THE UNITED METHODIST, THURSDAY, MARCH 28th, 1918;

EASTER IN THE HEART (See below'. 4P

-" ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACH1'IHIAN1P " ..(Page 151). DEATH OE DR. BAXTER, NORTH CHINA (Page I47). HOLD STEADY ! Page 151).

lute 0 THE WEEKLY JOURNAL OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.

With which is ineorporsted the "Free ilrfethedist," founded 1886.

No. 539.. NEW SERIES. O LD No. 16 2

SRIES. THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1918. [Registered at the General TWELVE PAGES. Post Office as a Newspaper. ONE PENNY.

Circuit Ministers, Stewards, and others will kindly

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THE AUXILIARY

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For several years the private subscriptions have shown an in-crease, which has been greatly appreciated. Last year the private subscriptions amounted to £721 7s. 9d., and we are hoping to receive

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PRINCIPAL CONTENTS.

Baster in the Heart. By W, RuPert Clark ... Somo Methodist Leaders and One British Methodism.

By George Bayrs, F.R.Hist.S. Happenings Things that are Being Said ... ,„, Ileits«,1 Methodist Table Talk Our Deaoonesses. By The Warders Ou, Chaplains ... ‘iceday Afterseee By Ernes* P. H. Cajocy In the School of Christ

(C.E. Topic). By Herbert J. Watts Young People's Topic. By Wrn..C. Jackson, B.A. Ou, Local Preacheri. By R. Pyke Women's Missionary Auxiliary National Free Church Council Meetings. By W.B. Young People's Committee... ... Hold Steady I About Ourselves . A Swift Victory. By Henry Smith ... "Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani ?" By W. Downing For Our Teachers. By Maud .14. Urwin News Our Chatrohes

Easter in the Heart. CHRIST'S triumph over the grave and our victory

through Him is the Easter message which never grows old... A minister once said in the writer's hearing, "1 never know what. to preach about on Easter Sunday." But to evangelical believers the vital and absorbing Easter message( is that He who died for our sins,rose again for our justification, and by His risen life ensures the immortality of His followers. Says Henry Vaughan :

"The blest design Of His sad death was to save me from mine. He dying bore my sins, and the third day His early Rising raised me from the clay."

When Jesus died He realised by personal experience what pangs and fears and hidden darkness death enfolds. Hence Ile knows how men's hearts long for a deathless life, in which their treasures of love shall be free from the gnawing tooth of time and the corroding rust of change. He died, but rose again, a triumphant Saviour. The Victim had become Victor. There had come upon Him another beauty, an increase of power, an added glory.

"He was all gold when He lay down; but rose All tincture."

He emerged from the grave with all authority in Heaven and earth. At His girdle hung the keys of death and of Hades. And His victory is shared by all who put their trust in Him.

Is there an Easter Evangel ? There is a hunger in the heart for the doctrine of the

Everlasting Life and all, that it implies. In these dark days cruel severances are causing poignant pain. Shades of "dolorous dusk " fall upon us, and the darkest gloom is cast by the shadow feared of man. War's ravages raise anew the old acute ,questioning—does death annihi-late love and 'extinguish personality?

There are some who reply that we have no warrant for future existence. Spoke a modern freethinker in an oration over the body of his -dead brother, " He passes to silence and pathetic dust." So Hadrian felt his flutter-ing, shivering spirit passing to he knew not what dark undiscovered shore. And always those who do not know Christ find it easier to believe in death than in life. In effect the sceptic's advice to the mourner is : "Seek other interests. Let Time assuage grief. Treat hopes of the future, as illusionS. Forget the past ; renounce; forget ! "

But the wounds of the bereaved cannot be healed by such rough eauterization. When agony baffles thought does it afford any solace to be told that the reunion of souls is a vain dream? If we are thrice-mocked fools duped by the pretty delusion of immortal hope, with what breaking hearts must many remember the graves of their beloved ! The Calvary of personal sorrow is unrelieved tragedy if there breaks no Easter dawn.

The Fruition of Promise. The heart desires immortality as a recompense for the

brevity ,ef life. Consider the lives cut short in their early promise by the war. Love, reason, memory, life—are

these dispersed into nothingness by a barbarian shell? The careful culture of, home, life, the inculcation of great principles by. Sunday School training, the awakening of the soul to the call of Jesus—are they stifled for ever in Flanders mud? No ; assuredly not. There must be life beyond the grave in which these opening powers will be developed. On earth the instrument was only tuned : the full music will be heard in heaven. When David Gray, the young- Scotch poet who died at twenty-three, composed his own touching epitaph, the hope of fruition in another life consoled him for the frustration of earthly aspirations, for he wrote :

"Below lies one whose name was traced in sand. He died, not knowing what it was to live; Died while the first sweet consciousness of manhood And maiden thought electrified his soul, Faint beatings in the calyx of the rose. Bewildered reader, pass without a sigh, In a proud sorrow ! There is life with God, In other Kingdom of a sweeter air. In Eden every flower is blown : Amen."

The prospect of immortality enables us to regard even brevity of life with equanimity. Quality of life is of more account 'than length. The death of the young may riot be unmixed evil. Our heroic youth are reThoved from us in their early prime, while pursuing a great duty, knowing nothing, of the shadow and failures of later years, but with youthful ideals untarnished and glowing enthusiasms unquenched. They have missed the dis-illusionments of middle life and the regrets of age. When they escape into undying youth can it be con-sidered an unhappy lot to have had a short life in .the saddle rather than a long life by the fire? Powers cul-tivated here will be ready for use hereafter. Every capacity of a great soul will have opportunity to expand in the Beyond. Earth's high and heroic desires are music sent up to God by the lover and the bard gto be heard again by and by. New adventures in other climes await the aspiring soul : death is not a stopping-place but only a stage on the journey.,

"Earth changes, but thy soul and God Stand sure."

The Fulfilment of Love- Amidst present glooms immortality is the comfort of

severed love. The sudden cutting-off of our soldier-boys, without time for last messages and dying farewells, causes wistful hearts to crave for some strong word of confident cheer. Many have sought in spiritualism for news of their departed ones, but what in spiritualism is confused and unintelligible, mixed with earth and dross; is clear and radiant in the gospel. Christ has shown us the vision of many mansions where the undying are. His voice has spoken to grief, "Thy brother shall rise again." He has unveiled the bliss of those who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Love's truest bliss—the communion of souls—interrupted by death, is only postponed until kin-dred spirits re-unite. God creates the love to reward the love, and death, as Browning's "Prospice" teaches, is no more than an interlude of pain, darkness and cold before a lovers' meeting. The immortal life means the reunion of rapturous love!

"With Christ." Easter, however, speaks of the consummation of a

greater love than the sweet affection awakened on earth in mutual hearts. It assures us that our eyes shall be- hold the Almighty Lover whom already, not having seen, we love. The Christ of Easter calls, "Because I live, ye shall live also," and our hearts respond, "We shalt be satisfied, when we awake, with Thy likeness." In the flesh we have not seen Him, but when the eternal day breaks with what rapture shall we gaze on the dear tokens of our Lord's passion and see in those glorious scar§ the' marks of redemptive love I Jesus lives, and we shall see Him face to face and eternally abide with Him. We tarry amid earth's shadows a little while longer until those doors of death open which Blake says are made of gold, and then we shall be folded in the Everlasting arms ! Wherefore let us who have this erlorious hope keep Easter in the heart, and to our Master say :

"0 Life Everlasting, we thank Thee, we bless Thee; Caress Thee, Confess Thee,

And trust Thee for ever ! " AV. RUPERT CLARK.

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146 147 147 147 148

148 148 149 149 150 150 151 151 151 151 152

153, 154

146

THE UNITED METHODIST;

March 28, 1918

Some' Methodist Leaders and One British Methodism.

BY REV. GEORGE EAYRS, F.R.Hist.S.

Leaders Who Lead. THIS monthly column of news and notes concerning

the union of the British Methodist Churches could be filled several times over with recent utterances of Metho-dist leaders upon this topic of profound and growing interest. Due respect is shown to the proceedings of the Wesleyan Methodist and Primitive Methodist Committees now considering the matter, as appointed by their respective Conferences. The same discretion is observed by those brethren of the United Methodist Church who responded to invitations and unofficially met the mem-bers of the above Committees. The bare statement that they had done so was made in this column two months ago and in other Methodist journals. The delightful temper which marked the intercourse was noted with devout thankfulness. Meanwhile musing goes on, the fire burns. Then some leader publicly utters his per-sonal convictions, by tongue or pen.

Rev. S. Chadwick, Most notable of these recent utterances is that in

"Joyful News," a vigorous weekly paper, true to its name and widely read in Wesleyan Methodism and far beyond. The article is entitled "The Re-Union of British Methodism," and is by the Editor, the Rev. Samuel Chadwick, who is the President-Designate of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference. In view of Mr. Chadwick's position and influence this pronouncement is of first rate importance every way. He will be President of the Conference which will receive the Report on Methodist Union prepared during the past five years because "the Conference believes that the time has come when a serious effort should be made to unite in one Church organization the different branches of Method-ism." Readers of that article will feel, as do those who converse with the Wesleyan President-Designate, that it is borne in upon him to help forward this great cause. "It may be that thou art come to the Kingdom for such a time as this."

A Conviction and a Call. Space only permits brief extracts from this article

which is likely to become historic. Mr. Chadwick says : "The movement of the Spirit is towards Union. The

same spirit was in the divisions, for there are diversi-ties of operation in the one spirit. I cannot interpret the rise of the various Churches as schism. It was as necessary to divide as it is now to unite. . . . There seems to be no reason why one British Method-ism should not be an accomplished fact within the next five or six years. The experience of the United Metho-dist Church is available. The Act of Parliament secured then is a model basis for a larger Union. . . Wes-leyan Methodism must not miss another God-given opportunity. It is for the Mother Church to set an example of generous love. There must be nothing grudging, nothing patronizing, nothing penal. The dis-cussion must not proceed on the old basis of demands, compromise, and concessions. The less said about the irreducible minimum the better. Conference must take the place of controversy, and the way of prayer the method of debate. Instead of each denomination striving for its own, all must unite to seek the best Methodism possible for the new age that is at hand."

Our Contribution, Like Dr. Scott Lidgett and many others, .Mr. Chad-

wick pays tribute to the large contribution to this latest effort to unify Methodism made by our Church. Its crea-tion and happy experience are facts the significance and inspirational value of which can scarcely be exaggera-ted. The problems to be solved by the new vast enter-prise were there solved, in smaller form. The enabling Act of Parliament and the Constitution and legal docu-ments voluntarily adopted under it are highly important precedents. The framers of them must often feel that they wrought better than they knew of themselves. They were sometimes aware of divine light and energy. Where experience shows that some things might have been better done in actualizing the union the lessons will be available for the greater task, to be discharged in co-operation with greatly-gifted workers.

Rev. A. T. Guttery and Others. A striking declaration by the Rev. A. T. Guttery on

this matter was recently quoted in these columns. He is ardently in favour of Methodist Union as, may be,- a stage towards the Union of all the Free Churches. The Rev. H. J. Pickett, Principal of Hartley Primitive Methodist College, lifted the subject into the highest, holiest atmosphere by his plea in its behalf in the "Primitive Methodist Leader."

A fortnight ago in these columns the Rev. Dr. George Packer again showed his leadership be his erudite article on '"The Methodist Doctrine of the Church." It states the absolute unanimity of all Methodists as to funda-mentals. Its eloquent closing appeal recalls the words of Principal Dr. David Brook, uttered two years ago :

"I appeal to the younger brethren in the Methodist ministry not to allow any personal feeling of any kind to prevent them from doing all they possibly can to further the cause of Methodist Union, for it is, I am sure, a spirit which has its origin and fount in the very heart of God."

Rev. J. Toyn, The Manse, Thirsk, Yorkshire, has pub-lished a new song, "Here's to the Lads at the Front " (19. net.). The words are written by Mr. Toyn, and the music by Arthur E. Shenton, A.Mus. N.C.M.

Happenings. —Mr. Wafter Long is still confined to his room. —Brig.-General C. G. Lewes is reported wounded for

the third time during the war. —215 acres of Middlesex golf-courses are to be

cultivated. , —There are now 250,000 women workers on the land,

says Mr. Prothero. —Eighteen motor ambulances have been presented by

the London Special Constabulary. —The Speaker and Mrs. Lowther had lunch with the

King and Queen on Saturday. —Locked up in a Poplar police-station for drunkenness,

a dock labourer died during the night from pneumonia. —The Treasury Committee on Bank Amalgamations,

under the chairmanship of Lord Colwyn, has commenced its sittings and has already taken some evidence. —The lock of Milton's hair which was formerly in Dr.

Johnson's possession was sold for last week. Five years ago Browning's lock of Milton's hair realised £170. —For stopping a runaway horse and averting a serious

accident, Constable Russell, of K Division, was pre-sented at Bow Street with a cheque for —A butcher defendant at Bloomsbury County Court

said he had been unemployed since Christmas,- and that there were quite 2,000 others in the same plight at the meat market. —The London Safety First Council has awarded a

prize to a competitor who suggested that women who wear belts should have snap hooks on the belts, to which they can attach their handbags, and so have their hands free when entering vehicles. —Messrs. Sutton and Sons, of Reading, presented to

all the employees one week's extra wages as a memento of the recent .inspection of their establishment by their Majesties the King and Queen, an act greatly apprecia-ted by all.

—A further long list of war honours was bestowed by the King at Buckingham Palace on Saturday. They included four V.C.'s and 55 D.S.O.'s. —In the week ended March 13th, the L.C.C. trams

carried 11,850,803 passengers, an increase of 569,282 as compared with the corresponding period of 1917. —A transport worker at the docks, who said he earned

£7 10s. a week in unloading ships, was ordered by the Shoreditch Tribunal to join the Army. —Mr. Baker, the American Secretary for War, arrived

in London on Saturday from France, where he has been on a visit of inspection.

—Equal pay for equal work in all branches of Govern-ment service was the demand made by the National Federation of Women Teachers at the Albert Hall on Saturday. —Even existing supplies of petrol cannot be guaranteed,

and milk producers are asked by the Food Controller to use horse-drawn vehicles for delivery to rail or factory whenever possible. —Land at Battersea Park, Clapham Common, and

Shepherd's Bush Common, is to be placed under cul-tivation, making a total of 13,000 acres under L.C.C. allotments in L.C.C. parkS and open spaces. —In a letter from the Palestine front a soldier describes

a fight with oranges between two small parties. "They flung oranges at each other," he says, " just as we used to throw snowballs." —L.C.C. employees who are skilled ploughmen will be

granted leave of absence and have their wages raised to enable them to undertake agricultural work for the Food Production Department. —Rev. W. E. Morgan, head master of the cathedral

choristers, Rochester, has been appointed to a similar position at Westminster Abbey. He will be associated with Sir Frederick Bridge, who as a boy was a chorister at Rochester Cathedral.

—Late on Saturday night the Prince of Wales paid a private visit to the Union Jack Club, in Waterloo Road. —Over 500 women, at an enthusiastic meeting at Mel-

bourne, enrolled for service in the W.A.A.C. —Two million garments are being asked for from the

people of New York this week to supply destitute men, women and children in Northern France and Belgium. —The Commonwealth Government has accepted Lord

Forrest's resignation on ground of ill-health. —Cyclonic weather has been prevalent of late in the

Pacific, the effects of -which will doubtless shortly appear in shipping casualties. -Archbishop Mannix, addressing 8,000 Irishmen at

Melbourne, said if any Sinn Fein organisation existed in that city he was not aware of it. —Denmark, it is stated on the authority of an influen-,

tial Danish M.P., is not far from an agreement to re-open commercial connection with the Western Powers.

—Mr. Baker, the American War Secretary, was received in audience by the King on Monday and remained en-gaged with his Majesty for some considerable time. —Mrs. A. W. Constable, of Ovenden, Halifax, has

accepted a call as lady pastor to a Congregational Church at Sheffield—the first appointment of its kind in York-shire. —In the German Reichstag the peace treaties were

adopted en bloc against the votes of the Independent Socialists, the Majority Socialists abstaining from voting. —"Until the Hohenzollern menace to the freedom of

mankind is destroyed, there can be no democracy either in Europe or America."—New National (Socialist and Internationalist) party in New York. —All male tramway workers of the L.C.C., other than

those receiving the 121 per cent bonus on earnings, are to receive an additional ls. 4d. a day. Those receiving the bonus are to have their wages increased to the equivalent of ls. 4d. a day.

Things that are being Said. God's hew Day.

GOD'S new day must come and His prophecy be ful-filled not outside and apart from us, but within and through us.—The "New York Chronicle."

Silent Worship. Silent worship is a beautiful still lake, studded with

lovely islands, the vocal utterances of members of she congregation.—DR. Hoe)Gicue.

Song in a Strange Land. A wounded boy who had been a prisoner of war said

to me, "The Israelites couldn't sing the Lord's song in a strange land, but we sang our hymns in Germany and felt that we were at home."—DR. WALFORD D4vo6.

Literary Style. In my opinion, it ought to be regarded as one of the

serious functions of a University to inculcate the im-portance and to cultivate the practice of style.—THE RT. HON. H. H. ASQUITH in "Occasional Addresses, 1893.. 1916."

If. If we unswervingly continue the U-boat war we can

attain a peace with England which will assure the coast of Flanders to the German Navy for all time. We need this for the assertion of our power on the sea.—ArapRAL VON TIRPITZ.

Our Only Hope. Our only hope is in the People. Will they respond?

Will they have vision ? Will they shake clear of their own materialism and learn to co-operate? Only so shall we be saved : only so will our own civilisation endure.—CANON SCOTT HOLLAND.

Sincerity and Expression. If a man -is sincere in his art, in his writing or talking,

be he preacher, poet or statesman, there is bound to flow into his every manner of expression the very nature of the man himself.—ARTHUR HOYLE in the 'Methodist Recorder."

A League of Nations. Unfortunately, so far, there is no sign that the Govern-

ment has begun to think out the various consequences which a League of Nations must lead to. Lord Curzon did not reply to the speeches in the House of Lords. Mr. Lloyd George's references to the League of Nations have not been very clear.—"H.F.S.," in the "Saturday West-minster Gazette."

Increase Thy Prophets. Increase thy prophets, Lord!

Give strength to smite shame to the heart of luxury and sloth.

Give them the yearning after human souls that burned in Wesley's heart.

Let kindle as before, Oh heavenly Light, New messengers of righteousness and hope, and courage

for our day ! So shall the world that ever surely climbs to thy desire Grow swifter toward thy purpose and intent.

—RICHARD WATSON GILDER.

Silent Sympathy. When Dr. Parker lost his wife the late Arthur Murrell

went to visit him. He found the great preacher sitting at his study fire, and he motioned Mursell to take a seat at the other side. Neither spoke for half an hour, then Mursell rose, grasped Parker's hand, and left without a word, and Parker said afterwards that of all the human comfort ho received Mursell's was the most effective.— MR. GEORGE HAY 'MORGAN, K.C., M.P.

One British Methodism. There seems to be no reason why one British Method-

ism should not be an accomplished fact within the next five or six years. The experience of the United Method-ist Church is available. The Act of Parliament secured then is a model basis for the larger Union. Everything depends upon the spirit in which the subject is ap-proached. Wesleyan Methodism must not miss another God-given opportunity.—REv. S. CHADwiCK in " Joyful News."

