0 IS THE

AN EMERGENCY

The Bible Society is in straits.

During the war it has been publishing more translations and issuing more copies of the Scriptures than ever.

As part of its responsibility for meeting a world-need, the Society has provided 6,000,000 volumes for soldiers- and sailors and refugees, .in over fifty different languages. Meanwhile it has fully maintained its usual work throughout the Nvorld.

During this year 1917, the serious rise in prices will compel the Society to lay out an add - tional £30,000 merely to produce! its editions, besides spending 'far more money in every other department of its activities.

, In all lands men are seeking for light and truth. The Bible Society is striving to meet "their need. And to this end, the Society must have during the present year, over and above its ordinary income,

AT LEAST £30,000 "NEW MONEY"

Donations, marked " Emer-gency Fund," may be sent to the Secretaries, at the ,Bible House,

146, Queen Victoria Street, London.

The entire cost of this announcement is cslefraYed by a few friends of the Society.

THE UNITED METHODIST, THURSDAY, MARCH 22nd, 1977.

" VIVE LA DUMA I"(Page 139). DEFINITENESS IN PRAYER (See below). DEATH OF MR. GEORGE GOODALL, J.P. (Page 135).

THE NATIONAL FREE CHURCH COUNCIL (Page 138),

THE WEEKLY JOURNAL OF .THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. With which is incorporated the "Free Methodist," founded 1886.

No 486 NEW SERIES, ca./D° THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 191/. (Registered at the General TWELVE PAGES. Post Office as a Newspaper ONE PENNY.

PRINCIPAL CONTENTS. Definiteness in. Prayer. BY J. Foster ••• The late ROY.' Jabeis King Happenings - Things that arc Being 'Said ... • ... United Methodist Table Talk Death of Mr. George Goodall. Our Deaconesses. By The Warden ...

PAGE ... 133 ... 134 ••• 134 ••• 134 ••• 135 ••• 135 ••• 135

Removals 135 Sunday Afternoon. By Ernest F. H. Caj'ey . ... 136 Jehovah-Nissi (C.E. Topic). By T. A. Jelferies, F.L.S. 136 Young People's Topics. By C N. Myine 136 The late Rev. John Herridge Batt. An Appreciation.

By Rev. R. Pylre ... 137 The !resident-Designate of the Free Church Connell ... ... 137 Rev. J. W. Heywood's- Valedictory Meeting ... ... 137 National Free Church Council. Impressions. By W.B. ... 138 Our Chaplains. • By Henry Smith... ... ••• )38 United Methodist Ministers and National Service ... 138

Vivo la Dame I" By Henry Smith ... 139 Jottings. By Provincial • ... 139 For Our Teacher. By B. C Urtrin. B.A.. 13.D. 140 Women's Missionary Auxiliary ... 140 News of Our Churches ••• 141-142 Feed in War-Time ... 142

Definiteness in Prayer. Saying Prayers Without Praying.

MANY of our prayers, both public and private, are powerless because they are poindess. They aim at nothing in particular and hit it. They flutter about everywhere but arrive at no goal. It is so easy to say prayers without praying that we use familiar phrases which were once alive with great thoughts and desires without any appreciation of their mean-ing and without any intelligent sympathy with their purpose. We ask for what happens to come into the mind under the excitement of the moment, whether it expresses the need we feel and the desire we cherish or not. We pray by rote and come to live by routine, for the way in which a man prays powerfully affects the way in which he lives. If arrested in our vague and vagrant prayers as the blind man in the Gospels was by the sharp question, "What will ye that I should do unto you ? " many of us would not be as ready as he was with an answer, "Lord, that I may receive my sight." He knew exactly what he wanted and asked for it. There was no circumlocution about his prayer ; it was inspired by a very definite purpose that gave it point and power. Study the great prayers of the Bible and you will find in them 'very definite requests expressed in the simplest and most straightforward language available. There was no mistaking what Elijah wanted on Carmel both before and after his victory over the priests of Baal. And how pertinent it was to the occasion—" Send fire—send rain " There is no theologizing or philosophizing or poetizing in what we know as the Model Prayer. It is a brief series of simple, direct petitions which yet corver the whole 'needand the holiest aspiration of the child of God. How definite Jesus Himself was in His prayers, whether for . Himself or others:: "If it be possible, let this cup pass from Me." "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not." "I pray not that thou wouldest take them out of the world, but that thou wouldest keep them from the evil." This definiteness in prayer is only possible to those who have a keen sense of God and think before they speak to Him, who prepare the mind and heart to pray :

"My words fly up, my thoughts remain below ; Words without thoughts never to heaven go."

But many of our prayers though expressed in beautiful and it may be Scriptural words that meant a great deal to those who first used them, are born of no serious thought, are relevant to no deeply felt need and are therefore charged with no passion of desire and purpose. We think little of them before they are spoken, and therefore think nothing of them after they are spoken. We do; not "keep watch " for the answer and feel disappointment if it does not come.

Definiteness and Private Devotions. Now the definiteness in prayer for which I plead

would give new life and power to our private devo-tion. Mr. Mylne in a, recent article in this journal

describes many of our prayers as "foggy " and insists that it is not enough to pray for missions and missionaries in general ; we must read and • think . in order to set before our mind the needs and claims of particular places and persons. Only such prayer leads to the "practice " which he desiderates. And so he gives us a programme for the week to con-centrate thought and stimulate and guide desire. Readers of the Life of F. W. Robertson will remem-ber that the famous preacher set before him specific) objects in his daily prayers 'because he found that his private devotions were apt to become dreamy and unfruitful. Who of us has not felt the utter staleness of the hour he was supposed to spend alone with God, having little gracious influence on the mind and character, bringing little light or strength or inspiration for the conduct of life? The conse-quence is we lose heart in prayer and either neglect the spiritual exercise or become perfunctory and conventional in it. Of course there is a communion with God in which the soul asks nothing from God but simply enjoys His presence and fellowship, and is braced and uplifted thereby. Nothing written here is meant to disparage the. supreme value of this communion as a means of Christian culture or equipment for Christian service. But when prayer becomes petition it should be definite or it will be barren and ineffective. We had better be silent when we •have nothing to ask God for than use pious speech in which we do not put our mind and heart. It is so easy to confess sin in general without any real acknowledgment• of the sins of which we have been guilty. It is not prayer for the pardon of sin in general that is of much use to us, but prayer for the forgiveness of the particular sins we have com-mitted. Our weaknesses and perils lie on different sides of our nature, and what may involve you jr1 fearful temptation may be an occasion of no trial to me, while what may set my soul ablaze with dan-gerous passion may scarcely stir an emotion in you. "Each man is tempted when he is drawn away •of his own lust, and enticed." What we need there-fore -to ask God for is not so much 'fortification against temptation in general as victory over our own temptation. The world is a big place and it is easy to get lost in it. Often the best service we can render it is to bring our own brother Simon to Jesus, for when some individuals are brought under His saving influence the whole world is blest.

Definite Prayer and the Pulpit. Would not more definiteness in our prayers give

a new impressiveness to the pulpit? It is a com-monplace that the prayers are the least satisfactory part of Free Church services. It is often said that the cry for a Liturgy springs from a desire in the congregation to take a larger part in the worship. Is it not rather due to the fact that the prayers of the preacher betray little understanding of their real needs and give them no direct expression ? They often provoke the feeling that found voice in the Scotswoman who, when worn out by th,e wearisome platitudes of her minister, said, "Oh, that he would ask for something." We indulge in pious reflections instead of presenting petitions. We display our-selves instead of expressing the needs of a •people burdened with sin and sighing for deliverance from its guilt and power, broken with sorrow' and looking wistfully for comfort and hope, wrestling with doubt and. longing for guidance and relief, in the grip of temptation and needing defence and support. How many of our prayers are oblique sermons, surely meant to impress the congregation rather than to influence God. In our desire to be what we call comprehensive, how often we ramble round the universe and become tedious, not to say irritating. We can scarcely pray for our soldiers and sailors without elaborate statements of the objects for which we are at war. I was startled recently by the remark of a lay friend that ministers had Most the art of praying. We had been together to a service in which there had been more moralising than pray-ing in the prayer. The power of prayer is in its

134

THE UNITED METHODIST. March 22, 1917

simplicity and direCtness. These draw the pulpit and the pew together in a sympathy that helps to make every part of the service impressive. Dr. Maclaren was a prince of preachers, but many of his people would rather have missed his sermons than his prayers : they were so ,expressive of their inmost thoughts and desires in simple direct speech to God. Some of the lost glory of the pulpit may be recovered through the prayer as well as the sermon.

The Prayer-Meeting Problem. Would not more definiteness-in our prayers help

to solve the pressing problem of the prayer-meeting in our churches? A praying church is a powerful church, but 'how seldom is the Church on its knees in these days ! I wonder whether I should be thought offensive if I suggested that the decline of the prayer-meeting is largely ,due to those who take the leading part in it. Frankly, this is my belief after a fairly long and varied experience. Call a prayer-meeting for any specific. object—missionary, Sunday School, Temperance, a revival of the spiri-tual life of the Church, the protection and guidance of the nation in a time of difficulty and danger, and how many will observe it in their prayers? We are

'so much the slaves of customs and phrases that we wander off to any number of other objects, and are sure to bring in our hobby. The Sunday evening prayer-meeting was once a great power in the Methodist Church, but it has been robbed of its glory and influence because the specific purpose for which it is held is so seldom observed by those who pray. Anything or everything rather than a bless-ing on the services of the day, and especially the conversion of those who have heard the word of grace. The prayers are vague and vagrant rather than pointed, with the result that they hinder rather than help the spirit of intercession. The need is to concentrate the mind and heart on 'the ends sought, and that means severe personal discipline.

"Pray in the spirit, and with the understanding also."

J. FOSTER.

The Late Rev. Jabez King. ALD. MARK MORDEY, J.P., writes : As a layman • and a very old 'friend of the late Rev.

Jabez King I wish to pay my tribute of regard and affection to his good work. I have known him for a number of years and have pleasant recollections of his useful work during the year he was President of the U.M.F.C. Assembly. How ably he filled the chair and conduCted the business of the Assembly ! Mr. King was chairman of the Bristol and South Wales Dis-trict for two years during the early years of the Union, when there were many difficult matters to be overcome. His knowledge of Connexional matters and his tactful-ness were brought to bear with great advantage. He soon endeared himself to the new brethren as he had done with those he had worked with for many years. After he was superannuated and took over the pastorate of the Westbury-on-Trym Church I frequently met him at his house (when visiting an institution of which I was member of the board), and I enjoyed walks and talks with him. FIe retained a deep interest in Con-nexional affairs, and was very hopeful of the success of the Union. Mr. King has finished his course. He is now reaping his regard for his good and faithful life devoted to the work of the Master.

There are many interesting incidents I could refer to during our long years of friendship, but as your space is -limited I refrain 'from doing so. ,Mr. King's life and work will live many years in the memory of those who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.

It will be some consolation to his widow and family to know that he was belovGd and esteemed by all who knew him.

Teachers' Training Scheme Examination.

DEAR MR. EDITOR,—Please allow me to say in the next issue of the UNITED METHODIST that the examina-tion in connection with our "Teacher Training Scheme" must be held soon. It is probable that there are teachers preparing for it who have not yet informed me, and I shall be glad to have their names and ad-dresses so that I can send to the circuit ministers the examination questions and make all needed arrange-ments. I hope that the teachers will at once let me have this information. Ministers will oblige by inform-ing teachers, for some may not see this letter, and if ;ministers can give me information it will be welcomed.

With thanks for the anticipated insertion of this note, Yours truly,

S. C. CHALLENGER. 324 Mansfield Road, Nottingham.

CORRECTION.—In Rev. J. Thornley's letter in last week's "U.M.," p. 126, col. 3, line 50, "invaluable" should be "unattainable."

Happenings. --(" National economy and hard work is the help the

Navy needs," says Admiral Jellicoe. —A donkey, sold and resold at an Epsom Red Cross

sale, realised 4224. —All employees of Folkestone Corporation who can

plough are to be released temporarily for food production. —Law and justice will cost 44,860,882 to administer

in the forthcoming financial year, a net decrease of 4'119,921. —Destruction of business premises during the Dublin

Rebellion caused the electricity undertaking of the con-povation a net loss of 47,200. —London Museum receives under the will of Mr.

William King, of Waterloo, Liverpool, an oak table made from the piles of old London Bridge. —Firms not permitted to engage men between certain

ages may transfer their employees from one occupation to another provided they are kept in the same firm. —Girls educated in L.C.C. trade schools are in such

demand that only • a third of the applications from employers can be entertained. —Mr. Macpherson, Under Secretary for War, states

that the following chaplains are serving abroad : Church of England, 1,037 ; Roman Catholic, 518; Presbyterian, 196 ; United Board, 161; -Wesleyan, 157; Jewish, 7; Welsh Calvinist, 6. —A. Fenner Brockway, editor of the "Labour Leader,"

has been court-martialled and sentenced to two years' imprisonment for refusal to Obey military orders. He has already served 112 days' hard labour in Wandsworth Prison for a similar refusal.

---- —The g-old.in hand in the Bank of France amounts to

4128,856,160. —A smithy near Woking, established for 800 years,

has had to be closed through lack of labour. —The abolition of Sunday railway travelling is stated

to be under consideration, says the Exchange Tel. Co. —In Turkey compulsory service as agricultural

labourers has been introduced for all men who are not in the army.

—During December, January and February 33,874 tons of potatoes were requisitioned for the various Army canteens. —The Dublin "Evening Mail " states that the Govern-

ment has decided to close down about 8,000 of the 17,500 public-houses in Ireland. —Only life and death cases are now admitted to

Birmingham General Hospital owing to the shortage of staff. —Making wedding rings was claimed as work of

national importance by. a West Ham Tribunal applicant, who said his firm was doing an enormous trade. —Until the Government introduces iconkription of

wealth, Newcastle Labour Representation Committee has decided not to assist Voluntary National Service. —After reading a postcard from her husband stating

that he had been ordered to the front, Florence Pilbeam, a young Southwark woman, dropped dead in the street. —Hubert W. Peet, joint editor of the "Ploughshare,"

and E. Samuel Weller were sentenced at Hounslow Barracks to two years' hard labour for refusal to obey military orders.

—The total expenditure for all services, war and peace, from April 18th, 1916, to March 31st next will work out at an average of approximately 46,000,000 a day. —Train alterations announced , by the L. and N.W.

Railway 'to begin on April 1st are postponed until April 15th. —Answering Mr. W. Crooks, M.P., Mr. Bonar Law

said he would consider the suggestion of an extra Bank Holiday on the Saturday at Easter if the banks put it forward. —South Australian Wheat Board returns show that the

Government's estimate in December of 34,000,000 bushels of wheat will be exceeded by 6,000,000 bushels. This yield is a record for the State. —Greengrocers in Battersea have resolved that in

future no children shall be served. with potatoes. The step has been taken to prevent injury to the children in the crush. —Mr. Bonar Law stated in the House of Commons on

Monday that the total payments for all services, war and peace, between February 11th and March 31st were estimated' to average 7,260,060 a day. —Captain Bathurst said in the House of Commons on

Monday that any hoarding of food supplies will be dealt with drastically in an order shortly to be issued to that effect. —The Food Controller proposes to fix the maximum

price of swedes at lid. per lb. The supplies will not last beyond another month. The stocks of parsnips are practically exhausted.

Bonar Law wishes that his statement, made in the House last Friday as to the possibility of a General Election, should not be regarded as a threat but simply as a statement of possibility.

UNITED METHODIST DEACONESS INSTITUTE.

To keep out of Debt and obtain Challenge offers of £269 we need in

For Current For Retiring

Account. Funo.

Special Gifts - £199 £46 Received this week 8 2

gilr Still to raise - £191 £44 WILL YOU PLEASE HELP US ?

Gifts gratefully received by the WARDEN, 25 Bolingbroke Grove, . Wandsworth Common. London. S.W. 11

Things that are being Said. Optimism and Courage.

Real optimism and real courage are in the man who will face the facts.—SIR EDWARD CARSON.

The Threefold Alliance. A threefold alliance must be effected between the

Church Catholic, the democracies, and womanhood, if peace is to be effectively guaranteed.—The "Methodist Times."

Bagdad Falls without a Bill! Bagdad falls without a bill ! That is the tragic side

of the thing to Fleet Street, which feels that the new order might be waived for such an event.—The "Man-chester Guardian."

The Prayer for To-day. The prayer we need to pray most of all to-day is that

when the heavenly vision appears God shall give us grace at whatever cost and whatever sacrifice to be obedient to it.—DR. CHARLES BROWN.

The Next Few Weeks. What we do ip the course of the next few weeks

will decide whether we shall achieve victory in the ap-proaching fine season, or whether we shall have to undergo a fourth winter of hostilities.—MR. NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN.

The Immediate Duty. The immediate duty which faces our theologians is

not to affect a pose of superiority to the thoughts and emotions of the hour, but to win a hearing for the changeless truths of their religion by presenting them as answers to present questions. — The "Christian 'orld."

The Resurrection. The resurrection is, to a historian, not very clear

in its details. But is it the detail or the central fact that matters? Take away the resurrection, however it happened, whatever it .was, and the history of the Church is unintelligible.—DR. T. R. GLOVER in "The Jesus of History."

Parson and Layman. What is sinful for a parson is sinful for a layman.

If a clergyman from the pulpit invites men to fight for their country, it cannot on principle' be wrong for him to fight also. I am glad to think the Free Churches have never forbidden their ministers to fight.—RT. HON. WALTER RUNCIMAN.

Not Ready for War. Only when nations generally are not ready for war

will peace be secure; real disarmament will be the first visible sign of permanent peace; and any project which would bar the way to or retard disarmament, or which would have the effect of -"shackling the new system

. with the old evil," stands condemned. — The "Con-temporary Review."

Stop the Drink! Bread, the staff of life, is slipping from our grasp.

