. Grace of Appreciation.

'II.—OF ALL THE SAINTS WHO FROM THEIR LABOGRS - REST.

" HE is standing on my shoulders," quietly remarked a proud father, as his son was receiving congratulations fore an exceptional service. "One man is no man," is the verdict of social science. " We are members one of another," is the testimony of the Holy Bible.

We build on the foundation of the apostles and pro-phets ; their life blood courses through our veins ; their loyalty to Jesus Christ is the surplus of our spiritual institutions.

Read again the catalogue of the various types of united faith in the wonderful eleventh chapter of Hebrews that a new and deep impression of the tri-umph and transmission of their faith may waken in us appreciation of their investment in us and of our in-. heritance in them. Our unity in Christ is not alone with our own generation, but with the past and the following as well. " In Him, ye are complete." His fullness brings its benediction from the ancient days and is to be dispensed to ages yet unborn.

Thank God for the inspiring relationship. Pray earn-estly for a sense of responsibility, as the candle of the Lord . is transferred by your hand from the past to the future generation.

"They climbed the steep ascent of heaven Through peril, toil and pain ;

0 God, to us may grace be given To follow in their train."

Mrs. Thornton, Oxford. 11■11. ■■■■ ••••••

MUCH beloved and greatly mourned, a devoted servant of God, Mrs. Thornton, the wife of Mr. Joseph Thornton, and mother of our minister, Rev. F. H. J. Thornton, passed away on April 14th.

For 45 years Mrs. Thornton and her devoted husband have won increasing respect and affection in the religious circles of the city

increasing their ready assistance in all good

work, and United Methodism especially is the poorer for her passing. In recent years indifferent health had compelled Mrs. Thornton to exercise great care, but behind the scenes she continued a fruitful ministry of prayer and service. Many will miss her happy smile, her womanly sympathy, the genial warmth of her greet-ing. Not the least touching tribute among the numerous and beautiful wreaths was one from the neighbours in Friars' Entry into whose troubles she had entered with a truly Christ-like ministry.

Mrs. Thornton's death was tragically sudden, but for her the translation was glorious, for she passed without suffering into the presence of the Master she had served so faithfully.

A large company of friends gathered for the funeral service in St. Michael's Street Church. Rev. W. P. Austin conducted, prayer being offered by Rev. Leonard Plested, of Stow. The interment took place at Molver-cote Cemetery in the presence of many represntatives from the United Methodist Churches of the Oxford Circuit.

•MENIII7■•■■••.

Mile- Stones

•

Are there not episodes in your life which stand out like milestones ? That first journey you took alone ; that illness ; the first—the last —day at School ; your first success in life ; they all strengthened your character, because you were equipped to meet them. Yours was the upward path.

Some lives are but a series of tragedies. A childhood spent in squalor ; terror of the drunken parent ; then perhaps homelessness, hunger, over-whelming odds. The untrained mind and ill-nourished body are unequal to the fight, and the child (whose lot might have been yours) has sunk into degradation and crime.

The National Children's Home strives to rescue those children whom circumstances are forcing downhill. Help is urgently .needed. Will you not lend a hand ?

NATIONAL CHILDREN'S HOME AND ORPHANAGE.

(Founded by Dr. STEPHENSON).

104-122 'CITY ROAD, LONDON, E C 1 • Princiina : Rev. W. HODSON SMITH.

Treasurers : J. R BARLOW, Esq., MA., J.P.. Slr CHARLES C. WAKEFIELD. Bart.. C.B.E.. LL.D.

m m REMITTANCES from U M Churches should he sent to the "11'1" Treasurer, Rev. HENRY HOOKS, 12 Farringdon Avenue.

London, E.C.4. W. B.

81ti■ilcitctssg2512 . PAio ILLUS. BOOKLET POST FREE

ILE ge. SON 1_,TP ,SHOWROOMS, 367, EUSTON ROAD LONDON,NN1.

ENV() R. I.A.L IN THE EVERLASTING GREY CORNIS EL. e GRANITE IMPLECTION ANV CEMETCP.V

April 26 1923

Departed Friends. ■•■■•■■■••

THE anniversary, at Herne Hill, on 'Sunday and Mon-day last week was of unusual interest. The preachers on Sunday were Revs. A. E. J. Cosson and S. Gordon. On Monday afternoon, a large , congregation gathered to hear Rev. F. Luke Wiseman, B.A., who preached a very fine sermon on "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you." The sermon made a deep impression. There was a full schoolroom for the tea, which followed the service, and over the tea-tables addresses were given by Revs. J. Allardyce (Congregational) and H. J. Bensoh (Wesleyan).

The evening meeting was presided over by Mr. H. C. Honey, who was supported by Revs. H. Hooks, J. Long-den and A. E. J. Cosson. The speeches by Rev. E. Aldoin French and Mr. T. McAra, J.P., aroused .great enthusiasm. Mr. Aldom French pleaded with the audi-ence to throw everything into the scale for the salvation of London. It could only be done when every church member became an evangelist. "A church of a thousand members ought to have a thousand ministers. The cry is sometimes made, Everything' a minister does a lay-man can do. Very well, let the laymen do it ! " Mr. T. McAra urged Christians to carry their distinctive quality into every part of their life. A most inspiring series of meetings closed with words of warm commenda-tion by Rev. J. Longden.

Memorial Hall Opening. AT Bethel Church, West Kensington, one of the

most inspiring meetings remembered by the friends was held last Thursday evening, when a large number of old friends and new gathered to celebrate the completion of the memorial scheme. The marble tablets to the men who fell in the war, and to Mr. Clarke were unveiled a few months ago. Since then a memorial room has been built for C.E., Primary and Women's Meetings, in which have been placed en-larged photos of old worthies and ministers who have served this church faithfully, and also of !old trus-tees. The schoolroom and chapel have been redecora-ted, and a new system of lighting has given to the premises a cheerful and beaubiful appearance. The roof and outside work have also been done. All the work has been carried through by the men and women of the church, the materials only being paid for.

The superintendent of the church, Mr. J. H. Palmer, in taking the chair paid a tribute to the willing service and hearty co-operation he had received, and foretold a bright future and useful service for the church. Mrs. J. Moore, the oldest member, who had worked from the foundation of the building, opened the door. Rev. W. Stephen, who for many years was pastor, gave a happy speech, especially calling to mind the men whose por-traits adorned the walls.

Mr. S. Arnold, with his characteristic geniality, told of early days, recalling many pleasant memories of the old folk, and how he had walked from Islington and back to preach in the tin tabernacle.

Mr. Hallifax gave added interest with his early con-nection with Bethel, and also spoke, urging the mem-bers to stand firm for the old faith.

Rev. James Martin, in his kindly, genial• way, for which he is loved by all, gave a word of praise to those who had borne the heat and burden for so long.

Mr. George Taylor, our standfast steward, told how glad his heart was for the revival that had taken place, and our young secretary, John Green, who had a rous-ing reception, spoke a few closing words. This meeting will live long in the memory of all.

6` Symbolism in Religion." MR. ROBERT FISHER, Preston, writes :

Mr. Whitehead says that within a few weeks from the Crucifixion the apostles were preaching the Cross. If he means by that word the Gospel, then I agree with him, but if he means that the apostles were urging people to venerate the symbol of the Cross then I think he is mistaken. There is not one reference to the Cross in the whole book of the Acts of the Apostles, and only one reference to an altar, i.e., the altar of the unknown God. There is not one reference to the Cross in that book of symbols, the Revelation of St. John. None of the apostles, except Paul, mention the Cross in their epis-tles, and. Paul probably used the word in the • sense in which it was used by everybody, non-Christians as well as Christians, i.e., as a synonym for the work done by Christ on the Cross.

We are informed in Boutell's Dictionary of the Bible, that the Cross was not regarded as an honourable symbol until the fourth century, and the crucifix not invented until the sixth. The sign of the cross, used by the early Christians when they baptized their chil-dren was the Greek letter X, the shorthand character for the name of Christ. This they did to show that the child belonged to Christ, because it had the name of the Saviour written on its forehead. If the Cross of Christ has anything to teach us, let us learn it humbly, but let us not venerate or bow down to a copy of it, for veneration is only a step from worship, and worship of anybody or thing except God is a sin.

Official returns show that nearly a million tons of shipping is owned at Cardiff by 102 firms. This is an increase of 84,000 tons on last year. The carrying capa-cat of the 448 vessels is almost two million tons.

THE UNITED METHODIST.

Sisterhood and Brotherhood. Rally A VERY successful rally of • Sisterhoods and Brother-,

hoods was organized by the Sisterhood of our West-moor Road Church, Sunderland. Nineteen societies were represented, the church being filled to overflowing. Mrs. Wheeldon presided, supported by Mrs. Brooks, Mrs. Charlton, Revs. W.• Hall and W. H. Wheeldon. In welcoming Lady Kay, Mrs. Wheeldon said this was the 21st anniversary of the Sisterhood, and during the past year the members had worked very loyally indeed. Their motto for the coming year would be : " Attempt great things for God ; expect great things from God." They remembered Lady Kay's inspiring address at a neighbouring church a year ago, and they were greatly honoured by her presence that day.

Woman and the Social Order. Lady Kay then delivered an excellent address on

"Woman and the Social Order." She said the power of woman's influence was very great, and we were only just beginning to realize how great it was She was man's helpmeet; a nation could never rise above the level of its womanhood. The story of the past showed how Jesus Christ was the great emancipator of woman. Woman was called to take an increasing part in religi-ous and social life. Women needed to take a greater interest in such practical things as the lighting of streets, pure milk, education of children, housing and sanitation. In the future, woman would give no blind allegiance to party politics—increasingly she would cut across party lines and work for practical things—healthy lives and happy homes. In all this, woman is man's helpmeet. Enfranchised by Jesus Christ, she is to ex-ercise her social freedom in the spirit of fidelity, patience and love. Man looks to woman to lead him up to the realization of his ideal—the cause is not two, but one. Man and woman stand or fall together. .

Lady, Kay then dealt with woman's part in the League of Nations and Temperance Reform. She urged all women to support the former earnestly. Women brought forth children in pain and anguish for something better than for them to be mown down in battle. The world was full of sorrow-stricken . women as a result of the war, and they must unite in a great educative movement not only amongst themselves, but in the home, the school, the university, and in the House of Commons, to create a will to peace instead of the old military spirit.

She spoke on Lady Astor's noble effort, and at the close of the meeting a resolution was unanimously passed requesting H.M. Government to grant special facilities for Lady Astor's Bill.

Alderman Walker (Wesleyan) conducted the roll-call.

