Thoughts on the Crisis and Alter.

BY REV. M. P, DAVISON.

PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER, January 14, 1915.

Thoughts on the Crisis and Alter. By Rev. M. P. Davison. Twice-Born Men in Pit Villages. By W. M. Patterson.

The

Primitive Methodist Leader

No. 2455. Old Series. No. 501. New Series. LONDON: THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1915. IAEGIDTEREU.1 ONE PENNY

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WITH a naivete that is truly marvellous, not to say amusing, the German people have talked about their " kultur " as if it were an altogether new thing under the sun, and as if its maintenance were essential to the progress of humanity. As a matter of fact, however, what they have been cultivating has shown itself to be nothing better than a cancer, and its growth is really a reaction which threatens to lead us back into the blackness and serfdom of paganism. What is this idea of the " superman " and the " supernation " but pure selfishness writ large ? This ambition has ever proved a germ of vigorous growth, and its whole-hearted encouragement was sure to end in conflict. As you sow you reap. Your harvest will ever be in keeping with the crop you cultivate. An atheistic creed will never give birth to a spiritual life ; if you sow to the flesh of the flesh you will reap corruption. The culture of an evil passion may, like a fever, have a vigorous growth for a time, but all the while it is breeding a poison which will bring about its destruc-tion. The military fever, which has for the last thirty or forty years been raging upon the vitals of Europe, has now reached its crisis, and if the fever prevails the patient will die ; but if the patient can only stand the strain, the fever will die, and the patient will enter into a more healthy life.

There comes a stage in every civilisation which de-cides whether it shall go forward to a higher growth or sink back into decay and death. Jesus pointed out to His disciples that such a period had come to the civi-lisation of their day. Through the labours of the past the world had developed in many directions, and now like a cornfield fully ripe it was waiting for the har-vest. Mankind was then ready for higher things, but if those higher things were not attained then all the efforts of the past would, like the over-ripe corn, be lost. Christ's purpose was to begin the spiritual harvest, and bring the ripened powers of mankind into harmony with the will of God. Because Christ's word was disregarded, the catastrophe which He foretold did in fact come upon that generation ; but in spite of past failures man has continued his labours, and another civilisation has been built up, another crop is now ready for the harvest, but if it is to be saved for higher things it must yield itself to God. The decadent philosophers of the present day tell us that the world has done with Christ and that the teachers of Christianity are behind the age. The gospel of the Nazarene, they say, has proved a failure, the hope of a future life is a delusion ; and so instead of yielding to the spirit of the Crucified we are exhorted to live for self, and instead of seeking a preparation for another life we are urged to make the best of this. This is a doctrine which finds a ready acceptance, but its results are very disappointing. Impelled by selfish-ness, man has done great things; but if you will lift up your eyes and look on the fields, you will be astonished to find how little benefit he is deriving from all his achievements.

The world's knowledge has ripened, but instead of bringing peace and happiness it seems merely to have augmented the care and increased the discontents of human life. The opponents of popular education in 1870 were, it seems, quite right when they declared that it would spread discontent among the working classes. It is bound to do that, and therein indeed is

one of its chief benefits, but it does not lead on to final satisfaction. It prepares the way for higher things, but if by some higher means these things are not attained, it will become an instrument of mischief. Unmindful of the lesson taught by recent happenings, there are well-meaning people who still cling to the belief that our hope of betterment. lies in secular educa-tion. But are we not now being made to see how frightful a thing learning may become when not guided by right feeling ? The crown and glory of our manhood is our religious nature, and the purpose of Christ was to turn the intellectual energy of mankinil in the direction of its development, and herein is our salvation. Learning misses its mark unless it brings us into harmony with God. It is only in the service of Christ that man can find a true and adequate sphere for the exercise of his awakened energies.

Again, in the efficiency of his labour man has made a wonderful advance on the past. He has compelled the forces of nature to minister to his needs, and he now gathers his wealth from every quarter of the globe. Yet amid all the resulting abundance he is not happy, for he does not know how to use it. Nothing is so perplexing to the political economist of the present day as the right use of wealth. Here is one man luxuriating on £50,000 a year, and another man compelled to toil from dawn to dark on a bare 15s. a week. Is it surprising that there should be agitation and unrest ? For the moment, no doubt, these questions have been silenced by the noise of war, but everyone knows that as soon as the war has finished they will break out again with redoubled fury. And how are they to be settled ? The political economist is helpless. He sees the anomalies of our present social system as clearly as anyone, but the principles of his science can indicate no way out of the difficulty. But the Christian sees in all this another indication of the world's need of Christ. Ali ! let the world's wealth be devoted to Him, let men's labour be employed in His service, and the evils of the present industrial system would soon disappear, and they will never be got rid of in any other way. You may sweep away class distinctions, you may even put an end to private property, but unless you can change the human heart your new system will be no more success-ful than the old. But if men would respond to the appeal of Christ., then the conditions under which they live would matter little, for, inspired by the Saviour's love, they would become victorious over circumstance, their labour would never fail to yield its fruit, and their wealth would become a blessing.

Then think once more how great an advance has been made upon the barbarism of the past in the matter of order. It is astonishing how much of their time and energy men devote to the ordering of their lives and the government of the nations. But the machinery of government has been brought to such perfection that, because it has not been brought under the control of Christian principle, it is threatening present-day civilisation with ruin. Inspired by selfishness, the idea of government has so taken hold of the minds of men that, in the present rulers of Germany at any rate, it seems to have given rise to an insane desire for world dominion. This is another outcome of their vaunted culture. At the commence-ment of the present war a hundred German professors

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18 THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST • LEADER. JANUARY 14, 1915

sent out to the civilised world a manifesto in which they declared that militarism had gone out in defence of culture, and that " without militarism German culture would cease to exist," and so German culture has become the terror of . all other nations. With ruthless cruelty the Germans are at present carrying out a policy of " frightfulness," but it must not be forgotten that all this is but the logical outcome of their military creed, and it ought, at any rate, to have the result of making manifest to the world the need of adopting some other plan. Force having failed so completely, our only alternative is to try the prin-ciples of justice and love laid down in Christianity. It is hoped that this war will end war, but this can never be unless it make men willing to seek the King-dom of God. We shall never conquer evil by evil. Our only hope is in the overcoming of evil with good.

Here, then, is the Church's task and the Church's opportunity. The voice of God still sounds forth the glad invitation, " Look unto Me and be ye saved all the ends of the earth, for I am God and there is none else." But to us has been given the work of articu-lating this appeal. We have to publish it in such a way that men may hear and understand, and if we do our duty, in this day of deepening darkness, it may be that the world will listen, and if so, then it will be saved.

Festivals at Barrow-in-Furness.

The jubilee of the stonelaying at Forshaw-street was due for Boxing Day, 1914. So the minister said, " Why should not everybody be asked to bring a ,Christmas Box as a contribution to the Debt Reduction Scheme?" and the Officials said, " Why not ? " and everybody agreed, and they all with one consent brought a Christmas box. Those 140 boxes have given us £50 for debt reduction. And such a busy week we had besides. Jubilee sermons on the Sunday before Christmas, preached by the minister, and a carol service in the afternoon, rendered by the choir. Such a crowd, too, there was on Boxing Day. Tables filled twice over for tea in the school, and the merry crowd all the merrier for the presence of the soldiers, forty of whom had been invited from the camps as our guests to tea. Two hours' concert in the church with soldiers sing-ing and reciting, and joining generally in the festive glad-ness. Then the Christmas celebration closed with the usual Band of Hope concert and social on New Year's Day. And now, said the, minister, " Why not Christmas boxes at Harlington-street for their brave debt extinction scheme? " "Why not ! " echoed the Hartin.gton-street officials, and the rank and file said " Yes, certainly ! we are willing." So on New Year's Day they all came up smiling with their dainty boxes. They did enjoy the sing-ing and reciting and refreshments, but best of all they enjoyed the progress of the little sailor boy, H. P. M. Debtless, who was climbing up the rigging as the boxes were opened, and when his journey was done he told of £16, and the promise of something more from their Christmas boxes. Such a busy Christmas this has been for them; There was the Boxing Day concert and social, a fine success. The Christmas sermons on the Sunday were preached by the minister, with a carol service after the evening prayer-meeting. The choir spent Christmas Eve, Christmas night, and New Year's Eve in a round of carol singing. The Young Men's Bible-class had a .crowd for their social evening on Monday, December 28th, and the tiny toddlers met for fun and frolic on January 2nd. All these efforts are adding their quota to the debt extinction scheme.

And what about Marsh-street? Would they have Christmas boxes, the minister asked. Indeed they would not be left out. Marsh-street has been transformed this last two years. It has become a hive of industry and energy. It has become a vital part of the Barrow Circuit instead of a burden and a nightmare. Less than eighteen months ago the first of a series of efforts was held to raise funds for the renovation of the church. It has spent nearly £200 for this purpose and only about £30 were needed to clear all this off. So they, too, would all bring their Christmas boxes, with the result that on December 28th over £12 were contributed towards this last £30. Be-sides this successful gathering their Boxing Day concert and social was a perfect crush, and the Band of Hope Christmas tree on December 29th was a huge success, while" the choir tea and social on New Year's Day drew greater numbers still. It is a glad thing to know that in the early part of this New Year £100 are already in hand for debt reduction at Forshaw-street in March ; that Harting-ton-street have nearly £40 in hand for their debt extinction fund ; that Marsh-street will see the cost of their renova-tion cleared in a very few weeks, but, best of all, the peace and unity prevailing, the deep passion for victory in spiritual conquests is heartening us for greater endeavours for the Church and Kingdom of Jesus.

"Heroic Leaders." By Dinsdale T. Young. (Partridge and Co. 2s. net.)

The President of the Wesleyan Conference has given as a sub-title to this book Great Saints of British Christianity." Mr. Young deals with Bishop Ken, Thomas Goodwin, Archbishop Leighton, Philip and Matthew Henry, Richard Baxter, John Newton, Charles Simeon, John Keble, and Thomas Chalmers. Many will have heard the author lecture on these " Heroic Leaders," and will know what to expect in these pages. They are types of religious life after the heart of the author. These lectures are well worth reading, if only to recall some names that played so great a part in the evangelical revival of an earlier age.

The fifth of the series of conventions held by the Presi-dent of Conference in the interests of young people was held in Heaton-road Church, Newcastle-on-Tyne, on Satur-day last. It was a big success, and that in every sense of the word—probably the most successful of the series so far. This was due in the first place to the splendid local organi-sation. The District Sunday-school Secretary, Rev. S. Palmer, is a born organiser, and is capably supported by the secretaries in the other young peoples' departments. Rev. W. E. Goodreid and J. Charlton. Mr. Palmer has put much of thought and energy into the preparations, with the result that great success was achieved. In addi-tion, the minister of the church, Rev. Walter Duffield, had given much sympathetic and able attention to the Conven-tion requirements, which made the day full of interest and encouragement. Then the constituency of Sunday-school adherents was big and responsive and hearty. The Sunderland and Newcastle district possesses the largest number of schools and teachers and scholars in the Con-nexion. Tyneside is a great and influential centre of Sunday-school activity. It possesses many powerful leaders—both ministerial and lay. All the schools in the immediate neighbourhood had been circularised and urged to appoint delegates to the Convention. Hence, a large number of schools were represented, and more than one hundred officially appointed delegates were present, and all evincing the greatest interest and heartiness in the proceedings.

The reception given to the President, who was accom-panied by Revs. W. Spedding and C. Humble, was signally warm and generous. The friends gathered in unmistak-ably loyal fashion, and the atmosphere was charged with that warm-heartedness and kindly sympathy so charac-teristic of the people of the North. Connexional leaders are obviously held in high esteem, and their public efforts are greatly appreciated ! The President must have been much encouraged by the cordiality and warmth of his reception. And he responded thereto with equal warmth and cordiality. He was at his best, and in fine form. Rarely has the President been heard to greater advan-tage than he was on Saturday last. Everybody was delighted, and the meetings, without exception, were seasons of great spiritual refreshing. The hearty and vigorous spiritual song which found expression upon every possible occasion was alone well worth a visit to the North. In the unavoidable absence of Councillor Grant, due to illness, the afternoon meeting was presided over by Rev. W. K Goodreid, District Christian Endeavour Secre-tary, who, in a few choice- sentences, heartily wel-comed the President and other officers. Mr. Ben-nett had a characteristically fine time for about fifty minutes, taking as the title of his address " Eyes have they, but they see not ! " He gave what he described -as a few home specifics for the proper spiritual treatment of the child. The child's relationship to its Lord and Saviour, to membership in the Church, and to public worship, were all trenchantly and sanely dealt with, and to the evident satisfaction and enjoyment of the large audience present. At the close of Mr. Bennett's address, a profitable discussion was ably opened by Rev. C. Humble, General Endeavour Secretary, who was fol-lowed therein by Miss Perrett, Rev. Matthew Johnson, Mr. Curry and others. Quite a number of questions were sub-mitted to the President relative to junior membership, boys' brigades, etc., and all of which he answered in his own inimitable style. It was a great afternoon.

At the close of the afternoon session, a largely-attended public tea was held in the Wesleyan schoolroom, our own premises being occupied by the military. This was suc-ceeded by a powerful public meeting in our Heaton-road Church. It opened with characteristically hearty singing, Mr. W. M. Patterson, leading in prayer. It was a treat to hear the general " Amens," and, Hallelujahs." The chairman, Mr. W. Carr, J.P., is a typical northern layman, and soon put the meeting on good terms with itself and the great object of the gathering. Everybody was in for a good time, and everybody appeared to have it. Rev. W. Spedding, General Sunday-school Secretary, was the first speaker, and emphasised the youthful enthusiasms and spiritual potentialities of Christian Endeavour. The President followed with a plea for a simpler, more natural, and Christianised home life. The spiritual atmosphere of the meeting was keen and potent, and everybody felt that it had been a great time. We should say the Convention will long be remembered by those privileged to attend, and that its influence will be abiding. Rev. S. Palmer ex-pressed thanks to all who had assisted, and Rev. W. Duffield replied. On the Sunday the President preached at Dunston, in the Gateshead Circuit, and the pulpit at Heaton-road was occupied by Rev. W. Spedding.

Monday witnessed the gathering of the Young Peoples' Committees for the district in the Heaton-road Church-Sunday-school, Christian Endeavour and Temperance. Rev. G. Bennett presided over a good attendance of com-mittee members, and the business of the departments was transacted with despatch and harmony. The business of the committees was followed by an interesting tea table con-ference on junior membership, conducted by the President. A conference of Sunday-school workers was held, when Miss Parrett introduced for discussion the question of " The Sunday-school as a Unit." In the evening Rev. J. Jopling presided over a public meeting addressed by Revs. W. Spedding and S. Palmer, Rev. D. Cooke also took part. The entire week-end was pregnant with real interest in the great work of capturing the young for Christ and the Church. Sunday-school work is in a very progressive state in the district, and there are many signs of an advance all along the line.-

During the past six months we have seen many changes. We have seen a war of colossal magnitude break out in Europe and spread to other continents ; but while events of such magnitude have been happening abroad a new era has been inaugurated in Cambridge. The retrospect of this short period of our work in the University town is by, no means unpleasing. We have accomplished a good deal. We have begun to tread new paths, Which, we hope and believe, will lead to further success in the future. And while it is. impossible to mention everything that has taken place, one or two events tower above the rest and clamour for mention.

At last the long-desired new premises have been opened, and new opportunities and facilities given us for those auxiliary schemes and movements which go so far to make a church's success. In Castle-street we have a building in every way superior to the old chapel while preserving sentimental associations, as our new school and chapel, or part of them, occupy the ground of the old buildings. But the most remarkable change is in our members. New life and vigour seems to have been infused into them, and new hope inspired by our change of quarters. They have shouldered the burden in a spirit deserving of commenda-tion, and we can only hope that the present year will see more members animated by that same spirit. The Sunday-school has also fallen into line, and has been entirely, reorganised. We have added a primary department for the youngest of our youngsters, where they are instructed in a way which retains their interest and awakens their faculties of acquisition. For Mr. Bidwell, the superin-tendent, we have only praise for his indefatigable effort in this time of crisis. Attached to the Sunday-school there is a Young Men's and a Young Women's Bible-class, and the experiment has been tried of holding a joint meeting. So successful was the attempt that it is to be continued, and there is every hope of success pure and unalloyed. At these joint meetings debates will be held, and if the first is to be any criterion the arguments will be good and well brought forward. We hope by this means to bring in more of the passive members, and the men from the 'Varsity no less than the ladies from their colleges. Though not free from some anxiety to those in Cambridge, the future seems bright—not perhaps so bright as they used to think it would be, but still bright enough to justify hope and expectation. No one, however, need think that their efforts are not wanted, for we want men and more men, women and still more women, and we can give them all something to do.

One cannot speak of Cambridge without mentioning Rev. G. Windram, who has done so much for our Connexion there. We are glad to hear that he hopes soon to be with us again to lend us his aid. In our present ministers we have two zealous and indefatigable enthusiasts. Rev. J. Day Thompson, the President-elect of Conference, is a man of deep thought and profound learning. With his breezy northern manner he is winning in Cambridge to-day the popularity he so deservedly enjoys wherever he has been. His younger colleague, who comes straight from college, Rev. J. B. Hardy, has yet to win his spurs ; but should he continue as he has begun there can be no doubt that he also will prove a success. Genial and enthusiastic, he, as well as his chief, has that magnetic personality which is as great an asset in the pulpit as out of it. We should like to put on record how much we appreciate them both, and to exhort them to go on leading and wilding us as they have begun, in the full assurance of the continued and hearty support of their members and congregations.

The war has not been without its effect on us, as many of our young men—indeed, the majority—have joined the Colours. As is natural, the Young Men's Class has suf-fered most heavily, but we still manage to keep our heads above water. Financially, too, of course, we have suffered, but we still struggle bravely on, hoping and working. On the whole, then, the last six months have been eventful—new buildings opened, the opening services, new ministers, new life and ideas awakened, and, what is more, those ideas put into execution. Surely this is a list which is by no means inadequate for a short half-year—a half-year which is destined to leave its imprint on Primitive Methodism in Cambridge for many long years to come.

N.

London Church Council.

On Friday, January 8th, Rev. S. Horton, General Missionary Secretary, read a most instructive paper on " The Church and Kingdom of God in the Light of Recent Events." There was a fair attendance, and those present followed the speaker very, cl6sely. Mr. Horton said that the object of the Church was not merely to kill Prussian militarism, but was to destroy the military spirit every-where, for in some quarters in our own country the war spirit was almost as bad as it was in Germany. It is the duty of the Church to resent the military spirit wherever it is found. He told us that recently in London a confer-ence of head teachers had been held where a resolution was carried recommending that the boys in all secondary schools be taught the use of the rifle and other forms of military discipline. He deprecated the fact that so many of our statesmen were interested in the manufacture of ammunition and warlike material. He pointed out that there was a fine opportunity for the Church, for there were breaking hearts in thousands of homes waiting for sympathy and a word of cheer. Rev. F. Pickett, in open-ing the discussion, said that he thought the war was due to great international jealousies, and until they were removed he feared we should have war. Revs. J. W., Chappell, J. W. Richardson, J. B. Wilson, and W. Hammond took part in the discussion. Rev. E. J. T, Bagnall presided.

PRESIDENT'S SUNDAY - SCHOOL

CAMBRIDGE FORWARD CAMPAIGN. MOVEMENT.

Great Meeting at Tyneside. Reviewing the New Work.

Officer in Command of New Zealand Contingent in Egypt.

2nd Lieut., 10th Batln. Man- chester Regt.

Temp. Service, RN., R.N. Hosp., Hasler, Gosport.

Now received Commission in 4th Hussars, in France.

York and Lancaster Regt., in France.

"F " Co., 6th Batln. King's Liverpool Regt.

6th Batln. Northumberland Fusiliers.

1st Battery R.F.A. (Terr.). Corp., St. J. A. B., Military

Hospital, Tipperary. 6th Bathe Manchester "Pals." "A " Co., 5th Yorkshire Regt. R.A.M.O. Bombardier, R.F.A., 3rd Bathe

West Riding Regt. Yorkshire Hussars. No. 4 Detachment Bedfordshire

Royal Engineers. 2nd Lieut., R.N. Flying Corps. H.M.S. "Inflexible." Durham Light Infantry. A.S C., Motor Driver. 1st Hull " Pals" %tin., 10th E.

arks Regt. Despatch Rider, N. Cyclist

Batln. " A " Co. 6th Baths. Northum-

berland Fusiliers.

Elmfield College Roll of Honour.

ADDITIONAL NAMES.

Oel. Arthur Plugge

Dr. C. S. Archer

Ernest Wood •••

Sergt.-Major G. Burrell

Sergt. C. R. Atkinson ...

J. Pinnock

F. Walton

J. F. Eccles 9. S. Orme

J. A. L. Wild ... W. T. Fell ... A. P. Ward ••• F. N. Wilson ...

Joseph H. Jewitt F. V. Fleming

H. C. Woodward • T. W. Normandale B. J. Harvey ... John Holtby . Percy Martindale

A. T. Glaholm

J. N. Allison ...

• • •

JANUARY 14, 1915 THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER 19

NOTES OF THE WEEK. THE PROMISE OF PEACE.

blindness of men trained to reasoning in dealing with indisputable and acknowledged facts. To contend that Germany simply acted on the defensive is so contrary to truth that these estimable gentlemen only do themselves and their cause injury by circulating it. Indeed, the whole document shows to what sorry straits bigoted men may be driven in controversy in a wretchedly poor case.

Sir Henry Lunn's Bumptious Interference.

The extremely inept action of Sir Henry Lunn in seek-ing, in a not particularly creditable way, and certainly at an inopportune time to revive the agitation over the dis-establishment and the very partial disendowment of the Anglican Church in Wales is happily meeting with pretty general condemnation. in Free Church circles. The fact is, as all the world knows, such financial concessions were made while the matter was under discussion in the House of Ciommons, that Nonconformists generally, and many fair-minded Anglicans also, imagine that the dis-established Church is treated with extreme generosity. The stupidity of attempting to reopen the whole con-troversy, especially in these days of trial, will be apparent to everybody but Sir Henry Lunn. The " bitterness and strife" which he deplores All certainly IA fanned if his ill-timed advice be taken. We a little wonder what some of the distinguished gentlemen whose names he quotes, and who were brought together before any concessions were made at all; think of his regrettable stride into the limelight just now.

The Social Advantage of Early Closing.

It is extremely gratifying that in some places where local justices are either hard to move or are, in some way, interested so that they do not use their new powers to close at an earlier hour the places licensed to sell in-toxicating liquor the military authorities are stepping in and shutting the doors themselves. For it is being proved beyond the possibility of doubt that not only has earlier closing diminished the sale of alcoholic liquors, especially amongst those whose use of such drinks has terribly weakened their power to resist the temptation of open houses, but the directly beneficial effects of such closing is seen in the vastly improved order of the streets. Even the " Brewer's Gazette admits that now " the police have found very little intoxication to deal with, the last hour and a half being responsible for much of the excess of which complaint is mede." This surely is conclusive, and it should be of immense service in the enlightenment of licensing justices when the war is over.

Dearer Bread.

The question of the maintenance of the bread supply is becoming a serious, not to say a burning, one in all the great countries now at war, and in Germany especially the newspapers plead with the people to exercise economy. The British householder, too, is beginning to feel the pinch. Flour has advanced 16s. 6d. a quarter since the beginning of the war, and it is certain to go very much higher as the days go. The restriction of supplies of wheat from Australia and India is already telling its tale, while the markets are feeling the effect of the stoppage of wheat from Russia by the way of the Black Sea. The increase in freight charges is also contributing not a little to the rise in price even though wheat may continue to come through from Iriendly countries without any diminution. Only once in the last twenty-five years has wheat fetched so high a prioe as now. With other articles of food becoming increasingly dear the problems of the housekeeper become more acute.

By Rev. H. L. Herod.

The year has opened under the shadow of a cloud : the European war is still raging, and there is every reason to believe it will become fiercer as the weeks pass by.

It is impossible, however much we may try, to banish the thought of it from our minds. The sound of the bugle, the voice of the drill sergeant, the march of armed men through our streets tell the same story as our periodicals, our newspapers, and our literature generally. Recall the facts : We, a Christian nation, allied with other Christian nations, are fighting in deadly earnest against peoples who also call themselves Christian ; the utmost resources of science have been utilised to forge implements of warfare the most destructive and deadly ; and upon thousands of homes there refit the shadow of sorrow and bereavement.