The country is faced with a food crisis of the utmost gravity. There is ghastly want on the one hand and ghastly waste on the other. We demand the immediate cessation of the manufacture of strong drink. It comes as a great cry from the heart of the people, strong and clear, resonant and far-reaching. Stop the drink !—DR. CLIFFORD.

March in London. The snowdrops must be out at Odsey now,

Splashes of white among the ivy leaves, And down the wood their little white heads bow,

As the soft wind slips through the kafless trees; And here and there in clumps between, The less brave daffodil pokes up his green. But as in bed I sleepless lie,

And -watch the grey smoke curl away, I only see a wind-blown sky

And trees all buds of green and grey; For really I am down that wood Picking the snowdrops—oh, 'tis good.

—K. M. M. F. in the "Westminster Gazette."

Drink and Food. Drink has wasted. more food during the war than all

our armies have consumed. The time has come when nothing but the Christian conscience will save this nation. After two red years of matchless sacrifice, the House of Commons has rejected another opportunity of following the King's noble example. All it has con-sented to do was to put itself on the level of the tap-room and deny drink to itself during prohibited hours. During the war the drink trade has swallowed up five million tons of food, and this has created the necessity which is the Kaiser's opportunity.—MR. ARTHUR MEE.

A Good Churchman. "A good Churchman " ought to mean, not one who

devotes himself to questions of ecclesiastical arrange-ment, but one who in a peculiar degree is dediCated to the warfare of Christ against all that is evil in the world ; thinking no more about himself-than the soldier who fights for his nation ; foremost in supporting all that is good in every department of life, foremost also in the assault upon all that is evil; not keeping away from the world, in a freedom from contamination which is bought at the price of complete ineffectiveness, but out in the world, knowing that he will be free from all pollution by the power of the Holy Ghost, the active energy of God.—REv. W. TEMPLE, M.A., in ((Chris-tian Commonwealth."

* * * * NATIONAL SERVICE.

It is urgently necessary that all the ministers who have received forms 'from Dr. Packer re National Ser-vice should return them to Rev. H. Smith, 25 Boling-

, broke Grove, London, S.W. 11, whether they can ren-der riZsv service or not, as complete records are needed and if new service is offered additional steps have to be taken which will consume time. Promptness on the part of all will be very much esteemed.

The Rev. G. B. Brown, The Manse, Holt, would be glad if .ministers and relatives of boys in. 4th Devon Cyclist Regt., now stationed at Holt, would write and put him in touch with them.

MY WAY. From day to day,

With steadfast eye Lifted on high,

I go my way.

No rest I ask, Nor look behind; But bend my mind

Unto my task.

My way I went— Now fast, now slow— And home I know

Waits at the end. CUTHBERT ELLISON.

** * * *

March 22, 1917.

United, Methodist Table Talk.

1V OTICE.—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 the matter or the point of view is considered of sufficient interest and importance to warrant publication. The Denominational position on any subject can of course be defined only by the Conference.

*_ • • • •

The Editor's address is 188 Rye Lane,

Peckham, S.E.15.

PERSONAL. The Rev. G. M. Beard-is at work for the Y.M.C.A.

in France. We regret that we are not able to give his address as it would show that a certain unit in the Army is now in France.

The Crosland Moor Circuit and his many friends are rejoicing that Mr. William Shires, J.P., has been appointed as a magistrate for the Borough of Hudders-field. It is regarded by all as a well-earned distinction. Many remember with gratitude the faithful work which Mr. Wm. Shires, J.P., and the other members of this family have done in,connection with the United Method-ist Churches in the Huddersfield District.

Mr. Henry Lawton, J.P. Lees, has recently been elected President of the

J.P., Chamber of Com-

merce, an honour which his many friends feel to be richly deserved by reason of his past and present service in the commercial. world. Mr. Lawton has had associa-tion with our Zion Church, Lees, from childhood, his late father (Mi. Anthony H. Lawton) having been one of the school superintendents for a long period. Hap-pily the son has emulated the worthy father in show-ing devotion to the Sunday School, and has been teacher of the Young Men's Class for many years--a labour he still delights to render. He has also served as circuit secretary steward 'for a generation or more. All who know him rejoice unfeignedly in this -token of confidence from his Confreres, and -wish him many years of useful service in his honourable position.

Mr. J. Jackson, a member of our Salem Church, Manchester, has been appointed a J.P. for the County Borough of . Salford.

A good number of friends will be sorry to hear that a cablegram has been received announcing the death in Ontario, Canada, of Mrs. Parker, foijmerly Sister Clarice of Bowron House. She did good work both as deaconess and evangelist for several years. Amongst her missions, one of the most remarkable was in St. Agnes, Cornwall. Sister Clarice was in the Brigh-ton Railway smash some seven or eight years ago, and has never been quite the same since, She leaves a hus-band and little son and many friends who mourn her loss, but rejoice in her victory.

U.M. ROLL OF HONOUR. SERGT. CHARLES FARRAR, D.C.M.

We offer our sincere sympathy to Mr. and Mrs. Farrar, of Thornton, Bradford, in their recent bereave-ment. It is only a few months since we had the painful duty of announcing that their third son, Sergt. John Farrar, had been killed in France. Now the sad news comes that their second son, Charles, has died from his wounds. The eldest son is also in France, and the youngest fought in the trenches, but his dis-charge was obtained as he was considerably under military age: Details of the death of Sergt. Charles are not yet- to hand. All that is known at present is that he was seriously wounded in a recent fight, both his legs being fractured, and that he died soon after-wards at a Casualty Clearing Station near the front line. Writing to his uncle and aunt, the Rev. and Mrs. W. E. Soothill, in reply to a letter of sympathy on the death of his brother John, he said : ""John was the

THE UNITED METHODIST. best lad of all. Never grumbled, never complained. He knew the real things of value in this' life and lived accordingly, and now he has gone to enjoy what he has earned so splendidly. I am having this text put on his grave, I will set him on -high, because he hath known My name.' The Army life has influences for evil rather than good, but no evil influences had it on John : he was far above them." Before John was fatally wounded, he wrote about Charles, who had just been through the attack on Beaumont Hamel: "From all I hear he earned the V.C. many times over." They were brave lads and beloved by all who knew them. There was a special bond of attachment be-tween these two and now they are together again. May God give comfort and strength to their parents and family.

PTE. PERCY GREAVES. . Mr. E. Greaves, of FailsN.vorth, whose son, Pte. Percy Greaves, 62606, King's Liverpool Regiment, was posted as missing in November last, has this week been officially informed that his son was killed in action between November 18th and 15th, 1916. Under Lord Derby's Scheme he joined the -Manchester Regiment in January, 1916, and was afterwards transferred to the Liverpool Regiment and sent out to France. He held the position of organist for over six years at Bethel U.M. Church, Failsworth.

PRIVATE HAROLD HEYWOOD. At the Manchester South quarterly meeting a resolu-

tion was passed expressive of the deepest sympathy with Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Heywood, of Bethesda Church, Pendleton, in the loss they have sustained by the death of their younger son Harold, who died of wounds in a hospital in France. Mr. and Mrs. Heywood have from childhood been. connected with the Bethesda Church and Sunday School, and for many years Mr. Heywood was church treasurer and superintendent of the Sunday School. Mr. Harold Heywood was also - a member of the church up to the time of his marriage about four years ago, when he removed from the neighbourhood. Much sympathy is also felt for his young widow and child who have thus been so sadly bereaved.

* * * * * REV. R. T. AND MIRS. 'WORTHINGTON.

We are glad to announce the safe arrival in this country of the Rev. R. T. and Mrs. Worthington, after their long and dangerous journey from Meru, East Africa. During part of the time their child was very ill, but it has now nearly recovered. Mr. and Mrs. Worthington{ are staying at Dresden, Longton, Staffs., at present, in Mrs. Worthington's old home, and Mr. Worthington commences his deputation work at Nant-wich next Sunday. Many will be delighted to hear of their presence in the home land, and will wish them a happy time of sojourn here.

* * * * * MRS. MIRIAMME EMMA FIELD.

After four years of continual suffering Mrs. Field passed peacefully away to - be with her Lord on Sun-day evening, March 18th, at six o'clock, aged 70 years. Mr. and Mrs. Field were the pioneers of our cause at Westcliff seventeen years ago, and have ever since been ardent workers for its continued suc-cess. Mrs. Field was- a very skilled organizer, and adopted many ingenious methods in furthering the work of the Christian Church at Westcliff and at other places before settling here. She was a very keen temperance advocate, being a devoted, worker among the young people in connection with the Band of Hope, and a strong supporter of the B.W.T.A. She was also a very successful Sunday School teacher. In every branch of church work she was deeply interested. Despite her incessant pain she continued to attend the services up to the beginning of the present month, being wheeled in a bath chair by her devoted husband. The funeral takes place on Saturday. Service to be held at our Westcliff Church at 3.30.

Death of Mr. George Goodall, J.P.

As we go to press we receive with regret news of the death and funeral of Mr. G. Goodall, J.P., one of our Guardian Representatives. The funeral took place in the Nottingham CeMetery, on Monday noon, in the presence of a large concourse of people, 'representative of the business, religious, political, and philanthropic life of the city and county. The Mayor, the Sheriff, Magistrates, members of the Chamber of Commerce, Hospitals, High Schools were present. Revs. J. Moore and T. P. Dale represetted the United Methodist De-nomination. The local preachers of the five circuits also were present. All this served to indicate the high esteem and affection in which Mr. Goodall was held. The service in the home was conducted by Rev. T. M. Rees, and the service at the cemetery by Revs. T. Scowby and J. Baxter.

In Mr. Goodall's death, the Nottingham, Redcliffe Road Circuit, has lost a valuable friend, and the de-nomination a loyal member. He was gentle, generous, strong as granite and as polished ; a fine son of the Manse, a worthy citizen, a man of God.

" Les Quatres Evangiles et les Actes des Apotres.. " (R.T.S. ; is. net.)

This little volume comprises the Gospels and Acts in the version of the' French Bible Society. Its chief at-traction consists of sixteen illus'trations in colours by Harold Copping, one of which appears upon the cover charmingly designed. There are also notes on the text which appear at the foot of each page. Paper and printing are alike good ; the whole book is extremely attractive. It would form an appropriate gift for high school girls or boyi. D. S.

135

Our Deaconesses. A Helpful Mission.

REV. T. J. DICKINSON writes : "Sister Eva concluded her mission at Fore Street

Church, Redruth, on Thursday last. She has greatly helped us by her excellent preaching, and she has also visited quite a number of our people, particularly the aged and the sick. Her work has been greatly valued

. by all who attended the services. We found her ser-mons original, deeply interesting, intensely spiritual, and faithful to the old Gospel message. Her quietly earnest manner made a lasting impression. We are not able to tabulate startling results. Apart 'from the de-cision of a number of our younger scholars, some 12 young people professed conversion ; and as they are mainly of our own families we quite expect to reap the benefit of their decision for Christ. The Sister did bravely, and we can sincerely thank God 'for her able and persuasive ministry."

Sister Marie Edwards is leaving Bethel Chapel, Burs-lem, after nearly three years' service. The friends there have just made public their tribute to her work, signed by the Pastor, the Rev. James Payne:

"Sister Marie, after a considerable time spent in active and useful service, is leaving Burslem for another sphere of duty. Much valuable- work she has done, particularly in regard to the poor and needy, the afflicted and distressed. Being capable and kindly disposed, she has been much sought after by those in trouble, and many thanks have been expressed for the help she has rendered. Her work in the church and school, Band of • Hope, Christian Endeavour, Girls' Guild, etc., has been very effective. The Monday Class—Bright Hour ----has been well sustained and made so attractive as to bring friends from long distances to attend, and doubtless her departure is regarded with regret by all who have profited by her labours."

Seven Weeks Left Now. I desire to acknowledge with gratitude the following : For the Sisters' Retiring Allowance Fund : Mickley

C.E. Society (Sister Hannah's old church), 10s.; A Lady Friend, per Sister Margery, Os. 6d. ; Mr. M. Atkinson, Haydon Bridge, 2s. Gd. ; Mr. Jas. Maclaurin, Sheffield, £1 1s. (in addition to £1 1s. 'for current ac-count) ; Mr. E. T. Manners, Gateshead-on-Tyne, 5s. (and 5s. for current).

For the Help during the War Fund : Market Rasen Church Collection, per Rev. E. R. Squire, £2 ; Mr. M. Atkinson, Haydon Bridge, 2s. 6d. ; Mr. Win. Pollard, iBurnley, 6s. ; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Byard, London, 10s. ; Mr. T. P. Ritzema, J.P., Blackburn, ;.5; "One Of the least," 5s.

All the above gifts are valued, but I must write a word of special appreciation of.the collections taken up by our Market Rasen friends, for our funds. How grateful I should be for similar help from a large number of our churches. I was much cheered a day or two ago by the intimation that our Westcliff-on-Sea friends are taking up a retiring collection for us on April 17th. It is most kind of them.

Only seven weeks now remain' for completing our effort. In that time we need to raise £235. It is a large sum, but our people have sent me larger sums for the asking, and I refuse to believe they will fail me.

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

Ministerial Removals. " DELTA writes : Exception must be taken to the letter by "Alpha "

in your issue of March 8th, which regards ministerial removals in August next as inopportune. The tone of the letter reveals the present prevalent and deplorable readiness to subordinate the work of the ministry to economic considerations; but IrAlpha" does not mention the case of ministers who will suffer financially if re-tained in their present circuits, a fact which must be faced if economic considerations are discussed. I sub-mit, sir, that "Alpha's" suggestion of "postponing " ministerial removals is wrong. Ministers' decisions on such matters are not usually determined by the eco; nomic factors; higher stipends, more congenial sur-roundings, better houses, are often declined because a man feels and judges that he is called by God to some one particular sphere. There comes a time, also, when a man feels and judges that he is called to "leave" a certain church or circuit ; on intellectual, 'moral, and spiritual grounds he is convinced of that, after weeks, it may be, of prayer and deliberation. Therefore it is wrong to override his judgement and decision on merely economic grounds. Ministers and circuits agree to separate for reasons which are above the mere eco-nomical plane, and to prevent such separations would inflict, in numerous cases, twelve months more pain of spirit upon already suffering men ; very possibly would involve injury to circuits ; and would be revealing a wrong attitude to the ministry in general.

Students' Missionary Demonstration.

Second List of Subscriptions. ON behalf of the students C. I. J. Cushing (secretary)

and W. H. Mildon (treasurer) desire to acknowledge the following contributions. Gifts directed to the United Methodist College, Ranmoor, Sheffield, will be much appreciated. Previously acknowledged, 6s. 6d.; D. is., Mr. F. A. Weddell, Mr. H. Lewis ; 10s., Rev. J. S. Clemens, B.A., D.D., C. Heape, Coun. W. F. Jackson, Mr. W. Pollard, Mr. J. Maclaurin ; 5s., Mr. E. Woolley, Mr. J. Holt, Dr. Norman Smith, Mr. J. Wood, Miss Fox-, Rev. W. C. Jackson, B.A., Dr. Lloyd Snape, Mr. J. Heelis, Mr. F. S. Bennett, "A Friend," Plymouth ; 2s. Oci., Revs. A. Law, J. E. Swal- low, F. Ciroldsworthy; total, 16s,

136

THE UNITED METHODIST, March 22, 1917.

Sunday Afternoon.

BY REV. E. F. H. CAPEY.

Jehovah-Nissi. BY REV. T. A. JEFFERIES, F.L.S;

Young People's Topics.

BY REV. C. N. MYLNE.

WHAT is it to be oneself? This is the question which Henrik Ibsen puts in his great study "Peer Gynt." God meant something when He made each one of us. What did He mean? What does He mean? If we can only discover and realize this divine purpose shall we not then truly come to our own? A man is "himself " when he finds and follows the gleam—the ideal of his life in God. So the question arises : How shall we find the gleam? Ibsen's answer is : By walk-ing the way of self-effacement. "To be oneselfis : to slay oneself." That is to say, comments P. H.

.Wicksteed, "a man must slay the craving to make himself the centre • round which others revolve, and must strive to find his true orbit and swing, self-poised, round . the great central light." Peer Gynt, in his life of self-indulgent wanderings, made self the centre, and in thus trying to save himself he lost him-self, as every man who experiments along these lines is sure to do. The self-life is lived to perfection in—asylums.

The Madmen's Raiser. Prof. Begriffenfeldt, Director of the -Madhouse at

Cairo, hails Peer Gynt as the madmen's Kaiser. Peer modestly sets aside the honour (?) as one unworthy.

Act iv., Sc. xiii. Peer.

No, indeed ! I'm not fit : I'm completely dumfounded ! Begriffenfelcit.

A man who 's himself ! . .

Peer. Ay, but that's just the rub.

It's true that in everything I am, myself ; But— . . .

Begriffenfeldt. It's here, sir, that one is oneself with al vengeance; Oneself, and nothing whatever besides. We go, full sail, as our very selves. Each one shuts himself up in the barrel of self, In the self-fermentation he dives to the bottom,— With the self-bung he seals it. . . . No one has tears for others' woes; No one has mind for others' dreams; We're our very selves, both in thought and in tone, Ourselves to the spring-board's uttermost verge—

And so, if a Kaiser's to fill the throne You, you are the man to fill it.

It is clear that if men would live sanely they must live unselfishly. How shall the self-chains be loosened and broken? Ibsen's study leads up to the truth that the only redeeming force on earth or in heaven is—love. After his wanderings and sins, Peer Gynt re-turns, a broken old man, to the mountain side of his youth, and there he finds one faithful, loving heart waiting for his return. Through all the weary years Solveig had kept her troth. Her love, it would seem, had been spurned, but for that reason she held it more tenaciously still. She welcomes his return, not with upbraidings, but with raptures of delight.

Solveig. He is here ! he is here! Oh, to God be the praise!

Peer. Cry out all my trespasses and sins!

Solveig. In nought hast thou sinned, oh my own only boy.

Peer. Canst thou tell me where Peer Gynt has been since we

parted? Where was I, as myself, as the whole man, the true

man? Where was I?

Solveig. In my faith, in my hope, in my love.