City Temple Missionary Demonstration.

CHAIRMAN'S LIST. THE secretaries have pleasure in acknowledging the

following gifts received up to Saturday morning, the 21st of April. Further donations will be gratefully re-ceived by Rev. Cooper G. Hawken, 205 Harvist Road, Kilburn, N.W.6.

4'14 : Rich. K. Elford. 410 10 : H. ,Guy Chester. £10: Mr. and Mrs. Newton Adams (A Golden Wed-ding Thank-offering) •, Robert Turner, J.P. 4.5 • S. P. Rattenbury, J.P., Miss F. Stovin. 4.3 3s. : Messrs. Pannett and Neden, William Pollard (Burn-ley), J. Hohl, H. M. Walker. £2 2s. : Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Tandy, Mrs. Ogden, Wm.. S. Welch, Dr. and Mrs. Lloyd Snape, M. Burningham, M. Mordey, " E. H." (Barnsley) for Home Missions ; " E. H." (Barnsley) for Foreign Missions. £2 : Rev. and Mrs. E. W. Hirst, Miss B. Schofield. £1 15s. ; Rev. F. R. Craddock. ls. : Rev. George Parker, Rev. Luther Dawson, Henry Lawton, J.P., B. Hardy, "A Friend," Rev. J. E. Mackintosh, Rev. and Mrs. G. Eayrs, James Maclaurin, C. A. Hempstock. : Miss Boaden, "The Home Prayer Meeting," per Rev..W. F. Newsam, John H. Waggot. 10s. 6d. : H. Ellis Rev. J. E. Swallow, George Britilon, Re'v. David' Brook, Ald. C. H. Bird, J.P., Ald. Geo. Berringer, J.P. 10s.: C. E. M., Miss F. A. Pye, L. Jackson, E. F. Shrubsall, Rev. and Mrs. W. Bainbridge, I. S. J. , and M. M. (Newcastle-on-Tyne), Rev. and Mrs. R. J. Harris, Rev. A. E. Bowyer, Hon. C.F., Rev. James Ellis, Rev. M. Hoare, Rev. Henry Hooks, Rev. Walter Brown, Rev. and Mrs. H. Smith. 5s. : Rev. T. Rees Bott, Rev. A. Knight, Rev. F. Galpin, Mrs. Galpin," Rev. Geo. Mellelieu, A. W. Edwards, Miss Clarke, Miss M. E. Young, Joseph Bellwood, W. S. Jolly, Rev. E. Craine, Mrs. A. Swallow, Mrs. Hawley, Rev. F. J. Wharton, M. G. Burgess, Rev. R. T. Rowley, Miss M. Parr, Rev. T. Scowby, Mrs. P. ,Dale, Rev. J. B. Booth, Rev. C. H. Poppleton, Rev. T. Rider. 3s. : Rev. J. Hartley Duerden. 2s. 6d. : " B. E."

Since the above was set the following additional gifts have come to hand :

£1 is. Rev. T. Nightingale, Mr. R. Knowles' Mr.

F. J. Perry. : Rev. and Mrs. H. Gaunt. 10s. : "E. N. B." 5s. : Rev. W. Treffry. 3s. : Rev. J. T. Henwood. 2s. 6d. : Miss M. A. Sergeant.

Mr. Tom Brook, Batley. ON Sunday night, April 1st, there passed away one of

the old stalwarts of Talbot Street. Mr. Tom •Brook, almost from the beginning of the cause at Talbot Street, had taken an active and a leading interest in everything connected with the church and Sunday School, and was greatly respected and beloved by a wide circle of friends. He was loyal to the Connexion, and brought up a large family of four sons and three daughters, every one of whom joined the church of their father and entered on service as trustees, Sunday School workers, in the choir, or in some other capacity. In his last illness he has been ministered to by his patient and loving wife with the most assiduous care and attention ; assisted as necessity required by her daughters and affectionate sons.

A brief memorial service was conducted by Rev. James Roberts, the pastor, on Sunday evening, April 8th.

Miss Maude Cade, Crewe. THE church at Hightown, Crewe, has suffered a great

loss in the death of Miss Maude Cade, after a very brief illness.

At the funeral on April 16th, there were many indi-cations of the affection and esteem. in which the deceased lady was held, and of sincere sympathy with the family. The service at Hightown, was conducted by the minister of the church, Rev. E. Sheppard, assisted by Rev. T. P. Sullen, of Nantwich. In his address, Mr. Sheppard spoke of the loss sustained by the church and Sunday School. The choir had lost one who had always regarded her voice as the gift of God. In the Christian. Endeavour Society her presence had been an inspiration, and one of her most welcome duties was that of taking flowers to the sick. In the social functions of the church, she was a real force, always retiring from'notice, yet a quiet influence for good. Her chief and crowning work was amongst the children of the primary school. There she was in her element. The children loved her. There was no self-consciousness about her service. " Joy was duty and love was law."

At the close of the service in the cemetery, the choir sang "Rock of Ages."

Mr. William Rattenbury. THE Great Union Road Church, jersey, has sustained

a loss in the passing of Mr. William Rattenbury. Although Jersey-born, he came of the West Country family of that name, closely associated with our Denom-ination for the past century, and was in every way worthy of its best traditions.

As a Post Office official for many years he was one of the most familiar figures in St. Helier, and was greatly respected for the integrity and winsomeness of his Christian character. It might be said that he bore a special reputation for cheerfulness under all circum-stances. He was sound and generous in judgement and served his generation with a willing heart. To the last he Was most active in the interests of his Church. For several years he was church treasurer, and up to the time of his death held the office of trust secretary. He also represented the circuit at District meetings and Conferences, and had been appointed to attend the next District meeting.

He was laid to rest on April 9th amidst many mani-festations of sympathy and respect, a special service being held in the Great Union Road Church, conducted by Revs. J. C. Pye and W. E. C. Harris.

Births, Marriages, Deaths. ,NOT I CES of Births, Marriages, Deaths, etc., are inserted

at the uniform price of 2s., unless they exceed 30 words, in which case 6d. extra for every eight words or under is charged. Notices, together with Remittances, should reach the office of the UNITED METHODIST, 12 Farringdon Avenue, London, E.C.4. not later than Tuesday 9 a.m.

REPORTS of Marriages, etc., intended for insertion in• the Editorial Columns MUST be accompanied by a krehaid advertisement

DEATHS. BEDFORD.-On April 19th. 1923, at 15 Muslin Street

Newton, Hyde, James Bedford, in his 88th year. For over 60 years an officer of the Muslin Street U.M. Church (Hurst Circuit).

CADMAN.-At 16 Berkeley Grove, Harehills, Leeds, Fanny, beloved wife of H. Cadman, entered into rest

April 9th, 1923, after much suffering, aged 5$. Interred at Harehills Cemetery, April 11th.

G-IBSON.—On April 14th, 1923, at St. Martins, Scilly Isles, Sarah Gibson, beloved wife of William Gibson,

in her 82nd year. A faithful servant of Christ.

THORNTON.-On Saturday, April 14th, 1923, at 8 Frairs' Entry, Oxford, Annie Mary, the beloved wife

of Joseph Thornton and mother of Rev. F. H. J. Thornton, aged 66 years.

IN MEMORIAM. THORNTON.-In loving memory of my dear friend,

Miss Thornton, of Armley, Leeds, who entered the Higher Life, April 28th, 1922,—M. J. H.

198

Rev. F. L. Wiseman at Herne Hill.

April 26, 1923

The National Drink Bill for 1922.

BY GEORGE B. WILSON.

THE UNITED METHODIST.

Richard Jefferies' Vision and its Price.

199

Good Friday and Easter Day in Rome.

(Political and Literary Secretary, United Kingdom BEFORE I have had the opportunity of seeing your BY SIR R. WALTER ESSEX.

Alliance.) second article on "Christianity and Riches " is it not -- permissible to point out what seems to me a universal . ON Good Friday I had decided to look in upon some

THE consumption of Intoxicating Liquors in the Principle, as it is illustrated-though not from a con- of the churches to witness the •entombment ceremonials,

'" United Kingdom during 1922 measured in terms of sciously Christian standpoint-in Richard Jefferies' which conclude the long- drawn hours of mourning. absolute alcohol, showed a decline of about 1271 per vision, `The Story of my Heart ? cent, and the expenditure on such liquors a decline of Jefferies says : "Sometimes I have concentrated my- Good Friday Among Capuchin Monks. about 12 per cent on the consumption and expenditure self, and driven away by continued will all sense of respectively in the year 1921. outward appearances, looking straight with the full

Our visit lay at first to the church of the- Capuchin

Spirits showed a reduction of 8.8 per cent, and Beer of power of my mind inwards on myself. I find ' I ' am Monks, hard by our hotel. Here a comparatively small, 14.1 per cent in standard ,barrelage, and 15.3 per cent there, an ' 1 ' I do not wholly understand or know- but very reverent company of worshippers was assem-14.1

the bulk barrelage as actually sold. Wine, on the something is there distinct from earth and timber, from bled. A side chapel was a blaze of many lighted can- in hand, showed a rise of 12 per cent. flesh and bones. Recognizing it, I feel on the margin dles, and of a large and gorgeous display of flowers. From bouquets of roses and bulbous blossoms to huge

Two factors have mainly contributed to this decline. of a life unknown, very near, almost touching it', on the bushes of azaleas and large palms the gloom of the During 1922 employment continued bad in most of the verge of powers which if I could grasp would give me church was greatly relieved. In a hall or chapel behind principal industries, though there was 'a gradual im- an immense breadth of existence, an ability to execute provement during the yea" and the rate of unemploy what I now only conceive, most probably of far more the main altar the brothers were chanting the prayers ment among 11,750,000 work-people registered fell from than that. To see that ' I ' is to know that I am arranged for the service. To their,sad and somewhat 16.1 per cent in January to 12.2 per cent at the end of surrounded with immortal things."

depressing tones I listened for some three-quarters of

the year, and there was a considerable reduction in the * * * * ;; an hour, when I saw a half-dozen monks emerge to take up their places at the main altar. They had simple

amount of short time. But wages declined heavily Again : "I looked at the hills, at the dewy, grass, and vestments, and their duty consisted in continuing their during the year, and resulted, in reporting industries then up through the elm branches to the sky. In a intoning of the selected portions of the service with and services,, in an aggregate decrease of about moment all that was behind me-the houses, the people, appropriate and reiterated responses. I was quite un-