The reflection is indeed a sad one. And still we do not give up the Christmas message : the sweetest song theNfalls upon our ears to-day is the song the angels sang `two thousand years ago upon the plains of Bethlehem, for it enshrined. the promise of " Peace on earth, goodwill to men.' We cannot regard this war as a legitimate fruit of our present civilisation. The tone and temper of our times are essentially Christian. Militarism. is an ex-crescence, an abnormal growth ; it is the deadly fruit of a branch that has been grafted into the tree of our present life, and it will be destroyed. We do not turn to the battlefield, to the awful cannonade and the desperate strife, to discover the true characteristics of our modern civilisation, but rather to the thought of the great and growing spirit of humanity which broods continually over the nations. The spirit of sacrifice which makes the final surrender of loved ones for the defence of prin-ciples which are more sacred than life ; the noble service of men and women upon the battlefield, who, in the hours of darkness, regardless of their peril, seek out the wounded and the, dying, bind up their wounds and bring comfort to those who are passing through the " valley of the shadow " ; and to that spirit of fraternity which again and again reveals itself in friend and foe, which, regard-less of the fact that no armistice could be arranged for Christmas Day, no official cessation of hostilities, coin-palled British and German soldiers alike to fling aside their arms, signal the message of goodwill to one another, leave their trenches and most half-way, sing their carols, and join in friendly greeting. What does it means 1 It means that brotherhood is better than brutality, that love is stronger than hatred, that goodness is more en-during than evil. War I It is but a temporary phase ! It is destined to pass away. But love, and brotherhood, and goodness will remain, for these are eternal. We believe in God, that " the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." We believe in the power of God to transfigure human life. Just as the scarred and bruised face of the rock is covered by Nature with verdure and beauty, and just as the flowers spring up upon the field where once the battle raged and the blood flowed, so we believe that God, in His infinite love and mercy, will transmute this dreadful curse of war into rich and gracious blessings, and man shall rise, through suffering and by the quickening of his nobler impulses, to greater heights of righteousness and truth.

So we turn to God in the hour of our nation's need and periL He is our strength and our salvation. We desire to co-operate with Him, to know His will, that we may hasten the coming of the Kingdom of the Prince of Peace. We need the cleansed heart, the purified life, so that nothing in us shall hinder the freedom of His spirit and the perfecting of His plans. When Isaiah, conscious of his country's needs, went to the temple to pray, he beheld in vision upon a throne, high and lifted up, the King of Kings. Impressed with the radiant holiness of God, he confessed his own unworthiness and sin. The glowing stone was brought from the altar, and with it his lips were touched and the assurance given that his iniquity was taken away and his sin purged ; then, and then only, was he ready to answer the divine call and give himself in service and suffering for the nation. With cleansed hearts we also must listen for the Master's voice. Guidance we need, that we may know our'duty and faith- fully perform it, for each of us has a specific task in these strenuous days. Thus strengthened, we shall become " labourers together with God," and do our share in bringing to peas that great consummation for which we all long and pray—a universal and abiding peace.

"For lo I the days are hastening on, By prophet bards foretold,

When with the ever-circling years Comes round the age of gold. .

When peace shall over all the earth Its final splendours fling,

And the whole world send back the song Which now the angels sing."

A Prayer of Intercession.

The Situation on the Field of Battle. We are still, to a considerable degree, dependent on

the breezy accounts of " Eye-Witness " for our knowledge of how matters stand on the stricken fields in Europe, though, happily, these have been greatly supple-mented by the cool but graphic survey given to us by Lord Kitchener in his speech in the House of Lords on Wednesday of last week. His Lordship was able to reassure the nation that on the whole the position of the Allied Forces is quite satisfactory. Though no striking advance had been made, tho situation continues to improve. He confirms the news of the great Russian victory, and pays a fine tribute to the spirit and dash which won the significant Serbian success. He once more warns us that the war is not likely to be a short one, but that the initial advantages with which the Germans were able to start are certainly and swiftly diminishing. Time is altogether on our side.

The Lords and the Situation.

Whether the Government was quite wise in adjourning the House of Commons to so late a date in February is open to doubt, but certainly the Lords have not gained much by their rather unusual course of meeting during the adjournment of the House which really represents the people. Of course, it suits the flamboyant mood of Lord Curzon, who is still in temporary charge of the Opposi- tion. Their sitting did give opportunity to peers like Lord Selborne and Lord 3fidleten to intervene and not only exhibit their striking limitations as statesmen, but to revive memories of their ineptness and inaptitude in former times of crisis. To others it gave the chance of crying for conscription, but, after Lord Kitchener's assurance that recruiting was going very well their declarations fell rather flat. Once more it was very evident that, though in a hopeless numerical minority in that House, the Government carries an enormous pre-ponderance of real strength as well as debating power and statesmanlike ability.

Sir E. Grey and the American Note.

As might have been confider tly expected of him, the reply of our Foreign Secretary to the Note of the American Senate complaining of the British action respecting contraband to neutral countries was not a whit less friendly than that of President Wilson, and certainly not less firm and pronounced. The thing, however, which most of all clearly emerges is that so far as is shown there is nothing between the two kindred nations but what is capable of easy friendly adjustment. By international law Britain, as a belligerent nation, has the right of search, and, as Sir Edward Gmey said, she has had undoubted justification in exercising that right. Ho also assures the American people that, in the unfortunate event of mistakes being made, complete redress will readily be given. Difficulties have been created by the regrettable arrangement by which manifests respecting cargoes have not been published until thirty days after the departure of vessels from American ports. Happily a plan has now been adopted whereby ship-owners can obtain certificates as to the contents of their 'vessels after inspection by the Customs officials. We anticipate a speedy and a friendly agroement between ourselves and our cousins.

Exchange of War Poisoners.

There will be a great multitude of the friends of prisoners in both of the great war camps who will learn with gratification that the British and German Govern-ments have reached agreement as to the exchange of physically incapacitated prisoners, and that arrangements are now being made to give effect to that agreement. The United States Government has rendered distinct service in negotiating such an arrangement. This, of course, will not apply to prisoners who are so capable that if they were set free they might once more join the fighting forces, and everybody will see that there is reason in such a limita-tion. Such an exchange of those who are, and who will remain, incapable of military service will greatly lessen the sum total of human suffering, and so far as it does so we can all rejoice. The Governments concerned also will obviously be proportionately relieved.

Militarism in Public Schools.

Many ardent educationists, as well as vast numbers of the general public, will have noted with not a little concern that at the meeting of the Incorporated Associa-tion of Head Masters at the Guildhall, London, a reso-lution to the effect that " instruction in all the military drill and use of the rifle should form part of the education of all boys in secondary schools" was carried by a large majority. If this should meet with general approval and be at all widely adopted we shall soon find that it is only a short cry from the secondary to the elementary school. We strongly believe that the whole movement should be stoutly resisted. It strikes us as rather mean for mili-tarists to take advantage of the present rather abnormal temper to press such -a matter in circles that are purely educational. We are sure that militarism is strong enough in the British blood at present, aed that it will be disastrous to smash the militarism of Germany and then put in its place the militarism of Great Britain.

A Further Word from German Professors.

. We are not surprised that the calm and dispassionate but extremely cogent deliverance of British theologians on the war should have provoked "another word to the Protestant Christians abroad " from quite a number of representative leaders of religious life in Germany. That shows that the British shot was well aimed and well fired. Their attempt to wriggle out of the position in which the British word has put them strikes us as a bit contemptible. Did we not know some of the frailties of even cultured but prttudiced human nature we should be amazed at the

Behold, 0 God! a prostrate nation at Thy feet,; From every torn and bleeding heart one wailing cry

Comes up to Thee.

Oh, lay Thy mighty hand upon this cruel tide, This flood of fire and blood that devastates Thy land,

And set us free.

Speak but the word, 0 God 1 and lo ! the mighty hosts That clutch their brothers by the throat, shall fall apart,

And worship Thee. Cross Keys. H. GRIFFIN.

20 THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. JANUARY 14, 1915

FROM A DECEASED MINISTER'S DIARY,

THE CHURCH AMID THE NATIONS.

By Rev. W. Younger.

The war has revealed the impotence of the Christian Church. If the tens of millions in Europe who name the name of Christ had been loyal to His gospel the war would have been impossible. The battlefield is the proof of ecclesiastical chaos. Millions of Roman Catholics in Germany and Austria are fighting their religious kinsfolk in France, England and Belgium. The German Protestant

is at death grips with those of a-like faith in England.

This terrible situation must cause all lovers of the Church furiously to think. Two serious suggestions must be con-sidered. One is that the Church at present is hopelessly national. There is a profound sense in which certain national characteristics must mark the Church on different soils and amid varying races. But the gospel of Christ in its enduring elements knows no distinctions. It is a constant challenge to nationalism when the latter claims the complete allegiance of the disciple of Christ. "Hence-forth know we no man after the flesh." All who are united to Christ have entered into a mystic fellowship which is more important than the relationship,otcitizens

in a given country. " Whosoever doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven, the same is My mother and brother and sister." The German Churchman must have known that his country was in the wrong. The German Chancellor humbly confessed that he acted wrongly. It was the clear duty of the ecclesiastics of the Fatherland in this case to refuse to fight. And if the Church in Europe had been true to Christ, it would have been mobilised at once as an effective spiritual commonwealth in order to secure the peace of the world. It is but cold comfort to know that it was the breakdown of the Church in Germany. The Church is one, or ought to be, on fundamental issues which involve the slaughter of millions and unprecedented material ruin.

The other suggestion is that the Church is impotent to influence governments on the question of peace. The Christian people of Europe represent a serious and influ-ential section of the populations. Yet the Kaiser and his Chancellor have acted as if these followers of Christ did not exist. For twenty years Germany has been preparing for this conflict. The advance of science has furthered their autocratic aims. Europe has been spending two millions a day in times of peace on military preparations. A large proportion of the necessary finance has been sub-scribed by the disciples of Jesus. Does this situation not suggest the incompetence of the Church ? Does it not raise the issue of the claims of citizenship versus the claims of Christianity ? In this country there are two conflicting ideals which require to be seen in a new perspective. The. Church of England represents the attempt to express the -alliance of the Church and the State. A powerful federation of the Free Churches is irrevocably opposed to this political union. But is it not time that the Church should get below this conflict of ideals, and discover and express the real function of the Church in the State? There are dangers in the claim to ecclesiastical supremacy. But the issue must be faced. The very emphasis of these perils has blinded us to our true function. States and communities are acting as if the Church did not count. The spread of rationalism and the alarming growth of materialism are largely un-challenged because of a soulless Church. And yet the supreme influence in the nation ought to be the en-lightened conscience and convictions of those who are in union with Christ. Their programme ought to be governed by a Gospel which does not require the enact-ments of a political assembly to prove its .value. And the Gospel can only be interpreted by those to whom it is an experience ; they therefore must become the organism which expresses the mind of Christ in Europe. Does the Church in Europe represent such a fellowship of spiritual men and women? If not, then the time has arrived when some new institution must be created which will be the efficient instrument of Christ. The problems of the modern world are too vast and real for a Church which is distracted and divided over forms and orders and details of machinery.

Two things are urgent. We require a Church in which spiritual religion is the supreme need and experience of the individuals who compose it. It is not this at present. .A revival of religion is necessary. The matter of the form of it is a detail. It will probably be unique in its manifestations when it does come, for life is always original in its expression. The natural life of a nation is inadequate, either as salt or light. It contains elements which always make for decay. We require also a religious institution which will be elastic and living enough to embrace all those who are more concerned about the loyalty of the State to the will of God than about any other interest. At present the Church is hopelessly divided upon almost every great moral issue. Large numbers of members, including many leaders, stand for reaction and interest. Their citizenship is based upon interests more than the world-wide concerns of the King-

. dom of God. No room must be allowed for those who would uphold the drink traffic. The devotee of perennial pleasure and the conscienceless cynic in human affairs alike must be outside. Money should not determine place and power. Above all, this war should teach us that a mad race in armaments must be a call to Christian men to form an international covenant that they will not allow their Governments to create war. We are citizens of a new order, which is more perfect than the bungling methods of statesmen, who often lack the moral insight to direct peoples, and we must not take our marching orders necessarily from them. Hence, as a Christian minister, I am concerned about the impotence of the Church in the world.

I. The Sour: es.

The incidents inelnded in these papers have been gathered from the scattered notes of an esteemed minister of our Church who has recently been called to his well-earned rest. It evidently had been his intention to prepare these for publication under the title of " Jottings by a Senior Minister." Some sketches are in a more forward state than others, but none have received the careful revision that it was intended to bestow upon them. There are some papers with the heading, " Odds and Ends : Gems from the Quarterly Meeting Minute Book." These were undoubtedly prepared in order to give some understanding of the atmosphere of the old days, but in most cases there is nothing beyond the bare record of events in relation to persons. And the know-ledge of these persons necessary for lucid interpretation is lost for us. Another sketch, with the title " Incidents in Life Story," gives an outline covering a space of seventy years which it was intended that these and other incidents should fill out and complete. It is matter for regret that so much is lost of what was history in the dim long past years. For while we accept with gladness the new responsibilities of these days, and know that our calling is to make history, as well as to call to remem-brance the history that has been made, it is well that we know and hold in dear remembrance the men who bore the burden and the heat of the days that saw the historic beginnings of our Church.

In what follows everything that could be transcribed literally has been faithfully copied ; but where so many additions, both verbal and material, have been made of necessity no attempt has been made to discriminate between the original and, the added matter. These will be readily distinguished.

The Early Preachers.

The ministry around which these incidents gather covers a long period and a wide area. It is, however, of great significance that all the events upon the record of which any labour has been spent belong to East Anglia. In this area the regular ministry had its beginnings, and in this area it came to its earthly end. And in the evening years the memory dwelt most among the scenes of early endeavour. Some of the Quarterly Meeting minutes that are recorded belong to earlier days than the records of experiences. The itinerant preachers of those days did heroic work, and were paid a meagre salary. The superintendent preacher received £9 2s. quarterly. Thus there would be meaning in such a minute as this : " That persons who dine at next Quarter Board pay in propor-tion to the expense of dinner (preachers excepted)." Perhaps this also was not intended to apply to ministers : " That there be a general fast-day the next quarter." It is hard to believe that stewards held comparatively large balances in those days, although we are assured that this was the case. There is a record : " That Bro. Gooch hold the overplus money." Bro. Gooch was the circuit steward. The overplus was sometimes nearly £30. Truly there were financiers in those days. This resolu-tion was prepared nearly eighty years ago. Circuit fund collections were made only once a quarter. There were three ministers on the circuit at this time. Generosity was displayed sometinkes. " That a pound be given to Bro. Pentney as a prdsent." Well done! A present to the superintendent minister. But he must have needed it, since he had a wife and children, and had less than £40 a year. It is to be feared that he was not passing rich on this, even with the additional pound. Bro. Pentney was a useful minister, and the circuit tried to retain him beyond the usual term of years ; an effort that was bound to meet failure in those days; when every good man was the subject for contention at the District meeting. It was the Bro. Gooch who guarded the circuit fund balances who also was desired to attend to the comfort of the young ministers. " That Bro. Gooch pro-vide the single men a room to themselves in the circuit town." Evidently this generous treatment did not com-mend itself to ripened judgment. Soon after this minute was passed : " That the preachers lodge at Bro. Pentney's, 'and-that he keeps a regular account of the meals, and that it be paid at the quarter day."

Wothen Preachers.

There were also single women travelling preachers in those days, and their probationary period was sometimes a time of trouble for the Quarterly Meeting, as this minute testifies : " That if our female preachers will not consent to be pledged when suitable young men can be obtained that , they return home." The ambiguity arising from absence of punctuation is delightful. Was there a sigh of relief accompanying this minute? "That Sister Hawes or Dalby be given to Beccles." Some of the records concerning the ladies are ambiguous. This is intelligible : " That Sister Took conic on the plan with a star " ! It proves incidentally that G. W. Cable was not original when, in " The Grandissimes." he declares that Joseph Frowenfeld felt that to be with Aurora was like " walking across the vault of heaven, with the evening star on his arm." But what can we make of these? " That Sister. Lone. Sister Markham come on the plan in there initials." " That Sister Sewell stand on the plan with no appointments in her initials."

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SHORT SERMONS FROM SECULAR TEXTS.'

By Phil. J. Fisher.

"Religious evolution is . . . like the evolution of art, in which the experience of the past is only fruitful when translated by a higher inspiration and a mightier creative- force."—A. Sabatier : " Outlines of a Philosophy of Religion."

The first two words in our text are critical. They represent a truth that has been with us as long as our Bible; one, moreover, that has striven for expression in the experience of every individual Christian since the days of Peter and Paul—nay, that goes back to the very beginning of things, in the constitution of human nature, and the first implicit germs of spirituality in the race. There has been no generation but has in some way afforded illustration of it : yet some of its actual human illustrations have been apparently unconscious of the truth. And still we find, here and there, these strange specimens of spiritual perversity who, when it cornea to

practical issue, will fight the stubborn fact tooth and nail, in a vain attempt to set it at nought. For such, any departure from established custom, from the narrow gaup of previous sanction, is matter for grave veto. Even in respect to details where the matter involved is compara- tively non-essential, spiritually considered, resistance is none the less keen. How hardly, in some quarters, did Christian. Endeavour win its way ! Yet now we look in vain for any principle which was imperilled by its intro-duction, while we gratefully recognise its blessing to tho younger life of cur churches. Every view has its com-pensations, doubtless. The good folk of the type on which we have been animadverting would never lay them-se es open to the charge which the Apostle preferred aginst the Athenians. Their creed is " As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be," which is, needless to say, a. profoundly inspiring phrase in its original con-nection, but is, like other expressions, somewhat mis-leading when torn from its context and promiscuously applied. I have known a class-leader who could never find spiritual satisfaction in. his class unless it met on the exact spot and at the invariable hour which had marked it from time immemorial : a grave impeachment of the Divine Omnipresence, which he would have main-tained, as a doctrine, to his last breath.

But let us preserve the width of our horizon. In all the universe that we know life means movement, and, where rightly directed, movement forward and upward, a progressive change, a gradual but persistent ameliora-tion. Sabatier's instance is a very apt one. In art, mere slavish copyists are little valued. If painting had been rigorously and statically defined by the work of Botticelli we should never have had the master-portraiture of Rembrandt, the mystic landscapes of Corot, or the mighty allegories of George Frederick Watts. The spiritual significance of Rossetti and the Pre-Raphaelites lies in the fact not that they closely studied the early Italian schools and reproduced their methods, but that they brought to their study a new impulse, a nineteenth-century vision, and the artistic vitality of their own individual souls. Tennyson, in tke dawn-twilight of the evolutionary idea, pondered the pussling aspects of Nature, which now appeared " so careful of the type . . . so careless of the single life," but yet again seemed to declare, " A thousand types are gone ; I care for nothing, all shall go." But he was forced to the admis-sion that Nature cannot explain her own processes. She knows no more than that spirit is her breath. When, however, he had been some while longer in the school of sorrow that " makes us wise," he came back to " contem-plate all the work of Time," and to compare it with the spiritual mystery of human life. Then he got a glimpse of the creative principle which is behind all and through all, and is the secret of all :-

" Life is not as idle ore, - But iron dug from central gloom . , To shape and use."

This, it seems to me, is the viewpoint which we all need to reach. Spirit is' life and it is creative. No man lives, and no Church lives, unless they are storage centres of creative activity, " shaping and using" the materials that are given them. This divinely inspired, ever fresh, creative spirit must be free and supreme, testing all things, all knowledge, all rituals, all the experiential sublimate of history, by its own potent vitality. It is not enough—it is not life—merely to reproduce yester-day. We must create to-day, and so make it the cradle of a to-morrow whose ideal and outlook shall be as much greater than we know as ours are greater than our fore- fathers knew. It is the lack of this recognition that makes our attitude to life, and particularly to life in its religious aspect, so much like Tennyson's imperfect view of Nature. For it is blindness to spiritual reality which is the cause of our frequently pathetic anxiety for the " type," our desperate adhesion to outworn modes, our refusal to depart from formulte whose key is lost. Yet when we consider history, type has followed type to the scrap-heap! The fear to trust the spirit and to adventure truth is a mark of spiritual decadence, of the loss of that vital vision which we call faith ; it is a sort of nervous: debility of the soul. Jesus, leading His little " forlorn hope" from Galilee to Olivet, never knew it. The wine is the thing, said He ;• new wine, and ever new. His Kingdom is perpetually nascent and renascent. Let not your hearts be troubled, said He ; the destiny prepared for you is spacious, and if you trust to my spirit you shall lose your fettering fears. " Ye shall know the truth "—so His assurance ran—" and the truth shall make you free! "

JANUARY 14, 1915 THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. 21

ft

" Willingly I will pray for him," assented the evan-gelist.

" It'll make a big change in this hoose if he's browt in," wailed the anxious woman. "He's a heavy drinker, and cares nowt what he diz when drink's in him."

" You will tell him I called to ask him to go to chapel, and you must urge him to go to-night. But," continued Jennie, looking earnestly into the Woman's face, and speaking softly, " are you saved ? "

" No," confessed the wife, hanging her head. " Then you need the Saviour as much as your husband

does, you know ; and Jesus came to save you both. Won't you give your heart to Him now

" If my man gets converted, aa'll make a start," was all the promise the visitor could get.

When Jennie had reported the circumstance to her hostess, the latter at once replied : " Well, if we get that pair, there'll be a break away in the revival."

Thus were those two souls laid upon the heart of the girl, and she took them to the Lord. At night she went to chapel praying that, if God was approving of her work in Westmoor, He had to save the poor man and his wife as a sign. To her surprise the chapel was crowded, and a further surprise was the earnestness of the members. In the vestry one brother (Charlton) was weeping for very joy.

" The Lord bless thee," was his benediction upon the preacher, and his exhortation was, " Clear thyself of their blood."

" By God's help, I will do so," she answered. And the help was consciously given before she reached

the pulpit. In the singing the Spirit of God took hold of the congregation. " The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost " was her theme. Her tongue was like the pen of a ready writer, and the Word was accompanied with the Holy Flame. The joy of conquest already possessed her. This was to be the hour and power of the Son of Man. When the prayer-meeting began she was absorbed. Prostrate before the Throne. she silently prayed—and wept—for that man's soul. Earnest prayers were being offered by the members. Then she rose, and-poured out an exhortation, entreating the people to be saved, after which she sang in tender tones:

" Oh, what shall I do to be saved From the sorrows that burden my soul?

Like the waves in the storm, When the winds are at war,

Chilling floods of distress o'er me roll. What shall I do?

Oh, what shall I do to be saved? Oh, Lord, look in mercy on me! Come, come, and speak peace to my soul!

Unto whom shall I flee Blessed Lord, but to Thee?

Thou canst make my poor broken heart whole. That will I do :

To Jesus I'll, go and be saved."

Just as the singer was trilling out " That will I do," the wretched. man jumped out of the pew and rushed to the penitent form, crying as he went " What shall I do to be saved ? " To Calvary he was led, and there he found peace. A night or two afterwards his wife also found the pearl of great price.

To get a congregation there was no need to sing in the rows, and the praying host got their daily equipment of power and establishment of faith at the one o'clock prayer meetings. When no visible fruit appeared in the even-ings, they " buckled their armour" the tighter, and gave themselves more and more to prayer. This was their experience for several nights, and the Sunday arrived. A. great solemnity rested upon the evening service. Human weakness called to Divine strength in the song, " I need Thee every hour." There then stole into the hearts. of the pleaders the assurance that their High Priest cared for them, and that His compassion was great towards them. Full of inward peace, Jennie preached from " It is finished." The glory shone around, and the people were melted to tears. In the prayer meeting the Spirit of God wrought mightily. One after another seven young men volunteered for the Lord, and subsequently two young women " wept their way to the Cross." All went home rejoicing.

Next day the vestry was too small for the one- o'clock prayer meeting, and the chapel was utilised. That was not all : women were standing at the doorway in their domestic array, hatless, shatylless, and white aprons- on. At night the chapel was packed, se much so that the evangelist had some difficulty in getting in. She preached from the Prodigal Son, and sang "Oh, prodigal child, come home." The people seemed fastened to their seats. There was no room for a penitent form ; but after a while the singing pew was cleared, and ten young men and three young women found their way thither, seeking the home of their souls.