Russia. If Russia, as we all heartily agree, is indeed our

friend, and if we desire to help her, clearly we can do that only with her full concurrence. You cannot invade a country because you love it. You cannot refuse to speak with a Government and treat its representatives as pariahs, as our wise Foreign Office has been doing, and at the same time render it effectual aid by arms or in any other way.—The "Manchester Guardian."

The English Language. After the war the English Language will have such a

position as it has never had before. It will be established in world-wide security. . . . In the ports of thenear. and far East you will hear English spoken—pidgin English, as it is called, that is to say, a selection of English words suited for the business of daily life. But you may roam the world .over, and you will hear no pidgin German.—SIR WALTER RALEIGH.

We hear with regret that Mr. Henry Wilson, the well-known Temperance Evangelist, has broken down m health, and' is suffering from eye trouble. He has been ordered complete rest for some months. Mr- Wilson wrote a song "God Bless Our. Dear Boys To-Night " in the early days of the war. This song, set to music by Rev. R. Lowry, has sold by the thousand, and has been greatly blessed. Copies can be obtained of Mr. Wilson, 1' Highbury New Pak, N.5.

March 28, 1918

THE UNITED METHODIST. 147

United Methodist Table Talk.

NOTICE.—When Articles or Letters are signed with the writers' names or initials, or with Pseudonyms the Editor must not necessarily be held to be in agreement with the views therein expressed or with the mode of expression. In such instances insertion only means that Me matter or the point of view is considered of sufficient interest and importance to warrant publication. The Denominational position on any subject can of course be defined only by the Conference.

• e • The Editor's address is 188 Rye Lane,

Peckham, S.E.15. * * * *

DEATH OF DR. • BAXTER, NORTH CHINA. The sad and unexpected news of the death of Dr.

A. K. Baxter, of our North China Mission, has come to us with the sense that our China Missions are bereaved indeed. He was due on furlough a year ago, but instead of coming home offered himself to the Chinese authorities for medical service, and was appointed as'Government Medical Officer at Wei-hai-wei. He has faithfully served the Allied cause for many months, and when he wrote last to his brother (Mr. George Baxter, 12 Chance-lot Terrace, Edinburgh), he reported himself as seriously weakened through the excessive strain of his work ; feared an epidemic might break out, and that he might not be equal to the task of fighting it. The news Mr. Stedeford has received is only by a telegram to the Doctor's brother aforesaid, and thus we can only con-jecture. Probably the epidemic came and he has fallen a victim in it. The cablegram to the War Office reads : "March 14th, medical officer of this depot died of typhus. Please inform his brother. He was buried with military honours. Accept sympathy of Secretary of State."

Dr. Baxter was little known by personal presence and acquaintance among our people of the United Methodist Church though he was well known and highly esteemea in the ex-M.N.C. Churches. Since Union he has had only one furlough and was able to visit few of our churches, but these few realized, as the old M.N.C. had long realized, that in Dr. Baxter we had a devoted and skilled medical missionary. He had exceptionally high qualifications for his work, being Bachelor of MediCine and Bachelor of Surgery of Edinburgh University. He was a Scotchman and a Presbyterian and entered upon the M.N.C. North China Mission in 1903. All through his career he has shown devotion, high medical and surgical skill and deep interest in the higher work of missions. There was no man to whom duty was more imperative. Loyalty to conscience and duty led him to China fifteen years ago-and impelled him to the fullest service. He was a medical missionary of the highest order, for he regarded his work always as one means of revealing the spirit of Jesus Christ and proclaiming the Gospel of Love. He will be ever remembered with honour and affection by the Chinese and foreigners who enjoyed fellowship with him in missionary service. He was buried with military honours at Wei-hai-wei, and still greater is the honour with which we would regard him as the herald and ambassador of the King of kings.

Mrs. Baxter and the children are at Wei-hai-wei and probably the war will prevent their returning to England for some time.

The loss of Dr. Baxter, following upon the withdrawal of Dr. Lilian Grandin, the death of Dr. Sevin (also from typhus) and the enforced return, through ill health, of Dr. Swallow, leaves our Missions in China sorely bereaved and _impoverished especially upon the medical side. We have now only four medical missionaries left upon our whole vast China field. Our missions had never so much need of the prayers of our people as at the present moment.

Rev. H. Hooks acknowledges with thanks from Mrs. Mackenzie, of our Paradise Church, Darlington,• for the National Children's Home and Orphanage.

* * * * * Rev. H. Hinchcliffe, C.F., 7 Channel View Terrace,

Lipson, Plymouth, desires to acknowledge the following contributions for the Sick and Wounded Soldiers in Hospital : Mrs. Mitchell, Poinphlett, 2s. 6d. ; Mrs. Rowe, Willesden, parcel of silks; Sister Lily, valuable parcel.

* * * * * PERSONAL.

Twenty-one years ago Mr. T. P. Todd organised and carried through a. treat for the aged people living in the vicinity of our Bower Road Chapel, Hunslet, Leeds, and has continued it year after year without intermission. 8,806 people have enjoyed the cheer thus provided; 7,842 packets of tea have been given away, at a total cost of 4,566 2s. 10d. In addition, 39 sticks have been given to the oldest men and 31 caps to the oldest ladies. As the closing of Bower Road Chapel brings this work for the time being to an end, the Leeds, Hunslet, Quarterly Meeting, made due recognition of it, with appreciation of thd fine services rendered by Mr. Todd.

Friends of Rev. J. T. Hodge, Bristol, will be pleased to hear that Miss Edith Hodge has been appointed head mistress of Sussex Street Council School. Her departure from Eastville Girls' Council. School, where for several years she has. held the post of head assistant, was marked bya presentation consisting of a handsome ebony polished cabinet-music-stool. It was .presented by one of her own pupils in a neat little speech, embodying the esteem in which Miss Hodge is held by pupils and teachers.

At the Spring Convention of the Mansfield and District C.E. Union, Rev. Alex. Dimond was presented with a handsome leather suit case, in appreciation of his year of presidency, and with the expressed hope that his work in the future in China may have every Divine blessing.

UNITED SERVICE IN HYDE PARK. The Dish op of London and the officers of the Metro-

politan Free Chureh Federation have decided to hold a great open-air service in Hyde Park, near to the Marble Arch, to-morrow (Good Friday), at 5.30 p.m. The Bishop of London will preside, and will be supported by the Rev. Joseph Johnson, President of the Metropolitan Free Church Federation ; Rev. J. H. Shakespeare, M.A. ; Rev. J. Scott Lidgett,M.A., D.D. ; Rev. F. C, Spurr, Rev. J. Cregan, Dr. F. B. Meyer, B.A., and others. It is expected that the Bishop of London will be accom-panied by the Suffragan Bishops, and that leading minis-ters of other Denominations will attend. The object is to offer united intercession for our country in this hour of her need, and to express that spirit of unity among all Christian people which is so passionately desired by all those who believe in Jesus Christ.. Our appeal is chiefly to the Free Church people of London to rally to this unique meeting, because of the opportunity it offers of impressing upon the world the fact that all sections of the Christian Church can pray in, one spirit for the country's good.

* * * * * PRINCIPAL CHAPMAN'S WELCOME AT

WENCHOW. A few days ago a letter was received from Principal

T. W. Chapman, the first since his return to China, on January 11th. His welcome was of the most hearty and enthusiastic nature. The whole body of students and professors of the College gathered on the "pontoon" awaiting him. The sound of welcome was such that the captain of the boat thought they must have brought down a mandarin to the boat ! This welcome must have greatly helped the Principal to bear his lonely arrival all the more bravely. The day after his arrival fotuid. him going "full steam ahead' in examination work. His testimony to the work done in his absence by those left in charge is both hearty and generous. The things being done and the things making loud and urgent appeals to be done demand the most sympathetic, enlightened and generous response our churches have it in their power to give. * * * * * U.M. ROLL OF HONOUR. PRIVATE H. H. BAILEY.

The death of Private Herbert. Heaton Bailey (eldest son of Mr. James Bailey, one of the most respected local preachers in the Crosshills Circuit, and partner in the firm of Messrs. Hill, Benson and Bailey, manufacturers), has cast a great shadow over our Silsden Church. He was nineteen years of age and his life was full of bril-liant promise. Prior to entering the army he became a member of the church, and was a faithful Sunday School teacher and secretary of the League of Young Worship-pers. In the textile world he gained great distinction. In 1915 he won the Draper's Exhibition, and in 1917 the London City and Guilds first Bronze Medal for woollen and worsted weaving and the Cloth Workers' first prize. Private Bailey was a member of the R.A.M.C. In the autumn, whilst training at Blackpool, he contracted pneumonia and never fully recovered. He was sent to work in the Military Isolation Hospital at Tring, where he developed scarlet fever, pneumonia also returning. There he passed away after cheerfully doing his duty. lie possessed a large soul in a not over-strong body, and a beautiful, simple faith which made doubt impossible. His was a winning personality, genial and humble. He was a lover of home and kindred. All he did he did well. His loss will be felt by the church for many days to come. The testimony borne by his fellow soldiers and all who knew him is, He helped others to be good."

Jottings from a Sister's Note Book. SOMETIMES we are asked whether the work pays,

whether the people respond to our sympathy and appre-ciate our efforts. One is always receiving evidence in the affirmative. "Tell Sister not a day has passed since she left that I have not asked the Father to bless her" is a message sent by a poor woman to a sister seven years after she had left the church. Think of it—a humble, unknown soul, always struggling with poverty, yet giving such loving thought to a long-absent friend. We hear often of such. Who can measure the large influence wielded by such faithful intercessors? Who can gauge the large part such play in the work accomplished by the Sisters? Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have I give unto thee; surely the words of the Apostle are being re-spoken to-day. And is not the gift so given of more value than the gold?

Mr. E. Stafford, St: Blazey Gate, writes : This Church has just held a successful Evangelistic

Mission, which Sister Lily, of the Deaconess Institute, has conducted. The services have been well-attended during the month. Sister Lily is an impressive and convincing preacher, and her services will be long re-membered. The Mission concluded with a Faith Tea, and at the service Sister Lily personally addressed the converts and the Rev. E. A. Coome gave tickets of probation to sixteen adults and four juniors.

The following appeared in our Jersey United Metho-dist Monthly Magazine :

The two Town Churches united for a mission, which was held at Great Union Road the first week in.Febru- .ary. Sister Ada conducted the meetings during the week. There was a splendid attendance each night, including a number of people other than United Metho- dists. Those who came feel deeply grateful to Sister Ada for the helpful and impressive Gospel Messages given and the rich influence of those services will re-main with us,

Retiring. Allowance Fund. Mr. Thomas Brandreth, per Sister Elizabeth, L'1;

Rev. H. J. Shingles, 5s. ; M. A. D., per Miss Perry, 5s. ; Mrs. Thomas Ogden, Passmansi £1; Mrs. Deigh-ton, per Sister Madge, 5s.

Help During the War Fund. . Mr. Henry Lewis, J.P., Oxford, '10; Mr. Thomas

Brandreth, per Sister Elizabeth, £2 ; Rev. J. Hibbert, 2s. 6d.

I am most grateful for all this help. - HENRY SMITH.

25 Bolingbroke Grove, London, S.W.11.

Our Chaplains. Co Our Ministers.

WITHIN the next ,few days each minister will receive from me an envelope containing (1) A letter on the welfare of home-coming soldiers, especially those wholly or partially disabled and how they can be helped by ministers and churches. (2) A Card of Information con-cerning the United Board and its work which is intended to be put into the hands of the many youths of eighteen years of age who are passing from our Schools and congregations into the Army. (3) A form of application for re-registration of United Methodists who have been wrongly registered. I venture respectfully to commend all these enclosures to the attention of the brethren. If any copies of the enclosures (2) and (3) are required I shall be glad to supply as many as our ministers think they can use.

The War Roll Committee on which the Church of England, the Presbyterian, the Wesleyan and the United Boards are represented are anxious that use should be made of the War Roll Decision Card by youths before entering the Army. The feeling is that the use of the Card by ministers would help them to take the oppor-tunity of urging that decision for Christ which is so sure a defence against the perils which menace. our young men as they enter the Army and face its new life. I am sure that the Rev. T. Wilkinson Riddle, Y.M.C.A. Roll Department, 45 Bedford Square, London, W.C.1, will be glad to supply copies of the Decision Card to our ministers for this purpose and to send to those who sign the cards copies of the War Roll Membership Card and a Prayer Card. It is felt that the going of a boy into the Army affords a unique opportunity for urging him to decision for Christ or to a reconsecration of himself to his Master.

PRIVATE NOEL ARKLE. News has been received of the death in hospital in

France of Private Noel Arkle, the nephew of Mr. T. N. Arkle, one of the stewards of our Gosforth Church. Private Noel Adele, who was in his twentieth year, had been badly wounded in action and succumbed soon after admittance to hospital. Before joining up he was a member of the choir of our Gosforth Church and had the esteem and good will of all.

* * * * * U.M. MILITARY HONOURS.

Private J. F. Philp, a local preacher in the Looe Cir-cuit, has been awarded the Croix de Guerre (Betgium). At the outbreek of war he joined the R.G.A.,- and about eighteen months ago was wounded.

* * * * * FREEMASONRY AMONG METHODISTS.

In connection with the E.pworth Lodge of Freemasons, which was founded in London last year, and meets periodically at the Methodist Central Buildings, London, with the view, among other objects, of promoting frater-pity and a closer fellowship between the members of world-wide Methodism, a great Masonic Service is to be held on Sunday, April 14th, at 3.15 p.m., in Wesley's Chapel, City Road, London. The preacher on the occa-sion will be the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of Victoria, Australia, Rev. A. '1'. Holden, B.A., an Ex-President of the Victoria Methodist Conference, who will be assisted by Rev. J. Alfred Sharp, Book Steward of the Wesleyan Methodist Publishing House; Rev. Joseph Johnson, Book Steward of the Primitive Methodist Publishing House, and the Rt. Hon.. Alderman C. A. Hanson, M.P., Lord Mayor of London, all prominent and enthusiastic Freemasons. A collection will be taken during the service with a view to placing a stained glass window in Wesley's Chapel In memory of the Methodist lads of world-wide Methodism and the Empire who have fallen in the war. Freemasons of all classes who can, we are desired to intimate, are invited to avail themselves of this unique service, and a limited amount of accommodation will also be reserved for ladies and non-Masons. It is essential that early application should he made for tickets to the Secretary, Mr. W. J. Read, 76 Abbeville Road, Clapham, London, S.W.4.

TO CORRESPONDENTS. A. H. A. H.----Your letter sent to advertisement

department. C. H. F., F. T. G.—Thanks for letters which are much

valued.

Our Deaconesses.

Rev. W. Dewdney, C.F., has at his own request been transferred from service at the Front to work in the Home base. His new address is 8 Alswitha Terrace, King Alfred Place, Winchester, and he will be glad to hear from United Methodists who have relatives or friends stationed in Winchester and the neighbourhood that he may call upon the soldier boys and care for them. Name, number, rank and company, regiment, etc., and address should be sent.

HENRY SMITH.

AL A..1411.4 .112.1.0 iik.P.Ulb 1 March 28, 1918„,

Sunday Afternoon. BY REV. ERNEST F. H. CAPEY.

Earth makes her song-birds, Puts on her flowers,

Leads out her lambkins, Builds up her bowers :

This is man's spousal day Christ's day and ours.

G. ROSSETTI. Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again.

ROM. VIII. 34.

• Parable. "In the spring-time of a long past century two sun-

beams journeyed towards the earth, and as they hurried through the sky, each talked of what it wished for.

The one said, I want Beauty '; the other, I should like to be of use.'

As they came near Earth there lay in sight a rippling lake with slender trees round its shore, and each was satisfied. I,' said the first, shall go and sit upon the water, and dance along its waves like living gold.'

And I,' the other said, ' shall go and warm the trembling leaves that are opening on the branches

Had you been there, my child, you would have watched the first, and said, 'It is wiser to choose Beauty,' for the sparkling brightness on the ripples was very fair to see.

Yes, but night came and it died. The other sunbeam, changed in form, you saw yesterday, and called it beau-tiful I

This is how it came to pass; the tree it warmed and served grew strone- and large, and w hen the soil beneath was tired, and turned upon its bed, the lake and all the forest trees fell far below the ground.

And now—a year ago, men dug deep holes in the darkmines, and found the black hard trunks and called them coal,' to burn for warming us. So when that golden flower of living light rose up

between the broken blocks within the grate, you saw the prize which Wisdom won by choosing service.

In every life it is the same. When the Christ was lost in death men thought Him gone; but no good thing can die, and from His Cross and from all who follow it, there springs the beauty that must always live."

J. M. BLAKE : In the Wind of the Day.

Christ's Day, and Ours. This is the day which the Lord hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Rise, heart ; thy Lord is risen. Sing the praise Without delays . . .

Awake, my lute, and struggle for thy part With all thy art.

The cross taught all wood to resound His Name Who bore the same.

His stretched sinews taught all strings what key Is best to celebrate His most high day.

I got me flowers to strew Thy way; I got me boughs off many a tree; But Thou vast up by break of day, And brought'st Thy sweets along with Thee.

The sun arising in the east, Though He give light, and th' east perfume, If they should offer to contest With Thy arising, they presume.

Can there be any day but this, Though many suns to shine endeavour? We count three hundred, but we miss : There is but one, and that one ever."

GEO. HERBERT. Easter.

I Got Me Flowers. Mr. Leonard E. Dowsett tells us in his book "With

God in my Garden," that he once read a letter about birds' nests and flowers which greatly interested him. This was the letter :

"DEAR SIR,—I noticed, strewed under a laburnum tree growing alongside a wall of the house here, a great quantity of sprays of the laburnum just coming into full flower. As I suspected sparrows were the culprits I told my gardener to take all the sparrows' nests he could find, especially in an old ivy-covered wall near this laburnum tree. He came to me a short time after and produced a sparrow's nest made almost entirely of sprays of laburnum flower. It had evidently been the work of only one or two days as the flowers were not perished. That sparrows are most destructive to flowers and fruit-buds I well knew, but it was news to me that they should make their nests of the flowers.

Yours, etc., C. D." Cheshire. This letter set Mr. Dowsett thinking in a very beautiful

way. Suppose we built our homes of flowers ! If so we should

Use Pansies. "Pansies mean thought, and a very important element

in a happy home is thoughtfulness." Use Rosemary.

"That is for remembrance . . . remembrance of birthdays, special wants, times when special help is needed, that one pair of hands cannot and must not do everything."

Young •People's Topic. BY REV. WM. C. JACKSON, B.A.

THE GROWTH OF THE NEW TESTAMENT.

The Catholic Epistles. Young People's Topic for April 7th.

Text Book : The New Testament and its Writers." Guild Text Books ; A. and C. Black ; 8d. net.

Seven Epistles., THERE are seven Epistles which from the fourth cen-

tury have gone under the name of the Catholic (or General) Epistles, viz., James ; 1 and 2 Peter ; 1, 2, 3 John ; and Jude. In the MSS. of the New Testament these Epistles always stand together as a separate group, though their place in the manuscripts is not uniformly the same. They are of priceless value to the student of apostolic times as demonstrating the varieties of religious experience which existed in the common fellowship of the Church. Too often we fall into the grievous error of supposing that there is one standard type of Christian experience and phraseology. The New Testament reveals a goodly fellowship of inspired writers whose united but diverse contributions are an exposition of the wonderful fulness of Him who is their common Lord and King.