Peer. (A light shines in his face; he cries)

In thy love!—oh, there hide me, hide me!

The Hiding of Love. The hiding of love! every redeemed life knows it.

The most poignant passage in John Masefield's poem, 'The Widow in the Bye Street," is when, after his condemnation, the mother seeks to hide her stricken, sinning son in love, human and divine. "God dropped a spark down, into everyone,

And if we find and fan it to a blaze It'll spring up and glow, like—like the sun, And light 'the wandering out of stony ways. God warms His hands at man's heart when he prays, And light of prayer is spreading heart to heart ; It'll light all where now it lights a part.

"AndGod who gave His mercies takes His mercies, And God who gives beginning gives the end.

" THE LORD. MY BANNER." EXODUS XVII. 8-16.

(C.E. Topic for April 1st.) WHAT is a banner? It is frequently nothing more

thari a label, a big sign bearing the name Of the society that bears it, to distinguish that society from others in a demonstration or procession. But in former times generally, and even yet occasionally, it is the symbol of some great corporate experience and aim. We recall the fight around the standard at Hastings, the great struggle t6 save the colours on many a battle-field, and the sailor who with a musket for a hammer nailed the colours to the mast. Used thtis as a symbol the banner does for the multitude what the motto does for the person. It strikes ,a. note. It focusses a whole world of ideas. It emphasises the central aim. And since it does this for the crowd it becomes also a rally-ing-point. The many are made one by the realization of their bond of union. Watchwords,' mottoes, badges, and banners are all important, and he has the best who can say with Moses, "The Lord is my Banner."

The Banner with a History. The best banners are ancient. New banners may be

pretty, but they do not mean as much as the old ones. Of course a banner may be old though newly made : we speak of the symbol, not the stuff. The great thing is that the message it speaks should be associ-ated with great happenings, great sacrifices and vic-tories. Now the man who- has the Lord for his ban-ner has this great aid. When the Church gathers "in the Name" it feels the impulse of great history. What a wonderful thing it is to belong to the' army of the living God. The banner that was the symbol of victory that day over Amalek has been enriched beyond measure during the,-passing centuries. We think of victories like ' those of Gideon, of David, of Hezekiah, and of the Maccabees ; of heroes like Elijah, Amos, and Ne-hemiah •, of revealers like Hosea, Micah, and Jeremiah ; of prophetic statesmen like the two Isaiahs and Ezekiel ; and of a nation saved from extinction in Babylon and built anew from the merest fragment by the rallying and inspiring power of this banner of the Lord. No other standard possesses such a record or fires those Who follow it with such mighty memories. And when we add to all this, as Christians may, the history of the Church -which has taken up the redemptive work of ancient Israel, how grand and thrilling the story of which our banner speaks. Our minds run backward through the modern missionary movement with its long list of heroic souls to the epoch-making work of Wes-ley, to the leaders and martyrs of the Reformation, to the pure elements of the Crusades, to the struggles with heathen Europe, to the long battle, in which the blood of thousands of martyrs flowed, with the paganism of the Roman Empire, to the labours and sufferings of the apostles, and to the travail and sacrifice of Christ him-self. There. is no flag like this. Paul was feeling it when he wrote to the Ephesians : "Ye are no more strangers aril sojourners, but fellow-citizens with the saints and of the household of God, being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the chief corner stone." Truly this is a banner with a history.

The Banner with a Future. Greater, however than the value of its past is the

fact that it has a work to do and the power to per-form it. There will be no hauling down of this flag. The history it has made' has been made by no material forces, but by truth, justice, and love, and these are things that abide. They abide because God abides, they are characteristics of His Kingdom, they are corn-ing as surely as to-morrow's sun. Humanity cannot live without righteousness. Tyrannies may be power- ful for a time, but they are houses built on sand. Sooner or later the storm blows about them and they perish. But their downfall is not without struggle. Only through sacrifice can freedom and justice •be won or maintained. We are formed for war; in conflict we find ourselves and escape from our weaknesses : God meant it to be a purifying struggle of the spirit, but men through self-indulgence avoid the battle only to find themselves plunged in the horrors of shot and shell, bayonet and •torpedo. Our true life is the brave "upward calling of God in Christ Jesus," which we obey by taking our place with those who, in the spirit of the Master, resist evil, do good, and help the coming of the Kingdom. In the hard world to which the Saviour came it seemed as it there were no room for those who believed in love. Yet they spread and, their. numbers grew. They have continued to grow ever since. Is it not written, "He must reign till all His enemies are beneath His 'feet "? The flag of the future, the flag of humanity, the flag of justice, free-dom, and love, is the Banner of the Lord.

Mr. James Johnson, Sunderland. A well-known figure in Northern United Methodism

has passed away in the person of Mr. James Johnson, of Sunderland. In earlier life he was connected with our church at Willin.gton Quay, but for over thirty years he has been among the foremost workers at Pallion, Sunderland. He has a continuous record of over forty years' service as a Sunday School teacher, was for many years organist, and until the beginning of the present year held the office of society steward.. He was well known throughout the churches of the Thornhill Circuit as a local preacher and as circuit missionary secretary. He was a man of quiet piety, and unobtrusive loyalty, and the memory of his testimony will still work for the cause he loved.

Text Book : ""The Uplift of China," A. H. Sinith, pp. 121-139.

Scripture : LUXE xxi. 10-19, ISA. x,Xxv. (April 1st.)

GREAT interest and expectation were aroused through-out the world when the Chinese Republic was set up. Because the hopes were high, the disappointment was great, since it does not look as though the change means very much after all. But a little thought will explain why China has not fulfilled expectations, nor lived up to the hopes expressed. Before China can become .a new nation there will be a long period after the fashion of our first Scripture reading, and only then , can the second passage become possible. There is a Chinese proverb which says : As the twig is bent, the tree is inclined. The Chinese twig was bent in the wrong direction hundreds of years ago, and die tree has grown

w in the wrong direction too. If a branch of your fruit tree has grown in the wrong direction, you can only cor-rect it by slow degrees. To force it back too hastily might kill the tree. Nature does her best work slowly, quietly. Her violent and noisy methods, such as the earthquake, volcano, hurricane, are destructive. She can produce some things very quickly, such as the mushroom, which is gone, as soon as it comes. She takes a long time to grow an oak tree, but the oak tree Outlives everything. This is how God works with men and nations. Quietly, sloWly, He builds up His King-dom, and China will be no exception. See how slowly our own nation has developed, and how much we still have to learn. We must not be surprised then if China takes a long time to reform, for we have had more than a thousand years of Christian teaching, while China has scarcely heard the Gospel yet.

With the Revolution in China came great outward changes. All sorts of councils and assemblies were set, up. The people were to vote for their own chosen leaders, all children were to be sent to school, railways were to be laid down, roads made, all injustices cor-rected, Heaven was coming on earth. But, although you may gild a farthing, it is still a farthing and not sovereign. In the same way, the new Republic.took

on the form and colour of the 20th century, but at heart it was still living in ancient times. The customs . and habits in use since before Christ came on earth

n cannot be thrown off in five years. In connection with the Revolution and the Republic,

two men were prominent. One was Dr. Sun-yat-sen, the other Ytian-shi-k'ai. Both did good work for China, but the first did not understand his countrymen, and was in too great a hurry. His were the methods of the earthquake and hurricane. The other has been assailed as traitor, self-seeker, tyrant, and so forth, but he cer-tainly did understand the Chinese mind, and moved with caution and prudence.

Was the Revolution useless then, and is the Republic a, failure? Not at all ! There are now hundreds of doors open to us which 'formerly were barred against us. The people are expectant, though they scarcely know what to expect. We can make a parable of our own Church. We are called the United Methodist Church. As yet' though, we are not fully united, because old loyalties still remain. This generation will only build the framework, the next generation will make a truly United Church. So with China, except that it is plainly much more difficult to introduce such sweeping changes as are necessary. The real changes in China will come in with the next generation. Twenty or thirty years; to China, is a detail. This provides us with our most superb opportunity. We must lay hold of the rising-generation. "As the twig is bent, the tree is inclined." Bend the twig towards Jesus, and the whole tree will grow towards Him.

We see in England's history that all her progress has been won by the work and heroism-of a comparatively small company of her children. China, too, will not be truly liberated, save by the labours and sufferings of her own sons and daughters-.

Our part, to the utmost of our strength, lies in train-ing the pathfinders, leaders, rulers of the coming China, that these, through their faith and heroism, and, if need be, with their own lives, _may bring redemptkin to China's seething populations.

Two Tragedies. REV. R. PYKE, Shebbear, writes : There appeared In a West Country paper a few days

ago the report of a sermon preached by Prebendary Perowne in St. Andrew's Church, Plymouth, from which I should like to extract two brief paragraphs. They are authoritative and first hand; and it is a .hopeful sign that so distinguished an Anglican, dared to cite them in the central Church in Plymouth.

(1) "An officer said to me the other day, I had to go over the top in the Somme offensive. There was my junior Lieutenant with me. I got shot almost immedi-ately I got over the top. I told him to "Carry on." He was too drunk to move. I had to send in my report next day. They held.a court-martial on him and shot him before my eyes."

(2) "Mrs. Astor said to one of them (the Anzacs) the other day, Why are you like that? the man obvi-ously being drunk or nearly so. He bitterly replied : ' We come over here to fight for England, and the only thing they give us here is everything that is bad in the place—bad women, bad drinks, everything that is bad.'"

We still call ourselves a Christian nation, however, and speak most guardedly about prohibition.

• • '0 Captain Christ, our blessed Lord and Friend, We are two wandered sinners in the mire, Burn our dead hearts with love out of Thy fire.

Thy Cross is infinite for us to share it, Thy help is infinite for us to know."

March 22, 1917. THE UNITED METHODIST. 137

The Late. Rev. John Herridge Batt.

I Rev. J. W. Heywood's Valedictory Meeting.

F The valedictory prayer was offered by Rev. E. D. Cornish, who tenderly committed our brother to the guidance of God and asked that a special blessing might be bestowed on his loved ones when the separa- tion comes. We were all helped. J. A. T.

AN APPRECIATION BY REV. R. PYRE. ONE more of that galaxy of ministers whom Bible

Christian probationers of twenty years ago were wont to love and fear has gone in peace to his home. John Herridge Batt had many "soul sides"; and if I set down a few lines in affectionate memory of a large-hearted friend and father, it must be regarded as no attempt to describe the man in all his complex and many-sided life. It must have been ten or a dozen years ago I last saw him, yet I am certain, had we met last week, the greeting would have been cheerful, without surprise and without apology ; conversation in less than ten minutes would have turned to books, theology, or to some phase of Church life. He was one of the few men who do not escape the pain of thinking by discussing persons. His charity tabooed the faint praise which intends to blister in the end.

He has gone as he would have wished. To step down from a pulpit after paying a tribute of love to an old friend, to walk leisurely to a station, and then silently to take an invisible train to heaven is, surely ideal. I once heard him thrill a District meeting by a marvellous interpretation of our Saviour's words which he thus rendered, "In that day ye shall ask me no questions." He told us he had just read the whole of Jowett's translation of Plato, and one of the impressions made upon his mind was that throughout the greatest thinker of all Greece had been asking questions. Yet such a state implied incompleteness and unrest Then he seemed to become inspired as he set forth the beau-tiful glory of the open vision, a vision which solves all problems and gives the soul the perfect peace of God "In that day ! It has dawned for him.

He was often misunderstood ; I suppose we all are; but in his case it was so acute at times as to amount to misrepresentation. He seemed to be a man who fre-quently could only call a part of his powers into action; and in such times he was judged by those occasional achievementos when he displayed greatness. Smaller men would speak of the John Herridge Batt of some special occasion, and say, "If only he always preached and spoke like that! " instead of being grateful because he sometimes soared where they had never been. His defect, probably was that his power of. doing could not keep abreast of his thinking. He once said to me, " I spent six hours lying in a hammock under those trees reading last Monday." The scornful might lay stress on "lying in a hammock," and forget that all the time that massive and magnificent brain was working like an engine. I should not call him a wide reader, as the term is used to-day ,• but he was a vigorous reader. He loved expository and theological books, and none were too philosophical for him.

He was suspicious of a good deal of what used to pass as Higher Criticism. He was orthodox, but not narrow. He saw that the faith was worth defending, and did not like it that every adventurer should take captive the morning spirits. I was once his guest for a week, and though it were not fitting here and now to speak of his charming hospitality, I remember that he induced me during my stay to read Orr's "Progress of Dogma," and was able to discuss critically all the vast landscape of thought and history with which that book deals. His knowledge of the Bible, of Church History and of Theology made him a formidable op-ponent; and when anything he deemed sacred was assailed his whole nature was stirred to the depths. I think the last book I discussed with him was Edmund Gosse's "Father and Son." This book had clearly brought home to him, as it could not fail to do, the dark perversion of mind and deliberate cruelty which do not pass merely under the cloak of religion but as religion itself. ----

There was nobody else like him. In the good old days God did not give the world ministers As like as two peas" They were individuals indeed. He always reminded me as having what Lord Bryce said Cardinal Manning had not, "He had neither the weight nor the penetration that comes • from sustained and vigorous thinking." John Herridge. Batt had both, and so when the whole man gave himself to some great soul-moving topic or surveyed the mission fields, the glow, the power and the momentum would make the occasion memor-able. Three such occasions come to my own mind now: And how withal, he loved a good story I And how he appreciated anything really funny! I once introduced him to an infant in arms. "This," I said, "is the Chairrrian of the Examining Committee." The babe looked magisterially for a moment, then puckered his rosebud mouth and finally with great decision spat and spluttered on all within range. If I had met Mr. Batt last week I think he would still have recalled that incident.

With gratitude to God for the privilege of knowing this scholar,' saint and brother, I stand reverently, and watch in thought a little procession bearing to its last resting-place the sacred dust, and with others I offer my prayer that the mercy of unfailing consolation may be given to the widowed heart which for so many years rejoiced and sorrowed in unselfish comradeship with that noble heart now hushed from tumult and fear in the vision of God. Special Offer.

REV. HENRY 'HOOKS, Publishing House Steward, writes :

We have a few hundred copies remaining of the "Soldiers' and Sailors' Companion and Diary Pocket Book," which we are offenng in our advertisement columns at 1s. net, post free. Will your readers help us to clear this stock before March 81st?

THE missionary tradition of St. Stephen Street Church, Salford, is highly valued by those who wor-ship there. They are always glad when they can add to it. This was evident on Wednesday, March 14th, when they cheerfully accorded the use of their church to the Manchester District so that an affectionate fare-well could be taken of our honoured friend, Rev. J. W. Heywood, before his return to Wenchow, China. Not content with the loan of the building they arranged a united 'choir from their circuit to lead the praise and contribute two special anthems

' and in many ways

showed ungrudgingly the grace of hospitality. The at-tendance was satisfactory in spite of darkened streets. Every circuit in the' Manchester and Salford area was represented, and some of the contiguous circuits. From the time Rev. E. Hogg announced the opening hymn to the moment he pronounced the benediction it was a great meeting. Almost everyone remained to the end. It will be a continual inspiration for many be-sides Mr. Heywood.

In simple, direct, and fitting expfession Rev. F. Barrett led us in prayer. Councillor E. C. Bainbridge, J.P., of Ashton, was the chairman. His genial man-ner won all hearts, and his practical address with love, service, and sacrifice as its keynotes proved that in him we had one whose soul was aflame for world evan-gelization. • The presence of Rev. C. Stedeford indi-cated that our meeting was representative of our entire Church and not a merely District tribute. lie read a message from the Editor of the "Missionary Echo," who was prevented from attending by illness. He ex-plained that Mr. Heywood's departure is delayed by the war for a little time, although his passage had been booked for March 17th. In telling phrase he con-trasted our brother's work now with that he had in , 1891 when he originally commenced. With •insight and force he described the missionary programme as the building of a new world with humanity as its centre. The greatest passage in a great speech was when he told Mr. Heywood it must be a joy to him• to know that he enjoyed the fullest confidence of the entire United Methodist Church. He had no higher praise than this—in the eyes of our Chum:, he is a faithful missionary.

The valedictory address had been entrusted to Rev. W. C. Jackson, ,B.A. (District Chairman), who demon-strated his special fitness for the task. it was a sug-gestive speech, an illustration of fine phrasing, pervaded throughout by a gracious spirit. He assured out- bro-ther of the prayers of the Church that he might keep his own soul and continue faithful, and entreated us to kindle our own fire or there would be no fire for him.

A rousing welcome was given Mr. Heywood. Mis-sionary work to him is not .a romance, but a con-viction of the Gospel as the power of God unto salva-tion, as after twenty-five years he prepares to return alone to his task leaving all his family at home. He revealed his own soul as he expounded the soul of China, and we realised he is prophet, seer and states-man as he unfolded his comprehensive aims for the immediate future. These were : More care for the women and girls •, the encouragement and equipment for local preachers; further provision for a cultured native ministry ; and to hasten the time when our work shall be self-supporting and self-propagating.

The President-Designate of the Free Church Council.

MANY friends of the Rev. George Hooper will offer him warm congr;tulations on the high honour which has come to him in his election last "luesday as Presi-dent-designate of the National Free Church Council, and will pray that he may have a very successful year of office. In nominating him Dr. Meyer said that Mr. Hooper had for long greatly served the Council in its Committee work and as a powerful speaker at demon-strations all over the country. The nomination was received with cheers. Mr. Hooper hopes that by the time he takes office the War will be over and that it may be his Presidential privilege to make an appeal all over the country to the young manhood of the nation returned from the War.

Our readers will be interested in the following para-graphs from last week's "Christian World" Personal column :

"Rev. George Hooper, of Lady Lane Mission, Leeds, who was on Tuesday elected to succeed Dr. Selbie in the presidency of the National Free Church Council next year, is one of the youngest occupants of that honourable position. He has just turned fifty-one. Mr. Hooper's father was a Wesleyan local preacher for fifty years. Mr. Hooper himself began his public life as a missioner in the Church of England, but for the last twenty-five years he has been a United Methodist minister. For eleven years he was Cbnnexional evan- gelist. Then he spent twelve years in London—in West Ham and Dulwich. He has written and lectured on social questions, and he rendered tne Liberal Party signal service on the platform. His Presidency of the Free Church Council has been won by hard work and unswerving loyalty to Free Church principles. Mr. Hooper, who has a marked gift for addressing men, hopes that by the time he enters on his presidential year the war will be over, and that he may be able to lead a Free Church campaign for preaching Christ to the young manhood of England.