Against weakness and pain the heroic girl strove during the following days, and the work of God prospered in her hands. Night by night men and women were drawn to the Cross ; and not only so, for Conversions took place at the one o'cleck prayer meetings. Rallying around her nightly were willing helpers, notably R. Lowery, and the week finished with a glorious fellowship meeting and a red-hot prayer meeting, when five souls "plunged into the fountain."

Many wore wounded on the Sunday of the following week, but did not yield, which seemed a check. The fort- night's engagenient had expired, but the officials pleaded for another fortnight, and Jennie consented. Three way-ward young men, who had received the dart of conviction and had been seeking rest for two weeks, found the

"Never in aal my life did I ever see anything like the Binchester revival," said Fletcher Stephenson to me, as I talked with him in his son's house at Middlestone Moor, which is only a short distance frord the village referred to, and in the Durham coalfield.

"Who was the leader ?" I asked. " Jennie Hogg," was the prompt reply. " Of North Seaton? Daughter of Dorothy Hogg?" I

as promptly questioned. " The same. Did you know her ?" "No ; but I do know her mother." " None of us knew her in person ; we had heard about

her. The first time she was here the work went on for a month or five weeks. That 'was just after the chapel was built—over a quarter of a century ago." -

Fletcher had given me a good half-hour with his remi niscences. Here is a chip or two. " William Gelley was a whick 'un, then." "William Graham was my father's favourite preacher." " William Younger was a skelpin' worker when he was in the Auckland Circuit." "J. T. Gallon is a champion man ; and he and his wife can give

- an entertainment themselves." All this was pleasant to my ear. When he began to speak of the Binchester a'eviv.al, however, and the reformation made in the homes in " The Blocks," his tone had a deeper note in it, and consequently touched another chord in me.

If permitted, the great story of Bini_iester will be told hereafter ; but there is many another place which cherishes the memory of Jennie Hogg, Westmoor being one of them ; or, more correctly, those people who lived in Westmoor and the adjacent villages when she minis-tered there. She was little more than a child when, on a chapel anniversary occasion at which Henry Yooll was the preacher, she consecrated her life to the service of the Lord. Having a remarkable mother, a sketch of whom has appeared in the Leader, her class leader was a no less remarkable man—the late James Barrass, known and beloved over wide areas in the two counties. In this environment was Jennie Hogg nurtured in North Seaton, Blyth Circuit, Northumberland. The station was, in fact, enveloped in red-hot evangelism.

At the tender age of fifteen she began to give addresses in the Sunday-school, and three years afterwards was a local preacher. A Plan of 1886, when the circuit em- braced all the ground now in the Ashington and Amble Stations, shows Jane Hogg as Ne. 55. The superintendent then was the late R. G. Graham. And what memories and emotions the array of preachers' names call up! James Davison, of Bedlington ; James Barrass, of North Seaton ; • Robert Lawther, of Choppington ; R. H. Wheat-ley, of Guide Post ; William E. Nicholson, of Chopping-ton ; Forster, of Bebside ; Main, of Ashington ; M. T. Pickering, sen., of New Delaval ; Peter Waddell, of Guide Post (father of Wesley Waddell, of Liverpool) ; • John Mouat, of Morpeth, and mans., other noble souls who served their generation, and have fallen asleep.

Last but one on that long list is the name of a man who has worthily attained a prominent place in our ministry. He is there described as " M. T. Pickering, jun., New Delaval." It was he who was chairman of the his-toric District Meeting at Chester-le-Street in 1911.- Nobody who knew the story of the past wondered that Dorothy Hogg gave " the lad " such encouraging-responses at the public meeting on the Monday night. Had she not given him a welcome many a time at North Seaton when, as a youth, he had gone there to preach? And " gan on, Malty, hinny," would be as music to his ear.

Jennie Hogg was a born evangelist. To capture souls for Jesus was her highest bliss, her joy, her heaven on earth. Her first preaching appointment was a "special," the anniversary • sermons of Seghill Chapel, on October 17th, 1880. When preaching in the afternoon she broke down, and the late Thomas Wake went to her assistance, explaining that it was her first appearance in public. At night, however, in a full chapel, the girl gave proof of her powers. In another fortnight she was at Holywell, accompanied by her uncle, Edward Grieves, who was her -counsellor and guide as a preacher. Soon thereafter a definite enduement of Holy Ghost power came upon her. It was at Ashington, and that day five souls sought a pardoning God. A little more than a year subsequent to this she was fully into the work of an evangelist.

With great trepidation Jennie left her home to enter upon the great work. Stockton was her first field, then Northallerton, at which place—whither she went for a month, but remained eight—ever a hundred souls pro-fessed conversion. It was the Christmas of 1882 when she landed at Westmoor, one of the great occasions of the village society. In much weakness—she had had a spell of illness—she preached, and two souls turned to the Lord. In the following September she was there again, and consented to stay a. fortnight. There was some hesitancy at the start, but fervour and expectation were kindled, and on the first week night the meeting had not closed before a woman cried for mercy.-

Now, fairly launched, see the lassie next morning, a few tracts in her hand, going from house to house in the rows of the colliery village, talking to and inviting the people to attend the services at the chapel. Promises were given in some cases ; in other cases the inmates were "just as nasty." There was one house in particular, however, in which else heard a story which made her heart throb with hope.

" My man," said the housewife, " has been upset and restless ever since Sunday. Sometimes he crees, and at other times he reads the Bible ; but he finds no rest. Will ve be so kind as to pray for him, and try to, get him browt in?"

1 Healer at the one o'clock meeting on the Monday. This, was cheer after Sunday's apparent check. At night, look-

i ing over the packed chapel, the leaders said there were

I men present they had never seen at a religious service before. " The Open Fountain" ' was the evangelist's topic, after which she struck up, " Just take me as I am.' With all their hearts the believers took up the strain, and as they sang four souls made their way to the foun-tain and were cleansed.

So rolled on the glorious tide of grace for another fort-night. The preacher spoke and rang as one inspired. The one o'clock prayer-meetings increased in numbers and power, the young converts taking part in them, and the wcmen stood at the doorway listening, not being-able to remain in their houses while prayer and praise ascended from hearts. made glad in the chapel.

Then came the farewell tea meeting. The weather was wet, but no fewer than 400 attended, many being from adjacent places. Henry Yooll, It. Lovery, and Jennie were the speakers at the public meeting. Such a gather-ing ! Every inch of room inside and in the approaches cccupied. " We had," Jennie wrote, " a grand refreshing time. It was delightful to hear the minister speaking to the oonverts. He tcok four mottoes to speak from—the lion, the eagle, the ox, and the man—and worked th.m out beautifully. I could see the young ones were enjo)t-ing themselves. I took special delight in him myself, as I was converted under his preaching."

But Sunday, September 30th, 1883, when Jennie Hogg closed her mission, was a day of days. The service in the morning was a hallowed season. A brother, who seemed oblivious to his surroundings, said as he sat in the singer's pew, " She's put the cap-stone on this smornin ." When spoken to about it, he said he could almost behold the glory of God. There was a love feast in the afternoon, and the power of the Lord was present . to heal. It went on until there was barely time for tea, and at last it merged into a prayer-meeting. In this service God in His mercy saved one of the most abandoned men in the locality. When he went forward a thrill ran through the congregation. The news reached his mother's home, and she, his brothers and his sisters left the tea table and ran to the chapel. The mother threw her arms around her prodigal son and kissed him With exclamations of joy, tears running down her cheeks. That meeting was one of the unforgettable incidents of a lifetime.

There was no chance of stowing the crowds into the chapel at night. The service continued until nine o'clock, having commenced at five, when the physically exhausted eirl bade the host gcod-bye. During the four weeks seventy-seven souls had openly declared a departure from the ways of sin and faith in the Lord Jesus.

THE CONNEXIONAL MAGAZINES FOR JANUARY, 1915.

After the many-voiced appreciation which appeared in the Leader of December 31st it is not necessary to say touch more than ditto to the glowing praise and the well-deserved compliment paid to the writers, Editor, and Book Steward. There is a fear lest the circulation should suffer in consequence of the war. This is not inevitable. No part of the country has been more severely affected by the war than that in- which these lines are being written. We have lost subscribers, but by a little effort ;heir places have been filled., and there is no shrinkage. What has been done here can be done anywhere, and where trade is prosperous there should be an increased output if these valuable serials.

The " Holborn Review " for the current month is -rammed with contributions of the highest and most timely e•der. " The Nietzschean Re-action against Christianity," by Robert Christie, M.A., and "Germanising Ethnology if H. S. Chamberlain" by Rev. George Fawcett, have come at the psychological moment which gives them a very special value. All who would have a comprehensive knowledge of the variety and range of the operations of the Divine Spirit should read and digest Rev. C. Crabtree's fine essay on " Spirituality Outside the Churches." "The Contradictory Phases of Personality" is the subject of a very helpful and illuminating paper by Rev: A. Wood. Rev. S. Harry's article on " The Humanising of Theology " is most valuable. " The Poetry of Boyhood," by Sydney Walton, M.A., is simply en-trancing, and not less so is W. E. Clegg's appreciation of " Michael Fairless." The writings of John Galsworthy are analysed and highly appraised by Rev. E. H. Pitt-wood. in addition there are View and Reviews and Current Literature ley Rev. H. B. Kendall, Dr. Peake, Professor Lee, and others. Taken all in all it is a very fine issue—one of the very best. Those who readjfaymond Taunton's contribution to the October issue will have a piquant interest in the critique by S. Wyvestow which appears in the current number. All ministers and grow. ing laymen should diligently read the " Holborn Review."

A Missionary Outpost in Central Africa." By Rev. Arthur Baldwin, F.R.G.S. (W. A. Hammond, Hol-born Hall, E.C. 6d. net.)

We have long and eagerly waited for this book, con-taining, as it does, the record of the Baila Mission. The story told by Mr. Baldwin is full of the romance so en-chanting to us all, and here we have it in all its thrill, its wonder, its risks, endurance and escapes. The begin-nings of our Central African Missions are here outlined by the only surviving missionary of the party that set out towards the then little known land. The toil and heroism that lie at the base of our missionary work at present existing in South Central Africa make a distinct contribution to missionary literature. The book is set out under the auspices of the Young People's Missionary Department, and should be circulated by the thousand. It is a charming story, and well illustrated.

Twice-Born Men in Pit Villages. BY W. M. PATTERSON.

22 THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. JANUARY 14, 1915

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"The Quaint Memories of a Moorland Methodist."

SHEFFIELD CENTRAL MISSION.

New Year's Reception of Members.

V.—WHY SCAR EDGE TRUSTEES WITHSTOOD PETTICOAT GOVERNMENT.

" A whistling maid and crowing hen, Is neither good for God nor men."

On my last leaf I gam a sort of half promise that I would give some account of the other attempt that was made to procure the reconstruction of Scar Edge Chapel. This really preceded Mr. Longtongham's, but it was so un-pleasant in some of its aspects that I should have left .it unrecorded if I had not chanced to allude to it by a slip cf the pen. For this slip of the pen my wife says she is extremely sorry, for it compels me to write of one of the only two women to whom I could never be civil. And one of these was a minister's wife, And this, said my wife, is so unlike. I113. I am usually such an extravagant idolater of the ladies of the manse. I very nearly worship the ground that some of them walk upon, and almost do them homage as beings from another and a better world. But there are exceptions to all rules, and the exception to this rule is Mrs. --- But my wife, who generally carries her point when she sets her mind cn it, insists that I must not write down her real name. So it will avail you nothing to turn up your almanacs to find her husband's name, age, years of travel, or present station. I am to call her the wife of Rev. Septimus Prcudie, and for such a ministerial cognomen you may search in vain.

It had been so drilled into me that I must always think the best of the minister that I tried my hardest to like Mr. Proudie. I and a few others had to fight a stiff battle to get him the last instalment of his last quarter's salary. But that is not a matter of liking or disliking, but of simple justice. I would fight for my worst enemy having his just dues to the uttermost farthing. But anxious as I was to think well of him, he made it difficult from the first. As Isaac said, " he muckied his ticket as soon as he gat it." In plain words he went wrong at his reception meeting. When he rose to speak, his first words were, " There is much work to be done in this circuit which I had no need to have done if my predecessor had done his duty." For a Methodist minister to open on that note is one of those blunders that are worse than a crime. To speak ill of your predecessor is as thankless a business as to speak ill of the dead. For, as Adam Hartley used to say, " if folk mak nowt ov a man wol he's wi"em they allus think weal cn him when he's gone." If I could but get the ear of some of my ministerial friends, I would say to them, " Be very circumspect in speaking of your pre-decessors." We had thought some of you angels if you had been more reticent concerning those who preceded you. To filch from your brother minister his good name robs him of that which not enriches you and leaves him peer indeed. Or it would leave him poor if all took him at his successor's valuation. But I find that the man who tries to take away the character of his predecessor usually attempts murder and achieves suicide. The pit he digs for another he falls into himself. I can quite understand that as no man is a hero to his own valet so no man can seem perfect to his successor. If a man has been building with untempered mortar the man to find it is the man who starts to build where he leaves off. But even if your pre-decessor has been an affliction we shall like you better to bear it patiently—as you admonish us to bear our afflictions—than if you fill the air with your petulant complaints. I never felt free to say all this to Mr. Proudie, though this and much more to like effect was said to him by his Ka-yleigh steward. This steward, one of Kayleigh's shrewdest and most trusted tradesmen, said to him, " Mr. Proudie, if I were you I would let your predecessor alone. As a business man I find it never pays me to cry down another man's article. What I have got to do is to produce a better." I think Mr. Proudie came to see this eventually, though it was an expensive lesson for him, and he had little help in learning it from the woman he called his wife.

Mrs. Proudie was a vain, loud woman, with a nose for scandal, a tongue for mischief, and a distressing aptitude for rubbing people the wrong way. She went into one house, so we were told, and when the good wife apologised for her clibmestic disorder, as women sometimes will when there is little occasion, Mrs. Proudie waved her off by saying, " Pray don't mention it." The housewife thought she was going on to say, " I do not mind in the least," or " work has to be done sometime," or some such words as these. What Mrs. Proudie actually did say was, " Pray don't mention it. A dirty house tells for itself." She never crossed that threshold again. They said at Kayleigh that the first thing she did when she entered the manse was to stand on a chair and run her fingers along a door ledge in the hope of finding a little dust to fling at the cleanly fame of the woman who preceded her. ' People who take such pains in looking for trouble are sure to find it, and Mrs. Proudie found a full peck of it at Scar Edge. We always thought her haughty, and Isaac said, " Shoo thowt we wur ommost too mucky ta sow t'seed ta grow t'corn ta mak her bread." ' She ruffled Isaac the first time she came by saying that for her the service had been spoiled by a cobweb she could see on the gallery window. Isaac said it was no cobweb, but a slight crack in the gallery window pane. It turned out that Isaac was right, but to prove it we had to go to the gallery. Foiled about the cobweb, Mrs. Proudie turned fiercely on to the chapel. Of all the ill-planned, barbarous buildings she had ever seen this was the worst.

Fancy going out of doors to get to the gallery. It was worse than going out of doors to go to bed.

" Septimus," she said, " this must be altered, and altered at once. If your predecessor had been anything but an idle, useless lout it would have been done long ago."

" Yes, my dear," meekly answered her husband, " it shall be attended to at once. Who is the trust secre-tary? "

Several pointed to me, and Mrs. Proudie glared at me as though the chapel's construction were my fault, though the place was built before I was born.

" You will please call a special trustees' meeting next Tuesday night week for the purpose of sanctioning these alterations.

" And mind you make them do it," added his wife ; " don't stand any of their peevish nonsense."

This last phrase settled it, but settled it the wrong way for Mrs. Proudie. For if there was one thing more than another that put our backs up at once, it was being ordered about by a woman. We never wondered at a woman wanting her own way, or at her getting it, but we drew the line at being openly bullied. My wife, says you could lead a Scar Edge man to death or victory, but he would not be driven, not even along the road he wanted to go himself. And so on Tuesday night week Mr. Proudie found himself up against a dead wall. The first question came from Daniel Davidson. " Where is the money to come from ?" he asked.

" A very proper question, Mr. Davidson," said the chairman blandly, " and I have thought that out. I understand that there is a sum of money collected for a useless class-room, and which can now be so much better applied to paying for this desirable and necessary im-provement which ought to have been done before."

And then the fur flew. Isaac sprang to his feet. His eyes blazed, his fists clenched, and his whole frame shook.

" What ! " he shrieked, " you're gooin' ta tak' t'bit o' brass what childer has collected for a class-room, and mak' it away on a silly woman's fad."

The chairman became as angry as the chapel keeper. " We're not spending on a silly woman's fad. I would

have you understand that there is not a lady in all England of greater refinement, intelligence, or artistic taste than my wife."

" Wheer wor it when shoo picked her husband, then? " " She did not pick her husband. He picked her. So

please to remember that my wife is a lady," and he added, as he tried to wither Isaac with a look, " I thought you were a gentleman."

" That's more nur aw iver thowt abagh yo'," come the swift retort.

But for the honour of both combatants I thought it time for this unseemly wrangle to cease. So I whispered in Isaac's ear a reminder of what we had agreed upon before entering the meeting. Remembering the disgraceful lengths to which we had gone in some meetings we had resolved on this occasion just to sit tight and say nothing. And so after Isaac's outburst we struck an attitude of passive resistance. We adopted what Norman called a policy of masterly inactivity, of eloquent silence. Against this stolid immobility Mr. Proudie raged in vain. He might as well have hurled impreca-tions at a line of road stoups. When at last he rose to go, Adam Hartley stepped forward to help him on with his overcoat.

" Aw may as weal addle sixpence as onnybody else," he said.

" You'll get no sixpence from me. And please keep your hands off my coat. I would not accept the help of such ill-mannered clodhoppers, not if I was dying for it."

The incorrigible humorist smiled benignantly. His son Norman says he grinned hideously.

" Eh, Mr. Proudie, what a job it is that your wife cannot boss these trustees same as shoo bosses yo. But yo were not under petticoat government in trustees' meeting. But we can mak' allowance for a man that's henpecked. Some of us has had some." The preacher turned scarlet. " I want you to understand that my wife does not boss me. There is no man in all England more master in his own house than I am."

IN.I.■••■•••••■7>

ALLENSON'S NEW BOOKS. "The Glory in the Grey." By Rev. Archibald Alexan-

der, M.A., B,D. (3s. 6d.). This book contains forty-two talks on every-day life and religion. The author seeks to show the glory in the ordinary person's life and tasks, and right well does he succeed. Dr. George H. Morrison says of the book : " Its freshness, variety, suggestiveness and poetry have fascinated me. It seems to me one of the best things I have read for years." After reading every chapter, we feel that these words are true for us also. For preachers it will be specially helpful. Others who wish inspiration and good cheer will find it a treasure. "The Wingless Angel," by Rev. Bertram Pratt, M.A. (2s. 6d. net). This is a very choice volume. It contains fifty-nine pieces—mostly parables and pictures in words. There are several bright and vigorous poems, and some short, true stories. Those who have to prepare sermons and addresses will find many new and helpful illustra-tions. It is just the book to have at hand for odd minutes. It is a sunny book for any day. J. A.

It was an inspiring service at the Sheffield Central Mission on the first Sunday evening of the New Year. A week's mission had been decided upon. There came the request for the Intercession Service. The leaders decided to join in prayer for the nation at this hour of trial. One of our oldest members, Joseph Goodrich, had passed away, and his memorial sermon was to be preached on the first Sunday evening of the year, because it was the first Sunday evening of the year 1855 that he joined the Church at Bethel, Cambridge-street. He was then a young man of twenty years of age, He was born at Epworth, Lincolnshire. During his membership of sixty years he had been class leader, local preacher, leader of Band of Hope, representative of the Sheffield Sunday-school Band of Hope Union, delegate to the District Meet-, ing and the Conference. During all his years he was a hard worker in the Church. His life had told mostly at home. His love for his family was a great influence for his children's good, and they loved him dearly. From far and near they had come to the service. The preacher Nees the minister in charge, Rev. John Clennell, who took for his text Zech. xiv. 7, " But at evening-time it shall be light." The subject was " The Unexpected Providence." The preacher said that no one could live eighty years with-, out proving that life had its many unexpected providences. Things that seemed the most natural to happen after other things did not come as one expected. The darkness did not get darker still, but the light came. The day of gloom had not turned into midnight, but had passed into mid-day splendour. This was not only true in the experi-ence of the individual ; it was also true in nature and human history. History was full of such happenings. The religious history of man was constantly bearing out the Divine intervention. Christ came to a world that was dark enough. Many expected that worse and darker, things were to follow. But the light came. The Church was lost in darkness and immorality. A gloom was on the religious life. The Church seemed to have failed. Luther spoke his word which brought the light back again. When our English religious life had sunken very low ; when Christianity was supposed to be based on super-stition and fables, the Wesley and Whitefields came and breathed a new life into the nation. The gloom passed away, and the day of God had come. When Europe was one big battlefield during the days of Napoleon, when the end seemed to mean more darkness and the destruction of civilisation, then there came the uprising of democracy, the feeling of the people's soul. To-day we are in the gloom again. Can we believe that God is in it ? Dare we believe that the light will come, that the unexpected will be the reign of God? Our prophecy will depend on our faith. If we believe in a righteous God, then we must believe that He intends to reign in spite of human sin and tyranny and injustice. The day of God was dawning to the prophet in the very gloom of things. It comes to us as a challenge. Are we ready to dedicate ourselves to the service of God ? Let us give ourselves to Him, and make His service our joy. At the Communion Service that followed fifteen young people were accepted into member-ship of the church. They dedicated themselves to their Lord. Truly it was inspiring; and the New Year began well for the Mission. The feeling of reverence and devo-tion was impressive and helpfuL The mission is being continued during the week.

Rev. F. W. Dodds Sails for West Africa. •

On Friday, January 8th, at 4 p.m., Rev. F. W. Dodds left the landing-stage Liverpool in the s.s. Tarquah (Elder Dempster and Co.), for Calabar, en route for Benda, his former sphere of labour. Mrs. Dodds' state of health did not warrant her undertaking the journey, and the separa-tion involved emphasises the self-sacrifice, little spoken of but no less real, of a missionary's life. Sympathetic interest will be widely felt in the heroic pair. The pressing demand made upon Mr. Dodds for deputation work has necessitated a longer furlough than had been anticipated. His return is eagerly desired by the people whose hearts he had won, and whose lives had been enriched by his ministry. That God may vouchsafe His protecting care and grant to him a prosperous voyage with great blessing upon his life and work many will pray. The " Tarquah" being unable to sail on the 6th inst. as expected, very few friends knew the date of the missionary's departure. Revs. P. Nume, M. T. Pickering, T. W. Hancox, G. Llevins, and B. Fell were, however, present to say farewell, also Miss Scott and Mr. W. H. Caton.

The Grace of God. Miracles of grace are not yet extinct experiences. The

arm of the Lord is not shortened. His compassion is not dried up. On Christmas Day last a sale of work was opened in one of our churches by one of its members, a carter. A few years ago all that he earned after paying for lodgings'werit in drink. He was rapidly becoming--though but a young man—a moral and physical wreck. Our people got hold of him, won him to Christ, found him work in the Sunday-school, in which he has been most earnest and constant. And now the great honour of opening the annual sale of work was his ! He appreciated it highly, declaring to the assembled company that all he had and was he owed to that church ; and though he could not give much money, he would give all the service withil his power. The church had done so much for him that he would never be able to repay his debt. Precisely so, for a few days after Christmas he married one whom he had, found in the church.

Being some Stray Leaves from a Country Chapel Secretary's Notebook. *

BY COLIN GREENWOOD, Author of " Christmas Eve on 1Fruthering Moor," " Hill-top Dialogues," etc., etc.

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JANUARY 14, 1915 THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. 23

one-third of the cursing and swearing in the regiment which we had before he came." Then the major said : " I wish I had a regiment of such men as he is in all respects, save that one—his refusing to fight. I would not care what enemy I had Jo meet, or where my lot was cast." This was a fine testimony to the noble courage of Nelson, who seized the opportunity to have a straight,, frank talk to the major about the things of God. The major closed the interview by saying : " 1 wish you well wherever you go, for I believe you Methodists are a well-meaning people." That night he preached in the'town, and had several of the soldiers to hear him. The next day he preached at Newcastle ; in a few days he was home again. Stopping to preach at Leeds, he had in an open yard a big congregation of rich and poor,- who did not attend Methodist preaching before Nelson was sent for a soldier. Thankfully he said : " Not one in Leeds opened his mouth against me, but hundreds said they were glad to see me at liberty again."