It is only possible to write a few' 'brief notes on the three largest and perhaps most influential members of this group of literary works.

An Epistle of Straw. "A right strawy epistle" was the uncompromising

verdict of Luther on James's epistle. The fact is that Luther was so passionately devoted to Paul's way of stating the Gospel message that he had no patience with any other. He felt that his soul could only live on that wit of food, and James did not provide it, hence it was mere straw, lacking fine nourishment. But straw has its beauty and its value ; and so this epistle proves on examination to be one of singular charm. Its verses contain many apt and beautiful references to natural objects. The writer must have been a lover of nature, with many intense human interests and an aptitude for finding "sermons in stones and good in everything." But James has a sharp way with those who are careless of the way they use the wondrous gift of speech ; he shatters with his scorn all snobbery and social pretence; he puts into the pillory those who are guilty of social injustice. The Epistle has been aptly described as a republication, with adaptation to existing circumstances, of the teaching of Jesus. Whatever else is omitted in the study of these chapters, let their references to prayer have close and ample consideration. There is more on this important subject than is usually suspected.

An Epistle of Comfort. This Epistle of Peter has been described as "perhaps

the most lovable book in the New Testament." It is indeed lovable because it brings to troubled and harassed souls a message of comfort. Bitter persecutions were breaking out against Christians, the name "Christian " was already enough to expose one who bore it to assault, prosecution and even death. Yet the writer speaks to them of "living hopes" and "eternal glory " and un-fading crowns. The example of Jesus, whose sufferings are referred to in every chapter, must be the source and pattern of their endurance. Their present strains and difficulties might lead to great enrichment of their spiri-tual life. Above all things they must keep their souls sweet and wholesome by ready and gracious conduct; the Greek word "to do good" occurs no less than nine times in the course of the five chapters. Christians should be ready to give reasons for the hope they cherish, and some distinct explanation of their spiritual assurance and behaviour. Nor must they obscure the fact or ignore its personal consequences that they were "pilgrims and sojourners," pilgrims of the spirit whose real home and destiny lies in the fair world "where beyond these voices there is peace."

An Ep'stle of Light and Love. The Epistle of John does not mention the writer, nor

those to whom it is sent. It is a kind of "open letter," but unlike most of such compositions "it has that quality of great literature, universality, which makes it as per-tinent and serviceable" to-day as when it was written. It deals nobly with those things that pertain to life and godliness. There is no laboured argument but simply an appeal to first principles. Round the two great utterances, "God is Light" and "God is Love," are reared shrines of holy teaching through which the soul may move and worship. But, again and again, there sounds forth the organ music which proclaims that the "tabernacle of God is with men "—that Jesus is the Incarnate Son of God. To know and understand Jesus Christ is the beginning of wisdom, the key to spiritual knowledge.

"I say, the acknowledgement of God in Christ Accepted by thy reason, solves for thee All questions in the earth and out of it."

Use Me Blue Violet. That is love expressed as fidelity. Stand by one

another. Use the White Julienne.

That is love which cheers in adversity. Use the Almond Blossom.

That is love which hopes and hopes ever. There can be no doubt about it, the wiFest thing we can do is to make the home a nest of flowers.

Lo I the winter is Past ; the flowers appear on the earth ; the time of the singing of birds is come.

In the School of Christ (3) The Night of the Storm

BY REV. HERBERT J. WATTS.

MATT. XIV. 22-32. C.E. Topic for week 'commencing April 7th.

Christ's Absence. To the disciples, in their toil and peril, it must have

seemed strange that Christ had sent them forth to battle alone with the storm.• Perhaps they looked back with longing to that other occasion when He was asleep with them in the boat, and their cry of distress brought Him instantly to His feet, with His all-powerful "Peace, be still ! " But Christ has lessons to teach us by His absence, or apparent absence, in time of need. Later on, He said to His little circle in the Upper. Room, "It is expedient for you that I go away." And even this in-cident was perhaps meant to prepare the minds of these men for the truth that they needed a communion' with the .Master far more intimate and constant than any that could be ministered to them by a body of flesh and blood. They had yet to learn the almost measureless difference between being able merely to say, "Christ is with me," and having the experience expressed in the words," Christ liveth in me." When Paul said, "Even though we have known Christ after the ilesh, yet now we know Him so no more," he meant that to the bodily presence of Jesus there had succeeded another kind of intimacy, a deeper type of communion, and that he would not, 'even if he could, have the days of Christ's earthly life back again, or himself walk and falk,—as others had done—with Jesus of Nazareth.

Christ's Coming. For so advanced a lesson, however, the disciples were

not yet ready, and so in due time Christ came to them, walking on the waves. And the lesson that the occur-rence must have taught them, with a vividness which would never permit of its being forgotten as long as life should last, was that even when Christ seems to be away from us, He knows all our need, and when the right moment arrives He will manifest Himself to us again. Consider the sevenfold "I know" of the Risen Christ in the Letters to the Churches in the Book. of Revela-tion.: in days when we too are feeling the stress of life, can we not go by faith behind our own doubts and fears and fluctuating feelings, and realise that Divine Pity and Love knows all about our need, and is working out our deliverance? "A colliery lad from the north of England, —not at all a religious lad before the war, and one of the many who had dropped it all ' after confirmation —writes to his vicar at home and says that in the trenches he sits and says over and over again to himself, God is real, God is good.'" (Burroughs, "The Valley

of Decision "). That lad had at any rate learned that the same Christ who saw from the hills His disciples in their need that stormy night of long ago, and came to their aid, is equally conscious of the trials and perils of His followers to-day. "He knows! " "God is real, God is good! "

Christ's Aid. Perhaps the most important of all the lessons which

the disciples learned on the night of the storm was that of the all-sufficiency of Christ's aid when it comes. Peter could never forget the strong arm that lifted him up when he was sinking, or any of 'the group fail to remember the sudden hush that fell upon the elements and the peace that came to their hearts when Christ stepped into the boat. Christ's help is always soon enough and strong enough for any emergency in which we seek it. And so we may go cheerfully on difficult errands, and essay without shrinking the hardest tasks that duty presents to us. "A Christian," says a recent writer, "is a man who has become superhuman by union and co-operation with Jesus Christ, and who therefore, as a matter of course, is equal to any demands upon him." In Samuel Rutherford's letters there is a beau-tiful little note to a lady whose daughter he was instru-mental in winning for God. In it he says, "I have her promise she shall be Christ's. For I have told her she may promise much in His worthy name, for He becomes caution to His Father for all such as promise and resolve to serve Him." Like Grizel M'Naught, we too may ven-ture to "promise much " in His Name, Who has said, " My grace is sufficient for thee."

—Condemning the wholesale slaugher of rooks, Prof. S. J. Hickson, at University College, said rooks were beneficial to farmers, as destroyers of insects and weeds, and so were the starling and chaffinch. —America's war risk rate has been reduced' from 4 to 3

per cent.

BOSTON STREET CHURCH, Manchester Second Circuit.

BAZAAR APRIL th17th, 18th

and 20, 1918.

Owing to the war, and the consequent absence of nearly all the male members, the financial position of the Church is increasingly difficult, and a Special Appeal is made for support at our Annual Bazaar. Gifts and Donations will be gladly received by

J. SUTTON, Minister, 191 Stamford Street, Brooks's Bar, Manchester.

J. LEGGoTT, Church Treasurer, 19 Balfour Road, Urmston, Nr. Manchester.

C. STUART, Church Secretary, 16 Chandos Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester

Use the Red Rose. That means love.

And the White Rose. "That is love expressed as silence . . silence when

hasty words are spoken ; when unkind things are done ; when some head is aching; when someone wants to be quiet to read and think."

(Continued at foot of next column.)

March 28 1918.

Our Local Preachers.

THE UNITED ME l rtuuin 1.

Departed Friendi.

•••

Women's Missionary Auxiliary.

AFTER,. THE REVIVAL. , IT may be news to some to read that in .certain of

our Circuits there are genuine revivals of religion s in Whole villages are stirred, the countryside progress.

is moved as with a_heavenly breeze, and large numbers are confessing Christ. When 'we come into close touch with these spiritual invasions, we must have cold hearts indeed not to desire such fruits more frequently from our own ministrations. We are, on the whole, poor evangelists. And perhaps, we have only need to be ashamed of this when we feel no shame whatsoever. The order of evangelists appears to be as distinct, as specially endowed, as that of a greatly gifted preacher. It seems as if God could bestow on us now hardly any gift more precious, and more needed, than that of half-a dezei -first-class evangelists. May we not hope that these will be forthcoming when we are prepared to re-ceive them? And what is the preparation required?

It is easier to ask the question than to answer it. Of one thing we may be quite certain, we do not pre-pare ourselves for such an exquisite gift by deprecia-ting the evangelist's work. That has been a weakness of ours in time past. We have not always felt at home in the revival meeting ; we have not been happy in ex-cusing- ourselves ; we have had the feeling that our absence needed an apology ;- and in sheer self-defence we began to think _unkind things of the man. whose methods were not ours, and whose appeal left us cold. But it is always a doubtful proceeding to -set up a de- fence by reflecting unkindly on some one else. If we are no happy in the services of an evangelist, let there

n be o pretence, and no hasty- self-condemnation. If the evangelist's appeal does not greatly move us, we might recall two pretty obvious considerations ; one is that our appeals frequently leave our hearers unmoved ; and the other, that the evangelist succeeds where we fail. And then we might further remember that a greater than any of us once said when some preachers were actually holding fdrth from mean motives : "Any-how, for ulterior ends or honestly, Christ is being pro-claimed, and I rejoice over that ; yes, and I will rejoice over it."

But the matter which gives me concern just now is, how inadequately we provide for post revival days. There is something pathetic, even tragic in the wastage which ensues. It has become almost an axiom that "ma"st of them will fall back again." That may be a severer condemnation on us than on the evangelist. We allow our miserable expectation to reveal. itself ; and so help to produce the very results we predict. Ought these converts to fall back? Nay, is it not an appalling fact that we so weakly acquiesce? It should be remem-bered always that any one who has once confessed Christ, and then proves unfaithful, has always a memory that embitters and hardens. He is ashamed, and antagon-istic ; the last state of the man is worse than the first. But what of us who do not know the day of our visi-tation? Let us suppose a church where there are five and-twenty souls who have recently professed Christ. They made their confession in the fervour and glow of a revival meeting. The appeal was largely emotional; they were perfectly happy ; they felt " like singing all the time " and they expected always to feel so happy. The revival meetings came to an end ; the atmosphere was changed ; life looked grey again, and their hearts were attacked by doubts and fears. Is not this a mo- ment when the Church, and its preachers particularly, should watch for souls with a maternal solicitude? To leave these radiant converts exposed to co!dness and doubt, and a cruel world, without special nurture is to prsve ourselves without the wisdom that wins souls, and unworthy of the golden gift of an evangelist.

Why should we not give a Sunday service exclusively to those young converts? And I will go further, and ask why should not our local preachers, who do not feel equal to the task of giving the exact and adequate counsel which they know is needed, avail themselves of a sermon or an address which has been prepared by another? This may stir some good friends to alarm ; but I am persuaded that a kind-hearted local preacher might once upon a time, on such an occasion as I am describing, take one of Spurgeon's sermons, or the sermon of some other greai teacher, and use a part of it, with such comment of his own as he thinks appropriate. It would, not be difficult to find exactly the word for these young converts, in the rich volumes of Spurgeon. Or, better still, perhaps, could we not as a denomination produce a little booklet containing apt and golden counsels for young Christians? They should be taught how to in-terpret their own experience, what to expect, and how to pray. They should be shown how to read their Bible, and urged to persistence when all about them is dark. But my space is gone; and it is no business of mine here and now to write the book. It should be written: though for all that.

R. PYICE., Shebbear College.

During this month of March Messrs. Macmillan and Co. have published the volume of 'Occasional Addresses" by the Right Hon. H. H. Asquith, which was first an- nounced early in the year. The book consists of ad- dresses delivered on various occasions during the . last twenty-five years. They deal with diverse subjects, such as Criticism, Biography, Ancient Universities, Cul-ture and Character, The Spade and the Pen, The English Bar, The English Bible, and Omar Khayyam ; and the volume concludes with appreciations of the lives and characters of distinguished nie n whose deaths have been the occasion of public sorrow, e.g., Benjamin Jowett, air 'Henry Campbell-Bannerman, King Edward VIT., Alfred Lyttelton, and Earl Kitchener.

Mrs. Elvin, Market Rasen. The Market Rasen Church has sustained the loss by

death on March 6th of one of its oldest members in the person of Mrs. Elvin, who was in her 91st year. Mrs. Elvin joined the Wesleyan Church at Ludford, in the Rasen Circuit in September, 1847. She subsequently threw in her lot with the Wesleyan Reformers, and has thus been a member of our Church from its inception. Fifty-one years ago she and her late husband, Mr. D. Elvin, removed to Market Rasen. She was a fine Chris-tian character and no one could be in her company long without experiencing a iapiritual uplift. Before the infirmities of age came on she was never absent from the means of grace. Her wonderful power and gift in prayer were frequently exercised in the Sunday evening prayer-meeting. She leaves three daughters and one son (Mr. Councillor W. Elvin) to mourn her loss. The funeral took place on the following Sunday, conducted by Rev. E. R. Squire.

Mr. G. T. Flower, West Harptree. We regret to record the death of Mr. G. T. Flower,

son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Flower, of West .Harptree, in the Radstock Circuit. Engaged for a while in the Air Service, and discharged after medical examination he took up Government work at Cheltenham, but the strain of the work so told upon him that soon after removing his furniture to Cheltenham he was compelled to give up work. Becoming seriously ill, he was brought to Harptree about a month ago. There he quietly passed away on March 1st, aged 37. During his residence at Cheltenham he and Mrs. Flower worshipped at our Church there, and were loud in-their praise of the kind-nesses shown them. Prior to his removal he was organ-ist for twenty years at our Harptree Church, also a local preacher. Amid many tokens of respect the inter-ment took place in the Harptree Cemetery, Revs. W. H. May and T. Tims Waylett officiating. Fifteen months ago Mr. and Mrs. J. Flower had their son Harry killed in France. He was secretary to the Harptree Sunday School and a local preacher. Both sons possessed beau-tiful characters, and much sympathy is felt for the widows and parents.

Mrs. Arthur Horry, Holbeach. MANY ministers and friends will hear with surprise and

regret of the death of Mrs. Arthur Harry, the beloved wife of Mr. Arthur Horry, one of the best known and most honoured laymen in the South Lincolnshire district. The sad event occurred quite unexpectedly on Tuesday morning, March 12th. The interment took place on Friday afternoon, March 15th, in the Holbeach Ceme-tery, in the midst of a, very large and deeply sympa-thetic gathering of friends and relatives. The service was conducted by Rev. W. F. Ridley, assisted by Rev. S. Atkinson (Wesleyan). On the following Sunday morning a largely attended memorial service was held in the Albert Street Church. The memorial address was given by Rev. W. F. Ridley.

Mrs. Horry will be greatly missed from the Holbeach Circuit. For many years she took an active and earnest part in all the work connected with the society in the Albert Street Church. Her interest in the young people was a marked feature in her religious life. For forty-five years she had been a Sunday School teacher, and for a number of years had conducted the Thursday even-ing Bible class for young women. She was also actively identified with the women's own, and was appointed to give the address at that meeting on the day she died. She has left a fragrant memory and a wealth of service ungrudgingly and joyfully given. Much sympathy is extended to her husband who is left in circumstances of special and peculiar sadness.

The British International Lessons Council in 1917.

BY THE REV. FRANK JOHNSON (Honorary Secretary).

SOME information of the work of the British Lessons Council may be of general interest, and all the more since the separation between the British and American Committees has thrown the work of preparation of Sun-day School Lessons for the Empire wholly into the hands of the British workers. The Council is now thoroughly representative of all the greater denominations, and num-bers over sixty members (including corresponding mem-bers in the Dominions).

The past year has been one of quiet work and steady development under the able presidency of Dr. A. E. Garvie. Three principal sessions have been held, but the sub-committees have had many meetings and done much valuable work. The various sub-committees were organised and got to work on the 1920 courses toward the end of 1916, and the first draft of new Lessons for 1920 were presented at the meeting on February 28, 1917. All the Graded Courses for that year except the Senior have been completed, are in type and ready for release. The drafts for 1921 and 1922 have been issued in vary-ing stages of completeness. A good many incidental but important points in connection with the printing of the lists, the Nature and Home Talks, the non-Biblical material, etc., have been discussed and settled, and a good working basis has been established. The Council has a small annual income derived from the contributions of the constituent denominations, but this revenue needs considerable enlargement if all the needful work is to be effectively clone.

The hoped-for co-operation with the American Com-mittee in the preparation of special lessons for the mis-sion fields has not yet been found rpaisticable. Our own sub-Committee, after numerous inquiries, cannot see any line that can be taken at present and the American sub-Committee has resolved to take no action, but "to pursue investigations."

From Our Correspondents. Billy Bray Jubilee.

Mr. J. J. Collins, of Penryn, Cornwall, writes appro-ving of the proposal to celebrate the jubilee of Billy Bray's death, and adds :

" I know of nothing more fitting to give a greater impetus to God's work in the district and Cornwall generally than to commemorate the jubilee of a life full of vigour, faith and hope, and one which stirred and is still stirring the hearts of many faithful children of God. I say by all means make it a great time of spiritual rejoicing."

—Easter Tuesday has been set apart by the World's Evangelical Alliance as a day of special united prayer for the nation. There will be three central meetings. In the morning at 11, and in the afternoon at 3, at the Queen's Hall ; the evening meeting at 6.30 will be held in All Souls' Church, Lang-ham Place.

I1869I Fifty Years

Child-Saving!

411•111111111111E1i111111111101111

Can you be Indifferent to such an achievement ?

Since its foundation by Dr. Stephenson in 1869, the NATIONAL CHILDREN'S HOME has rescued more than 12,000 boys and girls.

Can you grasp the number ? Passing at the rate of one a minute, without pause, how long would they take ?

What a tragic procession ! Boys and girls like your own, but motherless, menaced, forlorn.

The Home has nurtured them through the critical years of youth, looked after them in adolescence, and started them on useful careers.

Next year the Home will celebrate its

Nine Unbroken Nights and Days.

by raising L.100,000 for extension purposes. It has now 18 well-equipped and charming Branches and a family of 3,000 children under its care. But the need for it is greater than ever. It muse go on and grow.

Have You Sent Your Jubilee Gift? For all inquiries please address :

The Principal (Rev W. HODSON SMITH):

National Children's Home 104-122 CITY ROAD, LONDON, Lem.

Treasurers: J. R. BARLOW, Esq., J.P.. Sir CHARLES C. WAKEFIELD, Bart.

191d

(Founded by Dr. STEPHENSON),

Remittances from the U.M. N.B. Churches should be sent to the Treasurer (marked* ''Jubilee "), Rev. HENRY HOOKS, 12 Farring-don Avenue, London, E.C.4.

Bankers : London City and Midland, Westminster Branch

JUB1 LEE

e.

Items for this column should be sent to Mrs. Vivian, 49 Windsor Road, Doncaster, and not to the Editor.