4,200,000 a week among 7,600,000 work-people, not in- the sounds-seemed to disappear and to leave me alone. able to understand a word of what was being uttered, eluding agricultural labourers whose wages fell heavily, Involuntarily I drew a long breath, then I breathed and at last got so bored that I rose and left my wife, and other classes where reductions of wage-rates took slowly. My thought, or inner consciousness went up who preferred to remain, as being nearer home than at place. (See "Labour Gazette," January, 1923.) through the illumined sky, and I was lost in a moment the more distant Tlaces I proposed. to visit. As it hap-

The second factor was the continuance of the high of exaltation. This only lasted a very short time, per- pened, she saw more of these generally rendered cere-prices at which spirits and beer were sold, no reduction haps only a part of a second, and while it lasted there monies than 1 did, for after a half an hour or more having taken place during the year, though the strength was no formulated wish. I was absorbed ; I drank the later, the monks took clown from a cross over the altar of beer was slightly increased., beauty of the morning ; I was exalted. When it -ceased a small effigy of the Crucified which, after being re-

The Drink Bill. I did wish for some increase or enlargement of my exis- peatedly kissed by the priestly ministrants, was taken tence to correspond with the largeness of feeling I had in a procession round the church and then submitted to

I estimate the amount spent on intoxicating liquors in momentarily enjoyed." the kisses of the worshippers, being at the finish, as I the United Kingdom during 1922 at £354,131,000, as * * * * * was told, laid upon the altar floor as symbolizing the against £402,726,000 in 1921, and £166,000,000 in 1913. deposit in the tomb. Again : "One midsummer I went out of the road into

The following Table gives the details :- the fields, and sat down on the grass between the yellow- I walked on down the Via Tritone, and called in for (Population 47,547,000.) ing wheat and the green hawthorn bushes. The sun a few moments at other churches, where apparently

Liquors Consumption. Retail Cost. .burned in the sky, the wheat was full of a luxuriant there was nothing more proceeding than the intermin- 1921. 1922. 1921. 1922. sense of growth, the grass high, the earth giving its able chanting. My determination was to see the full 000 000 .Z. .). vigour to tree and leaf, the heaven blue. The vigour and ceremony at the great and beautifully-decorated old

British Spirits growth, the warmth and light, the beauty and richness Jesuit church of The Gesu.. Here, as I anticipated, a @ 130s.. per - of it entered into me ; an ecstasy of soul accompanied large company was assembled. I had been wrongly proof gallon 15,065 14,315 97,923,000 93;047,000 the delicate excitement of the senses ; the soul rose with informed as to the time, and found I was too late for

Other ditto ... 3,519 2,635 22,873,000 17,128,000 the body. Rapt in the fullness of the moment, I prayed the service, which had concluded. Nor was I able to ----- there with all that expansion of .mind and frame ; no inspect the altar, with its decorations, nor the splendid

Total ditto .'.. 18,584 16,950 120,796,000 110,175,000 words, no definition, inexpressible desire of physical pictures adorning the walls, and to a less successful Beer ® 168s. life, of soul-life, equal to and beyond the highest imag,in- degree the lofty ceiling. The body of S. Ignatius

per bulk ing of my heart." Loyola -lies in this church. Of all these attractions I barrel ... 31,398 26,606 263,743,000 223,490,000 Once more : " With the whole force of my existence. had perforce to postpone my examination, as the officials

Wine R 30s. with the whole force of my thought, mind, and soul, I were closing the church. per gallon... 11,242 12,594 16,863,000 18,891,000 pray to find this Highest Soul . . . give me to live

the deepest soul-life now and always with this Soul." Cider . and w s The Piazza Campo di Fiore. Perry @ 5s. * * * * *

As a counter-attraction I wandered through a number per gallon.... 5,295 6,302 1,324,000 1,575,000 Jefferies was not a Christian mystic, but I never re- of the narrow old by-ways of ancient Rome until I came

----- ----- member reading his spiritual autobiography-that story to the historical Piazza Campo di Fiore, where I found Z*402,726,000 Z;354,131,000 of faith and doubt, hunger and thirst, yearning and ago-

--- an open-air fish and vegetable market in full opera- tion. In this old square heretics and criminals used to -

being amazed that he seemed to miss the Lord. Miss Consumption per Head. Evelyn Underhill says : "This experience (i.e. the my-s- be executed. It was here that Giordano Bruno, the old Dominican monk who, embracing newer views of truth

The expenditure per head of the population was, tical perception of the Being of the Universe) must pass than were then healthy 'or fashionable, met his death at therefore, in 1922 about Z.7 9s., and per adult of 21 beyond the stage of metaphysical rapture or fluid splen- the stake in 1600. He had escaped from Italy .in safety years and upwards (including abstainers), £12 10s. as dour and crystallize into a definite concept, a definite and went to Geneva and thence to France, England and against £3 12s. 6d. and Z.6 respectively in 1913.

and- personal relation set up between the self and the Germany. Home sickness, or some other call, twenty Absolute Life. In Jefferies' case this crystallization - The expenditure for each of the three Kingdoms, years later, led him back to Venice, and there he was

though not capable of strict statistical.. verification, was . . . did not take place, and he never therefore laid caught by the Holy Inquisition with the. result, on probably about :- hold of the `glory that has been revealed.' " Hence, 17th February, 1600, I have already noted. The claws

Total. Per Head. it is all the more joyful to read Mr. Watkin's statement of religious persecution have been so far clipped since Z. Z. s. .d. on Richard Jefferies quoted by Louis Cuthbert Butler those dark days that, in recent years, a fine statue of

England and Wales ... 295,000,000 7 15 0 in his "Western Mysticism " in which it is given as a him in his monk's dress, stands on the spot where he Scotland ••• 32,200,000 6 11 0 certain fact that on his death-bed the knowledge of God met his end. Around the pedestal, are illustrative panels Ireland ... ••• ... 26,400,000 5 17 0 and of Jesus Christ came to him, and when he came to of his history, and also medallions of other famous re-

die that Divine name uttered in fervent prayer was ligous reformers, amongst whom I noted one of Wyclif,

The per capita consumption of alcoholic liquors in the among the last words to pass his lips. and another of John Hus, of Bohemia. I lifted my hat United Kingdom in 1922 was approximately :- * * * * * 1913. 1921. 1922. reverently to the memory of a fearless witness to Truth,

and continued my wall:. Beer (bulk gallons) ... 28.7 23.9 20.1 One sees pretty clearly that whilst the contemplative k

Beer(standard gallons)... 27.8 18.5 15.8 life in its fullness seems to be attained only by a very

Spirits (proof gallons) ... .70 .39 .36 few, in part it ought to be attained by very many; only The Pantheon. Wine (gallons) ... ... ... .25 .24 .26 so can the active life be lived. Our activity must be

of contemplation, our doing of Be-ing. born The old Pantheon next attracted me. This ancient And for the three Kingdoms probably about :- temple, restored by Hadrian, was consecrated by Boni-

And is not the price which Jefferies paid for his vision face IV. in A.D. 600 as a Christian church. Its form is Beer Spirits of the soul of nature,- the price-though in a more defi- well known-circular, with a domed roof, in which is

(bulk gallons). (proof gallons). nite way-we all have to pay to grow more and more an aperture of 30 feet in diameter, open to the elements, England and Wales 22.5 .31 into vital union with the Lord, i.e. absolute surrender and giving to the great hall a singularly light and airy Scotland ... ... 7.8 .66 to Him, Whose we are and Whom we serve? Jefferies quality-too rare in most churches. The body of Ireland ... ••• ... 13.1 .37 says : "It is in myself that I desire increase, profit, exal- Raphael, and many another notability lies there. Not

The total consumption of absolute alcohol in 1922 was tation of body, mind, and soul. The surroundings, the alone, however, are such great ones, for many others approximately 53,500,000 gallons as against 61,000,000 clothes, the circumstances are to me utterly indifferent. of whom nothing important is now remembered, and a gallons in 1921, 27,000,000 gallons in 1918, and 92,000,000 Let the floor of the room be bare, let the furniture be fekv later ones, fast slipping into a like obscurity, find in 1913. Of this quantity '77.4 per cent was consumed a plank table, the bed a mere pallet . . .' let my a resting place here. But we have done similar things as beer ; 18.1 per cent as spirits, and 4.5 per cent as wine, mind be furnished with the highest thoughts of soul-life, in our own.

can witness. as Westminster Abbey and many an-

cider and perry. Let me be in myself, myself fully. The pageantry other fane an witness. of wealth, the senseless precedence of place : I fail words

•

•

to express my utter contempt for such pleasure or such Organ Re-Opening at Scarborough. ambitions." Do we not recognize in these words the Easter Day. ,

OUR Claremont Church has had a visit from the Home accents of spiritual seers in all ages? Not that riches • The air came sweet and fresh into my bedroom as Mission Secretary, Rev. T. Sunderland, in connection are wrong, they tell us ; only that they must be held - I awoke this morning at five o'clock-an early awaken-with the re-opening of the organ after restoration. The loosely. There have always been pioneers in the Chris- ing for me, but in no sense meritorious. The 'noisy

tian Church who for Christ's sake have practised de- traffic in the street below had not yet commenced, and service were held on Wednesday and Sunday, April 11th and 15th. On Wednesday, Mr. Sunderland preached in tachment therefrom even unto poverty, although such probably if it had,. I have now grown so used to its the afternoon to a very representative gathering. The detachment has been secured only through mortification. racket that I should have slept on. What did awaken sermon was followed by a public tea, -and in the evening It must always be all for Jesus.- E. W. me was the almost simultaneous_ outburst of the church a musical service was given, arranged by Mr. A. C. bells of the city, joyously welcoming Easter morning.

One carillon, I should think of lighter weight than Keeton, Mus.Bac., F.R.C.O. The chair was taken by Mr. R. H. Carr, who was the organist at Claremont 30 "SAY, pa." notes, with beautiful, clear otes, out-sang all others. years ago. An appropriate address was given by the "Well, my son." They seemed in their delightful Music to be calling. all Home Mission Secretary. The services were continued " I took a walk through the cemetery to-day and read within hearing to get up and dance to the glad news- on the following Sunday, when sermons were preached the inscriptions on the tombstones." "Christ is risen." For some time the glad and almost by Mr. Sunderland. All the services were well attended, " Well, what about it? " = merry din went on until Rome's roar grew and swelled, .

-- - ' and the inspiring messages of our Home Mission Secre- "'Where are all . the• wicked people buried? ""Syra- and the closing waves of sound were lost in the clatter. tary were much appreciated. - cuse Orange Peel." and rattle of the street traffic. "All, that is, saving only

200 'ME UNITED METHODIST. April 26, 1928

the sombre clang of the bell of the monastery over the way.