Very soon the work done while he was virtually a prisoner began to bear fruit. He was not long before he was back in York, where he met nineteen who had found peace with God, and twice as many under convic-tion. Wesley sent for him to London, and many came out of curiosity to hear the man who had been in prison, and several were converted. He also received a letter from Sunderland, asking him to go there and prelch. Two men who had conversed with him when he was captive there had found the Lord, and they said that their souls panted for the salvation of their neighbours. After some time he visited Sunderland, and " preached to the greatest part of the town, who behaved well and stood all the time, though the snow was eight or nine inches deep." Much good resulted, and many were won to God, by his labours.

Afterwards, men who belonged to his regiment, and who had been impressed by his life and speech and spirit, became earnest Methodists, and emulated this brave York-shireman in his zeal for the salvation of men. Few could have guessed that out of this wrongful arrest so much good would have come. Another evidence that " God's ways are not as our ways, nor His thoughts as our thoughts."

For his great work in establishing Methodism in the North of England, John Nelson deserves to be had in everlasting remembrance. A Birstal stonemason, pos- sessed of a strong; robust body and of an equally robust intellect, he became the most powerful of evangelists and a doughty controversialist. When he was nine or ten years of age he was horribly terrified with the thoughts of death and judgment. The reading by his father of the twentieth chapter of Revelation produced such an impression on him that he lay on the floor and wept as if his heart would break. Conviction of sin continued with him during the following years, so that he knew no real joy or peace of mind. At nineteen years of age he married, in the hope that this would help him to resist temptations to sin. But so unhappy was he that he left home, end after some weeks arrived in London. He got work at once, and soon showed his Yorkshire mettle. His fellow workmen cursed and abused him, because he would not drink with them and spend his money as they did. This he bore without`retaliating, hut when they stole his tools and said he should not work while they were drink- ing, his anger was roused, and he fought several of them, after which they left him in peace. His wife joined him. He went from church to chtuehto every church bat the Jews—in the hope of finding salvation,'but it was all in vain. Misery unspeakable was in. his soul. His sleep was. broken by horrid dreams, in some of which he thought he was fighting with Satan. But when John Wesley preached his first sermon in Moorfields, John Nelson was present. He said, long afterwards : " Oh, that was a blessed morning to my soul. I thought his whole disc, urse was aimed at me. When he had done, I said, ' This man can tell the secrets of my heart ; he bath not left me there, for he hath showed the remedy, even the blood of Jesus.' Then was my soul filled with consolation, through hope that God for Christ's sake would save me."

It was not long before Nelson knew in himself the -power of Christ's resurrection. Out of the dead and wretched past a new man arose, upon whom there rested lie power of God. It was not long before he was publicly

Yntending for Methodist faith and teaching. Back in orkshire, he increased in power and wisdom, and began

to take long journeys as a preacher. Opposition was roused wherever he went. He was mobbed, stoned, tram-pled upon and nearly killed, but he held on his way, growing bolder and bolder, until his enemies were pre-pared to do anything if they could but bring his labours to an end. At Nottingham a sergeant of the army came on purpose to mob him, but, standing to hear the preach-ing, was convinced of his sin, and afterwards, with tears, begged Nelson's pardon. Year after, at the same plaoe, another sergeant came to pull him from his preaching 'stand, but Nelson's words " came as a sword ' to his heart, and he resolved to become a better man.

John Nelson was to come in still closer relation with the men of the army. There was a law • in those days that if any man was proved to be a vagrant, with no visible means of earning his living, he could be compelled to serve as a soldier. Returning from a preaching tour in Lancashire, John Nelson was told that they were going to press him for the army. The vicar of the parish, along with other clergymen and some alehouse keepers, had plotted to do this, so as to silence this too-successful preacher. He was advised to give up preaching, but his answer was that he durst not leave off preaching for anything that man could do unto him. He kept, hewing Stone every day, and travelling on horseback to preach every evening. At Pudsey and Leeds he was told that Consta,bles had warrants to arrest him. At a public-house not far from Birstal the landlord offered to bet five pounds that John Nelson would be sent for a soldier before ten

• days were past. It was impressed on his own mind, as lie hewed stone, that trouble was near at hand. After preaching at Adwalton one Friday evening, he was ar-rested. Five hundred pounds were offered as bail for him until the next day, but this was refused. He was rushed iaff to Halifax, to be brought before the commissioners. No time was allowed for any to come and speak for him. The clergyman told lies, another swore (for which he was bharply reproved by Nelson), and the end of it was Nelson Was sent into a regiment for training. From Halifax he Was marched to Bradford, where he was put into a filthy dungeon by order of the commissioners, amongst whom was the clergyman. 'The Methodists were roused and brought candles and food, which they put through a hole in the door. After taking food, John Nelson within and there others without sang hymns almost all night. Early hest morning (Sunday) the " pressed men " were taken to Leeds, where they stood in the street some hours, hun-dreds of people flocking to see them. Some who knew him tame to taunt and sneer. At night a hundred Methodists visited him in the jail, where they sang and prayed, and Nelson gave an exhortation. At five on 'Monday- morning they started for York. Many of Nelson's friends went with them for about three miles, and wept when they bade him farewell. Says Nelson : " I spoke comfortable words to them, and bade them stand fast, in nothing terrified by their adversaries." At York he found himself amongst some blackguard officers, whose language was so coarse and vile that he thought hell could not be much worse than the company lie was in. But he was not the

. men to hear such things quietly. He challenged them,

and reasoned about religion until " they seemed to shrink as if I had thrown-fire at them." They cut short his conversation by saying : " You must not preach here ; for you are delivered to us for a soldier, and must not talk so to us who are officers." He answered, " There is but one way to prevent me." They asked, " What is thatl" He replied, " It is to swear no more in my hearing."

" Then," says Nelson, " we were guarded through the city ; but it was as if hell was moved from beneath to meet me at my coming. The streets and windows were filled with people, who shouted and hurrahed as if I had been one that had laid waste the nation. But the Lord made lily brow like brass, so that I could look on them as grasshoppers, and pass through the city as if there had been none in it but God and myself." Little did they dream of the work which Nelson would do in that ancient city before he left. In this case also was it true that God maketh the wrath of men to praise him. But for a while Nelson had enough to endure.- He was offered the money, the taking of which would " fasten " him to the King's army. He refused it, and was sent to prison. There he found himself amongst terrible swearers, so that he had work enough for night and day to reprove them, which he did with good effect. Several townspeople came to see him, to find out what were the doctrines of Methodism. Up to that time no Methodist preacher had been able to get a foothold in York. But a better day was near at hand. Sympathetic souls brought food to the prison for Nelson, who was afterwards taken to a court-martial, guarded by musketeers with their bayonets fixed. The question was asked : " What is this man's crime? " The answer was : " This is the Methodist preacher, and he refuses to take money." The officers were not unkind to him, but he told them plainly that he would not fight, and nobody. should compel him. A. corporal fastened upon Nelson the usual weapons, and he was taken to exercise with the rest. Many came to see him, and very soon he was pleading and teaching with all about him. On a, Sunday, he walked with friends outside the city. They were watched and followed, until a hundred people were gathered, and after singing two hymns Nelsen gave them an exhortation. Nelson's party walked a mile another way, and people flocked around, desiring to know what sort of doctrine it was which made people hate the Metho-dists. &on there was a big company to which Nelson preached, and with such convincing power that prejudices were swept away. Several said they would go ten miles to hear another such discourse. This was " putting fire .61, the heather." Every day people came to inquire from Nelson concerning this new teaching. People watched him as he passed along the streets. Clergymen came to dispute with him, to their utter discomfiture and dismay. At hall-past seven the next Sunday morning he preached to three hundred people on the moor. He was asked to preach again at night. The news spread like wildfire, and a crowd of six thousand, persons gathered. The presence of many intoxicated and quarrelsome soldiers made service impossible. Next day some clergymen visited the officers of the regiment, who then told Nelson that if he preached publicly again he should be severely whipped. Nelson's answer was characteristic. He said, "I am not careful in this matter. It is better to obey God than man! I believe it is the will of God that I should preach, and I have not taken man to please ire anything that will offend my God."

The very next evening he preached in a field at Acomb, a village just outside York, to almost all the inhabitants. They begged him to go once a week, as long as he stayed in York The next Sunday morning he preached to about two hundred people on the moor. Before church service began a swearing ensign committed him to prison for his preaching, swearing he should be whipped for it. Until Tuesday afternoon he was kept in prison, where his soul was filled with joy, and with a deeper concern for the un-converted. Brought before the major on Tuesday he was surprised at being acquitted, the major giving him liberty to preach in any house or private place when off duty, and promising to hear him preach when he had a suitable opportunity.

On Thursday the soldiers were to start on a march to .Sunderland,. They reached Easingwold in the evening, and as they were drawn up in the street people recognised Nelson as the Methodist preacher of whom they had read in the newspapers. When lie got to his billet for the night he expounded the Methodist teaching to a number who came to see him, and they wished he might preach in the town, " for," they said, " hundreds would be glad to hear ydu." By eleven on Friday morning they were at Northallerton, and by twelve they were settled in quarters. Immediately after Nelson went into the market place, and spoke to those whom he found there of the way of salva- tion. Next morning—Saturday—they reached Darling-ton and stayed there over Sunday. Many came to see Nelson, and once. again he seized the opportunity of speaking to the many who came to see him. Durham was the next stopping place, and Nelson learned with joy that John Wesley would be there shortly after four o'clock. Nelson and -others went and met him a mile out of the city. Wesley was to Nelson, as to thousands of others, a great encourager. He exhorted him to watch and pray, and did not doubt but his captivity would turn to the glory of God. Before they parted at night Wesley said : " Brother Nelson, lose no time ; speak and spare not ; for God hath work for you to do in every place where your lot is cast : and when you have fulfilled His good pleasure He will break your bonds in sunder, and we shall rejoice together."

Sunderland was reached, and here Nelson found many friends. What was better to Nelson's mind was a letter from Charles Wesley, stating that the Earl of Stair had assured Lady Huntingdon that he would be set at liberty in a few days. Three weeks passed—during most of which Nelson was ill—and his discharge came. It appears that a substitute had been hired to take Nelson's place, the money being subscribed by Methodists in London. He did not leave the Army before testimony had been borne to his character and work. The lieutenant said "He has done much good since he came among us, for we have not had

THE EARLY METHODISTS AS SOLDIERS.

By Rev. Arthur Jubb.

Chapter III.—John Nelson in the Army.

Memorable Presidential Visit. On Saturday. and Sunday, January 2nd and 3rd, the

President of Conference, Rev. G. Bennett, visited the Ebenezer Church, Dudley Hill, Bradford Fifth Circuit. The occasion was memorable, this being the first time a President has paid an official visit to the church. The church has a worthy history. Primitive Methodism entered Bradford in 1821, and commenced at Dudley IIill. On the Saturday evening the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bradford, Alderman and Mrs. G. H. Robin-son, along with the President, gave a public reception in the fine School Hall, a representative gathering of Brad-ford Primitive Methodists assembling. After the recep-tion Rev. F. Hobson presided over an interesting cere-mony. Advantage was taken, of the occasion to pay a well-deserved tribute to the school superintendents, 'Mr. John Walker and Alderman A. Peel, J.P., who have occupied the position for thirty-one years. The President unveiled the portrait of Mr. J. Walker, and the Lord Mayor the portrait of Alderman A. Peel. Both the brethren have rendered yeoman service to Primitive Methodism, and stand for all that is good. The magni-ficent portraits are hung behind the superintendents' desk, and will be a fine inspiration to the younger generation.

The Lord Mayor presided over a well-attended public meeting, and was supported by Revs. H. Carden, G. Wel-bourne, R. L. Featherstone, F. W. Steward (Unite 1 Methodist), and F. Hobson. Rousing addresses war:, given by the President and Rev. J. J. Reeves. Large con-gregations assembled to hear the President on the Sun-day. The prayer meeting after the evening service, this best attended for many years, will long be rememberel. The old Methodist fire glowed, and all felt that it was a grand beginning for the new year and a fitting climax t, the President's visit, the influence and memory of whic!i will be abiding. The young people were not forgotte7i. The School Hall was full in the afternoon for a young people's service. It has been the aim of the officials that the week-end services should be rich with spiritual bless-ing and stir Connextonal loyalty and interest. The Presi-dent has graciously assisted toward this end, and t1:3 church is richer for his visit.

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24 THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. JANUARY 14, 1915

JANUARY 14, 1915 THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST' LEADER

25

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1915.

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AN -OPEN LETTER TO SIR HENRY S. LUNN.

By Arthur T. Quttery.

DEAR Sin HENRY, You have asked one to sign a nemorial to the Prime Minister urging the repeal of the Welsh Church Act in so fax as it involves disendowment. You say that you have issued the same appeal to the ministers and official laymen of the Free Churches of Great Britain. You have even gone to the trouble of enclosing a card to be sent to Mr. Asquith, at a time w:hen he is bearing the heaviest responsibilities that ever rested on a British statesman. I have carefully considered your letter, and confess that its effrontery and folly fill me with amazement. I do not believe that Free Churchmen will be impressed with your pretensions ; you have never won our confidence as a Free Church leader ; we have never looked to you for guidance support in' hours of crisis and peril. We have lea xpect from men of your type a checked advance a akenect resistance. We look to find your name in mem. - s for a compromise that is akin to surrender. You are great in arranging tours, but we dare not trust you. in battle. Episcopal functions and social reunions are your forte, but you wilt and fail us when our faith in a free justice challenges vested interests and hoary privileges. We remember the old Indian missionary controversy in which you played your part ; we do not forget your Conciliation Committee of 1911—its folly recoiled upon your comrades in em-bittered controversy and weary delay. It did not placate opposition ; it simply inflamed it with the hope of treason to the. Nonconformist cause. None will deny your great abilities in the pursuits that have made you prosperous, but in the conflict of national convictions you have shown a psychological twist that compels us to distrust your leadership and refuse your counsel.

You plead for unity and peace, and would have the Government reopen a controversy that has embittered the religious and social life of Wales for over forty years. The agitation that has moved the Principality for a generation ; the repeated verdicts at the poll ; prolonged inquiries by a Commission, which was none too friendly to Free Churchmen ; impassioned discussions in Parlia-ment and on the platforms of the country ; the verdict of our Senate and the assent of the Crown are all to be upset, and you ask Free Churchmen to pray for such impossible folly. We have fought a battle with clean weapons and won a righteous victory, and now you urge retreat upon us. This retreat would force humiliation upon the Government; it would flout the will of Wales ; it would involve a shameful betrayal of our brave comrades in the Principality ; it would declare our trusted leaders guilty d injustice, and it would defeat a nation in the interests of a sect. To gratify the Bishop of St. Asaph is a poor reward for undoing the work of a lifetime and we are not encouraged to political suicide by the tactics of bishops who, in the agony of war, seek to exploit patriotism in the interests of sectarian domination. We have overcome false logic, bad arithmetic, and epftcopal truculence, and are nat to be deluded by spurious sentiment. We do not plead for finality in politics, but we regard this chapter as closed and cannot reopen it at your bidding.

You have been captured by the phrases and platitudes that are popular on Church Defence platforms, though if you read the " Church Times " you will remember it says, " Disestablishment . . . necessarily means dis-endowment, and anycne who doubts it dwells in a fool's paradise." You have reached an age when you should remove from a neighbourhood so vividly described by the exponent of high Anglicanism_ You speak cf " the heritage" of the Church, its "temporalities," and plead that it should not be impoverished." You brush aside all inquiries as to the historic origin of this property as " the small dust of the balance." That is very convenient, but you beg the question when you speak of this property in terms of ownership. It has always been a Trust ; a Trust created for national purposes, a Trust that has not been fulfilled and that became a gross injustice when it fell into the possession of a sect that represented a minority of the nation. You regard its use for education, health and charity as secular ; by many of us nothing is sacred that involves injustice, and the sooner it ends the better for true religion. Believe me, the nation is grow-ing tired of this pose of poverty by the richest Church in the land. Anglicanism in the Welsh Church Act has been treated with extravagant generosity All living interests have been guarded ; only a portion of the wealth that could be claimed has been restored to the nation. All churches in Wales will feel the strain, and you as a Methodist, familiar with village Methodism in Lincoln-shire, must find it difficult to .appreciate the whining of squires and peers when they are asked to support their own Church, while they serve the nation. You have shown great daring in surrendering the traditions of your youth.

You remind Free Churchmen of the need for unity in

the coming war with "materialism and unrighteousns." That war is always with us. We will welcome the brotherhood of all in this mighty conflict, but the founda-tion of true co-operation must be justice to the State as well as the sect ; equality for the humblest citizen, and not the privilege of prolonged endowment for squire and parson. It is unfortunate that the Church must face new conditions while the nation is at war, but we have no responsibility for the date. The delay has been caused by the prejudiced and partisan resistance of the Anglican Church, and we can no more change a calendar than you can reform a Continental time table. Your sentiments are generous ; your postage account just now will be extremely heavy, and I return the stamp you sent me, but I and ten thousand others cannot accept a policy that would have us be generous at other peoples' expense.

I have written at length, that I may not be wanting in respect for your varied gifts, and I have written an open letter because publicity is not unwelcome to you. I trust that your memorial may share the fate of that wonderful Nonconformist- deputation from Wales which was engineered by the Bishops, and I trust your Free Church convictions may awake from that hypnotic trance which is said to follow excessive travel.

I remain, Yours faithfully,

ARTHUR T. Gurrene.

THE NATIONAL CRISIS AND THE DUTY OF THE CHURCH.

By Rev. T. Mitchell, D.D.

SECOND ARTICLE.

In what direction the duty of the Church lies at this critical juncture is no doubt causing devout and sensitive people among an serious disquiet. As Christian people we do not believe in war ; we consider it is a barbarous method of settling national differences ; and we have longed and prayed for the time when some great inter-national court shall be established, on which all civilised nations shall be represented, to which all international differences shall-be referred, and whose decisions shall be authoritative and final. Such a court would be likely to give justice to all, or as near it as any human affairs can come. It would save appalling waste on armaments, and would foster concord, confidence and goodwill among all the nations of men. But this is not yet ; and cannot be so long as one nation aspires to conquer and control all others. As far as human foresight can penetrate,- the duty of the hour is to curb the oppressor. Apparently no effective steps are possible towards permanent peace till this is done, or indeed have been possible so long as this determination to rule has been fostered. English litera-ture has few books on war, and the few there are, few read them. Germany publishes seven hundred volumes a year on war alone, and they are read by millions of the common people. How much this explains of the moral obliquity of the German mind, philosopher, divine, states-man, and peasant alike, to its own moral obligations, and to the moral rights of others. If we have to deal with rational men, we may reason with them, but if we are assailed by infuriated monsters in human form, who avow their deliberate and diabolical purpose to claw you to death, what then? Lovingly stroke his paws? No. Split his head with a hatchet, and who will say that such an achievement would not have the warm approval of the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ. But there are certain great duties which press on the Church at this hour with exceptional force.

1. She must emphasize the highest ideals of national life. Great conflicting ideals of-national life have existed along all the ages. In the dawn of Christian history they come into violent collision. The ideals of Rome and the ideals of Christ could never harmonize. Rome's ideals were (1) Military power. She conquered the world. All nations recognized her authority, paid allegiance to her ruler, poured tribute into her treasury. (2) Worldly policy. She had her shrines, her temples, her oracles ; but the most obscene rites polluted her worshippers and degraded her people. (3) Unrestrained pleasure. What a sorry record is that of the gladiatorial shows of ancient Rome ; wild beasts fighting each to death to amuse idle and bloodthirsty crowds ; human creatures hacking each other to pieces to the applause of assembled crowds ; thousands butchered to make a Roman holiday. These were her ideals : power, policy, pleasure—the dominance of a class, the servitude of the multitude. And what was the result of this gigantic experiment—the most gigantic the world had then ever seen. The only answer is failure, ghastly, unrelieved failure. If the testimony of Roman historians, orators, poets, moralists, and satirists is to be accepted, the issue was uniform, unmiti-gated failure. With all her power, territory, and wealth, Rome failed. She had within herself, in her vices, the germs of decay and death. These were more disastrous to his position and permanence than the onset of her fiercest foes. The record of " The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire " is one of the most eloquent commentaries ever written on the inadequacy of mere worldly power to give endurance and strength to national life. Surely a lesson for us to-day. " Righteousness exalteth a nation." " Sin is a reproach to any people." No nation can per-manently survive the extinction of righteousness in her rulers and people. Rome sank nationally because Rome had sunk morally ; and a moral basis, not military power, is the only basis of enduring national life.

What a contrast to these ideals is supplied by the character and teaching of Jesus Christ ! Few critics will dispute that Jesus Christ is the most perfect type of human character the world has ever seen, the finest flower of humanity that ever bloomed. His charactei is enriched with every human excellency and defiled by no human

vice. To the critics of his own time he could say, " Which of you convinceth me of sin?" and the verdict of the best thought of all subsequent times has endorsed the un-answerableness of that challenge. Jesus exhibits every, human excellency, and exhibits them in the most perfect blend. In Him is the finest courage and the perfect sym-pathy ; unflinching loyalty to truth and duty, with infinite tenderness to the sorrowful and the sick ; the most scath-ing denunciation of wrong and wrong-doers of all injustice, oppression, and cruelty, with the most generous invitation to the burdened and heavy-laden to seek and find rest. And His service for humanity was as constant and com-plete as His character was perfect and admirable. These then are the ideals of personal and national life that in this hour of crisis the Church of Christ must upholdeand emphasise—righteousness as the dominant law, and love as the inspiring motive ; not envy and jealousy and ambi-tion and love of power, but fairness and justice to all, brotherhood among men and nations, the open door of growth and development to all people and all lands. There is among us to-day a frightful recrudescence of the ideals of barbarism ; we must oppose to these the better ideals of Jesus. The law of right must be made to supersede and subdue the law of might ; and the eternal principles of juetice must be secured free scope in the administration of all human affairs. The Church cannot witOut grave derelictioin of duty lower in any degree this standard of her teaching on national righteousness. She must affirm with new emphasis the obligation of righteousness as be-tween man and man, rulers and people, nation and nation. No nation has any more right to rob another nation, to invade its territory, to plunder its people, to devastate its lands, to demolish its buildings than has any individual man the right to perpetrate such wrongs on his fellow-man. The Ten Commandments apply to all life—national and personal alike ; and the demands of the Church in all lands must ring out clear and strong that righteousness must be the law of nations as of men, and that the rela-tions of nations to each other must be dominated and con-trolled by the law of God.

2. She must utter her strongest condemnation of all breaches cf moral law in national relations. Have we not sometimes laid too exclusive an emphasis on the milder features of the teaching of Christ and forgotten its sterner aspects. We have expounded the love and mercy of which it speaks, but have we laid sufficient stress on the moral law for which He stands with its tremendous sanctions. Wrong-doing is wrong-doing, whether done on the battle-field or in the peasant's cottage. The sack of Louvain and the barbarities perpetrated on the Belgians by the German forces is a crime against God and humanity, and the Church must denounce it if she is to be true to her duty, in the strongest terms. Armies have no more right to invade a neighbour's territory than any citizen has to invade his .neighbour's house. Robbery is robbery, whether done by individuals or by nations, and pillage and rapine wherever perpetrated merit and ought to receive the sternest condemnation of the Church every-where. We need to put new fibre into our moral convic-tion and new vehemence into our enforcement of the obligation of moral law on men and nations alike. Does not the Church need to broaden her view of the teachings of her Master ? It has its tones of love and sympathy, which we delight to hear and repeat, but has it not also its severer message of responsibility and judgment? And if we listen to that note, we can never palliate flagrant wrong by whomsoever done. Does not the Church need to clear her vision, broaden her outlook, brace her moral fibre, tone up her convictions, and stiffen her courage, so that her words shall scorch and blister, as did the words of her Lord, wrong-doing and the wrong-doer everywhere? The Lord's forerunner, John the Baptist, uttered his call to repentance and his message of mercy, but he had also his tones of thunder, and his terms of reproach, condemna-tion, and judgment. " Oh ! generation of. vipers ! " he said to the Pharisees of his day ; " Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire" •,

He will thoroughly purge his floor and burn up the chaff with unquenchable Tyre "—burning words these, but not too hot for John's day or for ours. And equally clear and direct were our Lord's own words to the journalists of His day, " How shall ye escape the damnation of hell ? " He asks—an interrogatory of menace and doom. And St. John's declaration is equally emphatic : " For this purpose was the Son of God manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil." What are the works of the devil ? Cruelty, treachery, murder, devastation of fair lands, butchery of innocent populations, vain glory, pride, ambi-tion. These are works of the devil, and Jesus Christ was manifested to destroy them—not simply curb and cripple, but destroy. And has there been in human history such devilry as has been perpetrated as in this war ? and it 'is surely the duty of the Church to depict it in its true colours, and to denounce it in the scathing terms of her Teacher and Lord. If our message to these times is to be complete it must give no subordinate place to the denunci-ation in the strongest terms of the wrong doing and wrong doers in the commencement and propagation of the devilish war. I stood within a few feet of Dr. Joseph Parker in the City Temple, London, on the occasion of the Crom-wellian Celebration, when he startled, thrilled and shocked an immense congregation by his • sudden and vehement imprecation "God damn the Sultan of Turkey !" Perhaps we may not be prepared to re-enact that striking scene, or re-affirm that terrible prayer, but the Church would be criminally silent if she failed to denounce in the strongest terms she can command the infernal proceed-ings of the leaders of the German Army ; and in such' denunciation she may claim the authority of her Lord.