Exeter.—The Queen Street Branch aims at raising annually, of which is sent for the maintenance

of a cot in the Ningpo Hospital, and £14 for the General Fund. Some months since, the Secretary, Miss Loram, gave a supper for the benefit of the W.M.A., and distributed envelopes for offerings to be called in at the Annual Meeting just held. To the interest of open-ing these envelopes was added the sale of contents of the "Missionary Basket." Refreshments had been given by the friends and were for sale during the evening. Pte. W. Couch, A.P.C., brouaht four young ladies of the A.P.C., who sang and recited to the great pleasure of the company About 70 persons were present, and the evening realised the gratifying sum of £18 13s. 7d.

Cheslyn Hay.—The Annual Sale of Work realized upwards of £10, an increase on last year. The young people of the Gleam Guild rendered a very pleasing programme of music and recitations under the guidance of Miss Holcroft and Mr. L. Hawkins. It is antici-pated that the completed efforts of the Branch will equal last year's.

Batley.—The Circuit Spring Effort was held at Chids-well. Mrs. Paterson, of Leeds, and late of the L.M.S. Central China, was the speaker. In the afternoon she gave a most interesting and instructive address on Mis-sion Work amongst women and girls, and in the evening she spoke on more general mission work. She also ex-hibited and described various Chinese curios. Mrs. J. E. Radcliffe presided in the afternoon, and Mrs. A. D. Lumb was the soloist. In the evening, Rev. T. Entwistle pre- sided, Rev. A. Bluck spoke, and the Hanging Heaton Choir rendered musical items. Both meetings were much enjoyed, and the net result was 2s. 6d.

National Free Church Council Meetings.

H.

Dr. Campbell Morgan. The devotions were led on Wednesday morning by

the President of the Baptist Union, the Rev. W. Y. Fullerton, and the sermon was preached by Dr. G. Campbell Morgan, on Luke xiv. 28, 31, the Builder of the Tower and the Warrior King—Jesus Himself. It was a masterly discourse in a fine setting. He showed us our Lord's conception of His work, the conviction that must hold those that come after Him, and the failure, unless He find such helpers of God's ultimate victory.

The Rev. J. T. Parr, President of the P.M. Connexion, brought us close to the Builder-Warrior in prayer.

Rev. S. A. Hughes. Then followed' a Conference on "The Free Church

Federation as a National and International Factor "—in two sections, Local and National. Two different•per- sons were chosen for the discussion of the former, a young man and an older, one who has just come to fill an important London pulpit (Dr. Clifford's) and one who for.some years has been a wise college prefessor. Light and shade were displayed. Rev. S. W. Hughes is heavy, ponderous in style and manner. Dr. Garvie . is ponderous in thought, but light in touch. Mr. Hughes delights in alliteration. He spoke of the sympathetic sub-division of our ,subject— the theoretical thrill at seeing the headline. Mr. Hughes knows something of Free Church Council work in Birmingham and else-where, and offered wise counsel. First, our churches must co-operate in order to fulfil themselves. Second, Local co-operation is a secret of spiritual power. No church i.s the church. Fraternity is an eternal phase of life—it is essential to God. Having gifts let them differ ! What we fail to accompliSe in isolation we can accomplish in co-operation. In open-air work and in social service, Mr. Hughes thinks the Churches can unite. Public bodies need to be watched. The Churches really count in matters of civic government.

Dr. Garvie. Dr. Garvie observed in opening, that two things were

needed—and to be done at the same time—the streng- thening of stakes and the lengthening of cords. Our relations with the Church of England would be the lengthening of cords. Union would be the strengthen-ing of stakes.

Dr. Garvie has had much experienecei more than most men, in attempting union with the Church of England. He told us some of the things considered and done by the "Conference of Faith and Order," of which he is a member. In their fellowship, difficul- ties were seen in their true proportions. He could not agree to confirmation as a necessity to being asked to the Lord's Table—that would be disowning our previ-ous membership, Nor could he submit to re-ordination, for that would not only reflect on man's part in his ordination, but what was more important—God's part. In time he thought we should have inter-communion, and exchange of pulpits.

Rev. G. Eayrs spoke a word for daily prayer on two great movements. We can transmit power that we do not create. The denominations were to consider the Union of the Churches; and Methodists were contem- plating union in this country. Mr. Shakespeare said we were working in a better atmosphere to-day—the spirit of conciliation was growing. Dr. Garvie would never be asked to submit to re-ordination. In ten year's time we should see great changes.

Rev. Edward Shillito. "The Church and the Young Life of the Nation " was

spoken to by the Rev. Edward Shillito, M.A., and Mr. 1'. Vivian Rees. Mr. Shillito is Dr. Horton's co-pastor and is a poet. I have heard the Doctor say he is a better poet than preacher, and that is saying much, as his printed sermons and articles show. He gave us one of the best speeches on the young I have listened to. Every generation of children, he said, is a new age offered to the Kingdom of God. There is a new will in our churches—a will that is to Christian Education. This is the Church's supreme task . We need the vision. To he'p us to visualise it, he int-oduc d "lhomas Smith, aged twelve (or his sister Jane), and would place him before every Church Board. It is not the business of the Church to make him a pros er us merchant, a good citizen, or material for the War Office. He must grow up a strong Christian man—strong in the fellowship of Christ's Church. How could the work be done? By the Churches pooling their experiences. Concentrate on one thing, was the speaker's advice, "abandon other things "; sacrifice is required—tradition, convention, things that are good for things that are better.

Mr. T. Vivian Rees is (of course) a Welshman, Presi-dent of the Sunday School Union, and thinks and talks politically. My reporter colleagues seemed to make little copy of his speech. He pleaded for intensify, then extension. He reminded us that it was Children's Year, and urged us to make the boy a companion, a reel chum, endeavour to earn his confidence and love, invite him to the home, direct his reading, win him for Christ and the Church.

Rt. Hon. Herbert Lew;s. The Rt. Hon. H. A. L. Fisher, M.P. (Minister of

Education) \ 'as to have spoken on "The Problem of Child-L;fe " but inasmuch as he could not undertake any other task that day, as he was introducing his Bill in the House of Commons for its second reading, the Rt. lion. Herbert Lewis took his place. He showed

150

THE UNITED METHODIST

March 28, 1918.

us that one of the early effects of the war was to show defect in education, and that the future conditions must make for a better life. This scheme had not been engineered by the press or publicists. Mr. Arthur Hen-derson, when President of the Board of Education. had appointed a departmental committee, of which he was chairman, and their recommendations were embodied in the Bill that was now before the' country. The • pro- posed legislation would cause interference with industry, but he thought that employers •on the whole would re-spond. The system was to be introduced gradually—after the war. Mr. Fisher was by no means blind to the spiritual side of national education, but one must remember that the shores of the Parliamentary ocean are strewn with the wrecks of five previous Bills. We must honour the dead by serving the living. Dr. Scott Lidgett hoped the Bill would protect •the Children on Saturday and Sunday, that • they would start fair with a Children's Sunday, free from - labour.

During the morning there came that enigmatical utterance from the Rt. Hon. Sir J. Compton-Rickett, which the Press made so much of, and which after- wards Sir James said, in effect, meant so little. It was, however, to many of us a bit of camouflage, that was not a pleasant episode in the day's proceedings. I have carefully read the Editor's able article on "Mr. Lloyd George and Free Churchmen " in last ,week's issue, and agree with every word of it, so do not need to enlarge on the event. But the special pleading, both on the part of Sir J. Compton Rickett and later by Mr. Shakespeare, was not, I am confluent, pleasing. to half the members present.

Greetings from _the Dominions. Wednesday afternoon's session commenced with ad-

dresses by Chaplains of the Forces from the Colonies and Dominions. They had a right good time, and so had their hearers. Through the 'speeches ran what one has observed in all who come from the daughter States —a great pride in the countries from which they had come, and unbounded faith in their future, and a deep, loving attachment to the throne and to the Mother Country. It was an object lesson in the meaning of British rule, and especially in the power of freedom to bind with indissoluble ties the Mother and the Daughter States. There are many things which we are told England cannot do, and others that Germany and other countries can do better. But there is one thing England can do, and Germany and no other coun-• try has ever done—she can colonize in such a way that whilst the colonists live their own life and shape un-hindered their own affairs they love " tl-e old country " so much that they are prepared to die for her, and to give their utmost to her in her hour of need. All this was expressed with great gusto by the Chaplains who ad-dressed the Council.

Dr. Rendel Harris. Dr. Rendel Harris had a great reception on rising to

speak to us about a celebration of the tercentenary of the sailing of the "Mayflower," which he suggested should be observed in September, 1920. Much will be heard of this later. I confine my few observations to the Doctor himself. We all felt that it was good to see him there. We remembered his perils, his terrible experi- ences with the German U-boats, his hallowed associa-tion with the sainted Dr. James Hope Moulton, his bare escape from sharing the same tragic death. German Kultur as expressed in diabolical methods of war killed one man of richest and truest culture, and almost made an end of the second. Between them Dr. Moulton and Dr. Rendel Harris probably concentrated in themselves a wealth of biblical and patristic learning not found in any other two men, not even in Germany, and they had an international reputation for scholarship. And the best Germany could do for one was to compass his death, and the best it could do for the other was to come within a hairsbreadth of doing the same. It was good to know that they failed, and to see Dr. Rendel Harris looking so well, though so much more aged, after his terrible experiences. It goes without saying that he was soon in touch with his audience. His quo- tation of Artemus Ward's saying about the men of the "Mayflower " that as soon as they landed "they fell on their knees and then on the aborigines" put everybody in good humour, and we were soon carriel on the stream of the Doctor's plea for a worthy celebration of the tercentenary-. It was a delightful ten minutes.

Dr. Fort Newton. The new pastor of the City Temple followed Dr. Harris

with one or two helpful suggestions for the celebration of the tercentenary, and then gave us a capital address on the League of Churches, one direct result of which Mould be the firm establishment of the League of Nations. It was easy to see that the Free Church Council believes in the latter ; it was quite as easy to discern that it has an enquiring mind about the League of the Churches. For one •thing. the idea as so phrased is something fresh, and you could feel that the mood of the Assembly was, what precisely dces this mean? It was not in any sense antipathetic, but 'in- terrogatory. Dr. Newton has singularly little of an American accent. He has a voice which is even, and carries easily. I am not sure that it has much range. I wondered as I listened if it had any passion tones. His style has none. It is clear, literary, allusive, with happy quotations. Behind it all is a clear brain, and deeper down still there is spiritual vision. But on the Wednesday afternoon there was no passion. I wonder if that is a characteristic. I hope not ; for it is just the touch of fire that Dr. Newton wants to raise his powers to their highest denominator and to give wings to his message.

Mr. Lloyd George. A great welcome was accorded to Mr. Lloyd George—

not so great as in the early days of the war was accorded

him in the same place, when Sir William Robertson Nicoll occupied the-chair. Although he said he came not as Chief - Minister to the Crown, but as a humble member of the Free Churches, in an hour of great peril, we felt it was due to his position and to his responsibility to offer him; our warm expression. The speech has been reported verbatim, but not the mood -and atmos-phere of the house. The loudest cheers were not sym-pathetic cheers with the speaker, but - such as were ex_ pressed by that "voice," which called out, when he men-tioned "drink and vice," "Why don't you stop it?" I hope the Prime Minister rightly interpreted the "Loud and long continued cheers." The part -of the address that dealt with the Drink was almost a repetition of his remarks 'to the Methodist Deputation some months ago, when we felt that we had been the subjects of the Prime Minister's cleverness. He told us how much the drinking habits of the people had' been - curtailed, but kept back, what we were keeping in mind, the vast amount of money spent during the war on drink, and the 'entrenching of the Trade. We are thankful, how-ever, for his visit, and the exhortation he gave to the Free Churches to help to keep up the high ideals of the nation; and assure him we will respond to his call and pray for his welfare. W.B.

Young People's Committee.

THE Committee met on Wednesday, March 20th, in the Bethesda Church, Hanley. Rev. T. Shawcross was prevented from coming owing to being unwell and the Secretary was requested to express the sympathy of the Committee. Rev. G. W. Stacey was appointed minute secretary and the Rev. W. H. Tubb reporter. It was reported that Mr. Blumer had accepted the invitation to preside at the Young. People's Demonstration in connec-tion with the Conference at Leeds in July. Rev. T. A. Jefferies was nominated for the position of Young People's Secretary. A report of the Examination and Essay Competition was presented by the Rev. W. C. Hope, the substance of which has already appeared in these pages. It had been decided by the September Committee to discontinue the Connexional Examination, and the new Committee is recommended to consider the desirability of immediate and thorough consideration of the whole question of Examination and Essay Competi- tion. Heartiest thanks were accorded Rev. W. C. Hope and to the Connexional and District Examiners for their valuable services. The report of the Sub-Committee on Essays on Smoking was received, and it was decided to print 7,500 copies of the first prize essay by Rev. W. R. Clark. Sunday, October 20th, was appointed as Deci- sion Day, and Sunday, November 10th, as Temperance Sunday.- A letter was read from Rev. Carey Bonner, with the resolution of the United Board of Sunday School organization on "The Cadet Movement and the War Office." A resolution was adopted recommending that boys' organizations connected with churches should not become affiliated with the cadet movement, because such affiliation would take them from the personal leadership of the churches, and bring them under the direction and control of military authorities. The Com- mittee is convinced that any scheme of national training for our boys, if it is to be successful, must also aim at providing character training in addition to merely phy- sical training ; and believing that this can be best secured by retaining the control of any such method of training in the hands of those directly connected with Christian churches, the Committee recommends that those in com-mand of companies of the brigades or troops of scouts should make careful inquiry as to the exact terms upon which "recognition" will be granted and should defer seeking "recognition" until satisfied that it will not in any way interfere with the moral and spiritual phases of their work ; ((are being taken that the training be so adequate that in the event of official "recognition" being - hereafter required, such would be accorded. A communi-cation was read from the Secretary of the Temperance Council of the Christian Churches, and the Committee unanimously approved of the new legislative reforms which are being sought in addition to the nine points already agreed upon.

Dr. Lea, of Birmingham, was elected an additional member to represent our Church on the West Hill Train- ing Institute. Approval was expressed that certain houses in France had been placed out of bounds for our troops. Mr. Parley Terry was unanimously nominated as Treasurer of Young People's Committee and Rev. S. C. Challenger was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his services as Secretary of the Committee for eight years. A very pleasant and profitable meeting of the Committee was brought to a close by thanking Rev. F. J. Wharton and the Hanley friends for their generous and kind hospitality. W. H. T.

A new book by Dr. P. T. Forsyth, Principal of Hack-ney College, Hampstead, and Dean of the Faculty of Theology in the University of London, will be published this month by Messrs. Macmillan and Co. Its subject is "This Life and the Next : The Effect on this Life of Faith in Another," and in successive chapters the author deals with the following questions; i. Is Life's Brevity its Value? ; ii. The Egoism of Immortality; iii. "I•he Egoism of God iv. "De Mortuis"; v. The Practice of Eternity and the Experience of Life; vi.Lm-mortality as Present Judgment ;' viir Eternity within Time, Time within Eternity ; viii. Life a Sacrament ; Immortality and the Kingdom of God; x. Immortality and Redemption ; xi. Eternity and the New Birth ; xii. The Fructification of Failure.

We regret that in consequence of the pressure upon our space '''Provincial's" "Jottings," already in type, 'have to be held over until next week.

" Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani ? "

A GOOD FRIDAY MEDITATION. BY REV. W. DOWNING.

I. This was the darkest hour in earth's history. Sin was

consummated ; the Lord of Life was crucified the Creator nailed to the tree ! We shudder at the depths of hunian wickedness; we exult at the heights of Divine Love ! For three hours the storm of human passion raged around the Cross. Hatred, scorn, malice, vented themselves upon the thorn-crowned, scourged, crucified Man. Then Nature hid the shameful spectacle. "Lo! at noon 'tis sudden night." The supernatural darkness awed the raging storm of passion, and for the next three hours darkness and silence reigned on Calvary. But there was no respite for the Sufferer. A more awful darkness reigned within. It seemed the very hour of the power of darkness. The shadow of the Cross had often fallen across the Saviour's pathway. Now He entered into that which had cast the shadow, the very blackness of spiritual desolation. So from the depths came lhat strange, mysterious, awe-inspiring cry : " Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? .My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me? " To speak of it, to try to understand it, seems like putting aside the veil of the Holy of Holies; yet we would do it, reverently, humbly, lovingly ; for the very heart of the Atonement seems to speak here to our hearts. We feel that this was a moment of in-tensest agony and darkness, when, in the fullest sense, "Christ bare our sins in His own body on the tree." Up to then, the sense of God's presence and faithfulness had been the great sustaining thought. Though He was misunderstood even by His mother and Flis brothers, the Father approved Him, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased." Forsaken of men, the Father was with Him. Faint and weary from the strife with men, His spirit and strength were restored by nights of communion with the Father. Even amid the agony of Gethsemane He cried, "0 My Father ! " Now this foundation-rock seemed to give way. His soul was filled with a great horror and loneliness ere the moment of final victory came. The cry was not "My Father ! " but, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me." We

:cannot account .for this cry by any thought of physical suffering, though that was most intense in crucifixion. He had taught His disciples to rejoice at persecution. Apostles and martyrs have smiled at the fiercest pangs. Paul welcomed death. Why did Christ shun it? We can only account for it on the ground of His relationship to us as the High Priest and Sacrifice for Mankind. "In all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren." (Heb. ii. 17.)

II. The hardest experience of a child of God is this feeling

of forsakenness. The way is hedged up. All effort to be and do good seems vain. We cry out of the depths, "It is of no use ! God has forgotten us ! " Or, in the time of poverty and distress we say, "God either does not know or He does not care." So was Christ tempted in the wilderness. " If Thou art the Son of God ! " The assault then failed. Now, for the moment, it seemed to succeed. if Christ had not felt this pang there would have been a realm of our life untouched, unsympathised with. It was a sense of forsakenness, too, without ap-parent cause. "Why? when still in the way of the commandments? Why in peril while doing God's will? Why hast Thou, hitherto my- refuge and my strength, forsaken Me?" We can bear trial when conscious of God's presence upholding us ; but when He. forsakes! If God fails, all fails. Waves and billows indeed go over us. So Christ passed through the dark waters, and His soul was overwhelmed within Him. Still it is "My God! " and so for us a lesson full of help and comfort. Not now "My Father! " The comfort of faith may be gone, yet the will is triumphant, and holds fast to God's

Even when we have no vision of the Father, only darkness and desolation, we can still do the will of God. We can still do right for right's sake. Faith can triumph when feeling is slain or turned to be our foe. So in this also Christ is our example and Helper. The habit of faith was not shattered by the heaviest blows of adversity. The shield of • faith seemed beaten down for the moment only and even then repelled the fiery darts of temptation. Moments of darkness so encountered pass: With our Saviour the light of God shone again. We see this in His dying words : " Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit."