"The President-elect is a good raconteur who does not mind telling a story against himself. He has told how, as a young local preacher, he was planned ' for an afternoon service that entailed a seven miles' walk across a moor on a winter day. A farmer was his host at dinner before the service. Built on large lines, and a Yorkshire lad, young Hooper did full justice to the substantial fare. Well, God bless thee, lad,' said the farmer on taking leave, I hope thee'll have a good time. If thee praiches as well as thee ates, thee'll be President of Conference some day.'"

THE Manchester, Salford and District Temperance Union, 20 Cross Street, Manchester, has printed an open letter to the Prime Minister urging in detail that "the time demands the immediate prohibition of the liquor traffic." Copies of the letter can be obtained from G. Ernest Winterton at the above address on receipt of a stamped addressed envelope.

' ANK, .LIMITED. . Authorised Capital £I,000:000

Shares Issued - 700,000 EVERY DESCRIPTION Shareholders 4,000

OF JOINT-STOCK Chairman :

Mr. THOMAS FARROW.

,./ BANKING TRANSACTED.

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National Free Church Council. IMPRESSIONS..

I ANTICIPATED with pleasure the holding of the National. Free Church Council meetings, though but a day, in London, in place of Sheffield, as it would give me the opportunity of attending. Like many others of my brethren, my opportunities of being present at the Annual Meetings have been few. One has been devoted to his "first love," and Whitsuntide has claimed his attention and attendance at the Y.P.S.C.E. Convention. Tuesday, March 13th, was booked for the '"one-day " meeting at the City Temple. But it was broken, the British C.E. Council demanded attendance at a sub-committee, to make arrangements for part of the work of 1918. It was late in the afternoon when I was able to pass down Holborn Viaduct. Going into the gallery I was disappointed to find so few visitors, and not many more delegates in the body. There may have been a larger attendance at the morning session. Fortunately, I was in time for Mr. Runciman's speech.

Pew. The representatives were keenly alive to all that was

going on, and followed the various speakers with interest and some intense feeling. For the moment, just before the time for Mr. Runciman to give his address, it seemed as though there was going to be 'a collision between the floor and the platform. A delegate com-plained that no notice had been taken of a question that he had sent up. This appeared to be on the subject of Sunday labour in food production. Whether the officers thought the question should not be discussed was in doubt. The whole audience was in sympathy with the speaker on the floor. The chairman intimated that while the name of the speaker had been sent up, no resolution accompanied it. The trouble was got over by Dr. Selbie promising time after the address. This satisfied the pew, and eventually a protest resolution was carried with but one or two dissentients.

The evening meeting was at first a disappointment from the pew point of view. One expected a crush. Reserved tickets had been issued. The contrast between a meeting of London alone, in the early days of the war, when Mr. Lloyd George was announced to speak, with Dr. W. Robertson Nicoll in the chair, was striking. Hundreds more could have got in. But on reflection one asked himself how many present at that meeting were now in France or elsewhere. -Still, there were all the elements present for a: powerful meeting, and such it proved three parts of the way through. The atmo-sphere was at moments thrilling. The speakers had a good opportunity. The only question was Food v. Beer, and the beer-drinkers were absent.

188

THE UNITED mEntoinsir. March 22, 1917.

Platform. Mr. Runciman, as all know, has many good things

to say always, but he does not always say them in the most interesting way. There were times when a Sunday afternoon congregation would have voted him dull. It was rather a treat to hear a Wesleyan layman trouncing the churches, but most present thought him a little un-fair. Perhaps he has heard of some bad cases. The question was the churches' lack of hospitality to the soldiers in camp. I have before me the financial state-ment- of a Wesleyan Church for the year 1917, which shows that '188 9s. 6d. was raised by that church alone last year for the "Wounded Soldiers' Comforts' Fund." It has further provided an annexe to the local hospital, furnishing 70 beds. The full tale of what the churches have done cannot be told, and to set the Y.M.C.A. over against them is at least in bad form. What would the Y.M.C.A., after all, have done without the Free Churches? But that was the only fly in the ointment. The speech was a statesman's, and was well received. The "Cabinet secret," of course, pricked up our ears.

Dr. Selbie (chairman), Dr. Saleeby, Mr. Arthur Mee, and the Revs. A. T. Guttery and S. W. Hughes were the advertised speakers for the evening. Mr. Guttery was indisposed, so we missed the oratory, but the "rousements " were put in. Dr. Selbie was wise, and gave a short address. By the by, I have several times asked myself whom he reminds me of. I wonder if any one agrees with me. He is less in bulk than our Dr. Brook, but very similar in some of his intonations, especially on the high notes. The speeches of Mr. Arthur Mee, who spoke first, and Dr. Saleeby, ranked high. Indeed, I do not remember anywhere hearing two such addresses at one meeting. Mr. Mee's was full of facts and figures many are familiar with through his book, but they were put in a new setting. He read almost every word, but it was well delivered, the passion and sincerity of it were most marked. Dr. Saleeby has a wonderful mind and a retentive memory. His notes were not much needed, indeed towards the end-they had escaped him, and were picked up from off the floor. It has been called a lecture. It was vastly informing, seasoned like Mr. Mee's with a pleasant wit, and was vigorously given. I wish I could give the same praise to Mr. Hughes's address. He had a big 'task, and evidently felt it, and probably was not able wholly to rid himself of that fact. He reminded his audience more than once of what they knew, that he was follow-ing giants on this question. The first time I heard him, when he was a younger man, he did much better. Many of us wished "the grand old man," his predeces-sor, who had spoken, I hear, splendidly in the morning, had his place. He would have sustained the high enthusiasm of the meeting. The point, however, was good, that the present agitation was not due to Tem-perance zeal but to naval and military necessities ; pro-hibition was patriotic.. Perhaps he was right, but the temperance party, of all shades, must push the business on. W. B.

Our Chaplains.

Arthur F. Reeves, C.F. : "Yesterday (Sunday)" I was unable to hold any parade

service as the men were working in the line. I thought that the best course was to visit them. There was a good deal 9f open ground to cover and some German metal flying about. Curiosity led me to examine a Tank which had been knocked out of action some time ago which was stuck near some trenches occupied by the Germans' less than a week ago. I had not left the thing a half a minute to go on my way when a shell dropped on the very spot where I had been stand-ing. I had nothing more than a little dirt thrown upon me. A number of other shells fell, but none quite so near as that. At night I was able to conduct a service in the Y.M.C.A. The building was crowded with men and --a few officers, and everybody joined very heartily in the ,service.

Rev. W. P. Rhodes, C.F., who has taken up work at Ripon, reports:

"You will be glad to know that our work here of re-registration is proceeding apace; and Our. Parade has so grown now that I have decided to use two churches each Sunday morning. Yesterday we almost filled them both."

Rev. G. T. Checklin writes : "I had a glorious day on Sunday last, conducting

seven services and meeting over a thousand men. At half-past nine in the morning I had a Parade audience of about 250 men. An audience equally as large met at a voluntary service in the evening. To conduct such a service where the men are at once finely reverent and unaffectedly hearty is a privilege for any chaplain.

"I am destined for more changes in the near future. My first move is to a school of instruction which com- prises in all its branches about 3,000 men. Other moves will follow, for I am to be a sort of pool-man-despatched here and there to similar units as there is need. Happily my experience in the ranks has pre-pared me to meet any such changes with equanimity, and work of this Character has great opportunities.

"Thanks for the copy of the U.M. you send me. You will be glad to know that copies of it find their way to our reading room 'from young United Methodist soldiers."

Rev. G. F. Walters, who is Senior Chaplain to a very important Division in France, writes me that the Commanding Officer of a battalion in his Division is very anxious to have a tent for recreative purposes for his men—just a bare tent. Mr. Walters says that such a tent would assist them greatly in their work and would be a place for the men to read .and write in and would also provide a place for the services—the lat-ter one of the chief problems Mr. Walters has to •face. The tent could be carried about wherever they went, says Mr. Walters.

Two of our Chaplains are anxious to know if any-body will send them some short story magazines, paper-backed books, sixpenny and sevenpenny reprints, for the men would very much appreciate them. I shall be very glad to send the addresses of both Chaplains to any reader who is wishful to help.

Rep. J. Ernest Langley, C.F., who is attached to a Military Hospital in the Mediterranean, desires that I shall acknowledge through the UNITED METHODIST the receipt of a most valuable and welcome box of sweets from Mr. Fred Needier, of Hull. "This gift is all the more appreciated," says Mr. Langley, "because the first was lost and this was sent to replace it. The quinine parade ' is quite an ordeal in the hospitals and camps here; no gift could therefore- be more welcome than the one received. I am deeply grateful for this token of 'good will and will see that it is put to the best use among the sick." Mr. Langley reports himself as quite well and as still enjoying his work.

HENRY SMITH. 25 Bolingbroke Grove,

London, S.W. 11.

Mr. Samuel Maclaurin, Sheffield. WE regret to announce the death of Mr. S. Maclaurin,

of our South Street Church, Sheffield. In early life he was sent as ministerial supply to the North of Ireland, but a serious breakdown in health compelled him to. resig-n his hopes of the ministry. Returning to Sheffield he afterwards occupied the principal offices associated with the South Street Church and Circuit, and for nearly fifty years was one of its most devoted local preachers. He was a man of fine personality, And always welcome as 'a preacher for his pulpit gifts, his sincerity, and graciousness of spirit. In public life he was for three years a member of the City Council, he was also President of the Free Church Council, the United Methodist Council, and at the time of his death a member of the Sheffield Board of Guardians.

His body was laid to rest at the General Cemetery on Thursday, March 8th, the first service taking place at South Street Church, the circuit ministers, Revs. R. R. Baker, M. W. Chandler, and W. E. Perry tak-ing part. The last rites - at the graveside were con-ducted by the Rev. R. R. Baker. A memorial service was held at South Street on 'the following Sunday morning.

U.M. Ministers and.

National Service. To the Editor of THE UNITED METHODIST.

DEAR EDITOR,—Hearty thanks to Mr.' Shapland for making such a splendid stand in his letter in your recent issue against the prevailing current which is sweeping Christians and Churches in a direction that spells — Niagara! Where are we in relation. to Christ's com- mission to His disciples, and in relation to the prin- ciples of the Kingdom of God, if the Christian ministry and the Churches are regarded and treated as "non- essential industries" 'which may be taken up or laid down according to the exigencieS of an active and ag-gressive militarism? If Christ's claim upon us is a reality and paramount, what have we to do with yield- ing to other claims which are essentially, practically, and entirely opposed to His will? Christians have been feeble' enough in soul to be hoodwinked by the subtle encroachments of the international madness of these fearful times, until many persons appear to imagine that a minister's ordination vows are only applicable during periods of peace; that Churches are useless unless they send all "eligibles " into the Army or on National Ser-vice, and that the remnant is superfluous unless it is aimed into a food committee ! Did Christ create His Church for purely national or material purposes? If inen who are not- Christians will fight it is high time that Christians at any rate realized that their place must be steadfastly by the side of Jesus Christ, whose teaching, spirit, and example are obviously unfolded in the Gospels. The Jews expected the Messiah would use some means—violence if he so willed—to deliver them from Roman .imperial domination. Jesus deliber-ately refused to be such a Messiah—and they crucified Him 1 Whatever the Jews thought about their national affairs it is evident that Jesus believed in prosecuting His Father's "business as usual." The last three words have been used as a cant phrase, and they have no sting for those who realize that loyalty t the love and• mission of Christ is the supreme and sole object for those who have been called from the evil deeds of darkness to live and labour in His marvellous light. The Christian organizations and representatives yield-ing to national tempers and passions may. pervert the forms of Christianity through succumbing to popular excitement, but in doing this they miss the spiritual genius of the One whose name they bear, but whose cause they betray. I have already begun digging, like Mr. Shapland, for the sake of potatoes, but 1 desire by the grace of God not to deviate by a hair's breadth from the "first love " which should be the dominant fact and factor in my soul and service. I do not care much about any sort of anti-Christian valuation placed upon my ministry, but I do wistfully care for Christ's verdict of faithful service, at least, attempted. What-ever befalls, let us `mind our own business," nay, the Lord's business—which is exactly the same now as be-fore the war—seek and serve first and foremost the Kingdom of God' and His righteousness ! - I have seen a restless, dissatisfied sheep discover a gap in a hedge which seemed to be there on purpose 'for that illogical sheep to go through, and go through it did, to be fol-lowed immediately by other silly sheep, ready for a change of pasture, if it were a change for the worse, and on forbidden ground. The war has revealed gaps in the hedges. There is nothing like militarism for discovering the weak places in the boundaries which are not built strong and high about the Christian, and around Church fellowship. The gaps are usually made from within rather than from without. The sorry stam-pede of Christians through the boundaries which we vainly imagined were well established opened the eyes of the military reconnoitring parties, so they have sought to use for their own purposes those who had pledged themselves for Christ's purpose. They haVe moved as wisely as serpents, but they have not been as harmless as doves, until they felt they could "tune" pulpits to urge youths to enlist, and more recently to advocate Sunday labour : until they could capture Chris-tian ministers, even if it involved the closing of churches : until they could make Christianity appear weak and contemptible—a superfluity—in the eyes of all the people! The time has come to cry, Stop 1. we will yield no more ; we will retrace our steps. Repent-ance and works meet for repentance are our immediate spiritual •need. Let us adjust ourselves and our Churches to a more vigorous campaign toward the ex-periences of the loving life, and for the operations of Divine grace unto all men 1 "Business as usual?" Nay, business more than usualyl

OMEGA.

[We are very sorry to shorten "Omega's" letter; but correspondents must kindly remember that our space is greatly limited.—ED., U.M.]

Purposes which Inspire. Not for glory or revenge, not to secure "the barren

triumph of one group of nations over another," but to realise, if it may- be, that one chance of breaking the power and prestige of Prussianism, of so delivering mankind from the greatest danger • that has ever threatened its ideals of freedom or thwarted its hopes of peace, and of thereby making possible the birth of a new age—these are the purposes which will inspire our armies to endure fqr yet, another season the unimagin-able strain and hardship of the war.—The "Round Table."

READERS will be interested in the following story casually told in a letter I have received from the Rev.

March 22, 1917. THE UNITED METHODIST.

the laniteb ttetbobist. THE WEEKLY dOLRNAL OF THE UNITED .METHODIST CHURCH

Publish's' Offiee : 12 FarrInadon Avenue, E.0.4. Bator's Address : 188 Rye Lane, Peckham, ILEA 5.

" Vive la Duma !"

139 - .

the need of food, the need of an ordered life, are small. A united Russia will be omnipotent for all the duties and tasks which lie before it. Only a disunited Russia can fail. is good news that the Prime Minister will in the House of Commons to-day (Thursday) move a resolution of congratulation to the Russian people and the Russian Duma on the great historic event of last week. It should be done with enthusiasm, with unanimity and with abandonment to the noble emotions such an event should evoke in England, the first home of liberty as we know it to-day. It should be followed up by every one of us offering to any Russians we know congratulations on the opening of a new era in their country's life. It should be followed by prayers on the part of each of us that the God of all grace and wisdom may shed His Spirit abroad richly in the hearts of all who shape the conduct and policy of that new Russia which, like the phoenix of old, has risen up reinvigorated out of the old fires of the tyranny, the cruelty and the' wrongs of hundreds of years And all of us should cry with resonant voice and bounding heart

" VIVE LA DUMA ! as the organ through which the Russian people expresses its will.

MOST of us knew nothing about the Revolution in Russia until Saturday morning's papers came to our hands. The first feeling was one of almost bewildered incredulity—it seemed too good to be true. The sub-sequent and predominant feeing, deepened as details come through from Russia, is that last week brought us news of one of the most stupendous events in history, comparable in its resounding significance and in its far-reaching influence to the French Revolution itself. That shook thrones to their very foundations, so has last week's occurrence in Russia. The French event meant a great upheaval of democratic conviction and power, so will last week's happenings. Wherever men believe in the rule of the people by the people for the people hearts are beating with a great purifying joy and exult-ing with a great empowering hope to-day. Wherever tyranny and oppression and injustice and barbarity are enthroned there is a great fear creeping into hearts and the sounding as of a great death-knell. Already, like a vivifying elixir, the news is running from lip to lip in the home of the last autocracy in Europe and thoughts are moving along ways that will end the reign of the Hohenzollerns. We can use as never before in our time Wordsworth's great phrases spoken as he faced the French Revolution :

Europe at that time was thrilled with joy, France [Russia] standing on the top of golden hours, And human nature seeming born again.

And some of us are conscious of communion also with Wordsworth when he says,

my heart Responded, Honour to the patriot's zeal I Glory and hope to new born Liberty ! Hail to the mighty projects of the time 1 '

Thoughts of Campbell-Bannerman, that resolute and unwavering believer in Democracy, have been in Many hearts during the last few days. Men and women have remembered with joy and glad exultation how, when the fortunes of the Duma were at their worst, that brave man, then Premier of England, thrust aside offi-cial etiquette and the paltering counsels of prudence and to a company of Russians visiting this country exclaimed "La Dunia est morte ; vive la Duma " ("The Duma is dead; long live the Duma I ") It was a thrilling message of hope to a people passing through a dark experience and it kindled a new bright star in their sky by which they have guided their feet to the new and glorious morning which has now dawned upon them, and in which Russia has

"throttled with an infant Godhead's might The snakes about her cradle."