At the annual meeting of the Ellesmere Free Church Council, held en Friday last, Rev. J. Dudley submitted a resolution which was cordially adopted, protesting against the circular letter which Sir Henry Lunn is sending to ministers and laymen up and down the country. Copies were ordered to be sent to the Prime Minister, Mr. Lloyd George and Sir Henry Lunn.

26 THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER.. JANUARY 14, 1915

What Our Readers Say. Is War Christian ?

Sne—It seems to me that a little eonsideaetion of and differentiation between matters political and matters religious is calculated to explain many things and relieve many minds concerning Christianity and the present war. In the first place, grave trial of faith is occasioned by the fact that it is the Christian nations of the world that are at war with one another, and many feel. that this fact demonstrates the failure and futility of the Christian religion. But in what sense are these nations Christian? Take our own, for example. While, compared with India, !China, and Japan, we are rightly designated Christian, yet in reality our national life is a heterogeneous agglomeration of every grade of character and thought, from a. bishop to the basest hooligan. In short, we are only more or less Christian. Had we been wholly and thoroughly Christian, then doubtless we should have acted as such. But man and nation can only act on a level with their own character. It is foolish to expect more. You cannot expect a nation carrying so much evil in its heart as ours does—and others concerned do—to act according to the absolute Christian standard of con-duct. Christians would fain have it thus ; but in social life the just suffer for the unjust, the superior is dragged down by the degradation of the inferior, and the chastise-ment of the peace of the wicked falls on the back of the saint. And this principle operating within the national life applies also internationally. The superior nations of the world are constantly being thwarted in their aspira-tions and degraded as a consequence of the barbarity of inferior nations. And it would seem that that principle has operated in dragging Great Britain into the present war. As a nation, we are acting below the level of our own character, and our statesmen and diplomatists tell us we could do no other. The obligations of the strong towards the weak involved our national honour, and we had perforce to go to war. So that it would seem (without scrutinising the diplomacy of past years) that, from the national and international standpoint, our cause is a righteous one—righteous, that is, so far as national affairs can lay claim to that term. ,

What, then, ought to be the attitude of the Christian Church towards this " righteous " national cause? What her attitude is is writ large—she identifies herself there-with. Religious weeklies and Christian pulpits through-out the land recruit for the Army more vigorously than Cabinet Ministers. The leaders of our Churches would appear to be heart and soul for the part our nation plays. The Bishop of London tells young men of the glorious chance they have of being present at the second battle of Waterloo, and suggests that he who misses this glorious chance will count, himself accursed when the victory is won and shouts of triumph announce the warriors' return. Mr. Harry Jeffs goes one better, and, in common with many others, tells us that this is a holy war. In short, organised Christianity in Great Britain is in agree-ment with this war.

But how, in all sincerity, can we reconcile our present attitude with the Gospel of Jesus Christ? If I know any-thing at all about the Christianity of Jesus, it is that it and war are diametrically and irreconcilably opposed to each other ; war is the absolute negation of what Jesus lived and taught. His Gospel, His life, was love, love for all, irrespective of creed or clime or moral status. And His disciples are required to embody that love ; they will have enemies undoubtedly, but they must love their enemies, and be enemy to no man. The exercise of this life of love will cost them dearly, as it did Jesus, but that the soul will conquer is the supreme concern of the Christian. And a second point : As to the propagation of this king-dom of love,, He was emphatic in life and deed in re-pudiating the medium of the sword. The " nations of the world " were offered to Him if He would stoop and utilise and worship material power. But He cast the evil sug-gestion behind Him for ever. Thereon Mahommedanism and Christianity break uncorepromisingly. And when the life of Jesus was at stake, He unhesitatingly upheld the basic principle of His gospel ; Peter must sheath his sword. Yet was ever sword drawn in holier cause? Was blow ever so justifiable? Be that as it may, Jesus would rather die than that Peter- should stain' his soul with murder. And it were better, too! No life is comparable to the value of a soul. And one injury is not negatived by the perpetration of another. Love is its own defence, and truth stands impregnable, girt in its own integrity. Love cannot strike an injurious blow ; it cannot hate ; it cannot kill. Yet the followers of the Nazarene are urging our sons to go and run their fellows through ! Oh, shameful irony! Can this bseChristian? No, Sir. The truth is that the Christianity of to-day is in reality an amalgam of Judaism and Christianity ; and there lies half the mischief. Though Jesus abrogated Judaism, His church, excepting in the first century or two, has always felt it more convenient to run the two in harness. Though Jesus abrogated the savage law of " an eye for an eye " and inculcated the law of love, His church has been as inconsistent as the Hebrews who carried that com-mandment, " Thou shalt not kill " into the forefront of battle, and have wielded the sword in the name of Jesus. She has always worshipped two Gods, Jehovah of Hosts and the Heaienly Father of Jesus ; and the former has gsiways been relied upon to defend the latter. The crusaders take the sword to defend the cross. Cromwell drinks in the Hebrew psalms, calls upon the name of Jesus, and goes forth to war. The covenanters inspire !themselves with the battle-lore of Israel, and fight to 'defend the love of Christ. And true to this Judaism-cum-

hristianity, we are urged forward to-day with the call, " The sword of the Lord and of Gideon. ' Flags, the trophies of bloody combat are hung where the rising sun illumines the cross of Christ in our cathedral windows, and rolls of honour adorn the sanctuaries of love. The Bishop of London urges us to take the sword to defend the dominant religion of the world I What an insult to Jesus ! Is Christianity dependent on the sword ? If so,

then let it perish, it is a pretence, a hollow farce, a whited sepulchre.

I do not ask that a nation that is only relatively Christian shall act on the high level of a Christian, but I do contend that the Christian church should be true to its faith and founder ; and especially so in the hour of trial. Dare Christians not trust their .gospel?-else why, in every nation, do we find them pursuing a " holy war ' and calling on the God of battles to be their ally. No wonder the Pope is in a quandary as to which cause he shall bless. I can well imagine that the God of sabbaoth is in like dilemma.. . And what of the morrow ? When this war is over there will be a tremendous clamour for conscription in this country. What will the anti-conscription section of the Church say and do then? It has refuted its own argu-ment and sealed its own mouth. For if this war be a holy war, then if logic be logical, we ought to start forth- with and make every man a holy soldier ready for the next holy war. (Who is vain enough to believe that this is the last war ?) Let them be soldiers of the Lord in the full sense of the term. But in the meantime let us not teach the heathen that when his neighbour raids his village that it is wrong for him to retaliate ; let us teach him to sharpen his spear and keep it with his Testament near his pillow. And our children ? Well,

" Let us rear our children to be wolves, And teach them from the cradle how to kill."

But please let us be honest with ourselves, and tell our Master that His services are no longer required.—Yours, etc., JACOB W. RICHARDSON.

Wrottesley-road, Plumstead, S.E.

Sir Henry Lunn's Appeal. Rev. Alfred Jones, of Exmouth, has sent the following

reply to Sir Henry Lunn's widely circulated appeal recently issued to all the ministers of our Church on behalf of some financial modification of the Welsh Church Act :—

" Sir Henry Lunn.—Sir,—Your letter, etc., to hand re Disendowment of the Episcopal Church in Wales' with

thanks. After perusal, I feel that three reasons prevent my signing the card as 'a memorial to the Prime Minister' for 'the repeal of all those clauses which deprive the Church of any of its temporalities.' (1) I think that the Government's financial arrangements are fair, and, I might add, generous.. (2) The unity which the circular aims at is not guaranteed, as the other side, as far as I know, has not expressed its concurrence ; and such action as might be taken by the Committee or yourself might even widen the breach should the financial arrangements be interfered with. (3) I think, at this time of dreadful war, that it is most inopportune for representatives of Churches to be asked to interfere, and perhaps hamper the Government with extra burdens. I, in closing, might state that I have lived in Wales, and think that more generosity should be shown by the congregations of the Episcopal Church in their maintenance of their clergy.

" I am, Sir, " Yours respectfully,

" ALFRED JONES " (Primitive Methodist Minister).

' 23, Morton-crescent, Exmouth, Devon, "January 7th, 1e15."

The Churches and the War. SIR,—I have followed carefully the correspondence in

the Leader, a portion of which has been helpful and in-spiring, whilst the other has tended towards creating a feeling of disgust. " Another Humble Follower " in your last issue puts the case plainly and straightforward, and it is hoped that the peace-at-any-price people will ponder over it carefully and prayerfully. Kindly permit me to draw the attention of those most peaceful people to the fact that our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, did not adopt their methods of dealing, when He drove the money-changers out of the Temple, but rather adopted the fighting attitude, and took the scourge in His hand and used physical force, inflicting the punishment upon them. The teachings of those peaceful people may be accepted as satisfactory by the class of worshipper who is easily consoled, and is only happy when in the placid pool of self-contented bliss ; but for those who try to measure adequately the forces of evil, and are willing, by the help of God, to do their share in combating them, it is far from being satisfactory, and to them is nothing more than perfunctory and piffle. It is therefore to be hoped that your readers may be favoured with corre-spondence that will strengthen and stimulate us to prose-cute our Christian duty by further effort to bring the Prussian bully to his knees, and not to rest satisfied until both he and his abominable confederates are dethroned and abolished. Yours, etc.,

A. MITCHELL BELL. 56, Stanley-road, Halifax.

Sue—Will there be another great war after the present one ? As a very old reader will you allow me to ask the above question ? Let me give my own—a working man's view of the matter. For several years I have been declar-ing from pulpit and platform that there never would be war 'between England and Germany because the humani-tarian teaching of Jesus had got sudh a firm hold of trade unions, brotherhoods, and labour organisations in both countries. I fondly dreamed that the Golden Age was at hand, but had I taken a wider view and considered a moment the principle upon which both countries are run I should have seen that the calamity of war was inevitable. And now I am firmly convinced that there will be war after war so long as we retain the un-Christian competi-tive system. What applies to international questions also applies to national. With extreme poverty on the one hand and extreme wealth on the other war is inevitable, social as well as national strife. Mr. Lloyd George is ,quoted in this week's Leader by Rev. H. B. Kendall, B.A., as having said, in sneaking of the present war, "We have been too comfortable, too indulgent." This cannot apply to the masses of the working people ; it can only fit the

wealthy, to their shame, who at the same time pay their workers starvation wages and drive them into hovels to be " comfortable and indulgent." If there were no rich people either in Germany or England there would have been no war. Always it is the privileged class that cries out for battleships and guns, while the toilers, bound by force of circumstance, must make these engines of destruc-tion to supply the war lords with blood and carnage. What greater mockery than to preach "Peace on earth and goodwill toward men " while one man gets incon-ceivably rich at the expense of his fellows, necessarily causing hatred and war. My remedy is the nationalisa-tion of the land and the means of production. Give back to the people that which God gave them and which man has 'stolen. from them, and let us take for our motto, and live up to it : " All for each, and each for all." I cannot forget the famous Budget that Mr. Lloyd George brought in some years ago. What a row the landowners and rich people made because they had to pay a little more towards the upkeep of the Empire! How differently the late War Budget was received ! How is it that the money pours into the Treasury like water? Simply because it is to be used for the purpose of destroying, instead of maintaining, life. And apparently the Church has no word of light and leading. It is dumb, or can only appeal from pulpit and platform, " You are wanted at the shambles "!—Yoers, etc., HENRY ELLIOTT.

Sze,—In last week's issue there was a letter containing the old argument of the ruffian. To thesepacifists who are opposed to the present war, and opposed to all other wars, this argument is quite familiar. It suits those who excuse this or any other war to state this apparent difficult analogy. Human nature is generally ready to strike back when struck. This is of course true in the tribal sense, as the militarists of each country know. Whether it is in accord with the teachings of Christianity opinions seem to differ, and differ greatly indeed. But those - who take a wider view of the present crisis are not going to excuse what we consider is a reflection on civilisation, especially from the Christian standpoint, in spite of the ruffian theory. • We hold war to be ruffian. We can- not have war ,atrocities, as it • is one great atrocity in. , Whenever the secret diplo- mats and the milit sts decide for war there will always be a " ruffian." Next time the ruffian may be another country.- And shall we have correspondents of a Christian journal asking Mr, Harrison the same question? The people outside the Church may well ask what are the real teachings of the Prince of Peace. In my opinion the best way is for each country to abolish their own ruffian, be it great or small. This can be done without the destruction of life, and without the help of armament firms. Of course, it sounds rather out of place saying this when the dogs of war are running loose. We must not lose our faith, however, because our methods have hitherto been unsuccessful. Other phases of this crisis could be dealt with as against the ruffian theory, but the past is gone, and,- alas ! the harvest is being reaped. • The lesson is for the future, when those who know that balance of power, secret diplomacy, alliances and ententes are no small encouragement to making one country or another into a ruffian. In conclusion, let me say that as pacifists we believe the best nationalism or patriotism is that which aims at the perfection of its own country, and gives no encouragement to the militarists of other countries. This seems more consistent with Christianity, in my humble view, than the killing of millions of men. While it advances nationalism it consolidates that inter-nationalism which we all hope to see.—Yours, etc.,

Huddersfield. W. SCHOLES.

Siu,—Another Day of Intercession has passed. From press reports we learn that the prayers and addresses have been more in accord with the spirit and teaching. of Jesus. There has been less of the self-approved Pharisee and more of the true suppliant. There has been less of " Lord ! we are not as other nations ! " and more of "Father, have mercy upon us and help us ! " We welcome, even in the hour of strife, any signs of returning sanity. A well-known Church dignitary is reported to have said to his hearers: "In war religion seemed to lose its hold upon morality. The churches were filled with worshippers, from whose hearts justice and charity had fled ; and Christians fell back with disconcerting promptitude on the ethical plane of the imprecatory Psalms. War commonly coincided with intellectual sterility, and galvanised moribund beliefs (the italics are mine) and practices into new life. In time of war much was conceded to the devout and sorrowful, which a. calm judgment might hesitate to sanction. What was required of them was repentance for their own sins, not a virtuous -disgust at the sins of others." Such truthful utterances are more likely to lead " perplexed" spirits into the path of peace than the balderdash of dancing dervishes, which has been incessantly poured out for the past few months.

One of your correspondents reminds us of the obvious truism, that war means force against force. This is just the same as saying that "it takes two to make a quarrel." To say that victory depends on bringing "another and greater force against force" is to claim that on the physical plane of life "might is right." Napoleon well expressed the religion and ethics of war when he said, " God is always on the side of big battalions." It was by the big battalions that the last South African War was won. The 'recruiting agents, both civic and ecclesiastical, believe that the big battalions ought to win this war, hence the reiterated cry for more men. The difference between this war and the last is that the opposing forces are more evenly balanced. Generals and journalists now talk of a war of exhaustion. Fortunately, there are some who are beginning to believe that a victory of exhaustion will exact too heavy a price even to leave much room for boasting by the victors. When the bringing of " another and greater force against force" may mean " the shattering of civilisation," men begin to look for another way—they even tentatively throw out suggestions of how to " Stop the War." SuCh a suggestion comes frond Rev. R. J. Campbell. The Pope is to be asked to call another

BAZAARS AND SPECIAL EFFORTS. The friends at Higher Bridge-street, Bolton First, have

just held a very successful sale of work. Three months ago they were greatly concerned as to the wisdom of making their annual effort, many of our people being working short time, but, because largely of the friendly social intercourse usually prevalent on these occasions, it was determined to proceed. The sale was opened on New Year's Day by Mr. R. Tootill, M.P. Mr. Councillor Ritson presided. On Saturday Zitr. W. Bentley, A.O.I.S., the trusts ,-;' secretary, presided, and Mr. L. Chadwick, of Egerton Lodge, opened. Monday was lathe? day. Mrs. Parr (wife of our esteemed superintendent minister) pre-sided, and Miss Nellie Warburton gracefully performed the opening ceremony. Revs. T. Parr, M.A., and R. M. Rutter, and a number of the ladies and officials assisted at the opening ceremonies. There was great satisfaction when at the close it was announced that £103 had been realised. The effort was in aid of debt reduction and for current expenses.

"Christian Psychology." By James Stalker, D.D. (Hodder and Stoughton. 5s.)

That Dr. Stalker is deeply interested in psychology is not surprising. Who is not ? Every man is compelled to be a psychologist whatever walk in life he may pursue. Many, unfortunately, are dabblers and superficial workers in this field, mere casuals, when efficiency and satisfac-tion might be secured by means within the reach of all. The subject is of surpassing importance to the pulpit, no less than to the pew. In the study it is as vital as in the market place. Every man must try to understand his own heart and mind, and unless he is prepared for social blindness he must learn something of what causes his fellows to think and act on this line; rather than on that. Pope's hackneyed line " Man know thyself " has a merit which familiarity perhaps obscures. The ten lectures, which form this book, were recently delivered at the Rich-mond and Auburn Seminaries, U.S. America. They fortu-nately retain the freshness and vitality of lectures which proved popular to an audience comprised of students and the general public. This popular treatment is a great advantage to psychology, as it has suffered too often by being removed from the robust conditions of daily life into the museum-like atmosphere of the study-psychology ; dealing with human elements should radiate with human interest, and its discussion tuned to the mind of the crowd. Dr. Stalker has adopted the wise counsel of Sir Thomas Browne: " Christianize thy notions " by consistently keep-ing in mind the importance of psychology to the preacher and teacher in his distinctive work as a Christian, thus marking out his treatment from more general investiga-tion of philosophical, religious or even Biblical psycho-logy. His adjective " Christian " gives the key to his teaching. The book will serve two purposes, viz. : First, it is a ready and interesting introduction to a study of one of the fascinating and inexhaustible pro-blems of philosophy and life ; second, it is a -suggestive contribution to some of the more recent aspects of develop- ments of psychology. C.

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Name

Age

Address

JANUARY 14, 1915 THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. 27

General Council of the Western Churches of Christendom. One is led to ask : " Shall the Christian Church, after centuries of servitude to political powers, enslaved to governments and temporal rulers, at last recover her unity, and purity, and freedom by rousing herself in opposition to the greatest and most cruel war the world has known ?" Would to God it might be even so that her emancipation came. Did space permit, I would seek to show that such a glorious possibility is not an utopian dream. The democracies are waking up amid the strife, and would respond to the call of a United Christian Church of Europe-Yours, etc., J. J. HARRISON.

Haworth.

Six,-It will be interesting news to many of your readers to learn that the non-resistance so severely handled in your last issue by Rev. S. Harry is exactly the course of conduct enjoined upon us in Scarborough by the military authorities, should a German invasion take place here. In consideration of this, as an aged minister, I would advise that gentleman to remain in Sudbury Station another year at the least, so that he may not reach the danger zone, lest his patriotic zeal should override his judgment, and cause him to challenge English bullets as well as German shells. I assure him that it was painful enough for us to see German shells bursting all around us, causing death and destruction, without being obliged to find personal lodgings for English bullets too. The giving of a free hand to men of his class in Scarborough at present would be something too serious to contemplate. Kindly permit me to recommend Mr. Whitaker and all whom it may concern, to not put too much confidence in the " Ego " and the " Arm of Flesh," but to place them-selves and all their belongings " under the shadow of the Almighty " (Psalm 91), and with us earnestly pray for, and calmly, yet confidently, anticipate the dawning of a better and brighter day on Europe.-Yours, etc.,

1, Franklin-street, Scarborough. JOHN HARRISON.

Welsh Disestablishment. Sin,-The attempt of Sir H. Lunn to secure the support

of out ministers for his scheme to destroy the Disestab-lishment Act ought to stir every man and woman in our Church to indignation. We have too long and patiently submitted to the dictation of this superior person. For years he has sought to emasculate the Bill, and now, under cover of the war, would end its enfeebled and suspended existence. The reason for this unseemly per-formance is obvious. His globe-trotting business was in peril. Threats of State clerics that they would never travel on this planet or any other with those who sup-ported the dissenting conventicle endangered the sale of Grindelwald coupons. To avert disaster, Mr. Lunn astutely constructed his. " Round Table," and gathered thereat certain uncertain men. Some were conforming Nonconformists, and others nonconforming Conformists. The assenting dissenters will surely see their folly when finding their names quoted in connection with this plot to rob the Welsh nation of hard-won religious liberty.- Yours, etc., JABEZ BELL.

Prestwich.

The War and Afterwards. Sir.,-Our minds are chiefly concerned, at any rate just

now, with the progress which is being made by the allied troops. We read of advances being made, trenches cap-tured by the enemy, and positions strenuously held. We are encouraged to look forward hopefully for the success of the cause for which we are fighting. But there is another side of the picture-the casualty lists ; the losses that are being recorded are appalling ; we shudder at the thought of the awful carnage, and are already sick of the whole business. We think of homes which have been made desolate, where the mother is weeping because her only boy, the joy of her life, has been swallowed up in the shambles of war ; of the 'wife who will never see her husband again, and the little children who have been left 'fatherless. We are fighting for a noble cause-it ought to 'be for such sacrifice. But some of us are looking into the future. What about the afterwards 7 We are told that this war is going to end wars, militarism is to be crushed once and for all, the sword is to be turned into a ploughshare and the spear into a pruning hook. Have we any guarantee of this? We were told repeatedly before the war that a strong Army and Navy was the best means of preserving ,peace. A good many of us believed it ; we will nqt be deceived again. Militarism must not only be crushed in Germany, but in England, France and Russia, and wherever it exists, and this is where an opportunity presents itsel to the Christian Church. Let all the Churches of to world co-operate together, and by their united effort make it impossible when the war is over for a recurrence of militarism which has involved us in the present conflict. The Church can do this-she is powerful enough. Let us admit at once that it is a colossal task ; it will mean sacrifice, the parting with religious differences at any rate for the time being, but if the Church would only rise to the occasion and see this through, she by her action would confer upon future

-generations the greatest blessing ever bestowed upon humanity.Yours, etc., W. T. EMERY.

31, Canning-road, Croydon.

Acknowledgments. SIR,-We are desired to acknowledge the following

donations and gifts through the medium of the Leader :- " To el Little ," 10s. O P.M. and Age .VensioHnerp,"

a 2s. 6d. ; " A Salopian

ld Friend,"

Old 2s. 6d.

" Lytham," 2s. 6d. ; "For the Poor Bairns," 2s. 6d. ; M. Mansell and E. M. Nunnerley, 3s. 6d. and parcel of clothine

° ; " A Loving Brother in Christ : A Friend in

Alston Circuit," a large box of clothing, sweets, tea, etc. We take this opportunity of heartily thanking our anonymous friends, and also the numerous friends who have forwarded donations towards our work among the

poor and needy. Our list is still open, and gifts of money. clothing, etc., will be gratefully received. There are still a few of our friends from whom we are accustomed to hear at this time of the year. We hope they will not overlook our need. Despite the numerous ramifications of the various war and relief funds, there are many who are still unrelieved, and it is for them we plead. Through the generosity of our donors, our New Year treats last year were substantial, and we were able .to entertain about 550 women and children ; in addition numerous parcels of tea, sugar and meat, and gifts of clothing were made. Cheap coals and free coals were distributed to the extent of 600 bags. We hope to be able to maintain this standard now that the need is so greats-Yours, etc.,

ERNEST S. EMMITT, Superintendent. 39, Minto-street, Edinburgh.