Said my Home Ruler—"Ah ! those poor monks are glad that Easter Sunday will bring them a breakfast in earnest after their long fast." All the same, as the clamour of their bell broke one's peace, I wished the ringer had gone to his breakfast also, and not have made such an ugly row about it. But we have his self-centred and selfish representatives in most of our English towns.

0 for "Miles Lane"! Easter Sunday is a great day with the Italians. Those

in whom any religious sentiments remain, endeavour to put in an attendance at a service then. Those to whom a more real devotion belongs, probably visit their parish or other customary church. Still, those of us who, by the promptings of curiosity, were found in St. Peter's vast fane, were not by many thousands left solitary. Seating was provided for perhaps a couple of hundred, and as for the rest of us, if we had not brought folding stools, we had either to stand or to seek such seats as we could find on the marble plinths of the great columns and pilasters. Marble does not give one a warm welcome, and so my two hours were .spent vertically.

People moved to and fro restlessly—chatted sotto voce, or even read books. Here and there a book of services was produced, but seldom did it seem to be of much use to the devotee, for I noticed the leaves were turned to and fro for the words that were being chanted or sung were to most us us unintelligible. Poor, miserably poor, public worship this. , " Oh for a good sing," said my companion. " Yes, Miles Lane ' for one," I agreed, and as the fancy shaped , itself in my mind I almost trembled with delight, for there were many in that vast crowd who could have drowned in one great wave of exultant song the refined exquisites in the choir had they been allowed 'to enjoy "All hail the power of Jesu's name." But wouldn't such a breach of good. manners have made an uproar under the gilded roof?

Worship by proxy is neither familiar to me nor satis-fying. I could as well watch the creaking spinning of a Buddhist prayer wheel. But we were asked to take no share in the service, saving to listen. Pacing the acres of marbled floor, admiring the mosaic pictures and the splendid tombs and statues of the defunct popes at last palled, and we came out into the sunshine, and passing the obelisk at the foot of which it is said St. Peter was crucified, we made our way to the Pincian Hill again.,

Women's Missionary Auxiliary. All items for this column to be sent to Mrs.

Balkwill, 10 Alma Terrace, Penzance.

PRAYER TOPIC for week beginning April 20th : Nosu Circuit, Yunnan. Rev. C. E. Hicks. Report, pp. 41, 42. Ecc. xii.

Barnsley.—The spring meeting of the Circuit W.M.A. was held at Ebenezer. At the business meeting in the afternoon, Mrs. Messa presided, and satisfactory reports of the work and progress of the branches were given. After the business was transacted, Mrs. Worthington, of East Africa, spoke fox= half an hour of her work at Meru. Tea was followed by a public missionary meeting, at which Mrs. Maclaurin, of Sheffield, presided. The Rev. R. T. Worthington impressed upon his hearers the tragedy of life as the people in East Africa know it, and made a strong appeal for help to bring more light to those in darkness. Mrs. Worthington also spoke. The visit of Mr. and Mrs. Worthington has helped to stimu-late and strengthen what was already a live interest in the missionary cause.

Manchester (Oxford Road).--Mr. and Mrs. T. Butler have addressed two meetings here. The afternoon meet-ing was presided over by Miss Rutherford, who voiced the pleasure it gave the members of the W.M.A. to have

' Mrs. Butler once again with them. Mrs. Butler gave a very interesting address, speaking chiefly of the work she had seen being done by our lady missionaries and mis-sionaries' wives in the various places that she had visited. She emphasised the need for such work if we are to accomplish our purpose of building up Christianity in other lands. We must do more to educate, train and convert the girls so that we may have Christian wives and mothers for the future generations of China and • Africa.

Tea was served in the schoolroom at which about 100 friends were present. After tea a conference followed, led by Mr. Butler, who told many interesting items of their visit to Africa. At 7.30 the chair was taken by Mr. W. A. Lewins and Mr. Butler gave a very instruc-tive and enjoyable lantern lecture, showing many splendid slides of the places they 'visited in China. • The meetings were very much enjoyed, and should be very fruitful of good in the missionary cause. The collections amounted to X12.

Wakefield (Market Street).—The March meeting took the form of a "Village Shop," stocked by the members,. at which useful and fancy articles were sold. Mrs. Ellis presided, and the " Shop was opened by Miss Sturgeon (a well known Welfare worker), who spoke of the great value of Christian influence in the industrial life of China. Songs and recitals were given during the after-noon, and tea was served later, the hostess being Mrs. P. M. Denton. The proceeds amounted to about

THE. Religious Tract Society have decided to resume the publication of their Devotional Commentaries. Some thirty volumes have already been issued under the general editorship of the Ven. Archdeacon Buck-land. Future volumes will be under the direction of the Rev. C. H. Irwin; D.D., who has just been ap-pointed to succeed the Archdeacon as general editor.

The Master Key. to Life. Under the title, The Master Key, the Rev. F. C. Spurr,

this year's President of the National Free Church Coun-cil, has published a timely and characteristic volume of sermons (Messrs. Nisbet and Co., 5s. net). The essence of the volume is given by Mr. Spurr in the first sermon on "Have we a Gospel to Preach? " His thesis is that the Gospel as proclaimed by Christ " is the good news of neW life-relations—happy and complete. The rela-tion of man to himself as one of freedom from the bond-age of sin and to the service of righteousness ; the dynamic accomplishing this being the Mastership of Christ. The issue of these two relations bring a third, man truly allied to his fellows in social fellowship, jus- tice and love. This means a complete human life.

. . . It is the Gospel the world needs, and it is urgent to get it home to the conscience and heart of man-kind. *The partial Gospel of yesterday which omitted the social note of Christ, and the partial Gospel of to-day which has no place for His spiritual message are alike doomed. It is in the proclamation of the complete Gospel as Christ preached it that our great opportunity lies to-day."

Mr. Spurr develops the exposition of this Gospel in nine following sermons which have his well-known char-acteristics—directness, courage, intensity, spirituality and closeness to life. It is good to think that teaching like this will be given as Mr. Spurr tours the country in his presidential year. It would be better still if the reading of these sermons filled the hearts and minds of hundreds of ministers with this fuller and richer Gospel of Jesus Christ. H. S.

Christianity and Riches : C an They Go Together ?

MR. T. H. ASHELFORD, Floe Street, Walth.amstow, E., writes :

The teaching of Jesus in the Gospels in reference to the amassing and holding of riches is condemnatory and emphatic : " Ye cannot serve God and Mammon," "Woe unto you that are rich ! for ye have received your con-solation." If He took this attitude in the first century in a pastoral country like Palestine, what would be His attitude to this social evil to-day?

It is anti-social to hold riches ; for while you have riches at one end of the social scale, as a consequence you have poverty at the other end of the scale. The holding of riches also places an unjust power in the hands of the owners thereof, which is denied to them that hold none. No man is just and good enough to thus have placed in his hands power over others simply be- cause he has been fortunate (or unfortunate) enough to have accumulated riches. Riches and justice are not often found together. So long as a few thousand rich hold the power of life and death of the workers in their hands, so long must the evils of unemployment and the consequent social degradation 'ensue.

The test Jesus applied to the rich Young Ruler was a social test : " Sell all that thou bast and give to the poor." If this test were applied to-day, how many in our Churches would respond? The soul-destroying power of riches is just here—it is not,social, and consequently not Christian.

The time is not far distant when to hold riches will be looked upon. as a mean and unjust social act. Riches are never held as a trust by the holders ; they are held for their selfish interests firstly, and the surplus is given to religious, philanthropic and other uses. No man earns a fortune, he inherits it, or makes it out of the needs of society by his advantageous position as a member of that society. To give the surplus thus is not a Chris- tian grace, but a mean and selfish duty. It is not how much a man gives, but how much he has left after he has given, that is the measure of sacrifice. " Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury ; and many, that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And He called unto Him His disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury : For all they did cast in of their abundance ; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living."

Jesus still 'sits over against the treasury, and beholds !

[We publish the above letter because it goes right against the position held in our leading article last week, and presents a view of the subject directly oppo-site. to that ,presented there. We regret at this time of the year the demands on our space are so many and so insistent that we cannbt open our columns at present to a continued correspondence on the subject, even if that were. the best way of arriving at truth. The subject is one to which Christians should turn earnest and continued thought, for our Lord's attitude to riches cannot be determined by quoting a saying of His here, or there. Nothing short of a careful study of all He said about riches and of His attitude towards rich men and His relations with them will suffice.—ED. " U.M."]

primitive feetbobist Cburcb. HOLIDAY CRUISE in NORWEGIAN FJORDS.

Aug. 4-17. Berths vary from £22 to E50. CHEAPEST BERTHS MOSTLY BOOKED. All invited to join this All-Methodist Party.

Apply to Rev. C. Humble, " Wooldale," Prestwich, Manchester.

Mr. William Riley, Bradford.

THE Bradford (Westgate) Circuit has lost• one of its foremost leaders in the death of Mr. William Riley, who passed away quite suddenly on Saturday; April 7th. u nAted Methodism in Bradford has never had a more strenu-ous worker than Mr. Riley. He toiled in our churches for over 60 years. He was circuit steward for 37 years in succession, and only retired from the position four years ago on account of ill-health. There are few offices in church, Sunday School or trustee Board which he has not filled with efficiency. He was also District

. Financial Secretary for many years in the old Leeds and Bradford District of the U.M.F.C., and was on several occasions a repreSentative to the Annual Assem-bly. In the days of his physical strength and his physi-

- cal weakness he never spared himself. He was willing to do the menial as well as the congenial and important work. He was a strong and determined man. In con-troversy 'he could either win or lose without bearing any personal resentment. During the last four years of his life he has stood by the Four Lane Ends Church, and cared little about any wider church interests. Often during the last winter he has attended meetings when he ought to have remained indoors. His removal makes the outlook for that church a very difficult one.

The -funeral was conducted by the circuit minister (Rev. F. E. Watts), assisted by the Rev. R W. Steward (Superintendent of the Bradford S.E. Circuit), and the large attendance witnessed to the high esteem in which Mr. Riley's long years of service are held. A memorial service was also conducted by the circuit minister at the, Four Lane Ends Church on Sunday, April 15th.

Home and Foreign Missions, (Continued from Page 196.)

and he hoped it would be marked by a great offering. The tide of giving was rising, and the gifts to the meet-ing this year were coming nearer to the standard of past years. He appealed for a good collection.