All honour to the memory of that man whom prin-ciple held as its glad bondman and in whom faith in the people and the people's cause burned with a clear white light that brought vision and showed the way of duty not once nor twice but especially at the close of the Boer war—with results that have enriched the life of England and strengthened her hands in this day of strain q,rid stress. The memory comes with admonitory force in these days when so much that we value, so much that our fathers dearly bought is being jettisoned or put in imminent jeopardy Not only tasks in ,hours of insight willed, but principles of conduct in hours of insight accepted should be through hours of • gloom fulfilled. That is the lesson which comes to us alike from this memory of Campbell-Bannerman and from Russia's great triumph.

What, in brief, is the meaning of last week's Russian revolution? It means the abdication of the Tsar and of the Tsar's son: It means that the Tsar's brother, the Grand Duke Michael, appointed by him as his suc-cessor, declines to accept the position unless and until the Constituent Assembly which is to be appointed by the universal suffrage of the Russian people determines that there must be a monarch of Russia and not a Republic and that that monarch must be the Grand Duke Michael himself. It means that at long last a people which has suffered from misrule, from oppres-sion, from cruelty, from the disposition of tyrants to regard them as the pawns on the chess-board of • their` Tsar and of his minions and tools have risen up in the might of their strength and declared, "We will have no more of' fhis I " It means that the "Hidden Hand " which has been working for Germany and Germany's interests during this War, has been sending Russian peasants by the thousand to the slaughter unarmed or imperfectly armed, has been gambling with the people's

food and has been increasingly menacing and crippling the people's rights—the "Hidden Hand has at last been seized and paralysed, aye, amputated from the very body politic. It means that, after the weary generations of the lovers of liberty have passed in endless procession to the solitudes of Siberia, to dark fortresses, or to pestilential dungeons, the people of Russia now possess that elemental freedom which is the birthright and richest inheritance of a nation. It means that now through the Duma Russia can shape her own laws and determine her own destiny. At long last she has attained not' only the liberty Milton counted the chief treasure of men and communities—the liberty to know, to utter ,and to argue freely according to conscience—but also the liberty to embody in laws, to incorporate in policy, to embed in common life, in social, national and interna-tional relations the truths she has come to know, to utter and to argue according to conscience. Does the reader wonder that some of us think to-day of Russia "standing on the top of golden hours " and of "human nature seeming born again"?

And all this has come out of the _heart of the common people and has been won by their hands. "Let, there be no mistake in England," says the Petrograd correspondent of the "Star" in Monday's issue. "This was not an organized revolution. It will be impossible to make 'a statue in 'memory of its organizer—unless it be a statue representing a simple Russian peasant soldier. The Russian peasant educated by nearly three years of war, goaded purposely into action, showed him-self stronger than his oppressors believed, and the few simple soldiers in Petrograd who refused to fire on their fellows struck in two days the fetters from their nation." I utterly agree that this revolution and the potencies for good it brings with it came up, as all the greatest move-ments of reform in history have come, from the heart of thescornmon people. But it was not so swift a growth as the writer i have quoted seems to think nor did it grow in so small an area of soil as he suggests. This is a people's movement, a movement towards ideals that have found their home in the hearts of millions of Rus-. sian peasants. The movement began long ago. It was powerful enough years ago to wrest from the autocratic and reluctant hand of the ex-Tsar's father the freedom of the serf and to compel Tsar Nicholas himself to estab-lish the Duma. It has grown by what it fed on, grown in depth and breadth, in outlook, in strength, in im-perious might—the might that belongs only to right loyally embraced, unwaveringly followed, unstintingly imbued with tears and agonies and the very heart's blood. It is the fact that its roots are cast deep, that they spread far, that they have been so nurtured—it is this fact- which gives ground for the hope that the Revolution and the principles and loves out of which it has sprung will prove unceasingly fruitful and per-manent. I, for one, believe that .we shall in years to come look back upon March, 1917, and find fit expres-sion of our retrospect in Wordsworth's lines :

"a glorious time A happy time that was ; triumphant looks Were then the common language of all eyes; As if awaked from sleep the Nations [Nation] hailed Their [Its] great expectancy."

"Elate we looked Upon their virtues : saw, in rudest men, Self-sacrifice the firmest; generous love And continence of mind, and sense of right, Uppermost in the midst of fiercest strife."

But whilst "well begun is half done," let us remember that it is only half done. Russia has made a magnifi-cent, a marvellous beginning : but it is only a beginning. There are many perils ahead. The chief peril is of division, of sectionalizing interests, of men being for a party when they ought to be for the State. A second peril is lest by one false step a royalist party now silent and quiescent should be wakened into fierce conflict and so there should come civil discord and strife, if not civil war. A third danger is in the presence and propaganda of the doctrinaire, the man who runs ideas to death and puts them out of all focus and relation with facts, occa-sions and idiosyncrasies. A fourth danger is 'of the work and subtle influence of the German propagandist who finds a suitable soil among a people so few of whom can read and so many of whom therefore are compelled to receive news and ideas at second hand. Compared with all these perils the difficulties and dangers which inhere in the situation' itself, in the needs of the army, in the needs of the towns and villages—

HENRY SMITH.

Jottings. MR. ARTHUR SYMONDS has been saying something

about Charles Lamb which will delight the heart of every lover of "Elia." It is that Lamb's kindness "embraces mankind, not with wide engulfing arms of philanthropy, but witl. an individual caress." Nothing could be more apt and true. It is finely said.. The saying is in Mr. Symonds' new book, " Figures in Several Centuries."

Heard as the congregation was leaving Marlborough Road Presbyterian Church, St. John's Wood, after a sermon by Pref. Cairns, of Aberdeen : "Food for thought in yon man." "There was that." "Fine, wasn't he?" "Aye, Aberdeen's the place ! " So a cor-respondent of the "British Weekly " reports. It bears the marks of verisimilitude.

The Rev. J. H. Shakespeare told a humorous story at the Free Church Council meetings last week. Visit-ing a Government Office, he found some letters under the label "Queen Anne," others under "Micawber," and others under "Lloyd George." The first were letters that were dead, the second letters that were waiting for something. to turn up, but the third must have instant attention.

That reminds- me of that Shakespeare story passed on to me by the Editor of this Journal last week. The subject at a certain Literary Society vas "Shake-speare on the Free Church of England." One member turned up that night with the statement that he had borrowed everything by Shakespeare from the Public Library and gone carefully through it, but he had found nothing about the Free,Church of England.

It is hopeful news to those of us who believe that Dr. J. H. Jowett's place is in London just now and for years to come, that he informed his New York congre-gation a week last Sunday that he was contemplating the resignation of that charge.

The shortage of paper is seriously affecting the news-paper and journalistic world. -"Punch " went up from 3d. to 6d. last Wednesday. The "Spectator " keeps its old price, but is printing in smaller type and dropping advertisements to use less paper. The "Nation " is still to be 6d., but it is decreasing the number of its pages and using smaller type. The "Christian World," the "British Weekly," the "Christian," the "Christian Commonwealth," and the "Church Times" all doubled their prices last week. The "Methodist Recorder " and the Methodist Times" rose to lid. The "Primitive Methodist Leader " will not raise its price but will reduce its pages.

These are all ominous signs and one wonders what the new era may mean for this journal. I understand that there is no probability of anything being done until the Publishing House Committee meets in May. Meanwhile I would like to urge those who have not done so to send a -donation to our Book Steward, Rev. I-I. Hooks, 12 Farringdon Avenue, London, E.C. 4, to-wards the fund he is raising for meeting the extra cost of paper for the UNITED METHODIST during the year just closing. Readers' contributions may easily affect the decision of the Committee in May. What is done should be done before March 31st.

A correspondent at Spruce Hill, Walthamstow, sends the Editor a letter in which he says that bishops, priests, parsons—Nonconformist as well as others—have pretended to preach Christ to the people on the Sab-bath, but "on Monday they have heard of some brewery or distillery shares for sale and off first train to buy them, knowing all the time that it was wrong to touch, taste, or handle the unclean thing." This is a definite charge, and I invite the writer of that letter to send me the name of any Nonconformist minister who has been guilty of the hypocrisy he charges bishops, priests and parsons with. What Nonconform-

We, regret that through very great pressure on our space this week the reply to the correspondence on the State Purchase of the Drink Traffic, which is already in type, has to be held over till next week.

110

THE UNITED METHODIST. March 22, 1917:

ist minister has rushed off first train on Monday morn-ing to buy brewery or distillery shares? I await an answer from Spence Road, • Walthamstow. To be sure that the writer of the letter sees this paragraph. I will have a marked copy of it sent to his address. I don't want a long, letter in reply. I only want the name and address of a single Nonconformist minister who has done the thing he accuses bishops, priests and par-sons of doing. I hope our accuser will respond. . I can promise him I will sift the accusation if he gives me a name.

In view of the difficulties of travelling and of war-time generally our Primitive Methodist friends have taken decisive steps regarding their coming Conference. A first suggestion was that the attendance should be reduced by one-third. Now the arrangement is that not more than three delegates from each Synod shall be elected, with the recommendation that only two of these attend. The Conference is to be of only four days' duration—from Wednesday, June 13th, to Satur-day, June 16th, inclusive, so that each minister will be able to return to his Sunday's work. All legislation in the least degree contentious is to be deferred for twelve months, as well as all new appointments to Con-nexional positions. No President-Designate will be ap-pointed. In view of the difficulties of transport and in-creased railway rates and fares it is recommended that there shall be no changes in the ministerial staff of any circuit except in exceptional cases. Under the altered circumstances, instead of meeting at Leeds in our Woodhouse Lane Chapel, the Conference will meet in the Holborn Hall, London. These changes do not lack courage or the radical element.

The Editor has allowed me to see a note he received last week from an old friend of his at Ashton-under-Lyne. It is so interesting in itself and will be so specially interesting to some of my readers that I am reproducing it almost in full.

This venerable Methodist writes : " I have been hearing sermons for seventy years,

but I reckon one of the first amongst the preachers was the Rev. Samuel Hulme. He was solid, rever-ent, and dignified. Was there ever a more distin-guished trio in any Church than Dr. Cooke, Samuel Hulme, and James Stacey? I trow not; and I have heard some of the most distinguished from Thomas Binney, Dr. Parker, Norman McLeod, Dr. Maclaren, Dr. Allon, Father Vaughan, 'Dr. Jowett, Dr. Dale, Dr. Guinness Rogers, Bishop Fraser, Dr. Raffles, Enoch Mellor, Paxton Hood, and scores of others."

But our friend does not believe that all good preach-ing died with these men of honoured name. Very many will read his next tribute with pleasure :

"We have now with us Dr. Brook, and take him for all in all, he is the most interesting preacher I have heard—he is scholarly, yet so modest and withal so fatherly, with abundant experience gathered from his own observation of men and things. These make all his illustrations illuminating, which illustrations are intended to be, or else they had better not be used at all."

Our Editor's correspondent prays that his "gar-rulity" may be excused. I know not how it is with others, but "garrulity" of that kind always interests me, especially when it is about preachers living or dead.

The War is bringing some kaleidoscopic transforma-tions. Mr. Arundel Dene, sometime 'editor of the "Bodleian," is now on active service, apparently acting as orderly in a Hospital Ward. Writing to -Mrs. 'John Lane, he tells how his little store of books is a great comfort to him. "I do not agree with Dr. Johnson that there is as much difference between the lettered and the unlettered as between the living and the dead, but the literary ante-room of the mind is an infinite comfort in times of soul weariness. It leads me into associating ideas in a way that is of itself a whimsical relief.

" I started to sweep my ward—fifty yards long—for the first time with a sense of utter boredom. Then came recollection of the pious old poet's lines—

Who --

sweeps a room as by Thy law, Makes that and the action fine,'

and instantly I felt an answering smile break on my f ace."

PROVINCIAL.

Women's Missionary Auxiliary. ZelMS for this column should be sent to Mrs. Vivian. Windsor Road, Doncaster. and not to lie Editor.

Bristol and South Wales District. Visit of Misses F. and H. Ashworth—(contd.)

ON Thursday, February 22nd, the Bristol East Circuit was visited, the three branches uniting for an enthu-siastic evening meeting held in the Eastville Park Church, presided over by Mrs. F. Dymond. The service was well attended ; the choir of the church rendered excellent service and their musical contributions were greatly appreciated. Prayer was offered by the pastor, Rev. P. W. Madge, and inspiring addresses were given

. by Mrs. Butler and Miss Ashworth, and listened to with eager, and interested attention. The circuit members were greatly helped and encouraged by the visit of the deputation. The branch secretary is to be congratulated op her successful efforts.

The following day a very interesting visit was paid by the deputation to Newport, where a new branch was formed in connection with Hill Street Church. Alder-man M. and -Miss Mordey had very kindly arranged a drawing-room 'meeting to be held at their residence.

Invitations had been issued, and a - large number of friends responded. Mrs. Butler and-- Miss Ashworth gave very helpful addresses on "Organization " and

The need of the Women's Work," and at the close had the joy of seeing many hands held up in willing-ness to become members. Hearty thanki were accorded Alderman and Miss Mordey for their sympathetic in-terest and generous hospitality. There is great hope of this becoming a strong branch with the devoted help and guidance that will be given to it by the pastor and his wife, Rev. G. and Mrs. Hall Wallis.

On the following Sunday afternoon Miss Ashworth visited the Redland Grove Sunday School and gave a very interesting address to the scholars on "MisSionary Heroes," which was eagerly listened to and greatly appreciated.

The next afternoon Miss Ashworth addressed ,the mothers' meeting in connection with the same church. The "mothers " greatly enjoyed this visit, and were cheered and strengthened as they listened to words of counsel, comfort and consolation so necessary in these. days of stress and strain, anxiety and sadness.

The evening of the following day (Tuesday) Bristol.

South was again visited in the interests of W.M.A. The week-evening service had been willingly given up for the visit of the W.M.A. deputation, and the spacious lecture-room of our "Hebron " church was well filled. The pastor and his wife, Rev. J. and Mrs. Ford Reed, with the secretary, had made adequate arrangements and an enthusiastic meeting was the result. The audience was greatly interested in the stirring addresses of Mrs. Butler and Miss Ashworth and the W.M.A. in -Bristol South has been greatly stimulated by the visits.

On Wednesday the deputation journeyed to Gloucester, where an enthusiastic welcome awaited them from the pastor and his wife, Rev. W. H. and Mrs. Webber, and the lady members of the church. The afternoon meet-ing was presided over by Mrs. Webber, a devoted mis-sionary enthusiast who had for months been planning and preparing the way for the formation of a W.M.A. branch. This rendered the work of the deputation the less difficult. The audience showed interest and appre-ciation as they listened to the addresses of Mrs. Butler and Miss Ashworth on "W.M.A.Work " and "Organiza-tion," and at the close they had the joy of forming another new branch and enrolling several members. The friends at Gloucester were greatly helped and encouraged, and the visit has given an impetus to the church work as well as to the mission cause.

The friends of the Bristol District feel that the visit of the Misses Ashworth has been very opportune. An inspiring stimulus has been given to our movement in the district, and we pray that in after days this influence will remain, resolving itself into renewed interest, prayer and activities, and as a result our Church life and work, as well as the missionary cause, will be deepened and enriched.

For Our Teachers. BY REV. E. C. iJRwar, B.A., B.D.

HINTS ON THE INTERNATIONAL LESSON, . APRIL 1st, 1917.

REVIEW s JESUS THE WAY, THE TRUTH,

FOR the Review in Junior Classes we suggest a mis- AND THE LIFE.—John xiv. 1---14.

sionary story presenting Jesus as supplying human need, thus summing up the great ideas of previous lessons, Water, Bread, Light. The story chosen is "The Blind-ness of Ching-Lang-Foo," from Yarns on Heroes of China (L.M.S., 16 New Bridge Street, E.C.; price 6d.). In Senior Classes more time will naturally be given to indicating the needs of mind and heart which Jesus does supply.

Hints for Teachers' Study. (1) The suggested keynote of the lesson is John xiv. 6;

""I am the Way, the Truth and the Life." It occurs in the famous discourse of John xiii.—xvii., the occa-sion being- the Last Supper, in the Upper Room. For the purposes of our Review it is not necessary to,present this background in any detail, but teachers should be able to follow the thought of Jesus. The connection of ideas is best pursued by beginning .the reading at ch. xiii. 36, where Peter asks the question : "Lord, whither goest Thou? " The reply of Jesus is that Peter cannot. follow where his Lord goes, implying that he cannot therefore know. We learn later that Jesus means that He is going to His Father, or to His Father's house, and also that He is the Way to the Father, i.e., to God. These ideas are .part of the outstanding teaching of the Fourth Gospel regarding Eternal Life, which is defined as knowledge of God through Jesus Christ, ch. xvii. 3.

Hints on Teaching. (a Junior Classes. (1 Introduce the lesson with a brief reminder that

during this year we have been hearing stories about Jesus which show how His great disciple John used to think of Him long after He was here in the flesh. But in those days when he was growing' very old John still believed in Jesus, because Jesus meant so much to him. Lead the class to recall some of the things he has called Jesus, e.g., Water, Bread, Light. Point out that these are the chief things necessary to keep our bodies alive, and that when John calls Jesus by these names he means that in a similar way ,Jesus helps the best part of us to live, satisfies our best desires, supplies the needs of our hearts, and lights up our way. To-day we have a story which shows how even. in our day Jesus supplies the needs of people in-the great land of China.

(2) We all know that it is the business of missionaries to tell people in China and other heathen lands about

Jesus, and this is a'missionary story. - Some of our mis-sionaries are doctors, who try to do for sick folk what Jesus did for them long ago, heal their diseases. One of these, named Dr. Seill, had a hospital in the city of Tsang-Chow. It came to be so well known to the Chinese for the kind people who lived there that they called it Le Shan Yuan : "The house of those that delight to do good."

(8) It was a holiday in Tsang-Chow, and amongst the sights of the fair was Ching-Lang-Foo, the ,conjurer. Around the raised platform where he was to perform a great crowd had gathered, boys and girls, men and women. Soon the old man appeared, bowing low and began—spouting fire from his mouth, bringing yards of coloured ribbon from the most unlikely places and showering coins from unexpected quarters. The boys and girls were delighted, but the older folks had seen these tricks so often that they grew tired and wanted something new. It was then that it appeared that something was amiss with Ching-Lang-Foo,—his tricks missed fire and failed, 'he -fumbled and made mistakes, then drew his hand over his eyes as though something were amiss with them and tried again, until the crowd began first to laugh and then grow angry, and finally rushed towards the platform as though to hurt Ching-Lang-Foo. But a friend saw the danger and led him away.