Contributions for Army Work. sm,-I beg to acknowledge receipt of the following

further sums :-Per Rev. A. Baldwin, Gainsborough : Trinity-street, £1 6s. ; Shakespeare-street, 12s. ; Morton, 6s. 4d. ; Springthorpe, 5s. 6d. ; Misterton, £2 6s. 10s. • Gringley, £1 2s. 6d. ; Wheatley, 8s. ld. Per Revs. G. Hunt and F. W. Henshall Willaston. Church, Mr. T. Tickle, J.P., £1 ; A Friend, £1 ; Mr. J. Pugh, 10s. ; Mr. J. Maber, 10s. ; Mr. J. H. Pugh, 5s. ; Mr. H. Dalson, 35. ; Miss Bowcock, 2s. 6d. ; Mr. G. Radley, 2s. ; Mr. T. Davis, ls. ; Mr. J. Mealor (Little Neston), £1 ; Mr. G. Okell (Guilden Sutton), £1 ; bole Social, 10s. ; making a total for Chester First Circuit of £53 Os. 6d. Per Rev. E. S. Emmitt : Livingstone Hall, £2 ; Leith, 12s. 9d. Per M. H. Bainton : Stanton Hall, £1 ; Tanshelf, 13s. 6d. ; Reform-street, 6s. 3d. Per Rev. W. S. Spencer Leeds Fourth, £2 3s. Per Rev. S. S. Henshaw : Leeds First, £1 18s. 2d. Per Rev. W. Pedley Horbury, 10s. ; Thorn-hill Edge, 5s. ; Middlestown, 5s. ; Overton, 5s. ; Nether-ton, 56. Per Rev. W. Glover : Whiteinch Church, £1 13s. 3d. Per Rev. R. F. Wearmouth, Oakham Circuit, £1 ls. 6d. Per Rev. F. G. Starling : Thetford Choir, £1 5s. Per Mr. G. Kirby : Barton Church, Chipping Nor-ton, £1 ls. Per Rev. E. Dalton, D.D., Ebenezer Church, Hull, £1 ls. Per Rev. J. H. Johnson, Seaham Harbour, £1 Os. 9d. ; Rev. J. Dobson, £1 ; Mr. R. Jackson, £1. Per Rev. J. W. Jenkinson Levenshulme, 13s. ; Rose View, 6s. Per Rev. J. T. Clarke, Skelmanthorpe Church, 12a. Rev. C. Shreeve, 10s. ; Mr. W. H. Hamflett, 10s. Per Rev. J. F. Sherman : Winsford, 10s. Per Rev. J. Rigby : Mrs. G E. Vans, 10s. ; Mr. J. Prust, 23. 6d. ; Anon (Keswick), 5s. May I again ask friends who purpose to contribute to do so by Monday next if possible? The response to our appeal has been widespread and generous. The Mission-ary Committee will, I am sure, be delighted if at its meet-ing on Wednesday next the announcement can be made that the £1,250 aimed at has been raised.-Yours, etc.,

JOHN MAYLEB. 93, Mount View-road, Stroud Green. N.

NO BENEFIT NO PAY,

FULL MONTH'S SUPPLY FOR FAIR TRIAL.

NO MONEY ASKED.

28

THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST I..EADER. JANUARY 14, 1915

IN TENT AND BARRACK ROOM.

Our Sons on Salisbury Plain.

If the real test of a Church be " the kind of men it has produced," then we have reason to be proud of our exist-ence and of our witness. In a measure, we have fulfilled our mission, and, without boasting, we may reverently and thankfully say we can face the test. Our representatives in the Army and Navy are not only bringing credit to our Church, but, best of all, our Lord is being honoured, and through their ministry the Kingdom is coming and the world being enriched. The day of preaching and teaching to our young men has gone for the present. For years they have sat and listened to the spoken messages ; now the time has come for action. No more trying ordeal could have faced them than to be dumped into an Army atmosphere without a friend. And yet such has been the experience of some of our recruits, many of whom have never been so far from home before. Some have been fortunate in that they have been billeted, others stationed within easy reach of town or city, but those who have been sent to Salisbury Plain are having an experience never to be forgotten.

It is absolutely impossible to describe the Plain so as to convey an idea of what it is really like. The recruits from Lancashire and the Potteries, with their rugged and unconventional language, may be able to describe it, but not in the columns of the Leader. For months we seem to have had nothing but rain ; now the roads and train-ing grounds suggest to one the water-filled trenches at the Front. But, worst of all, the camps are in isolated positions, miles from anywhere and everywhere. Nights are long, time hangs heavy, and in many places the only attraction is the canteen. Even if this temptation is over-come, there is another—perhaps the stronger—that of gambling in the tent and barrack room. Cards and dice play havoc with. our young manhood, and sad are the tales heard on every hand as the result of this malignant cancer sapping the moral fibre of brave lads. In such an atmosphere as this, conducive on one hand to vice, and on the other to depression and melancholia, it takes a man to stand firm and live straight. But, thank God, most of

our " recruits are doing it ! Some, in isolated cases, have lowered the flag, but others, with oft-recurring thoughts of home and their Master, have neither faltered nor failed. Good parents, devoted Sunday-school teachers, and wise and helpful ministers have not lived in vain, but because of their witness and works our sons have found the source of the strength, the secret of suc-cess, and have firmly planted their feet upon the Rock. That splendid Endeavour motto, " For Christ and the Church, ' hung on our walls (in how many places as a mere decoration) has now become engravers on their hearts, and through them Christ is being glorified and the Church vindicated and revered.

From my four months' experience with the Army, I give the following incidents, which may be of interest to our beloved people : —A— B— is in the Border Regi-ment, and belongs to our church at Cramlington (co. Durham). Having heard me recite at.a soldiers' concert, he sought me out and informed me that he heard the same piece at his own church before enlisting. Ever anxious to meet our own men, I was soon questioning, and within a few minutes was shaking hands with him as a fellow Prim. He fancied some khaki Testaments lying on a table near at hand, and one was offered him, which he gladly accepted. After that I seemed to have a con-tinual stream of inquiries for further copies. I had not the faintest idea who was behind it, until another Border recruit accosted me: "Excuse me, old chap, are you t'fellah what gies them there Testyments away?" " Well, I have been giving a few away lately," I replied. " Well, it's like this," he continued, " there's sixteen of us in our tent, fifteen of 'em's got Testyments, and ivvery neet there heving a heal read, and a sing, and a prayer, and it luks sa had me widoot, thoo might gie me yan, wilt ta ? " I knew then my Cramlington friend had teen at work. No. 16 had, of course, to be supplied, and I have no doubt there were some real good times in at least one tent in that large camp. Who is there to measure the influence of a work like that ? C— D— was in the R.A.M.C. I met him the first day he came to our camp. He greatly impressed me by his open-heartedness and sinceri j. His first request was a copy of the Gospels. One was given him. Immediately he opened it. and signed the decision card on the inside cover. He had undoubtedly made up his mind be-tore. Within a few hours he buttonholed five of his comrades, and mine was the pleasure of witnessing their enlistment.

F,— F— comes from our Stafford Church. He is not of the soldier's temperament, and confesses he has had his eyes opened. The life is harder than he expected, but, in spite of his somewhat sensitive nature, lie does not mind the hardness if lie can be a good soldier. lie enlisted as a Prim, and was disappointed on finding we were not represented in the garrison town where he was stationed. Until our arrival he attended the Wes-leyan church, and occasionally the Church of England. In the early days of our organisation he made a plucky fight for his claim to attend his own Church. Army men are none too well versed in sects and denominations, and one morning his officer paraded the men and gave the order that the men should attend Church of England eervice. Immediately the Roman Catholics resented, and of course, were sent to their own Church. In a flash F F-- stepped out. " Sir, I'm a Primitive Metho- dist. I should like to attend their service." "Fall in," was the stern reply, and off he was marched with Isis regiment. Since then, however, our service is in the r.eters. and E-- F--, with hie room-fellow, a Primi-tive Methodist from Eastwood, Notts, are amongst the most regular attenders at our services. Cr— H— also ceines from a Midland town, the son of honoured parents and zealous workers in our Church. His early training-at home and church has not been in vain. Since joinincithe Army he has done splendid work for the Master. Word

having come that his particular corps had shortly to leave for the Front, the men hastily gathered together and excitedly discussed their prospects. In true Methodist style G— H— seized the opportunity, and, mounting a chair shouted : "Now, chaps, suppose I sing to you. " Get on with it," was the reply. Now; G— H— has been for years a very useful member of one of our best choirs in the Midlands, but never has he sung so feelingly and effectively. "I know my Heavenly Father knows," was the hymn, and many a heart was cheered, and many a fear allayed, by those words of confidence and comfort so sweetly rendered ,by our hero. Since then he has been-invalided home, but his influence remains a power for good amongst his comrades.

I J was brought up in a Primitive Methodist home, but for obvious reasons I must not disclose his identity. In the course of my duties on the Plain I accidentally found him. Not knowing who -I was, his first inquiry was for a public-house. I assured him I could not help him in that direction, but if he required a good tea and good company he would find it at our Amesbury Soldiers' Home. For a while he argued with me as to relative values of tea and whisky, his point being tea was not strong enough for soldiers " buried " on the Plain. " Well, where can I get this tea?" he at last inquired. "Ask for the Primitive Methodist chapel," was my reply. " What ! A Primitive Methodist chapel here? It's first one I've heard of since I left home. Are you a Primitive Methodist? I belong to them at home." Although much puzzled at his condition, I thought it unwise to question him too much, so I accompanied him arm-in-arm to our Home. Then came one of the saddest stories I have heard for a long time. Frankly, but all the time conscious of his folly, he unfolded to me his life-story. Before joining the Army, -an active church worker, an Endeavourer, a teetotaler. Gladly responded to the call of his country, and anxious to give of his best in a righteouS cause. Unfor-tunately for him, he was sent to one of the most desolate places on the Plain. Practically all his comrades were drinkers and gamblers ' • it was impossible to find -a pal after his own heart. For weeks he fought manfully and walked straight, but in his heart an ache—others were enjoying themselves, he was " a stay-in-tent," " a milk-and-water man," -and " wanted his mother to look after him." These and other taunts, coupled with his loneli-ness and the apparent joy of his fellows, proved too much for him, -and in a moment of weakness he yielded. It was indeed a sad story, but with one ray of hope—he was ashamed of his conduct. I talked to him as best I could, and he promised lie would start afresh.

Unfortunately, the camp has now been moved. He has promised to forward his address, and I still hope we shall be able to stand by him and to help him on his way. Such cases as these, no doubt more prevalent than we dare believe, point to us the absolute need of our work in military centres, and the adequate provision for the social and religious needs of our recruits.

Salisbury Plain. JOHN T. JEYKINSON.

NEWS FROM THE DISTRICTS.

Brinkworth and Swindon.

The committees met at Oxford on January 4th, Council-lors C. Hill and T. Jordan presiding. The report of the Scripture examinations, presented by Rev. R. J. Barrett, showed that 337 entered, 270 sat, 57 passed with honours, 134 first class, and 59 second class. The District banner for the best results was awarded to the Hay-lane School, Swindon First Circuit. The schools were recommended to place upon a roll of honour the names of young men who have enlisted: The Connexional Secretary will visit Regent-street, Swindon, and Malmesbury in March. The balance-sheet of the new church and schoolroom at Chieve-ley, Newbury Circuit, showed that the buildings had cost £600, and that £419 had been raised. The friends were congratulated upon this admirable result. Sanction was given to purchase land for a new church and schoolroom at Andover. The application of Mr. Gee. Hawkins for permanent membership of Conference was endorsed. Councillor W. E. Morse was congratulated upon his elec-tion to the Mayoralty of Swindon. Delegates to Synod were elected as follows : —District, Rev. J. W. Fish ; Build-ing, Rev. A. Longstaff ; Missionary, Alderman A. E. Hard-ing ; Sunday-school, the Mayor of Swindon ; Orphanage, Mr. C. J. Iles, J.P. ; Furnishing, Rev. J. Neville ; Equali-sation, Mr. S. Riddick ; C.E., Rev. R. Cowie ; Temperance, Mr. E. Smith; Education, Councillor C. Hill; Local Preachers, Mr. J. Belcher. Thanks to the Oxford friends for their generous hospitality were voiced by Rev. J. W. Cotton, Mr. 0. Viner, and others.

London Second. Mr. D. O. Burt, of Dartford, presided at Holborn Hall,

January 8th, over a small attendance. There was but little business. One piece of it,.however, drew many ex-pressicns of appreciation and delight, for it was an application from the Snodland trustees for permission to borrow from the C.A.A. £100 to enable them to reduce the liability of a struggling village cause (Mereworth) by £130, and so relieve the struggle that the work, though small, may be maintained. A recommendation was also made that a full list of " acting clergymen " and chaplains belonging to our Church and serving during the war should be available through the press At the close a con-ference with the Lcndon First District was held to consider how-in a certain contingency arising the London circuits can best assist our Church.

Carlisle and Whitehaven. The Committees met at Carlisle on January 7th, Mr. T.

I. Davison (Wigton) in the chair. Resolutions of condolence were passed with the families of the late Mrs. Aaron Smith (Birkenhead), Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson (Green-head), and Mr. Maxwell (Haltwhistle). In the Sunday-school Committee satisfactory reports were given of the recent Scripture competitive examinations and the prize-

winners congratulated. The question of providing a Dis-trict Shield of Honour in connection with these examina-tions was relegated to the next meeting. The Roll of Honour provided by the Book Room for the names of those serving in the Army was warmly commended to those schools with which the young men- are connected. The Building Committee sanctioned the application from Cleator Moor (Whitehaven) for a loan from the C.A.A.,, and also for the appointment of new trustees for Newbiggin (Brough Circuit). In the Missionary Committee the financial report of the recent District Convention was presented by the Secretary. A conversation also took place on the more effective use of returned missionaries for deputation work. The meeting was strongly in favour of keeping open the L.P. Aid Fund till March 31st each year to secure the amounts sent in January and February in the report of that year. It was decided to hold an Endeavour Rally in West Cumberland on Easter Monday. Representatives to the Synod at Penrith in May next are as follows : —Sunday-school, Rev. W. RaistrickDistrict,

' Rev. T. Dickinson ; Building Rev. J. Twaddle ; Missionary, Mr. J. Tinnion ; Orphanage, Councillor J. Parkin; L.P. Training, Councillor W. Cowen ; 0.E., Mr. J. Stormonth ; Temperance, Mr. T. Atkinson ; Education, Mr. F. Vicars ; Furnishing Fund, Mr. R. T. Metcalf ; Candidates' Examining : Rev. J. Hopkins. G.C.D., Rev. W. Bennion. An excellent tea was provided at the close of the business, for which the ladies of the church were heartily thanked.

York and Scarborough.

The meetings of the above were held at Mallon lash Wednesday under the presidency of Mr. J. H. Hopwood, J.P., of Scarborough. The Sunday-school business was introduced by Rev. T. A. Brown. The report of the S. Scripture examination was received, and Louis Robinson, of Victoria Bar, York, was heartily con-gratulated on gaining the first Connexional prize in the Upper Middle Division. The report 'of a very successful Sunday-school Workers' Conference held at York on December 16th was given. Arrangements were made for a similar conference to be held at Scarborough on March 10th, when important matters pertaining to the S.S., C.E. and Temperance Departments will be dealt with. A sub-committee was appointed to draft the circular and arrange the programme for the conference. Rev. G. T. Fawcett reported that a successful mission had been held in the Middleham Station and presented the missionary incorie, which is about the same as, that of the previous year. Matters relative the Laymen's Missionary League were ably presented by Mr. G. L. Robinson, and valuable suggestions were made as to the future of the movement in the district. A letter of considerable interest was read by Rev. J. Reavley from Rev. R. Benham, now in Africa. An application of Rev. T. Granger for permanent membership was heartily endorsed. The report of a sub-committee appointed to consider the principle of repre-sentation to the District Committee was given by Rev. H. Fox, and the recommendation that "Circuits appoint the representative for every fifty members—or fractional part of fifty—with a minimum of four representatives per circuit " was adopted. This will mean anincrease of twelve to the District Committee. Delegates were appointed for the district, meeting to be held at Askrigg. The officials, ably led by Rev. J. Ridges arebusy making preparations for the meetings. Permission was granted for the forma-tion of a new trust, and the installation of electric light at Askrigg ; also the enlargement and alterations of the chapel at Thoralby, Middleham Station. Other business on the recommendation of Rev.. J. Bilton was relegated to the sub-committee. The Orphanage Report was highly satis-factory. Letters of sympathy were sent to Mrs. Parnell on the death of Mr. Parnell, of Scarborough ; also to Mr. J. Merryweather, whose daughter-in-law, the wife of Mr. G. Merryweather, lost her life during the bombardment of Scarborough. Many references were made to the German raid, and it was decided that a letter of sympathy be sent to the churches in Scarborough to be read from the pulpits next Sunday. Rev. J. Reavley was appointed to attend to the matter. Mr. H. Worfolk was appointed secretary and treasurer of the Travelling Expenses Fund. it was also decided to hold a Local Preachers' Conference at York, and that Professor A. L. Humphries, M.A., be invited to attend and give an address.

" John Brown Paton." By his son, John -Lewis. Paton. (Hodder and Stoughton. 12s.)

For those who are fortunate enough to obtain this memorable biography there awaits them a great enrich-ment of mind and heart. It will probablyenever come to pass that Dr. J. B. Paton will get the praise due to his fruitful life, because he fostered so many far-reaching movements when they were small. Be this as it may, few men in the Christian realm have made a better contribu-tion to the Kingdom than he. " Work hard and make music " was one of his life's mottoes, and right well did he toil, never ceasing. As for the music, that becomes more and more fascinating as you see the life unfolding in this delightful book. Above all Dr. Paton's work there was the Nottingham Institute, where he trained men for the ministry. That enchained his heart and his love. But though this was first, it was not all by far. Life to this eminently good man was vast, and its spheres for ministry, both preventative and redemptive, were as broad as the needs of •man. His Social Service Mission, the Inner Mission, the National Home Reading Union were all the outcome of his fertile brain and eager heart. And he never wearied. In old age he still sang the song of the morning, hopeful, buoyant, till at eighty-three he fell on sleep. Truly he lives on in multitudes of others, some of whom may never know his name ; but what of that? A. debt of gratitude is due to the biographer, the distin-guished. head master of Manchester Grammar School. He has handled the materials pertaining to his father's life tenderly, and has ranged them in effective order. The spirit of Elijah doth rest upon Elisha.

JANUARY 14, 1915. THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. 29

Services and Preachers. SUNDAY, JANUARY 17th.

BERMONDSEY. ST. GEORGE'S HALL. OLD KENT ROAD, S.E. 11, Rev. George E. Rua ; 3.30, P.S.A. Fellowship, speaker, Rev. IV. Sawkins; 7, Rev. Jos?ph Johns 3D. 15th Anniversary.

BLACKPOOL, Chapel Street (facing. the Central Pier). 10.45 and 6.30, Rev. John Bradbury. Thursday, 7. e0 to 8.30, Devotional Hour. Visitors heartily invited.

BRIDLINGTON, Quay Church. 10.30 Rev. G. Tucker ; ' 6.30, Mr. J. H. Amery.

John Street. 10.30 and 6.30, Mr. J. W. Jenkinson. CALEDONIAN ROAD, N. (corner of Market Road). 11,

Rev. W. Roberts; 6.30, Rev. W. Dinnick. CANNING TOWN, E. (Mary Street, Barking Road).

11 and 6.30, Rev. J. Bestow ; P.S.A. at 3. CULLERCOATS. 10.45 and 6.30, Mr. W. M. Patte:eon. HAMMERSMITH, Dalling Road. 11 and 7, Rev. A. T.

Slater. HARRINGAY, Mattison Road. 11, Mr. A. F. W. Aust'ng;

6.30, Rev. E. J. T. Bagnall. HARROGATE, Dragon l'arade Church. 11 and 0.30, Rev.

W. Younger. LEEDS NINTH, Meanwood Real. 10.30 and 6.30, Mr. Jae.

Saye-. Harehills Avenue. 10.45 and 6.30, Rev. Geo.

Bennett (President of Conference). LIVERPOOL FIRST, Prince's Avenue Church. 10.45

and 6.30, Rev. A. T. Guttery. MORECAMBE, Parliament Street. 10.30 and 6.30, Ser-

vices.

NEWCASTLE-ON.TYNE, Central Church. 10.30 and 6.30, Rev. T. Sykes.

SCARBOROUGH, St. Sepulchre Street (off Eastborough). 10.30 and 6.30, Rev. W. S. Bosence.

SOUTHPORT, Church Street. 10.30 and 6.30, Rev. J. T. Barkby.

SOUTHSEA, Central Hell, near King's Theatre. 11,2:, Barraclough ; 6.30, Rev. Lewis Hancock. Visitors always welcomed.

-ST. ANNES.ON.THE.SEA. 10.45 and 6.30, Rev. A. J. Campbell, F.L.S.

SURREY CHAPEL, Central Mission, Blacktriars Road, S.E. 11 and 7, Rev. J. Dodd Jackson ; 3.30, Brotherhood,

WEST NORWOOD, S.E., Knight's Hill. 11 and 6.30, Church Anniversary. Visitors welcomed.

The President's Engagements. Leeds, Harehills Avenue, Sunday and Monday, January 17th

and 18th ; Ke'ghley, Oekworth Road, Tuesday, 19th ; Barnsley, Thursday, 21st; Wearhead, Friday, tend.

Connexiotial Evangelists' Engagements. MR. J. B. BAYLIFFE, Buckley, till January 26th.

MISS PERRETT, Carol Street, Sunder:and, January 17th to 21st.

Evangelists' Engagements. MR. CAREY, Pelaw-on-Tyne, till January 28th.

MISS BOTT (Sister Ethel), Skinningrove, Staithes, till January 21st.

MR. TOM HOLLAND, Holdemess Road, Hull, till January 18th.

SISTER LILY, late South Yorkshire Mission. First open date for missions and week-end services, March 24th.—Address, 33, Queen's Road, Carcroft, Doncaster.

ALBERT SHAKESBY, Skegness, till January 25th.

SISTER ELLEN, Oakhane January 16th to 28th. Appli-cations for Week-ends and Missions to.be sent to 251, Lees Road, Oldham.

MR. RAWLEIGH HUMPHRIES, Easingwold Circuit, until February.

Births, Marriages, Deaths. KOTICE8 must reach the Office, 73, Earringdon Street, London, E.C., by

Zuesday morning. Terms, prepaid Under 30 words, Va. ; each additional 10 words or lees, ed. Memoirs, reports of marriages, etc., must be accompanied by a prepaid notice.

SILVER WEDDING. HARWOOD—HENSON.—On January 15th, 1890, at Higher

Ardnvick Primitive Methodist Church, by the Rev. James Watkin, Edward Harwood to Ellen E. Henson, both of Ardwick.

DEATHS. Everts.—On January 9th, at 45, Western-hill, Durham, Mary,

wife of Rev. Edward Evans. Interred at Blackhill, January 12th. " At Rest." '

FELTON.—On December 29th, at 21, Jubilee-terrace, Low Fell, Gateshead, aged sixty-six, George, dearly beloved hus-band of Isabella Felton. " His end was peace.'

LoNo.—On December 28th, at 13, Gold-street, Cardiff, Her-bert Charles (Bertie), youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Long, late of Laegley Mill and Worcester.

Loverr.—On January 8th, at 22, Liverpool-road, Newcastle, Staffs, Thomas Lovett, senior circuit steward, aged seventy-six. Interred in Newcastle Cemetery. A true and devoted man.

M AYLAND.—On January 3rd, at 52, Liverpool-road, New-castle, Staffs, Sarah Mayland, wife of Thomas Mayland, aged sixty-three. Interred in Newcastle Cemetery. " Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

SCRMELTZ.—On December 27th, 1914, at his residence, 9, Wood-street Shaw, Edward Schmeltz, " lay preacher," in his twenty-third year. Greatly missed and deeply lamented by his mother and sister and family.

SMITH.—At Norwich, January 10th, after a painful illness, tae Rev. Aaron Smith, aged seventy-five years.

STOREY.—On January 1st, at 8, Oak-street Jane, widow of Thomas Storey, of Accrington, aged eighty-three years. " At Rest."

TkYLOR.—At Rochdale, January 3rd, 1915, William Taylor, aged sixty-seven years, 10, West-street, Rochdale.