The Missionary Problem. Rev. A. Evans spoke of the need' for true missionary

work. He said they were in a great missionary meet-ing, and the assumption was that the world was divided among those who were Christian and those who were heathen. The assumption of superiority on the part of the Christian nations was often challenged by non-Chris-tians, and many who were non-Christians disclaimed that they were heathen and gave the name to Christians. Suppose they made the change, would the world be better or safe, would the problems be solved? It might Mean that in China and Africa and places called heathen they would have flaming gin palaces, crowded cinemas and obscene picture postcards—would the world then be better? One who came from the East said the West had progressed along material lines but not along spiri-tual lines. That man came from a heathen nation, and he threw out the challenge, and it led them to ask, Was it desirable to change the non-Christian nations into Christian nations? Oh, yes, they might say he was not drawing a correct picture, for not all in Christian nations did the things that were said, but he declared that those were the things non-Christian people saw. They had still evil things to fight, and they must look to them-selves, and must also send abroad the same saving power of Jesus Christ, not from the sense of superiority but in the spirit of Jesus Christ. China had been in their thoughts as a heathen country. During his eighteen years' stay in China he had never seen an obscene pic-ture postcard nor heard of an obscene play in 'the theatres. They as Christians had their greater Gospel, but it must be given not out of superiority, but must be given with-out any limitation of race or colour, as individuals. The one thing that paid if they took the long view was mis-sionary work, and he pleaded' for the Christian Churches to make their appeal and do their work through the grace given them through Jesus Christ. (Loud cheers.)

Rev. J. Boden acknowledged with gratitude the ser-vices of the speakers, chairmen, the organist and Sister Beatrice.

Just before the close of the meeting, Rev. Cooper G. Hawken announced the financial result up to. the present as follows : Chairmen's List to date, .'177 15s. ; after-noon meeting, -C38 5s. 2d. •, Evening collection, etc., £167 5s. 11d. Total, £384 fps. 1d. The Chairman's List is remaining open for a few days, when it is hoped to reach a total of £500.

BRITISH & FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY

ANNUAL MEETING QUEEN'S HALL (Messrs. Chappell & Co., Sole Lessees)

WEDNESDAY, 2nd MAY, 11 a.m. The Chair will be taken by

The Rt. Hon. LORD PARMOOR Chairman of the House of Laity, National Assembly

of the Church of England.

SPEAKERS:

The BISHOP OF KAMPALA The Rev. JOEL WAIZ LALL

Baptist Missionary Society, Delhi ; Chief Reviser of the Urdu Old Testament.

'GIPSY SMITH Apply for Tickets to the Secretaries.

146 Queen Victoria St.. London. E.C.4.

April 26, 1923

Klemenko's Children.

A Story of the Russian Famine. KLEMENKO, says a member of the Russian staff of the

Save the Children Fund, has eight motherless children. He. was once. a fairly prosperous farmer, who produced a sufficiency of corn and vegetables to meet his require-ments for home and for trading, but he fell a victim to the famine. Like others, he gathered green-stuffs ; scraped the floors of his barns; , gathered, dried and threshed, with sticks, a thistle-like plant--now celebrated through the famine—and with these prepared a loath-some, stodgy, green concoction. This at least sufficed to keep his children from actual starvation, but its de-leterious effect on their physique and appearance has to be seen to be believed.

Just at the point when Klemenko's children were at the end of their resistance, the English Kitchen ap-peared and assumed the burden of feeding them. The following season Klemenko cultivated a little land—his children helping in place of a horse at the plough—and he reaped sufficient to take on his own shoulders the feeding of three children ; • one went into service and the

leftremaining four were left to the care of the Kitchen. Klemenko hopes again to reap—after a few months-- to feed the four in the care of the Kitchen, and nightly prays that the English Kitchen will not close until he has collected his next harvest.

There are to-day many peasants who, like Klemenko, anticipate that they will be able to provide for their children and themselves after the gathering of the har-vest. The Save the Children Fund is anxious, there-fore, to maintain its work until that time arrives, and donations will be gratefully received and acknowledged by the Editor of the UNITED METHODIST.

Rev. T. H. Darlow's New Book. UNDER the title, At Home in the Bible, the Rev. T. H.

Darlow, M.A., has republished. 74 of the brief medita-tions which have appeared as first articles in "The Bible in the World " during the 25 years that he has been Literary Superintendent of the British and Foreign Bible Society (Hodder and Stoughton, 6s. net). As soon as they know that, hundreds who have read the articles month by month will hasten to make themselves pos-sessors of this volume. They will do well, for among books written for edification this is a gem of the first water, whether it be examined in the light of the vision it affords or in the light of the prismatic beauty which it flashes forth.

Mr. Darlow ig a seer : he sees deep into the true, the good, the beautiful. And his vision is wide as well as deep. What is scarcely less important than vision is the power to tell the vision. Mr. Darlow has that power in pre-eminent degree. Whoever likes to drink of the well of English undefiled will drink here again and again and never go away unrefreshed. Mr. Darlow is saturated in English literature and he consciously and uncon-sciously quotes from its choicest pages again and again. For instance, in the very first 13 pages of this book there are direct quotations from writers as diverse as Heine, J. M. Neale, Omar Khayyam, Rudyard Kipling, Bishop Westcott and John Stuart Mill. You turn to the article on " Let patience have her perfect work," and in the second pa'ragraph alone Tennyson's Enid, Chaucer's Griselda, Bunyan's Patience in the House of the Inter-preter and Spenser's Patience and Impatience in " Faerie Queene " are used in most helpful exposition. You turn to p. 51, and within another short paragraph you have three brief quotations—the first from "The Friar of Orders Gray," in Percy's" Reliques," the second from a source I do not at the moment identify, and the third from the stone over Dean Alford's grave in the cloisters at Canterbury. Yet such is Mr. • Darlow's own diction, such its poetic grace and such the quality of the thought he brings to his pages that the quotations are not purple patches on a drab grey but rich colour on rich colour.

But I return to the quality with which I began—Mr. Darlow has spiritual vision. That is the first charac-teristic of this book. Its author has been an apt scholar in Christ's school. He has become skilled in the theology of the. heart. He is one of Bunyan's Interpreters and to read this book is to enter into the House of the Inter-preter and to behold things most high and rich and rare and then to go forth, as •Bunyan's Pilgrim did, with a stouter heart, a brighter hops and a stronger faith. That 74 of these talks of an Interpreter are got' into 320 Pica pages of some 250 words each shows how brief these studies are. But they are as concentrated in thought as they are brief in expression.. They are spiritual pemmi-can. They will provoke preacher-readers to scores of sermons and enrich scores 'more: of the sermons they do not provoke. And the .enrichment will be with what most enriches, for they deal with '" the elemental truths and experiences concerning which faithful folk can be of one mind and heart." ' •

For myself; I place this volume alongside Dr. Robert-son Nicoll's earliest and best volumes, "Ten Minutes Sermons" and "The Return to the Cross," my two most prized modern volumes of concentrated heart theology. Mr. Darlow's book makes a worthy third. Higher praise

cannot give , it. H. S.

To Correspondent& ci --' LYE READER."—The best way is to write to the

superintendent of the Sunday: School in which the enter-tainment was• given, enclosing a stamped envelope for his reply.

The - Durham Guardians announce that a recipient of out-relief had won D45 in a sweepstake, and that a portion of the money had been recovered and devoted to the relief ;of the rates.

THE UNITED METHODIST.

Our Local Preachers. FANCY TEXTS.

BY fancy texts I mean a phrase taken from the Bible, which, torn utterly from its surroundings, provides the preacher with an opportunity to show what a very clever man he is. We must all have heard such texts an-nounced, at some time or other. We did not know such a phrase could be found in the Bible at all ; and as we hear it we wonder what, in the language of many of our listeners, he "is going to make of it." It is clear from the first that this is exactly what the preacher has to do : he has to make something of it, and not allow it its natural rights ; • he has to import some truth from outside which is rather ingeniously tacked on to his text. It is a kind of pu'pit acrobatism, and one wonders why it is thought necessary thus to perform. The lessons taught could all have been derived natu-rally from some great and familiar passage, or at least from a passage which was allowed to appear in its own native and dignified setting.

Perhaps the best way to make clear what I mean is to illustrate. With this column in view I opened my Bible, and in less than three minutes I found five fancy texts, and saw at once, that each of them could be used as an amusing starting-point for some homely and use-ful teaching. Here they are : (1) "Lay ye them in two heaps." This gives an opportunity for enlarging upon the great and awful division which our Lord declares will be associated with the Last Judgement. (2) "The upper water-course." Here is a great opportunity for the ingenious. If there is an upper water-course there must be a lower, and the ,upper is always in danger of leaking into the lower, etc. •Hence the value of humility. If my readers find it difficult to keep a straight face in reading this, let them remember that that is exactly the 'difficulty with all congregations when a preacher gives out a fancy text. (3) . 'Rows of jewels " : an occa-sion here for treating the souls of men as jewels ; and one row is in India, another in China, and vet another in Ireland. Yes : you can "make something " out of a text like that. (4) "Feed thy kids." Even kids have to be fed, and we must be kind to animals. Here the preacher has to chose whether he will consent to speak of children as kids, and so pass on to dwell on feeding their bodies, minds, and souls, etc., or whether he will seize, the occasion for denouncing slang. (5) "Break the bottle." There are many bottles to be broken : strong drink, impurity, slander, etc., etc. But what if some paper across the sea should copy this column and treat my texts seriously? Let us hope not.

Why, then, do preachers take such tawdry texts? Some of them do it under an entirely mistaken notion. They suppose that an unusual text will serve to invest very commonplace thoughts with freshneSs and interest. They have the idea that a text which startles, edifies. But it is a pathetic sight to see the fading smile, and the disappointed countenance which shows that the preacher has not lived up to his promise. He began as an entertainer, he ends as a bore. 'He began by promising something bright and amusing ; he is soon found out, and the congregation lose their' respect for a man who sought to gain their attention by guile. He has played down to the feebler minds of his congrega-tion ; and when they forsake him he is a lamentable sight in his loneliness. He reminds one of the come-dian by the seaside, who attracts a crowd by stand-ing upon his head, and is left a mere angry voice, when the crowd sees that he really wants their money. The comedian has a right to do this, .1 suppose, and take his chance ; but preachers have not the right to play the fool exceedingly. It behoves us to be honest and seemly.