(4) Tell of the conversation, Ching-Lang-Foo saying how he had felt for a long time that he was going blind and was afraid when he could no longer see he would. become a beggar, and threatening to kill him-self ; then the friend telling him of the wonderful foreigner, San-Tai-Fu (Dr. Seill) and the poor beggar he had taken in and cured.. Would Ching-Lang-Foo go to him? The old conjurer hesitated when he learned that San-Tai-Fu was a " Jesus-man," but, eventually, "And you think he could cure my blindness?" he asked. "It will be strange if he cannot, for blinder men than you have gone in through the gates of Le Shan Yuan and come out with their- sight restored."

(5) Describe the meeting with the doctor; his laugh-ing words when Ching-Lang-Foo told him who he was : "Play no tricks on me, worthy Mr. Ching " ; his kind-ness when Ching told him of his bad eyes which would not let him .play any tricks at all, the touch of his hands as he held Ching's face and looked into his eyes. It was cataract, double cataract, a growth over each eye • that had taken the old conjurer's sight. But the Christian doctor knew that a careful operation could take away the cataract and give the old' man his sight again. "Will you trust me, Ching-Lang-Foo? " "Yes, honourable doctor, I will trust you! "

(6) Ching--Lang-Foo, the great conjurer, still gives his entertainments to wondering • crowds, sometimes in cities far from Tsang-Chow. But he never begins in quite the same way he used' to do. For first he talks to the crowd, and tells -them a surprising thing, that not very long ago he was nearly blind, and now he had got his sight again. But he tells the crowd it was a foreign doctor, a Jesus-man, who did it. _Once he had thought evil of the Jesus-religion, but now he knows that it is true,, for it brings light and kindness and love..

(7) Let the children discuss what Ching owed to Jesus Christ,—his sight restored, the kindness of the Christian doctor when others had cruelly treated him, and hap-piness in his heart I The things that John had said about Jesus were coming true again ; He could satisfy men's needs like Water, Bread and Light!

(b) Senior Classes. (1) A brief introduction will serve to remind the class

of some of the great conceptions of the relation of Jesus to human need which John, probably in the light of his own experience, sets forth in the Fourth Gospel. Point out that such notions as Water, Bread, Light represent the elemental needs of human life, in the spiritual and moral sphere as in the physical. But in another passage of the same gospel, Jn. xiv. 6, a fuller content is given to these elemental needs of man's spiritual life. Bring-ing the ,two sets of ideas together, we may say that the deepest thirst of the human heart is for a Way of Life that leads to God, its noblest hunger is for a true conception of life, its greatest need for Light on life's problem, and these needs are satisfied alone by Jesus Christ. , (2) Bring out at some length the three notions. (a) Jesus reveals the Way to living communion with God, i.e., not only gives us true conceptions of God, e.g., as Father, but also 'enables to hold fellowship with Him. (b) The true conception of life is that which sees it as a sacrificial love-offering. Jesus sets this forth in His own life aed death. (c) Life's darkest problems, sin and suffering, become clear in the light of the love of God which Jesus reveals. Appropriation of His Spirit gives as life.

(3) A splendid illustration of the truth of this supreme value of Jesus is found in a recent report of the British and Foreign Bible Society. "In the' N. African Mission a woman came to see the Nazarene woman who knew the words of Christ. This woman had never seen a Christian, but a merchant travelling through her village had sold her father an Arabic gospel. • She now came to see the lady missionary and to speak with a Christian for the first time in-her life. The lady missionary spoke of "my Lord Jesus. "Yes," said this untaught African woman, "He is my Lord Jesus,- too." "But how do you know that," said the lady missionary, "for you are a stranger to us?" And her reply was this : her father had bought that Arabic Gospel and he had found Christ in it, "and," she said, "he died trusting in Him and I am trusting in Him, too ! "

—Mr. Bonar Law says that there is no advantage in holding a secret session to discuss the air service. --While digging his allotment at Brentford a man

turned up an old vase containing a large number of coins of the period of James I. and Charles I. It is assumed that the coins were hidden at the time when the Royalist forces overran the district after the battle of Brentford.

News of Our Churches. MINISTERIAL ARRANGEMENTS.

Engagements. 1917-18. Dimond, Charles, Nelson.

1917-19. Gay, W., Framlingham, an additional two years.

1918-19. Barriball, C. D., Gravelly Hill, Birmingham, a

sixteenth year, Conference having given permission. Buxton, F. L., Lincoln, Silver Street, a third year. Clayton, J. W., Claremont, Burnley, a sixth year. Dabill, S. S., Surrey Street Circuit, Sheffield, a third

year. Hogg, E., superintendent Gateshead, Whitehall Road. Ibbotson, J. Barnsley, Blucher Street, a fourth year. Newnharn, W. F., and Harris, W. E. C., a. second

and third year respectively at Camborne. Ratcliffe, B. J., Macclesfield, Park Green Circuit, a

fourth year. Wilson, H., and Smallwood, J., Manchester N.E. Cir

cuit a fifth and fourth year respectively.

1919-20. James, H., Newcastle, Sandyford, a sixth year.

Changes. Finch, S. J., leaves Winchester Conference, 1917.

ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE. £166 in Two Collections at Stamford Street.

ON Sunday week the Sunday School anniversary serz Orions were preached by Rev. David Brook, M.A., D.C.L., to large congregations both in the afternoon and evening. So crowded was the chapel at night that forms had to be placed in the aisles. The doctor dis-coursed with his usual force and acceptance, and was listened to with rapt attention. As usual, the singing by the children formed a great attraction. Mr. Jones was choirmaster, and Mr. James Arthur Yoxall the organist. The collections amounted to the sum of

9s. 10d., being an advance of £15 on last year. Several of the scholars who are serving their King and country forwarded generous contributions, and made reference to the happy days spent in the Schools in pre-vious years. It is significant to note that the collections at the first anniversary, more than a century ago, amounted to £5. The Schools are the oldest in the town and have been the parent of many other Schools.

THORNE. Centenary Services.

IN connection with the above celebration, sermons were preached on Sunday, March 4th, by Rev. F. Rhodes, of Epworth, to very good 'congregations. On Thursday afternoon, March 8th, Rev. 'I'. Scowby, of Nottinghanr, -preached to a 'good congregation, his ser-mon being much appreciated. A tea was followed by a public meeting presided over by Mr. James Maclaurin, of Sheffield. Rev. C. H. Panter made a statement as

to the origin of the church. Rev. T. Scowby was present at the Jubilee in 1867, and preached the re-open-ing sermons after the enlargement on Shrove Tuesday, 1894, and the friends were pleased to see him looking so well in spite of his years. He gave an excellent address of an historical character. Rev. W. Vivian, South Yorkshire Mission, gave a splendid speech. The centenary services have been of a very satisfactory and encouraging character.

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March 22, 1917

THE UNITED METHODIST. 141

Anniversaries. Arclid.—The missionary sermons were preached by

Mr. Hyde, of Ranmoor College, Sheffield, and he served well both on Sunday and Monday. The chairman on the Monday was Mr. G. Stubbs, J.P. Congleton (Wes leyan), and he did excellent service.

J.P., total proceeds of

the missionary effort were £36. The Arclid friends have kind `of unwritten understanding that their contribu-

tion should be £34, so they are up £2 on the average. Last year they had a £6 special which made their total £41 16s. 10d. £86 for a church of ten members (none of them rich) is very good indeed.

Barnsley (Mapplewell, Bethel).—The C.E. anniver-sary services were conducted by the Rev.— J. Kelly, M.A., of Glasgow, National C.E. Field Secretary. Large congregations gathered and very powerful sermons were preached 1311 Mr. Kelly. In the afternoon a model Junior and Intermediate meeting was held, led by Mr. Kelly. The members of both sections took part in a very happy and successful service. On Monday tea was served to a large number of 'friends and an attempt made by Mr. Kelly to conduct a tea table conference on "Present-day C.E. Difficulties," but the crowded school proved too much. In the evening a great rally took place, when representatives . were present from eight or nine other societies, completely filling the church. Miss Brooke presided and gave a brief sum-mary of the year's work of the Junior, Intermediate, and Young People's Societies. Addresses were given by Rev. A. Vickers, of Mapplewell (vice-president of the Yorkshire C.E. Federation), and Mr. Kelly. Miss Birkenshaw was the soloist. In every way the week-end services were most attractive and helpful.

Bristol.—The Ashton Gate church has just held its most successful church anniversary. Large congrega-tions gathered on the Sunday to listen to Rev. H. Mars-den (pastor ) and Rev. J. F. Reed. On the Monday evening a crowded meeting listened to experiences in France. of Rev. H. Marsden. Mr. Marsden said he saw no sign of the revival among the troops which some writers have written about, • but he saw a great amount of unselfishness and true comradeship. People often asked what kind -of• service. in ,our churches will the

boys want when they come home? He thought they would want a simple service with the old universal and tried hymns. He saw no indication of a desire for new things, but a great desire for reality.

Huddersfield (Longwood).—The President, Rev. 'I'. J. Cox should have been the preacher at the chapel anni-versary. His place was taken by Rev. J. Longden, of Hillhouse, who preached good sermons to good con-gregations. At the Saturday meeting, Mr. J. Whiteley presided, and addresses were delivered by Revs. J. Long-den and 12„ Ashby Howe. The total income for the year from all sources reached nearly £500, of which over £90 was for "Comforts Fund " for soldiers and sailors.

S. Tottenham (Earlsmead).—In connection with the church anniversary Rev. C. H. Poppleton preached a stirring sermon on the Saturday afternoon, and also spoke at the evening meeting along with Rev. R. P. Cole and Mr. R. Martyn, Mr. W. Mallinson, J.P., pre-siding. Mr. C. J. Hopkins, M.A., reported that the debt had been reduced by 4150. The income for the year had been about £660. The School had 282 scholars on the books and 45 teachers. 'The P.S.A. had a member-ship of 102. The Sunday services were conducted by the pastor (Rev. W. S. Welch). In the afternoon a musical service was presided over by Coun. T. Elderfield. A successful anniversary. Total proceeds, £31.

Bazaars. Cleckheaton (Central).—The "Busy Bee " held a very

successful sale of work, which was opened by Mr. 1'. Gill, with Mr. W. Sharp in the chair. The speakers were Rev. J. Roberts, Mrs. Hi;llas and Mrs. Craven. An entertainment was given by a number of young people The prOceeds amounted to £95.

Leeds (Wortley and Kirkstall).—Bazaars recently held at four churches in this circuit, with the following financial results : Lower Wortley, £220; Highfield, £150 ; Kirkstall, L383; Tong Road, £136.

Nantwich.—A very successful sale of work has been held to make good certain deficits in circuit accounts. Mrs. Harold Young made a competent and generous opener, and Mr. Wilfrid Harlock (in place of Mrs. Ilar- lock) a most sympathetic president. Miss Dorothy Moore as secretary developed a marshalling genius which surprised even her friends. A fine unity prevailed. The excellent sum of £66 was realized.

Oldbury (Tabernacle).—A sale of work was opened by Mrs. F. Dawes on the first day. The children of the Sunday School re-opened the sale on the second day, Master Sam Nightingale declaring the sale again open. Mrs. Nightingale received the children's purses'. The result of the effort is £240. The money is for prospective use.

General. Barnsley (Ebenezer).—At the juvenile missionary

meeting the children gave Rev. W. R. Clarke's mis-sionary representation, "The Sunbeams." There was a good attendance and the collection and contents of class boxes, etc., realized £5 5s.

Bradford (Shearbridge Road.—At the annual meet-ing of the young pecole's missionary society a pictorial address was given by Mr. Fredk. Craven, J,P. (a director of the L.M.S.). Reward books on missionary enter-prise were handed to ten collectors and were the gift of Mr. Wm. Hopkinson. The secretary ,(Mrs. T. A. Edge) gave the report showing £13 13s. net proceeds of the year's collecting. Rev. J. E. Radcliffe (pastor) was chairman and Mrs. Ashcroft Clarke pianist.

Bristol (Bishopston).—The closing meeting of the Temperance Society for the winter session was an ad-dressed by Rev. Roderick Michael, M.A., and was most successful throughout. Rev. G. H. Kennedy presided. This society and the Band of Hope are doing good work.

Cowling.—At the last sacramental service Rev. C. E. Penrose welcomed 11 persons into church membership.

Derby (Becket Street).—At the church quarterly meeting the membership was reported as showing a net increase of 7 during the year. Finances satisfactory considering the exceptional times. The church is in a healthy condition and a very good tone prevails throughout. — Mr. • and Mrs. E. Bentley, who for more than twenty years have been very actively connected with this church, a few days ago celebrated their silver wedding. They marked the auspicious occasion by giving a tea, the whole proceeds to be devoted to the funds of the Bible Class • and Women's Pleasant Hour Stall at the forthcoming bazaar. The function was a huge success, the schoolroom being crowded with mem-bers and friends; and the funds will benefit by nearly Z-10. Following the tea, Madame Aspley's concert party provided a delightful evening's entertainment. An old member of the Bible Class (of which Mr. Bentley has long been the honoured president), Mr. Neale, of Kegworth, presided over the gathering.

Hanley.—Sergeant F.. Ellis, one of the teachers of the boys, has received the decoration of the Montenegrin Medal for Merit (Silver Class) conferred by the King of Montenegro. The Christmas parcel account shows an income of £72 16s. 8d. plus 168 pairs of socks kindly collected by Mrs. Wharton and her committee. A W.M.A. lantern lecture by Rev. J. H. Messa raised £2 8s. 6d., and Miss Dyke, of Stone, presided. The pastor, Rev. F. J. Wharton, has recently spoken very

concerning" frankly from the Bethesda pulpit concerning and Beer," also on a "National Lent." The church is adopt- ing a prisoner in Germany, and will forward sufficient subscriptions to the Hanley Committee to supply food for the term of the war. The Ridgway Memorial Church has recently raised £25 10s. by a little sale, when Miss Moody, of Newcastle, opened, and Mrs. Adcock, of Endon, presided. The pastor, Rev. A. F. Reeves, C.F., now in France sent 5 per cent of the net result—a worthy remembrance of his beloved people. At Bethesda the pastor and his wife, together with neighbouring ministers and families, arranged a concert, when there was an enthusiastic and appreciative audience. Those taking part included Rev. and Mrs. David Bailey, Miss Williams, Miss Bell, Rev. and Mrs. F. J. Wharton. Between £2 and Z13 was received toward the mission fund.

Huddersfield (Shepley. and Shelley).—The presence of Mr. E. J. T. Harris, of Ranmoor College, a representa-tive of the West African peoples, created widespread interest, and he had large gatherings to address in connection with the juvenile missionary societies of each church. Shepley had more than doubled the previous years' total, and Shelley created a record by raising over ./;28. Mr. Harris's addresses were interesting and educative.

Newcastle (Jesmoncl).--Twenty' new members—nine adults and eleven juniors—were publicly received into fellowship on Sunday evening week by Rev. W. Penryn Hill. An appeal for all decided Christians present to participate in the ensuing observance of the Lord's Sup-per was responded to by all persons present with but one exception.

Northlewand Okehampton.—During the past week Rev. S. C. Challenger has visited Okehampton, Bretton and Boasley. His illuminating addresses on Sunday School work created great interest, and it was decided to adopt his suggestions.

Southport (Duke Street).—On Sunday morning, March 18th, a company of 70 wounded soldiers attended service at the church, at the invitation of Rev. T. Nightingale. They were brought from the hospital in chars-lt-bancs, and as the morning was beautifully sunny the drive was much appreciated. The men joined heartily in the singing and had a good time altogether. — The Girls' Guild is just concluding one of its most success-ful sessions. It has supplied in an admirable manner many an evening's entertainment both instructive and amusing, and has been of special value during the last two winters when owing to the darkened streets girls could not with pleasure or safety seek recreation in the streets. A very successful concert was given in the schoolroom on March 14th, when a crowded audience listened with delight to songs given by a company of A.S.C. men. Miss Lievesly gave great pleasure by her recitations. The proceedings were presided over by Mr. G. E. Bolshaw, the circuit steward.

South Molton.—Considerable progress can be reported in the circuit in congregations and finance. Missionary income shows a welcome increase. Rev. S. C. Chal-lenger has visited the circuit ,and on Sunday, March 11th, preached at Bishops-Nympton to an unusually large congregation and then at South Molton for after-noon and evening services to large congregations assembled. In the afternoon of the next day, Mr. Chal-lenger conducted a conference of workers, for the wel-fare among the young. An interesting discussion fol-lowed. At night under the presidency of Mr. J. Way (circuit steward), Mr. Challenger lectured on John

Swansea.—A deputation from the St. Andrew's Pres-byterian church has presented Rev. F. Sparrow with three volumes in appreciation of the kindly and generous . service he had rendered to their society and guild during the last six years. Mr. A. Bond spoke of Mr. Sparrow's gifts as a lecturer. Miss Val. Terrill made the presenta-- tion. They deeply regretted the impending departure of Mr. Sparrow from the town.

Tamworth.—Mr. W. Smith, of Dordon, presided over the annual convention of Sunday School teachers, held at Fazeley. The visitors were entertained to tea by the Fazeley friends. The acting secretary (Mr. W. Ruther-ford) presented the report of the Young People's exam-ination, and the president handed certificates to- the suc- cessful candidates, and also eleven prizes. The prize-winners were M. A. Slack (Polesworth) S. Brunt (Wilnecote), D. Payne (Wilnecote), and W. H. Deakin (Polesworth) ; A. M. Deeming (Dordon), K. H. Cart (Polesworth), L. Coffey (Glascote), and H. J. Parsons (Polesworth) ; W. Deakin (Polesworth), L. M. Deeming

Fish can be used to take the place of meat. Herrings are most nutritious and comparatively cheap.