III. We must remember, too, the vicarious character of our

Saviour's sufferings. Ho was there as the second Head

March 23, 1918

nIE UNITEti METtIOIMST. 161

Hold Steady ! ONE of the sayings passed on as having fallen from

the lips of Wellington at Waterloo is "Hold steady, lads ! What will England say?" The word is one for us civil-ians to-day : "Hold steady ! or what will our sons and brothers and friends say who are fighting thiS fierce and unprecedented series of battles for us on the Somme front? Hold steady ! or what will our Allies say? What will our brothers of the United States say? What will

.Democracy- say all over the world?" The days are trying, oh, so trying, for our brave boys, for their offi-cers, and for those in the higher commands. They are tragic days for thousands of homes and more thousands of hearts. They are especially trying for us who are at home and unable to take any active part in arresting the movements forward of tht foe. But we must be brave, resolute, unflinchingly determined — for our soldier's sakes, for their dear ones' sakes, for Democracy's sake, for our great cause's sake, for the Kingdom of God's sake. Now is the time not only to play the man, but to play the Christian. We must act as if we believed that the basis of the world is moral ; that therefore the just cause must certainly prevail in the end. We must act on our faith that God is not absent from His world, and its affairs, but active in the midst of them—ruling, overruling, thwarting, checkmating, catching up even evil into His transmuting purpose, and guiding the world—His world—into a new and better order of life and development and a fruitful peace. Now is the time for each of us to be Christian and steer our words and thoughts and acts and order our goings by the stars, which are visible only to faith. Now is the time to demonstrate that even now abideth faith, hope, love. We must look up, not down, and look out, not in, and lend a hand. Above all, we must commit our cause, our soldiers and sailors, our land, our hopes, our fears, our whole future and the future of the world to God. Prayer, cheerful faith, hope that rests in God these are the best we can give to the cause of the Allies just now ; these are the ways in which most of us can help. Let not us Christians be found wanting in this fiery hour of ordeal. Let it be seen that Christianity makes a difference to us, and that it enables us to make a difference for others.

About Ourselves. As already announced by our publisher, the price of

the UNITED METHODIST next week and onward during the war will be TWOPENCE. The increase is inevitable. We are proud that for so long this journal, the only one among its contemporaries to do so, has up to now been able to keep to its original price, with but a slight reduction in the reading matter supplied. We wish we could have gone on maintaining this pre-eminence. But it is impossible. It could only be done at the cost of the Ministers' Superannuation Allowances, and that is utterly unthinkable. That we have done it so long is due wholly to the generous help of our friends—help which, with all other claims coming upon them, we cannot ask our friends to continue.

Unfortunately, we are not alone in our war diffi- culty. Every other journal, religious and secular, has had to meet it. One of our vigorous contemporaries has received no less than 2,000 from its enthusiastic supporters in special gifts, but in spite of that it had to reduce its pages to 12, then increase its price to 2d., then, last week, to the regret of every reader, bring down its pages to 8. A Methodist contemporary raised its price some months ago and last week was com- pelled to reduce its pages from 16 to 12. So it is going on all round. The thing is inevitable, with paper four times its pre-war price, and other charges 60 to 80 per cent higher.

This is a testing time for all journals. We have the faith that our readers mean that this journal shall come through the ordeal safely. We appeal to them to do their utmost to support us, in spite of the advance in price. We believe that wo shall not appeal in vain.

A Swift Victory. Out of Bounds.

THE matter is of such vast importance that I make no excuse for once more referring to the subject of my article on March 7th—" Making it easy to do Wrong." The existence of houses of licensed vice within easy access of the British Army in cities like Havre, Mar- seilles, Rouen and alas ! much nearer to the lines, has been known for some months. Eighteen months ago the attention of the War Office was called to it by the Association of Social and Moral Hygiene. But nothing was done. Then came news about the establishment of such a house at Cayeux-sur-Mer, within easy reach of a British Convalescent camp.. The attention of the authorities was called to that fact privately and then by questions in the House of Commons, in the latter case with at least one startling result. But it was only three weeks ago last Wednesday, that is, the day before the article appeared in these pages, that a debate was raised on the subject in the House of Commons. Last Tuesday in the same House a swift and dramatic victory crowned the labours of the friends of social purity, for on that day Mr. Macpherson, the Under-Secretary for War, an-nounced that the maisons tolerees had been placed out of bounds for British troops. Bravo ! It is well known that the result is due to two facts : (1) The immense volume of indignation and resentment at the condition of things disclosed which revealed itself to the authorities. I understand that Lord Derby was nearly "snowed under" by resolutions and letters on the subject. (2) the fact that an immense number of women were found among the protesters. That the Franchise Bill is on the Statute Book and that it includes some six million women voters has weighed enormously and probably with decisiveness, upon the authorities—a significant indica-tion that a new moralizing and cleansing force has entered politics. • But whatever the reason, the authori-ties have bowed before the wave of moral indignation which has swept over the country in _regard to this abomination.

Battles Still to Fight. But it would be a mistake to take up the rest-and-be-

thankful attitude. We have won• a battle but not a cam-paign. We have driven the enemy out of Albert and Arras but not out of France and Belgium. The price of complete victory is that eternal vigilance which Curran said is the price of liberty. This is evident from the very terms in which Mr. Macpherson made the announcement.

The decision, he said, had been reached in conference with our Allies. He did not intend to take any notice of the unscrupulous attacks on himself•personally or as the mouthpiece of the War Office—attacks based on the dishonourable process of extracting isolated sentences from his arguments. He would like to point out that he could find no justification whatever that the French civil population protested against these institutions estab-lished under their own laws. While this step had been taken, the House must not think that the grave problem of •venereal disease had been disposed of. His military advisers had grave doubts that the change would have that effect. This was not merely a military question, but a great national one, and would continue to be watched with anxiety by the authorities.

Nobody imagines that the grave question of venereal disease has been disposed of and everybody feels that this is much more seriously a civil question than even a military one. But the rest of the answer of Mr. Mac-pherson gives one an uneasy feeling. The surrender is evidently reluctant ; it is void of the conviction that the thing surrendered is evil; it is sicklied over with the pale cast of doubt as to the wisdom of the surrender; it gives the feeling that the announced new policy may be carried out half-heartedly and in a way that keeps the promise to the ear but breaks it to the hope. That means that- the subsequent developments must be watched so that if there is any wobbling or a lax administration of the military process known as putting out of bounds public attention may be called to the matter again. The promise must be kept not only in the letter but in the spirit.

A Duty Nearer Home. Another thing is necessary. It must not be said that

the friends of social purity are incensed against what goes on in France and comparatively quiescent about what goes on nearer home. My former article has brought me a number of letters from soldiers, all con-firmatory of the. protest there made. One comes from a soldier attached to a Casualty Clearing Station which is, a receiving centre for venereal cases. The letter con-tains these ominous words :

" Investigation proves that in nearly every case the disease has been contracted on leave in England. Much of it can be traced to the infested neighbourhoods of the great London termini, but some has come from unsuspected quarters in the very- heart of England. While the question of the morality of the Army over-seas is great, it seems to me that that of disease lurk-ing at home is greater. Something must be done by

someone and that speedily, or else of all great post-war problems this one will be most difficult of solution." These are grave words. Information of a detailed

kind which I have does net entirely justify my corre-spondent's surmise as to the proportion of disease con-tracted at home and in France ; but it does justify his stress upon the urgency and grim reality of the home problem. This is the problem we need to attack with masterly activity and without ceasing. Known areas of vice should be put out of bounds for soldiers; better still, they should be cleansed. Drink shops in these areas should be closed, for it is well-known that Vice has no such mighty helper as Drink. Here is an immediate task for lovers of social purity and the swift victory of Tuesday of last week should serve as an incentive to new and more resolute action in dealing with this problem nearer home.

HENRY SMITH,

the 'Unita tibetboota. THE WEEKLY JOURNAL OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.

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152

THE UNITED METHODIST. March 28, 1918.

of our race, the second Adam, dying for the sin of the world, and so giving new life and hope to mankind. Christ was more than a martyr for the truth. We believe in the moral purpose of His death, but we believe also in its atoning value. His own words are, "The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." Great is the mystery of the Atonement ; greater still the fact. "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures" : that from earliest ages had taught the Jew to lay his hands upon the head of the victim in • symbolical transfer of guilt, while he looked down the centuries to the fulfil-ment for ever of all types and sacrifices in the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. We must walk and talk reverently here. We cannot subscribe to the extreme Calvinistic position that has led some to say that Jesus felt Himself a sinner, and "suffered in-finite remorse as being the chief of sinners ; all the sins of mankind being His." Such statements shock our moral sense, and are inconsistent with this cry : "My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" Here was no per-sonal consciousness of sin, no remorse; but God "made" Him to be sin for us, who knew! no sin, much in the same sense "that we," who are confessedly sinners, "might be made the righteousness of God in Him." The chief- penal consequence of sin is separation of the soul from Cirod. We see its working from Adam downwards. So our Sin-bearer momentarily lost the sense of the Father's smile and support and passed into the blackness of darkness which our souls experience when we first see the working of sin, ere the Father's love and pardon are revealed in Christ.

Dark and chill is the shadow cast by the wing of the Angel of Death upon the soul ; but this, the shadow of spiritual death, was the direst penalty of sin. Was this the cup so dreaded in Gethsemane?—dreaded in pro-portion to the tenderness of the filial spirit in Christ? "0, My Father! " To lose the consciousness that God was His Father, was indeed to drain the cup of Re-demption to its bitterest dregs. So "the chastisement of our peace was upon Him." His soul was made an offer-ing for sin.

There was a Cross seen of men. Its tale moves us to tears of love and penitence, and shall move all the ages. But the bitterest 'cross was that which was un-seen of men ; that desolation, that sense of forsakenness in the realm of the spiritual world, that broke His heart, and wrung from Him that exceeding bitter and mys-terious cry.

The darkest moment in our world's history was the moment before the dawn ; the dawn of pardon, salvation, for us and every child of man. The Sun rose never again to set or suffer eclipse. He who suffered to the uttermost is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him. "When Thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death Thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers." The Son of God was forsaken for a moment that we, wanderers from God, should be eternally gathered into His arms of love. So shall He see of the travail of His soul and be satisfied.

For Our Teachers. By MALTD A. URWIN.

HINTS ON THE INTERNATIONAL LESSON APRIL 7th, 1918.

PAUL THE PRISONER FREED. Acts xvi. 16-34.

Laser week's lesson (Easter) made a break in the series on Paul's life. This week's story therefore, must he 'connected with that of the great council ; it might be presented as the carrying of the good news of freedom to Gentiles in regions still further away. As before noted the whole of the journey, not the mere incident in Philippi should be noted.

Preparatory Notes. (1) In the church at Antioch (Syria) to which Paul had

returned after the council at Jerusalem, differences had been aroused by Peter's action regarding Gentiles (cf. notes, Mar. 24). For instance, even Barnabas had followed his example. This may have made Paul anxious to visit again the Gentile converts he had made in Galatia ; ire wanted to assure them of their freedom. "After some days," he decided to set out and visit the brethren of his former journey. Knowing of the differences in the church it is easier to understand the quarrel be- tween him and Barnabas which ensued. Probably a little sympathy had been lost on both sides, and the ques-tion about Mark only brought 'matters to a crisis. Hap-pily, the misunderstanding was set right with time (cf. 1 Cor. ix. 6). Paul chose as his new companion, Silas, one of those sent from Jerusalem (cf. Acts xv. 22).

(2) They journeyed' northwards through Syria, over the "Syrian Gates into Cilicia. What cities they stayed at we are not told, though as Paul had formerly stayed some time in Tarsus there were probably converts there he would be anxious to visit. Then they went on through the "Civilian Gates" over the Taurus Mounts, on the high road that had seen Alexander the Great's triumphant march. Coming again into Lycaonia they visited Derbe and Lystra. 1-lere Paul found Timothy his future comrade, his "son in the gospel " (cf. Phil. ii 22). Much difficulty has been caused by the statement that here Paul, departing from the principle he had so strenuously upheld in the recent case of Titus, circumcised Timothy. It would be frankly owned that it is difficult to reconcile his action in the two cases, but nevertheless, circumstances were different, Timothy being of Jewish extraction, Titus not.

(3) . For guidance in his journey onwards, Paul de- pended entirely on God. Apparently from Lystra, as far as Troas, he did no preaching (v. 6) but simply trav- elled at the dictate of the Spirit (v. 6, 7). At Troas (the ancient Troy) came the parting of the ways. Asia,

wild and heathen lay behind ; Europe, unknown, and' therefore challenging, in front. Then came the vision. It had been suggested that the "Man of Macedonia " seen by Paul then was Luke, the Greek Physician, and writer of the Acts, whom he certainly did meet first. at that city, as the introduction of the pronoun "we" on the journey onwards reveals. His decision being made, he departed with his three friends, and by a favourable sailing of two days landed at the port of Samothracia. The next day they journeyed to Neapolis, and the next took a ten mile journey over a 'mountainous region on to the famous plain of Philippi, the 'scene of the battle between Brutus and Mark Antony. Here lay the "colony " of Philippi, a miniature city of Rome. Evi-dently there were not many Yews, there being no syna= gogue, but only a "proseucha " or small open-air house of prayer outside the city walls by the river. The trav- ellers arrived early in the week (v. 12) and kept in retirement until the Sabbath, when they visited the

proseucha." Lydia, their first convert there,. was evii- dently a, rich woman, as trade, the selling of purple cloth only used by those of highest rank, shows. For the rest of their stay they lodged in her house.

(4) I.n . this city • Paul again carne up against that element of witchcraft he had met with in Elymas, at Paphos. A female slave, possessed with some power of fortune-telling, was being used for her master's gain. When brought into contact with Paul she was -cured of her frenzy and became sane (another instance of the power of 'Christianity to bring to distraught minds sanity and balance). Her masters, seeing their hope of fur- ther gain gone, arrested Paul and Silas (Timothy and Luke not being present at the time), and charged them first with disturbing the peace cf the city, which was not 'true, and then with teaching a new religion, a for-bidden act in a Roman colony, a charge Which was true, The punishment of scourging was illegal, however, fOr two reasons. They were beaten "uncondemned," and also "openly," an insult to theme as Roman citizens. The jailer charged with special care of them, put them in the inner prison, probably. a dungeon, damp, muddy, and pestilential, and thrust their bruised. bodies into the stocks. Then Caine the song at 'midnight, the earthquake and the subsequent conversion of the jailer, the details of which are so vividly described. in verses 27-34. Paul's attitude the next morning was charac- teristic. Although he had not asserted his Roman citi-zenship in order to avoid the beating, -why, it is difficult to say (cf. Act 21-39), he held to his rights tenaciously when asked to leave in secret. No, he must be set free publicly. The Magistrate had to come therefore, and be- seech rim to go. After a further period of peace in Lydia's house "they comforted the brethren and - de-parted."

Lesson Story for Juniors. Start with a talk on holidays, the soldier's "leave,"

the missionaries' 'furlough." Our hero Paul was back in Antioch (show)on a kind of furlough, not resting, but working in the church there. He..was„ however, constantly thinking of the friends he had made on his journey before, and ,wishing to see them again. Then too, he wanted to tell them the good news he had heard at the great meeting at Jerusalem. So at last one day he said to Barnabas (cf. xv. 36). Now Barnabas was more than willing to go, but he wanted someone. else to come too. Do you remember someone who turned back on the journey before? Yes, Mark. But Barna-bas had forgiven him, and wished to give him another chance. Paul did not think he was worthy of that. The result was rather _sad, for Paul and Barriabas had a quarrel, and at last Barnabas said he would go to Cyprus again and take Mark, and Paul said he would go a different way, and take a new .friend, a Jew from Jerusalem, called Silas. As we shall not be hearing of Barnabas again, we may be glad to know here that before very long those two great heroes were friends again, for which we are very glad, and John Mark. too became a brave disciple..

This time Paul did not travel by sea, but went by one of the great roads northwards through Syria, over a high mountain pass into the neighbourhood of his home at Tarsus' (follow on map). We can just imagine the joyous meetings he 'Would' have with friends he had begun to love there. Then on he and Silas went, over the mountains by a pass called the "Civilian Gates," into Derbe and the.nr into Lystra, where lie had healed the cripple. Perhaps he even passed the spot on the road where he had been stoned and left to die. Yet here he was back again, well and happy. This time he found et great chum here, a young man called Tim-othy, who left his father and mother, and said he was going to go on with Paul wherever he went. He did, and became just like a son to him.

Now if we look on the map at this spot Paul had reached we shall see that whichever way he went next would be fresh to him. We can picture him looking at the roads leading onwards, north and west. Which should he take? He could not choose, so he, let God do the deciding for him. And God's spirit told him to go quickly north. Then it made him turn and go westwards, until at last he reached the old town of Troy, stories of which. perhaps you have heard, then called Troas. Here he was right at the sea, and more than that, across that sea, lay another continent, Europe. Did God mean him to go over there where everything was even more strange and fresh? God said "Yes!" and in a wonderful way. Let children read' verses 9, 10. So on he went. He had now another friend with him, Luke, who wrote the story. Briefly sketch journey to Philippi. Here he felt God meant him to stay. The Sabbath came, and he and his friends made their way to the place where they thought they would find Jews. It was not a h mple, not even a synagogue, but just a little house of prayer outside the city walls by the river. But they were right, there were Jews there, and' a number of good women. Seeing the strangers they asked them to speak. Paul took the chance, and told the story of Jesus so beautifully that one of the- wonien, called Lydia, became a Christian and, more than that,

asked the four disciples to stay- with her in her home. So now they had' found friends and were eager to. win more. -Day by day they passed to and fro, until they began to be known. One person in particular noticed them. This was a young slave girl, who like Elymas the sorcerer, was supposed to have within her a spirit which gave her power to tell fortunes. Her masters ̀ used her-to make money for them. Somehow she felt that these disciples were good men who were preaching the truth, and presently as they came near her she began to shout (verse 17). Paul was sorry for her, and one day stopped as he was passing her, and bade the evil spirit leave her. Immediately she .'became different, as calm and sensible as anyone. But her masters were. not at all pleased at this change. She would no longer tell fortunes and' bring money to them. So. in a fury; they turned' on Paul and Silas, and having dragged them before the magistrate, they said they had been causing trouble in the streets.. Then the magistrate commanded them to be scourged. Cruel hands stripped off their garment's,- the iron rods were brought, and "forty stripes save one" were. laid with terrible force on their bare backs. Then, while they were bleeding and bruised, a jailer from the prison fetched them. have been told especially -to keep you safe," he said, "so into the inner dungeon you go." Away they were dragged, along the gloomy passages, until they reached a narrow, damp cell, evil-smelling and dark. On the ground were the stocks, and still aching from their terri- ble beating, they were fastened unto them. Then the great door clanged, and they were left alone.

What would you have done then ? Well, this is what they did. AS midnight drew near, they began to sing hymns to God. Yes, even cramped and bruised as they were ! The other prisoners listened, in amazement. Whoever would have thought of singing in such a gloomy place? Suddenly there was a clap like thun- der, then another, then the earth began to tremble and the doors to shake so violently that the locks were wrenched open, and then, oh joy, the stocks were loosened, and they were set free. They could escape.

The jailer was awakenedfrom his sleep by the noise. "My prisoners have escaped," he cried, as he ran into the cells, and pulling out his sword he would have killed himself, for a jailer who let his prisoners. go was disgraced for ever. But just then he heard a cheery voice. '" Do thyself no harm, for we are all here," cried out Paul. Seizing a light the jailer rushed into the dun- geon. There they were, dirty, tired and bruised, yet radiant. Stung with shame he fell at their feet (read verses 30-31). Then there happened to him what had happened to Paul ; he became. a Christian ; yes, the cruel jailer -became a tender-hearted friend, who took them away to his own house, washed their backs, and gave them food. What a change ! So when the next day Paul and Silas were Set free, how joyful they were! Even their punishment had brought others to God! Read 2 Cor. iv. 17.