The worst of it all is that it is• trifling with the Bible. Here we have a glorious volume, rich with truths v.e shall never exhaust : all the history of the ages teeming with wondering and encouragement ; all the hymns of the great saints of pre-Christian days ; grave world-messages of prophets who saw•the will•Of God, and the waywardness of men. In the New Testament we have q,lory upon glory, words of life, and shining searching truths that challenge our minds—and our lives. The Bible is in very truth the word of God. Then let us treat it with dignity and reverence, and resolve that upon no account will we inflict an injury upon its price-less pages, or subject it to a kind of public ridicule, by exposing a mutilated fragment and calling it a text.

R. PYRE.

"A Dull Service." MR. J. B. BULL, Southampton, writes :

What ought we to do? The minister and the local preacher alike give unstintingly of their labour. It may be they have not the same means of furnishing their minds, but the highest ideal that either • possesses is to give his very best to God. What a difference there would be in our services if this was rigidly observed. If we as preachers, whether ministerial or lay, prepared sermons for God, and read the Divine word more, a little freer from the critical side, we might then expect God to give His blessing upon what is done. I once asked one of the greatest preachers of the United Methodist Church, Why had our preaching proved such a failure? His reply was, that the pulpit had become a place for airing intellectualism, instead of preaching the Word of God. Our one aim and one idea should be to preach the Wotd. It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that saves men, not the meagre ability of the local preacher, or the giant mind of the minister. More , prayer is reouired in the making of sermons, and moreprayer must. be offered by the congregations; and if this is forthcoming. we shall not have dull services.

Worker-Training. BY ETHEL HUTCHINSON..

(Young People's Topic for the week beginning April 29th, 1923.)

Moulding the Material (2) The Art of Teaching. 1 COR. XII. 28—xm. 13.

Text Book, p. 10. ONE classification of the different kinds of people who

attempt to teach has been made in this way. (1) Those who know a great deal, and can teach it. (2) Those who know a great deal, bitt do not know how to impart their knowledge. (3) Those whose knowledge is limited, but can impart what they know. (4) ThOse whose know-ledge is limited, and who are unable to give out what they know. The fourth class is so insignificant in num-bers that it can be ignored, but the second representS probably the large number of people who are eager to serve among boys and girls, and who are equally eager to learn how best to do this.

A good lesson does not mean that a child has been told everything about a subject; many lessons contain three times too much material in them, but if the Teacher is able to teach sonic one great truth, and leaves' off making the child feel he wants to know more of the subject, the lesson has not been a failure. An unfailing maxim for the preparation of a lesson is that the teacher who faces his studies (1) prayerfuly, (2) psychologically, (3) logically, will have made an excellent beginning to his work.

Edward Thring said of his boys, " I had to get at them, or I had failed." That is the goal—to find the soul and help it to develop, into the beautiful thing- God. gave it power to be.

Now there are certain elements entering into the com-plex process of teaching which have to be considered, or the most carefully prepared lesson may fail to "get at " the scholars.

(1) A Teacher is not a Lecturer.—" Broad is the dyke and deep that cuts across between the teacher and the lecturer, dividing them by a brid.geless space. They stand on the same level ; at a little distance they appear in the same field ; to the ordinary eye. they are engaged in the same work, with the same surroundings and the same object. But they are divided for ever in 'theory and practice." This does not mean that there is to be no continuous narration by the Teacher, but that the child should have opportunities again and again to express an opinion or to ask a q'uestion. The child is naturally restless ; he is averse to long periods of passive listen-ing, and. wants to co-operate with the Teacher in his search for truth.

(2) A Teacher is it Questioner.—The art of questioning is one of the most difficult to attain, and one of the most searching tests of a teacher's power. The type of question with which one opens a lesson usually requires the pupil to make a simple effort to recall what has been done before, but as the lesson proceeds, even when new lesson material is being given, the teacher may expect his pupil to think about what he is learning, and make some genuine mental effort to understand the points at issue. It is not 'easy to find the mean between the question which can be answered either by " Yes " or " No," and the one which is so hard to answer that the attempt seems hopeless. The teacher will learn by ex-perience how to distinguish between answers which are thoughtless, but correct, and thoughtful, but wrong, and in the latter case will be wise not to reject the answer entirely but to find whether some point in his teaching has led to this misunderstanding of facts, and help the pupil to correct himself.

(3) A Teacher is a Story-teller.—Especially in the teaching of younger children is the power to tell a yarn essential. Interest is contagious ; the teacher who loves the story he is about to tell, and shows his interest in the manner of telling it will create the atmosphere he wants. Is it too much to ask the teacher to tell himself the story two or three times before he tellg it to his children, so that he is sure he knows his story well; knows the meaning of it, realizes what is the most im-

(Continued on next Page)

DEACONESS INSTITUTE.

321!4 Anniversary and Reunion of Sisters.

in WATERLOO ROAD CHAPEL. MONDAY, MAY 14,

3.30 n m.—Mrs. J. E. HENDERSON (Halifax) will preside. Speakers : Sisters ELLEN, HILDA and LILLIE.

Soloist—Sister MARJORIE.

TEA IN THE SCHOOLROOM.

7 p.m.—Mr. W. MALLINSON. J.P., will preside. Speakers : Miss AGNES SLACK (a prominent leader

in Women's Religious and Temperance Work). Sisters EVA and MONICA.

Soloist—Sister BEATRICE. Collections.

TUESDAY, MAY 15, in MACIL.LATIHSAOMN RJUONACDTCIOHNURCH

7 p.m.—PUBLIC DEDICATION SERVICE at which Tea Sisters will be set apart for the work.

Address by Rev. H. SMITH. Collection.

Annual subscriptions to the Institute Funds should be in by May 5th. Donations for Anniversary will also be gratefully received.

Rev. R. W. GAls. Warden, 25 Bolingbroke Grove, Wandsworth Common, S.W.11.

201

202

THE UNITED METHODIST: April 26, 1923

Songs of the Heart. (4) ACCEPTED OF GOD.

BY REV. CUTHBERT ELLISON. ,

_ (Psalm xxiv.) C.L. Topic for week beginning May 6th, 1923.

THE twenty-fourth psalm is a processional hymn Com-posed for and sung upon some day of high festival. It expresses in a joyous lyric the thoughts and el-notions of the worshippers as they climb the hill to the sanctuary. First they sing the mighty power of Jehovah; who has made and sustains all things, the creator and preserver of all mankind. Then comes the question, arising out of the contemplation or the High God, as to who is fit to approach the sanctuary and stand in the Divine presence. The first part of the psalm closes with the 'sixth verse. The word ",Selah " is a musical term. Here probably it indicates an instrumental interlude during which the procession continues to sweep onward toward the sanctuary. They reach 'the gates, and with a choral antiphony the song surges to its glorious close. Through the opened portals the glad throng pours into the holy place while the music of the instruments rounds off the psalm. This is the song of those who would serve in the sanctuary ; of those who would stand in the Divine Presence.

The Song of the Servants.—The earth is the Lord's who made all things. He cannot be contained by all that He has made ; ever He must be greater. We need God, cannot do without Him, long to come near' to Him. He comes down to our need.. He is pleased to meet us in the sanctuary. This is th:e House of. God whither we go up 'to serve with worship and waiting. .As we ap-proach the sacred spot the question naturally arises' in our hearts as to our fitness. Who is worthy to stand in the holy place? Who is fit to bear the vessels of the Lord, to serve Him in the sanctuary ? Angels may " bear the burning bliss" ; • but how can we stand in the light of that "uncreated beam"? They who have clean hands and pure hearts may draw near. The service of such God will accept. Can we meet the conditions?

The Conditions of Acceptance.--Clean hands and pure hearts—who of us is equal to these? Weak as we are, how can we attain to such? In the light of such ques-tions let us look at the conditions of acceptance. Hands must be honest, untainted by permitted evil ; hearts must be pure, single, sincere. God accepts the good will, gives credit for the intention even when the execution fall.s short. "He knoweth our frame." We must 'have inward sincerity and outward consistence. Pure hearts for us will be sincere, simple hearts, having single aims and high purposes. Clean hands will be honest, upright hands, shown in straight doing in all our ways. God does not require an impossible conditon. Without purity of heart and honesty of life we cannot see God, and these we must seek after.

Acceptance in the Beloved.—Think for awhile of Jesus with His disciples. The twelve were, as Yve see them in the Gospels, very faulty men ; but they were accepted by Jesus, received into the apostolate, and admitted to the honour of service. God was not ashamed to be called their God, and Jesus said to them, " I have called you friends." So they abode with Him, and in Him, grow-ing into His likeness, putting on more and more His character. So it may be with us. If we hunger and thirst after righteousness, if we long for holiness, we shall be made meet for the Master's use. If we abide in Him we shall (as He has told us) bear much fruit. Apart from Him, that is severed from Him, we can do nothing. Let us remain in Him always.

Pondering that word of Jesus : I have called you friends, I have set down my thought in the following verses—

Thy friend, Lord ! wilt Thou walk with me Along earth's common way?

How happy then my lot when I Have Thee with me each day.

But they who thus would ,walk with Thee Should cleansed be from sin.

To be more worthy of that grace I will at once begin.

And, Thou - wilt help my feebleness With patience to endure,

Till all the ill is driven forth And I am wholly pure.

Earth's precious things have little worth Weighed in the scale with Thee ;

N9thing is worth the keeping,., Lord, That keepeth Thee from me.

(Continued from previous page) portant point in it, and can emphasise that central idea

• without having to point the moral? Words ending in "ness," such as "goodness " and " kindness," are to be avoided, for the children will look for themselves behind the details of the story to the motives which drove the hero to act as he did.

(4) A Teacher is an Illustrator.—Whether a teacher questions, narrates, or describes, he will find that a good illustration of his point will help to fix the idea he is conveying in the minds of his pupils. Too many things, like too many words, lead to confusion ; one picture, one story which really throws light on the subject, and is properly understood, is better than a number dragged in for their own sake. Perhaps the Parables of Jesus are the best examples that any teacher can take as a guide to him in his work. Note how Jesus always found a point of contact with his hearers, how He started with ordinary customs and took His listeners behind to some-thing deeper, how He used illustration, parable, descrip-tion, how He questioned, how He dealt with the ques-tioners, and especially how He had a belief in the results of His work, for He ended with definite practical com-mands, "Go, and do thou likewise."

Philip the First Missionary. By REV. G. W. STACEY.

British Uniform (Intermediate Graded) Lesson for May 6th, 1923.

Lesson Verses : Acts viii. 4 to 40. GOLDEN TEXT : " I have other sheep, too, whidh do not

belong to this fold ; I must bring them also and they will listen to my voice; so it will be one flock one shepherd."—John x. 16 (Moffatt).