WALKER.--On January 10th, 1915, at 52, Hood-street, North-ampton, Hannah, widow of the late Joshua Walker, aged seventy years. After great suffering, patiently borne, at rest.

IN MEMORIAM. FRAPTELAND.—In loving memory of a dear husband and

father, William Harland Frankland, Easingwold, who died January 17th, 1911. " Into the sunshine of God's perfect day." From wife and family.

SHELTON.—In loving memory of Arthur, the beloved hus-band of Jane Skelton, who fell asleep January 13, 1914, of Endcliffe, Sheffield. To forget is a vain endeavour, Love's remembrance lasts for ever.

TODD.—Lovingly remembered, our dear mother, Mrs. Isabella Todd, who entered "The sunshine of God's perfect day " on January 11th, 1913. " Her children rise up, and call her blessed."

Wooenal-ncie.—In loving memory of my dear husband, Josiah Wooldridge, of Slough, who ascended on January 11th, 1908.. Our Redeemer liveth. Death is swallowed up in victory.

THANKS RETURNED. REV. and Mns. J. W. GREGORY wish to express their sincere

thanks to the many friends who have sent letters of sympathy to them in their bereavement and sorrow. These tokens of kindly thought have been a source of great help and comfort.

Ministerial Changes and Engagements. (Changes indicate thee ministers named are leaving and are

not engaged.) Changes in 1915.

Rev. Henry Carden from Bradford Third.

Changes in 1916. Rev. R. W. Burnett from Sturminster Newton after five

years. Rev. William Brown from Bolsover, Chesterfield, after five

years. - Rev. James Watkin from Birkenhead First after five years. Rev. F. W. Henshall from Chester'First.

Engagements for 1915.16. Rev. A. Griffiths from Sheerness to Newbury. Rev. J. Graham from Faringdon to Chipping Norton. Rev. J. W. Waddell and A. Hird to Liverpool Third for a

third and second year respectively. Rev. J. H. Barker to Howden, Yorks. Rev. R. W. Russell from Nottingham to Kentish Town,

N.W.

Engagements for 1916-17. Rev. A. Baldwin to Leeds Eighth.

PERSONAL.

Proposals are under consideration for entertaining the next Conference in Reading or London, in which case Grimsby would be asked to entertain the Conference three or four years later. Revs. M. P. Davison and J. Dodd Jackson are appointed to interview the Reading circuit officials on the subject. In any case it has been decided to abbreviate the Conference sessions and to limit them within the space of a week.

[Word has been received, as we go to press, that the Reading officials and friends have unanimously agreed to entertain the Conference for 1915.1

The visit of the Vice-President of Conference, Councillor H. Speed, to New-road, Peterborough, on Thursday, January 7th, when he preached in the afternoon and gave an eloquent and typical Gospel address in the evening, was much appreciated. The churches at New-road and Cobden-street have converted their schoolrooms into soldiers' institutes, and the ministers and friends are endeavouring to look after the spiritual and moral welfare of the soldiers. Revs. H. Semper and G. T. Turberfield will be glad to receive the names of all Primitive Metho-dist soldiers coming to Peterborough.

The numerous friends of Mr. Joseph Craggs, of Johan-nesburg, will regret to learn that he passed away on November 23rd last. _Mr. Craggs was born at Muggles-wick, County Durham, and spent the days of his early manhood on Tyneside. He was converted at Stanhope, and occupied official positions with distinction before he left for Africa. It was through his initiative that we established,a church at Johannesburg, where he exercised a powerful influence up to the end of his life. He was greatly esteemed, and his loss to the Church and to the community is very great.

On January 21st the Hull Churches are holding a con-vention for " the deepening of the spiritual life of the Churches." The idea of the meetings has arisen in the ministers' fraternal. Many of tho brethren feel strongly that the weak place in the Church is the life of the Church itself. The meetings will be held in the Jubilee Church. In the afternoon Dr. Dalton will preside, and Rev. F. Holmes will speak upon " With Christ at Prayer." The evening meeting will be under the guidance of Rev. R. Harrison, and will be addressed by Revs. W. Swales and J. W. Clifford, M.A. The day will close with the adminis-tration of the Lord's Supper. It is hoped that this con-vention, planned upon devotional lines, may be marked by great spiritual power, and prove to be an epoch in the history of our Hull Churches.

We are glad to learn that Miss McLellan, daughter of Rev. E. McLellan, of Derby, is steadily progressing.

With the concurrence-of the South-East London Mission, Rev. A. H. Richardson has been called to foreign missionary work, and has entered Livingstone College for a course Of medical training. Rev. E. Buck, of Chichester, has been transferred to St. George's Hall to fill the

vacancy, and will commence his labours there on Sunday, January 24th.

Mr. IV. Nelson, of Highbury Vale, who attains his hundredth birthday on the 23rd inst., cordially invites his many friends in London to a social cup of tea at Highbury Vale Church on that date at 5.30 p.m.

Rev. John S. Stanwell, of Torquay, and Mr. J. Hawkins, of Banbury, have applied for permanent membership of Conference.

An instance of fraternal co-operation has recently been witnessed at. Wouldham, near Chatham. In the village we have a church and Sunday-school. The Rector, Rev. J. T. Clapperton, invited the superintendent of Chatham. Circuit (Rev. E. Shepherd) to join him in holding united services on New Year's Sunday. The public announce-ments for the day were issued in the names of the Rector and Mr. Shepherd, each of whom delivered an address at the services. The meetings produced a deep impression upon the whale village.

The circuits of Nottingham have well responded to the appeal of the Nottingham Council on behalf of the Belgian refugees. Two homes have been well furnished—one in Bulwell, another in West Bridgford—and two families are being entertained.

Rev. W. Roberts has been invited to become the Presi-dent of the South and West Islington Sunday School Union.

Rev. W. H. Wright has received the handsome donation of £100 from Mrs. Asher for the Blue Bell Hill Church, Nottingham Fifth Circuit, making the collections on January 3rd (Thankoffering Sunday) £106. Both people and minister are deeply grateful and acknowledge their gratitude.

The Spring Session of the London and Home Missions Districts Ministerial Association has been re-dated to March 23rd-26th, 1915, and will be held at Harringay, N. Rev. F. B. Meyer, B.A., has promised to favour us with a conversation on " The Churches : Their Present and their Prospective."

Rev. J. Firth, Chaplain to Hie Majesty's Forces, has paid a visit to his home in Bradford to see his mother, who is laid aside with a serious affliction, before going to the Front with the Expeditionary Force. The sympathy and prayers of the Church will be with the afflicted mother.

Next Sunday and the following three nights the chief Sheffield churches are uniting in a simultaneous mission, whereby it is hoped to lead many young people to decision for Christ and the Church. The city ministers and lay-men are conducting the services, and with prayer and faith are making good preparation, therefore confident of cheering results. On the Thursday following Rev. J. R. Tranmer and Mr. S. H. Pashley will address a praise and consecration meeting, and Rev. S. Barker will preside over a covenant service.

Rev. J. Dudley has been appointed representative to the Annual Free Church Federation, which meets in Man-chester in March.

Nearly sixty young men from Chester First Circuit have responded to their country's call, and ate in training at various camps. The officials of the churches and Sunday-schools take a keen interest in their welfare, and are in constant communication with them. It has been very gratifying to hear of a number of the young men having been promoted—several of them more than once. There has been a very generous response in the circuit to the General Missionary Society's appeal on behalf of the fund for work in the Army, the sum of £53 Os. 6d. having up to the present been received in donations, etc., toward this object.

The son of Rev. F. Jeffs, of Guernsey, who is in the Scots Guards, and was wounded in the desperate fighting at Ypres, has recovered sufficiently to leave again for the Front.

Miss Iverna A. Ward, daughter of Rev. W. Ward, Rhondda Circuit, has successfully passed the Intermedi-ate Examination, Theory of Music, of the Trinity College of Music, London, having previously passed the Pianoforte Playing Examination, Senior Division, of the same college.

Miss Ethel Sheldon, daughter of Mr. H. Sheldon, Circuit Steward of the King's Lynn Circuit, has been successful in gaining the Diploma of Licentiate at the Royal Academy of Music.

Miss Lilly Smith, daughter of Mr. H. W. Smith, of Lenton, Nottingham, has successfully passed the examina-tion of the Royal Academy of Music, and is awarded the L.R.A.M. Diploma.

Master Percy J. Evans, youngest son of Mr. W. J. Evans, Nelson, Glam., has again achieved great success as a scholar of the Intermediate School, Pontypridd. He having won five prizes.

The Salisbury and Southampton District Sunday-school Committee are extending the prizes awarded in connection with the recent Scripture Examination so as to include those who came highest in the Senior Section. Alice Cook, of Branksome,• having gained the fourth Connex-ional prize, Emily Cook, of Branksome (94 marks), and Annie Cook, of Winchester (56 marks), also receive prizes. The cost of these is defrayed through the kindness of Mr. George Hallum, of Southampton.

Percy D. Griffin, third son of Mr. Councillor and Mrs. G. Griffin, members of our church at Newbury, has re-cently been successful in the examination of the Phar-maceutical Society, qualifying him as a chemist and druggist.

Messrs. W. and A. K. Johnston have recently issued a new edition of their splendid Bible atlas, revised and re-arranged by Edward Robertsop, D.Litt. The coloured maps are excellent and range from ancient geography to modern Palestine, sixteen large pages. It is capital value for ls. Such an atlas/at hand when the Scripture narra-tives are read imparts to the Bible intenser interest

30 THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. JANUARY 14, 1015

GIDEON AND THE THREE HUNDRED.

International Lesson for Sunday, Jan. 24, 1915s Judges vii. G.T., Zechariah iv. 6.

By Henry J. Pickett,

I. Gideon's eagerness, sincerity and faith are now to be tried, "so as by fire," as, indeed—in a world where to this day the foes of God appear to rule and form the great majority—is the case still for every disciple of Jesus. How Gideon will come through it, " the day will declare." Even so, we only know our real strength, we are only truly revealed to others, by the qualities made known in our hours of test. And, as in the case of Gideon, so with us, the occasion of test, and therefore for the exhibition of quality, will not be long delayed. Let one of the class decide to become a disciple, under the holy thrill of a lesson, sermon, or a Sunday evening prayer meeting, and the same evening, at home, or the next day, in factory, mill, shop or street, an occasion of witness will arise, and the depth and measure of their sincerity will be put to the proof. While. therefore, much of the drapery of this chapter may be explained by its Eastern setting, its first reference to peoples only partially civilised, yet in all its essential teaching it is as fresh as the last moment.

II. Keeping in mind the modern applications of this old story of Divine direction and command, the teacher should first make clear

The Conditions of Divine Conflict.

For it is important, as providing a key truth, to remember the insistence of the chapter upon the Divine character of this struggle. It is God's battle with a lawless, defiant, idolatrous host. This explains the severe winnow-ing of Gideon's army. The human leader, and the hosts of Manasseh, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali, numbering in all thirty-two thousand, who rallied to his standard; must be made to understand this, lest they should be lifted up with pride, or lest they should be overwhelmed by the one hundred and thirty-five thousand against them. Five times in the chapter the words occur "The Lord said unto Gideon," and the repetition is deliberate and full of meaning. While the Midianite soldier in the tent speaks only of " the sword of Gideon" (ver. 14), the better-instructed leader of Israel commands his small band to cry,-" For the Lord, and for Gideon" (ver. 18, R.V.). The insistence upon this basal truth is extremely important. We are so apt to forget it. The recognition that God has a controversy against evil, that He is here to fight it, that it will be allowed no quarter, that we have not to call God in to fight our battles, but rather that we are honoured with a place in His ranks to fight His battles, this is the fundamental condition. Only as we accept it are we of His true Israel. (1) The teacher should now go on to point out upon what it is God places emphasis. Certainly not upon numbers. This had been taught in Leviticus xxvi. 8. It finds illustration again and again in history. Numbers may indeed be a weakness, and our modern tendency to glorify crowds, and call that a failure which does not secure them,, isperhaps one explanation of modern failure. God's emphasis is always upon quality, and this involves a four-fold condition—(a) sin-cerity, (b) courage, (0) passion, (d) obedience. (2) In Gideon's case, twenty-two thousand fell back after the first test. Probably most of them met the first condition, but they lacked the remaining three. Sincerity is excellent, but something more is wanting if we are to fight God's war successfully. Recall to the class the experience of Jesus in Galilee after the first year of teaching, and particularly after the feeding of the five thousand. As soon as He applied the test of His more spiritual teaching they fell back in thousands, and the defection spread to the twelve, so that He was driven to cry : " Will ye also go away?" How many in a mission will stand forth and say "I will follow Him," yet who fall back before the first sneer and deny Him in their home and work. They were sincere for the moment, but it had no depth, and could not carry them far. (3) Some bad sincerity and courage, but lacked the necessary passion, the glowing, eager affection, so bent upon the Lord's work that they took no time for apparently necessary self interest, but threw the water from their hands, as they hurried forward in their passionate eager-ness to be at God's enemies. This is the meaning of the water test (vers. 4-7), by which the ten thousand is further reduced to three hundred. What may seem small things often reveal spiritual conditions, tastes, atmospheres.

How many, calling themselves Christians, refuse to give up some indulgence, and brought to the stream-side test, say, Why should I deny myself my glass, my pleasure, because of the weak ? Or mark how many use their Sabbaths and compromise with circumstances, kneeling down with others to drink because it -will be odd and in-convenient to cut across popular opinion'! Luke ix. 62 should be quoted. Resoluteness, concentration of purpose, refusing to look back or listen to tempting voices, this is the proof of an affection which, like a man wedded to his work, sweeps all lesser considerations out of the way.

III.—Gideon, even as young Christians now, needed line upon line, proof upon proof, and, being what he was, resolute and true, God listened and granted repeated token to him, as He does still. This suggests

The Encouragement of the Divine Conflict.

This covers vers. 9-18. For this is the explanation of the midnight journey, the overheard conversation with the interpreted dream, not the least gain to Gideon being that on their own confession, he knew that his name—because Jehovah had been sought—filled the Midianites with dread. The whole story is entirely natural and just

what, among wandering Arab tribes away in the dreamy East, one might fancy occurring now. Again inquiring the permanent message, the teacher should lay stress upon the following encouragements to gobravely forward in.our fight against modern wrong, though in factory, mill, and street, we may' seem as 300 to 135,000, or as the twelve against a hostile world ! (1) The assurance of Divine guidance. (2) The consecration of our own resources. (3) The weakness of evil. Each of these are seen in the story, and have their immediate bearing upon life to-day. What crude weapons ! truly a "battle without a sword ! " Yet three separate hundreds, each blowing a trumpet, and brandishing a flaring torch simultaneously, would easily give the impression to men already in dread of an enormous attacking host, hence the hasty stampede and rout. And how truly it sets forth the timidity, the weak-ness of great confederacies of evil. Truly " the wicked fleeth when no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion."

IV.—The teacher may now dwell upon

The Certainty of Divine Victory so complete that the Midianites do not re-appear on the page of history, and for forty years, under Gideon, the land had rest and prosperity.

Guild

of

Kind

Hearts. THE ANGEL IN THE PEACH.

Nearly every boy and girl know what a peach is. Most people think it a lovely fruit. It is delicious to the taste, and the bloom on it when it is ripe makes it beautiful to look upon. The little people of Japan used to wonder how such a lovely fruit came to grow. on earth, and then one day a man told a story of how it happened. Ever since, for hundreds and hundreds of years, this story has been told to the little boys and girls of Japan, and I am sure you would like to know it. And here it is :

" Once upon a time a dear old mother was trudging 'along the highway. She became very hungry. All at once she saw on the grass by the roadside a most beautiful and tempting fruit. She picked it up, but did not eat it. She remembered her old husband at home, and resolved to share the fruit-with him. When she arrived home she took a knife, cut the fruit in halves, when suddenly out sprang an angel. The old people were startled, but the angel said his name was Shin To, and that while he was playing in the heavenly orchard he had tumbled from its trees to the world. While falling he had hidden him-self inside this heavenly fruit, and he was so pleased with the kindness of the old woman in keeping the fruit to share with her husband that he left them the seed to plant in their garden. This they did, and soon there sprang up a peach tree, and when it bore fruit the people came from near and far to look upon it. New happiness came to the old man and woman, whose fruit tree became famous throughout the land, and from it seeds were taken until thousands shared in the heavenly fruit."

Now I think that is a lovely story, and I know quite well that new happiness is always coming to those who are unselfish and kind, and who share their joys with other people. Every deed is a seed. From kind deeds kindness snrings, and love, and joy. If you would be happy and make others happy, think less of yourself and snore of other people. Jesus tells us we are to be kind to those who hate us. That is not very easy, is it? If a person hates us, and says evil things to us or about us, it is easy to dislike that person, and to treat such people ankindly, as they treat us. But that is not the way of Jesus. I have read of a little girl who one day brought home some flowers that had been given her. When she told her mother who had given her the flowers, her mother said : "Your friend has been very kind." " Yes," said the little girl, " and she gave me more than these, but I have given some away." Her mother wanted to know to whom she had given them, and she said : " I gave them to a girl who stands on the causeway and makes faces at me, because I thought it would make her know that I wished to be kind to her, and then, perhaps, she will not be rude and unkind to me again."

We don't know this rude girl, do we? But I feel sure that after being treated so kindly she would never stand on the causeway snaking faces at another girl. I am sure none of you ever do such a thing as that, and if there is a boy or girl who is rude and unkind to you, look for an opportunity to be kind. 13y showing kindness you will plant a seed of love and joy in somebody's heart-garden, and some day fruit more lovely than peaches will grow from it.

If ever you feel as if you cannot be kind to one who is unkind to you, think of Jesus, who, when He was being nailed to the awful-cross, prayed this prayer : " Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Ask Him to help you to be kind. Persevere in the way of kindness. You remember how Columbus 'started out from Spain to seek a new world across the sea. His sailors grew rebellious, and wanted to return, but he kept the ships going west. Every day he wrote down in a book anything special that happened. Some days there was nothing special, but then he wrote : " Sailed on I " Bravo, Columbus I And we who have begun to follow Jesus will copy your example, and, never turning back, will go straight on until we reach the heavenly land.

For Your Schoolmates. 1. What is made longer by being cut at both ends ?

A ditch. 2. Why are grasshoppers like watches ? Because they

move by springs.

3. What tree bears most fruit from Covent Garden. Market The axle-tree.

4. Why is the letter E like London? Because it is the capital of England.

5. What most resembles a man? A big lad.

• New Members for Our Guild.

We welcome 7236 Elsie Goulder. Per G. Langdon, Kib-blesworth : 7237 T. Pratt, 7238 H. Frazer, 7239 J. Lumley, 7240 J. Lowery. Bravo, Kibblesworilt! 7241 Gresham Taylor, 7242 K. Bowen, 7243 Sarah Lee, 7244 Grace Hopkinson. Per Mr. T. Austwick, Doncaster: 7245 Arthur Drewery, 7246 Lily Morish, 7247 Arthur Pilcher, 7248 Hilda Pilcher, 7249 Francis Reynolds, 7250 Alice Crookes, 7251 Ivy Jones, 7252 Ernest Howarth, 7253 Noel France, 7254 Gertrude Freeman, 7255 Florence Houltby, 7256 J. Wi Spalding (S). Well done, Doncaster! Per G. A. Wigelsworth, Hull: 7257 Albert dowton 7258 G. W. Thompson, 7259 Elsie Wiseman, 7260 G. Edmond, 7261 H. Marling, 7262 Elsie Ombler, 7263 Selina Stacey, 7264 William Dawson, 7265 John Haswell, 7266 Henry Shaw, 7267 Maggie Lancaster, 7268 Minnie Scoresby. Well done, Fountain-road S.S.I 7269 Lily Gregson (S), 7270 Ernest Reginald Pearson, 7271 Nellie Fox, 7272 Edna Glover, 7273 Dorothy Bowles.

New members received at any time. Any person may join who will promise to make kindness a rule of life. Persons over sixteen years are enrolled as senior members. Send name, age and address. One penny stamp for each badge required, and an extra stamp for return postage.

Mark letters " Guild," and send to Rev. ARTHUR Juan,

218, Chippinghouse-road, Sheffield.

DEBORAH, A MOTHER IN ISRAEL.

Endeavour Topic for Week beginning Jan. 17

Judges v. 1-13.

The song of Deborah is considered by almost all scholars to be one of the oldest pieces of literature in the Old Testament. The song records the same events of which a prose account is given in chapter iv. Both prose and poetry should be read, when a difference of emphasis, as well as some variations in the story, will be discovered. The name Deborah means " a bee," and there is evidence to show that its owner buzzed around the weak-kneed leaders of Israel until some of them were shamed into an attempt to deliver the Israelites from the feebleness and impotence into which they had fallen under the yoke of Jabin, King of Hazor. Deborah was the real deliverer of the Hebrews, as Joan of Aro was the real deliverer of down-trodden France in the fifteenth century. Both women were personalities of great power and out-standing character, and the motive of their splendid patriotism was in each case the same—an ardent religious faith.

The new movement for deliverance from the oppressor began in the soul of a good woman, and then spread like a- prairie fire to Barak and the tribes of Ephraim, Ben-jamin, Manasseh, Zebulun. and Naphtali. The distin-guished part played by Deborah is the more remarkable in that the general position of women in those days was of a very subordinate character. But neither custom nor criticism avails to silence or smother the woman who has got a vision of clear duty. This is amply borne out by the careers of women like Miriam, Deborah, St. Teresa, Florence Nightingale, and Catherine Booth. Deborah was looked up to as "a mother in Israel." From her was born that new spirit of courage and resolution which recreated the greater part of the Hebrew nation. There is no power on earth that provokes men to noble deeds, and that sanctifies their strength to chivalrous causes, like the influence of a wise, brave and godly woman. A recent cartoon in " Punch " represented the Kaiser as saying to the King of the Belgians, " Why fight longer? You have lost everything." To which the heroic monarch replies, "Yes! Everything but any soul." And none has helped King Albert to keep his soul more than his own brave and beautiful Queen.

Deborah as " a mother in Israel " was wise. She sat under the palm-tree between Bethel and Ramah, and acted as an arbitrator in disputes. Unlike some women, who make men brutes, Deborah made men divine. Wisdom of the kind she dispensed was more precious than rubies ; and all who acted upon the advice that she gave were made happy and god-like. A wise mother : she is a, priceless possession. Deborah was a, brave mother. When she challenges Barak to join battle with Sisera, King Jabin!s commander-in-chief, he consents to accept the challenge only on the condition that else goes with him, and, with a playful taunt upon her lips, she accom-panies him as he requests, and cheers him to victory. James Douglas tells of the wife of a great British soldier who, after giving up her husband to his country, felt reluctant to part with her only son. But now she has given him as well, and is trying by God's help to be bright about it. Wise, brave, and pious mothers are the nation's greatest asset. SAMUEL PALMER.

A NEW ARMY (Set youryoung people to join the League of Wanted! Young Worshippers.

We offer you a free outfit l The Editor of the "Sunday Circle" would like to help YOU to start a League. This is what he offers; FREE, Printed Instruction—Printed Attend-

. ance Cards—Beautiful Certificates is exchange for Membership Forms—and charming Yearly Certificates for members making 48 attendances. Write at 01100 to the Editor of the "SUNDAY CIRCLE,. The Fleeter. House, Farringdon Street, LONDOX,E.O. for full partieulare and free outfit,

JANUARY 14, 1915

THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. _ 31

IN MEMORIAM.

Mr. John Wilson.

Our brother, John Wilson, of Scunthorpe, who recently passed away at the age of sixty-seven years, has left a stimulating and helpful record. He was brought to decision for Christ about forty-eight years ago at Old Crosby during revival services. We were hoping our brother would have been spared to celebrate his jubilee as a Primitive Methodist, but for nearly fifty years he held on his way without failing. Two outstanding characteristics impressed those who knew him, viz., simple and genuine piety and strict integrity. Disappoint. merits and losses came to him, but he bore them all with Christian fortitude. He found his chief pleasure in religious exercises. His soul delighted in prayer, band, and class meetings. He was a builder by trade, and he built as well for time as for eternity. Slipshod work and sharp practice his soul hated. He was a local preacher of great acceptance. Although failing in health he regularly took his appointments. He was present in the Quarterly Meeting a month ago, and for the first time to the writer's knowledge asked to be left free during the following quarter. He was taken seriously ill on Saturday, December 19th. The writer, in company with his class leader visited him on the following Monday. As they came away he raised his hand saying, "I am happy, I am happy." He was in great pain but happy in Christ. He died the afternoon of the same day. He was buried on Christmas Eve, the widow and family and a large number of sorrowing friends attending the funeral.