Suggestions for Seniors. (1) As with juniors, tell of the probable. reason for

Paul's second journey, his new companion, and the other two gathered on the way. - Trace with map the journey to Troas; emphasise here that afterwards he was on Ezerofican soil, steadily nearing the centre of all ac-tivities, Rome.

(2) 'The journey to Philippi ; its associations ; Lydia; the slave girl ; the wonderful result of the imprisonment, the conversion of the jailer. Let class read verses 23 34 to notice how vividly the details of the story are told.

(3) What .was the value of Paul's work there? This may be gathered from the Epistle to the Philippians which he wrote later, when a prisoner in Rome. Read i. 3-6, 29-80, ii. 21-30, iii. 18-20, iv. 1-4, 10, 14-18. What 'mpression of the church there do these verses give you? Was Paul's work there then successful? Read ii. Cor. iv. 17.

Miss Frost was • the soloist. -The services throughout were very largely attended, and successful in every way.

Penzance (Parade Street).—The C.E. anniversary preachers were Mr. T. Toy and Rev. J. Hartley Duerden. Service of song; "Watermill Hollow," by Marazion. "Sunbeam" choir in the afternoon. Speaker at rally, Rev. C. Stuchbery (Wesleyan).

Stratton and Bude.—The annual missionary services have been very successful and financially have established a record. Total amount raised, L48 3s., an increase of ,4;11 '3s. Rev. W. H. Tubb, Plymouth, was the deputa-tion, and his •sermons and addresses were much appre-ciated. He was accompanied by Rev. E. Flower, the pastor. At the Bude meeting the District treasurer (Mr. J. H. Treleven) was in the chair, Rev. E. Flower (chair-man of the District) gave the report, and ReV. W. H. Tubb (District secretary) gave the address.

Bazaars, etc. Sunderland -(Mount Tabor).—A bazaar, for the reduc-

tion of debt on the Building Fund was opened on the first-day by Miss .Violet. Middleton, Mrs. J. R. Auld pre-siding: On the second day; 50• Sunday School children tcok part in the proceedings, Rev. T. Nicholas occupying the chair. Miss E. Featherstone declared the sale open, on behalf of the little ones. Children's : purses were colieLted by Master Cyril Williams. The proceeds (,200) were highly satisfactory.

usual allotment on behalf of the Welcome Home Com-mittee.

Greenside.—Mr. Jos. Collins presided at the annual rally and Rev. G. T. Coulthard, of Scotswood, was the speaker and Mr. William Collins, of Greenslade, the soloist. There was a large gathering. After the ad-dresses came responses to a large roll call. "The Sailors' Grave" and "Absence" were the solos beautifully ren-dered by Mr. W. Collins.

Long Eaton (Mount Tabor).—Successful and inspiring missionary services have been conducted in the three churches of the circuit by Revs. J. J. Absalom and A. C. George. Mr. Absalom made an excellent deputation and delivered sermons and addresses that made a deep im-pression. Missionary income good.

Newcastle-on-Tyne (Gosforth).—Rev. H. J. Shingles recently concluded a series of lantern lectures on Italy and its great painters with one on the story of Dante in portraiture. Mr. Milne was in the chair and solos

Fire at Stoke-on-Trent. The United Methodist Chapel Destroyed. A great disaster has befallen the friends of the United

Methodist Church, Mount Zion, Hill Street, Stoke-on- Trent. A fire, which took place on Monday midnight March 5th, has totally destroyed the Chapel premises, furniture, fittings, and organ. Unfortunately, the amount for which the premises are insured is not large, and the cost of restoration will approximate to £3,000. The Church, which is in the Longton Circuit (Ex M.N.C.) celebrated its centenary in 1915. It is under the Superintendency of the Rev. R. F. Bell and the pastoral care of the Rev. F. G. Clem,ents. The cause has a splendid history, and is at present in a flourishing condition.

The friends appeal for practical sympathy and sup-port to enable them to recommence building operations with all speed, so that the work of God may be crippled as little as possible.

A Subscription List has been opened. Contribu- tions will be thankfully received by any of the following : Rev. R, F. BELL, The Manse, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent Rev. F. G CLEMENTS, 254 Princes Road, Mr G. RISELEY, J.P (Treasurer), Glebe Street Mr. N. BELL (Secretary), 51 James Strait, Mr. J. DAVENPORT (Steward), Bank House,

Kirkham Street,

or any members of the Church.

tl

March 28, 1918.

News of Our Churches.

Anniversaries. Bradford (Shearbridge Road).—At the annual meeting

of the. Young People's Missionary Society Rev. A. E. Fletcher presided. Increased contributions by collectors from the Primary Department and from class boxes reported. Mr. Fredk. Craven gave an illustrated mis-sionary address, and reward books were handed to the collectors by Rev. C. E. Penrose (pastor). Proceeds, 415 15s.

Bristol (Bishopston).—In connection with the mission-ary services „Rev. T. J. Chapman, of Worle, preached morning and evening, and spoke in the afternoon under the presidency of Mr. W. Ash (Baptist). The annual meeting on the Monday was presided over by Mr.. J. Priscott, and he and Mrs. Dy.mond (China), Rev. T. J. T. Chapman, and Rev.. G. H. Kennedy gave addresses. The missionary rewards were distributed by Mrs. Dymond The total amount collected and raised by the services was over Feeling reference was made to the death of Mr. Foster, late missionary treasurer.

Brixton (Paradise Road).—At the 58th chapel anniver-sary the preachers were the President of the local Free Church Council, Rev. E. E. Potts (Wesleyan), and Rev. F. Collyer -(Congregational). Good congregations at tended. At the musical service in the afternoon selec-tions were rendered by the Stockwell Orchestral Society, under the conductorship of Mr. H. Jones, Miss Joyce Ford being the soloist. On the preceding Saturday a reception,. was held by Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Neden, fol-lowed by a public meeting at which Mr. Neden presided. An. encouraging statement was submitted by Mr. Percy A. Ayles. Rev. C. W. Soper delivered a thoughtful and inspiring address. The musical portion of the pro-gramme was admirably rendered by Madame Mabel Jones, L.R.A.M., and Miss Elsie Neden, L.R.A.M.

Cardiff (Diamond Street).—The annual missionary ser-vices were conducted by Rev. F. J. and Mrs. Dymond. Their sermons and addresses were very helpful and full of thrilling stories of their work in S.W. China. Mr. A. H. N. Reddaway presided at the afternoon service on the Sunday. Mr. S. Davey presided on the Wednes-day evening. The financial report was a record one, 'thanks to the indefatigable secretary, Miss Weeks, and the generosity of the members of the church and con-gregation. It averaged about 11s. 6d. per member. The anniversary collections were again up and realized L;16.

Cowling.—Ihe choir anniversary preacher was Rev. W. Whitehead, pastor. The singing of Miss Lucy Nuttall was greatly appreciated, as was also the special music Tendered by an augmented choir. under the con- ductorship of Mr. Jos. Bradley. Organist, Miss F. Whitaker, A.T.C.L. Collections for choir fund, L;23 10s.

Leicester (Hill Street). — The chapel anniversary preachers were Rev. J. Cornish (Baptist), and Rev. Sidney Goiv, B.A. On the following Thursday, the Rev J. Cornish related his experiences with the boys in France; chairman, Mr. E. lax. Prior to the lecture, organ recitals were given by Mr. Walter Moreton. .

MaPPlevirell (Bethel),—The C.E. anniversary preacher was Rev. James Kelly, M.A.; of Glasgow, the National C.E. Field Secretary. The morning service was at- tended by' the local detachment of the West Riding volun-teers, accompanied by scout, drum, and bugle bands. .\liss Brooke sang a solo. In the afternoon, the mem- bers of the junior and intermediate societies gave a de- monstration—" Soldiers of the King "—under the direction of

.Miss O. Waring, .with Miss Pye as leader, and Mr.

Kelly gave a short address. In the evening, Mr. Kelly again preached, and the choir rendered special items. On Monday the annual meeting and rally was held, many local C.E. societies being represented. Miss Pye presided, and gave a brief outline of the work of their tour societies. Mr. Kelly addressed the meeting on "The Pledge" and also conducted the consecration service.

Presentations. Ilarrow-in-Furness (Storey Square).—During the inter-

val at the monthly social under the presidency of Mr. E. Langley, a beautiful oak bureau, subscribed for by the members of the Church, was' presented to Mr. W. A. Wardle, as a mark of esteem and appreciation for 35.years' continuous service as organist and choirmaster. High tribute was paid to him by Mr. R. Richardson, Mr. 0. Smith, Mr. S. Hodgson and Rev. W. Gerry. Tne chairman made the presentation on behalf of the Church. Mr. Wardle suitably acknoviledged the gift.

Itarrogate.—At the quarterly circuit meeting an inter-esting presentation was made to the Church on behalf of Mr. J. F. Royce, consisting of a marble bust of his Uncle, the late Mr. Wm. Hunt, South Park Road, Harro-gate, who laid the foundation stone of the Church in 1864, together with the silver trowel and the mahogany mallet which he used at the ceremony. The bust, which stands on a massive pedestal, has been placed in the Lecture Hall, and the thanks of the meeting to Mr. Royce unanimously; passed and recorded on the Church Min-utes. The usual quarterly reports were received. There are increasing numbers in the Sunday School, and at Harlow Mission.

General. Birmingham (Bordesley Green).—The church anniver-

sary was made the occasion of .a special effort to reduce a deficit on the Trust Funds. Coon. Jackson, Parlia-mentary candidate kir the constituency, presided at a concert given by the members of the choir, at which .Mrs. Frew; of Small Heath, stripped a treasure tree. On the Sunday, services were conducted by Revs. A. C. Phillips, J. H. Phillipson and Dr. Jones. The friends gave liberally,' and :the trust benefits to- the total extent of j„.33 7s. ncl:

Bishop Auckland.—Chapel anniversary services con-ducted by Rev. M. May, of Willing-ton. • In connection therewith, the 51st annual sale of work was held. Mrs. J. J. Spoor was the opener. Mrs. Wilkin Smith pre- sided. • Rev. E. S: Mills made a special appeal for 4;150: A member offered L5 if four others contri- buted a like sum. There were eight responses to the challenge. The subscriptions now amount to L69, and the total proceeds of the effort are L140. Account will remain open until ,4;150 net is secured. The Church has raised (luring the war nearly L800 by special f fforts.

Brighton.—The friends of the Bristol Road Church re-sent)}; ,set themselves the task of reducing the debt on their premises by £100. A tha,nkoffering scheme was adopted in preference to the usual sale of work, and on New Year's Day- thc, fund was opened with a view to its closing in March. The result has exceeded the sum aimed at, and amounted to. j.;114. This Church has no less than 104 names on its roll of honour, the majority having passed through the V. Brighton Company of the Boys' Brigade so long and honourably associated with Jur Bristol Road sanctuary.

Bristol South (Salem, . Bedminster).—The missionary anniversary preachers were Mr. Smith and Mr. \V. H. R. Cleave. In the prayer meeting, Which followed the evening service, 25 of the young people went into the vestry, seeking the Saviour. It was good to be there. A month ago a junior church roll was commenced, anal i2 of the scholars joined the Church.

Bristol (Bishopston),A concert organised by Mr. Fred J. Pugsley was given in aid-of the Soldiers' Parcels Fund, and Belgian Refugee Account.

Connah's Quay.—The church, Sunday School and Trust ended the year with substantial credit balances; 32 increase in average attendance of scholars, and in- crease of 17 church members. A bonus of £25 (a second grant) was made to the minister for the current year. All sittings are let and several families on waiting list. Increased income from pew rents this year. The church was never healthier.

Greenside.—A memorial service, in memory of the late Sergt. Edward Hawkins was conducted by -Mr. Robert Carrick. The choir rendered special music under the conductorship of Mr. W. Collins. Mr. Carrick paid a loving tribute to the character and sacrifice of Sergt. I WkinS

Greenside.-A much enjoyed programme of music, etc., was recently gone through by the choir under Mr. William Collins. The evening takings were on behalf of the members' Welcome Home Fund, and everyone present thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Mr. Andrew Dodd as chairman .performed a most pleasant duty in presenting to Private William Storey, R.A.M.C., the

SCARBOROUG H. This Church is bravely struggling against unprece-

dented financial difficulties. A Sale of Work is being arranged for April 17th and 18th. The last one was calamitously interfered with by the bombardment of 1914, which occurred on the day for opening. Will the friends throughout the Connexion who have any con-cern for this isolated Church, so dependent on Seasonal Visitors, please help us in this effort, either monetarily or by gifts of goods? The Pastor, REV. W. R. STOBIE, 29 Trafalgar Square, Scarborough, will gratefully accept such he!p for the Church, posted to the address given.

ARTISTIC HAND-WRITTEN

POSTERS.

REVISED PRICES- Size-30 x 40, 20 words ... 1,9

„ 30 x 55, 25 „ 2/6 „ 40 x 60, 30 „ 3/3

Extra words, ld. each word.

A. WH !TAKER, U.M. Poster Writer,

Kensington Terrace, Leeds.

GARDENING. SEND 20s. for full assortment of Sheffield made

GARDEN TOOLS, sent carriage paid by Passenger train. WALLACE KING, Ltd., Norwich, have purchased entire stocks of the leading Sheffield makers. Hundreds of Garden Spades, Forks, Rakes, Hoes, Trowels, Syringes, Potato Sprayers, Axes, Saws, Choppers, Shears, Weeding Forks, Shovels. Actually in stock for immediate delivery. Illustrated lists free by post.—WALLACE KING, Ltd., Norwich.

A HYMN FOR SOLDIERS A New Stirring Hymn for Soldiers and Saliors.

"GOD BLESS OUR DEAR BOYS TO-NIGHT ,' (Title and Chorus by Taos. DENNIS).

Hymn and Music, ld., 18 for 11-, 50 2/3, 100 319 ; without Misic 2/- 100. To be obtained from the Author only—

HENRY WILSON, 174 Highbury New Park, London, N.S.

Here's to the Lads who saved us," with stirring NEW SONGS. Chorus. Words by Rev. J. TOYN. MUSIC by A. E. SHANTON. "There'll be welcome in the Homeland when the Boys come home." Words by Rev J. Toys. Music by W. T. WILKINSON. Post free I/1 each.

New Recitations. Local Preacher's Trials," " Merry Rhymes," Our Roll of Honour," also Whitby's Life-

boat Heroes." "Saved from the Sea." "Told in the Train." " Inviting a Minister," "A Choirmaster's Trials." " A Dream of Heaven." ld. each.

Bible Stories in Rhyme 2d., postage d. extra on lot or part. Rev. JOSEPH TOYN, Think, Yorkshire. -

BISIIOPSTON, BRISTOL. On EASTER MONDAY, APRIL lst, 1918,

A CONCERT IN AID OF THE TRUST FUNDS,

ORGANIZED BY MR. FRED J. PUGSLEY. To Comimence at 7 p.m. A crowded attendaacr eat ected.

All communications sent by the halfpenny Post for this page should bear on the outside, distinctly written, the words "News for the Press," and should be directed to one Editor, United Methodist,' 188 Rye Lane, Peck

ham, London, S.E.15." A number of communications have been surcharged through omitting to conform lo 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 Engagements. 1918-19.

Rye, J. C., and Collins, F., a fourth year Providence Circuit, Exeter.

Tremberth, W., Helston and Porthleven a second year. Walker, T., becomes pastor of Earlsmead Church,

Hackney Circuit, and Cole, R. P., becomes superin-tendent of the circuit.

/ 1919-20. Burt,. Patchett, Bristol East Circuit a fifth year. Buxton

J, F. L., Silver Street Circuit, Lincoln, a fourth

year. Dale, 'F. P., Shakespeare Street, Nottingham, a fourth

year. Goodhand, J. B.,, superintendent Silver Street Circuit,

Lincoln. • Jukes, T.

' Salford Circuit, a third year.

Newton, J. T., Harrogate, a third year . Sheppard, Ernest, Hebden Bridge, a fifth year.

1920-21. Shingles, H. J., has at the unanimous request of the

Gosforth Church, in the New Sandyford Circuit, with-drawn his decision to leave in 1920.

Wharton, F. J., Hanley, a sixth year.

Changes. Nicholas, T., leaves Sunderland, Park Road Circuit,

at Conference, 1919, after four years' service.

THE UNITED MEiFIODIST. 153

CATARRH, HEAD NOISES. easily cured in a few days by the new "FRENCH 001INE "

9 Scores of wonderful cures

reported. Write for particulars

" ORLENE " CO. Railway Crescent. CROYDON. ENGLAND.

DEAFNESS

154

THE UNITED METHODIST. March 28,•1918

were rendered by Miss Gorman and Miss Milne. All the lectures have been much appreciated and well attended. --On the following Wednesday a sale of work was opened by Miss Rowell and the chair was taken by Mr. R. P. Morton. The amount raised for the Trust was over £130, which reflects great credit. upon all con-cerned, especially as in December a special collection raised more than £110.

Newport, Mon. (Portland Street).—Three. grandchildren of Mr. Chas. White (superintendent of the School) have collected over 4-15 during the past twelve months for missions.

Penryn.—There was a large gathering of children at the prize giving. The programme was provided by members of the choir and Sunday School. The chair was taken. by Mr. E. K. Nicholls (Superintendent), an address was given by Rev. Ernest Richards, and the prizeS were distributed by Mrs. Richards. A diploma for 25 years' continuous service in the school was pre-sented to Mr. Elisha Francis.

Penzance.—In memory - of their only two sons, who lost their lives through submarine action about a year ago, Captain and Mrs. Ii. Row have instituted two prizes, to be called the Row Memorial Prizes. For this purpose a sum of money has been invested with the Trustees of the Parade Street Church, Penzance, the in

of which is to provide in perpetuity a prize annually for the boy and girl making the best attendance at morning and afternoon Sunday School and morning. ser-vice. The presentation was made to the first winners on Sunday, March 24th, by the Rev. J. Hartley Duerden. The successful scholars are Enid Gribble and Frank Beecroft.

South Molton.—A service of song, "Led by a Child," was rendered at South Molton, the connective readings being given by Mr. R. Ayre (Newtown), and the solos being rendered by MrS. F. Holcombe, Misses sl. Moore and A. Pinn. A duet Was given by Miss A.- Peagam and Master E. Taylor. Organist, Miss A. Barwick. Pastor G. Isaac took the chair. Proceeds for the British and Foreign I3ible Society.

Swansea (Oxford Street).—A "tank" day was held in aid of the Trust fund and was highly successful. Rev. F. Sparrow sat in the vestry to receive gifts, and in the evening a social was arranged. Refreshments and fancy articles were on sale and the result was £105. During. the evening Mr. J. Godfrey made a presentation of a watch and books to Mr. JOhn Smith in appreciation of 42 years' service and fellowship at Oxford Street. The speakers were Messrs. C. Reed, J. Turpie, S. T. Drew, A. A. Webber, W. F.. Watkins, W. J. Bryant and the pastor. Mr. Smith feelingly responded.