The lesson verses illustrate the text. It should be quoted more than once in the course, of the lesson as the authoritative and picturesque statement by the Master Himself of the ideas of catholicity and unity as He conceived them. Philip recognised and appreciated them. To a greater or lesser degree they have charac-terised every missionary since.

1. Lesson Background. (a) Acts viii. 1 to 4 states three important facts

which must be kept in mind : (1) The first persecution which the Christian Church, as such, suffered arose immediately after the challenge and death of Stephen. (2) This persecution scattered the witnesses and extended their influence instead of destroying it. (3) Saul of Tarsus was the leader of the persecution, mercilessly thorough in his work. Jerusalem remained, the head-quarters of the scattered disciples and the Apostles, being Jewish Conformists, were permitted to dwell there in comparative peace. The Hellenists (see last week's notes) among the disciples," less bound by orthodox ideas and customs, were obliged to seek refuge where they could throughout the Roman Province of Palestine (Judea and Samaria). Philip, one of these and second of the chosen " Helpers "--:a. man 'of liberal mind, aggressive spirit, and responsive to the direction of the Holy Spirit—found his way to Samaria.

(b) "The city of Samaria," verse 5, the capital of the district known as Samaria. Herod renamed the city Sebaste, Greek for Augusta, in honour of Caesar Augustus. The Samaritans were partly of Jewish, partly of heathen descent. They worshipped Jehovah and looked for a Messiah (cf. John iv. 25), but were divided from the Jews "by a separate priesthood, a rival temple and a bitter national antagonism." (Rendall.) Cf. John iv. 9 ; Luke ix. 53. Samaria was thus " a bridge between Jerusalem and the world."

(c) Simon Magus. One of a class quite common in the East who played upon the credulity of the people by sorcery, tricks of juggling, and the "black arts " of the quack and charlatan. He seems to have claimed special relationship to Deity and used his fame, 'based upon superstition, for mercenary and personal ends.

(d) The Ethiopian. The Chancellor of the Exchequer of the Queen of Ethiopia (Candace, not a personal but an official name for the Queen of Ethiopia,' like Pharaoh of the kings of Egypt). Ethiopia lay south of Egypt having as capital Meroe, on the Upper Nile. This high official was a proselyte of Judaism but with only partial privileges (cf. Deut. xxiii. 1). He was discovered, by Philip on the ,deserted road' from Jerusalem to Gaza. The Ethiopian was returning from Jerusalem where he had been worshipping, to the extent permitted, at the Temple.

(e) The Ethiopian's Bible. A Roll containing the prophecy of Isaiah, part of the Septuagint Version of the Old . Testament, a translation made by Jewish scholars of Alexandria three centuries earlier. This translation' was from Hebrew into Greek and made for the Use of Greek-speaking Jews (Hellenists) and proselytes.

Lesson Aim. To show the heroism of Philip in his missionary work :

the heroism that turns adversity into adventure, con-verts persecution into opportunity for propaganda, promptly leaves scenes of revival and popularity for desert ways and the ministry to an individual, obeys without question the command of an Unseen Leader and Lord.

Point of Contact.—Brief reference to simple but well-known facts, e.g., "A fire is not extinguished by scat-tering its embers." The wind that threatens the life of a tree often scatters its reproductive catkins. Use may be made of any familiar intance of religious persecution that has proved the saying, "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church," e.g., Pilgrim Fathers.

Method of Presentation.—Biographical story with Philip as the central figure. If reference is made at all to Simon Magus it should be quite incidental—an in-stance, however mistaken, of Philip's willingness to believe the best of -a man • who proved quite unworthy of the truth and morally unfit to receive the boon he sought but so grossly misunderstood. The incident of the Ethiopian lends itself to the painting of a graphic word-picture. It mut be visualized by the teacher.

M. Lesson Outline. (al Philip the Missionary to Samaria. ' Acts viii. 4

to 25.. Strictly speaking, Philip was not the first mis-sionary to Samaria. That honour belongs to the Woman of the Well (cf. John. iv.). Tradition. with more than a little 'probability, links her name with Philip. What more likely than that. if she lived, she would welcome the pioneer preacher from the church that had hitherto overlooked her with characteristic Jewish coldness. Driven from Jerusalem, Philip turns to the first of the outer circles. Did he know and recall the Master's word as recorded, Acts 1, verse 8? There was no ortho-dox hesitation' about his approach nor was there any indefiniteness or reserve about his message and ministry. He " preached Christ unto them." His ministry of heal-ing amazed them and, together, his evangel 'and his miracles set their city a-singing. " There was great joy in that city." Among others his ministry .attracted a notorious wonder-worker who, by his juggling tricks

and magical arts, had won for himself a name and a lucrative fame. Recognizing a dangerous rival in Philip, Simon the Magician added another to his arts—the art of adaptation. He Managed to throw dust in the eyes of the too-trustful Philip and was baptized by him. News of the " outbreak' in Samaria reached Jerusalem and Peter and John were sent as an Apostolic Commis- sion to investigate. Satisfied as to the reality and promise of the spiritual movement among the Samari-tans, 'in spite of its limitations, they gave it their .bless-ing, with further instruction, and witnessed the Divine confirmation in the reception of the Holy Spirit by the Samaritan believers after the Commissioners had prayed and laid their hands upon them. This awakened' the cupidity of Simon Magus and led to his revealing re-quest which provoked the stern rebuke of-Peter and the staternknt that condemns all forms of "simony." Cf., verses 20 to 23.

The absence of any reference to Philip in verses 14 to 25 is eloquent testimony to the quality which always marks the truly great man—withdrawal in the presence of the greater—satisfaction that work is being carried to completion and perfection by others with greater gifts. It is the " He must increase, but I must decrease," of. John the Baptist.

"(b) Philip Me. Missionary to Ethiopia. Acts viii. 26 to 40. This honour was his although he never set foot in that distant land .so far as we know. It comes about in this way.' By some means unknown to us there was borne in upon him the call to leave the joys and fellow-ships of his work in Samaria, for a journey with sealed orders. Without hesitation or delay he obeys and soon finds himself in the little frequented way from Jerusalem to Gaza. (Let the teacher have a good map handy for this part of the .story.) As he wonders and waits he sees an imposing caravan approach. Some great one travels. The '" familiar voice" commands him to approach die chariot of the great one himself. Already he has learnt that the traveller is a Queen's Treasurer, that he has been at Jerusalem on a religious, not a political, errand, that he is a proselyte. Drawing near to the chariot he hears the man reading aloud and his heart jumps as he recognises familiar words. Greatly daring, but-unafraid, he asks, "Do you understand the words you read? " Promptly comes the reply, "How can I unless someone interprets for me? Can you by any chance help me?" With a flash the meaning and purpose of the strange im-pulses of recent days , come to Philip and he at once responds to the courteous invitation to join the traveller at the reading. Isaiah Mi. is familiar and dear to him. He has preached many a sermon from that precious chapter. Now he preaches as never before, albeit to an audience of one (unless we may imagine that the strange happening has drawn a few of the curious higher ser-vants around). " Philip opened his mouth and began at the same Scripture and preached .unto him Jesus." In the course of that sermon baptism is mentioned and its function of initiation explained. 'There is water near and all the conditions are present—a believing soul making intelligent confession and expressing eager desire: Philip welcomes into the church of the Living God her first known African convert. . In body Philip is heard of soon at Azotus and later for years he makes his home at Cxsarea. But in the person of his convert he has gone to Ethiopia and his message leads to the beginning of the oldest Christian Church of Africa—The Church of Abyssinia.

IV. Suggestions for Senior Class Discussion (a) Other instances of persecution that have led to the

spread of the truth. Discussion and illustration of the saying, " The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church."

(b) Some modern superstitions that provide occasion for-the operations of the " Simon Magus" of to-day.

,(c) What is '"simony "? What evils are essentially involved in the " sale of livings" and the system of patronage generally?

(d) What is the precise meaning and virtue of the apostolic practice of "laying on of hands "?

(e) The story of the Septuagint and its,historic value. (f) The need for the "Interpreter " in the study of the

Bible. Should this be the Church or someone officially provided by the Church? What are the rights and limits of "private judgement " in this matter?

(g) The conditions, meaning, purpose, and method of Baptism. - (h) The significance for modern missions in this con-version of a high official. The importance of modern missionary work among the official and student classes of ancient civilizations.

Mrs. -Sarah Gibson, Isles of Scilly. ON Wednesday, April 18th, the mortal remains of Mrs.

S. Gibson were laid to rest in the peaceful little island churchyard of St. Martin's, Scilly. A service was previ-ously conducted by Rev. J. K. Scholefield, assisted by the resident minister, Pastor Samuel Price. Mrs. Gibson was a member of St. Martin's Church for over 60 years, and actively engaged in the work until twelve months ago, when she became ill. Her long life of 82 years has been filled with service of the Master. Much sympathy is felt with her sorrowing husband and family. Mr. William Gibson has a record service of our church, for he has been over 72 years a member and faithful supporter of the cause, and has held the office of steward for many years. The home of the Gibsons has been for many years a home ,for our ministers.

MEMORIALS A SEND FOR BOOK 41. CHURCH VASES (LIST 41A) A

A FOSBORNE &CO.. 1:5...=Thstit 27, EASTCASTLE ST., OXFORD Sr., LONDON W. 1.

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April 26, 1923

News of Our Churches. All communications sent by the halfpenny post for this

.page should bear on the outside, distinctly written, the :words " News for th. Press," and should be directed to "The Editor, United Methodist,' x88 Rye Lane, Peck-ham, London, S.E." A number of communications have .been surcharged through omitting to conform to these Post .Office regulations. News should arrive not later than the FIRST delivery on Tuesday morning, and be written on one side of the paper or postcard only.

MINISTERIAL ARRANGEMENTS. Baron, J. H., leaves Ramsbottoin at Conference, 1925. Hopper, James, Blaenavon Circuit, next Conference. Adie, S. J., Great Harwood Circuit, as Superintendent,

1924.

Anniversaries. Bradford (Shearbridge Road).—The fifteenth anniver-

sary of the opening of the church was conducted by Rev. F. J. Wharton, 'a former pastor. Numerous friends re-newed pleasant associations. Kindly greetings were also .extended to Rev. and Mrs. Cooper G. Hawlten, another previous pastor, who worshipped with the morning con-gregation. Mr. Harry McGee gave a sacred recital in the afternoon. The choir rendered anthems. Offerings for trust funds, £27. — At a recent sacramental ser--vice Rev. H. J. Lewis (pasior) welcomed three new members.