Mr. J. A. Johnson.

Crowle Circuit, and Belton Church in particular, has sustained a severe loss by the death of Mr. James A. Johnson. Since early manhood he had been associated with our cause at Belton, having adorned every official position, at various times, in the society. With un- wearied loyalty he remained firm to a struggling cause through many vicissitudes, and generously supported all our institutions. His home had been open to all ministers and local preachers for more than thirty years, and the hospitality was ideal. His Christian character, though unpretentious, was beautiful. In April last he had a seizure which incapacitated him for public service. On December 30th, as a result of a second seizure, he passed swiftly away. On January 3rd, prior to the interment at Belton Churchyard, a service was held in the chapel, which was filled with mourners and friends. Rev. J. Southall officiated at the graveside. In the evening a largely attended and impressive memorial service was conducted' by Mr. John Gibson, our esteemed junior circuit steward. With the widow, son and daughter we deeply sympathise.

Mrs. Jane Bennett.

The Bath-street Church, Ilkeston Circuit, has suffered a severe loss in the unexpected death of Jane Bennett, widow, one of our oldest members. Although not having taken a very active part in church affairs in an official sense, yet by her quiet, persistent and faithful Christian spirit manifested in her work in the homes of sick people, her influence for Christ is of a far-reaching character, and her work will be remembered lovingly by all who were brought into contact with her. Her mortal remains were laid to rest on Thursday, December 17th, amidst tokens of affectionate regard, Rev. C. E. Clark officiating

Mrs. Waterhouse.

After a very brief illness Rebecca, the wife of Mr. Moses M. Waterhouse, of Stanningley, passed peacefully to the Homeland on Sunday, January 3rd, 1915, in her sixty-third year, leaving husband, son, and daughters deeply grateful for the memory of a happy and useful life. She was always ready to give liberally to every worthy effort, especially for Church and school work. " Given to hospi-tality," was characteristic of her home. She was also a real helpmeet to her husband, a priceless treasure to her children, and to a large number of friends one in whom confidence could be reposed. The interment took place in Pudsey Cemetery on January 5th, when a large concourse of people assembled. Revs. F. J. Hadfield, Wm. Swales, and Johnson Dodd took part in the service.

Mr. Thomas Lovatt.

On January Btli a very striking personality in the person of Thomas Lovatt, of Newcastle-under-Lyme, was called to the Fatherland at the ripe age of seventy-six years. His two great passionsWere for Primitive Methodist missions and the production of choice ware in jasper for Messrs. Josiah Wedgwood and Sons, Ltd. He came of Primitive Methodist parentage, and from a boy was closely asso-ciated with the Higherland Church. His first-earned golden coin was given to missions. For some two years he is reputed to have collected small things and retailed ware, devoting the proceeds to the same purpose. A resolve in the distant past was formed to give a year's wages to the evangelisation of the world, which pleasure was his some few years ago. His chairmanship of the missionary meeting and generous contributions were annuals for years not a few. Thomas Lovatt served his church faithfully in varied capacities—as circuit steward, society steward, trust treasurer, in Sunday-school and Band of Hope work. It is a rare occurrence for a man to serve one establishment for nearly sixty-five years, but Mr. Lovatt had that privilege with the famous Wedgwood family. He surely was a jasper decorator with marked ability and unique standing. His fingers have deftly ornamented ware for a great period, giving pleasure to the firm and delight to hosts of admirers and purchasers of the renowned " Barberene Vase " (Portland) and numerous plaques and cameos. He received the honour of interviews with many distinguished and great persons, but that which stands out most prominently in later years was on the occasion of the visit of the King and Queen to the Potteries in April, 1913, when, at the reque§t of Her Majesty, he sang a few lines of a humorous character, recalling the singing of the workpeople at the Great Exhibition of 1851.

A funeral service was conducted in the Higherland Church by Rev. J. W. Hailwood, colleague of Rev. Thos. R. Maland, son-in-law of the deceased, assisted by Rev. T. P. Bullen. Apnreciative words were spoken by Rev. L. J. Harvey, of Birmingham. Representatives of the firm, the church, and many friends accompanied the mourners to this service.

Mrs. Thomas Mayland.

Mrs. Thomas Mayland was born in Newcastle-under-Lyme some sixty-three years ago, in the home of the late Councillor George Rhodes. From childhood she was in close connection with the Higherland Church, and until the day of her entrance through the " Open Gate " to the day of her departure she cherished the pleasures and privileges of the House of God. The outstanding features of her life were consistency, quiet and persistent service,

and devotion to her husband and fz-e.,ily. She was a true helpmeet in her husband's life ancr abour in the pulpits of our own and other churches in North Staffordshire, where he is known as a popular and passionate preacher of the evangel of Jesus Christ: She leaves a family of four sons and seven daughters. The best tribute to a good mother is the fact that each of the children is a member of the Christian Church. Mrs. Mayland passed. away on Sunday, January 3rd, and was interred in New, castle Cemetery on Thursday last, after a beautiful service conducted in the Higherland Church by the circuit ministers. Rev. T. R. Maland spoke appreciatively of her life on the Sunday evening following the interment.

IN CHILDREN'S BOOKLANDE

Messrs. Wells Gardner, Darton and Co. have published the following very useful boows for young people. " Helpers without Hands," by Gladys Davidson, is a large book, printed in specially big type, and beautifully illus-trated by Edwin Noble. Beginning with the elephant, it tells of the various helpers man has in his work. It tells of camels, horses, donkeys, mules, reindeer, goats, zebras, dogs, truffie-hunting pigs, carrier pigeons, Ind many others, down to the tiny ladybird. For boy or girl it is a wonderful book, and most adults would %find it fascinating. Price 5s. " The London Museum," by F. J. Harvey (2s. 6d. net), is one of " The Treasure House" Series. Stafford House, recently given by Sir William Lever to the nation, is now the museum of everything connected with the history of London, and this is a splendid guide book for visitors. People not privileged to visit the museum would enjoy reading of it in this book, which has many valuable illustrations. " Animal Tales from Africa," by J. H. Macnair (1s.), is a choice collection of the stories told to African boys and girls, and, with its humour and striking illustrations by Harry Rowntree, will make a popular book with boys and girls. " Golden Tales from Grimm," edited by Edith Roberts (1.9.), contains eleven of the most famous stories, and is finely illustrated and beautifully got up. We have much pleasure in commending " The Children's Poets, Ann and Jane Taylor," to all who love poetry for children. Hero are nearly fourscore pieces, and there are some exquisite illustrations. Published at ls. and ls. 6d., with a school edition at eightpence, it ought to have a wide circulation. Children too young to read poetry for themselves will delight in having these pieces read to them. Two books of a different kind have been forwarded to us by the same firm. "Puck in Petticoats," by Grace E. Richard-son, contains five fairy plays, which would help in pro-viding an evening's entertainment. It is published at 1s. A smaller book is " A Handy Book of Plays for Girls," by Dorothy Cleather. Its price is 6d., and it contains six simple and amusing plays which might take the place of the old-fashioned dialogue.

"The Greater Men and Women of the Bible." Volume III. Ruth—Naarnan. (T. and T. Clark. 10s. Sub-scription price, 6s.)

This new volume is full of interest. Unlike the " Great Texts" series, Dr. Hastings here limits his selections to the chief men and women of the Bible. Abigail, Absalom, Ahab, David, Elijah, Elisha, Jonathan, Ruth, Samuel and Solomon are among the characters dealt with. Here again literature drawn from all sources illuminates the subject. The whole series is of great interest and value.

Church News. Barnsley.

On New Year's Eve a church social was held at Buckley-street Church as a climax to the systematic giving scheme for Debt extinction. The handsome sum of ,£110 was realised. The musical part of the programme was sustained by the members of our own choir. Refreshments were pro-vided at a cost of one penny per each fancy confectionery, which brought in a hand-some donation to the fund. Rev. J. H. Robertshaw presided. A watch-night service followed, conducted by Mr. J. T. Dickinson, the speaker being Rev. J. H. Robertehaw.

Berwick. The annual soiree was held in the Town

Hall, Eyemouth, on New Year's Day, under the presidency of Rev. J. Ramsay, supported by the ministers of other churches in the town. After partaking of an excellent tea, provided by the ladies of the church, Sister Maud, of Edinburgh, and Revs. J. Charlton and Wm. Barton suitably addressed the gathering. An aug-mented choir, under the leadership of Mr. Swanston, gave fine renderings of several anthems and part songs, while solos were sung by Mrs. Goodwin, Miss A. Lough, and Messrs. A. and T. Swanson. Miss Sinton presided at the organ. In the absence of Rev. J. A. Sheer, through ill-health, Sister Maud is rendering splendid service to the church.

Birmingham Fourth. At the Conference Hall, on Sunday,

January 3rd, a sermon was preached by the Rev. Harry Owen, F.R.G.S.,- from Isaiah lv. 6 and 7, after which Communion service was held, at whith 68 new members were received, most of whom were scholars from the Sabbath-school, accompanied by their teachers. Mr. Owen is displaying great interest in the young people. His influ-

ence is being felt in the circuit, as about 100 have joined, during the last five monthg.

Burton First.

In connection with the special efforts the nurses of the Finsbury Home provided a successful social evening which will benefit the church funds. The Mayor (Alderman J. S. Rowland, J.P.) occupied the pulpit on Sunday evening, when he preached a timely and forceful sermon. On Wednes-day last the Vice-President of Conference (Councillor H. Speed) preached in the afternoon. Public tea followed. In the evening a meeting was held, presided over by Mr. J. B. Chapman, and addressed by the Vice-President and Rev. W. D. Judson. Musical items were rendered by Miss Dora Chapman and Mr. H. Hinchliffe, with Miss Mabel Brearley at the organ. The Vice-President's visit was most welcome and helpful,_ and he was heartily thanked for his services.

Cleethorpes.

The Mission Band are conducting a, strong evangelical compaign amongst the military here. The usual Wednesday evening devotional meeting has been changed to a social evening for the mili-tary who are billeted in the town. The meetings are announced every week by a party of ladies who visit the numerous billets. At the close of the meetings the men (from 250 to 300) are supplied with hot tea and coffee, home-made cakes, bread and butter, pastry, etc. This part of the entertainment is well and capably attended to by the wives of the members of the Mission Band. The members are helped and cheered in the work by the constant support of the Rev. W. J. Ward, who gives a short, pithy, man-to-man address every week, which is greatly appreciated. The men enjoy the evenings relaxation, and that, above all, the outside evils—public-house, etc.—are successfully combated

with.

Eastbourne. The annual church gathering was held

on Wednesday, January 6th. Encouraging reports were given of the work done in the Band of Hope, Endeavour and Sunday- school during the past year. The trea- surer's report was also encouraging. During the past few months the congrega-tions and the collections have greatly increased, and a more hopeful spirit pre veils. The difficulties are still great, but having been assured of the sympathetic support of the General Missionary Com-mittee, we are encouraged to go forward, believing that brighter days are coming.

Filey. On Saturday, January 3rd, a large com-

pany gathered in Filey schoolroom. Mr. R. T. Cammish, an old school worker, pre-sided. Rev. G. P. and Mrs. Maynard pre-sented nearly 200 prizes to eager recipi-ents. The Covenant service on Sunday afternoon was conducted by Rev. G. P. Maynard, and was well attended and very helpful. Later in the afternoon a united intercession service was held in the Parish Church, in which our minister took part. We begin mission services next Sunday, and hope for a great revival.

Goole. Fifty young men from our Beulah, Dun-

hill-road and Carlisle-terrace Churches have joined the colours. Many of their seniors are enrolled in the local Home Defence Brigade. On the last Sunday of the year the Brigade (and the Boy Scouts) worshipped at Carlisle-terrace. The Rev. J. W. Venables was the preacher.

Great Yarmouth Second.. On Sunday, January 3rd, at the invita-

tion of the Rector (Rev. W. Walker) a united service was held in the parish church at Bradwell. The church was full, many who seldom attend any place of wor-ship being present. The lessons, Isaiah xxvi. and Roman viii. were read Mr. W. C. Gregory (Primitive Methodist). The

EVANGELISTIC, &c. ISTER OF THE PEOPLE. —

S

gagement desired ; experienced visitor and speaker ; musical. — Apply, SISTER, care of T. M. Brindley, 4, Ludgate Circus, E.C.

WANTED, immediately, experienced II. L. P. for Staithes Circuit ; not under 55 ;

salary ate. weekly.—Applleations must reach Rev. TYLER Trans, Loftus, Yorks, net later than January 20th.

LONDON'S PRIMITIVE METHODIST CENTENARIAN,

We beg to remind the readers of the Leader of last week's notice of the approaching

One Hundredth Birthday of Mr. WILLIAM NELSON. This Patriarch is trusting that friends will not fail to contribute to the Nelson Centenery Fund for the reduc-tion of debt on Ed A odd Street Chapel. These should b3 sent addressed to the Fund, c/o Rev WM. ROBERTS (Minister), 28, Beacon Hill, Holloway, London, N.

ARTIFICIAL. TEETH (OLD) BOUGHT. Business as usual. We still pay highest prices, up to

9/- per tooth, pinned on vulcanite ; 51- on silver ; 10/- on gold ; 25/- on platinum. Cash by return. If off, not accepted, parcel returned post free. Satisfaction guaranteed. Bankers ; Parra. O. OANN & CO., Gee, Market St., Manchester. (Estd. 1850)

WANTED, Person who can do good plain cooking ; also heusemald.—Apply, Mrs.

SAY, West Bank, Lytham, Lan..

WANTED, good Carriage Washer ' must be able to drive well ; constant work ; also good

taxi driver ; state wage required.—J. H. LET, Ltd., Widnes.

NVANTED, £400 to borrow on village Chapel and four o Mg., to replace p es it

mortgage of £600, at 4 per cent.—Apply, Rev. J. DANN, 12, Crown Street, Newark, Notts.

When answering ax Advertise. meat, please mention "Primitive Methodist Leader."

two choirs united in leading the singing. A very friendly spirit was manifested.

Long Eaton.

The Derby-road friends celebrated their Endeavour anniversary on Sunday, Janu-ary 3rd. They were fortunate in securing the services of the Vice-President of Conference, Councillor H. Speed, who preached morning and evening, and gave an address in the afternoon, under the presidency of Mr. J. Clark. Mr. Speed's services were much enjoyed, and the in-spiration derived from them will be felt for many days.

Manchester Eighth.

We began the New Year with three highly successful efforts. At Station-road we celebrated the seventieth birthday of Mr. Thomas Partington, who for many years has been a loyal official and highly esteemed. Each guest was requested to subscribe to the church funds one penny for every year of their lives. £20 was realised. Rev. A. E. Reavley presided. At Chorley-road Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Healey acted as host and hostess for an " At Home." The schoolroom was beauti-fully decorated, and over a hundred guests were present. At Manchester-road the Young People's New Year Party was this year organised as a local benefit effort. The arrangements were most successfully carried out by the Young Ladies' Class.

Nelson (Glam.).

Two very successful performances of " The Mystic Mirror," a school operetta, were given at the Cinema, on January 5th and 6th, by the Sunday-school children, assisted by several adults, who sustained the principal parts. Miss Lizzie King (Blackwood) sang and interpreted the part of Pearl with great taste and histrionic power, while Mr. W. J. Osborne, B.A. as King Torpedo, Mr. W. Newman as The Prince, Mr. Callow as Mr. Barnacle, Mr. Davies as Jack Rattlin, Miss Osborne as Fairy Seafoam, Miss R. Osborne as Violet, and Master W. Richards as Bouncing Billy, all played and sang their parts in splendid fashion. The chorus, representing fisher lads and lasses, went with a swing, while the young ladies who impersonated the fairies were fair indeed.

The sea-imps (boys) were a very attractive feature. The incidental music was per- formed by a well-balanced orchestra, stipplemented by two pianos, at which Miss R. Griffin and Rev. E. S. Cole presided. Mr. J. Osborne proved a very compelent conductor. Large audiences gathered each night, expressing their delight by constant applause. Dr. Terry and Mr. T. Stafford were the respective chairmen. The total takings were over £30, and it is anticipated that the Trust funds will be benefited by £20 at least.

North Ferriby.

On Thursday an excellent concert was given by some of our Wesleyan friends from Hull for soldiers stationed in the village, Rev. F. J. Mann, Wesleyan

Chaplain, being present to speak to the men. The church was full to overflowing, and also the schoolroom. Home-made refreshments were given to the soldiers after the concert. On Sunday afternoon we inaugurated a soldiers' service at their request, conducted by themselves. One soldier, who spoke (a Salvation Army man), said he had joined the forces so that he might preach Christ to his fellows in the barracks or trenches. The evening service was crowded. We provide an hour's music with tea and biscuits after the service. On the arrival of the soldiers in the village it was decided to set the schoolroom apart for their exclusive use, reading, games, and writing material being provided. On Sunday we had the school room open all the day, and yet the evening service was better attended than before. There have been a number of converts. Some of the men are members of our own church, and have found a home from home. Ours is the only Nonconformist Church in the village, and is officially recognised for parade services. We are receiving support from sympathisers irrespective of creed, some giving their pounds and others, equally welcome, their shillings.

Otley.

A very crowded programme was gone through during Christmastide, and the following amounts raised —Station-road, carol singing £10 6s., Dickens' Christmas Carol £5 5s. Leeds-road Mission, carol

A WORD ABOUT THE DICTIONARY FROM ONE OF

OUR CORRESPONDENTS. KNOWLE, BRISTOL.

January 7th, 1915.

Dear Sir,—I am pleased to say that I received the Dictionary safely. It is certainly a marvellous production, and reflects great credit on its editor and publishers. I have 'hewn it to several friends, and they say it is remarkable how such a compact Dictionary can be purchased for such a small outlay. I shall certainly recommend it to other Primitive Methodists, and wish you great success in your sales of such a valdable asset to one's library. I have pleasure in sending for another four copies."

(S'gned) A. T. P.

The Dictionary can still be obtained by filling in form below.

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" PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER,"

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Dear Sirs,—I desire to have my name put on the list of applicants for the 21 Presentation Copies of the Modern English Dictionary, and enclose cheque (or postal order) for five shillings in full payment, including postage. It is understood that a portion of this amount will be given to the Prince of

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Note.—The "Primitive Methodist Leader" guarantees to return at once and in full the sum of 5s. to any applicant who, after receiving the Dictionary, is not completely satin' ed with it.

32 THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. JANUARY 14, 1915

singing, £6. Rawdon, two days' sale of work, £25. Yeadon, three days' sale of work, £65. Guiseley, two days' sale of work, £64. Burley, two days' " At Home," £7.

Sheffield.

On Sunday, January 3rd, ' Rev. J. Maland conducted special new year's ser-vices at Endcliffe, preaching in the morn-ing on " A New Beginning and at night on " A Motto for 1915." The sacramental and covenant service was well attended. A public welcome was given to five new members. Special thankofferings were re-ceived for Debt Reduction.

Shieldmuir.

The new year opened with marked enthusiasm and interest at our church here in Scotland. On New Year's Day a grand supper was held, organised by a committee of young men. The tables were splendidly provided, and an excellent pro-gramme was given by members of the com-mittee, assisted by Mrs. Arthur Boughey, Mr. and Mrs. E. Tait, Miss Ingrain, Mr. E. Charnley, • and Private Adam Gibson, R.F.A. On the occasion the church's " Roll of Honour " was hung up containing the names of twenty-three members of the church and school who have joined the colours since last August. Rev. W. H. Campbell presided over a splendid assembly. The net proceeds (£6) were handed over to the Debt Extinction Fund. On Sunday, January 3rd, special Inter-cessory Services were held. Sermons were preached by Rev. W. H. Campbell. Mr. Wm. Perrin (London) was the soloist. The whole of the collections amounting to about £3 were sent to the British Red Cross Society. On Monday, January 4th, the annual prize distribution and scholars' soiree took place. About eighty first-class prizes were awarded by Miss F. Jesson. Rev. W. H. Campbell and Mr. Harry Davis offered to give to the boy and girl who collected most for the Missionary Anniversary on January 30th a copy of " King Albert's Book." A splendid pro-gramme of music was rendered by a party under the leadership of Mr. Littlejohn. Mr. John Stokes (superintendent of school) gave a good report of the year's work.

Staithes.

Mr. J.. W. Southwell, whe has been employed here for the past fifteen months as H.L.P., has been released by the circuit committee to enable him to take charge of the Bromyard Circuit under the West Mid-land District Missionary Committee. At the close of the morning service, in which Mr. Southwell preached his farewell sermon. Mr. Isaac Theaker spoke the good wishes of the members and friends, and expressed the hope that Mr. Southwell may be successful in his new sphere which he enters on January 17th.

Stanningley. -

The church and Sunday-school have sus-tained a great loss in the passing away on Sunday morning of Rebecca, the devoted and dearly beloved wife of Mr. Moses DtL Waterhouse, who loyally aided in every effort made to sustain the best interests of our cause at Stanningley, and has nobly assisted her husband and family to hospit-ably meet the needs of a large circle of friends who have visited the church and Sunday-school.

Stoke-on-Trent.

On Sunday, December 27th, a memorial tablet was unveiled in Lonsdale-streot Church by Mr. James Slater to the memory of our late brother, Mr. Andrew Ede. The memorial consists of a brass plate mounted on light polished oak, and was the work of the eldest son of our departed brother, Mr. William Ede, of Birmingham.

West Hartlepool.

A very interesting teachers' ordination service was held at Grange-road School on Sunday, January 3rd The chairman was Mr. W. Armstrong. Four of our young people—Misses Irvin, Wilson, Coleman and Corporal G. H. Paxton—have become teachers during the year, and to them were presented teachers' Bibles and certificates. The esteemed superintendent, Mr. T. H. Pallin, made the presentation. An appropriate address was delivered by Rev. J. W. Pattinson, while solos were rendered by Private Lambton. Mr. Burrell, the assistant superintendent, also took part. A collection was taken on behalf of the Orphanage.

BLACKPOOL.—Mrs. DEDM1N, 42, Dick-yon Road ; Home from Home for old and new

trictqls, with hoard P M. piano.

BOURNEMOUTH. — Westfield, Surrey .Road.-Superb` Christian Boarding Establish-

ment ; beautifully situated ; overlooking public garden. ; serms from 30s. ; or comfortable Apartments.

C O L W Y N BA Y.—Misses VENABLES (late of Osweetry), Meirlon Gardens.-Apartments

or Board ; close to sea and woods ; good beds, bath piano ; splendid winter resort.

ASTBOURN E.—Overlooking sea, ..L.A minute from Grand Parade ; restful surroundings ; comfortable home ; ills. 64.I. to 30e. ; special winter terms.—Misses YRLLAND AND GALWAY, 4, Queen's Gardena.

LONDON.—Mrs. 13LACEWELL, P.M., 52, Huntingdon Street, Caledonir n Road, King's Cron ;

comfortable bed and good breakfast as. ; very central ; highly recommended.

ONDON.—Vernon House 36, Ampthill ..1-1 Square, Euston.-Mrs. Alamos, P.M., proprietress. Bed and breakfast is., first-class table ; near P.M. Church.

FOR SPECIAL SERVICES Use our Tracts. You will find them very useful. too 3/-; 1,000 4/6; post free, cash with order. We shall be glad to receive enquiries for any description of Printing for Churches or Sunday Schools, or for

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Chair Factory.

Speciality: Ideate Chairs for S.S. Primary Dept. ('Phone 172 Wycomb:.)

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CONCERNING THAT HEAVY DEBT.

Churches have repeat:dly ared £10 in a

fostnislit by our Penny Scheme, which achieves such results WITHOUT BEGGING. Do not regard

this as a puff, but send stamp for parliculars.

SLACK & CO., Printers, LINCOLN.

LLANDUDNO.—The Bodnant Private Hotel ; highly recommended ; good table; exten-

sive private grounds ; comfort first consideration ; moderate terms ; reference, Rev. Thos. Waugh. Tele-phone, 202.—PSOPRIETRE9S.

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APARTMENTS, HOTELS, HYDROS, &c.

London : Published by " The Associated Methodist Newspapers Company-, Limited," 73, Farringdon Street, E U. Printed by Wyman & Sons, Ltd., Rolls Buildings, Fetter Lane, E.C., Thursday, January 14, 1915.