Quarterly Meetings. East Dereham.—Several places reported improvement,

notably Dereham, Beeston, and Shipdham, where the Circuit Meeting was held. Necton Chapel is closed, but it is hoped to re-open it in the summer. Much apprecia-tion was expressed of the devoted labours of the minis- ter, Rev. H. Naylor. A perfect certificate was voted to him unanimously, several answers being emphasized. If permitted, he was invited to remain. Mr. Holman was appointed representative to the District Meeting. The District Chairman (Rev. George Eayrs) presided. After tea, Mr. Eayrs delivered a lecture entitled "Fea-tures of Methodism Illustrated." Rev. H. Naylor presi-ded, and Messrs. H. K. Evans and G. Cushing took part. Proceeds for circuit debt, which is heavy.

Aberavon, Port Talbot.—Rev. J. Sydney Jones in the chair. Rev. J. S. Treweeke unanimously invited to con-tinue his ministry in the circuit. Debt reductions : Aber-avon, .95; Glyncorrwg, £150, and Abercregan, Gratifying increase of scholars reported.

Bradford, Westgate.—Rev. W. Bowen presided. In-creases : 6 members and 5 juniors, 19 teachers and offi-cers, 15 scholars, with a much improved afternoon at-tendance. Spiritual reports good. Financial position satisfactory. The Trust schedule report very encouraging.

Brighouse.—Chairman, Rev. B. H. White. An in-crease of 18 members for the year and a decrease of 3 teachers and 1 scholar. The spiritual state of the three churches reported to be good. Balance in hand of £14. The circuit minister's salary was increased by £20 per annum.

Cheslyn Ilay.—Rev. R. T. Rowley presided. The trea-surer's statement showed deficit of £10. Increases : 13 members and 5.on trial. Trust debt reductions amount-:ng to 4'290. Representatives to the District meeting : Rev. R. 1'. Rowley, W. Dando, J. Sharpe and W. Neville.

Exeter, Providence.—Rev. J. C. Pye presiding. Balance in hand. Increases of 29 members and 24 scholars. Trusts in healthy condition. The ministers

I BUY FALSE TEETH. HAVE YOU ANY? I will vay sd. for ac tooth pinned on vulcanite. 2s. each on silver. 35. each on L old, 8- each on viaticum. Cash immediately. Satisfaction guaranteed or teeth returned promptly. Why keep artificiA teeth that you do not wear? D 't he mis ed by hither advertised prices. but write for Inv FREE BOOKLET, which explains very clearly the value of any kind of artificial teeth. I also buy platinum scr p dental alloy. -ld any old gold and silver. fo' which I pay you full value Write for PRICE LIST. Kindly mention the " United Methodist." B. LEWIS & CO.. 29 London Street. Southport. Lancs. Estab. 1873.

and Messrs. R. Blatchford and T. B. Worth attend the District meeting.

Falmouth and Penryn.—Rev. E. Richards in the chair. Condolence expressed with the widow and family of the late Mr. W. B. Williams. SeVeral members spoke on the spiritual state. Finances good. Rev. E. Richard, Mr. J. E. Born (cintuit steward), Messrs. E. K. Nichblls, J. H. Coleman appointed representatives for District meeting, and Messrs. J. Body and J. J. Collins alterna-tives. Missionary, receipts well in advance of last year.

Ilelston, Porthleven.— Rev. W. Tremberth in the chair. Greetings were received from Helston Wesleyan Circuit and reciprocated. Votes of sympathy passed with be- reaved friends and sick brethren. Steward's accounts satisfactory. Increase of 11 members en the year. Cfiapel Debts reduced by £235. Circuit Steward, with Messrs: A. H. R. Jenkin, J. Reed, J. Harvey, G. Beringer and J. Julian attend the District Meeting,.

Hicks Mill.— Rev. W. Veale presided. Vote of condolence passed with the widow of the late Mr. J. Peters (Ouenchwell). Slight decreases in numbers. Bal-ance in hand of LI. 5s. 7d. Resolution of protest passed against the action of H.M. Government in permitting licensed houses for immoral purposes for the use of Brit-ish soldiers in France. Debts on trust properties showed a decrease. Messrs. J. Pearce and J. Coad, with the minister, represent the circuit at the District Meeting.

Leeds, HunSlet.—Rev. W. Cooper in the chair. In-crease of 18 members. Decrease' in scholars. Balance in hand. Revs. W. Cooper and F. S. Foster, with Messrs. Burnell and Bennett appointed representatives to District meeting. Circuit in a good condition. War bonus of 1;10 granted to each minister.

Leicester.—Chairman, Rev. Walter Leicester. Pastor J. Weedon, who has undertaken the oversight of Har-rison Road Church, was heartily welcomed. Decrease of 6 members on the year ; increase of 4 teachers and 6 teacher members and a decrease of 20 scholars. Resolutions of sympathy passed with Mrs. H. Collin and family on the death of her husband who had been an active worker. Treasurer had a balance in hand.

Lincoln, Silver Street.—Rev. W. Reed presided. Full members : increase, 72 ; on trial, increase 111 ; scholars, decrease, 34. Missionary income, increase, £20, and a record amount for the circuit. ;_;"615 raised for special purposes during the year. Circuit finances satisfactory. A liberal War bonus heartily voted to each minister and a new assessment accepted by the churches to meet the increased expenditure. The ministers reported many schemes in hand for the, reduction of chapel debts.

Liverpool, St. Domingo.—Rev. C. F. Hill presided. Decrease in adult members but increase in juniors. Birkenhead church has paid over £100 off the renovation debt during the year. A special effort is being made to revive the cause at Seacombe. Representatives to Dis-trict meeting : Rev. C. F. Hill and Mr. H. Cartwright.

Manchester First. —Reported that Rev. W. W. Craig would commence ministry in circuit next August. Fi- nances fairly satisfactory. Decrease on the year of seven members. Small decrease in average morning and after- noon school attendance. Missionary Scholarship Fund reported well advanced. Representatives to District Meeting, Ministers and Messrs. Chapman and Ellison.

Manchester Second.—Rev. G. Dixon Thompson pre-sided. Increase of 10 members on year. Financial state-ment and spiritual reports satisfactory. War bonus re-newed for another year. Messrs. Dunn, Luke, Birchall and...three ministers elected to May District meeting. Reported that plot of land secured for a new church at Irlam, had been commandeered by Minister of Recon-struction for Workmen's Dwellings. It was pointed out by our solicitor that we had already given up our last building, which was now a _munition works, and as there was no Protestant Church in the locality it was essential for the moral and spiritual welfare of the in-habitants that we should be allowed to build our school and church as already arranged. Mr. Birchall was ap-pointed to wait on Minister in London. Conference per-mission asked with regret for closing the Great Jackson Street Church. Urgent appeal made for China Scholar-ship Fund with satisfactory results. Resolution passed against toleration of licensed and medically regulated brothels in close proximity to camps where large num-bers of British soldiers are compelled to pass their time. Resolution of sympathy passed with the wife and family of the late Brother Langridge who was superintendent and loyal worker in our Hyde Road Church, and with it from boyhood and local preacher on the plan for nearly forty years.

Newport, Mon., Hill Street.—Rev. G. Hall Wallis pre siding. Reports of the churches encouraging. Hill street reported having set out to get 850 to clear off the debt, and raising 41003. Their fine premises now clear. Mr. A. A. Churchill (Pontypool) received as fully accredi- ted, local preacher. Missionary Funds well in advance. Representations to District Meeting : Coun. C. J. Rich and Mr. R. J. Parry. Absence of Alderman M. Mordey through illness sincerely regretted. Circuit life very encouraging.

New Mills.—Letter of sympathy sent to -Mr. Robert Bowden in the loss of his only son, killed in France. Missionary amount highest yet raised in history of cir-cuit. Mellor Church had contributed an average of ten shillings per member. Large increase in Sunday School scholars. Trust accounts highly satisfactory. Circuit accounts showed balance in hand. Minister and Mr. W. Stones appointed to District Meeting. Immediate and substantial increase in minister's stipend granted.

Nottingham, Shakespeare Street.—Small decrease of members. Spiritual reports of the two churches full of hope and encouragement. Financial condition of Shakespeare Street Church more satisfactory, than for some time past. Missionary income is increased.

Peterborough.—Rev. F. Hanesworth in the chair. Decrease of two full members on the year. Encoura- ging spiritual reports. Trust Debts, substantially re- duced. Deficit on. Circuit Account, but balance in hand

on Magazine and Horse Hire Accounts. It was intl . mated • that Rev. J. Carbis had re-considered his decision, and had' consented to remain for a fifth year. Mr. J. King was appointed lay representative to District Meeting.

Rochdale, Castlemere.—Rev. 1'. Sunderland presiding. Increase 11 for year. Shaw Trust free from debt, Ald. Cunliffe having given the last 4150. Schemes in pro- gress for raising .2,000 to clear Trust and current lia-bilities, and provide a 'Circuit Emerg-ency Fund of ,t,500. The W.M.A. of C.astlemere Church raised by sale £76 for Mission Funds.

Sheffield, Broomhill.—Rev. J. Fleming presiding. A sympathetic and appreciative resolution was passed con-cerning Coun. W. F. Jackson, deceased. Increase of 16 _members and 4 probationers. Financial' statement quite satisfactory, and an extra bonus was voted to the minis- ters. Increase of 59 Sunday School scholars. Messrs. A. Saville, A. Crothers and W. Kenyon appointed repre-sentatives to the District Meeting, in addition to -ex-officio members.

Sheffield North.—Rev. S. Wright presided. A cordial welcome was given to Rev. J. Foster, who will serve the circuit until Conference. Rev. J. E. Meir has ac-cepted superintendency from August, 1918. Spiritual and financial reports excellent. The circuit trust property valued at 140,000, has a present debt of ,3,700.. Dur-ing the past year the Trust indebtedness has been re- duced by £1,875_ A further bonus of was granted to each of the ministers.. Resolutions passed against immoral houses in France and alsd the attempt to weaken the sanctity of marriage. Appreciation expressed of the attitude of- the UNITED METHODIST. called to gambling prevalent in lower parts of the city.

Wakelield.—Market Street Church reported a splendid increase of scholars (especially at morning school), due to a scheme of visitation of every scholar and the remark-ably sympathetic manner in which the visitors were re-ceived in the homes by non-churchgoing parents. Arrange-ments made in preparation for District Meeting to be held at Wakefield in.May. A resolution. was also passed calling upon the Government to put a stop to certain -immoral places of resort for our soldier lads in France, all the members standing. Rev. E. Cook and Mr. John Mitchell (Trust Auditor). were both heartily welcomed again to church life after serious illness.

Whitley Bay.—Rev. E. F. H. Capey presided. In-crease of 14 full members and 9 probationers. Steady increase of offertories reported, and largest amount on record raised for missions. Representatives to District meeting : Revs. E. F. H. Capey and J. Austin ; Messrs. Harbottle, Hudson and Alcock. War bonus of unanimously voted to the minister.

Wigan.—Rev. W. Bennett presided. Increase of 7 members, making a fifth year of steady increases. Spiri-tual schedules most satisfactory. Stewards' balance in hand over £18. Missionary income increased, and extra raised for China Scholarship Fund.

Willington.—Rev. Matthew May presided. Balance in hand, 17s. ed. Increases : 4 members for the quar- ter ; 125 scholars, 16 C.E. members and 73 Band of Hope members. District meeting- representatives : Rev. M. May, Misses J. Hacker, H. Collin, sen., E. Savage; reserve, C. Finlayson. The Trust auditors report showed a balance in hand of £223. A new pipe organ has been installed in our Hunwick church at a cost of £158 and paid for. A resolutioh was passed reaffirming decision with regard to alteration of circuit.

Births, Marriages, Deaths. "IOTICES of Births, Marriages, Deaths, etc., are inserted

at the uniform price of 26., unless they exceed 30 words, in which case ed. 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 that, Tuesday 9 a.m

E PO R TS of Marriages, Silver Weddings, etc., intended. for insertion in the Editorial Columns must be accom-panied by a prepaid notice of the event at the rate above specified .

MARRIAGE.

SNELL—ABBOTT.—On the 22nd of March, 1918, at Ebenezer, Newcastle, Staffs, by the Rev. G. W

Crutchly, Leonard H. Snell, R.G.A., son of Rev. J. H Snell, London, to Lucy Mabel, only daUghter of Rev Edward Abbott, of Newcastle.

DEATHS.

KING.—On the 22nd of March, 1918, at Pinner, at the residence of her son, Annie King, of Sleights,

Whitby,. widow of the late Rev. James King, in her 65th year.

LANGRIDGE.—On Saturday, March 16th, 1918, at the Royal Infirmary, Manchester, John Lantlidge, of

132 Platt Lane, Manchester. Aged 56 years. Highly esteemed, deeply regretted.

PAYNTER,—In sacred and loving memory of Joseph, who nobly made the supreme sacrifice, April 2nd,

1918. " Until the day breaks."

IN MEMORIAM.

IN fond memory of my beloved daughter, who fell asleep in Jesus, March 30th, 1916. " Complete in Christ."

From Mother and Lily. Also in memory of my dear husband, Rev. Chas. Dening,

who was called to higher service, January 7th, 1906.

Commencing

April 4th,

the price of the

" UNITED

METHODIST

will be 'creased to

See Editorial

Announcement

on page 151.

linnwersary We have in stock a large selection of various editions, old Notation

in Booklet Form and Hymn Sheets.

NEW No. 8 for 1918 Season, in both Notations, 7 id. each. SERIES Words only, 2a. per 100 net. Postage 5d.

for A Specimen Copy of Words and Music of each selection will be sent ¢ost free for Eld.

Price 16. Bd. net. Post free 11. 8d

STORIES FROM THE FRONT.

By United Methodist

Chaplains.

[WITH PORTRAITS.]

The " METHODIST RECORDER " says : " A book to be thankful for—one of the

most helpful the war has produced."

Guide to Church Membership. With Church Certificate prepared by Rev.

J. B. Stedeford under the authority of Conference. Price ld. Per Post lid.

Children's Exercises. We have several'very attractive Exercises, suitable for Demonstrations arranged for a various number of scholars. specially designed for use in our own Schools : " The Message of the Flag " (ld.) ; " The Victorious Cross " (ld.) ; " Suffer the Little Children" (2d.) ; "The Golden Chain of Empire " (2d.). Specimens can be had for cost and postage id.

A New Selection of 14 HYMNS

FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS.

Pries 110 ger 100 net. restage 5a.

League of Young Worshippers REQUISITES.

Letters to Parents .. ls. per 100 net. Attendance Cards ... 3s. 9d.

. Membership Cards ... each. Postage extra.

A Selection of Hymns for WAR TIME.

IN BOOKLET FORM. 2/13 per 100.

(Postage 5d.) Specimen Copy free on application.

" jin jIttmariat." Booklet,

neatly got up, containing Six Hymns for Memorial Services.

1 s. 6d. Per 100 net. Postage extra.

HENRY HOOKS, 12 Farringdon Avenue, London, E.C.4.

.9111MEM11.

MANY LIVES HAVE BEEN SAVED:, OTHERS MIGHT BE SAVED, BY THE

Carriage paid to the Front,

55/-

Should you not send one to your Soldier

Son, Husband, Brother, or Friend ?

Letters from the

Front bear won-

derful testimony

to the value of

the DAYFIELD

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DOUBLE SHIELD

I To protect front and back •

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Carriage paid in British Isles,

53/6

41EMIM■ME111■

EECHAM'S PILLS might be mentioned as a striking example by those who believe in the saying that " old things are best." Certain it is, that although this preparation is one of the oldest proprietary medicines in use, it is still everywhere regarded as one of the best for the treatment of derangements of the liver, stomach, kidneys and bowels. Beecham's Pills are always popular ; they are never out of date. Whenever a fair trial is extended to them Beecham's Pills will continue to

GIVE the required relief in cases of digestive trouble. The popularity of this famous medicine is not confined to one class nor to one country. The reputation is world-wide. There is good reason for this. Beecham's Pills are prepared from carefully-selected ingredients, of vegetable origin, and their scientific combination has the highest value as an aperient, corrective, and tonic. As a general and family medicine Beecham's Pills afford the most complete

SATISFACTION. Prepared only by THOMAS BEECHAM, St. Helen's, Lane.

Sold everywhere, in boxes, price ls. 3d. and 3s.

March 28, 1918

THE UNITED METHODIST. 155

S. S. REWARDS. we are doing our best to supply the

books in OUR CATALOGUE, but cannot guarantee to supply selected

' titles In the cheaper series, and, unless definite instructions are given, substitutions of titles will be made.

MI orders are now executed conditionally. Owing to the constantly-increasing cost of production, the prioes are subject to alteration without previous notice.

Under the present difficult conditions we strongly advise our customers to ask for a copy of our Catalogue, and to order what they require from it, rather than send a miscellaneous list.

If possible, orders should be placed at least one clear fortnight before the prize-giving, to avoid disappointment through delay during transit. Carriage is paid on parcels of £2 value and upwards, unless required to be sent other than by goods train, and then the goods rate Is allowed.

The YORKSHIRE NIGHTINGALE

know Booking for the Season 1918-19. WRITE FOR PARTICULARS :

THE MARPIE, CHEQUER ROAD, DONCASTER, YORKS.

A New Sketoh for 7 Males and 6 Females. 1" OUR CHOIR." NOW PUBLISHED,

THE SEWING MEETING. for 10 Females. THE PREACHERS' MEETING, for 9 Males.

Both by ENOS BACON. Sample Copies, 4d. each, Post Free from above

address.

THE

"MONTHLY VISITOR" 4 pp. Illustrated Gospel Tract.

Household Friend. Always Welcome. Good for Localising.

January : " WHY SHOULD I PRAY ? " By Prof. H. R. MACKINTOSH, Edinburgh.

March : " THE MOST EXPENSIVE THING IN THE WORLD."

April "THE ONLY WAY." a. mar 100 and postage (postage 4d. first 100, and

per 100 additional up to 1000).

Specimens, etc., from R. HENDERSON Stunt. Secretary. Scottish " Monthly Visitor ' Tract Society, 68 Hanover

Street, Edinburgh.

BLANCHARD'S

ANNIVERSARY MUSIC. If you would like to include in this year's selection

School Songs by the Composer of " Christ Blessing Little Children," " Who is the Stranger ? " " The Unseen Comrade," etc.—all world-wide favourites—please send arstcard to :

G. B. BLAN HARD, 44 Duesbery Street, HULL. •

PEARL ASSURANCE COMPANY, LTD.

Chief Offices : High Holborn, W.C.1.

Annual Income exceeds... ••• RA,500,000 Claims paid exceed ... 221,500,000

Our Catalogue of Reward Books. A MINISTER WRITES " The Schools pit rchasing

rewards from you have exPresRed very great satis-faction, coupled with surprise, at the value given .1.46 these days, which, they say, comPares most favourably with that obtained front the fauns 1.rmtril Patronised."

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and grenades. Covered with Khaki Drill, it is comfortable, quite flexible, light, and admits of perfect freedom of action. Although flexible, these shields thoroughly protect the vital parts. being made in four sections, with the joints covered by steel strips, which prevent penetration at these points. They are easily removed, and when not in use fit nicely into the pack. The Double Shield consists of two single shields, protecting back and front, with curved metal plates to fit and protect the shoulders.

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EDUCATIONAL.