Bristol South (Hebron).—Very successful services were held on the occasion of the 69th chapel anniversary. The Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress ,(Coun. and Mrs. Alfred Dowling)) attended the morn-ing service, together with members of the Corporation. Rev. R. Pyke (pastor) was the preacher. The Lord

.Mayor, in a few well-chosen words, said that he first visited the church when he was 17 years old and he had attended every civic visit since he had held office in the Corporation The church had nobly done its part in producing a vigorous manhood and .womanhood. In the afternoon Rev. W. Field gave the birthday address to a great united demonstration and Rev. R. Pyke again preached at the evening service. At the Monday church social reports were given of the year's , work by Mr. K. F. Richman, church secretary, and the treasurer, Mr. F. L. Harrison, presented the financial statement. A musical programme was provided. Rev. R. Pyke gave an address on "What more can Hebron do for Jesus Christ? " The total collections amounted to

18s. 3d. Guernsey (Salem).—The chapel anniversary .services

were conducted by Rev. W. E. C. Harris ,of Jersey. He preached a powerful sermon before a large congregation on the Sunday morning, and the chapel was filled to'hear him at night. The services were followed by a prayer meeting, at which about 200 people remained. On Tues- day evening, addresses were given by the Rev. W. E. C. Harris and W. H. Lawson (Wesleyan). The attendance was good, and during the meeting .presentations were made to 'Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Falla and Miss D. Falla, who are leaving for California. On Thursday, Mr. Harris lectured on " C.M. Alexander, A Romance of Song," telling the life story of that great evangelist in his own inimitable way. Musical illustrations were provided by the choir. This was a great meeting, and brought to a conclusion one of the best anniversary celebrations of this church. Financial results showed a great increase. Mr. Harris not only served. the Salem Church, but had very kindly lectured in the two country churches in the interest of the missionary cause.

Harrogate.—Choir Sunday was signalized by the ren-dering of special music. In the morning, Miss E. M. Hartley was. the soloist, and the anthem was " The Lord is Great in Zion." At the evening service, Mozart's 4' Lord, we pray Thee," and " Turn Thee Unto Us," were given by the choir, Madame Berk taking the soprano solo. This was followed by the chorus, " 0 Father, whose almighty power," and the baritone solo, " Arm I arm 1 ye brave," from "Judas Maccabxus," the latter sung by Mr. T. Newton. Rev. H. Chatterton was the preacher at each service. Record collections.

Ilkeston (South Street).—Rev. J. Stephens, of Redditch, formerly of Ilkeston, paid his 7th visit in connection with

THE UNITED METHODIST. the Christian Union Anniversary. Two excellent dis-courses were delivered to get good congregations. A rally was also held on the Monday following. All the services were much appreciated.

St. Austell (Carclaze).—The church anniversary special preacher Mr. T. H. Sowell, of Bugle. In the afternoon the choir rendered the cantata, " The Kingdom of Heaven" On the Tuesday Rev J. Illsley (P.M.) preached in the afternoon. There was a faith tea, followed by a lecture by Mr. Illsley on "Queer People in Quality Street." Rev. A. H. Hicks presided.

Portland (High Street).—The church anniversary preacher morning and evening was the circuit minister, Rev. J. E. Leonard. In the afternoon the choir gdve a service of song- " Phil Kyle." Good congregations gathered. The financial account presented at the anrival meeting- showed a slightly increased credit balance.

. Sheffield (Banner Cross).—The Trust sermons were preached by the pastor, Rev. F. Spencer, 1-lon. C.F., who gave appreciated and helpful discourses. The following Thursday evening a miscellaneous concert was given in aid of the Trust Funds by the members . of the Choir. The combined proceeds amounted to about £20.

Newcastle-on-Tyne (Gosforth).—The choir anniversary services were conducted by Rev. W. J. Teague (Heaton) and Rev. S. J. Adie-(Jesmond). The choir, which was augmented and well balanced, rendered their special music very tastefully The soloists were Madame Jordan and Mr. -John E. Jordan, and Mr. F. Clews, L.T.C.L., presided at the organ. The services were very much enjoyed and appreciated. The anniversary was continued on the following Wednesday, when the Brighton Road, Gateshead, choir gave a concert.

Winton 1Worsley Road).—At the Sunday School anni-versary the preacher was Rev. Fred Spencer, of 'Sheffield. His sermons were greatly enjoyed. In the afternoon the scholars rendered the service of song, "Where Garlands Grow." The Rev. W. H. Cory Harris presided. There Was special singing by the scholars and choir at both services. On Monday evening a lecture on " Gm-mkt' of Labrador "• was given by Mr. Spencer.

Bazaars. Leigh and llindley Green Plank Lane).—A very suc-

cessful bazaar to clear off the debt of £425 on the chapel, was opened on the first day by Mrs. J. Mee, Mr. R. F. Clarke acting as president, and on the second .day by sirs. Baines, Mr. H. R, L.L.B., of Col- borne, presiding Saturday was the children's day, the chairman being Mr. E. Edwards, of Blackpool. The opening ceremony was performed by Mrs. C. H. Collier. Mrs. Potter received the purses from the children, which contained £30, bringing the children's contribution to the bazaar up to £134, a very fine effort. The result of the bazaar. was ,560- so that the chapel, which was only ibuilt in 1915, is now free from debt, and there is a balance in hand of £135.

London (Manor Park).—Under the title of a " Bohemian Fair," a three days' bazaar has been held to meet special deficits on church and trust accounts. It was opened by Mrs. T. Prutton (Wesleyan) with Alderman E. Edwards, J.P., in the chair, and on the second day by Mrs. Mar-jesson, wife of the Member for Upton, Alderman H. Osborne, J.P., presiding in place Of Coun. J. D. Robert-son (Presbyterian). Saturday's opening included an in-teresting programme of action 'songs, etc., by Primary scholars, Sunshine Guild and Boy Scouts. Mr. Geo. Wales; Tunbridge Wells (a former scholar and member) presided, the bazaar being declared open by Mrs. Rolf, Deputy Mayoress of East Ham, in the stead of the Mayoress (Mrs. Davie). The proceeds of sales, dona-tions, etc., amounted to over £293, which will later be brought up to £300.

Manchester (Oxford Road).—A bazaar was recently held to raise funds to clear a debt on current account and towards renovating the premises, the amount aimed at being £400. Mr. Fred Cottrill opened the proceed-ings on the first day, Dr. Norman Smith presiding. On the second day, Mr. Alfred Eastwood officiated, Rev. W. 0. Smith presiding in the unavoidable absence of Mr. A. Chapman. On the third day, a number of chil-dren presented sums of money, obtained by collecting and by trading, Miss Manourie presiding and Miss Edith Lewis receiving the envelopes from the collectors. There was much delight and thankfulness when it was an-nounced that the total proceeds amounted to over £451.

Portland (High Street).—The annual sale of work was

203

opened by the senior member of the. church, Miss K. Burden, the pastor presiding. The Girls' Guild provided capital entertainments on two successive evenings. Pro-ceeds about £40, the Girls' Guild share of which was over .413.

Reception of Members. London (Manor Park).—At a recent Communion Ser-

vice, Rev. H. H. Riley received 11 new members into church fellowship.

War Memorial. Hackney (Harbour Light).—On Thursday, April 12th,

a large gathering of the members and friends came to-gether to commemorate the supreme 'sacrifice made by the young men of the church who gave their lives in the World War. It was a gathering full of deep feeling. -Mr. Stephen Gee, J.P., took the chair. Mr. FL G. Chan-cellor, who unveiled the marble tablet and who at one time represented Haggerston in the House of Commons, paid a tribute to the young men who joined the forces who, he said, went in answer to a call for what they thought to be a just and righteous cause. He then pro-ceeded to . speak in no uncertain way of War as the supreme sin of mankind. The memorial address was given by Rev. G. A. Wilson. Special anthems were 'ren-dered by the choir, and Mrs. Jelles rendered a solo.

General. Batley (Talbot Street).—A little .birthday celebration

and kind of farewell party was held on the eve of the departure of Rev. J. Roberts for a brief visit to Jamaica. A most interesting gathering was held under the genial presidency of Mr. ..)Arthur Calverley, choirmaster. A capital programme had been arranged. Mr. Roberts sailed for Jamaica on Monday last, April 23rd, and hopes to return at the end of three months.

Birmingham (Rocky Lane).—At the adult Bible class on Sunday afternoon' a fine organ recital was given by Mr. Stanley Mountford. It included Mendelssohn's Chorale, Handel's Largo, Cavalleria Rusticana, Volun-tary in G Minor, and Mr. MountfOrd's own composition —Fantasia in C Minor. Mr. J. Williams was the soloist and Mr. H. White presided. There was a large atten-dance and the musical treat was much appreciated.

lloxton (Jubilee).—One of the most successful con-certs ever held in connection with the above church took place on Saturday, April 14th, and was the result of an effort made by Miss Dorothy Welch to raise money for church funds. The concert was given by Madame Hatch's Concert Party, and the large audience that gath-ered left no doubt as to the value of the party. The pro-gramme was delightfully various, and included a musi-cal sketch, given by Madame Hatch, L.R.A.M. The financial result was 415 for church funds.

Bude.—Continued blessing attends the efforts of our people at Bude. The minister has had the joy of receiv-ing 20 new members into the fellowship of the church. -- The -trust debt has been reduced by £750 and now stands at £450. The President (Rev. E. F. H. Capey) conducted the church anniversary services on the Sunday and ad-dressed a public meeting on the Monday. 'Mr. J. FL Tre-leven J.P., presided and Rev. H. C. Putt also delivered an address. — Mrs. J. Pethick has given the church an additional individual communion set, with 40 cups, set in polished oak tray, with silver handle, in memory of her husband the late Mr. 'John Petliick, who was for-many years associated with the church and circuit.

illevagissey (Portloe).—At the successfUl church anni-versary service, Mr: Cory, of Mount Charles, was the preacher. There was a good attendance at the Monday tea, after which a young people's stall was opened, with post office and other attractions. Subsequently, under the presidency of Pastor F. T. Bennetts, the St. Stephen's Coombe Male Voice Quartette rendered several selec-tions. Net proceeds, £8 5s.

West ilunslet Central Mission.—The Married Men's Effort was held under the presidency of Mr. J. Densley. Songs were rendered by Messrs. A. J. Cottle, W. War-rington, J. Booth and C. Pratt, and a duet by Messrs. A. J. Cottle and H. Colbeck, a recital by Mr. T. Boyes and glees by the Married Men's Choir. A musico-prob-lem sketch, organized by Mr. C. S. Burch, occupied the second half of the programme. 'Messrs. S. Burch and W. Warringdon accompanied on the piano. There was a good attendance: •

a

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