Dried fruits are excellent food. They are nourishing, especially dates and figs and raisins, which are rich in sugar. and contain also some nitrogenous substance.

Bananas are a specially good fruit. (1) They are nutritious food, containing some nitrogenous substance and much sugar when ripe. (2) They can be used in many ways in puddings, custards, salads and fritters. (3) They are satisfying and inexpensive.

I BUY FALSE TEETH. Have you any P I wilt pay ad. for each tooth pinned on vulcanite.

2s. each on sliver, es. each on gold, es. each on platinum.

Cash immediately. Satisfaction guaranteed or teeth! returned Pronsktly.

Why keep artiflotal teeth that you do not wear. Don't be misled by. higher advertised prices, but write for my Free Booklet, which explains very clearly the value of any kind of artificial teeth. I also buy platinum scrap, dental alloy, and any old gold and silver, for which I pay you full value. Write for Price List. Kindly mention

"United Methodist."

E. LEWIS 116 29 London St., Southport, Lance. Established 1873.

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142

IHE UNITE!) METHODIST. March '42, 19i/

(DorsIon), and P. E. Baxter (Wilnecote). Mr. G. 'Cart, of Polesworth, was elected president, and Mr. J. Hollis, of Dosthill, vice-president for the ensuing year. Mr. T. Baxter and Mr. F. Summerfield were re-elected treasurer and financial secretary respectively. Mr. J. B. Johnson, at present serving with the Army, was re-elected secre-tary; it being understood that Mr. W. Rutherford volun-teered his services in Mr. Johnson's absence.

Walton.-The missionary- services were taken by the pastor (Mrs. Bolitho). At the evening service every available seat was occupied. In the afternoon a special young people's meeting with recitations, etc., was held. On the Wednesday evening a public tea was followed by a lantern lecture on Egypt ..by Rev. T. Astbury (Felixstowe), the chapel being well filled. The financial result reached the large total of £23, a‘ sum much in excess of last year's.

Walton.-The married ladies' _effort recently held showed a net gain of £18 to the Trust funds. The "effort " took the form of a concert, over which Mrs. William Ramsey presided. There was a choir, sustained entirely by the married ladies, and their chortises, solos and recitals won unstinted praise from a crowded audience.

Quarterly Meetings. Accrington.-Rev. H. Parish in the chair. The

financial report was very satisfactory. Numerical re-port showed a decrease of two full members, with an increase of four on trial. Gratifying reports from Sun-day School indicated increased attendance both at school and morning service in the church. Representatives to the District Meeting : Rev. H. Parish and Mr. J. T. Foulds.

Barnsley, Blucher Street.-Rev. J. Ibbotson presided. Debit balance reported of £4 Ds. 8d. Increase of three full and decrease of six trial members on last Confer-ence returns. Reports from the churches satisfactory and showed considerable promise in many directions. Mr. G. H. Danby (secretary) appointed representative to District Meeting, with Mr. John Taylor as alterna-tive.

Burnley.-Rev. J. H. James, M.A., LL.B., B.D., presided. A resolution of sympathy WAS passed with the family of the late circuit steward, Mr. James Emmott. Decrease of six members on the year. The trust account report was very gratifying. Last year a total indebtedness of £16,974 was reported, and this year the amount was £11,266, showing a decrease of £5,707, all of which has been raised since June 1st. Messrs. A. Steil, J. Fletcher, James T. Pollard, and T. Shaw, Mrs. James, Mrs. J. T. Pollard and Miss Robinson were elected representatives to the District meeting. Balance in hind of £25 13s. 7d.

Camborne.-Rev. W. F. Newnham presided. The reports in the main considered satisfactory and of an

_ encouraging character. Balance in hand. The circuit has adopted the new Connexional scheme re salaries of ministers. The number elected to represent the circuit at the District meeting was smaller than usual.

Crosland Moor.-Hearty congratulations were accorded to Mr. Wm. Shires, J.P., upon his appointment as a magistrate of the borough. After some discussion the meeting expressed its deep-rooted conviction that Sunday labour was decidedly detrimental to the religious and civil interests of the community. Practically. all the cir-cuit officers were re-elected, and hearty good wishes were extended to Rev. H. Sunman, who was about to leave for four months' work in connection with the Y.M.C.A. in France. •

Framlingham.-The-Connexional and District Execu-tive suggestions re District Meeting at Spalding were accepted, andaone delegate only appointed, Mr. C. Sim-mons, District local preachers' secretary. A somewhat large deficit was reported. An earnest conversation took place respecting the supply of preachers, so many being called up or unable to serve as formerly owing to cir-cumstances associated with the war.

Huddersfield, High Street.-Rev. C. A. Ashelford presided. Resolutions of appreciation and sympathy with families of Mr. J. H. Hellawell and Mr. Fred Dyson were passed. Both brethren had long and faith-fully 'served the High Street and Lindley Circuit as local preachers. An increase on the year of 18 members and 8 on trial. £221 10s. of debt paid off trusts during year. An increase of 5 scholars ; £18 4s. 6d. in hand. Messrs. W. Thomas, F. Woodhead, W. Hobson, Mrs. .1. T. Brooke, Messrs. Frank Cooper and T. Taylor appointed delegates to District meeting, with Mr. David Shaw as steward. The Government were asked to further limit the brewing and sale of intoxicants during the war.

Leeds, Wortley and Hirkstall.-Chairman, Rev. J. H. Bowker. The reports from the churches told of successes and progress. Balance in hand of over £85. It was decided to make an effort to form a branch of the Laymen's Missionary League, Mr. S. Bolland being appointed secretary. Mr. J. Bolland was appointed to

collect subscriptions for the Chinese Scholarships Fund. Rev. J. H. 1Bowker and Mr. T. Webster were appointed representatives to the District. Meeting.

Lincoln, Silver. Street.-Rev. W. Reed presided. Several young men were accepted as lay preachers. Financial statement satisfactory. Numerical statement showed an increase in the membership. Mr. A. Spencer was congratulated on his being appointed to a seat on the Lincoln City Council.

Manchester First.-Rev. W. C. Jackson, B.A., pre-sided. Financial deficit to be met by a contribution of 6d. per member. Numerical report indicated' little change. On account of restrictions in travelling the number of representatives to attend District meeting was reduced and the proposal to take similar action re representatives from circuit to Conference was approved. Young people's report gratifying.

Manchester North-East.-Rev. Harold Wilson, M.A., in the chair. Numerical and financial reports satisfac-tory. District meeting : Messrs. R. Wood and H. Case appointed as representatives.

Manchester North.-Rev. G. W. Potter presided. £12 8s. 2d. in hand. Increases of 29 adult members, 33 on trial and 7 juniors. Eighty-nine new members received during the year. It was decided to suggest that, for this year,- ministerial removals be limited to such as are absolutely necessary. Permission was given to the ministers to undertake such part-time work under National Service Scheme as might he possible. Resolu-tion passed urging the restriction of sale of liquor in military camps and reminding the authorities of their promise to keep boys under 19 in separate battalions during their training. The ministers with Messrs. Egerton, Horrocks and Falla were appointed to attend District meeting.

Mansfield.-Rev. W. H. Proudlove in the chair. It was decided-to ratify the agreement of 1912, and to take a second married minister in 1918.

Market Rasen.-Chairman, Rev. E. R. Squire.. In-crease of 14 members on the year. Missionary income shows an increase of £20 on last year, and an in-crease of £50 in two years. On account of abnormal conditions and increased railway 'fares, it was decided to send only one representative to the District Meet-ing, viz., Rev. E. R. Squire. Resolutions of protest against the suggestion of Sunday labour on the land and in favour of Prohibition were carried unanimously. Several letters of thanks were received from members who are on active service for the soldiers' wallets sent to them since last meeting. Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Smith were heartily thanked for providing dinner and tea.

Newcastle East.-Rev. H. A. Stembridge, B.A., pre-sided. Membership increase 4, probationers decrease 11. Balance in hand £7 14s. 10d. Trust debts reduced by £295. Building Fund commenced for new church at Walker. District meeting delegates, with chairman : Messrs. W. R. Dixon, jun., W. R. Dixon, sen., Coun. G. Dixon, Mrs. Gilbertson. Alternatives, Messrs. R. Laverick and A Salmon. Resolution carried in favour of prohibition of drink traffic during war and six months after. Mr. A. Salarnn received as a fully-accredited local preacher.

Newcastle, Sandyford.-Rev. H. James presided. Balance in hand of £22 18s. 2d. A decline of 7 mem-bers and of 150 scholars. Revs. H. James and H. J. Shingles cordially invited to remain until 1920.

Radstock.-Rev. W. H. May presided. Strong resolu-tions were unanimously passed in favour of drink pro-hibition and against the War Office taking over Y.M.C.A. huts for wet canteens, also against Sunday labour. Small decrease of scholars. The spiritual re-port of the Churches was very good. Decrease of 1 member on the year. Balance of nearly 40s. in hand. The chairman and Councillor A. E. Chivers were elected representatives to the District meeting.

Penzance, Parade Street.-Chairman, Rev. J. Hartley Duerden. Past year one of the best in the history of the circuit. Membership the same, but increase of 64 in members on trial. There had been 95 conversions during the year in the circuit. Debit balance of £58 12s. 11d. converted during the year into credit balance of £8 9s. 4d. Missionary income was also in advance. Captain H. Row and Mr. J. North were elected to the District meeting.

Ripley.-Rev. J. W. Nieid presided. Membership as last Conference. Trust debts reduced £886 during the year. The churches were recommended to make a re-tiring collection in aid of Auxiliary Fund.

Sheffield, South Street.-Rev. R. R. Baker in the chair. Decrease of members, but the Sunday School and Trust returns were very satisfactory. Rev. R. R. Baker and Mr. J. Maclaurin were elected to the District meeting. Sympathetic reference was made to the loss sustained by the circuit and by United Methodism in the city through the passing of Mr. S. Maclaurin

Sheffield, Surrey Street.-Increase of 18 members re-ported - the highest number returned for 25 years. Balance in hand of £18 4s. Excellent work reported amongst the young people. Trust account, showed a total income of £1,183, an increase of £28 on the year.

Sheffield, Hanover.-Rev. Robert Noble presided. It was decided to continue the Neepsend Mission for another year, good work having been accomplished. Representatives to the District Meeting : Revs. R. Noble, C. Greenwood, H. Chatterton, and Messrs. Jas. Wilkinson, J. T. Pinder, and Lewis. Two local preachers had died durin,g the quarter, and high tributes were paid to the memory of the late 'Mr.. D. Cros- whaite and Mr. J. M. Stocks. Sympathy was also ex- pressed with a late pastor, Rev. F. Marrs, in his be-reavement., Increase of 28 full members. £374 7s. 3d. collected for missions during the year by the juveniles of the circuit. A resolution urging upon. the Govern-the great need for total prohibition of the liquor traffic at this time was unanimously passed.

Swansea.-Chairman, Rev. F. Sparrow. Finances %try satisfactory. Membership : At Oxford Street an increase of 8, and at Hafod a decrease of 7. Both ministers were liberated for National Service, and the restrictions re delegates to District meeting were agreed

to. Resolutions of sympathy were passed with Captain F. and Mrs. Dinan in their great loss of their son Eric, who was a promising local preacher. Mr. C. Reed was heartily congratudated on attaining his 70th birthday. He has served the church well and loyally for over 40 years and has occupied his highest offices in the circuit.

Food in War Time.

The Value of Oatmeal. Oatmeal is a most nourishing cereal. It contains

more nitrogenous substance than wheat flour and more fat. It is very cheap and satisfying. Many people do not realize the value of oatmeal porridge, and some do not like it. One reason may be that it is difficult to make really well. There is quite an art in making it, and it is easily spoiled. It will be found that porridge for breakfast takes the place of some bread, and it is quite as nourishing and digestible-if not more so.

To make porridge : To every pint of water allow 2ozs. medium oatmeal or Quaker oats, teaspoon salt. Bring, slowly to the boil, stirring all the time, and allow to simmer for an hour with the lid on the saucepan. Stir occasionally. A double pan is the best, for oatmeal easily burns, but a longer time must be given for cook-ing. Enough for 2 or 3 persons.

Oatmeal is excellent for thickening soups. It can also be made into thin flat cakes which are digestible and nourishing.. They are eaten with butter or cheese. Fine oatmeal mixed with flour can be used for cakes, scones, fritters; and puddings.

Substitutes for Bread. Any cereal helps to take the place of bread. Macaroni

is the most nourishing. It can be used for soups and puddings, and is best known when made with cheese.

Barley is also very nourishing and is used for soups, stews and puddings. Barley meal used with flour is excellent for cakes and for thickening sauces.

Buckwheat is not so well known, but it is a nutritious cereal. It makes excellent pancakes and drop scones.

Rice, sago, and tapioca contain a large proportion of starch, but a smaller proportion.of nitrogenous foods.

Pulse Foods. Pulse foods cannot berated too highly. (1) They can

be made to take the place of bread and meat. (2) They are rich in nitrogenous food. (3) They are equal in food value to meat if fat is added in some form or other. (4) They are cheap and therefore at the present time in-valuable. (5) They can be made into soups, stews, pies, sausages, cutlets, and manyother dishes, which are most palatable. (6) They require long cooking to render them digestible : peas, 8-4 hours; beans, 2-3 hours; lentils, 1-2 hours.

PUBLISHING HOUSE.

Closing of Accounts, March 31st The Steward begs to remind Customers and all others It may concern that the Financial Year closes definitely March 31st, and that remlttanoes_ for all out-standing a000unts should be re-ceived at the Publishing House on or before that date.-

SOME RECIPES. CONTINUING the artiele which appeared recently we

now give recipes for making the food which it was sug-gested should be used in carrying out the week's menu sketched last week but one.

Bread. Many people are making their bread at home. When

flour is bought from the baker yeast is easy to obtain. It-has been found that the addition of a small proportion of fine oatmeal or barley meal makes an excellent bread. It is nourishing, digestible, and very pa'atable. The ad-dition of oatmeal or barley meal would give a portion of flour for other uses.

Here is a good recipe for bread : stilbs. plain flour (seconds is the most nourishing), 11113s. fine oatmeal or barley, 2 smaP tablespoons salt, liozs. yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar, 3 pints lukewarm water (about). This makes enough bread for 2 persons per week according to regu-lations, and allows 1-1ilbs. of flour for other uses.

A Delightful Sweetmeat. "Made of the pu

matorials. of exoailtnt Savour."--LA NoaT.

'E000ptionally elvdee uniformly delicious."...

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Births, Marriages, Deaths. -NOTICES of Births, Marriages, Deaths,

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

EPOR Ts of Marriages, Silver Weddings, etc., intended for insertion in the Editorial Columns must be accompanied by a Pre-paid notice of the event at the rate above specified.

BIRTH.

WILDBLOOD.—March 4th, 1917, at 79 Shaftesbury Avenue, Roundhay,

Leeds, to Bombardier and Mrs. W. Sydney Wildblood, a daughter (Louisa Marjorie).

DEATH. PARKER.-By cable from Dundas, Ont.

Mrs. W. H. Parker, of Bristol (Sister Clarice of Bowron House). A much beloved and trusted friend for many years of Mr. and Mrs. S. A. James, " Jesmond," Salisbury Road, Harrow (late of Westmin-ster).

OUR MISSION IN NORTH CHINA.

By Rev. J. HEDLEY, F.R.G.S.

Offered at Half-Price to clear stock. 'Price 9d. ; per post 1 s.

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

" MARY SLESSOR, Pioneer Missionary."

The "MONTHLY VISITOR" for April.

is, Per 100 and Postage (4d. first 100).

Please apply for specimens, &c., to R. HENDERSON SMITH, Sec.. Scot. M.V." Tract Society, Edinburgh.

PEARL ASSURANCE COMPANY, LTD.

Chief Offices : High Holborn, W.C. Annual Income ... £4,000,000 Claims paid exceed ... £19,500,000

EDUCATIONAL. wOODVILLE SCHOOL of Domestic Science

and Kindergarten, Handsworth, Birmingham. ' Vacancy in each department for next term. Certifi-cated educated girls in great demand, especially Lady Nurses and Lady Cooks.

ANNIVERSARY MUSIC. if GOD OF BATTLES." Just written. Suitable

for any occasion. Octavo size, 2 pages. Send for copy, 1d. post free. Geo. Rogers, Thornhill Road, Handsworth, Birmingham.

APPOINTMENT WANTED,

WANTED.—Position as Hired Looal, now or August. Excellent references. Twenty-one

years' experience. Married. Reply Box (6), "United Methodist" Office, 12 Farringdon Avenue, London, E C. 4.

MISCELLANEOUS.

6A -PAGE BOOK ABOUT HERBS AND HOW `± TO USE THEM, free. Send for one.—

Trimnell, The Herbalist, 144 Richmond Road, Cardiff. Established 1879.

KWEEP THE HOME BRIGHT by using champion cleaner of plate and all metal goods, post free,

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WRITE TO US ABOUT ITI AND LEARN SHORTHAND in 12 hours complete with

small outlay. Stamp for specimen, etc. — Phcenix System, 43 Hemingford Road, London, N.

MINISTERING WOMEN The Story of the Work of the Sisters connected wits the United Methodist Deaconess Institute, together with some account of the Origin and History of tht

Institute. - By Rev. HENRY SMITH.

IN pp. With 14 full-page illustrations. Price 1/- net. By poet 1/3.

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

nHIVERS' CARPET SOAP.—Cleans Carpets '60 like new. Sold at all stores, 6d.—Send penny stamp for free sample to F. Chivers and Co., Ltd., 33 Albany Works, Bath.