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EVANGELICAL SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION- AL HOMES FOR BOYS AND GIRLS. Mrs. HOOPER, 13 Regent Street London, herself a mother, and the Pioneer of Continental Educational Tours, supplies choice of Prospectuses, and offers confidential advice free of all charge. Not only have nearly all the Schools for recommendation been personally inspected many times, but Mrs. HOOPER has been responsible for the staff in most of the Schools ever since the com-mencement of her life-work in 1881, and is therefore qualified to give absolutely reliable information almost unattainable elsewhere. Mrs. HOOPER ' mothers " children from a)road, provides for holidays. arranges escorts, &c. State pupils' age, fees, limit, district preferred.

LIV ERPOOL PHYSICAL TRAINING COLLEGE, Bedford Street. Principal : Miss Irene M. Marsh,

M.I.H. Liug's Swedish System. Large Certified Staff. The Gymnasium is the largest and finest in the world. The Training College for Women Teachers close by contains extensive well-appointed rooms, every essential for Practical Education and Comfort-able Residence. Object : Train ladies to become Teachers of Gymnastics, Games, Fencing, Swimming, Dancing, Medical Gymnastic Instructors, Massage Treatment, etc. Fees: 27 guineas per term (inclu-sive). Write to Secretary for Prospectus.

rpRURO COLLEGE, TRURO, CORN WALL.— _L Headmaster : Herbert W. Viater, M.A., J.P.

Exceptionally healthy situation. Thorough Education for Business or the Professions. Fees moderate. Special arrangements for Students from Abroad. Recent successes include Inter, Arts and Science, London. Entrance to Woolwich, and Scholarships to Cambridge University.

CASH in the pocket is better than USELESS articles in the drawer. Messrs.

Carver, The Goldsmiths, East Liss, Hants, pay the very highest prices for Old False Teeth, Platinum, Old Gold Jewellery, Old Silver, Old Watches, Plated Articles, &c., and cash or offer is sent by return of post. Bankers: " Capital and Counties," Petersfield,

lar SEND TO-DAY. 'Fa

A Delightful Sweetmeat. CL EAVE'S

CELEBRATED maberMln, of c000llmat

eavoar."—Laxcerr.

-Made of the putout'

"SzooptIonally &else, DEVONSHIRE uniformly dolloloon."-- COURT ClInirliMan

CLOTTED CREAM "Bush &Moon sal bonnie.. daintioa"

CONFECTIONS. 'A x1"11"7" UNRIVALLED FOR

ABSOLUTE PURITY aJID

EXQUISITE FLAVOR. Sold In 1d., Eld., and Bd. Packets,

SOLE MAKERS;

JOHN CLEAVE & SON, LTD., Dteroutike Cream Chocolate Work',

CNItIECIOTTON, DEVON.

:Suffer ? `NOSTROLINE le soon aura Colds, Catarrh, Influenza, Bore • .„ Throat, Me. Thousands keep well by 11211211 ON "

Noetrollne." Of chemists 1/3. by post ill, 'II 1111 •Reld B. Matthews & Co., Clifton, Bristol ■ •••••••••••••• • •

Why •••••••••• When— BO

will instantly relieve and • •

FORE AST 131-ATE CIRCUIT.

THE POSITIVE ORGAN.

A real Pipe Organ, giving the effects of two manuals and pedals on its single key-board. Over 900 supplied. Estimates given for'repairs. Rebuilds, Twe and Three-Manual Organs, etc.

THE POSITIVE ORGAN Co., Ltd., 44 MornIngton Oreseent (Opposite Tube

Station), London. R.W. 1.

Toffee de Luxe—the food sweetmeat. It feeds and satisfies and thus saves other foods

Comer of Romford Road Near Forest Gate Station ... Bottom of Rathboae Street ... Near Plaistow Station South of Ilford Station ... Enquire at Grays Station ... Near Manor Park Broadway ... Right of East Ham Station ... Leigh Road (nr. corner of Argyll Right' of Seven Kings Station... Eastern Esplanade. Southend ...

IMP' Services commence at 11 a.m and 6.30 p.m. Visitors will receive a hearty welcome.

Forest Sets- Katteriee Read...! -Field Reed ...!

laming Tern-Shirley Street Plalstsw-itareld Road.- Word-Mord Lame Scats-Mew Road... Saner Park-Reasterd Read East Nams-High Street, N. ...I Westeliff-en-Soa... Seven Kings Soetteed-Soott's Was

Rev. W. E. CHIVERS. B.A. Rev. J. W. ARMSTRONG Rev. J. B.BOOTH Rev. W. BAINBRIDGE Rev. J. BODEN Rev. W. BRYARS Rev. H. WILLIAMS Rev. P. GALPIN Rev. W. J. REDMORE Rev. J. H. SQUIRE, B.A., E.D. Rev. T. J. WATSON

••

—=== 4d. ORDER THROUGH YOUR MINISTER. 4d. • N.B.—We regret: to announce that in consequence of the continued

advance in the cost of paper, the selling price of this Magazine is increased ONE PENNY—that is, to FOURPENCE—per month, beginning with the April issue.

From many testimonies received, this Serial is serving a useful purpose and is much appreciated. We therefore cherish the strong hope that our present subscribers will not drop away from us, but continue their loyal support in these difficult days.

The Missionary Echo. CONTENTS POR APRIL.

156

THE UNITED METHODIST. March 28, i918

ADVERTISE

YOUR WANTS In the

UNITED

METHODIST.

25 words for 1$. aged ems Halfpenny ter **eh edditional word.

Three Insertions for price of two.

HARROGATE, ASHVILLE COLLEGE.

FOR BOARDERS ONLY.

Finest Situation.

Thorough Equipment.

University Staff.

Cadet Corps.

Rev. ALFRED SOOTHILL, B.A.. Head Master. -

STAFFORD COLLEGE, Forget Hill, re. Establuheel ta&T.

!lording k Day School for Boys. Basethy Sliensiima Madera Reminnamt.

Mods ate Inelosive Tem. gymnsoloas. Playing 71014 for Ponhall a, Crick*

At the College of Preceptors 'Examinations (117-1915) 368 Stafford College Students were successful, taking several places in

honours and many distinctions.

Prospectus on application to PitD4CIEPAlL W. G. DOITIMIAS,

Stafford Ballads. Weatbourne Ed.,

FOREST HILL, S.E.

Noe GrommorSchool; Plymouth. Priwci#ei and Head Master :

G. P. DYMOND, M.A. (Land.) Senior House Master :

W . J. LUKE. B.A. (Lend.). With Full Staff of Graduate and well-

qualified Teachers. RECENT SUCCESSES: At Edinburgh University (300 Guinea Scholarship, direct from School). London Matriculation (First and Second Division).0xford Local Senior (First and Second Class Honours), Civil Service (53rd out of 1,200), Sandhurst (by Competition). Naval Clerkships, Bankers' Institute and various Professional and Commercial Examinations.

EVERY ACCOMMODATION FOR BOARDERS.

(High Testimonials.)

Edgehill Girls' College, BIDEFORD. N. DEVON,

Haan Miszazsg:' Mlea L 0. JOHNSON. LA. (Nees.) Lend.

Healthy and beautiful - situation ; laboratory ; gymnasium ; large

playing fields ; own farm.

Terms, from 36 Guiaess.

For list of recent successes and Prospectus, apply to-

Rev. R. S. HALL, Governor, or the Head Mistress.

All omm unieatisim, respecting Advertisement should be addressed to the ADVERT tentawr MANAGER, " United Methodist," 12 Farringdow Avenue, London, E.C. 4

Geo. M. HAMMER & Co.,Ltd. Established UM 'Thane AIM Boy.

IIANDP1A7TURRE11 of RYRIT DZSCRIPTION of

CHURCH ltinaltParn ifonsr?and Rysanal Dosnic Dallootiso FURNITURE TP=

)bolts 430 STRAND, W.C. ohJire,:,:raTrit.d

it HOTELS, HYDROS, BOARD RESIDENCES, and PRIVATE APARTMENTS.

PADDINGTON.

CORY'S HOTEL, T sod S omen's STREET. WRY Ovum Tar Castram..

Two minutes ilatactwilin4.4.10140.11 Lmdea Xaaysonc BEDROOM (including light and astemdasesit Single, from 2/6. Double. from 4/,

Talsphans tMll PADDIncron, mews )agreed flasemos Cour'. Hares,. !Aim^ Procristar, Z. DORT.

Services a Preachers SUNDAY, MARCH 31st.

Horsing

LEN DON. Oleplee Junction-

Wallis:moo Road). 11 a.m., 5.10 P.m.

SteekweIl-tParadiar Road) 11 a.m., GAO Paw.

Mk Crested-Clapham Park Rd. 11 a.m., 8.11eit.sa,

Mow -Walken Grove. 11 am. LW hot.

Pelbege-Menster Road ' 11.40.,. S. 0 POW*

West Kensington-Ebenezer (North End Rd.), 11 a.m.. 6.30 P.m. Botiel (North End Rd.) 11 a.m., 6.30 P.m.

Westsiastsr-Vauxhall B'ge 11 a.m., 6.30 1.st.1

Ilewhaitew-Piruuswlok, Gt. Dover Street. 11 a.m.. 8.101

PROVINCIAL. IMIgONt-

Esietal Road. 11...o.. 7 icov. Stanford Avenue. 11 a os 7 ,e.ous. Old Shoreham Rd

It a.m. and 70.m Oelafol-

Radcliffe Crescent, 11 a.m., ISO P.m.

Melfield-Soctland Street Mission

10.10 a.m. 1.0b.m.

Individual Communion Cups For Lists of PATENT "IDEAL" osTrin and SAMPLES OE APPROVAL. carriage free. write

to the Makers

Townshends, Ltd., Birmingham.

MINISTERING WOMEN The Story of tire Work of ties Slams connected with this Uaked Methodist Deaconess Imairats, togodao with some acemat ed tk. Origi• and dietary el Ur

Iaetiteta. By Rev. HENRY SMITH.

208 pp. With 14 lull-page Illustrations. Prime 1/- net. By post 1 /a.

HENRY NOOKS. 1 FarrIngdos Avenue. Leaden, LC.4.

WHEN REPLYING TO ADVERTISEMENTS PLEASE MENTION

"UNITED METHODIST."

WEST CENTRAL HOTEL FIRST.CLASS HOTEL FOR MILS i entrumn.

Preseassod by the Press the lest Tosigeresioe Natal to Ike Uetkd Meadow. Passenger Lifts.

Crovesinit for City or Watt tad-lholeess or Pleasure.

q jelly commended by Sir William Hartley, J.?. Ray. David Heath, BAY. John Thornley. Rev. Ditudala T. Tonne.

sad thoimanda of guests from all parts of the world. APARTMENTS, SERVICE AND

TABLE D'HOTE !BREAKFAST room 6/- SOUTHAMPTON NOW, LONDON

CONTENTS EDITORIAL.-The Cross In War. . THE PLACE OF RELIGION AND TUB

CHURCH IN SOCIAL RECONSTRUC- L=.-= TION.

I. What Religion has already done for ---E Society. By T. Nightingale. (Portrait )

PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL FREIE CHUR 11 CO. NCIL. Rev. George 11,mper (Portrait.)

BY HE WATERS OF ELIM. By Rev. T. Sunderland.

= TRAVEL IN PALt-STINE AND TURKISH RULE. By Rev. J. W. Miller, B.A. (Illustrated).

MY RANMOOR D4YS. By Rev. J. S. Clemens, B.A., D.D.

SNAPSHOTS IN YUNNAN. Rev. F. R. Craddock.

THE PRAYER UNION. Oriental Proverbs.

THROUGH THE SECRETARY'S FIELD-0 ASSES. Rev. C. Stedeford.

DR. LEWIS SANTINI, IN MEM0RIAM. Mrs. Hicks, Rev. C. N. Mylne.

IN A DRAwING-ROOM. Selected. NOW I THE TI YIE TO ISSUE BOXES I

BISPHAMI BLACKPOOL 74 ahriPIS 11 Hesketh Avenue, Public and Private Apartments• close to sea. U.N.

BLAG-KPOOL • — Misses PILLING, 25 Northumberland Avenue, N.S.

Public and Private Apartments. U.M.

-Mrs. SCHOFIELD, Norfolk House, 19 Banks Street.

Public and Private Apartments. Sea view. N.S. U.M.

-Mrs. J. H. Ainley. Trafford • House, 42 Charnley Rood.

Public and Private Apartments. Near Central Station and Sea. U.N.

-Mrs. SMEDLEY (from Long • Eaton), Glen Rosa." 104

High Street. North Shore, Blackpool. Public and Private apartments. Board optional. Near sea and promenade. Terms moderate. U.M.

FOR APRIL.

MY FAVOURITE BOOK. AND WHY. By Rev. H. J. Shingles.

SOME WHO COUNT' IN UNITED METHODISM. Councillor J. G. Frost, Mayor of Maccles- field. tPortrait.)

THE CLOSE OF A MI sISTERIAL JUBILtit.. The late Rev. J. C. Bassett. (Portrait).

" A MODERN ISRAEL." (Serial Story.) By Roland Oliver.

CALLED HOME. Mr. William vedmore. (Portrait.) Mr. Alfred Fairfax, FA C.

OUR LITERARY SURVEY. By Rev. J. G. B. Corin.

MERLIN, OR THE ONWARD MARCH. The Editor.

FAVOURITE. HYMNS OF OUR SOLDIERS. "THE SAVIOUR OF [HE WORLD."

Miss L. E. M. Syson OUR WilMEN'S AUXILIARY.

Mrs. R. S. Hall. Extracts from Rev. C. B. Hicks' Diary. China's Womanhood. Selected

VIE LONDON MEETINGS, APRIL 22. EDITO t'S QUERY-BOX.

MiltiECANIBE lArs. F. and Miss Whittles. E. Grangeville." 10 Windsor

Terrace, Heysham Road. W.B. Public and Private Apartments Home comforts. Terms moderate

U.N.

MORECAMBE —Misses PICKERING, Beach • Mount, Victoria Esplanade.

E.E. Public and Private Apartments. Highly • recommended. U.N.

-Bracing. . low rain-

fall, hills and sea. -Misses Mellor. " Rosewood." Victoria Avenue. Safety area. f* M

FIREWOOD ABOLISHED!

The "PERMANENT" FIRELIGHTER. NO NEED TO BUY FIREWOOD OR CHIPS.

WILL SAVE ITS COST IN 14 DAYS I I The "PERMANENT" FIRE LIGHTER is so named

because of its Permanent nature and Lasting Qualities, and is charged with a substance which DOES N T BURN AWAY.

It Saves Money, Saves Time, Saves Labour, Saves Worry, Saves Matches.

Th. 3d. each, Post' Free. Speol.1 quality. with handle,. 1 ustrated.3d.extra.

THE BRITISH VACUUM CO. (U M ) 91 Duko Stroot, Liverpool.

AGENTS WANTED. Liberal Terms.

SOUTHPORT — WELBECK HOUSE' It Portland Street. Public said Private Apartments, near Lord Street and Promeaatis

For terms apply-Miss Dyson.

SOUTHPORT (safetY area). - MATLOCIE HOUSE, 60 Bath Street. A.

meats or Board. Near Prom., Lord Street, datirokee, Methodist home. Highly recommended by ministers. Piano, bath. Invalids specially studied. Teams moderate.-Mrs. Hall.

ST. ANNES-ON-SEA.,a tell:a:got ts", Near sea and golf links. Sunny aspect. Clem to station.-Misses Podeus and Richards, Resthaves." 64 St. Andrew's Road, S.

MISCELLANEOUS. A -PAGE BOOK ABOUT HERBS AND HOW

1..?"± TO USE THEM, post free 2d.-TRIMNELL. The Herbalist, 144 Richmond Road, Cantle. BMWs Balled 11179.

1..)AZAAR.-If you are holding a sale of work, wee 1.../ will provide a stall of goods yielding good profit without risk.-Write for particulars, James, 44 Wilma Street. Finsbury, B.C. 2. London. Please mention this paper.

TRISH LINEN and Linen Mixture. Remnant fleas. suitable for making Pillow Cases. Tea Cloths.

Fancy Work, &c. Good quality. Assorted lots. Sc. 6d.. 10s 6d., and 20s.„ carriage paid. Wm. Wilson, 83 Agincourt Avenue, Belfast.

A SECRETS. -Fish bite like hungry, wolves. Abundant catches. Always good sport..

No drugs. Instructions. together with 100 priceless recipes. is. Government registered. Professor Gleam (U.M.), 11 Mawbey Street. London. S.W.8.

PEACH'S CURTAINS —191 Catalogue . post

8 free New.

Ideas and Exclusive Designs in Curtains, Curtain. Materials. Muslins Linens. Complete Guide at MAKERS' PRICES. Write to-day.S. PEACH & SONS.. 199 The Looms, Nottingham.

FOR SALE.-A complete set of the " Minutes,"' from 1836 to 1917, in excellent condition.-Apply,.

Askew, 43 Macklin Street, Derby.

CANADIAN. FARMS wanted in exchange for English House Properties.-Anglo-Colonial Investments.

Ltd., Cambridge Chambers, Harrogate.

REQUIRED, Castoffs, Blouses, Underwear, Booty.. Shoes, Jerseys, Oddments. Separate price ofiered

each article. Mrs. Lightowler, 182 Manningham Lane. Bradford.

SITUATION VACANT.

GENERAL MAID wanted, age 25-35. Quiet. comfortable situation./ Wage £28 to £30. Total

abstainer. Man kept for" knives, boots, coal. &o.- Mrs. H. Harris, Southville, Priory Rool., Edgbaston. Birmingham.

A Catalogue of Books suitable for; MISSIONARY PRIZES may be had ON apilication to HENRY HOOKS, 12' Farringdon Avenue, London, B.C. 4.

— A —

Splendid Enlargement of any Photograph for CaPrria

aid.e,

• Delicately and Artistically Finished by coin.

potent Artists In an indelible process. Size 12 inches by 10 inches,

mounted on India tint plate sunk mount. A READER writes :

"I received the Enlargement. and I must ea, 1 am extremely Pleased with it. It as honestly worth more money comtared to others I have seen a* higher prices. If any of my friends require as Enlargement, I shall have no hesitation e recommending you."

send any Photograph, together with P.O., and Is 10' days you will receive a work of art that will chars and surprise yea. Year original photograph ell. be mimed at duo ease time undamaged.

Address: Manager, " United Methodist," 12 Farringdon Avenue, E.C. 4.

. H. Blackwell

H. Cooper

C. H. Buxton

C. W. Soper

J. H. Palmer

D. S. Marley

G. A. Wilson

J.H.Greenwood

G. G. Nicholson

L. H. Court

D. Watkins

J. G. B. Coda

R. T. Battle

W. Madgen

Evening.

W. Littlewood

E. Bennett

J. H. Blackwell

C. W. Soper

A. E. Cope

J. W. Townson.

G. A. Wilson

J. H. Palmer

G. G. Nicholson

D. Watkins

L. H. Court

J. G. B. Coda

R T. Buttle

W. Madgen

BLACKPOOL

BLACKPOOL

BLACKPOOL

The United Methodist Magazine.

• A Minister who has increased the circulation from 12 Per month to 100 says =-.-- I find if I show a sample people usually order the ECHO." ==.

Monthly ONE PENNY.

PRESTATYN, N. WALES

Printed at Tux MAGNET PREss, 188 Rye Lane, Peckham, S.E., and Published by HENRY HOOKS, 12 Farringdon Avenue, London, E.C.. ter the UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Thursday, March 28th, 1918.