SPECIAL BARGAINS FOR READERS OF THIS PAPER. — HUGE STOCKS OF

DRAPERY for disposal at exceptionally low prices. Send to-day and save money. BLANKETS. genuine White Yorkshire, full size (80 by 60), beautifully soft and warm. 7/6 pair, carriage paid ; PURE TWILL SHEETS, fine quality (8Q by 60), 6/6 pair ; ALHAMBRA QUILTS, lovely designs only 8/6; NOTTINGHAM LACE CURTAINS, pretty patterns. 4/6 pair ; Blouses (all kinds). Overalls. stockings, etc. (Special quotations for Institutions, etc.). All goods carriage paid. Buy direct and save shop profits Thousands of Testimonials.—Record Drapery Co., 41 Carlisle Street, Bradford.

SPIRITUAL.` lEtEltrItAX. The greatest need of to-day.

Rev. ARTHUR J. PARKER Isopen to conduct such Services In any part of the Connexion.

TENT Provided for Summer Meetings. No exces-' sive fees. Leader of the Camborne Revival and

the Christian Mission.

Write to-day :

STAFFORD VILLA, JESSE'S ROAD, NARBERTH, PEMBS.

ANNIVERSARY MUSIC, THE " NEW SERIES" (Nos. 1 & 2)

OF HYMNS AND TUNES FOR ANNIVERSARY SERVICES.

Each, price 1d. net, containing both Notations. (Post free, lid.). Words only, 2s. per 100 net.

(Postage 5d.).

THREE SELECTIONS OF HYMNS AND TUNES (A B & C) IN

BOOKLET FORM FROM THE UNITED METHODIST SUNDAY

SCHOOL HYMNAL, Suitable for Sunday School Anniversaries. Words and Music, lid. per copy net. Words only, 2s. per 100 copies net.

Lir A Specimen Copy of Words and Music, of either selection, will be sent post

free for 2d., or the three selections post free for 6d.

CONTENTS

EDITORIAL. The Easter Assur- ance in an Uncertain rime.

MANNA FOR THE MONTH. By Rev. G. W. Stacey.

PERSONAL FORCES IN CHURCH AND CIRCUIT LIFE Rev. J. W. Walls (Portrait). Miss F. Ashworth (Portrait).

EASTER, 1917 (A Poem). SOME TYPICAL SCENES AND

CHARACTERS OF CIRCUIT LIFE. By Rev. Arthur Hancock.

THE HOUSE OF TRANSFORMA-TIONS. By Marcus and Violet Warrener.

PASTORAL LETTERS. II. To a Church Treasurer with a Deficit. By Christopher Huut.

FOR APRIL.

CALLED HOME Mr. W. H. Ingrouille. Mr. James Emmott. Mr. William Wood.

NOOKS AND CORNERS OF OLD LONDON, II. A Memorial of the Crusaders. (Illustrated). By Alfred Bailey.

RUPERT BROOKE, POET AND PATRIOT. By Rev. John Job.

UNDER THE HOME LAMP All My Windows open to the Day. By Jennie Brooks, B.Litt.

THE FELLOWSHIP OF BOOKS By Rev. J. G. B. Corin.

THE DENOMINATIONAL OUT-LOOK. By Watchman.

OUR CHILDREN'S PORTION The Race and the Apples. By Uncle John.

EC IL

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.

March 22. 1917. THE s UNITED METHODIST. 393

THE UNITED METHODIST MAGAZINE.

A Prominent Church Leader says : " It is splendid value for the price, well arranged, and up to date, and ought to sell readily among our own people."

A Minister writes : -That's a fine message of yours in the March number, and James Ellis makes his paper alive with the essentials of The Efficient Church.' "

NOTE.--January, February and March Numbers are out of print.

DON'T ORDER

MISS 3D. NOW Another Month. of your Minister.

EACH NUMBER OF THIS MAGAZINE IS COMPLETE IN ITSELF,

Prepared only by THOMAS BEECHAM, St. Helens, Lanc. Sold everywhere, in boxes, price Is. 3d. and 3s.

Zer Obtain your copy of " The United Methodist " from the same news-- agent every week, If you have not already asked a newsagent to

supply you with the paper regularly, will you please do so now ? In consequence of the shortage and high price of paper, it is important that every copy printed should be sold.

. Fill up Order Form below.

FO" TO AVOID WASTE, fill up this form and HAND TO YOUR NEWSAGENT.

EVERY THURSDAY. ONE PENNY.

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Publishing Office : 12 FARRINGDON AVENUE, LONDON, E.C. 4.

Hoe Grammar School, Plymouth. • ESTABLISHED 1867.

Princiina and Read Master : G. P. DYMoND, M.A.•(I-frond.), Member of the Merely Comm Teachers Commission o f Teache to the United States and Canada, 1906-7.

Second ,Master : W. J. LUKE, B.A. (Lend.), L.C.P.

all Sta ff of Graduate and Trained Teachers. A Successful Home School in a Beautiful Neighbourhood. Close to Sea. Mild Win-ter Climate in Riviera District. Tennis, Cricket, and Football Grounds. Safe

Open - Sea Bathing. Successes include : Inter. Arts, London Matrio.' Naval Clerkships, Medical and Law Exams., Eastern Telegraph, Civil Service (Admiralty, Taxes, etc.), First-Class Honours Local Exams., and many

minor successes.

1 CORY'S HOTEL, 7 and 8 SPRING STREKT, VERY QUIET YET CENTRAL. Two minutes to G.W.R., Metropolitan, and Central London Beltways.

BEDROOM (including light and attendance) Single, from 2/6. Double, from 4/.. Telephone : 2390 PADDINOTOI. NIGHT 1.01T111. Telegrams : "CORY'S HOTSL, PADD." Proprietor,

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"VISITORS TO LONDON."

TRANTER'S Temperance HOTEL 6, 7. 8 & 9 BRIDGEWATER SQ.. BARBICAN, E.C. og Quiet & Central. ! mins. Alderegete Stn. 6/10 mss. St. Paul's. BEDROOM & BAKFAST from 41- to 51- inclusive. RE Write for "HOW HOW TO SPEND A WEEK IN LONDON." with Tariff. Post Fran. 'Phone : 959 Central.

APARTMENTS WANTED.

WANTED.-Furnished apartments, large and airy, for lady and two children, bathroom and garden,

in Bideford or Swanage. Apply, with terms, to J. B.. 94 Kennington Avenue. Bishopston. Bristol.

MISCELLANEOUS.

BAZAAR.-If you are holding a sale of work, we will provide a stall of goods yielding good profit

without risk.-Write for particulars. James, 46 Wilson Street. Finsbury, E.C.. London.

ASTHMA filmR0mNeraltIeALrecteSfTHwit.u-t

burning powders or taking medicines. A wonderful remedy. Fortnight's free trial.-Write H. Zeals, Asthma Depot, Staincliffe, New Oxted, Surrey.

Tub of Clothes Washed in 4 Minutes.

WASHED BY SUCTION AND AIR ! BEWARE OF IMITATIONS !

Thousands satisfied. The PATENT "SWIFT- SURE " VACUUM CLOTHES WASHER, I6s. 6d., carriage paid on FORTNIGHT'S FREE TRIAL. WILL SAVE £10 YEARLY in Clothes, Soap, Fuel. &c. NO BOILING required. Dainty laces or heavy blankets without injury or hard work. Prevent shrink- ing. Illustrated lists and testimonials tree. BRITISH VACUUM CO Wept. U MN 91 Duke Street. Limp •ol.

LADIES INVITED to send postcard for our

catalogue ; best value in costumes, blouses, skirts, overalls, raincoats. costume lengths from 125, 6d. carriage paid, . children's clothing.-Florence Co., Salop Street, Wolverhampton.

pEACH,S CURTAINS.-Send for New Cata- logue. Practical Hints for Curtain Treatment.

Curtains that last. Makers' Prices. If buying new Lace, Muslins, Casement Curtains, Linens, send for this interesting book. Write now. Samuel Peach & Sons. 199 The Looms. /NI, ttingham.

WALKER'S HAIR RESTORER.-"Koma-. ooze" (Regd.), a proved " par excellence "

hair-grower. A boon to ladies and to gentlemen. Will positively stop falling hair. Send 6 stamps for sample. - Proprietors, Frederick and A E. Walker, Hair Specialists. 141 Mansfield Road, Nottingham

TU IvIOU RS U- LCERS • ABSCESSES TUBERCULOSIS a INTERNAL GROWTHS CURED BY VITADATI 0 Australian Herbal Remedy. without operation. when other treatments fail. Send postcard for free trial bottle (value 9d.) and booklet to Vltadatlo Ltd..

(Dept. R.W.), Park Square. Leeds.

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EST CENTRAL HOTEL FIRST-CUSS HOTEL FOR LADIES i GENTLEMEN.

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Six or more Copies, 1/3 net each, post free.

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ST. ANNES-ON-SEA -Public and Pri- . vete Apartments.

Near sea and golf links. Sunny aspect. Close to-station.-Misses Podzus and Richards, " Resikaven," 64 St. Andrew's Road, S.

TORQUAY.-Miss MARTIN, Woodland Lodge, • Chelston. Private Apartments or

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WORTHING-Ladies' Hostel. Reatful. bright, ■ homely. Ideal ceatrid position:

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Services & Preachers SUNDAY MARCH 25th.

LONDON. Brixton-Streatham

(RIggindaleRoad). 11 a.m., 8,800.m.

Clapham Junction-- (Mallinson Road). 11 a.m., 6.30 0.m.

Stockwell-(Paradise Road) 11 a.m., 6.30 0.m.

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Newington-Brunswick, Gt. Dover Street, 11 a.m., 8.80 Am.

Morning

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PROVINCIAL. Bricillepten-10.45a.m.,13.300",

W. Conrad I W. Conrad Balmer I Balmer

Brighton- Bristol Road. 11 a.m.. 7 ton. Stanford Avenue. 11 a.m„ 7 P.m. Old Shoreham Rd 11 a.m. and 7b.m.

D. Watkins

L. H. Court

J. G. B. Corin

L. H. Court

D. Watkins

J. G. B. Corte

Bristol- Redcliffe Crescent lla. m., 6.30 p.m

Sheffield-Scotland Street Mission

MN a.m. 6.0b.m.

J. F. Reed 1 R. T. Buttle

W. Madgen I Student

la• LAN KETS COMPULSORY SALE.-For iho few weeks only, of _ genuine White Yorkshire Blankets. Full size, heavy and warm. Sample pair 6s. 6d. Pure Twill Sheets, 5s. 6d. pair; Alhambra Quilts, 4s. 6d. ; Ladies' " Record" Stockings, splendid quality, 2 Pairs Is. 6d. Handsome present given absolutely free with all orders. Send to-day, Thou-sands testimonials. All goods packed free.-Record Drapery Co., 41 Carlisle Street, Bradford. e

144

THE UNITED METHODIST. March 22, 1917

ADVERTISE OUR WANTS

In the

UNITED METHODIST. 25 words for 113.

and one Halfpenny for each additional word.

Three Insertions for price of two.

HARROGATE, ASHVILLE COLLEGE.

FOR BOARDERS ONLY. Finest Situation.

Thorough Equipment. University Staff.

Cadet Corps. Rev. ALFRED SOOTHILL,

Head Master.

COLLEGE, Forest Hill, S.E. Established 1863.

Boarding & Day School for Boys. Healthy Situation. Modern Equipment. Moderate Inclusive Fees. CiFmnaolum, Playing Field for Football & Cricket.

At the College ofPreceptors'Examinations (1897-1915) 368 Stafford College Students were successful, taking several places in

honours and many distinctions,

Prospectus on application to PRINClIPAI, W. G. DOTHERAS,

Stafford College, WestbourneRd.,

FOREST HILL, S.E.

THE UNITED METHODIST

Edgehill Girls' College, BIDEFORD. N. DEVON.

Governor Rev. R. S. HALL. HEAD MISTRESS :

Mist E. 0. JOHNSON, B.A. (Hone.) Load., Assisted by an Efficient Staff.

The College is beautifully situated, with long garden, playing fields, our own farm, sanatorium, good class rooms, labora-

tory and gymnasium. Good successes in Lond. Matrix. and Oxford Locals, Associated Board of

R.A.M., R.C.M. and R.D.S.

Terms, from 33 Guineas. For Prospectus apply to Head Mistress,

or Rev. R. S. HALL, Governor.

All communications respecting Advertisements should be addressed to the

ADVERTISEMENT'

MANAGER, " United Methodist," 12 Farringdon Avenue, London, E.C. 4

The

Positive

Organ.

Trade Mark. A real Pipe Organ. giving the effects of two manuals and pedals on its single keyboard. Price from £77. Over 900 supplied. Estimates given for Repairs. Rebuilds, Two and Three-Manual Organs, etc.

POSITIVE ORGAN CO., Ltd., 44 Mornington Crescent (Opposite Tuba

Station), London, site Tuba

OLDIERS' SOLDIER AND AND

COMPANION COMPANION AND -DIARY AND WALLET

POCKET BOOK

HENRY HOOKS,- 12 Farringdon Avenue, London, E.C. 4. 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111115111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

FOE{T cv.A.Tm CIRCUIT. Forest Gate-Katherine Road... Corner of Romford Road ... Rev. W. E. CHIVERS, B.A.

r, -Field Road. ... Near Forest Gate Station ... Rev. J. W. ARMSTRONG Canning Town-Shirley Street Bottom of Rathbone Street ... ... Rev. J. B.BOOTH Plaistow-Harold Road... Near Plaistow Station Rev. W. BAINBRIDGE Ilford-Ilford Lane ... South of Ilford Station ... Rev. J. BO/EN Grays-New Road ... ... Enquire at Grays Station ... Rev. W. BRYARS Manor Park-Romford Road Near Manor Park Broadway ... Rev. H. WILLIAMS East Ham -High Street, N. ... Right of East Ham Station ... Rev. P. GALPIN Westoliff-on-Sea... ... Leigh Road (nr. corner of Argyll Road) Rev. W. J. REDMORE Seven Kings.. Right of Seven Kings Station Rev. J. H. SQUIRE, B.A., B.D. Southend-Scott's Villas ... Eastern Esplanade, Southend ... Rev. T. J. WATSON

Mr Services commence at 11 a.m, and 6.30 p.m. Visitors will receive a hearty welcome.

Geo. M. HAMMER & Co.,Ltd. Established 1158. 'Phone 8284 Hop.

MANUFACTURERS of EVERT DESCRIPTION of CHURCH ...eanitture,irNa'otrealt

Choir2L"ir̀dr.,coalTa

Communion FURNITURE Larry rAdt2g.."1..,Her.-k&ttemogellreler.

NEW (First Floor by SHOWROOMS 430 STRAND, W.C. Charing Cross Hospital)

HOTELS, HYDROS, BOARD RESIDENCES, apd PRIVATE APARTMENTS. .

BLACKPOOL-Mrs. J. H. Ainley, Trafford

■ House, 42 Charnley Road, Public and Private Apartments. Near Central Station and Sea. U.M.

BLACKPOOL-Misses PILLING, Alma

I Heise, 15 Banks Street, KJ. Public sad Private Apartments. Sea view.

U.M.

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

**elle and Private Apartment,. Sea view. N.S. U.N.

BLACKPOOL .-t7m?rLY (from Lon

Eaton). 'Glen iosa,Ie

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

BLACKPOOL-Mrs. HORNE, 104 Coronation

• Street. Near Central Station. Sea, and all Amusements. Piano.

BOURNEMOUTH-"STANHOPE DENS"

• Boarding Establishment. Glen Fern Gardens. Comfortable, homely. Delight-fully situated near pier, gardens, and all interesting. Terms moderate. Stamp for tariff. - Address, Mrs. Gray.

11A4ROCATE. Hydra,

p- aomYarbandTalleY Gardens, near all baths, ;rioter Garden, Karma' ; Physician. Tele. 42. Illustrated Tariff. Manageress.

MORECAMBE -Misses PICKERING, Beach

. Mount. =Victoria Esplanade, E.E. Public and Private Apartments. Highly recommended. U.M.

MORECAMBE.-Mrs.

i Whittles,

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

U.M.

SOUTHPORT(safety area). - MATLOCK

HOUSE, 60 Bath Street. Apart-ments or Board. Near Prom., Lord Street, churches. Methodist home. Highly recommended by ministers. Piano, bath. Invalids specially studied. Terms moderate.-Mrs. Hall.

SOUTHERN CONVALESCENT HOMES and Homes of :Rest, Lancing, near Worthing. These approved Homes continue oven. Sunny climate, pure air, cheerful surroundings. Moderateterms ; redu :don to patients paying own charges. Cheap railway fares still available. App. Forms sent.-Secretary, as above.

AN IDEAL HEALTH AND HOLIDAY HOME.

PENNINGTON, " FERN ROYD," HOLMFIELD ROAD, N,S., BLACKPOOL.

Splendidly situated. sainute front sea front. Two minutes from Glynn End, on North Promenade. Public and Private Apartments. No Intoxicants.

V.Y.

pinommemininumumninimmingsminiumitinumoillinviiiiimininiummi '

Al LO Al LOR

The ' 4 DIARY " SECTION shews one week to a page, provides ruled Cash Account pages, and contains illustrated footnotes on " Things to

Know about the War."

SPECIAL OFFER TO CLEAR STOCK

ls. net, post free.

The Message of the Flag (Compiled and arranged by DAISY Si. MOLD

and HILDA TAYLOR.)

An attractive CHILDREN'S EXERCISE. with an effective display of Flags, suitable for Sunday School Anniversaries, Young People's Githerings, and Entertainments.

The Form of Service, with Hymns selected from our Sunday School Hymnal is published in booklet form. Price 1d. per copy, ori9d. per dozen, postage extra.

A set of printed Flags can be had for the above Service at 2s. net the set, carriage extra.

SPecimen Copy of the Service will be sent for lid.. Post free.

Cheap Chairs For Churches, Chapels, Missions & Schoolrooms,

FROM

is. lid. EACH.

Buy from the Factory. Save Middle Profits.

HEALING BROS. High Wycombe.

Printed TEE. MAGNET PRESS, 188 Rye Lane, Peckham, S.E.15, and Published by HENRY HOOKS, 12 Farringdon Avenue, London, E.C.4, for the UNITED METHODIST ;CHURCH, Thursday; March 22nd, 1917.